The last time Atlanta Eats strolled a stretch of the Beltline on a July evening, rollerblades, balloon-adorned bikes, skateboards, dogs and joggers were zooming by left and right.
With all the activity, visitors are sure to work up a big appetite– and luckily good eats are quickly becoming synonymous with this artsy urban trail. But when it's already so hot out, don't break a sweat choosing where to stop first. Stay moving with these four ways to taste the Beltline on the go-- workout clothes welcome.
Yalla – After taking a lap through Krog Street Market and enjoying free smells, first things first: libations. Sure, you could choose from the 20 craft beers on tap at Hop City, but something about summer brings out our inner kid and the craving for a soda. For a one-of-a-kind handcrafted fizz, try the Lemon and Sage or Blackberry Soda at Yalla, Todd Ginsberg's (of The General Muir, Fred's Meat & Bread) Middle Eastern-inspired food stall. While you're in line, you might as well try the flavorful falafel, made from chickpea fritters, hummus, labne, Israeli salad and pickles, zhug, tahini, herbs, served in pita.
Xocolatl – One smell you can't (and shouldn't) ignore indulging in is that of Xocolatl Small Batch Chocolate. Located across from Craft Izakaya and next to Krog Street Pet Works, the Xocolatl stall is stocked with brightly wrapped bars. Be sure not to miss their trail mixes, though; the Moonlight Through the Pines mix pays homage to Georgia with salted pecans and peanuts, 70-percent organic dark chocolate, dried peaches, dried cranberries and raw pumpkin seeds. Wishing you were closer to a coast this summer? Co-founder Elaine Read suggests the tropical Smile with the Rising Sun, which is a mix of salted cashew, almonds, dried papaya, dried coconut and, of course, more of their chocolate for a mental vacay that will have you singing sweet songs in no time.
Ladybird – Designed to be a true extension of the Beltline's outdoorsy charm, Ladybird Grove and Mess Hall's cabin-feel and feel-good menu makes us nostalgic for summer camp. They just installed a misting fan system on the patio, where you and four-legged friends are welcome to dig into aptly- named assortments, such as the Picnic Basket of meats and cheese. If you'd rather actually picnic, take a fried chicken bucket or any of their sandwiches in a to-go bag. We've got our eye on the new-ish Grilled Peach Sandwich with Benton's ham, onion marmalade, house made boursin and arugula on grilled ciabatta to try next.
King of Pops – By now, fans of Atlanta's favorite popsicle can recognize their rainbow umbrella-covered carts and chalkboards scrawled with flavors like Thai Tea, Banana Caramel or Blueberry Cobbler a mile away. But how many have visited the walk-up window serving these sweet treats just steps from the Historic Fourth Ward Skate Park? A mural of Inman Park neighborhood's mascot butterflies painted on brick will catch your eye and lead you in the right direction. Check their website as hours vary. Hey – we never said this was the sugar free list, but at least you're burning calories on the Beltline.
Hungry for more? Be sure to catch Atlanta Eats every Saturday and Sunday on Peachtree TV at 10:30 a.m.
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