Drunk food is an art—or at least it can be. The inebriate’s late-night nourishment does not have to consist of greasy McMystery meat and diabetes-inducing refreshments.
But before I praise the wealth of Atlanta’s finest boozy establishments, it is important to define what classifies as “drunk food.” Restaurants that qualify must have late weekend hours, prices that allow patrons to be fully satiated for under $15 and relatively fast service. Here are the top five:
Delia’s Chicken Sausage Stand
The ultimate mecca for quality organic drunk food, Delia’s Chicken Sausage Stand is supremely satisfying without being (too) shameful. Delia Champion, who also founded the popular Flying Biscuit Cafe, handcrafts all the chicken sausage with no preservatives, fillers or additives. Delia’s is located on Moreland Avenue, within walking distance of East Atlanta Village, making it an ideal location for inebriated patrons.
Menu highlight: Double D Sliders, which consist of chicken sausage patties in between a grilled Krispy Kreme donut and coated with strawberry cream cheese ($4.99)
Krispy Kreme donuts
Hands down, Krispy Kreme donuts are the jewel of the South. When the famed hot light glows red, every lucky customer is ensured the melt-in-your-mouth glazed euphoria of a fresh Krispy Kreme donut. Their Ponce De Leon Avenue location is particularly endearing, as it provides a short drive from the downtown, East Atlanta and Little Five neighborhoods. Their menu is, of course, limited to their selection of donuts and coffee, but no one should be purchasing anything from Krispy Kreme aside from donuts anyway.
Menu highlight: One assorted dozen ($8.63)
Ben’s Brown Bag
Ben’s Brown Bag, located between 10th and 11th streets, turns fast food on its head by proving that food can be all at once delicious, sustainable and quick enough for the plastered wanderer. Ben’s menu is limited to hamburgers, sloppy Joes and PB&Js;, but all the items are carefully and tastefully crafted. The potato chips are freshly sliced and pressure-fried to become the best-tasting chips in Atlanta.
Menu highlight: Cheeseburger with sour cream and onion potato chips ($7)
Woody’s Cheesesteaks
Woody’s Cheesesteaks has been a mainstay in Atlanta’s food scene since it opened in 1975. Thirty-three years later, Woody’s still provides some of the most tantalizing cheesesteaks in Atlanta. Located across the street from Piedmont Park (on the Monroe Drive side), Woody’s cuisine is hearty, the servings are generous and the staff is notoriously friendly. It closes at 4 a.m. on weekends, lining up perfectly with drunk witching hours. Woody’s also features local Atlanta treats such as King of Pops and Frozen Pints craft beer ice cream.
Menu highlight: Original cheesesteak ($6.50)
R. Thomas Deluxe Grill
“Let your food be your medicine,” R. Thomas’ website proclaims. James Russel Thomas’ cooking embodies this ethos by ensuring that every ingredient on his robust menu nourishes body and soul. His Deluxe Grill, open on Peachtree Street since 1985, sports the diversity of a diner with the eccentricity of an organic restaurant. The prices are a bit steep compared to most drunk food establishments, but the high-quality ingredients, the 24-hour dining and the extensive menu make up for the extra damage to your wallet.
Menu highlight: Sloppy Veggie Joe, Southwest chile tortilla stuffed with a spicy, tangy mix featuring R.’s homemade veggie burger; served with cinnamon sweet potatoes and red slaw ($12.50)
