Illegal Food
1044 Greenwood Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30306
Illegal Food Menu
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Diabetics at Village Inn
Village Inn is a tough place for diabetics, and you must be extra cautious while ordering food at the Village Inn, especially if you're a diabetic. The food items low in sodium are high in sugar or cholesterol at Village Inn which makes it difficult for diabetics to choose the right food at the diner.
Foods to Avoid at Village Inn for Diabetics
Village Inn offers very few items edible for diabetics without any threat. You can avoid sandwiches and burgers at Village Inn and try the light breakfast items on the menu. You must also skip the shakes as well as other juices from the beverage menu. Almost all the dinner items on the menu are high in sodium except Grilled Tilapia and 6 oz. Top Sirloin & Toast. Avoid Soup bowls and opt for cups instead at Village Inn.
Food Suggestions for Diabetics at Village Inn
2 Egg Low-Cholesterol Egg Substitute Omelette with Part-Skim Mozzarella
Nutritional Facts: 220 calories, 15g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 5g), 490mg sodium, 2g carbs, 1g sugar, 0g fiber, 21g Protein
Toast, Rye
Nutritional Facts: 350 calories, 11g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 2.5g), 440mg sodium, 50g carbs, 2g sugar, 4g fiber, 10g Protein
Toast, Sourdough
Nutritional Facts: 330 calories, 10g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 2.5g), 560mg sodium, 48g carbs, 1g sugar, 2g fiber, 10g Protein
1/2 Waffle
Nutritional Facts: 260 calories, 13g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 4.5g), 460mg sodium, 26g carbs, 1g sugar, 0g fiber, 5g Protein
Fresh Fruits
Nutritional Facts: 30 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 7g carbs, 6g sugar, 1g fiber, 0g Protein
Country Potatoes
Nutritional Facts: 420 calories, 25g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 3g), 180mg sodium, 45g carbs, 0g sugar, 5g fiber, 5g Protein
Seasoned French Fries (Sides)
Nutritional Facts: 370 calories, 3g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 270mg sodium, 34g carbs, 0g sugar, 3g fiber, 3g Protein
Hot Tea
Nutritional Facts: 0 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
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High Blood Pressure at Village Inn
If you are concerned about high blood pressure, then you must try food items from the kid's menu at Village Inn as most food items on their regular menu are high in sodium. However, you can always bet on salads for rescue. Instead of dining alone, you can visit the Village Inn in groups to keep the sodium intake in check.
Foods to Avoid at Village Inn for High Blood Pressure
Avoid Sausage Links & Eggs, Sausage Patties & Eggs, Biscuit & Gravy with Eggs, 6 oz. Top Sirloin Eggs, Ham Steak & Eggs, Egg Benedict, and Country Benedict from Village Inn's breakfast menu. It is also recommended to skip the Skillet options at Village Inn for its high sodium content. Among the omelets, avoid Denver Omelette, Country Music Star Omelette, and French Spinach & Bacon Omelette. You must also skip Sandwiches and All-World Double Cheeseburger every time you visit Village Inn.
Food Suggestions for High Blood Pressure at Village Inn
Quaker® Oatmeal Plain
Nutritional Facts: 220 calories, 4.5g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 1g), 10mg sodium, 37g carbs, 1g sugar, 5g fiber, 8g Protein
Toast, White
Nutritional Facts: 270 calories, 10g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 2.5g), 400mg sodium, 34g carbs, 2g sugar, 1g fiber, 6g Protein
English Muffin
Nutritional Facts: 170 calories, 2.5g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 380mg sodium, 30g carbs, 1g sugar, 2g fiber, 6g Protein
2 Pieces French Toast
Nutritional Facts: 260 calories, 10g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 3g), 350mg sodium, 32g carbs, 8g sugar, 1g fiber, 11g Protein
Fresh Fruits
Nutritional Facts: 30 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 7g carbs, 6g sugar, 1g fiber, 0g Protein
Country Potatoes
Nutritional Facts: 420 calories, 25g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 3g), 180mg sodium, 45g carbs, 0g sugar, 5g fiber, 5g Protein
Side Salad (no dressing)
Nutritional Facts: 30 calories, 0.5g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 50mg sodium, 6g carbs, 2g sugar, 1g fiber, 1g Protein
Hot Tea
Nutritional Facts: 0 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
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High Cholesterol at Village Inn
Most items served at Village are made up of eggs, bacon, chicken, or steak. Hence, these food items are often high in cholesterol. You can try the salad items, juices, or light breakfast items from the menu to keep the cholesterol in check. You can also try food from the kid's menu to ensure that you consume fewer calories than usual.
