Barleygarden Kitchen & Bar: Beyond Beervana

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/25/20

So Beervana, DOES exist. Located on the end of the Avalon complex, with a large patio and rooftop bar, Barleygarden Kitchen and Bar has a legitimate stake in Beervana, but we hope you stay for the food because you’ll be in for a real treat. From a ton of local, regional, and national beer varieties with everything from IPAs to sours to stouts, they have anything you could want made of hops and malt. On top of that, you can’t really go wrong with Barleygarden’s eats either, from fried cauliflower to brussels sprouts, to handheld favorites, to wings, stay a while and enjoy a drink and grub! Let’s check out our heady adventure on a fun OTP patio.

By the time you read this, they’ll probably already be slinging a whole new array of signature cocktails. We tried the Never Say Die set to be one of their features, as well as sipped on a delicious Untitled Art stout. Plus, we paired Arches Queen’s Weiss with the handheld, stay tuned for that pairing later. As for the new cocktail menu Never Say Die is a take on a pina colada with light and fresh lime, demerara, orgeat, curacao, and of course dark rum. It was light and refreshing and perfect to enjoy on the patio. They also plan on having a Baby! Baby! Ruth! Baby! cocktail, which will include peanut butter whiskey (!), rum, orange, pineapple, cream of coconut. Doesn’t that sound divine? They’re planning on reopening the rooftop bar and service 6/26, so you should get over there and try one of these!

Of the starters, we sampled a few things including the brussels sprouts, wings, and our favorite the fried cauliflower. Diving straight into our favorite, the fried cauliflower was crispy cauliflower battered and fried to perfection. It’s served with a side of a paprika aioli that was rich and creamy with a hint of spice. What was dynamic about this bite was the crunchy, cheesy crust that was like eating crispy fried cheese! Dip it in the aioli to round out the bite. Spectacular. We also really enjoyed the brussels sprouts that were a great balance of earthiness of the greens and sweetness of the vinaigrette. We loved the addition of the crunchy almonds and meaty bacon to balance out the bite! Also, get down to the bottom of the bowl, that’s where the best flavors and sauce pool together. Rich, meaty, crunchy, earthy! Our tip is to ask for a side of blue cheese and toss it in there to add even more flavor. Beyond the vegetables, we also go some meaty wings dusted in lemon pepper, with the right amount of char and pop of the skin. We were impressed with how meaty the flats were, as well. If you are asked what sauce you want, opt for the paprika aioli. It actually mixes really well with the lemon pepper sauce and is an excellent mix of flavors.

Of the handhelds, Butchers Bun is an over the top ribeye and gruyere sammy with a fantastic garlic aioli, fried onions, and earthy arugula. What a tasty sandwich. It’s so rich and meaty with the tang and tart of the gruyere and earthy of the arugula and the crunch of the onions. Please don’t forget the garlic aioli which was the right amount of creaminess to compliment all the other ingredients. For the best bite, eat it from the bottom, all the juices, melted cheese, aioli and meat come together down there. So. Freakin. Good.

Something you can do to elevate your meal is pair your food with beer! This is the place to do that! We opted for the Queens Weiss from Arches, which is a wheat beer that pairs well with the strong flavor of the gruyere cheese on this dish. Ask your server or bartender what they’d recommend with the food and enjoy. If you could pair a beer and food together what would it be?

JULY 2020 PONCE CITY MARKET EVENTS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/24/20

Every Tuesday, 4-6pm – Ponce City Farmers Market
Located at The Yard in front of Mountain High Outfitters, Ponce City Farmers Market is now open as an in-person mini-market and pick-up location for ShopCFMATL.org orders, with local fruit and produce available to purchase on-site. For a contactless option, ShopCFM offers CSA-style veggie boxes in addition to their usual offerings.

Fri., July 17 & Fri., July 31, 5:30-7:30pm – Cocktail Classes at 12 Cocktail Bar

12 Cocktail Bar on The Roof at Ponce City Market is hosting cocktail classes taught by their award-winning barmen and Beverage Director Randy Hayden. Guests can enjoy an exclusive and intimate class setting and receive hands-on experience creating four hand-crafted cocktails. Tickets ($75) are available here and include complimentary cocktails, one-on-one demonstrations, four cocktail recipe cards to take home and a 12 Cocktail Class Certificate of Completion.

