While many of us ITP-ers often scoff at anything “suburban” outside of the Perimeter or Atlanta proper, I’ve come to learn that indeed there is life outside of 285. In my next few posts, I hope to uncover the mystery behind a few OTP hotspots that may give us a city folks a reason to venture out.
Working in the Roswell/Alpharetta area for 3 years has taught me a thing or two about lunch spots. Being the foodie I am, my list of almost 50 restaurants to try in the 10-mile vicinity has expanded each year. Most notably, here are a few gems that I’ve found over the years thanks to some daring and hungry co-workers.
If you’re in the mood for authentic Latin cuisine and something spicy, head to the quaint area of historic downtown Roswell to sample Street Food INC, a perfect example of why OTP should be a stop on Atlanta’s food map. The establishment prides itself on bringing Latin American street food to its customers in a more casual restaurant setting. The menu varies from small, snack-y type plates to tacos and full entrees - perfect for any appetite. Highlights that I’ve enjoyed include sweet potato tamales, pork tacos to die for (of course, served on homemade corn torillas) and the bacon-wrapped Sonoran hot dog. Don’t forget an infused water, horchata or their countless margaritas and cocktails to wash it all down. Overall, a fantastic place for lunch, happy hours and even special birthday celebrations for favorite ITP-ers.
For those who crave all that is BBQ, it’s a toss up for me between Smokejack in Alpharetta and Swallow at the Hollow in Roswell. Both offer all around, stick to your bones barbeque in atmospheres great for drinking a beer slowly on a Friday afternoon. A few standout dishes take the cake at these joints. At Smokejack, their fried pickles are some of the best I’ve ever had. Plus, who can’t love a restaurant that has a “Que”-bano sandwich with enough fresh pulled pork to slap yo mamma? At Swallow, it may sound strange but you need to try their vegetarian sandwich. Imagine smoked portobello mushrooms with all the juices and flavors from their grill plus fried green tomatoes and smoked gouda on top of Texas toast. Hello, heaven.
Finally, two Mediterranean standbys to add to your list. First, Cafe Efendi in Alpharetta takes eclectic, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine to the next level. All the dishes I’ve had there have been tasty - from the gyros to falafel to hummus and of course, my favorite, fried eggplant starter. Plus, they do have a lunch buffet if you’re in the sampling mood and are opening up a bigger location soon. My other more fast-food style favorite is Jerusalem Bakery off Milton Parkway in Alpharetta. Don’t let the name or strip mall location fool you - this spot not only has a fully stocked store of imported goods onsite but may also have the best gyro, hummus and falafel in town. What I like about Jerusalem Bakery is that you can custom order your sandwich (extra spicy? pickled veggies?) with fresh pita - this will definitely last you through dinner. Don’t forget to sample their baklava as a sweet treat to top off your meal.
More OTP highlights to come as the exploration continues but never fear, we’re coming to everyone’s neck of the woods soon enough.
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