Atlanta’s food scene: Updates on local favorites

Part of Atlanta’s charm lies in its diverse food scene, from the rich culture to the bold flavors. The saying often goes that “Atlanta isn’t a real place,” and what makes it unique is the bustling array of dining and drinking spots on every corner of the city’s neighborhoods, catering to every palate. Lucky for locals and tourists alike, there’s never a shortage of places to visit, especially when new businesses are rolling in every month.

Here is a roundup of updates on your local favorites and recently opened restaurants.

Local Updates

Food Hall at Phipps

3500 Peachtree Rd NE

The Food Hall at Phipps is in full swing, embracing its transition from Citizens Culinary Market to a locally owned small-business haven. Featuring Stackhouse Burgers & Shakes, Pizza Jeans, Mad Dad’s Philly’s, Wasabi Hibachi Sushi & Ramen, Deallo’s Seafood + Taco Co., Lokma Mediterranean Kitchen, Buckhead Bar, and Cultivate Coffee, the 25,000 square-foot food hall is bringing local flavors to Atlanta’s upscale business district.

“Once we went through the rebranding of Food Hall at Phipps, we turned around and we looked at the community, and we said, ‘OK, who is going to be in alignment with our brand? Who’s going to be the best people to come in and really bring back the community?” said Britt Harrison, director of marketing at Phipps Plaza.

Chef Tony Sharpe is the owner of two restaurants in the hall, Stackhouse and Mad Dad’s Philly’s. A chef for over 25 years, the venture into entrepreneurship showed him the importance of betting on himself. He went from a ghost kitchen in Buckhead to four Mad Dad’s locations and opened the first Stackhouse location at the Food Hall at Phipps.

“Doing business for yourself, a lot of people don’t understand it. It takes a lot of hard work, takes great partnerships, and we’re looking forward to the future and growing our brand worldwide,” Sharpe said.

Chef Deallo Frazier, owner of the Cajun seafood restaurant Deallo’s, said, “It means a lot” that Phipps Plaza and Simon Property Group reached out to local businesses to make their new vision a reality.

“Local brands just know what the people want locally. When you bring people in from outside, like Citizens Market did, it just wasn’t working. And so when bringing in local business, we know how to cater to the local people.”

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturdays from noon-6 p.m.

Recently-opened restaurants 

Lo Kee

2 Interlock Ave. N.W.

West Midtown has welcomed a new addition to its corridor of restaurants at The Interlock. Lo Kee is an Asian-fusion restaurant with a Southern twist, melding both cultures to create a menu that brings both creativity and comfort. Think King Fu Fried chicken, oxtail spring rolls, and Shanghai spare ribs, accompanied by a variety of entrees, satay options, dim sum, and noodles/rice dishes. Those familiar with celebrity hot spot Sei Less in New York City might be familiar with the restaurateurs behind Lo Kee. Dara Mirjahangiry and Ivi Shano are bringing what has made their NYC restaurant a hit to Atlanta, with a flair that pays homage to both cities.

Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 5 p.m.-midnight; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m.-1 a.m.

Big Bad Breakfast

1952 Howell Mill Rd., Suite 200

James Beard Award-winning chef John Currence has opened a new Big Bad Breakfast location in Buckhead, marking the breakfast spot’s first location in Atlanta. The restaurant is located in the former space of Cultivate, keeping the brunch vibes alive. Known for its hearty, Southern classics, the New Orleans native has taken the “most important meal of the day” and fused it with flavors from his childhood and staples that have kept bellies full for years.

Guest can expect dishes such as fried oyster scramble, biscuits and gravy, fried chicken sandwiches, shrimp po-boys, flapjacks, and a variety of other breakfast/brunch classics and favorites.

Hours: Open Daily, 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m..