Poor Calvin's

"Fried Green Tomatoes & Korean Beef Sitting in the bones of an old house near the Civic Center, Poor Calvin's serves one of the most creative Pan-Asian fusion menus in the city. We usually sit by the bar to watch the skilled cocktail alchemists whip up herbaceous mixtures before our eyes, but we can only wonder what fun is had behind the scenes when dishes like fried green tomatoes with beef bulgogi arrive at our table. These cornmeal crusted green tomatoes give us the pleasing trifecta of sweet, heat, and cool with chutney, goat cheese, and ghost pepper BBQ. Then, there’s the thin slices of sweet and savory filet mignon. Since it’s definitely a place to impress food people and intimate enough for a date night, it’s always legit busy, so get a reservation." - lamara davidson

"We’re always in danger of missing showtime when we say we’re just doing a "quick drink" at Poor Calvin’s before an event. That’s because we always need a considerable amount of time to taste our way through their full menu of tasty, creative cocktails, like their glass flask-presented long island with chai tea. The Asian fusion restaurant also has some of the best food in town, so build in some extra time to chow down on hit dishes, such as the lobster fried rice and fried grouper prik kingh in a halved pineapple. And trust you’ll be joined by a merry band of other theater-goers, special occasion diners, date nighters, and everyday regulars, who will occupy every available bar space and table of this beloved Piedmont Avenue restaurant." - nina reeder, juli horsford, demarco williams, jacinta howard

"When you say you’re in SONO, few people in Atlanta know where that is. So just tell them you’re at Poor Calvin’s, which has more landmark recognition than most things in that area (for example, did you know ATL had a Central Park?). Their lobster fried rice and lobster mac and cheese should be city attractions—sort of like putting them on a CityPass combo with visits to the Georgia Aquarium and The World of Coca-Cola. But seriously, just point to anything on the menu and pair it with something from their long list of cocktails. Speaking of, have you had Long Island iced tea with chai tea liqueur? It’s time to try. " - Nina Reeder, Juli Horsford, Demarco Williams

"When you say you’re in SONO, few people in Atlanta know where that is. So say less; just tell them you’re at Poor Calvin’s, which has more landmark recognition than most things in that area (for example, did you know ATL had a Central Park?). Okay, we’re lying a little; the Civic Center is pretty famous, but we’d say the food at Poor Calvin’s is not far behind. Their lobster fried rice and lobster mac and cheese should be city attractions—sort of like putting them on a CityPass combo with visits to the Georgia Aquarium and The World of Coca-Cola. But seriously, anything and everything is good here, including the seafood pad thai, the soy-glazed beef tips, and their long list of cocktails. Speaking of, have you had Long Island iced tea with chai tea liqueur? Well, it’s time to try." - Nina Reeder

"Poor Calvin's in downtown Atlanta mixes Asian-inspired cuisine with Southern comfort food. Originally from Vietnam, the chef Calvin Phan has made a name for himself with an impressive menu that includes spring rolls, lobster mac and cheese, and grilled lamb chops."