In you're in search of a unique place for dinner, DeKalb County can oblige.
As the raters at Zagat.com put it, "there are still some wonderfully weird places under that hot Georgian sun" — and plenty are in (or very, veryyyy near) DeKalb.
The popular restaurant reviews site included three on its recent list of metro Atlanta's most unusual eateries.
Here's what they had to say about each:
Pallookaville at 17 North Avondale Road, Avondale Estates
"There's a whole lot of personality packed into this Avondale eatery inspired by classic American carnival fare. Though some of its idiosyncrasy has faded since founder Jim Stacy sold the restaurant to new owners and the re-written menu looks a little more like something with franchise aspirations, Pallookaville's charming weirdness still shines strong. Corn dogs are the main attraction, though great burgers, milkshakes and other kitschy snacks abound in a space full of vintage toys, elaborate signage and wonderfully garish Americana."
The 57th Fighter Group Restaurant at 3829 Clairmont Road, Atlanta
"Since opening 35 years ago, this World War II–themed restaurant's housed adjacent to the DeKalb-Peachtree Airport. In addition to a menu of timeless American fare, it offers a substantial amount of aviation-themed memorabilia to pore over. The large banquet spaces make it popular for large events, and a Sunday brunch buffet offers an expansive spread with few rivals in town."
The Vortex Bar & Grill at 438 Moreland Ave., Atlanta (technically in Fulton by a few feet but close enough for our purposes)
"Ever since the Vortex drew the attention of Man vs. Food and other stunt-food TV shows, the Little Five Points restaurant has had a line out the door. (The Midtown location's not as crowded, but doesn't sport a giant skull.) The burger spot's Triple Coronary Bypass Burger is a show-stopper, but the Vortex also deserves credit for being one of the first restaurants in Atlanta to think beyond the typical lettuce-cheese-tomato accoutrement for a burger. It's been drawing crowds since the '90s with creative toppings, and its 21+ policy and idiosyncratic house rules make for a unique environment."
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