04/03/09

floataway cafe

by CSMobileUser2

I have nothing but respect for Anne Quatrano and was very excited to eat at Floataway Cafe as a substitute for Bacchanalia. That said, I had one of the worst meals of my life here and the first meal I ever complained about. The pasta was mushy and overcooked, the peas were raw and the entire dish was inedible. I would love to give this place a second chance but just can't justify it when I remember the meal. Save your money and go to Bacchanalia instead.

• Pros: Example: best croissants in town
• Cons: What are the drawbacks?

08/16/08

An Atlanta classic

by waemo

The first time I went several years ago I found it quirky. Now, years later, after many repeat visits, the quirks are comforting because it's like I'm in on a secret: this is one of Atlanta's finest. Far from trendy and focused on food, this place does not disappoint. Everything is fresh and quite often comes from the owners' farm. I can understand how a first-timer to Floataway might be put off; you have to ask what several things on the menu are, the waitstaff can seem more like NPR hosts vs hot servers, and things can be pricy. But I recommend giving it a try and having an open mind. The renovations to the place are a plus, and the new cocktail menus are interesting and delicious (lemonciello collins, for example). It's quiet, romantic, and a bargain for the fresh farm-to-table food (it's a more relaxed Bacchanalia). If you're looking for a scene, head to Rathbun's. For a high quality and memorable meal, this is one of the best in town.

• Pros: Excellent, farm-to-table food; romantic scene
• Cons: Uncomfortable chairs

04/05/08

Mediocre

by navinrjohnson

Mediocre best describes the experience at this restaurant. The setting is smart and interior is fresh and comfortable, but everything else is barely acceptable, especially the prices. On a Friday evening, we were promptly seated at a decent table near the windows (highly recommended as all the other tables are out in the open). Even though we weren't seated right along the windows, the room was cold (literally) and it was quickly apparent that the waitstaff was indifferent and even seemed inexperienced. To give you a sense of the prices at Floataway, the only starters under $10 were a plate of olives or an oyster. Nonetheless, we tried a salad w/artichokes which was good (albeit $12) and chicken livers ($10). My wife liked the chicken livers, but I distained them (AJC and CL make you believe anyone would love them; far from the case with me - if you don't like chicken livers, you won't like these). We were able to find a good bottle of wine for $28, which was very surprising. One of our entrees was the margarita pizza, which was nothing special. You can get a pizza equally good or better from Osteria on Highland for under $10 (this one was $15). The other entree was the hangar steak w/french fries, which was good but not excellent. We picked the rhubarb crisp as dessert ($8), which was not crisp and just seemed like a mess of rhubarb with a dollop of ice cream on top. Bottom line, this is an expensive restaurant that is not worth the price of entry, especially considering the mediocre food, service and atmosphere. There are FAR better choices in Atlanta -- places with much better food and a more interesting scene; Sotto Sotto, Ecco, Rathbun's, Trois, Two Urban Licks and Kevin Rathbun's Steakhouse come to mind.