You finalized the guest list, decided on your outfit, and have one last decision to make: the destination that will be fortunate enough to host your big day. Since Atlanta boasts such incredible eateries, choosing a locale to host your birthday celebration may seem quite challenging. Whether you’re feeling brunch on a rooftop or an intimate happy hour, I’ve got the roundup for you.
Cooks and Soldiers
Talk about tapas for days. Boasting flavors from the Basque Country in Spain and France, Cooks and Soldiers not only serves signature toasts or “pintxos” but also an array of larger asador dishes designed to be enjoyed communally. Let me just name a few of my noteworthy faves: “hongos y setas” (mushrooms, goat cheese, and truffle on toast), “brocheta de tocino” (pork belly with garlic and plum), “bikini” (white cheddar and truffle grilled cheese), “chistorra in a blanket” (chistorra sausage wrapped in a flaky croissant), and “caracoles sofrito” (escargot fried rice). Your friends will be in awe of your stellar pronunciation of the menu items.
The Optimist
Renowned as Atlanta’s very own “seaside fish camp experience,” The Optimist is the perfect place to host your next birthday bash. Elevated, chic, and posh, this spot serves everything in the seafood alphabet. From a revolving selection of more than 10 types of oysters to an array of Maine sea scallops and wood hearth roasted fish, the executive chef, Ford Fry’s, concoctions will surely please everyone in attendance.
no. 246
No.246 does Italian right— enough said. Conveniently located in downtown Decatur, no.246 delivers the authentic flavors of Italian cuisine in a fresh and seasonal way. Some 10/10 dishes include their cacio e pepe, chicken marsala, black spaghetti, and bianca pizza. Not to mention, they also have the most charming outdoor space if you wanted to take your celebration outside.
O-Ku
O-Ku is one of Atlanta’s trendiest hot spots for a reason. Besides their roof which has the sickest views of Midtown, O-Ku whips up a rare take on modern Japanese dishes with a Southern twist. O-Ku’s offerings exemplify that contemporary wave of Japanese cuisine including their kani truffle nigiri, black magic box sushi, and soy braised pork belly. Pro tip: Book a Monday or Wednesday reservation to take advantage of their happy hour special.
9 Mile Station
“An elevated beer garden on the roof of Ponce City Market.” What more could one ask for? 9 Mile Station is the perfect locale to host your next birthday brunch. From their massive sticky bun topped with coffee butter to their popcorn shrimp and grits, they have it all. Panoramic views? check. Beer? check. Tasty bites? check.
bartaco
If you’re torn between a Taco Tuesday and a fancier get-together, bartaco is the move. Well, let’s face it. With a variety of taco and non-taco offerings, boozy cocktails, and endless chips & guac, Bartaco is always the move. And how could I forget about the grilled corn? Count me in.
Le Fat
An elegant Vietnamese brasserie located in West Midtown. Le Fat exudes total tropical vibes with its hand-painted magnolia tree walls and a pink neon sign welcoming you upon arrival. Exclusively open for dinner, this locale will surely please the most adventurous eaters. Le Fat’s menu pulls from Vietnamese, Chinese, and French cuisine, with signature dishes including their chicken and pandan waffles, lemongrass shrimp, drunken noodles, and the chef’s famous fried chicken.
Moral of the story: you really can’t go wrong. As long as you’re around the people you love with a yummy cocktail in hand, you’ll be set. If you decide to host your next birthday celebration at any of these places, I’d happily accept a compulsory invite.