Foods to Avoid at Village Inn for High Cholesterol
You must skip burgers and sandwiches at the Village Inn as these items are very high in cholesterol. You should also avoid the Garden Salads menu at Village Inn except for Southwest Salad, lunch size. You can order all the soups, but you must avoid Tomato Basil Bowl and Wisconsin Cheese Bowl. Almost everything on the dinner menu is also high in cholesterol and must be avoided. Also, skip shakes at Village Inn.
Food Suggestions to Maintain Cholesterol Level at Village Inn
2 Egg White Omelette with Part-Skim Mozzarella
Nutritional Facts: 200 calories, 13g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 5g), 360mg sodium, 2g carbs, 1g sugar, 0g fiber, 20g Protein
Toast, Wheat
Nutritional Facts: 350 calories, 11g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 2.5g), 540mg sodium, 50g carbs, 6g sugar, 4g fiber, 10g Protein
Fresh Coleslaw
Nutritional Facts: 140 calories, 11g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 1.5g), 260mg sodium, 10g carbs, 9g sugar, 1g fiber, 1g Protein
2 Buttermilk Pancakes
Nutritional Facts: 210 calories, 10g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 3.5g), 440mg sodium, 24g carbs, 6g sugar, 0g fiber, 4g Protein
Fresh Fruits
Nutritional Facts: 30 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 7g carbs, 6g sugar, 1g fiber, 0g Protein
Hot Tea
Nutritional Facts: 0 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.
Q & A on Village Inn
Does the Village Inn serve breakfast all day?
Since the year of 1958 when Village Inn was opened in Denver Colorado, the restaurant has been offering its guests great food all day. So, if you want to have a heavy breakfast, light lunch or enjoy pancakes at dinner, the Village Inn is the place to visit.
Does Village Inn still have free pie Wednesday?
Village Inn offers a free slice of pie with any dine-in purchase. Every Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. customers can enjoy a featured pie with any of their purchase. For more information on the pie, one can ask the servers while visiting the restaurant in the area.
Does Village Inn have vegan options?
Unfortunately, there are very few Vegan and Vegetarian options at Village In. There are fruits and salads but most of the items are not Vegan or Vegetarian. We advise asking the server before making the orders.
What time does the Village Inn Open and Close?
Village Inn restaurant opens from 6:00AM-12:00
Is the Village Inn closed during holidays?
Village Inn is among only a few restaurants which remain open on any major holiday's which includes Easter Sunday, Christmas and New Year.
How to find the nearest Village Inn restaurant?
There are over 212 operating Village Inn restaurants in the United States. This restaurant is known for its wide variety of Breakfast Menu. Today, people from all over US visit Village Inn to enjoy food and pies which have won many awards from American Pie Council. The best way to search the nearest Village Inn location is by using our Restaurant Listings Directory which gives you the exact address of the restaurant near as per your location.
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About Village Inn
Village Inn is an American dining restaurant that serves the best American breakfast items on its menu. Founded by James Mola and Merton Anderson, Village Inn began its operations in 1958 as Village Inn Pancake House in Denver. However, during the 1980s, Pancake House was dropped from the title and the name was changed to Village Inn. Registered as VICORP Restaurants Inc., the restaurant company acquired over 71 restaurants in the United States.
Village Inn began serving lunch and dinner menus in addition to breakfast items during the 80s. The pies at Village Inn have won several awards from the American Pie Council. You can order a variety of sandwiches, burgers, healthy salads, melts, and other dinner items. Spread across 212 locations in the United States, Village Inn is a renowned restaurant brand among foodies who love American breakfast menu.
