5 Upgraded Football Foods for Your Team’s Next Game
Football season is now in full effect, the Falcons are (almost) undefeated and so are our cravings for foods covered in spicy buffalo sauce. To go with your pigskins and pints, here are just a few of our winning game day snacks from six restaurants, whether you’re tuning in or taking to go. No matter which team’s colors you’re wearing this season; these Atlanta Eats picks are sure to win big.
Red, White and Blue at Big Sky Buckhead
You may have seen Big Sky’s mountain lodge-like balcony overlooking Buckhead’s West Village skyline or the herds of co-eds heading there when the sun goes down, but don’t mistake their menu for lowly bar food. Let us bring your attention to his Red, White and Bleu sandwich. It may be part of your civic duty to enjoy the crispy buttermilk-ginger marinated chicken tenders, tossed in housemade buffalo sauce and topped with creamy bleu cheese crumbles and housemade buttermilk ranch on a warm Holeman and Finch bun. And there’s plenty of televisions amongst the skyline view too, so you won’t miss a play.
Meatball Sub from Johnny’s Pizza
You’ve probably already reached pizza quota for the season, so it’s time to change up your order. Johnny’s NY Pizza has an over-the-top meatball sub that you can’t find just anywhere in Atlanta! It’s oven toasted on a sub roll with homemade marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese and meatballs. The meatball sub is hearty and hits the spot for Italian! Get a side of marinara for dipping and you’re good to go for games all day long.
Buffalo Chicken Tacos at Taco Mac
Considering Taco Mac has been a regular hangout in most neighborhoods since the original opened in Virginia-Highland in 1979, we maybe have grown to take their buffalo wings for granted. You could go for their time-honored wings, or you could try the Buffalo Chicken Tacos: hand-breaded tenders tossed in T. MAC wing sauce, shredded romaine, blue cheese crumbles, celery and house-made ranch dressing. It may be slightly less messy, but that doesn’t mean we’re held responsible if you dribble extra ranch all over you’re Matt Ryan jersey.
Guaco Joe’s Buffalo Chicken Cheese Dip
Just want something to snack on during the big game? Here’s one you don’t see on too many menus: buffalo chicken dip meets queso in a bowl of melted cheesy goodness at Guaco Joe’s, a Mexican grill and tequila bar in the heart of Vinings. Of course, with guacamole, chips, tamales and so much more on the menu, “just a snack” may only last through the first quarter. Is your team going into overtime? Luckily, so does the kitchen staff here. The late night menu is not low on options, but is good for low budget spenders with $2 tacos served after 10 p.m!
It’s no secret that some of the tasty fried chicken in town is made at the local grocery store. Now they’re serving it in a whole new way: on the Atlanta Falcons sub. You won’t find this limited-edition combination of maple-flavored chicken tenders, peach preserves, sriracha mayonnaise and bacon on your choice of sub roll anywhere else. Go for the extra point with your friends and bring a deli platter to the next tailgate or basement viewing party. Even if you don’t cheer for the Falcons, Publix will still let you eat one – but keep your voice down.
Dirty Bird at STATS
Didn’t get tickets to this weekend’s game at the Georgia Dome? Watch the game about half a mile away on one of the countless TVs at STATS. Simply put, this place is serious about sports. If you gobbled up the sriracha mayo on your Pub Sub, you will be pleased to know they slather it on their sandwich also named for the hometown team – the Dirty Bird. Enjoy their take on crispy chicken and vinegar slaw, also served with your choice of French or sweet potato fries, smashed potatoes, mac-n-cheese, vegetable of the day or chilled orzo salad. Oh, and we hear STATs is also one of the only bars in the country with a beer tap system that lets you pour your own beer, no server or bartender needed. Cheers to making it to playoffs!
Tune in to Atlanta Eats every Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. on Peachtree TV for more helpings of the city’s foodie side.
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