Every Wednesday, 9:30pm – Movies on The Roof

Guests can catch their favorite flicks from new heights at Movies on The Roof! Classic and new favorites will be played every Wednesday evening at 8:30pm. All guests with 9 Mile Station reservations OR unlimited gameplay wristbands for Skyline Park have access to the movie. The huge Rooftop Terrace has open air and plenty of space for a comfortable experience for all guests, and seating is first come, first served. Tickets available here!

Thursday through Sunday – Velvet Residence Presents “Live at Ponce”

Ponce City Market has teamed up with Velvet Residence, an Atlanta-based platform for artists around the world to be seen and heard, to bring free live music to the community destination every Thursday from 5-8pm and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11am-2pm and 5-8pm. Performers will be positioned on the Central Food Hall’s Second Floor between Elk Head Clothing and Cobbler Union, and this week’s acts include Symone Royale, Anna Field, Rex Evans, Jaylon Ashaun, Mona and Lee Vasi.

Every Sunday, 11am-3pm & 6-10pm – Summer Sundays at Skyline Park

Each Sunday, guests can enjoy family activities at Skyline Park with friendly competition, balloon artists, and craft stations. From 6-10pm, 9 Mile Station will have live music by local artists and bands. Interested guests can book a reservation for 9 Mile Station here.

THE BATTERY ATLANTA JULY HAPPENINGS ARE TOO HOT TO HANDLE 2020

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/24/20

Kick off summer with endless restaurant specials and fun in the sun

Beat the heat with summer fun from select reopened restaurants and retailers at The Battery Atlanta! With longer evenings and higher temps ahead, all ages can experience unique dining and shopping options at the open, outdoor campus. Cobb County’s hottest lifestyle destination – designed for relaxation and recreation – offers a mix of outdoor events to keep visitors active as well as entertainment ranging from themed game nights to live music. Visitors craving a taste of summer can dine alfresco on patios or order takeout from chef-driven restaurants for a hassle-free and socially distant picnic on the Plaza Green. Haagen Dazs and River Street Sweets Savannah’s Candy Kitchen are serving up classic summer treats, and refreshing brunch libations are fan favorites at Superica, CRU Food & Wine Bar and Goldberg’s Fine Foods.

Outdoor Activities:

Wellness Series: Yoga by Kaiser Permanente
Every Monday at 6:30 p.m.
Start the week off stress-free with an outdoor yoga class presented by Kaiser Permanente on the Plaza Green. This free event is limited to 25 people. Registration and the event participant waiver are available online. Participants are required to bring a mat and show ID upon arrival. Those unable to attend in person can follow along with the live stream on Facebook or recorded sessions on YouTube.

The Battery Atlanta Walking Trail presented by UnitedHealthcare
A brisk walk can curb cravings! Get out and get active on the 1.5-mile loop circling the campus.

Cornhole ATL Summer League
Every Tuesday at 6 p.m.
A tailgate favorite is now a league of its own! Spectators are encouraged to watch the action and cheer on league participants as they play games leading up to the season’s final tournament on July 28.

Farmers Market presented by United Healthcare
Every Sunday 1-4 p.m.
Families and friends are invited to stroll and shop a variety of handcrafted and homegrown products on the Plaza Green. Locals can also preorder items from select vendors, including David’s Garden Super Bee, Pearson Farm, The Cheese Straw House and The Cocktail House Shop.

Select Retail and Restaurant Promotions:

Singo Night at PH’EAST
Every Monday at 5 p.m.
Music lovers can test their knowledge in this version of bingo played with song titles and compete to win for $5 off their tab at the Asian food hall.

Kids Eat Free at Goldberg’s
Every Tuesday
Bring the kids for an after-school treat! A free kids’ menu item is available with the purchase of one adult entrée at the New York style deli and restaurant.

Wine Wednesday at Yard House
Every Wednesday
Wine lovers can celebrate making it to mid-week with half-off bottles of wine at this modern American gathering place for food and drinks.

‘Ketel One & ?’ at BURN by Rocky Patel
Every Thursday at 4 p.m.
Cool off with a refreshing botanical cocktail for just $8! Guests can enjoy new Ketel One Botanicals – a vodka distilled with real botanicals and infused with natural fruit essences.