Healthy Food Options at Village Inn
Village Inn is the place to go if you have cravings for enjoyable breakfast items. Most breakfast items are high in sodium and not consumable for certain health conditions. You must be extremely picky to have a healthy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the Village Inn. Village Inn offers a wide range of breakfast and dinner menu to choose from. While most of the items on the menu are high in sodium and cholesterol, you can still find some healthy food options in salads and simple breakfast items.
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Address :
1044 Greenwood Ave NE
Atlanta, GA, 30306 - Phone (404) 254-2141
- Website https://www.illegalfoodatlanta.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street, Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Trendy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Drive-Thru : No
Caters : No
Categories
Burgers
Burger or Hamburger is savored as the most desired fast food meal in the United States. A hamburger is basically a sandwich prepared by stuffing ground meat patty, generally beef, between two slices of a bun cut in half. Hamburger is also famous for its seasoning. Most popular condiments used in hamburgers in the United States are mustard, mayonnaise, and ketchup. Besides ground meat patty, hamburgers are also stuffed with lettuce, onions, tomato slices, pickles, and cheese.
Hamburgers are also categorized into two types in the United States. Fast food hamburger and individual hamburgers served at restaurants are two basic types of burgers served in the United States. The individual hamburgers served at restaurants are prepared using everything including lettuce, onion, tomato, and sliced pickles as well as melted cheese on the patty or crumbled on top. American restaurants also serve veggie burgers for those who don't relish meat. Cheeseburgers are also hot favorite in the United States.
McDonalds is the most popular fast food burger restaurant serving different types of burgers in the United States. On the other hand, there are several restaurants such as Burger King are famous for serving the best hamburgers in the United States. Most burger restaurants in the United States often serve hamburgers with French fries and other condiments. If you have a liking for burgers in the United States, then you won't be disappointed. You can easily find the best burger restaurants in your city on our Restaurants Listings directory. Check the reviews and ratings of the top burger restaurants and savor yourself with the best hamburger in the city.
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Pierce M.
This place told us our wait was one hour and it has been one and a half hours and it's a burger place. Are you kidding me? I see open tables everywhere. There are so many good burger places in Atlanta, this is a joke.
(1)Nik B.
The best part of the night was that they forgot one of our orders so we didn't have to taste more of their rubbish. I don't know if it was an off night but every last thing was just bad. Burgers were tasteless dry and way over done. Whatever appetizer they had with the short rib and pimento cheese was awful. Hour and a half wait. Friendly service, but they forgot a couple orders. High expectations, terrible results.
(2)Roger R.
1st burger joint in America of the millions to tell you what temperature you should eat your burger. Majority of folks eat Medium and up. This holier than thou place tells you their organic, bottlefeed calf beef only can be medium rare or rare. I asked if i could get it WEll, and was told "well if you inisist they will' So we left, place was empty. For 17 bucks you should get your burger cooked right. Four months and this place is gone. Hopefully a great restaurant. next with real owners that appreciate customers.
(1)Joseph S.
i went in last weekend. i had the hank and the fresh cut fries. both were amazing. i will definately be back in the future
(5)Rich V.
Burgers: good. Cocktails: pretty ordinary (sweet and not too complex). Service: good. Price: terrible -- you can get a "local" burger of comparable quality at any number of places for a lot less (a $14 burger here is a $10 burger).
(3)Reagan C.
The burgers weren't bad but nothing special. They didn't ask how I wanted it cooked, and worse this upon the worst they don't have mustard anywhere in the house. Fries are good. Drinks are ok.
(3)Niraj S.
This place is really not good. The burgers are very expensive and they don't taste very good. The staff is very nice but the service is terribly slow. This is my first one star review. For hanging out and drinks 3 stars. For a restaurant 1 star. I felt bad for the staff and owners because this place will not survive.
(1)Melanie H.
Food was delicious but our server made for a less then enjoyable dinner. I had The Hank and fries. Both were spot on, probably the best fries I've had. My son enjoyed the Nasty Nate and the beef jerky. Our server had zero personality and was not helpful with regards to questions about the menu. It was our firs time there, I may go back to give it another try because the food is really good. My son though has no plans to return.
