The Iberian Pig

11/20/09

GREAT TIME EXCEPT AT THE BAR

by augustwest at Citysearch

WENT IN TO CELEBRATE A GREAT DAY of WORK AT THE IBERIAN PIG ONLY TO FEEL A DEEP SENSE OF REGRET AFTER WE SAT AT THE BAR FOR LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES. OUR MOOD CHANGED DRASTICALLY AFTER BEING SERVED BY THOMAS, WHO COME TO FIND OUT IS THE BAR MANAGER. FOR SOMEONE LIKE MYSELF, WHO TENDED BAR FOR OVER TEN YEARS IN ATLANTA, I HAVE NEVER HAD A MORE DISSAPOINTING AND AWKWARD BAR EXPERIENCE IN MY LIFE. HAVING ZERO PERSONALITY AND LACK OF INTEREST IN YOU CUSTOMERS IS NOT A GOOD WAY TO MAKE A FIRST IMPRESSION, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU’RE POURING DRINKS WITH THE HELP OF A JIGGER, WHICH IN MY OPINION, IS THE TACKIEST THING TO DO IN FRONT OF CUSTOMERS AND HURTS THE IMAGE OF THE RESTAURANT. IF YOU CANT GET YOUR BAR STAFF TO POUR A FOUR COUNT WHILE MAKING MIXED DRINKS THEN YOU SHOULDN’T BE THE BAR MANGER OR A BARTENDER!

AFTER STATING WE HAD WORKED IN THE BUSINESS OURSELVES HE NEVER ENGAGED US ON THAT QUESTION OR ANY OTHER….AND WHEN WE ASKED A SIMPLE QUESTION SUCH AS WHERE HE HAD WORKED OVER HIS TENURE IN ATLANTA AS A BARTENDER HE BECAME VERY ALOOF AND STATED THAT HE PREFERRED NOT TO TELL US WHERE HE HAD WORKED ……WHO SAYS THAT?? IT WAS JUST AWKWARD!!! TO PUT IT PLAINLY I WANTED MY CHECK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO TRY AND SALVAGE THE EXPERIENCE…WHICH I AM GLAD WE DID.

THANK GOD FOR OUR WAITRESS STEFANIE!!!WHO WAS FANTASTIC!!! (SHE SHOULD BE BEHIND THE BAR BY THE WAY). WE LET HER PICK OUR APPETIZERS AND COULDN’T HAVE BEEN HAPPIER…. WE ALSO HAD THE PLEASURE OF HAVING THE EXECUTIVE CHEF STOP BY THE TABLE AND GIVE HIS RECOMMENDATIONS. THE FOOD WAS AMAZING AND SERVICE AT THE TABLE WAS INCREDIBLE- I WILL DEFINITELY GO BACK BUT I WILL DO MY DRINKING PRIOR AT THE BRICK STORE

11/12/09

A Nice alternative in Decatur

by abcgroup at Citysearch

We went there, as a group, for post business relaxation time. We started off at the bar where the bartenders used JIGGERS to poor our drinks. Folks, this isn't Applebee's and it ain't Chili's. You pour interesting drinks at Midtown prices, so put your big boy pants on and free pour, like a real bartender does. That's just simply tacky.

On a lighter note, the bar is stocked with many nice spirits, including a decent smattering of bourbons that no one offers in town.

Food: we had most of the tapas on the menu and 3 tapas that were specials that day. Things that stick out most: eggplant fries (though the red pepper aioli comes off more like spicy thousand island), BBQ Octopus, Salchicha 3 ways (3 types of sausage done right, and Bacon wrapped dates. You put anything in Benton's bacon, you can't go wrong.

Overall this is a really good restaurant. There are certain dishes to avoid in my opinion. The mussels added no character, flat breads, while good, are pure salt overflow, arugula salad (tasted like arugula with OJ sprinkled on it), Huevos con Trufa (while not bad, it did nothing to distinguish itself.

The latter half of our dinner (preferred dishes) was way better than how we started (the 1st set of dishes we ordered). I like Iberian Pig, it's better than most places in Decatur. It has great ambiance, a laid back staff, and the fact that it really distinguishes itself in ways that Sugo (it's mother restaurant) doesn't, is really nice.

But...more nuance in the food and a bar staff that doesn't pour corporate drinks would be nice. You have way too many bars/restaurants near you that offer free pour drinks at better prices (in elegant atmospheres). Don't do yourself this disservice and hand them the edge.

• Pros: Several solid dishes
• Cons: Drink Jiggeers

11/02/09

best new late night dining

by Amick at Citysearch

We were walking by to eat at our normal friday night spot and got captivated by the space so we headed in and we are so happy we did.

To start the menu is RICH to say the least... so much to choose from. We went through a few of the cocktails and found each creation as pleasing as the next. Still craving that 'Aviation'.

We ordered several tapas and found the portions to be very generous and most importantly deliciously surprising.

The modern twist on the spanish inspired food was perfection!!!

We then split the burger which is now my husbands favorite burger in atlanta. And lastly the desert... one word 'Bamba,' (sorbet rolled in white chocolate). Make sure to leave room cause this is such a nice finish to a fantastic meal.

Thanks Iberian Pig!... Can't wait to work my way through the menu!!!

• Pros: more bang for your buck
• Cons: wish i could have eaten more