Champagne Thursdays at CRU Food & Wine Bar
Every Thursday
Patrons can enjoy 50% off a bottle of bubbly. Guests are also invited to eat their fill of fresh artisan cuisine from the extensive lunch and dinner menu.

Live Entertainment at Sports & Social
Every Thursday – Sunday
A variety of live entertainment returns to the outdoor space Thursday through Sunday afternoons and evenings!

The most up-to-date list of restaurant and retailer happenings are available on the website. Details and hours of operation are subject to change.

Varuni Napoli: Hidden Gem

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/22/20

Tucked behind Varuni Napoli’s dining room sits a hidden garden patio with a leafy tree canopy, tons of shade, comfy couches, and a Koi pond. It’s a small oasis in the heart of the busy city that’s perfect for a date night or even after dinner drinks and dessert. Sitting on the patio, we sipped on a white sangria while dining on delicious Neapolitan style pizza and being pampered with the delightful desserts. It was the perfect early Saturday dinner. Let’s dig in.

If you didn’t know, Neapolitan style is known as wet pizza, that can be eaten with a fork and knife. It’s typically hard to pick up with a soft crust near the middle and we dig it. The two we tried were the Bastardo and the Pako. Starting with the Bastardo, it’s one of those dream pizzas that has everything, like the perfect flavor of the cheese and pepperoni and some of the best sauce ever! The sauce, known as Nduja, is spicy with a blend of the Calabrian chili and chili oil mixed with ground up pepperoni, sausage, pancetta, and other types of meat. They dolloped it on and it really was one of those pizzas you didn’t need any salt, garlic, or even parmesan on the top. Amazing. Don’t know if you know but I (Liz) have a threshold issue with dairy, so I asked if they could do one pizza without cheese and they said absolutely, so we got a Pako that boasts of sausage, onions, pepperoni, red peppers, mushrooms, all just without the cheese. Just because you don’t have cheese doesn’t mean you can’t get a ton of flavor out of your pizza! With the spiciness of the sausage, tender pepperoni, and a mound of veggies, there was no lack of flavor from the Pako. What made this pizza was the caramelized onions and paired with the sausage and pepperoni was the perfect combo.

What’s a specialty pizza restaurant without some surprisingly delicious desserts and a good cocktail and wine list? When you arrive, we’d recommend starting off with something refreshing, like the white sangria! A perfect mix of white wine, citrus forward lemon, as well as the right amount of fruit like apple! It’s the perfect patio sipper that’s one-part cool and one-part fresh. They also have a full beer list with local favorites, as well as a large wine list! Salut! After your meal, leave room for a dessert or two like the build your own cannoli or tiramisu! Of the ones we tried, the cannoli was perfectly fried and the cream was light, lemony, and had a lot of chocolate chips. Crunchy and creamy! Our favorite was the Tiramisu, which was deep and rich with fluffy lady fingers and custard and the boozy richness of the crust. So rich and creamy, who can resist?

Just imagine the sunsets and the twinkle lights turn on, turning the hidden patio into a romantic nook for a dinner under the stars. If you could try any of these things, what would it be?

Jekyll Brewing: Island Inspired

Through the thick forest of palm trees, you come upon a tree that’s been uprooted and the limbs are twisted into the soft sand below your feet. There are small black bugs scurrying along the waterline where the gentle waves are afraid to come up any further. When you look down the surf line, you notice that there are at least 50 other trees in contorted formations, one reaches to the sky like a skyscraper, the other one next to it fans out into what almost looks like a peacock. Have you been transported to a Martian moonscape? You’d think so, but, no, you’re in the most beautifully unique place on earth, Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island on the Georgia coastline. This is the beach vibe that you get when you go to Jekyll Brewing in Alpharetta City Center. Our two-part experience brought us unique food and beer options inspired by the island with an array of tasty treats like a whole shellfish menu, low-country options like pork chops, and even southern staples like pork rinds and a fun take on the charcuterie plate. Let’s not forget the bubbly brew, either. Are you ready for some Golden Isles adventure right here in Atlanta? We are!

