Banshee

"A place named after a wailing female spirit doesn’t exactly “scream” romance. But innovative dishes, snazzy lighting, and dark blue velvet draperies that divide the dining area make Banshee the most upscale place in EAV. And menu items like the sweet potato agnolotti with tender lamb will make you forget you're in the super casual neighborhood. It all works if you’re planning a pull-out-all-the-stops date on that side of town. If their fry bread with pepperoni butter doesn’t make your date swoon, then they are most definitely not the one." - nina reeder, juli horsford, jacinta howard

"This restaurant's New American menu takes seasonal ingredients on wild rides. Sweet potatoes moonlight as an agnolotti pasta doused in a rich lamb sugo. A pineapple tepache glaze cools off spicy grilled lamb skewers. And their menu standards show out too—their signature fry bread (order this, no exceptions) is served with a smoky pepperoni butter that comes in to-go pints because it demands a spot in your fridge. Banshee’s elevated food—along with their velvet-curtained dining room—is a stand out in the super casual East Atlanta Village neighborhood. But that EAV edge does sneak in after 10pm on weekends when a DJ and rotating pop-ups turn the back patio into a rowdy party." - nina reeder, jacinta howard, juli horsford

"In a neighborhood chock-full of casual dinner choices, Banshee stands out like Mariah Carey at a water park. It's a clear favorite for a special date night or celebration meal, and we’re not just saying that because of their appropriately hyped pepperoni butter. (Although we do love it and have a few tubs of the takeout pints in our fridge at all times.) We say it because Banshee consistently impresses with big flavors, seasonal ingredients that go on wild rides, and an upscale but unstuffy atmosphere that keeps the signature East Atlanta Village edge. photo credit: Amy Sinclair A mixed-century collection of light fixtures and dark blue velvety drapes that divide the dining area from the bird-wallpapered bar would certainly make a compelling backstory if the designer had some cohesive theme in mind. It all signals a sense of lighthearted fun, but none of that would matter without the outstanding food. The rotating New American menu shows off dishes like the perfectly cooked New York strip in a pool of sweet caramel onion sauce or the grilled lamb skewers that flash some spicy heat while a strong pineapple tepache glaze cools things off. If the pepperoni butter and easygoing atmosphere aren’t enough to lure you here for dinner, come for late night. Banshee keeps the party going after 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays, with a DJ and a rotating pop-up on the back patio serving late night food. After a few rounds of heavy-handed drinks and bopping around to clubby beats, it may be hard to bring things into focus, but the cherished duality of this place becomes clear. Food Rundown photo credit: Amy Sinclair Fry Bread With Pepperoni Butter Once again, please get this bread appetizer. It’s the one unmissable dish, which is convenient because it never leaves the menu. It’s lighter and fluffier than naan, and you should slather it with the salty, smoky pepperoni butter that should have its on fan club and verified social media account. Grilled Asparagus The thick asparagus is about what you’d expect, but the flecks of wood ear mushrooms with a pastrami spice makes it hearty. The real selling point here is the little bits of pickled asparagus throughout the dish. It’s like hide-and-seek with a delicious reward. Seared Halibut The halibut is well-cooked—flaky on the inside with a nice crispy exterior. But the standout part of the dish is the creamed peas mixed with little doughy pisarei e faso. A creamy yuzu hollandaise on the side makes everything taste tangy and fresh. photo credit: Amy Sinclair New York Strip Tender pieces of strip steak piled in a neat row on top of a pool of sweet caramel onion sauce. It’s just a good steak, OK? Lamb Skewers Little hunks of lamb and pineapple are sprinkled with crushed red pepper and bathed in a tepache glaze. Sweet and spicy perfection. photo credit: Amy Sinclair photo credit: Amy Sinclair photo credit: Amy Sinclair" - Juli Horsford

"Peter Chvala, chef Nolan Wynn, and Faielle Stocco worked together for years in Ford Fry restaurants in Atlanta, while Katie McDonald was a manager at Wrecking Bar Brewpub in Little Five Points. The longtime friends all live in and around East Atlanta Village (EAV) and appreciate the neighborhood’s quirky vibe and penchant for late nights. Their restaurant, Banshee, has become a dining destination for EAV residents and visitors to the neighborhood seeking dishes with nods to the seasons and cleverly crafted cocktails. Try perennial favorites such as the Stately Hag made with tequila, Strega, Cocchi Americano, lemon, and thyme, and the Humo y Flores made with mezcal, tequila, grapefruit bitters, orange blossom water, lime, and grapefruit. The wine list is great, too." - Beth McKibben, Henna Bakshi

"Innovative dishes, chic lighting fixtures, dark blue draperies that divide the dining area, and a bird wallpapered bar make Banshee the nicest place in EAV. And menu items like the sweet potato agnolotti with tender lamb will make you forget you're in the super casual neighborhood. It all adds up to being the perfect spot if you’re planning a pull-out-all-the-stops date on that side of town. Plus, how many other fancy restaurants bring in a DJ after 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays and serve late-night food on their back patio? Buckhead could neva." - juli horsford