Atlanta: Buckhead Diner

This is a great spot in the Buckhead neighborhood, just off of one of the many streets that bear the name "Peachtree something" . . . how did that happen? The place is silver and seems to glow at night in a welcoming way. Drive up to the valet and head through the doors into a wood lined, clubby feeling space with a great bar, mostly cool waiters and great food. All of the diner standards are here in updated versions, they are justly famous for the meatloaf, with some interesting variations as well.

On a recent visit there was a new twist, a 3-course prix fix menu for $29 that has some excellent options and sounded great. So I went for it and was very impressed with its New Orleans themed offerings. The first course was an excellent sausage and chicken gumbo, flavorful with the right amount of heat and well rounded spicy notes. The second course, corn and lobster fritters, was less successful. They had a somewhat gummy texture, but the flavor was good and the accompanying sauce was well prepared. The highlight was the entree, a roasted chicken breast with an amazing vegetable sauce that had, again, great spices and good heat. I ate it all happily.

This is a quintessential American diner experience, in an upscale kind of way, with familiar food prepared well. It is reminiscent of Fog City Diner in San Francisco, but without the staff attitude. My only real complaint here is that sometimes the service is a little lax . . . long waits to take orders, no water, time between courses . . . but that is not the usual and seems to be more related to individuals than to the restaurant as a whole. I try to make it to BD at least once each time I'm in Atlanta; the bar is a good place to eat if you're alone and for lunch or dinner this is a perfect place to take clients or colleagues.

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE