Every Friday, Roots in Alpharetta features an article on food and dining in a series I like to call Foodie Friday.
I’m sure I’ve lost all credibility as a food writer after last week’s article on chain restaurants. So let’s talk about a few delicious local spots. For the most part these joints are NOT hidden gems. It is good to know that even in the midst of a recession, some local restaurants are doing quite well.
Does the “BB” stand for “Bitchin’ Bagels?” If so, I’d agree. These things are large, chewy and delicious. I’ve tried the bagels at every other shop in Alpharetta. Einsteins, Bagel Boys, Brooklyn Bagel Bakery… These guys are not in the same league as BB’s.
BB’s is a cross between a takeout bagel counter and a greasy spoon breakfast diner. Their breakfast items are pretty good with generous portions. The corned beef hash is amazing (take some extra Lipitor beforehand).
They seem to be the most busy on weekend mornings. From what I hear, there is a New York expatriate community that frequents this place on Saturday and Sundays. You’ll hear a lot of “How YOU doin’ ” from people who can say it and keep a straight face. They are also lobbying for an appearance on Diners, Driveins and Dives. I hope they make it.
“Let’s go eat at Mr. Alex’s place!” That’s usually what my kids say when they are jonesin’ for chicken and Mac-n-cheese. Alex is the proprietor of this easy-to-overlook wings joint on McGinnis Ferry. If you’ve been in once, you won’t be a stranger. Alex is a super nice fella, a prince of a man.
The theme here is The Sopranos. Almost every inch of wall space is devoted to the TV show. Even the names of menu items are from the show.
This is mainly a takeout wings place. I’m probably one of the only guys who actually eats here. That’s alright by me. On the menu you’ll find wings, some chicken fingers, burgers, etc. The wings are flash baked, which makes them a bit more healthy than fried wings. And I’d stick to what he calls “jumbo wings.” His normal size wings are too tiny for me.
The wings and chicken fingers by themselves don’t stand out much. Where Alex really shines is his sauces and pairings. He makes all his own wing sauce, some of which are very inventive. The signature sauce is the Bada Bing, an Italian style wing sauce paired up with marinara for dipping. Delicious. Other creative touches are things like a fresh pineapple slice to complement a jerk seasoned wing. This sets him apart from every other wing joint in my opinion.
The side items here are to die for. Cajun corn on the cob, potato wedges, garlic bread. They are all terrific. In the winter he offers soups which are pretty good, especially with the garlic bread.
Look out for anything he labels as “homemade”. This is usually a secret code to indicate that the item was made by his wife. The homemade peanut butter pie is out of this world.
Again, most of his business is takeout wings for folks living in the immediate area. But I enjoy eating here several times a month. My kids adore Mr. Alex, so I hope my blog readers will too.
Remember Portabella’s, the old sandwich joint in downtown Alpharetta? After a four year hiatus it has been born again as Wildflour on Windward. They feature the same delicious and inventive sandwiches. My favorite is the pork loin sandwich with potato salad.
Wildflour is only open for lunch and is uber popular right now. Come early or be prepared to wait. Their space is a little tight and can get noisy at times. But otherwise this place is a winner.
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Anyone looking for locally-owned Alpharetta/Roswell restaurants must go to Tarahumata on Windward and in Roswell. Great Mexican food; great ambiance; doing very business. A must.
I go back and forth over Tara Humata. They seem to be an in between restaurant. On one end is the ubiquitous Mexican joint. On the other side is the fancy stuff like Pure Taqueria. On some visits I think they fall closer to the ubiquitous end. Other times they impress me more. But I don’t think they are as good as Pure or CANS in Crabapple.
Thanks for the comment!
-Lee
I enjoy the food and ambiance at both Tarahumata and Pure and see them as two different beasts.
Tarahumata is more family oriented while it doesn’t have the excessive suburby feel.
Pure likes to have a fleet of Mercedes, Hummers, and Beemers right in front; it apparently gives them a certain style and standing. On some nights, it feels like “Cougar Night” or “Old Couples Feeling Groovy Night” in there – kinda weird for Alpharetta. But the food is good.