Sweet boy and I are known to be explorers. When I first moved to Georgia, I was truly astounded at the diversity in regions and areas and having literally everything I could ever want at my fingertips.

Being a lover of food, I was even more excited about the restaurants and they do not disappoint. From fresh seafood to authentic Neapolitan pizza, anything your taste buds desire is within minutes.

The great thing is you don’t have to drive to Atlanta to be right in the heart of a culinary oasis. Enter Alpharetta, and South Main Kitchen.

Located in the heart of Alpharetta’s Historic Downtown District, South Main Kitchen offers a fresh and unique kitchen-inspired dining experience to the area’s emerging culinary scene. The cooking style is distinctly ingredient driven. The restaurant is housed in a historic building built in 1902 and features an open-kitchen, inviting dining room, communal seating and rooftop bar. South Main Kitchen focuses on the social aspect of dining and the true artistry of food.

From the moment we walked in the door, I could feel this was going to be an incredible experience. I was right.

The restaurant is absolutely gorgeous. The industrial feel paired with the rustic shiplap and open brick is simply stunning. This is one of the most beautiful restaurants I’ve had the pleasure of photographing.

In keeping with their keen attention to detail, these were just perfect. It’s rare I’m impressed with a glass, but I loved how these completed the overall appearance.

   

As I was born with a love for all things bourbon, I ordered a Black Walnut Old Fashioned, crafted with bourbon, nux alpina walnut liquor, demerara, amerena cherry and an orange peel. Truly divine. Sweet boy had the Winter Mule with green chili vodka, stone pine liquor, lime and ginger beer. The hint of spice in this cocktail was fantastic.

 

PORK BELLY | blood orange glaze, white bean puree, pickled red onion, hot pepper sauce

Our choice of a small plates dinner began with pork belly with an immaculate blood orange glaze, white bean puree, pickled red onion and hot pepper sauce. This was a brilliant example of pork belly done right. The texture was spot on, created with a stellar blend of flavors.

 

DUCK SAUSAGE | garlic sage pesto, pickled baby beet & mushroom, brandied cherry jus, goat cheese

The pork belly was followed by my favorite dish of the night, the duck sausage. My interest was piqued the second I spotted it on the menu. The sausage is heavenly and served with garlic sage pesto, pickled baby beet & mushroom, brandied cherry jus, and goat cheese. The pickled beet with the sausage and sage were the perfect meld of savory, sweet and tangy. Again, brilliant.

 

BRISKET TACOS | chili aioli, cabbage slaw, feta, crunchy tortilla, pickled jalapeno

Our final small plate of the evening was the Brisket Tacos created with chili aioli, cabbage slaw, feta, crunchy tortilla and pickled jalapeno. This dish won sweet boy’s palate and vote for best dish of the evening. They were absolutely superb paired with the spicy Winter Mule.

 

STICKY SORGHUM PUDDING | bourbon-sorghum butter sauce, whipped cream

As I am a real sucker for anything with sorghum, especially with added bourbon, this Sticky Sorghum Pudding was a must. Covered with a bourbon-sorghum butter sauce and whipped cream, this pudding was spectacular!

I can’t thank South Main Kitchen enough for hosting us for this experience. If you find yourself in Alpharetta, do not miss South Main Kitchen. It’s an impressive restaurant with impeccable food. If you don’t find yourself there, it’s more than worth the trip.

 

About South Main Kitchen

NO. 9 | S. Main Street | Alpharetta, GA 30009 | (678) 691-4622

HOURS:

MONDAY – SATURDAY
11:00 AM – 2:30 PM

MONDAY – SATURDAY
4:30 PM – 10:00 PM

SUNDAY BRUNCH
11:00 AM – 2:30 PM

SUNDAY
4:30 PM – 9:00 PM

*A special thank you to Chef and South Main Kitchen. Although dinner was complimentary, all ideas, comments, thoughts, swooning and drooling are completely my own.