Single in the Social Scene

Between packing, moving, and work, there has been little to no time to go exploring around Atlanta. However, as this past weekend was my birthday, I did have the opportunity to check out Two Urban Licks. This place is awesome; it has it all: ambiance, great food, even a bocce ball court outside. Unique, beautiful, fun; even the bathrooms are worth writing home about. Here’s the breakdown:

• Classification: Upscale; trendy; unique
• Dress: Night out. Sundress for the girls, polos for the guys
• Smoking: Outside.
  There is a killer garden with both smoking and non-smoking sections.
• Parking: Valet.
  The place is in a weird spot (in warehouse district), so that’s a bonus. It’s complimentary, but you should tip them.
• Service: Awesome.
  Attentive, friendly staff. Very knowledgeable and confident.
• Food: Something for everyone.
  Whether you’re craving a “big ass burger” (yup, on the menu), or a low-country boil, they have it.
  Notable Foods: Holy crap, you guys, the food is amazing. They have fantastic ahi tuna and some of the best creamed corn you have ever put in your mouth. The portions are sharable and you will definitely want to!
  Suggestions: Brisket empanadas, carrot cake
  - The specials change daily, and are listed on the menu
  *’Vore Classification: Carnivore, mostly. Pescatarian friendly for sure. 
• Bar Selection: Limitless
  They make some of their own wine as well, but you really shouldn’t drink it, as it’s too strong (causes temporary blindness). However, their selection is not lacking outside of the home-made stuff.
  *Their sangria is awesome!
• Bartender: 9 to 5, mostly service bar.
• Price: $$
  Moderately priced food. Definitely doable. 
• Seating: One of the best parts of the restaurant!
  Two Urban Licks is called “the busiest restaurant in Atlanta”, but they are certainly accommodating. Inside and outside seating is available, and the booths are AWESOME! With cushy pillows for each guest, it is the most comfortable you will probably ever be in a restaurant.
• Events: Yes! Live music and more!
• Reservations: Yes, and you most likely need them. This is a very attractive and busy place to go! Info on their very informative website: twourbanlicks.com
• Money Saving Tricks: Summer Swag Coupons available through September 1, 2011
• Group vs. Solo: Group for sure. Any group. Take your friends, your boss, your parents; this place is so impressive!

Apologies for my absence!

Newest review is on Flip downtown. I will begin this review by saying this is a place you go for ambiance. The food is very trendy and unique, but is in no way comfort food. The TVs double as mirrors, and the booths are the same upside down as right-side up; this is definitely a fun place.

The breakdown:

• Classification: Upscale; trendy; burger bar
• Dress: Bar/club clothes. Jeans are fine… with some killer heels or that lady-catching button down.
• Smoking: Nope
• Parking: Kind of sucks. Limited spaces near the restaurant, and you will most likely end up parking across the street. Short walk.
  
• Service: Awesome.
  Very attentive, and knowledgeable of the menu.
  
• Food: Not your typical Sunday dinner.
  The food is good, but it’s out there. From bean sprouts on burgers to pomegranate ketchup, Flip offers a variety of trendy, interesting food. Don’t expect barbecue sauce and mashed potatoes.
  *Notable Foods: “Flip Burger” section of the menu. Turkey burgers, etc.
  - There are burgers of the day; the menu changes daily
  *’Vore Classification: Omnivore. Veggie friendly options alongside beef.
  
• Bar Selection: Limitless
  They have a full bar, so you get whatever you want.
  * Drink specials daily; Key Lime Martini for the evening
  * GREAT non-alcoholic options like their nitrus oxide milkshakes. (Krispy Kreme, Nutella & Burnt Marshmallow, Foie Gras… you can’t go wrong!)
• Bartender: 9 to 5
  *There are usually 2 working; they’re very attentive and very busy
  
• Price: $$
  Classy food makes for moderate to expensive prices
  
• Seating: Close, moderately spacious, and good patio
  
• Events: No
• Money Saving Tricks: Eeeevery now and then a newspaper will print a coupon, but other than that, it is what it is.
  Advice: Make friends with the manager. Bring famous people.
  
• Group v. Solo: Absolutely a great place to take a group for a fun night, be it a large group or just a few friends. You could rock the bar solo as well. Ladies, great for a girls’ night out.
  Most singles there are with other singles.
  
