When it comes to the makings of a great local eatery, you can’t go wrong with comfort food, great atmosphere, and craft cocktails. Lots of local taverns in Atlanta can do that, but only a few can also make those delicious dishes healthy (and yes, still delicious).

Hobnob Neighborhood Tavern’s Brookhaven location has a new chef, and he’s expertly mixing up your childhood favorites. The menu is full of items like mac and cheese (as an entree!) and fried chicken, but also features a range of fantastic salads and healthy small plates.

WHY GO:
Because Hobnob is the perfect neighborhood spot, especially if your neighborhood is Brookhaven.

THE VIBE:
Friendly, welcoming, easy-going. Great bar (with games you can play while you drink or wait for your table), and a great outdoor patio.

DRINK THIS:
The blood orange gin and tonic. Such a fantastic drink, even if you don’t like gin and tonic. Not too sweet, but very flavorful, and crafted with house-made syrup (see the first photo in this blog).

EAT THIS:
I’m a big fan of sampling several appetizers to really get to know the menu. Some of my favorites from Hobnob’s Start. Snack. Share. section are the seared scallops and the braised short rib tacos.

The scallops are are served with an avocado salsa that is to die for, and the tacos come in either a two or a three count, so you can share them with your table or keep them for yourself as your main entree.

If you’re looking for a heartier meal, check out the drunken fish and chips, pot roast, or pecan crusted trout from the Tavern Specialties section.

And the roasted cauliflower is definitely not to be missed, whether you’re vegetarian or not. This spicy, savory dish is versatile and can be used as a side for the table to share (it’s a generous portion) or as your main meal (you can add protein, like chicken or fish, if you’d like to).

LOGISTICS:
Hobnob is located inside the Town Brookhaven shopping complex, and there is plenty of parking nearby. This neighborhood tavern is open for dinner seven nights a week, for lunch Monday through Friday, and for brunch on the weekend (which is amazing!).

The restaurant also has lots of weekly specials, like Monday night date night, where you can get a 3-course dinner for two for $25.