(3)L H.
This place was as good as I'd hoped. Fiance and I both had burgers - both were great and had very different flavors. The pimento cheese burger was smokey and perfectly balanced. The bun had a slight crisp. We shared the Siracha honey fries. Fries had a good crisp and sauce had a good flavor. I liked the drizzled sauce on the top better than the puddle on the bottom, but it was all good. The milk stout paired well with everything. As seems to be true at so many places in Atlanta, had to pay for parking. We went to Vortex the night before. Totally different burger, and both places are worth the effort to try.
(5)Megan B.
Had a wonderful dinner at Illegal Food. The Hank and the Warden's Burger were amazing and so was the brussels sprouts. Great atmosphere, the wait staff was amazing, they made us a hot drink not on the menu perfect for the cold weather.
(5)Kathryn S.
Awful. Burgers would have been great if they had condiments. The only options were the in house made condiments, which the ketchup tasted almost like bbq sauce. Our cocktails were terrible. I had when the smoke clears and my boyfriend had their whiskey drink. They were both so bitter we sent them back. Our waitress didn't notice that once we received the food we immediately asked for the check. Bad service. Bad drinks. Biggest waste of $60.
(1)Jill B.
Waited 50 min for an undercooked burger and fries. Waiter didn't care and never offered anything to make it right. Everyone around was waiting too. I
(1)Jim K.
2 hours of my life that my taste buds will never get back (possibly the most overrated restaurant in Georgia) I'll make this short and sweet. Most overrated dining experience EVER! Went here based on a bunch of "buzz", none of it was true. This is run by amateurs. Massively overpriced, dry burger, over-salted fries, and the WORST ketchup ever. NO parking, ridiculously long wait in a ¾ empty restaurant. Do yourself a favor, go to H&F, NOT HERE!
(1)Robert F.
The hank is by far the best burger in Atlanta. It is like a Big Mac in a parallel university where McDonald's is a three star Michelin restaurant. Also, their massive weekend steak specials revival steaks at Bones or Chops at half their price. Absolutely love this place.
(5)Michael M.
I really wanted to like Illegal Food...and had been anticipating their opening. Was truly let down. I had their burgers at Joystick and they were "pretty good". First of all, Pozole's once-free parking lot is now $5. So, instantly it sucks before we even walk in the door. Next, the kitchen or servers could not handle any sort of volume. It was 8pm on a Saturday night and 1/2 of the tables in the restaurant went un-sat "to let the kitchen catch up". Funny, they had a similar problem at Joystick where it actually took 90 minutes to get a burger. Anyhow, at Illegal Food, it took about 40 minutes to get sat in one of those plentiful empty tables. The server was prompt, but the food was not. Took about 20 minutes to get our order of Okonomiyaki fries. Took another 20 to get the burgers. The food was just OK. Out of our party of 4 (a double Hank, a Nasty Nate, a Bahn Mi pork burger, and a PluckR chicken burger), nobody was raving about them. The story at the bottom of the menu about how they hand select the cow, butcher it in house, and dry age it for 21 days would make you think you are going to be in for one helluva burger. The fine print also states "burgers are cooked medium"....all of ours were well done and dry (obv, the pork and chicken ones had to be cooked through). The fries are also well done. The Nasty Nate toppings were very overpowering of the burger's taste. Highlight - the fried brussel sprouts were very good. Finally, everything is pretty expensive given what you're getting. I understand the beef is going to be higher based on the process, but $15 for a single patty Nate a la carte and $10 for fries with some sauce squirted on them...c'mon now. For less money and way less time, you can get any of the other all-star burgers in ATL.
(2)Erik B.
