Sometimes, eating out isn’t about dressing up, going on a date, celebrating an experience you normally wouldn’t empty your wallet for; sometimes, eating out is just about going out after a long day and enjoying a burger and booze. I love destination dining, but there is something to be said about exploring what exists in your own backyard.
My girlfriend lives in Marietta near the 120 loop, and about two stop lights and one turn around the corner sits a little joint that we had talked about dining at for the past 9 months. Of course, the fact that it took us 9 months to eat at place that is literally a stone’s throw from her apartment puts a little shame in my step, but sometimes it’s better late than never for such things. Hoof & Ale, described as a place “Where Craft Food Meets Craft Beer,” sounds like some offshoot of an Englishman’s favorite pastime, yet it might just be the best neighborhood tavern in Marietta and the surrounding area.
The Board
Situated in a Kroger shopping center, Hoof & Ale sits off in a corner, secluded from unoriginality and the day-to-day drummings of the rest of the world. The minute you step through the door, the first thing you notice is the giant chalk board on the wall that connects from the front of the restaurant all the way up to the bar. In brightly colored chalk, all of the craft beers available on draft and in bottle are listed based on style, as well as the food specials of the day. The bar looks in on the kitchen, which has enough space for around a half-dozen people or so. The entire restaurant has enough space for probably 30-35 patrons, which definitely works for the local feel of the space. It’s a nice setup that makes this place comfortable and personable. Continue reading
Eat.Cook.ATL 