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Atlanta Bites: What's new, seasonal, and sizzling this month | August 2025

Atlanta Bites: Special Events, New Menu Items, and Other Restaurant News for August 2025

Atlanta's vibrant food scene continues to sizzle this August, with a mix of innovative culinary events, fresh menu additions, and noteworthy developments across the city's dining landscape. From pop-up experiences to seasonal specials, the month promises a feast for food enthusiasts. Whether you're a local or a visitor, here's a comprehensive roundup of what's cooking in the ATL, highlighting the creativity and diversity that make Atlanta a top culinary destination.

Starting with special events, August kicks off with the highly anticipated Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, returning for its 15th year from August 7-10 at Historic Fourth Ward Park. This year's theme, "Southern Roots, Global Flavors," celebrates the fusion of traditional Southern cuisine with international influences. Attendees can expect over 100 chefs from across the Southeast, including Atlanta favorites like Anne Quatrano of Bacchanalia and Kevin Gillespie of Gunshow. Highlights include tasting tents featuring small plates like peach-glazed pork belly tacos and vegan okra gumbo, paired with wines from Georgia's burgeoning vineyards and craft cocktails from local mixologists. Tickets start at $150 for general admission, with VIP packages offering exclusive chef demos and after-parties. Organizers emphasize sustainability this year, partnering with local farms to minimize waste and promote eco-friendly practices.

Not to be missed is the Buckhead Restaurant Week, running August 15-24, where more than 50 eateries in the upscale neighborhood offer prix-fixe menus at discounted prices. Participating spots include Chops Lobster Bar with a three-course steakhouse dinner for $55, featuring starters like jumbo lump crab cakes and entrees such as dry-aged ribeye with truffle butter. For a lighter option, Souper Jenny's will showcase farm-to-table salads and soups, while newcomers like The Iberian Pig introduce Spanish-inspired tapas deals. This event not only boosts local businesses but also encourages diners to explore hidden gems, with proceeds partially benefiting the Atlanta Community Food Bank.

Mid-month, on August 18, the city hosts the inaugural Vegan Vibes Festival at Piedmont Park. Aimed at plant-based eaters and curious omnivores alike, the free event features over 30 vendors, including Slutty Vegan's famous plant-based burgers and Tassili's Raw Reality with Ethiopian-inspired raw wraps. Live music, cooking workshops, and wellness talks round out the day, making it a holistic celebration of healthy eating. Founder Aisha "Pinky" Cole Hayes promises surprises like celebrity guest appearances and limited-edition menu items, drawing crowds eager for Instagram-worthy bites.

Shifting to new menu items, several Atlanta restaurants are rolling out seasonal offerings that capture the essence of late summer. At Miller Union in West Midtown, Chef Steven Satterfield introduces a heirloom tomato salad with burrata, basil pesto, and grilled sourdough, priced at $18. This dish highlights produce from local suppliers like Woodland Gardens, emphasizing farm-fresh ingredients. For something sweeter, the restaurant's peach cobbler with buttermilk ice cream returns as a dessert special, perfect for beating the August heat.

Over in Midtown, Aria unveils an updated cocktail menu inspired by global travels. Mixologist Julian Goglia's creations include the "Atlanta Sunset," a mezcal-based drink with hibiscus syrup, lime, and a chili rim for $14, evoking the city's warm evenings. Paired with new small plates like Korean fried chicken bites with gochujang glaze, these additions aim to refresh the fine-dining experience without straying from Aria's elegant roots.

In the realm of international flavors, Little Rey in the BeltLine area expands its Tex-Mex lineup with breakfast tacos available all day starting August 1. Options include chorizo and egg with housemade salsa for $5 each, or a vegetarian version with black beans, avocado, and queso fresco. Chef Ford Fry notes that these items draw from his Texas heritage while incorporating Georgia-grown peppers and herbs, making them a hit for quick lunches or late-night snacks.

East Atlanta's culinary scene gets a boost with Banshee's new summer menu, featuring wood-fired pizzas topped with seasonal veggies like zucchini, corn, and ricotta. The "Garden Harvest" pie, at $22, combines these elements with a tangy tomato sauce and fresh arugula, appealing to both meat-lovers and vegetarians. Beverage director Mercedes O'Brien complements it with a selection of natural wines, including a chilled rosé from France that's ideal for patio dining.

Other restaurant news this month includes exciting openings and expansions. The long-awaited second location of The Chastain opens in Sandy Springs on August 5, bringing its New American cuisine to the suburbs. Led by Chef Christopher Grossman, the menu mirrors the original's focus on wood-grilled meats and vegetables, with signatures like smoked trout dip and herb-roasted chicken. The new spot boasts a larger outdoor space for al fresco dining, complete with fire pits for cooler evenings.

In contrast, there's bittersweet news with the closure of iconic soul food spot Busy Bee Cafe after 78 years. The West End staple, known for fried chicken and collard greens, shutters on August 31 due to rising costs and owner retirement. However, a pop-up series is planned for fall, keeping the legacy alive through collaborations with younger chefs.

On a positive note, Ponce City Market welcomes a new tenant: a branch of New York's famed Katz's Delicatessen. Opening August 20, it will serve pastrami on rye sandwiches, matzo ball soup, and other Jewish deli classics, marking the chain's first Southern outpost. Prices mirror the original, with the signature sandwich at $25, and Atlanta twists like pimento cheese add-ins for a local flair.

Sustainability efforts are also making waves. Several spots, including Lyla Lila in Midtown, join the "Zero Waste Challenge" initiated by the Georgia Restaurant Association. This August, participating restaurants commit to composting, reducing single-use plastics, and sourcing locally to cut down on environmental impact. Lyla Lila's Chef Craig Richards leads with a zero-waste pasta dish using vegetable scraps in the sauce, demonstrating how innovation can align with eco-consciousness.

For coffee lovers, East Pole Coffee Co. expands with a new roastery in Decatur, set to open August 12. The facility will offer tours, tastings, and a cafe serving single-origin brews from Ethiopia and Colombia. Founder Jared Karr emphasizes ethical sourcing, with beans from women-led farms, and introduces cold brew flights for $10, perfect for summer sipping.

In the bar scene, Ticonderoga Club in Krog Street Market refreshes its tiki-inspired menu with non-alcoholic options, responding to the sober-curious trend. The "Mocktail Mai Tai" features pineapple, orgeat, and lime for $9, ensuring inclusivity without sacrificing flavor.

Family-friendly news comes from Truett's Chick-fil-A in McDonough, which debuts a playground-themed dining area on August 8, complete with interactive games and kid-sized portions of their famous nuggets. This move caters to busy parents, blending fast food with fun.

Finally, dessert aficionados rejoice as Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams launches a limited-edition flavor: Georgia Peach Cobbler, available throughout August at all Atlanta locations. Made with local peaches, brown sugar crumble, and a hint of cinnamon, it's $7 per pint and supports Georgia farmers through a portion of proceeds.

August 2025 shapes up to be a dynamic month for Atlanta's restaurants, blending tradition with innovation. From festivals fostering community to menus adapting to seasonal bounty, the city's food scene reflects its diverse, evolving spirit. Keep an eye on these developments, and bon appétit!

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[ https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/atlanta-bites-special-events-new-menu-items-other-restaurant-news-august-2025 ]