Remember what Jekyll Brewing first started as, a brewery. They have a large array of beers and seltzers to choose from, like the fact that they have two stouts almost permanently on the menu, to IPAs, sours, and everything in between. One of the best beers on their menu is the Tart Vice that’s a mellow berliner weiss with a ton of raspberry flavor. It’s fruity and refreshing. Also, we must mention that we love their Redneck Christmas Stout! Liz, being a stout drinker loves the minty-cinnamon forward stout that doesn’t make you feel like your drinking a meal. Finally, their HARDly Selzer has so many refreshing flavors: blueberry, blackberry, lavender, hibiscus, peach, and more. They top it with crunchy ice and it’s the perfect thing for their rooftop airstream patio!

Who’s ready to eat? Starting with the pork rinds, when they first arrived, they were still popping from the fryer. Perfectly crisp little numbers that were sprinkled with some slightly spicy seasoning and wedges of limes. The best bite is if you dip the rind in the hot sauce and put some of the lime on there. Meaty, crispy, spicy, and a hint of lime. We also enjoyed the charcuterie plate, which was delightful mix of andouille sausage, Tasso, pimento cheese, buttered crackers, and some very tasty pickled vegetables. The best part was the Tasso, a wonderfully tender cut of meat with some great seasoning. If you put together the cracker, a little bit of the pickled vegetable, pimento cheese, and andouille sausage, what a phenomenal little snack. We also bite into some chicken wings. They are mighty meaty with a ton of chicken, slightly spicy sauce, and some delicious flavoring. Dip it in the buttermilk sauce, cool and creamy!

One thing about Jekyll Brewing that was unexpected is the wonderful healthier options to their southern fare. The tastiest of those was the lite bowl. Tender and juicy salmon nestled on a bed of ancient grains mixed with a light vinaigrette, avocado, tomato, and the best addition, sweet potato! To make this even healthier skip the tzatziki sauce, it’s great even without it. Mix all the ingredients together for a meaty, creamy from the avocado, earthy from the tomato, and hearty from the potatoes bite. Such a balanced and dynamic bowl! We’d recommend you pair it with one of their HARDly seltzer’s like the blackberry!

When you think southern, pork chops and collard greens always come to mind. Why not combine them? The collards were perfectly cooked and loved that it was more leaf than stem, plus it was seasoned just right with a balance of spice and vinegar. The chop itself was very tender, meaty, smoky, and lightly seasoned. Combine those together, so from the char and perfectly cooked chops to the earthiness and saltiness of the greens with the right amount of hot sauce mixed in, we really enjoyed this dish.

Jekyll Island is a utopia of sprawling marshlands and tropical wildlife. Jekyll Brewing brings all the beach and island vibes to Alpharetta. So, grab your large beach hat and take a seat on the patio, you’ll be transported to the Golden Isles. Airstream included.

ROLL INTO ROCK ‘N’ TACO FOR JULY FOURTH OUTDOOR MUSIC FESTIVAL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/19/20

Late-Night Gourmet Taqueria Celebrates with Weekend of Live Music, Food and Drinks

WHAT:

Rock ‘N’ Taco, Roswell’s favorite late-night gourmet taqueria, live music venue and incubator of local musical talent, celebrates Independence Day with a live music festival over the Fourth of July weekend. The lineup boasts favorites such as Rumours (Fleetwood Mac tribute), The Purple Madness (Prince tribute) and Departure (Journey tribute).

Rock ‘N’ Taco gives the Roswell community one of the only places to celebrate the July 4th holiday this year. The July 3-5 festival takes place in Rock ‘N’ Taco’s parking lot, allowing guests plenty of space to spread out and listen to live music in front of the restaurant and inside while grabbing dinner. Tickets will be $5 at the door and $10 after 10 p.m. Guests can enjoy pre-rolled tacos from outdoor taco booths as well as beer/liquor tents while listening to music.

