The scene is urban mixed which means no one cares if you’re straight or gay. Service is always friendly, efficient and congenial. I usually get the basket which will satisfy your fried cravings for weeks. It’s filled with fresh crispy shrimp which I drench in horseradish-spiked cocktail sauce.
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Six Feet Under Pub & Fish House • Grant Park • Westside The Colonnade |
I move on to briny fried oysters dipped in dill tarter. Next comes tender calamari with fried jalapenos or opt for the white, creamy, rich scallops. If you don’t want to deal with the dining room, Six Feet Under has a killer huge bar with cheap prices. They also have juicy burgers for non sea foodies, great veggies and jalapeño hushpuppies.
If you want old-school seafood, The Colonnade on Cheshire Bridge Road has been serving our community for decades. It’s timeless, charming, kitschy and distinctly Southern — like a gay church social especially on Sundays. They have a really cute executive chef named Ryan Cobb who produces classic low country fried seafood, tons of Sunday supper veggies and old-fashioned fried chicken.
Cobb keeps the Southern classics but also adds some contemporary tapas and specials like jerk seared ahi tuna with curry aioli and mango salsa. There’s an early bird special for $11 before 6:30 p.m. that’s a deal which includes salmon croquets or grilled tilapia. Pair that with cloud-like yeast rolls and cheap stiff cocktails and you’ve got a $15 feast.
I crave the nostalgic golden fried shrimp served with foil-wrapped baked potato, melted butter and sour cream. *Poof* it’s the ‘70s and I’m back with my parents at Red Lobster on Sunday. It’s all brought by sassy servers who are as charming and sweet as their classic coconut iced box pie.
On as serious note, please remember there are millions in the fishery and hospitality industry affected by the oil spill who don’t have access to the fresh seafood they once loved. Please support however you can.
Other places to sea food
Chops Lobster Bar (West Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead): Special occasion or just feeling glamorous? This is a classic, opulent surf and turf with magnificent décor. If I had to have a last meal it would be the rich, luxurious Main lobster dunked in shiny drawn butter. Pair your crustacean with an aged rib eye and rich sauce béarnaise. You’ll spend $100 for a memorable dinner and see hot guys in power suits.
Rosebud (Virginia Highland): Rosebud does an excellent version of one my favorite low country classics, wild Georgia shrimp and grits with andouille sausage. Or try crab ravioli with local chanterelle mushrooms, capers, baby fennel and sherry butter. For a deal get a plate of crispy calamari and a Yuengling lager.
Farmstead 303 (Decatur): You have to try this trendy restaurant in the Historic Decatur Rail Depot. The reasonably priced seasonal menu focuses on Southern farm fresh fare. Try the fresh flounder sandwich or a grilled salmon club with avocado, bacon and green goddess goat cheese mousse – fierce.
Top photo: Oysters Rockefeller is just one of the seafood specialties on the menu at Six Feet Under. (via Facebook)