Hankook Taqueria - West Midtown Atlanta

You can find Hankook Taqueria at 1341 Collier Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318. I think someone told me that technically the area is called Underwood Hills, but most recently anything west of Midtown, since Atlantic Station has been developed, usually gets referenced as West Midtown (makes sense, right?). The restaurant is in a standalone building next to a railroad overpass. There's limited parking out front and to the sides but I believe you can safely park on the side street. Nearby is the very good Piece of Cake main facility (also worth visiting for a slice or cupcake, so save some room).

I'm not quite sure how I first came aware of Hankook - I think someone said "Have you had a Korean Burrito?" and I was like "Where?!" and that's what it took. I believe Hankook was the first Korean-Mexican fusion restaurant in Atlanta, or at least the first I can remember. The two styles blend together so well, more like marriage made in heaven. Sweet Korean BBQ with a bit of gochugang (Korean hot sauce) in a taco? I'm there! This restaurant spawned the local Takorea chain which is still owned by the came people I believe. One reason you come here is because of some of the unique dishes and specials that are on the menu not found at Takorea. The other reason is that you've spent the day at one of the nearby breweries and need to eat something (nearby you have Atlanta Brewing, Second Self, Scofflaw and Monday Night).

The menu is pretty simple - Choose 1-n number of Tacos, a Burrito or Bowl and choose a protein: Beef, Chicken, Pork, Tofu, Veggie, Fish or from the Premium List: Shrimp, Calamari, Tong Dak or one of the Daily Specials. This will have a mixed-garninsh: Lettuce/green cabbage mix, green/white onions, cilantro and sesame soy vinaigrette. Of course all the meats are done Korean style so combinations of sweet/spicy Korean BBQ sauce. The burrito is served with Kimchi rice (which you can also order as a side). Next, add one of the Street Snacks like the Bulgogi Kimchi Fries or Man-Doo dumplings to the order. Can't be simpler and the prices are very affordable - eat a little or a lot.

Things I've had here:
* I'll skip the Tacos and Burritos as you get the idea and they're all good - use one or multiples of those as the base of your meal.
* Sesame Fries - Crispy Fries with Chipotle Ketchup - quite good - crisp twice fried (they seem to have a light tempura? coating).
* Bulgogi Kimchi Fries - Queso, roasted kimchi, fried egg with gochujang - love these, more like totchos and good for sharing
* KoKuma - Tempura Fried Asian Sweet Potatoes wth Sweet Chili Aioli - sweet, slightly crunchy with mild spice from the creamy sauce
* Man-Doo - fried dumplings with pork, ginger, scallions and ponzu (I grew up with something similar so always get an order of these) - quite good
*Quesadilla - Bulgogi Beef with cheese and spicy sauce or cheese only
*Chips  Queso - chips with melted cheese - personally I'd skip these and get the Kimchi Fries
Nachos - Bulgogi Beef on chips, queso, salad mix, jalapeno and sour cream (as above)
* BiBimBop - rice, bulgogi beef, bean sprouts, spinach, mushrooms, zucchini and a fried egg, topped with gochujang - good but I've had much better (super cheap here at $8)
* Smoked Wings - think these were on the specials menu, you get a pile of chicken wings, chipotle-smoked in my case with a spicy BBQ sauce - I recommend these highly if they're being offered.

The place is a bit of a hole in the wall and is more cafeteria-like than fast-casual. You order at a counter and walk along the front edge to pay - once you pay they bring the food to your table. Drinks are along one wall on the left with options for fountain soda, tea and water. It's super simple. The interior is a bit dive-ish - more like something you would find in Little Five Points or East Atlanta Village.

Service is good but very limited - the place gets packed during lunch, best time to go is early afternoon.

(also posted to Yelp)

Willy's Mexicana Grill - Druid Hills - Atlanta Georgia

You can find this location of Willy's Mexicana Grill at 2566 Briarcliff Rd, Atlanta, GA 30329 - this is in the shopping center across from Loemann's Plaza at the Northwestern corner of the Briarcliff Rd and North Druid Hills Rd. There's parking out front but the negative is that the shopping center can be a bit tough to get into and out-of due to the proximity to the shopping center, etc. For instance, if you're approaching from I85 you need to head north on Briarcliff to enter the shopping center.

We were on our way to a concert at Lakewood Amphitheater and needed something to eat before the show so we just pulled off on North Druid Hills and looked out the window - I know, very scientific but it is "Old School" and you know I'm def in that category. We spotted this Willy's which I hadn't known about prior to the random search, so you see, sometimes things just work. As people that have known me for long know, I'm a big fan of the Willy's Burrito over just about any other chain. I think they do the best job with ingredients and portions and I just like the flavors. The only downside is that the various branches (my go-to is the one near the Concourse on Hammond, by the way) tend to loose a bit of food quality and consistency. Also I've eaten in a few where the service wasn't what I was used to - but I guess that happens.

