Tour of Decatur!

Decatur is great little neighborhood on the east side of Atlanta.  The town square is filled with great restaurants and shops, plus a green space where they host wine & beer festivals.  To mix up datenight, the BF and I decided to do a Tour of Decatur!  Meaning we would bounce around from restaurant to restaurant ordering different drinks and appetizers.  We made it to 5 places in one night and had an absolute blast!

Restaurant #1:  Leon's Full Service

To start I had the "Herbal Medicine" cocktail: a mix of gin, grapefruit & lemon.  It was very refreshing!

The BF had "Death & Company": bourbon, honey, lemon & bitters.

To snack on we had the "Pig Smorgas"

Country ham on toast with gruyere cheese, cherry jam, pinneapple and arugula.  AMAZING!!



Leon's Full Service was wonderful!  When we first arrived the bar area was super crowded, but within a few minutes it had thinned out considerably.  We grabbed a spot against the window and had service within minutes.  Out front they have a great outdoor patio with heaters as well as a bocce court- so fun!

Restaurant #2: Parker's on Ponce

Parker's on Ponce is a traditional steakhouse with a great cocktail list.  We stayed in the bar area which had several tv's (perfect for watching the LSU v. Bama game).

I had the "Punch & Judy": a gin cocktail with basil, mint, strawberry, lemon & orange juice.  This cocktail was perfect (not too sweet), I could easily gulp down several of these!!

The BF had a "Sweetwater 420"

And we split the "Bacon Wrapped Blue Cheese filled Dates" as an appetizer - yum!  The balsamic glaze was sweet and the perfect compliment to the dates.

The restaurant is very large with several different dining rooms as well as a few fireplaces.  Perfect for a romantic winter date!

Restaurant #3: No. 246

This restaurant is a new addition to Decatur, it opened summer 2011 and offers contemporary italian food.

I had the "Fall Pimm's Cup": pimm's, lemon juice, muddled apple and cinnamon.  This might be my new favorite drink!

And the BF had an "Old Pal": a whiskey drink.  Unfortunately, this drink did not live up to his
expectations :-(

We skipped doing an appetizer here becase nothing really stood out. 

Restaurant #4: The Iberian Pig

The bar was packed when we showed up here, so we got a table after we had explained to the host that we'd only be having a drink and app.  They were very friendly & accomodating - we got a great table next to the window.

I had a cocktail that was their special that night: a combination of Sailor Jerry's Spiced Rum, St. Germains and orange foam.  I love rum & St. Germains - but I did NOT like this cocktail.   The orange foam was super sweet against the heavy rum.

The BF had the "Iberian Old Fashioned" with Bacon infused rye.  He said the bacon was too overwhelming with a smokey flavor. 

To snack on we shared the "Manchego Mac & Cheese" - this is super creamy & cheesy.  My mouth is watering thinking about it!

I would come back to Iberian Pig, eventhough we both had cocktails we didn't enjoy.  The menu sounds good and the vibe is cool & romantic.

Restaurant #5: Zucca Pizza

Zucca is your standard neighborhood pizzeria, with greasy food and cheap beer.  We wanted to find a place where we could watch the end of the LSU v. Bama game.  Each booth has its own small flat screen tv, plus there were multiple tv's all over the restaurant.

We shared a pitcher of Coors Light and some mozzarela sticks.  Then we got cozy and watched the rest of the football game!

Tour of Decatur was a lot of fun!  We tried things that we might not normally try and we checked out new restaurants.  I look forward to going back and having a real meal at Leon's & Parker's on Ponce!

What is a unique date that you have been on?  Do you enjoy trying new places and foods?

~Elizabeth