Oral Pleasures
This election year has brought up some fascinating food-related biases in America. Who knew that a candidate's healthy eating practices could be a detriment in some people's eyes? Or that someone's preferred salad green could mark him as elitist? (See below for our Best of Atlanta exit-poll respondents' social-status-representing salad greens of choice) Thankfully, quality was a campaign booster for Atlanta's restaurants. 2008 has been a banner year for new restaurants, better restaurant trends and better food all around. For the first time this year, Creative Loafing has named a Restaurant of the Year, a development we find exciting. And as always, we've scoured the city to find Atlanta's absolute best eats. We offer our congratulations to the victoriously delicious candidates.
– Besha Rodell
Best Barbecue BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Bar Food BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Best-Looking Waitstaff BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Breakfast BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Cheap Eats BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Chinese BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Cocktails BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Coffee BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Cookies BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Cuban BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Cupcakes BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Desserts BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Ethiopian BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best French BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Ice Cream BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Indian BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Italian BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Japanese BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Korean BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Locally Brewed Beer BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Mexican BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Middle Eastern BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Patio Dining BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Pizza BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Restaurant For A First Date BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Restaurant For Late-Night Dining BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Restaurant To Bring The Kids BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Restaurant Trend BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Restaurant Worth The Long Trip BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Sandwiches BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Soul Food and Best Fried Chicken BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Southern BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Spanish BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Steaks BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Sunday Brunch BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Sushi BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Tacos BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Thai BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Vegetarian BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Veggie Burgers BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Veggie burgers are like decaffeinated coffee, nonalcoholic beer and Paul McCartney's music since the Beatles – even when you're enjoying them, it's hard not to feel like you're settling for second-best. The veggie burgers at BURGER JOE'S live with the same handicap that all veggie burgers do: They're not meat. But that's overcome here with burgers that are every bit as juicy and sloppy as their meaty counterparts. We couldn't find the nutritional info, but the taste and the grease stains on our napkins hint that a Burger Joe's veggie burger topped with blue cheese, mushrooms, mayo and ketchup is as caloric and indulgent as a ground-beef burger. It certainly doesn't taste any less so.
Multiple metro-Atlanta area locations
Best Veggie Meal at a Nonvegetarian Restaurant BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Vietnamese BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Waitstaff BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Wine Bar BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Wine List BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
DARK HORSE: Best Restaurant of the Year BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
FAVORITE SON: Best Overall Restaurant BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Soul Food and Best Fried Chicken BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Coffeehouse BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Appetizers BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Bakery BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Barbecue BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Bar Food BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Beer Selection BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Biscuits BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Breakfast BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Brew Pub BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Brunch BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Buffet BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Cajun BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Cajun BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Caribbean BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Cheap Eats BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Chef BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Chinese BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Coffee BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Coffeehouse BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Cookies BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Cuban BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Cupcakes BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Deli BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Desserts BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Dim Sum BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Ethiopian BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best French BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Fried Chicken BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Grits BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Hamburger BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Ice Cream BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Independent Clothing Designer BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Indian BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Italian BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Japanese BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Korean BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Locally Brewed Beer BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best-Looking Waitstaff BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Mexican BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Middle Eastern BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best New Restaurant BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ddanzig/2691516030/
Editor's note: Richard Blais was chef at Home Restaurant and Bar at the time of voting. He has since left the restaurant.
Best Overall Restaurant BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Patio Dining BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Pizza BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Restaurant For a First Date BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Restaurant for Late-Night Dining BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Restaurant to Bring the Kids BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Restaurant to Take Visitors BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Restaurant to Take Visitors BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Restaurant When Someone Else is Paying BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Restaurant Worth the Long Trip BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Appetizers BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Bakery BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Barbecue BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Barbecue BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Bar Food BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Bar Food BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Beer Selection BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Best-Looking Waitstaff BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Biscuits BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Breakfast BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Breakfast BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Brew Pub BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Brunch BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Buffet BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Cajun BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Cajun BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Caribbean BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Cheap Eats BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Cheap Eats BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Chef BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Chinese BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Chinese BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Cocktails BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Coffee BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Coffee BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Coffeehouse BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Cookies BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Cookies BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Cuban BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Cuban BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Cupcakes BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Cupcakes BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Deli BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Desserts BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Desserts BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Dim Sum BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Ethiopian BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Ethiopian BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best French BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best French BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Fried Chicken BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Grits BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Hamburger BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Ice Cream BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Ice Cream BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Independent Clothing Designer BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Indian BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Indian BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Best Italian BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Best Italian BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick