What a surprise behind a rather nondescript façade in a relatively uninhabited part of Piedmont Avenue, this opens to reveal exposed brick walls, stained concrete floors, and long gleaming wood bar, exotic cocktail opportunities, and two distinct dining areas. The first and most coveted is the lounge dining area complete with built in chaises/beds. The dining is done on small plates from trays, tapas style. Black and white movies featuring all black casts are projected on one blank wall, lighting is subtle, artistic, and romantic. It has a very mysterious quality with Victorian Gothic overtones.
The menu is intriguing with a trio of deviled eggs incorporating shrimp, bacon, and traditional style, hoppin john is a festive favorite, chicken and waffles is a surprise on a dinner mennu, lobster macaroni and cheese was very tasty, salmon croquettes are a best seller. All showcase an entertaining mix of down home Southern cooking and global influences including Moroccan style mussels and Piri Piri style pork. The portions are well sized for sharing and exploring the creative culinary talents proffered.
The second dining area is more traditional bistro style with wood tables and chairs, seemingly designed for the lounge areas overflow. Without a reservation you won’t get a seat in the Rare main room, but can linger at the bar and enjoy the people scene.
Rare
554 Piedmont Avenue
Atlanta, GA
404-541-0665
