Empire State South<\/a><\/strong> is an institution that has long been on my list of places to visit in Atlanta.\u00a0 Chef Hugh Atcheson is involved with an old Athens favorite (Five & Ten), but alas, it’s rare that we ever stay over in our university town.\u00a0 However, our Airbnb<\/a> did happen to be located very near Empire State South, and after a last minute change in our weekend plans, I was more than happy to make a brunch reservation.\u00a0 While the restaurant wasn’t crowded at 11 AM, brunch was much needed after a late, but very fun night, at Ponce City Market<\/a> (a location well worth a visit if you’re even in the city).\u00a0 The exterior, a well-known bocce ball area set between two massive buildings, gives way to a covered outdoor eating area.\u00a0 The interior is spacious, filled with tall ceilings, dark wood, and a lived-in feel that sets guests at ease.<\/p>\n

Although alcoholic\u00a0drinks weren’t available (something about an outdated city rule where alcohol cannot be served before 12:30 PM on a Sunday,\u00a0quelle horreur<\/em>), given the number of adult beverages we consumed the day before, perhaps it was better for our livers to have a break for a few hours.\u00a0 However, should you arrive when drinks are served, stay confident knowing that many brunch classics are available.<\/p>\n

After a quick look at the menu, a number of items jumped off the list.\u00a0 While my heart said ‘fried chicken’ my waist said ‘scallops’ and really, I was happy with my decision.\u00a0 The Scallops,<\/i> USD$15, were served with corn, Padron peppers, chanterelle\u00a0mushrooms, and bacon.\u00a0 Altogether, the ingredients combined for a nearly perfect dish.\u00a0 Sweet, savory, umami, texture — yeah, they all showed up.\u00a0 Across the table, Hubs ordered the Fried Chicken<\/i>, USD$16, which came with a very generous portion of creamy, buttery grits (of which I kept reaching across the table for).\u00a0 Not only the grits, the chicken was placed on a homemade biscuit (I die) with bacon marmalade, fried egg, and pimento cheese.\u00a0 Be warned that the portion is relatively massive, and we weren’t able to finish it (even though I made a valiant effort).<\/p>\n

With a soundtrack straight out of 90s Athens, GA (and my youth), genuine service, and a relaxed ‘hang out as long as you want’ vibe, I’m only sorry we weren’t able to try more of the menu from Empire State South.<\/p>\n

Would I go back?\u00a0 Yes, definitely.<\/p>\n

Who is Empire State South best for?\u00a0 Those looking for a relaxed, but upscale (and delicious) take on Southern cuisine – breakfast, lunch, or dinner.<\/p>\n

Have you been to Empire State South?\u00a0 What was your favorite dish?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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