Atlanta is synonymous with rich history, creative minds and nonstop fun. However, you might not know that The Big Peach also has a thriving (and growing) vegan culture. Yes, my friends, Vegan Atlanta has arrived!
Atlanta, February 5th, 2024 — As a first-time visitor to Atlanta, I was pleasantly shocked by the many options for vegan food, drink and even entertainment! Bottom line: it’s easy to be a vegan tourist in Atlanta. So, here’s the lowdown on a few of the highlights from our Vegan Atlanta trip:
Project Chik’s plant-based bacon gives the sandwich a unique taste.
Slutty Vegan is black-owned and woman-owned and worth every bite. I had first learned of this vegan mecca in the ATL from the founder’s cameo on UnchainedTV. Pinky Cole is a brilliant entrepreneur who has already opened several locations in Greater Atlanta with big plans for a national chain. I gotta say the food lived up to its reputation for deliciousness.
We were in the throes of late-night food cravings as we visited the Englewood location. We each ordered the Project Chik with a side of fries and vegan ranch. Comfort food at its finest, this sandwich delivered! It was packed with crispy Chik’n and Slutty Strips of vegan bacon, jalapeños, vegan ranch and vegan smoked Gouda cheese, all on a Hawaiian bun. Yes, it was as savory as it sounds.
This quick-service place was fairly busy, despite us visiting during off-peak hours. While there, be sure to check out their merch and indulge in a Slutty selfie.
PLANTA Atlanta Caesar salad
I’ve been vegan for 6 years and have enjoyed my share of elevated meals, but PLANTA takes vegan fare to a whole new level of gourmet cuisine. With several locations nationwide, PLANTA’s menu reflects the flavors and richness of world cuisine. Whenever possible, their dishes reflect seasonality and use local produce to align with their sustainability-forward ethos.
We came for lunch and took advantage of the Plant Power Lunch, a three-course meal with generous portions and imaginative options. As I ordered the Caesar salad entrée, I wondered if mushrooms and kelp could scratch the salty itch a Caesar used to satisfy in my pre-vegan days. After one bite, I became a believer! It was the best Caesar salad I’ve ever had. And, yes, the dessert cookie was out-of-this-world, large and rich.
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Xocolatl Small Batch Chocolate
A stone’s throw from PLANTA, Xocolatl Small Batch Chocolate is a gem inside the bustling Krog Street Market. I spoke with a friendly associate who told me about their commitment to using only plant-based ingredients. Plus, Xocolatl is woman-owned and committed to sustainability. In fact, just last year, they became Climate Neutral Certified. This means the company follows a science-based framework for measuring, reducing and offsetting greenhouse gas emissions.
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But back to the chocolate! I sampled a few bars and was impressed with the dynamic range of offerings, including truffles! The flavors were robust without being overpowering. The Peppermint Bark tasted just like you’d imagine…. minty. I secured a few bars of Mermaid Kisses as gifts and can’t wait to convert my friends into Xocolatl fans. This place should definitely be on the map nationwide.
Nestled in the Reynoldstown neighborhood, La Semilla invites you to explore the richness and nuances of Latin plant-based cuisines. Sophisticated without being pretentious, La Semilla’s menu highlights seasonal ingredients with vegan dishes inspired by the diverse cuisine of Latin America. Their bar offers artfully curated cocktails, local beer and a selection of non-alcoholic beverages.
Days later, I’m still thinking about the Cuban sandwich I had and how each element was more than the sum of its parts. In this case, jackfruit lechón, glazed seitan-ham, pickles, cheese, mustard and Cuban bread left a lasting impression on this hungry tourist. The same can be said for the squash empanada appetizers and the pumpkin donuts I had for dessert.
We only had a few days in the city and I feel like we just scratched the surface in terms of Vegan Atlanta’s majestic prowess. I suppose we’ll have to return and take in more local flavor! #VeganATL…hell yeah!