SCHEDULE:      

Friday, July 3

5 p.m.-7:30 p.m.               Francisco Vidal Band (party covers)

8 p.m.-9 p.m.                     Running Down A Dream (Tom Petty Tribute)

9:30 p.m.-11 p.m.            Rumours (Fleetwood Mac Tribute)

Saturday, July 4

12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.      Carter Horne Band (party covers)

4 p.m.-6 p.m.                     Alchemy (party covers)

6:30 p.m.-9 p.m.               Band X (party covers)

9:30 p.m.-11 p.m.            The Purple Madness (Prince Tribute)

Sunday, July 5

12:30 p.m.-3 p.m.            The Dial Up (party band)

3:30 p.m.-6 p.m.               Justin (party covers)

6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.               Departure (Journey Tribute)

WHEN:                

Friday, July 3, 5-11 p.m.

Saturday, July 4, 12-11 p.m.

Sunday, July 5, 12-8 p.m.

                               

WHERE:              

Rock ‘N’ Taco

928 Canton Street

Roswell, GA 30075

678-878-3414

rockntaco.com

NETHERWORLD’S ESCAPE GAMES REOPEN THIS FRIDAY, JUNE 19

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/19/20

Attraction to Reopen with New and Enhanced Safety Guidelines in Place

Ready to switch up your quarantine routine, Atlanta? After three months of being closed due to COVID-19, NETHERWORLD’s escape room games, dubbed Escape the NETHERWORLD, will reopen to the public beginning Friday, June 19. Guests can once again get all the thrills and chills they’ve come to expect from the creators behind one of the country’s most beloved haunted houses at NETHERWORLD’s four escape rooms.

“We are so excited to be reopening our doors to the public,” said NETHERWORLD Haunted House Co-Creator Billy Messina. “While this time has given us plenty of opportunity to prep for this season’s new haunts, we have missed hosting our community at our year-round attractions. As always, the safety of our guests, staff and community is of the utmost importance to us, so we are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of everyone’s health while still having fun.”

While the COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented, NETHERWORLD remains committed to putting the health and well-being of team members and guests first. Read on for details regarding procedures put in place by NETHERWORLD to ensure safety and comfort, and click here for a downloadable infographic.

Private Bookings:
All games will be private and cost $28 per person with a minimum purchase of four players (fewer may participate). All games must be booked online at least two hours prior to the scheduled start time. Guests can call ahead at 678-580-5642 if they would like to schedule a room inside that booking window. While walk-ins are discouraged, walk-in customers will be accommodated if a private room and game master are available but cannot be guaranteed.

Amended Check-In Procedures:
Upon arrival, guests will call from the car prior to entering the building where they may be asked to wait in the vehicle while NETHERWORLD prepares for their check-in. Social distancing will be highly encouraged, so please follow guidance on NETHERWORLD’s downloadable infographic. All guests will be asked to wash their hands thoroughly prior to the start of the game. To facilitate the check-in process, NETHERWORLD asks that most belongings be left in vehicles. Small personal items like purses and cell phones can be brought into the game. Cell phones and cameras may not be used during the game.

Face Coverings and Other PPE:
NETHERWORLD requests the use of face masks and/or face shields by guests while in public areas of Escape the NETHERWORLD. This includes but is not limited to the lobby, public bathrooms, outdoor picnic tables and benches. Hand sanitizer is available at several locations throughout the property, and disposable gloves are available by request.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Procedures:
NETHERWORLD has added extra measures to their already thorough cleaning regimen which includes disinfecting props, doorknobs, and touch surfaces with high grade disinfectants. Each room is cleaned before and after each game. As appropriate, additional cleaning procedures may include but are not limited to fogging the rooms with a non-toxic hospital grade disinfectant. The lobby, bathrooms and other public areas will also be disinfected regularly.

Staff Health and Safety:
For the health and safety of staff and guests, employees will be wearing face coverings while interacting directly with each other and their groups. They may choose to wear additional PPE at their discretion including gloves and face shields. Staff members will have health screenings regularly which may include but are not limited to temperature checks and interviews about health and possible exposure and will wash their hands regularly throughout their shift.

Right to Refuse Service:
NETHERWORLD reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. If guests are feeling ill, are exhibiting symptoms, or have had a possible exposure to the coronavirus, please call to reschedule your game.

