How do you put barbecue alongside oysters in a restaurant? With a ceiling full of oyster shells, a welcoming bar and relaxed yet slightly upscale digs, The Pig and the Pearl in Atlantic Station manages to do just that.
If you want a nice cocktail to start your evening, but something a little low on the alcohol content, order any of the punches, but the Red Headed Stepchild (pictured above) is my favorite with Gin, basil and strawberries. At only five bucks ,it is a deal. Craving something more stiff? Choose from any of the classic cocktails and you’ll be pleased.
I was pretty surprised to see a wine list as extensive as they have at Pig and the Pearl. Although I’d be more inclined to drink beer at a barbecue restaurant, I just couldn’t resist the Priorat, which was delightful, albeit at my limit for what I would spend on a glass of wine at $15.
I’d been in for lunch once before and was a bit disappointed with the burnt ends and pimento cheese I had. This sits atop a a single slice of Texas Toast. Great if you are watching your carb intake, but somewhat of a sad sandwich if you aren’t.
Luckily, dinner fared better than lunch at the Pig and the Pearl. A tower with tuna tartare, jumbo shrimp and huge, tasty oysters was incredible. These are some of the best oysters I have ever had. And the deviled eggs with crispy shallots were quite tasty too. Devour all three of these tasty treats? Don’t mind if I do.
If you are a cheese lover, you won’t want to miss the Pimento Cheese Fritters or the Double Cream Mac n Cheese (pictured below). Both are over the top indulgent, but oh so good.
For meats, the wings were huge and quite satisfying. I found the ribs to be rather un-meaty, my least favorite of everything we tasted that night. The best was the brisket. Full of flavor and hearty, they didn’t need any sauce whatsoever, but the Bourbon barbecue sauce was indeed a nice pairing with it.
Service was a bit slow during the evening. It wasn’t packed, so I’m not sure if the waitstaff is still getting their feet wet or what but we waited a long time for both drinks and dessert. The Pig and the Pearl is definitely a unique concept and I love that Atlantic Station is really making an effort to bring in unique and local businesses.
Disclosure: We dined here as part of Atlantic Station Nation and our meal was complimentary.
The Pig and the Pearl website
1380 Atlantic Ave NW
Ste 14180
Atlanta, GA 30363