I know it is a new establishment but I am certain that I read somewhere that the owner has a degree is the hospitality field. Definitely not seeing that put to action. She needs to hire a wait staff that has knowledge of food and beverages. The answer, "I'm not sure." really doesn't cut it in this day and age, especially when it is a simple question regarding a sauce that came on some sprouts. Two years ago this place would have been awesome but unfortunately Holman and Finch has been knocking out great burgers for awhile now. This menu is pretty boring considering that most of the items have been on other restaurant lists for quite awhile now. Slow, inattentive and unknowledgeable staff. I'm glad I didn't bring the lady with me on this food and drink adventure. I'm giving it two stars because they grind their own meat. Hire a wait staff that has some brains or at least the ability to lie to me on the spot. I'm sure there are good servers are out there somewhere, just not at this place. To close it out, the burger was cooked spot on so there we go.
(2)Evan G.
Laughably incompetent service. I understand that they are a new restaurant, but ask yourself is any food worth 2+ hours, let alone a cheese burger. It is a classic example that making good food as a hobby does not always equate to a good restaurant. They should try to stop taking themselves so seriously with their over-priced menu filled with ambitious menu items, without the ability to execute in the slightest. I left the meal questioning my previous love of burgers and foody-type restaurants. If you want a FAR better burger, do yourself a favor and go to Fred's in the Krog Street market.
(2)Eric T.
This place is totally not worth the hype. I can cook a better food and my house so much cheaper. When we got there there was already a few people waiting out front and it was about 15 minutes till six when they open. Everybody that was there had never been there before. I think I figured them out. Right now they have so much marketing going on that peoplereally really want to try it but once They eat it there's no point in ever going back because this place is not special whatsoever.The marketing done by this place is awesome. I had the Hank and my friend had the fungus among us. They refused to cook to medium rare and they wouldn't make changes to the burgers. The fries had no seasoning. we had the onion dip fries and the jerky was amazingly spicy so hard to eat we just send them back. The burgers were really medium well and black taste. Ingredients were fresh which was good but I have to just give it to thumbs down. Don't waste your time.One of the worst meals I've had in the city. We went on St. Patrick's Day.
(1)Ashwat R.
My colleague had recommended the burger here on multiple occasions so I finally decided to check the place out and although a bit far from where i live, I think this is my favourite burger place in atlanta right now. The hank sounded yummy so I went for it and I loved it. The meat was perfectly cooked. The buns were amazing. If you like your burgers without a lot of toppings and just the basic ones then you will really enjoy this one. I also got a taste of the sausage biscuits and the patty melt and both of them were really good as well. Highly recommend this place.
(4)Donnie H.
Man, what a disappointment. I was hoping this would be one of my new favorite spots but I can't imagine ever coming back here. The burgers are extremely undercooked and way overpriced. I mean you can get something so much better for much less money at a number of places in Atlanta. So many people mentioned the horrible service but we ended up with great service. It was the best part of the meal. The complimentary chips were so spicy they were almost inedible. The meat patties were very bland and the fries were extremely seasoned. It seemed like everything was backwards. Nothing urges me to return. I was not "wowed" in any way at all.
(2)Phong T.
Illegal Food is located in VaHi (Virginia Highlands) at the exact location where Bar Meatball was located before. Illegal Food specializes in burgers and fries although they do have a brunch menu. Per the website, Chef Steven Lingenfelter experimented with Asian, old Americana and French cuisines. Everythings made from scratch and local products are used! PARKING street parking for the most part or paid parking lot INTERIOR pretty much the same from the previous restaurant. a few changes here, but decor is modern-homey. I feel like the design could play into the name Illegal Food more. A little more gritty-look. FOOD Hand-cut Potato Fries -Okonomiyaki Style (10): japanese mayo, okonomiyaki sauce, fermented chili sauce, bonito flakes, shredded nori, green onion, sesame seed, beni shoga (red ginger strips). These fries were fresh and tasty. The sauces got a little overwhelming, but definitely good to accompany any burger. Plentiful! We took it to-go. Burgers -The Fungus Among Us (15): house ground, dry-aged grass-fed beef burger, chef's blend of wild mushrooms, swiss cheese, red onion, rocket (arugula), and truffle mayo. This burger was delcious. I got it medium-well. Juicy and tasty. It seemed like there was only 1 type of mushroom when I dissected the burger although the ingredients say 'chef's blen of wild mushrooms.' A little finger happy with adding the red onions, but overall, delicious. -The Nasty Nate (15): house ground, dry-aged grass-fed beef burger, heirloom chili rubbed, raw milk bleu cheese, bourbon bacon jam, rocket (arugula), red onion. My friend ordered this burger and enjoyed it. SERVICE Hostess greeted and sat us. Waiter brought drinks and menu less than 5 minutes. Very suggestive and attentive. Checked to make sure our burgers were cooked properly. Thumbs up. Overall, delicious well-prepared burger with fresh ingredients. Good ambiance. Good service.
