Have a tip about a restaurant opening or closing or other dining news? Contact Bob Townsend at btownsajc@gmail.com.
Mason Tavern in North Decatur
Mason Tavern, a partnership with Concentrics Restaurants and Next Door Hospitality, opened for dinner on Aug. 11 in the former Scoreboards space on Clairmont Road in North Decatur. Jason Hall (Livingston, Saltyard, Parish) is the executive chef. On the menu, find starters such as Piggy Mac & Cheese, sandwiches such as Hot Chicken with blue cheese slaw, and entrees such as Grilled Butcher's Steak. The bar offers 10 mostly local beers on tap, plus bottled beers, craft cocktails and wines by the glass. The build-out features a large central bar constructed from railroad ties. 1371 Clairmont Road N.E., Atlanta, 404-963-2322, http://masontavernatl.com.
My Parents’ Basement in Avondale
My Parents' Basement, a new combination beer bar, restaurant and comic book store in Avondale Estates, opened its doors on Aug. 12 in a freestanding building that was once home to the James Joyce pub. The sprawling space features a comic shop focusing on new issues, trade paperbacks and rarities, free vintage video games and a large covered patio. On the menu, look for the likes of Foot-long Pimento Cheese Toast, Chicken IN Waffles, Grilled Kimcheese and a daily house-made Hot Pocket, plus a large selection of craft beer on draft. 22 N. Avondale Road, Avondale Estates. 404-292-4607, http://myparentsbasement.squarespace.com.
Little Trouble in Westside Provisions
After a series of soft opening previews, Little Trouble officially opened in the Westside Provisions District on Aug. 5. The bar/restaurant from the Victory Brands team (Victory Sandwich Bar, Paper Plane) is serving craft cocktails, beer and wine in a multichamber underground setting beneath the newly opened Marcel. The concise food menu features Asian-style dumplings, skewers and ramen noodle bowls. In other Victory Brands news, Decatur's Paper Plane will close at the end of August to make way for a new concept, yet to be revealed. 1170 Howell Mill Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-500-4737, www.facebook.com/littletroubleatl/timeline.
Venkman’s opening in mid-September
Venkman's, the new restaurant/bar/music venue from Nick Niespodziani, Peter Olson and chef Nick Melvin, is set to open in the Old Fourth Ward sometime in mid-September. Niespodziani and Olson are co-front men of the party band Yacht Rock Revue. Melvin (Rosebud, Parish, Empire State South) is the founder of Doux South Pickles. Look for "a playful menu that showcases his refined, creative twists on classic comfort cuisine" and bar program with classic cocktails, local beers on tap, and signature boozy slushies, named to match the night's music selection. Music will be everything from bluegrass, country and rock to soul, funk and, of course, yacht rock. 740 Ralph McGill Blvd., Atlanta. www.facebook.com/Venkmans/timeline.
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