The October Hit List: The Alden, Bread & Butterfly, Banshee, and More

Jared A. Hucks, a native Atlantan himself, is the chef behind this Chamblee eatery. At The Alden Restaurant, American eats take subtle global influences. Menu highlights include butternut squash velouté with creme fraiche and arugula, jerk red snapper and lemongrass glazed pork belly. The Alden’s patio is open for socially distanced dining while the weather permits. Reservations for both the patio and dining room are recommended due to limited capacity. For takeout orders, call 678-395-6982. 

As most of Europe remains a destination not open to most Atlantans, reimagine eating a breakfast or late lunch at an al fresco cafe. Grab takeout from Bread & Butterfly in Inman Park or opt to dine in at their two outdoor spaces. The poached egg on batard bread is a top pick, as are the omelette, quiche or a simple croissant. You’ll have to plan to get your French fix accordingly—Bread & Butterfly has the limited hours of Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For takeout orders, call ahead at 678-515-4536.

For an inventive mix of New American eats, make your way to Banshee in East Atlanta Village. Known primarily for craft cocktails and a varied collection of local beers, Banshee also has food worth a patio reservation: think charred octopus, pepperoni butter, braised collards, and for dessert, chocolate budino. The patios are open; for takeout, order online or call 470-428-2034.

Getting a start as a food truck roaming the streets of Atlanta in 2016, Buena Gente Cuban Bakery now has a brick and mortar in Decatur. You’ll find the same standouts the food truck has been known for: Cuban sandwiches, flan, arroz con leche, drip Cuban coffee, and the ever-popular guava and cream cheese pastelitos. Buena Gente is open Wednesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Located in Ponce City Market, City Winery is more than simply a live music venue. Barrel Room Restaurant, the music venue’s on-site dining, does indeed boast a wide wine collection and accompanying eats. Brunch and dinner service are the main offerings — mushroom and goat cheese risotto balls, beet burrata and braised duck tacos are some highlights. The restaurant is only open in evenings Wednesday through Sunday, with patio or dining room reservations available. Order takeout by calling 404-946-3791. 

A newcomer to the Grant Park neighborhood, Estrellita brings Fillipino dishes to Atlanta. Guests can expect Filipino favorites such as lumpia, lechon, bistek, and garlic rice among many other offerings. Order for takeout by calling 404-228-1632 or online. 

A blend of Australian culinary inspiration and the old world design of Europe, Roswell’s Fellows Cafe is the ideal spot for breakfast, lunch, light bites, or a strong cocktail. The restaurant is housed in a restored 19th century home on Green Street. Choose from chickpea romesco soup, a variety of toasts — avocado, apple ricotta and smoked salmon trout are popular — as well as sweet potato eggs benedict and lemon ricotta hotcakes. Both indoor and outdoor reservations are available; takeout orders can be ordered by calling (678) 983-1481. 

Like grilled and smoked meats? Then Memphis Smokehouse Atlanta is where you want to be. Bringing the Memphis flair to all things barbecued. Opt to pick up takeout from here for the taste of the signature Memphis dry rub. From burgers to smokehouse nachos and chicken wings, this space also transforms to a supper club in the after hours. Call 833-285-2582 for carryout orders. 

One of Atlanta’s signature steakhouses, Nowak’s Restaurant has been dishing out steaks and sides to the Morningside neighborhood since 2018. Blaiss Nowak from New Orleans is at the helm. Menu highlights include the classic wedge salad, shrimp remoulade, and varied cuts of steak with either chimichurri, cognac peppercorn and horseradish cream sauces. Both outdoor and indoor reservations are available; curbside pickup orders can still be placed online or by calling 678-705-4231.

Tucked away in Norcross, Redlands Grill is serving classic American eats. Burgers, salads, and steaks are the name of the game here. And with many selections within each category, there’s something for everyone. For those not ready to dine indoors, pickup orders can be placed online or by calling (770) 263-9755.