Courtesy of Grana.

This story is from Side Dish, our weekly Thursday newsletter about Atlanta’s dining scene. Subscribe for free via the Newsletters tab at the top of this page.

Have you heard?

This week brought news of several restaurant and bar closures:

  • By Weight and Measure cocktail bar will close on Dec. 20 at the Collective food hall on West Peachtree in Midtown.
  • Torched Hops Brewpub will also close in Midtown after nine years, with its last service on New Year’s Eve.
  • Over on Howell Mill Road, Cultivate Food & Coffee will close after service on Dec. 22.
  • Longtime Buckhead bar The Ivy will close on Dec. 31 after 14 years, but plans to host one last ugly Christmas sweater dance party on Dec. 21.
  • The Crazy Cuban closed last week after 13 years on 14th Street in Home Park with owners Aldo and Janice Ramirez citing the end of the lease and decline in weekday office workers in Midtown as reasons for the closure.
  • In Chamblee, Moonbird Coffee closes at the end of the month after seven years on the first floor of Chamblee restaurant Southbound.
  • East Atlanta Village underground dance club and live music venue, The Basement, will close at the end of February, according to an announcement on social media. The club still plans to throw its annual New Year’s Eve party with @d.a.n.c.e.atlanta. Follow on social media for future updates.
  • And, lastly, Twin Peaks-themed Bookhouse Pub bid adieu to Ponce yesterday night after 16 years. 

Earlier this week, award-winning pastry chef Claudia Martinez announced her departure from Miller Union at the end of December after four years. Keep an eye on her Instagram for news on where she’s headed next. 

An eagle-eyed Rough Draft reader spied a construction permit at Olive and Pine in Avondale Estates for a new Japanese restaurant, Enzo Izakaya. The restaurant will join Leftie Lee’s, NiteOwl Kitchen & Cocktails, and listening lounge and wine bar Commune at the complex. 

Speaking of restaurant openings, the third location of Grana Italian restaurant from Chef Pat Pascarella opens today at the Southern Post complex in Roswell. 

Dips Kitchen has officially opened its first brick-and-mortar location in Krog Street Market. The fast-casual concept, which began as a mobile restaurant, is located between Gu’s Dumplings and Ju-C Bar. The menu features gourmet dips that can be transformed into meals, including options like Fried “Hot” Chicken and Low Country Shrimp Dip; dips can also be converted into sandwiches, wraps, or salads. 

Got a tip on a restaurant opening or closing or some other dining intel to share? Send those to me at beth@roughdraftatlanta.com. Your name will remain anonymous.

Quick Bites

Looking for dining or take-out options on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? Check out the list below:

  • SsamJang, the Korean BBQ restaurant in Cumberland Mall is open both Christmas Eve (until midnight) and Christmas Day. Features include table-side grilling, $10 craft cocktails, and combo platters.
  • Fayetteville’s Enzo Steakhouse is offering a Christmas Eve Feast of Seven Fishes crafted by Executive Chef Andrea Montobbio. The menu includes seafood specialties like orecchiette with clams and lobster gnocchi, plus non-seafood options like veal osso buco. Reserve your spot here.
  • The Beltline’s TWO urban licks is hosting Christmas Eve dinner from 5-9 p.m. Executive Chef Chad Clevenger will serve holiday specials alongside favorites like salmon chips, wood-fired rotisserie chicken, and smoked brisket. Secure your spot here.
  • Brasserie Margot, the new Parisian-inspired restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta, is hosting Christmas Day Brunch from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Features include a hot cocoa station, surprise gifts for children, and a visit from Santa. You can make your reservations here.
  • Tio Lucho’s on Highland Avenue is offering holiday to-go items through Dec. 23. Options include traditional pork tamales, salsa criolla kits, and a whole turkey special with sofrito gravy. For more information visit here.
  • Chastain and Clarkston locations of DBA Barbecue are offering holiday to-go meals through Dec. 22. Options include smoked ham or turkey, beef tenderloin, and Southern sides. 

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is bringing the Nutcracker to life with a new Sugar Plum Brittle Parfait, available exclusively at Atlanta locations for a limited time this holiday season. The festive treat features plum jam layered with Brown Butter Almond Brittle and Pistachio Macaron ice creams, topped with fresh whipped cream and pink white chocolate curls.

Nine Dot, an Atlanta-based cannabis-infused beverage brand, has launched their line of alcohol alternatives. Products include a tropical cooler, cannabis elixirs, and a high-potency tallboy – all available for purchase at select retailers or on the website. Follow on Instagram here for more updates.

The Pub @ EAV on Flat Shoals Ave SE is hosting its first Ugly Holiday Bash on Sat., Dec. 21, starting at 8 p.m. Expect an ugly sweater contest with cash prizes, specialty holiday cocktails, festive bites, guest DJ, and holiday karaoke. 

PS ATL, the luxury private terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, has unveiled a new Southern-inspired menu influenced by global flavors. Led by Chef de Cuisine Morgan Heller under Executive Chef Matt Roman, the selections aim to connect travelers with Atlanta’s culinary heritage while maintaining an airport experience that bypasses traditional terminal processes.

Beth McKibben serves as both Editor in Chief and Dining Editor for Rough Draft Atlanta. She was previously the editor of Eater Atlanta and has been covering food and drinks locally and nationally for over 14 years.

Julie E. Bloemeke is the newsletter producer and editor for Rough Draft Atlanta. She is also a freelance writer, editor, and award-winning poet.