This particular location is practically new, with all new equipment, industrialized furnishings, wood, ceramic and glass interiors and well-positioned menu boards. This is fast-casual from before it was called that, so you get in line and order at the counter. The guys behind the line assemble however you tell them to make your items. On this day I ordered a Willy's Salad with Adobe Chicken - my wife ordered a chicken burrito with black beans. My other favorites here are the nachos - these are some of the best in Atlanta and an amazing value - comes with choice of meat, sour cream, pico and guac salad.

I've since eaten at this location a few times and the service in general has been good, with enthusiastic people behind the register and taking your custom order. I like this Willy's but I wish the parking situation was better. After you get a burrito go next door to Sublime Doughnuts and enjoy an Orange Dreamstar doughnut (only one - more and you'll fall asleep in the car) - you can thank me later.

(also posted to Yelp)
 

Verde Taqueria - Brookhaven Atlanta Georgia

You can find Verde Taqueria at 1426 Dresden Dr, Atlanta, GA 30319 - this is in the heart of "Brookhaven along Dresden" and near Kaleidoscope Bistro and Pub which I've reviewed previously. Verde is on the corner of one of the low-rises that houses businesses (and apartments/condo?) in this mini-complex. Parking is free on the streets that surround the buildings or you can opt for one of the lots or nearby valet.

Verde is what I would call a typical American-concept taqueria joint serving up fresh house-made tacos in flavor combinations more attuned for the average American palate - you see them all around these days - I believe Verde is a local Atlanta chain but could be wrong about that. The interior is industrial with some amusing Tex-Mex accents and there's a fairly well-stocked bar - of course the idea here is to spend your hours drinking house-made tequilas (margaritas and shots) and nibbling on snacks. For this purpose the restaurant does a fine job - I would recommend sitting outside on the patio if it's not too hot. In the evenings there are plenty of families (probably locals) so this place is definitely kid-friendly.

I've now eaten here a few times (first visit was back in 2016) both for lunch and dinner. I think the food is pretty good - I like that the chips are fresh and usually hot when they come to the table. The portions seem a tad small compared to the prices, but then again I live 2 miles from Buford Highway so everything is skewed towards the cheaper/authentic side for me so take that with a grain of salt. The margaritas I've tried were good and strong - even with the frozen I managed to cop a buzz. 

The last time I was there I ordered the "Trio" which includes salsa, guacamole and cheese dip. I thought the guacamole excellent with plenty of lime and cilantro - if you're not a fan of the latter then pass.  The salsa is passable and the cheese dip what you would expect - both are above average when compared to the free stuff you get in the authentic Mex joints.

We also ordered the Chicken Quesadilla and the Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla. I liked the first better than the buffalo - the latter seemed a bit forced and the black beans were under-cooked/chewy. We also had a few cans of obligatory Tecate beer with lime - if you ever spend time in Mexico you'll know that this is probably the favorite of the locals and worth having when it's available - it's light and very refreshing.

The service was passable if a little inconsistent - the first time I dropped by during an early lunch I was by myself and virtually ignored. The second time (also during lunch) with a table of four the service was better. With me and my wife drinking margaritas we were well attended but the crowds hadn't hit yet - so I'd say it was typical based on sales/tip so keep that in mind (restaurants really like to seat 4-tops the best to both get table turns and up the average price with drinks and appetizers). I'd call this place a good option, especially if you like tequila and if it's not too hot, sitting on the patio. Otherwise, there's a Pure not too far away that's similar and better.

(also posted to Yelp)

Carnitas Michoacan - Druid Hills - Emory - Atlanta Georgia

You can find Carnitas Michoacan at 4166 Buford Hwy NE Ste 1050, Atlanta, GA 30345 about in the middle of the Plaza Fiesta shopping center/mall. Plenty of parking out front provided one of the frequent carnivals isn't taking up half the lot (even then there's space on the ends and other side).

John F and I hit this place Thursday night as part of our regular weekly Buford Highway Restaurant Crawl - this is a couple of shops over from Asian Pearl Buffet. This is your typical Latino restaurant where you order from large wall-mounted menus at the counter. After about 10 minutes you get your food hot, so there's really minimal service. I got the impression that the people working here aren't used to your typical American diners, but fortunately there are plenty of photos available to help you make your selections.

Carnitas are a particularly tasty version of roasted pork - the chunks of pork are slow roasted in lard until tender. I've had good and bad versions of this dish - I've read that it originated in the state of
Michoacán so I had high expectations. Unfortunately it appears that I've been jaded as the pork dish here (which is really reasonable, comes with rice, beans, corn tortillas and a drink for $10.49) was a bit dry - nothing like my favorite restaurant for this dish, Los Bravos (which serves huge chunks and a delicious roasted red pepper sauce). Other than the meal being fairly cheap and filling, I'd call the food here "average" and nothing special.

The restaurant was clean and well lit with only a handful of customers - we did get here at 8 which was near the usual closing time. The people behind the counter were very efficient and did a good job answering questions. I'm giving this place 3/5.

(also posted to Yelp)