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Slurp and sample small plates at Seabear Oyster Bar.
(Photo: Courtesy of Seabear Oyster Bar) |
Belly up to the ceramic and reclaimed-wood bar at Seabear Oyster Bar, a welcoming, recently opened small-plates spot whose trio of owners all once worked with Athens culinary star Hugh Acheson. Order up playful marine-oriented dishes like horseradish-marinated green beans with trout roe ($8) and scallion pancakes studded with sweet rock crab ($10), and be sure to sample the rotating selection of oysters, like big, full-flavored Sewansecotts from Virginia ($1.50 each from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and after 10 p.m.). Try one of the eight varieties of absinthe on offer, served authentically with a water drip over a sugar cube in a spoon; in warmer temperatures, there's a kicky homemade fish-house punch made with cognac, peach brandy, and green tea.
Indulge carnivorous cravings at the Branded Butcher, which sources ingredients from a slew of hyperlocal farms and meat producers. Charcuterie-centric plates reflect southern influences�think fried pig ears ($5), housemade hot dog mac 'n' cheese ($8), and pork-belly confit with deviled egg purée ($12). If you’ve got room, dig into heartier dishes like filet seared with moonshine ($38) or a pork chop with red-mule grits and cranberry mostarda ($28).
Mingle with fellow foodies at Hi-Lo Lounge. Though it just opened in November 2013, this restaurant is already a Normaltown favorite for its funky (and surprisingly affordable) takes on comfort food, like five varieties of Cincinnati-style chili, spiced with cinnamon, allspice, and chocolate (from $5), gussied-up hot dogs (try the Chow Hound, a southern take with chow-chow, pickled onions, and green tomatoes, $4), and a vegan-friendly sandwich selection including an oyster-mushroom po’boy ($8).