Atlanta’s Latest Must-Visit Rooftop Eatery: Overstory Atlanta
The timing was perfect when I first saw the Overstory Rooftop Instagram page pop up on my timeline. The photo was a bright outdoor snapshot of a tajin, sugared margarita sitting alone in front of a plush pillowed booth. I was on the search for new things to do in Atlanta for my weekly segment and I quickly rushed to the page to see if I had the scoop on something new. Not long after my instadiscovery, I was quickly alerted that the girls had not only already discovered this day old brunch dive; they’d already came, ordered and captured the entire experience. I needed to catch up!
The next week, I got all dolled up and took myself for a late brunch date. Here’s the first thing you need to know about this restaurant: you need a reservation, and be specific about what you’re looking for. Reservations are the only way to guarantee a seat. Calling in and requesting outdoor or fireside seating is the only way to guarantee the best seat in the house. The restaurant opens at 4pm and quickly begins to fill up around 5:30. Pulling up after that time without a reservation might not even guarantee you a seat at the bar.
Lucky for me, I was able to snag a table due to my early arrival. Now, remember how I told you I got all dolled up for this outing? It felt appropriate due to the restaurant aesthetic and the vibe I saw online. The next thing you should know: like most Atlanta rooftop restaurants, this restaurant is located at the top floor of a hotel. While mostly everyone was dressed to the nines and serving their best springtime neutrals and pastels, there were also a few crop tops, Nike slides and ripped jeans in the room with us. I assumed this had to do with some of the guests who had checked into the hotel. Nonetheless, I really hope they enforce a dress code soon.
Up next: the drinks. I ordered a Welcome to the Jungle mocktail which was a mix of passion fruit, blood orange, lime, jalapeño and tonic. It was simple with just enough of a bitter bite and a fruity relief that paired well with the spice.
I wish I could have had a cocktail, but maybe next spring after the baby arrives. They had so many cute options and I heard a few fellow diners around me complimenting how much they enjoyed their drinks. The bartenders really took their time perfecting each cocktail and asking guests about what they were in the mood for and what they were used to , in an effort to get them the best drink. This brings me to my next point: the service was incredibly thoughtful and intentional, but unfortunately, for that same reason, it was somewhat slow.
Personally, I don’t mind a little lag with a new restaurant. New restaurants often bring in crowds of people, especially when they have the right elements: beautiful cocktails, aesthetically pleasing venues and accessible locations. While the restaurant aims to provide review-worthy experiences, giving a five star experience can be difficult to achieve while turning tables at a quick and efficient rate, especially for a brand new staff. What I appreciated about the service at Overstory is that even though the servers took a little while between table visits, the kitchen was super quick! So, let’s talk about this food.
I’m going to be honest with you guys, nothing I ordered left my mouth watering or my tastebuds craving for more. This was my fault: too many small plates. I should have definitely ordered the steak or the savory empanadas! The burger at the table next to me smelled divine as well.
Regardless, the food was very well curated and had some beautiful pairings. I loved the Yuca fries paired with warm beer cheese. It also came with a cliantro lime aioli, which was yummy but I loved the thickness and mild flavor of the beer cheese. The churros and caramel may have been my favorite. Cooked to perfection, they were also paired with a chocolate sauce and a guava jalapeño jam. I haven’t had churros this crispy and smooth since my last visit to Mexico.
I especially loved the patacones, a serving of green fried plantains laid on beds of avocado lime crema, topped with charred tomatoes, smoked sea salt and pepitas. My amazing server Chris G. took his time to explain each menu item to me and its preparation process with made my meal even more enjoyable. I told him I’d be back for the steak!
Lastly, while the view indoors was gorgeous, the view outside didn’t take my breath away. Let’s be real: it’s Duluth. However, I appreciate the intentionality in the structure of the space to make up for this. The wind hitting the areca palm plants on the outdoor patio gave a refreshing destination vibe. The fountain welcoming you to the patio entrance opens up the space and transitions you from the cozy indoor bistro to a lush outdoor terrace.
I walked away spending around $80 including my tip and was very pleased with my afternoon. There were also plenty of photo opportunities about the hotel and the staff was super friendly and encouraging about you getting your shots. I would recommend this rooftop for a friendly pow wow, a romantic date or even a solo date. Bring about $80 - $150 per person if you like to do multiple drinks, appetizers and a little desert in addition to an entree. This is a high heel friendly establishment, and I encourage you to look your best. Why not? You’re on top.
