I think we're all getting to the breaking point of COVID-19 quarantine. There's only so much our mental health can take when it comes to isolation and loneliness. While I'm a firm believer in socializing, being outdoors, and supporting your local community; I'm also a firm believer in the safety and awareness of our surroundings when it comes to COVID-19. This is why I've decided to research the Atlanta eateries that are currently open amid quarantine and highlight not only their eeeats and drinks, but also the safety precautions they've introduced to allow for a safe and sanitary environment.
1) LADYBIRD GROVE AND MESS HALL
684 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
Hours: Wednesday - Sunday 12 - 9 PM
CAMPFIRE ATMOSPHERE
If you've ever walked on the beltline near Inman Park and noticed a giant patio with huge yellow umbrellas, then you know LadyBird. LadyBird's outdoor patio features giant picnic tables, a section of two-person high tops, and a standing bar overlooking Atlanta's beltline. Not to mention all of their tables are six feet apart and masks are required when away from your table. At LadyBird, the sun is shining, there are pups galore, and you get that campfire feel you can't get anywhere else in Atlanta.
COCKTAILS
Spiked lemonade, blood orange punch, blue Hawaiians, bloody mary's, spiked slushies, and margaritas. You can't go wrong at LadyBird. Right now, they are only serving individually sized cocktails in to-go friendly pouches. My friends and I like to call them "adult capri suns." They're ready to take for a walk on the beltline or to your camp friendly patio table.
CHICKEN SANDWICH
Had a few cocktails and now you're ready for the eeeats... At this time, all orders are taken from a socially distant service window. Served in to-go containers by masked and gloved employees, it's safe to dine with LadyBird. While all the food at LadyBird is delicious, greasy, and resembles an upscale camp mess hall, my go-to favorite is the fried chicken sandwich. Served on a toasted bun and topped with southern style pimento cheese, white bbq sauce, and pickles: its a campfire party for your tastebuds. Cooked to perfection and the perfect combination to any cocktail, frozen slushie, or craft beer.
At LadyBird, you'll get those overnight summer camp vibes that you've been missing all summer long!
2) BARCELONA: INMAN PARK
240 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30307
Hours: Sunday - Thursday 12 - 8:30 PM
Friday and Saturday 12 - 9:30 PM
ONE WORD: FOOD
Barcelona is one of the top recommended spots for gourmet, decently priced food in all of Intown Atlanta. Not only do they offer homemade tapas, imported charcuterie delicacies, and drool-worthy Spanish paella, but their menu provides immense options for your vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free friends! Their employees even complete an inhouse tasting EVERY DAY to make sure their food is up to par and ready to serve to their hungry cusomters.
SERVICE
Every single time I dine at Barcelona, it's like I'm being catered to at a 5-star spa resort on the southern coast of Spain. Not sure which wine encompasses full body texture with high tannins and dark fruits... your server will know. Not sure which tapa will have your mouth watering when paired with your imported Spanish Sauvignon Blanc... your server will know. Do you want your whole Barcelona visit meticulously planned out so you can experience the best of Spanish dining... your server will happily provide you with the best food, wine, and service at the snap of your fingers. These servers are trained and tested for weeks to know every single tapa, wine, and cocktail including what's in them, which part of the world they come from, and their entire back story. Not to mention they never take off their masks and they change their gloves after every single interaction with a table. COVID safe and top-notch service... say no more!
WINE
With over 400 bottles at selection ranging from $28-$600, you have the world of wine at your fingertips. From traditional Spanish Cava to exquisite red blends aging back 30 years, Barcelona has the wine for you. Not sure which to chose, their servers know the exact questions to make sure you have your perfect wine-o experience.
At Barcelona, it'll feel like you're having the European getaway you've been dreaming about for months.
3) ANTICO
1093 Hemphill Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Hours: Monday - Sunday 12 - 9 PM
TAKE-OUT ONLY
THE BEST PIZZA
Cooked in giant brick ovens in a charming house on the Westside of Atlanta, Antico is the number one spot for pizza in Atlanta. Giovanni Di Palma, the owner and founder, cherishes the traditional style of Napoletana pizza at its core. With brick oven-baked crust, imported cheeses, and homemade sauce, Antico pizza is to die for. They're made to order and always served fresh!
TAKE-OUT ONLY
While some of us surely miss the family-style atmosphere of Antico, we know it's not the safest move right now. In pre-Covid times, you could enjoy your Napoletana pizza at family-style tables, getting to know your fellow diners while drinking the beer you brought from home. These days, Antico is taking the extra step to keep you safe by offering curbside pick up so you can eat your fresh pizza from the comfort of your own living room.
The most Covid safe while still offering incredible food to please your taste buds, Antico is an Atlanta eaterie you don't want to miss!
Stay tuned for more up to date Atlanta eateries as we continue through this crazy time together...but don't forget there are still ways to please your mind and your taste buds!
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