Dinner on the Beltline: Two Urban Licks

Two Urban Licks is a well-established modern American restaurant located right on the Atlanta Beltline. It was there before the Beltline ever existed, and I have a feeling it will be there long after. Its success is in huge part due to its talented executive chef, Michael Bertozzi.

Bertozzi and his team really know how to infuse flavor into every bite. Truly, there’s no bad dish on the menu at Two Urban Licks. Add in consistently good service, great drinks, and beautifully designed décor, and it’s no wonder this restaurant is one of Atlanta’s favorites.

WHY GO:
Because you want a fantastic meal, in a well-designed restaurant, in the hottest neighborhood in Atlanta – without the pretentiousness.

THE VIBE:
Modern and cool. The dining room of the restaurant is centered around an open kitchen with wood-fired ovens – literally, you can see the chef working his magic from almost every table in the room. Metal accents and artistic lighting line the walls of the interior, while outside, there’s a killer semi-covered patio.

The dining room at Two Urban Licks (c) Caren West PR

DRINK THIS:
The wine selection is excellent at Two Urban Licks. If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, try one of the restaurant’s house-made infusions (flavors change seasonally).

See those containers above the bar? They hold Two Urban Licks’ house-made infusions (c) Caren West PR

EAT THIS:
Start with the mussels, the artichoke, and the salmon chips. Especially the salmon chips. Two Urban Licks is known for their salmon chips: Giant, perfectly crispy potato chips topped with smoked salmon, capers, red onions, and chipotle cream cheese. This appetizer is savory and delicious and not at all fishy (in case you’re not the biggest seafood lover).

The salmon chips at Two Urban Licks (c) Caren West PR

Artichoke roasted in a wood-oven and served with black garlic aioli at Two Urban Licks (c) Anna Lanfreschi

Mussels at Two Urban Licks swimming in a tomato, cilantro, lime sauce (c) Anna Lanfreschi

For your main entrée, I would highly recommend the bronzino. This white fish is roasted and served skin-on, on top of pepita puree – a puree of pumpkin seeds that has fantastic texture and flavor. The entire dish is a touch experimental and goes well with a glass of viognier.

Bronzino at Two Urban Licks: Perfectly roasted and served over a bed of pepito puree (c) Anna Lanfreschi

If you prefer something a little more traditional, try the bronzed scallops. They’re served on a bed of gouda grits and are topped with a little bit of smoked tomato broth and some of the best pico de gallo I’ve ever had. Kind of like shrimp and grits, but with scallops – very tasty.

Bronzed scallops on top of gouda grits, topped with pico de gallo at Two Urban Licks (c) Anna Lanfreschi

If you still have room for dessert or a nightcap, see if you can finish up your meal on the patio outside. It’s a beautiful space: It’s all lit up at night, and since it’s right on the Beltline, it makes for some great people watching as you wrap up your evening.

The outdoor patio at Two Urban Licks, overlooking the Atlanta Beltline (c) Anna Lanfreschi

LOGISTICS:
Two Urban Licks is located at 820 Ralph McGill Boulevard, in Old Fourth Ward. Only valet parking is available for this restaurant, but it is complimentary. Keep driving past its sister restaurant, Bully Boy, to reach the valet.