Acclaimed restaurant Bocado Bar + Diner debuts at South End's Atherton Mill on Friday.
That Atlanta-based concept dishes up American cuisine that is seasonally driven and locally sourced — set in the culinary stylings and aesthetics of a diner. It will serve dinner and weekend brunch to start, with weekday lunch to follow.
Bocado will occupy a 2,700-square-foot space at Atherton Mill — formerly home to Big Ben Pub, which is relocating to Charlotte’s Elizabeth neighborhood.
Restaurateur Brian Lewis is behind that concept, which got its start in Atlanta’s Westside neighborhood in 2009.
“We're thrilled to finally be opening up at Atherton with our take on a neighborhood commonplace, where old friends and new visitors can make memories over good food and drink," Lewis says.
Executive chef Erik Perez Lujuan will lead the kitchen, dishing up a number of favorites as well as new offerings with a Southern American twist.
Expect offerings such as its Double Stack Burger — recognized by Forbes, Thrillist Atlanta and Eater Atlanta — and dishes like house-made pasta carbonara with smoke pork belly lardon. Starters include the watermelon salad or deviled eggs with pickled okra and shallots.
Raw oysters, a seafood tower and chilaquiles, and other rotating items will be part of the happy hour and late-night offerings.
Brunch fare will include the Fried Kibbeh — adapted from Lewis’ grandmother’s recipe — served with yolky eggs and field green salad; avocado toast with poached egg and pickled red onion; and French toast muffins with caviar cream and maple syrup.
Stephen Kuzminski has been tapped as beverage director. He's created elevated cocktails to complement the menu. There's also a curated selection of wine, with local beers on draft.
D.T. Hubbell Architects designed the space, which was constructed in 1919 as part of a larger manufacturing facility. It incorporates heavy drapes, leather furniture and large mirrors lining the walls that are offset by intentional pops of color and sparkling chandeliers.
The space has a light-hued bar top and lounge seating, along with an open kitchen.
In the evening, lighting will be dimmed as the space transforms into a late-night lounge. The patio will offer views of the Charlotte Rail Trail and feature a covered pergola, fans and fire pits for year-round use.