Updated Hours:
Escape the NETHERWORLD will reopen with limited game slots on Fridays and Saturdays. See below for more details:

Friday:
Nosferatu – 6:00pm, 8:00pm, 10:00pm
Tiki Island – 6:20pm, 8:20pm, 10:20pm
Haunted – 6:40pm, 8:40pm, 10:40pm
Sasquatch – 7:00pm, 9:00pm, 11:00pm

Saturday:
Nosferatu – 2:00pm, 4:00pm, 6:00pm, 8:00pm, 10:00pm
Tiki Island – 2:20pm, 4:20pm, 6:20pm, 8:20pm, 10:20pm
Haunted – 2:40pm, 4:40pm, 6:40pm, 8:40pm, 10:40pm
Sasquatch – 3:00pm, 5:00pm, 7:00pm, 9:00pm, 11:00pm

Guests can book their escape room game through NETHERWORLD’s online booking platform. Be on the lookout for discount codes and special gift vouchers to celebrate reopening by joining NETHERWORLD’s mailing list or follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Details on the reopening of NETHERWORLD Laser Adventure Battle Arena will be announced soon.

Park Tavern: Piedmont Park’s Go-To Spot

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/16/20

Piedmont Park is one of Atlanta’s best features, boasting miles of walking trails, public amenities, a serene pond, and a fantastic view of the Midtown Skyline. On the corner of Monroe and 10th sits Park Tavern, go-to spot for post-run and group activity patio grub, as well as fresh sangria, cocktails, and a refreshing beer. They have a little bit of everything from fried seafood to tacos, buffalo chicken wings, freshly brewed beer on-site, cocktails, and even buffalo cauliflower to Nashville Hot Chicken. It’s hard not to find something to enjoy after your day at the park, meeting friends, or to just enjoy a cocktail or two. In Real Estate they say, location, location, location. Park Tavern has that in spades and so much more. Parkside adventure ahead, so grab your walking shoes, and come hungry.

Park Tavern isn’t lacking in beer options, since they brew their own beer with everything from an IPA, Pilsner, Amber, and more typically on draft year-round, you can grab a pint and watch the sunset, hang out at the fire pits, or catch the stars over the midtown skyline. Plus, they have tons of cocktail options, and even a tasty red sangria that’s fruity and refreshing. Not big red wine fans, we were surprised by the refreshing citrus and orange forward sangria that was perfectly paired with the sprawling Park Tavern patio and gardens. Impressed.

Of the array of appetizers, the best one of the bunch was the rich and meaty chicken wings with tender meat and the right amount of medium spice. From the crunch of the skin to the meatiness of the chicken and the overall flavor of the sauce, this was a delicious overall bite after a day at the park! We also really enjoyed the buffalo cauliflower, which was perfectly breaded and fried tender cauliflower with a spicy, hot sauce kick on the back-end. It’s spicier than expected. Take a moment to dip it in the blue cheese or ranch, it almost like eating a chicken wing! Creamy. Spicy.

The best handheld was the delicious Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich. The perfect fried chicken filet breaded and fried just right with a serious hot sauce bite. We can’t get over how tender and meaty the chicken turned out to be, plus, the addition of the pickles gave it more crunch and tartness! Let’s not forget the creamy coleslaw that cuts through the spiciness and ending up making the entire bite cool as a cucumber. This dish ramps up the heat and flavor and then cools it. Amazing. Paired with fries, the sandwich is even better if you stuff a few of those seasoned fries on there for a little more crunch! Even better with Park Tavern’s legendary tots. Yum!

So, as the sunsets over the Atlanta Midtown Skyline, park lovers are heading to Park Tavern to find the perfect pairing of beer and wings or sangria and hot chicken. They relax watching the sun fade, feeling good about their day and raising a glass to their night cap at Park Tavern.

9 Mile Station: Stunning Sunsets Included

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/8/20

The orange and yellow rays of the sun fade behind a Midtown skyscraper throwing a cascade of pinks, blues, and purples over the clouds in perfect unison. Once the sun finishes its descent, the lights of the city illuminate the sky with a pale yellow halo. It’s a jaw dropping site that everyone should experience! Sitting on the corner of the Ponce City Rooftop, 9 Mile Station is the go-to place to spend a warm, sunny sunset over the Atlanta Skylines like we just described, while enjoying a refreshing cocktail, and nibbling on a light bite with your favorite people. Stunning sunsets included! On top of that, fill your stomach with great food and drinks that pair well with any weather. Color us impressed.

