In January I posted a restaurant to-do list and thought it might be a good time to see how I did!

Checked Off The List

Empire State South - I love ordering their pimento cheese with bacon marmalade as a starter and their specials are always tempting. Delish southern food and a great place to meet friends for a drink. Free/validated parking helps too!

Super Pan Latino Sandwich Shop - I happened upon this one late in the year and definitely need to go back for more! Love that we have such great chefs like Hector Santiago here in ATL!

Antico - One of Atlanta’s best pizza spots by far! I love hanging out in the back room and watching the guys fire up the stove and toss the pizza. It’s like a slice of Italy in the middle of Midtown.

H. Harper Station - For those into the mixologist scene looking for great drinks, look no further! Great bar and tasty southern bites. Get a crew and share the small plates, you won’t go home hungry!

Spice Market - I ate so much food at this restaurant, located in the W Midtown, that it was a blur! I remember it being amazingly tasty and with free valet and walking distance to the High and Alliance, how can you go wrong?

George’s -Reportedly one of the best burgers in ATL, this hole in the wall eatery is in the heart of VaHi and worth the trip! Great spot to hit after a night of live music and drinking. Really delish burger!

4th and Swift - Finally made it to Jay Swift’s spot off North Ave for Midtown Restaurant Week and had an amazing meal. We sat at the table next to the kitchen - only a wall of plexiglass separating us and the chef himself! Order the Sticky Toffee Pudding and you will swear you are in heaven.

Grindhouse Killer Burgers - Was glad to finally make it down to the Sweet Auburn Curb Market, the original location of Grindhouse. Sitting at the counter with friends, enjoying a burger, what a fun experience. I was excited when they opened a new Buckhead location this year - now double Grindhouse opps! Really great burger, sides and shakes (boozy and otherwise). 

Holeman & Finch - Finally made it down to famous H&F for brunch with a great crew and had their famous 10 o’clock burger. Tip - whether you are going on a Sunday or during the week at 10pm- get their early, there will be a line and very limited seating. Dining at night? Ask for some of their bacon caramel corn to munch on - seriously delish! Definitely a great burger, one of the best in ATL. Also loved their banana bread to start…fantastic bar for you drinkers out there - but also limited room.

The Ones That Got Away

Park’s Edge, Sotto Sotto, R. Thomas Deluxe Grill, Woodfire Grill, Varasano’s Pizza, The Sound Table, Bistro Niko, Social, Ann’s Snack Bar

Since I made my list, we’ve had some great new restaurants open in ATL and I have the feeling my to-do list for 2012 will be even longer.

I hope you all had a great holiday and all the best to you in 2012!