🅰️ little rain never stopped East Atlanta

Presented By

Good morning East Atlanta! At least to those of you who haven’t been washed away in the rain. After a spring largely devoid of moisture, we’re now making up for it in spades. Fear not! There is a distinct lack of rainfall emojis in our weather apps starting next week.

Until then, keep your rainboots by the door and your umbrellas handy. There’s still lots happening in East Atlanta now that summer has unofficially begun, and you might get some VIP treatment if you’re one of the few to brave the weather.

Let’s get into the Anthem 👇

🍔 Grindhouse Burgers in Decatur is turning 10! And to celebrate, they’re throwing a party on Saturday (5/30) and are bringing back their 2016 menu (and prices).

🍺 Sceptre, the Oakhurst-based brewery, released a Free Parking - Any Time Lager over the weekend as a “nod to the last few neighborhoods left in Atlanta where you can still find free parking.”

🍔 Sugar Loaf is doing a one-day-only Pastrami Burger special today for National Burger Day: a smash burger topped with steamed Spotted Trotter pastrami, shredded lettuce, diced onion, and their big snack sauce on a sesame seed bun. Available at lunch until sold out.

☔️ Three Taverns announced a new special they’re calling “When it Rains, You Score.” If it’s raining, you get your choice of 4 different brews for $4 each. Sounds a little familiar but we’re not complaining…

Editor’s Note: James and I usually divide and conquer to bring the Anthem to life. But this week, when I hopped into the newsletter editor, he had already knocked out the entire Eats section below. I feel like it’s only right to give credit where it is due.

But… if something is missing, email him with your grievances. 😎 -Connor

🍌 There are not one but two new desserts at Banshee — banana pudding and blackberry lime meringue. They’re calling banana pudding the taste of summer… is that right? I feel like blackberry lime feels more warm weather. Either way, both sound delicious.

🍷 Finca to Filter has new, extended summer hours AND they’re bringing back free flight nights. If that wasn’t enough, they’re kicking off the festivities with a party tomorrow. They’ll be joined by El Ponce. Deets.

🫔 TAMALE POP UP AT 3 PARKS WINE! El Ponce is seemingly everywhere tomorrow, so there’s no excuse not to try some.

🐟 First rule of the Anthem: Never write the eats section hungry. Damn, too late. Anyway, check out this wild-caught catfish from Fawn in Decatur. New on the menu, may not last long.

🐔 Cantonese fried chicken. Philly cheesesteaks. Specialty items. I’m getting so hungry I can barely think. Soup Belly pop up, Saturday, Avondale, Leftie Lees - go check it out.

🫐 As if La Calavera pizza wasn’t good enough on its own, they’ve rolled out a new blueberry pie for dessert.

🥟 I used to work in the same kitchen as Zach, founder of Casa Cardoza, where he earned the nickname Empanada King (I hope it catches on). They are an excellent accompaniment to a pint of beer, which is probably why Little Cottage Brewery is their new official partner.

🐔 Big news for Poncey Highland: You’re getting a new location of Pollo Primo! If there’s one restaurant in Atlanta that’s been calling my name recently, it’s Pollo Primo. Must. Have.

☕ Taproom Coffee released their new summer menu - while personally a strict fan of coffee without added flavors, I might have to try the Americola. Feels very Atlanta.

🍕 Peaches on pizza? No way. Wouldn’t do it… unless… Yep, they’ve done it. JenChans brings two staples together in a way only they can.

🍸 Side Saddle Wine has new summer cocktails and they’ve somehow managed to create awesome riffs on classic cocktails that feel so right for summer. Bravo.

🍹 Just when I thought I’d seen it all… Hop City has a new summer cocktail menu and each drink is inspired by an animal at the Atlanta Zoo or the Aquarium. Nice one.

🌭 Are hot dogs in right now? I think they’re in right now. Grab one at Close Company Bar — their new special comes with a cocktail, dog, and popcorn for $15. Solid.

⭐ Star Provisions is one of the highlights of Freedom Farmers Market every Saturday. Pro tip - get there early or you’ll miss out.

After writing this, I’ve just ordered an entire Glide pizza for myself, and might genuinely be hungry enough to eat the whole thing tonight. - James

🪅 5/27 - 6/7 - Atlanta Fringe Festival - There’s a total of 51 shows and events happening over the next two weeks in East Atlanta, featuring artists of all backgrounds, disciplines, and experience levels. There’s also a kids fringe festival happening at the East Atlanta Kids Club on both weekends. Too many shows / adventures to describe here, hit the website for all the deets. | More Info

🖌️ 5/30 - Art Yard Vol. 3 at ABV Gallery - Watch 10 murals come to life in real time in ABV Gallery's back lot, shop the artisan market with GVG Atlanta, grab a burger from Grindhouse, and catch three exhibitions inside. There's also a community coloring activity with Tiny Kaiju ATL. Free all day, 11AM-6PM. | RSVP

⛺ 5/30 - Pop Up Markets - Two pop-up markets happening on the East side this Saturday, one at Argosy with art, jewelry, and other goodies, another at Space Queen focused on vintage goods with clothes, art, and accessories. | Argosy | Space Queen

👩‍🌾 5/30 - Spring Farm Fondo - What’s a Fondo, you ask? A long-distance, mass-participation cycling event, of course. Anyway, on Saturday, you can ride your bike from Patagonia to the Urban Food Forest at Brown’s Mill, then to Crack In The Sidewalk Farm, where you’ll enjoy fun farm activities and a delightful dinner. | Tickets & Info

🚴 5/31 - Streets Alive - The streets will be blocked off for bike riders from the West End to Grant Park on Sunday for one of Atlanta’s most fun events: Streets Alive. Don’t feel like biking? Walk, stroll, dance, do you. | FREE | More Info

📚 6/1 - Required Reading - Read your heart out with Lost In The Letters for the next six weeks. Seriously, it’s either pouring rain or absurdly humid - it’s a great time to pick up a book. And if you need help diving in, this group is perfect for you. | More Info

😆 6/2 - Musical Road Trip - Improv based on real-life stories - musical edition! Head to The Supermarket on Tuesday for an evening hosted by the man, the myth, the legend, English Nick. | More Info

Neighborhood: Oakhurst

About: She’s a spunky little girl. Always curious and on the hunt for squirrels. And she cries out screams of joy anytime she sees someone she loves!

Special Talent: She can dance.

Thank you to Jared for sharing Korra with us.

If you want your pet featured in the Park Pet Supply Pet of the Week section of the Anthem, fill out this form!

👕 Coast 2 Coast is dropping limited-edition Copa Mundial Y’all (Google translate has confirmed that means World Cup Y’all en Español) and a couple fan favorites, but you have to move fast. Orders close today at noon.

✈ The Atlanta airport is about to unveil a gigantic new parking lot with more than 7,000 spaces on June 1.

🏪 A “transformative” project in DeKalb, on the corner of Candler and Glenwood, breaks ground in June, with a “high-end” Publix, walking trails, and small retail outlets. The stores are expected to open in October 2027.

⛳ Eastside Golf co-founder Olajuwon Ajanaku is being recognized by the Atlanta City Council with a proclamation ceremony on June 1. Olajuwon built Eastside Golf from the ground up in 2019 with a mission to connect golf with culture and bring new faces to the sport.

🎨 Kirkwood residents! You’ve got a chance to vote for new artwork on a utility box. Check out details on Instagram… voting ends 5/31.

Thanks so much for reading the Anthem! If you enjoyed it, tell a friend! If you didn’t, reply with feedback. We read every email!

Quick Links