From a large beer on tap menu, cocktails, wines, and more, 9 Mile Station has a good selection of local and national brews, an array of wines, and a fun cocktail menu. The first cocktail we sampled was One Way Ticket to Mars and it reminded us of the color of the setting sun. In flavor, it is deeper and richer of the two cocktails we tried with a sweet and citrus nose to start and finished off with slight mint and tart. From the deepness and warmth of the whiskey, to the richness of the passionfruit, to the mint, lemon, and bubbles, it’s a fun drink to sip all the way around. Also, beautifully presented in a champagne flute, you’d never know it was a whiskey and sparkling wine combo cocktail. Our second cocktail was refreshing and perfect for the rooftop, sunset vibe you get from 9 Mile Station. The Rose All Day 2.0 is a combination of gin, hint of lemon, rose wine, and sparkling rose wine. It’s one of those drinks you could sit on their ledge seating and just sip on for hours. You’d never get tired of the view or the drink.

From sipping a cocktail while taking in the sunset view, why not stay for a bite while you relax at the firepit and enjoy the nighttime vibe by the fire? They have some delicious options, we were impressed with the array of starters, as well as entrees. Plus, 9 Mile Station has blown us away with their presentation. Seriously beautiful, like the croquets had an array of color and the wings were stunning. It elevates the experience, like your eating at an upscale restaurant!

One of the best little all-around balanced bites was the smoked trout croquettes. They are a delicious ball of flavor from the light, flaky fish, perfectly crunchy fried shell, and the earthiness and cream of the mint tarragon yogurt. Make sure to get yogurt and a bite of the pickled onions in each bite, it’s perfection. Beyond that, the lemon pepper wings were some of the best wings in Atlanta. The whole wing was perfectly cooked, charred evenly, and the skin popped when you took a bite. The lemon pepper sauce was balanced with the right amount of lemon and pepper, as well as the richness of the butter. We cannot say enough about how delicious these wings on their own, you MUST but dip every bite in that perfect Alabama White BBQ sauce, because it’s one of the best white sauces EVER. The perfect blend of spices and creaminess is to die for. What a wonderful bite!

When you enter the elevator to Ponce City Market and head to the roof, you know you’re in for something special. You get that on the roof. Beautiful views, food, drinks, and if you still have room for more fun, why not try your hand at a carnival game or a round of mini-golf? Next time we head up to the roof, we’re going to try a 9 Mile Station Beer Smash (beer cocktail) and eyeing the smoked baby back ribs. Reservation for two, please.

ROCK ‘N’ TACO KICKS OFF SUMMER WITH LIVE MUSIC SERIES

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/8/20

Late-Night Gourmet Taqueria and Live Music Hub Now Offering Fun for Everyone

Rock ‘N’ Taco, Roswell’s favorite late-night gourmet taqueria, live music venue and incubator of local musical talent, is excited to splash into summer with a live music series. Rock ‘N’ Taco kicks off its summer music series this Friday, June 12 at 9:30pm with local favorite Aunt Betty. Rock ‘N’ roll lovers can also see featured artists like Carter Horne, Francisco Vidal and the Justin Borgman Band.

“Rock ‘N’ Taco has always been a launching pad for amazing homegrown talent that have gone on to compete on TV shows like ‘The Voice’ and ‘American Idol,’” says co-owner John Michael Brunetti. “We’re excited to bring music back to Roswell residents.” Guests also can catch local bands Denim Arcade, Dueling Pianos , 84 (a Van Halen tribute band) and more. To check out the live music line-up, visit Rock ‘N’ Taco online.

Rock ‘N’ Taco showcases rare music memorabilia and boasts a state-of-the-art audio and video system that makes the restaurant one of Roswell’s best-sounding live music venues. The varied menu features authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex favorites with a distinct rock ‘n’ roll attitude, along with healthy salads and creative cocktails.

“Our large, open garage doors make room for plenty of patio seating and fresh air while guests enjoy the music, and we continue to follow all safety guidelines and maintain social distancing to keep our guests, staff and musicians safe,” says Brunetti.

When the music is not playing, guests can expect to see headline events like the UFC International Fight Week featured on Rock ‘N’ Taco’s abundance of high definition TVs.