  Verdict: Great atmosphere; super fun. Worth it.
  
  
  
  

I’m starting to get some suggestions on where to review, which is awesome! If you have a place in mind you’d like me to check out, email me at: singleinthesocialscene@gmail.com

Thanks for the feedback!

Tonight I checked out The Gravity Pub in Atlanta. Total dive bar. If you are sensitive or allergic to smoke, I do not recommend this place, as everyone smokes (including the bartenders) and the very small space is clouded with cigarette smoke.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Classification: Hole in the Wall; dive bar; 21 and up
• Dress: The most casual of the casual. Preferably hipster-grunge.
• Smoking: Yes. (A lot)
• Parking: Fine. Shared with local stores. Parallel park if you dare.

• Service: Mediocre
  C’mon, it’s a bar, and my waitress was probably the only server, so what can you expect? The owner?, Ed, was very attentive. My waitress kind of disappeared…
  
  
• Food: Sub-par
  Again, we’re talking bar food, so it wasn’t spectacular. Everything tasted like smoke, due to the environment.
  * Notable foods - Phillie Cheese-steak, Vandross burger (on Krispy Kreme Donut) 
  * ‘Vore Classification - Omnivore to carnivore; some veggie options. Vegans: don’t even bother.
  
  
• Bar Selection: Typical. Again, dive bar.
  * Happy meal (Jager and beer bomb)
  * There were a couple of others; all made with beer. There are no cocktail specials, so don’t go looking for an “Anti-Gravity Grateful Dead” or anything.
• Bartender: 9 to 5.
  Yells expletives at the regulars. Not overly friendly. Marlboro Man.
  
  
• Price: $
  Everything’s on the cheap.
  
  
• Seating: Really small.
  There are 5 booths with large group-accommodating tables, and 5 high top tables. Maybe 7 stools at the bar.
  
  
• Events: Yup.
  Monday/Wednesday: Poker Night
  Tuesday: Team (Nerd) Trivia
  *Honestly, really cool and unique trivia, assuming those topics are your bag. Super heroes, cartoons, music, random history… and fun bonus rounds that include dancing and 3rd grade math.
  Thursday: Ladies’ Night (50% off)
  
• Money Saving Tricks: ScoutMob (scoutmob.com)
  Right now there is a ScoutMob coupon for 50% off your ticket, so iphone carriers benefit from that.
  
  
• Group v. Solo: On trivia nights, it is definitely more of a group setting, if you have a group of friends who likes that kind of trivia. Also, you have to get there early. Trivia starts at 8:30 but there is very limited seating. The booth/tables sit up to 14 people, but you have to snag one, and there are regulars.
  It may be fine during the week to test the waters as a single, but I’d recommend bringing someone with you…like, it’s kind of scary.
  

Verdict: Nothing to write home about

This week after a day of driving all over the Metro-Atlanta area, I decided to try Cans Taqueria, a little restaurant in Milton (GA).

Here’s the breakdown:

• Service: Awesome!
  My server’s name was Jason and he was knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. Not afraid to crack a joke, but doesn’t linger table-side.
  
  
• Food: Doggy-bag-worthy
  I had the California Quesadilla, which I highly recommend. Goat cheese, spinach, black beans, fresh guacamole, salsa, and sour cream on a spinach tortilla.
  * Notable foods - famous Fish Tacos, Verde Style Enchiladas
  * ‘Vore Classification - Omnivore; definitely some good pics for veggies, and plenty of meat so satiate those protein-packed appetites.
• Bar Selection: Limitless
  Authentic Mexico City style margaritas and a cocktail list worth revisiting
  * No drink specials posted
• Price: $$
  Pretty average Mexican-style restaurant pricing. Definitely worth it.
  
  
• Seating: Awesome patio, fairly spacious inside.
  
  
• Events: Drink & Dance Parties
  They hold these fairly regularly, and the information is listed on their website (canstaqueria.com) Fun place to mix and mingle, and meet some people, while enjoying libations and great food.
  
• Money Saving Tricks: Nothing listed
  
  
• Group v. Solo: Definitely a great place to fly solo, especially on the patio for a lunch break. Cans also has ample space and a great atmosphere for a fun and low-key hangout with a group of friends.

Verdict: Great Find!