(3)Amy H.
:( Literally was SO EXCITED to come and eat here and it was a major let down for me. The staff is SNOBBY. I think the only thing I really enjoyed were the Brussels sprouts. The burger was ok. They do not let you cook it higher than med. I think -- but mine was like rare... it was bloody. And I do NOT like my burgers bloody. We got the Osokuei (sp) fries and it was just a lot of random Asian toppings they could find to put on it. WAY to overpowering. Glad I got to come try the burger but not what I was expecting.
(2)Sarah H.
Really excellent burgers! Started dinner off with the Brussels sprouts and they were some of the best I've ever had. They were oven roasted so very crispy and they had a great sauce that complimented them well. For my main course I got the pimento cheese burger and it was extremely flavorful and really hit the spot. These burgers are quite large and very filling. Also ordered the okinomiyaki fries and they were to die for. Definitely very unique and have never had anything like them but totally delicious. Service was good and one of the best burgers I've ever had. Definitely a greasy meal but really tasty. Fun atmosphere and cool restaurant so definitely check this place out!!
(5)Steve T.
Small space, somewhat loud, parking is tricky. Service was good. My burger was the right size (not oversized) and very good, but not as good as Holman Finch or Bocado. Fries were crispy and not greasy but were missing something. Prices are pretty steep here. Good place but not amazing.
(3)Amanda K.
If you're looking for a top-notch, somewhat-fancy burger, Illegal Food is a great pick. My boyfriend and I went pretty late on a Friday - around 9:30 or 10pm - and had no wait. The Service: We sat at the bar and the service was really, really good. They chatted with us and gave us nice, descriptive feedback on our potential orders. The Atmosphere: The space is small and it kind of feels like you're dining in a beautiful, old fashioned drug store - with the black and white tiled floor and dark wood accents. But cozy and a bit romantic. Plus, there's a nice covered patio that feels like a true extension of the restaurant. The Food: Started with the Steak Tartar, which was REALLY good. The presentation was beautiful and there were tons of extras on the plate, to give it very dynamic flavor. For the main course, I got The Nasty Nate and my boyfriend got The Hank. Both burgers were HUGE. They don't come with a side, but we opted to skip the fries since we got a fantastic appetizer. You definitely don't need an appetizer, a burger each, and fries. That would be way too much food. You can tell the burgers are made with really high-quality beef. VERY flavorful. The Nasty Nate was really good, but almost too intense. PACKED with flavor. Very salty and savory. I liked it, but I don't think I would want to eat an entire burger like that again. I would definitely split it with someone again though, and opt for a more classic burger as my other half. The Hank was a really well-done, classic burger. Overall, the menu is small and there are pretty much zero healthy options. But if I'm ready to splurge on a burger again, I would definitely give Illegal Food another visit.
(4)Kim N.
I waited about a month after Illegal Food reopened at their new location because I didn't want to deal with the crowds. Also, I tried really hard to not get my hopes up just in case the food isn't as good as I remember. GREAT NEWS: the food is still amazing & there's more space now! The burgers & fries are the main items of Illegal food; however, their special items featured on the menu are also worth checking out. I love that Illegal Food's burgers are not overcooked/dry & tasteless like many other popular burger places in Atlanta. I believe Illegal Food only uses grass-fed beef from Brasstown Beef, which makes a great difference in taste. My only problem/complaint is that I can't get my burger cooked rare or even med-rare here, which sucks because I really don't like my burger overcooked. ~ spicy chicharrones - complimentary & delicious! ~ beef jerky (bourbon & black pepper) - had me at bourbon lol very good beef jerky; the flavor's subtle ~ the hank - of course you have to try this burger if you've never been to Illegal Food before ~ the fungus among us - amazing! This is the perfect burger for me. Please don't ever change it or take it off the menu ~ Okonomiyaki fries - huge portion so it's great for sharing! comes with chopsticks now. Different & delicious! - featured on Thrillist as one of "THE 11 BEST PLATES OF FRIES IN ATLANTA" thrillist.com/eat/atlant… Great service overall. Parking is most likely a problem here on the weekend. There's a parking lot next to the restaurant but shared with other businesses.
