5 to Try: Pimento Cheese

by Jonathan Baker - Citysearch Editor - 213 Reviews - 108 Lists

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Updated: July 31, 2008


For many years, Georgia's premier pimento cheese was slathered on two slices of white bread, wrapped in green wax paper and served during the Masters Tournament every April. With the rise of New Southern cuisine in Atlanta, however, the delicious snack has started to making more frequent, less traditional appearances on menus around town. Check these five spots dishing unique takes on the South's famous spread.

5 to Try: Pimento Cheese

  1. 1 3.5 Star Rating: Average Relish
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    590 Mimosa Blvd, Roswell, GA 30075 (map)

    Get ready for decadence, kids. Roswell's favorite New Southern spot offers a fried hushpuppy-like appetizer deemed "fritters," filled with a creamy mixture of three different cheeses and roasted pimentos. Not that this gut-bomb needs more accreditation, but the restaurant moves 100 orders of these bad boys per week.

  2. 2 3.5 Star Rating: Average The Varsity
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    61 North Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30308 (map)

    The Varsity's pimento-cheese sandwich is a fast-food take on the Augusta classic. Like the rest of the V's historic menu, this greasy joker is served with appropriate Southern side options, like onion rings or housemade ice cream. If you really want to get sloppy, get that cheese added to their chili-cheesesteak sandwich.

  3. 3 4 Star Rating: Recommended Vortex Bar & Grill
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    438 Moreland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 (map)

    It is hard to find a better burger in Atlanta than at the skull-fronted Vortex. And, you know it's serious when kids under 18 aren't even allowed to go in the joint. Try adding pimento cheese instead of the standard cheddar to any of their famous burgers, and thank us later.

  4. 4 3.5 Star Rating: Average Cake & Ale Restaurant
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    254 W. Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030 (map)

    The little Decatur-restaurant-that-could boasts a menu that's all about farm-to-table, with a touch of the Deep South. Their seasonal pimento cheese "fingers" are basically a gooey-grilled cheese that is crust-less, cut into strips and served with a little bowl of housemade pickles. Share away!

  5. 5 4 Star Rating: Recommended The Glenwood
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    1263 Glenwood Ave, Atlanta, GA 30316 (map)

    This East Atlanta spot pays homage to Southern traditions with an entire pimento cheese platter. The Glenwood serves its spread alongside fried pickles, housemade candied pecans, Carr's water crackers and jalape?o-apple jelly. And don't be afraid to combine those flavors!