Neighborhood Dining Guide to Poncey-Highland
There’s tons of neighborhoods nestled all throughout Atlanta, and Poncey-Highland is one of our favorites for all things charm and good food. This neighborhood is located just south of Virginia Highland and it’s pretty small, but it’s mighty! They’ve got everything that you need out of a cozy Atlanta neighborhood. Use this guide to find some of the best eats around Poncey-Highland, listed in no particular order.
1. Southern Belle
1043 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Southern Belle is taking things up a notch. They’re serving up southern inspired dishes that all have a unique culinary twist. They’ll tell you the best way to enjoy your dining experience is to order multiple menu items and share with the table. You are going to love the locally sourced, seasonal options here like the Georgia wagyu beef tartare, chips, dip and caviar, caramelized onion grit cake, blue crab beignets and more! They also have a stellar bar program so be sure to indulge in their cocktail menu. Want more? Try Georgia Boy, their Michelin Guide-recommended, multi-course, multi-sensory chef’s table experience. It is located in the private dining room behind Southern Belle.
2. Sweet Auburn BBQ
656 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306
We love everything that’s going on here at Sweet Auburn. Run by sibling duo, Anita and Howard Hsu, they blend their Asian roots with traditional BBQ which makes for some exceptional food. Start off with the brisket egg rolls or the pimento cheese wontons, and for the main course either a plate or sandwich. The options are endless from the Chinese rib plate and smoked chicken curry to the classic BBQ sandwich wagyu brisket burger. If you really can’t decide what to get because everything sounds so good, go for the BBQ Omakase option! This comes with the pimento cheese wontons, smoked brisket egg rolls, pulled pork, chopped brisket, ½ rack of baby backs, 6 wutang wings, texas toast and your choice of three sides. Yeah, they did that.
3. Tio Lucho’s
675 North Highland Avenue Northeast Suite 6000, Atlanta, GA 30306
Tio Lucho’s is serving up Peruvian masterpieces! Between the gorgeous interior and the flavor they’re creating from the cocktails to the food, you might actually feel transported to the coast of Peru. There’s always something fun going on here like happy hours, Wine Wednesday and Sunday brunch. Enjoy dishes from crudos to oysters and larger plates like the Pollo a la Brasa and Fried Catfish a lo Macho. Every dish is packed with flavor, you are sure to enjoy anything you order.
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4. Indaco
725 Ponce De Leon Ave NE Suite 250, Atlanta, GA 30306
This modern Italian restaurant right on the Beltline is always a go-to for delicious food in a beautiful and cozy environment. Their rooftop is everything so on nice days, be sure to book a reservation so you can take advantage of sitting outside with the lovely Beltline views. The menu is perfect with starters like focaccia, polpette and burrata. They have plenty of pizza and pasta options and we recommend getting a few dishes to split family style among the table. You definitely cannot skip out on dessert here. The tiramisu, olive oil cake and zeppole are chef’s kiss.
5. Fishmonger
674 North Highland Avenue Northeast Suite A, Atlanta, GA 30306
We love this Bib Gourmand restaurant for all things fresh and delicious seafood. Know that there’s not much seating inside, it’s more of a communal standing area, but when it’s nice out they do have tables outside. They have specials nearly every single day so you can try something different every time you come, but you can expect delicious sandwiches like the blacked grouper or hot fish sandwich, along with peel and eat shrimp, tuna melts and soups. If you’re a seafood person, you gotta try Fishmonger out.
6. Two Urban Licks
820 Ralph McGill Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Two Urban Licks focuses on wood-fired cuisine in a fun, industrial type space. It’s right on the Beltline so it has great views and there’s tons of things you could do before or after dinner. You have to start your evening off here with a glass of wine or a cocktail, the bar program is terrific. When it comes to food, start with options like salmon chips, salt and pepper calamari, empanadas and smoked pork belly lettuce wraps. The star of the show is the entree and you can choose between dishes like seared duck breast, blackened salmon, smoked brisket and more mouth watering options. End the night with something sweet, or another cocktail. Who’s counting?
7. Majestic Diner
1031 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Everyone loves a good diner, especially one that’s been around for decades. Nearly 10 decades to be exact! They’re open every single day from 7:30AM till 2:30PM so you can always plan on stopping in for a delicious and filling breakfast or lunch. They’ve got all the classics from breakfast sandwiches, pancakes and omelets to burgers, salads and sandwiches. The Blue Plates are always popular and probably the most bang for your buck with an entree, salad, fries and Texas toast for around 20 dollars.
8. Bully Boy
828 Ralph McGill Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
We can’t get enough of Bully Boy, from the beautiful interior to the wide range of menu options. This spot is located right next to Two Urban Licks on the Beltline and is a great place to go for all things sushi and fresh seafood. They have over 15 sushi offerings from nigiri to poke bowls and salmon crunch rolls. It will not be difficult to find something you love on this menu. They also have all kinds of wonderful appetizers, oysters and entrees if you’re not in the mood for sushi. Be sure to try some of their hand crafted cocktails, they are perfection.
9. Manuel’s Tavern
602 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30307
This has been a classic neighborhood bar for years and we are more than alright with that. There’s plenty of seats, the food and beer are great and it’s just always a fun time here. Whether you’re coming in to watch a game or you’re just craving some good, hot wings and a glass of beer, they’ve got you covered.
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10. New Realm
550 Somerset Terrace NE #101, Atlanta, GA 30306
New Realm is one of our favorite breweries in town because it’s on the Beltline, has plenty of seating inside and outside, and has a great view of the city. There’s always something fun going on here like trivia or live music, and the food and brews are just delicious. You can’t beat their roasted turkey sandwich or the hand pressed grilled cheese, and they also have great pizza, burgers, apps and more. Pair your meal with one of their many beers on tap from IPA’s to pilsners and sours.
