When multiple foodie friends keep telling you about a new restaurant, that’s a strong signal it’s time to pay a visit.
The aforementioned hotspot is Ba Bellies, an Asian gastropub just a short trip from the heart of Buford Highway’s main drag (Sweet Hut, Food Terminal, etc).
Ba Bellies is lofty and spacious, the walls dotted with food-related quips and video-game-inspired artwork. Plentiful indoor seating, combined with a roomy outdoor patio (dubbed the “Beer Balcony”), make for an open, inviting spot to work your way through the Asian-American fusion menu.
A few highlights that deserve special mention:
Cocktail – Wario Blast
Pea flower tea, fresh lemonade, citron vodka – Served layered on the rocks
Bright, colorful, and just a bit sweet, this layered cocktail is perfect for Instagram moments.
Appetizer – BB Pork Baos
Heritage pork, gochujang sauce, pickled shallots cilantro, scallion, honey butter glaze
Branded with the signature BB on each delicate bao, these buns come in groups of 2, just right for pre-meal snacking.
Entree – Bacon Fried Rice
Smoked heritage bacon oil, farm egg, lardons, leeks, cilantro, fried garlic, fried shallot – small add-on for chicken, shrimp, or tofu
Assertive smokiness punctuates this savory rice bowl; bacon oil provides just the right moisture to make perfect leftovers immune to the dryness of reheating.
Entree – Chicken & Waffles
Buttermilk brined chicken, bb’s signature brown butter waffle, served with vermont maple syrup
A stunning plate that rivals even the most longstanding Atlanta iterations of the dish. A perfectly light, airy waffle is topped with sugary- sweet butter and crispy fried chicken. The waffle batter is prepared in house, taking no less than a whopping 24 hours. A true stunner.
Other Ba Bellies notables:
Geek Trivia is hosted each Tuesday from 7:30 to 10 pm (stay updated here)
Parking is plentiful and free.
Thank you to Ba Bellies for hosting me – all opinions are my own.