The Porter Beer Bar

We are in a hotel room in Atlanta. When one speaks about Atlanta, the conversation always goes to the traffic. It is horrific. Our first time here three years ago, we were driving from Savannah heading west. The plan was to avoid Atlanta like the plague. We didn't want to deal with the traffic. William told us that we HAD to go to Atlanta because Gladys Knight's Chicken and Waffles were the best in the country. He had tried them all. So, to Atlanta we went. We had a ball, enjoyed the chicken and waffles, CNN and the Olympic Park. But, William's girlfriend at that time told us about The Porter Beer Bar saying it was one of her most favorite places in the country. Well, we had to go. It was small. We sat at the bar with a few people, met and chatted with the owner and Michael had some Pappy Van Winkle bourbon. The menu was very sophisticated for such a tiny place in an iffy area. William was on tour just a week behind us and also ate there for the first time. Every time he in Atlanta, he stops by for the shrimp and grits.

Times have changed. Fast forwarding three years, it has been on an Anthony Bourdain show, nominated for a James Beard award - twice, and it was packed. When Michael asked the waitress if they had some Pappy, the manager came over for a chat. We told him the story from 3 years earlier and he suggested another special bourbon for Michael to try. It was perfect. Then, he told us to follow him to see something else new since we had been there. We were taken into a very cool new space for special tastings or parties, which can seat about 25 people. After Michael's dinner of shrimp and grits and half of my sauerkraut and brats, the manager brought over a free dessert. So nice. We looked at the bill and he had also given us a 20% discount for being such good customers!

But the traffic. It was horrible but only for about 3 miles. Three very long miles. We hope to get out of here a bit earlier than usual tomorrow morning to avoid the worst of it. But, we will be back, dear Atlanta. If you are ever in Atlanta, you must try The Porter Beer Bar.