Cakes & Ale is an example of a restaurant’s maturation into something brilliant. I remember the little fledgling store on Ponce and now they are on the forefront of the Decatur dining scene.
Cakes & Ale is the perfect date/communal gathering place because of its gourmet casual approach, with minimal clean design replete with romantic votive candles on the table. You can wear a cute cocktail dress or just some nice jeans because the vibe is like Decatur – casual and not pretentious. Need to eat alone or get out of the house from an annoying roommate? Stop at the Cakes bar and you are sure to meet someone.
The ever-changing seasonal menu, driven by Chef Billy Allin, is a fresh New South approach that’s very inventive and artisanal. I’ve always loved “southern popcorn” or fried okra and Cakes makes a nostalgic version that’s crispy on the outside with a vibrant green interior.