Lauren Caggiano
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A graduate of the University of Dayton, Lauren Caggiano is…
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Lauren Caggiano
A graduate of the University of Dayton, Lauren Caggiano is a Midwest-based copywriter, journalist, editor, and personal trainer who is passionate about championing the cause of a kinder lifestyle.
Nearly a dozen restaurants closed during the month, including the Alden.
The waakye served at Ike’s Cafe and Grill shown on Monday, March 24, 2025. The bean and rice mixture is served with spaghetti, plantains, a tomato stew, fish, beef, a boiled egg, dried cassava and a chili sauce. (Natrice Miller/AJC)
May was another strong month for restaurant openings in metro Atlanta, with at least 19 new food businesses setting up shop.
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But nearly a dozen restaurants closed during the month, as well — including the Alden, which was unexpectedly shut down when the Chamblee apartment building where it occupied a ground-floor space was destroyed by a fire.
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Metro Atlanta restaurant openings
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Joupe Jeht’s fresh spring rolls. (Courtesy of Jude Downs)
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A rendering of the Ledger Bar and Lounge at the recently renovated JW Marriott Downtown Atlanta hotel. (Courtesy of Marriott)
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PopUp Bagels offers five kinds: plain, salt, sesame, poppy and everything. They are sold whole and meant to be ripped and dipped into schmears. (Courtesy of PopUp Bagels)
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Henri Hollis is a restaurant critic and food reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, where he covers Atlanta’s restaurants, chefs and dining culture. As part of the AJC’s Food & Dining team, he reviews new restaurants, reports on industry trends and explores metro Atlanta’s culinary scene through the neighborhoods and people that shape it.
Henri Hollis is a restaurant critic and food reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, where he covers Atlanta’s restaurants, chefs and dining culture. As part of the AJC’s Food & Dining team, he reviews new restaurants, reports on industry trends and explores metro Atlanta’s culinary scene through the neighborhoods and people that shape it.
One of the most inevitable moves of the summer is complete. The Atlanta Falcons have given Drake London a lucrative four year deal worth up to $150 million, locking up their top receiver for the foreseeable future.
It’s a deserved extension for a physical, sure-handed talent who has been consistently excellent in Atlanta despite a constantly rotating cast of quarterbacks. London, who has averaged 1,086 yards over four NFL seasons and has 22 touchdowns over that span, has also emerged as one of the locker room’s most vocal and accountable players.
The 2022 first round pick came into the NFL catching passes from Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder and flourished immediately, with 806 yards and four touchdowns in year one and 905 yards and two touchdowns in year two. When the coaching staff turned over and Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. entered the picture, London exploded for 100 catches, 1,271 yards, and nine touchdowns in 2024, following that up with 919 yards and seven touchdowns in just 12 games a year ago. Through just four seasons, London is already 10th in team history in receiving yards, eighth in receptions, and 13th in touchdowns, and mixes that with solid blocking. He’s been the ideal receiver for the last two iterations of this Falcons offense, and I have no doubt that will continue here.
The contract’s guaranteed money would be tops in the NFL if the $100 million figure is accurate, but by overall money it’s just the third most lucrative contract in the league, and will likely be hovering near the bottom of the top ten in a couple of seasons. The Falcons were never going to risk losing their top receiving option, and if all goes well, London will continue to thrive in Atlanta and set his sights on surpassing some franchise legends in the years to come. I’m glad the deal is done, and we’ll see the exact terms soon enough.
Many good things have contributed to the amazing start to the season for the Braves. One of the biggest factors is how well many of the depth position player signings and acquisitions have worked out for Atlanta, such as Dominic Smith and Jorge Mateo. But the best of all was the trade for Mauricio Dubon, whose versatility has been extremely valuable for the Braves. Alex Anthopoulos has always made good moves on the margins, and this year is no different.
Andrelton Simmons plies his trade in Mexico
The Athletic caught up with former Braves shortstop – and one of the most gifted defenders at the position in the history of the game – Andrelton Simmons who, at 36, returned to organized baseball in Mexico last season.
Link below.
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In a fun “Where are they now” segment, here is an update on Andrelton Simmons.
