My Parents Basement - Avondale Estates Georgia

You can find My Parents' Basement at 22 N. Avondale Road, Avondale Estates, GA 30002
across from the Agnes Scott campus but further East - the business occupies the same building that formerly housed the very good James Joyce pub (and wasn't it the original location of Avondale Pizza before the moved across the street and West?).

If you haven't been to Avondale Estates there are now a handful of destination spots that makes it worthwhile to visit - the aforementioned Avondale Pizza was a favorite of mine, but as indicated I haven't enjoyed those pies since moving from the area. Also nearby is the very good Skip's Hot Dogs (how many stand-alone hot dog joints do you know about?). Add to the list Palookaville and now My Parent's Basement. I decided to spend an early afternoon in the area while my SO was trail-biking and wanted to try MPB - I don't quite remember who first told me about the restaurant, it was either a neighbor or Clay Croker, in any case I hit the restaurant around One-ish - the restaurant was busy but not full. I parked to the left of the building and took a couple of snaps before entering. The exterior has a large patio where you can sit and be loud if that's your style.

The interior is finished in dark woods (left-over from James Joyce) with a large bar to the left, filled with tap handles. To the right is the attended comic-book section, with a counter on the entry-wall. Tables are scattered about - I headed to the bar since I was my myself after taking a quick walk through the comic book area. The comics are in long boxes on the right while an expansive selection of trades are in upright shelves. Behind the comics are a small assortment of stand-up video games - I spotted Centipede and three others (one prominently labeled "Nintendo"). The pub is surprisingly quiet (no blaring muzak here) even with the video games going at the back. Also no annoying TV with sports or obnoxious conservative news programs continually droning in the background.

Seated at the bar, I took-a-look at a single page food menu and several pages of craft draft and bottled beer - the back page held a short wine and spirits list - this is a full bar though it may have a limited selection of hard-spirits (at least a large selection wasn't evident). There are comic book and related geeky items on the walls, including what appeared to be an 18" Kenner Alien behind the bar. I was already enjoying myself and hadn't ordered a thing! Looking over the menu I went with the most excellent Cherry Street Chief Sawnee's Stash Coconut Porter - if you haven't tried this delicious brew yet from this brewery in Cumming Georgia, you're really missing out. Simply delicious.

Continuing with the menu, which thematically seems to hold those concoctions you might envision while living in your parents' basement (get it?), I spied the Grilled Kimcheese (Kimchee Grilled Cheese) - well there's something you don't see every day? I asked about the seasonal veggies - roasted okra for the win! I decided to go with the single draft and a snack before hitting Palookaville and a boozy shake - great plan, right?

The Grilled Kimcheese was excellent - the perfect combination of fermented spicy cabbage and yellow cheese on buttery pan-seared sourdough with the side of okra. Between the porter, the sandwich and the okra, I'm not too sure what was best but the combination really rocked.

I started up a conversation with an elderly couple next to me and found that they were really enjoying themselves also, having drafts, the Kimcheese and a few sides. I hope to be as spry and willing to try something different when I approach that age. Nothing like great conversation and good food to make a sleepy weekend into something special.

-- John

(shorter version posted to Yelp)