Two Urban Licks

Two Urban Licks opened in 2005 on Ralph McGill Boulevard in Atlanta's Old Fourth Ward and quickly established itself as one of the city's most dramatic dining experiences — not primarily for its food, but for the scale and spectacle of the space itself. The restaurant occupies a converted industrial building with soaring ceilings, massive exposed ductwork, a wood-burning rotisserie visible from the dining room, and a stage for live music that operates most nights of the week. The result blurs the line between restaurant and entertainment venue, making Two Urban Licks particularly effective for groups, celebrations, and occasions where the energy of the environment contributes as much as the food. The kitchen's menu centres on the wood-burning rotisserie, which produces whole roasted chickens with crisp skin and smoky depth; smoked Georgia shrimp and grits with house-made accompaniments; and pork chops with apple butter that showcase the kitchen's commitment to Southern flavour pairings. The wine programme is notable for a casual restaurant — a 50-foot wine tower visible from the dining room displays hundreds of bottles, and the list has depth in California and Southern Hemisphere producers. The cocktail programme is energetic and well-suited to the large-group format. The restaurant is adjacent to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, making it a natural stop on an evening walk. Reservations are recommended for weekend evenings; the bar and communal areas often accommodate walk-ins throughout the week.