Atlanta is regarded as the cosmopolitan vanguard city of the New South. It boasts such sites as the Jimmy Carter Library & Museum, Margaret Mitchell House & Museum, Turner Field and Grant Park. Atlanta is also home to a number of semi-formal restaurants, offering top-notch cuisine in a sophisticated atmosphere at prices slightly lower than what you'd expect to pay for fine dining.
Murphy's specializes in contemporary comfort food in a semi-formal, yet warm and friendly atmosphere. Main courses include Guinness braised beef brisket, Georgia white shrimp and grits, chicken breast Milanese, North Georgia trout, red wine bbq salmon, local seasonal vegetables, grilled bone-in pork chop and Murphy's burger. Brunch is also available on the weekends. Murphy's offers its guests an extensive wine list. The restaurant has received high marks from Creative Loafing, Gayot and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Reservations are recommended.
Murphy's
997 Virginia Avenue NE
Atlanta, GA 30306
404-872-904
murphysvh.com
Since opening its doors in the fall of 2004, Two Urban Licks received positive reviews from the likes of the Conde Nast Traveller Hot List, Gayot and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. In addition, Chef Cameron Thompson appeared on the ABC show "The View." The restaurant offers live blues on Tuesday through Saturday nights, free valet parking and American cuisine in a semi-formal environment. Some of the menu highlights include salmon chips with red onion; chipotle cream cheese and capers; lamb lollipops with goat cheese and grape chile jam; and bronzed sea scallops with smoked gouda grits in a tomato broth. As of 2010, the restaurant is open for dinner seven nights a week. Private dining is also available. Reservations are suggested.
Two Urban Licks
820 Ralph McGill Boulevard
Atlanta, GA 30306
404-522-4622
twourbanlicks.com
Rathbun's received rave reviews from the likes of Creative Loafing, Gayot and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The restaurant opened in 2004 and is the brainchild of executive chef Kevin Rathbun. Favorite menu items include Maine lobster and roasted green chili soft tacos, 12-oz. veal chop, Australian lamb chops with aged balsamic, whole roasted bronzini with fennel, sea scallop benedict on country ham grits and pickled green tomato carpaccio. Private dining is available, as well.
Rathbun's
112 Krog Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30307
404-524-8280
rathbunsrestaurant.com