(4)Michael K.
I've been here twice. First encountered Illegal Food when they were serving out of Joystick down off Edgewood. Heard great things about this place. I was sold. Came here the other day at their new location in the Highlands for their brunch menu and now I'm just like "SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!" For lunch I got the Nasty Nate burger and Sriracha Honey Fries. That burger was easily the best burger I've ever had compared to those from the fast food joints, such as Five Guys, Smash, and In & Out (still not sure what the big deal is about that place...), Zin Burger in Buckhead, Stuffed Burger in Athens, Yeah Burger, Farm Burger, and etc. I was skeptical at first about those Sriracha Honey Fries, but THEY WERE AWESOME! I could eat those all day if it wasn't frowned upon. The fries were perfectly crisp and not too thin, not too thick like steak fries. It was sweet, but not too sweet and had a little spice/kick to go with it. I recommend you get it. The brunch thing is new. According to the staff, they were only in their second week when we came. So don't be confused when you show up, no one is inside, the door says closed on Sunday, but there is a hostess looking at you like you're a predator. Trust me, I was confused too. Their website says they're on for brunch Sundays from 11 - 4PM. I'm a breakfast guy and I was very impressed! I know they take special care in preparing their brunch items because of how they treated the toast. How you ask? IT WASN'T BURNT AND LEFT TO DIE IN THE TOASTER! I feel like often times places just burn toast and try to mask the death with lots of butter. I got the biscuits with sausage gravy and I loved it! Perfect portions with two eggs. I do wish the biscuits were a little larger given the amount of sausage gravy. But the thing that stuck out to me was that it wasn't 10% sausage and 90% gravy. You get a bits of sausage in every bite. Check out the pic I uploaded. My GF got the Sunday breakfast and if you're someone that wants a large heaping portion of food, this is the one! Check out the pic. It also came with giant bowl pimento cheese grits, which wasn't pictured. The bacon was thick and not burnt. Toast was thick wheat bread perfectly toasted and buttered. Honestly, this is one of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta and now one of my favorite brunch spots. They don't have a very extensive menu but they do have brunch specials that they are trying to test out and get a feel for what's hit or miss and then plan on incorporating it into the regular menu. It's a little pricey but you get what you pay for. This isn't IHOP now. Though I do like IHOP...don't judge.
(5)Alayne H.
Stopped in here late on a Friday night and sat at the bar. The bartender was awesome - very friendly, attentive and knows how to make a good cocktail. We ordered the sriracha honey fries and fried brussel sprouts to munch on. Both were excellent! Really liked the atmosphere. The owner spent time speaking with us and was very fun to talk to. Definitely, plan to come back for a "proper" meal.
(4)Will S.
Came here on a Saturday for dinner. Located right off Greenwood Ave behind Dark Horse Tavern, this area can get pretty congested. There's a $5 parking lot right between Illegal Food and Dark Horse. There's more paid and free parking in the area. The restaurant itself is fairly small. For whatever reason there was a 1hr wait although I counted about 6-8 empty tables inside and a few more on the patio. I read some other reviews that mentioned the same thing. The bar area is very small with about 10 cramped seats. Luckily we only waited 10mins before finding empty seat at the bar. As far as the bar is concern, nothing special. They have a decent about of bottled beers and a few on draft. Small selection of cocktails. Not some place I would come drink at. Food.... Everyone standing around us at the restaurant kept talking about how good the brussel sprouts were, so we went ahead and ordered some. I'm not a big fan of sprouts, and these really didn't do anything to change my mind. They have a nice crisp to them, and drenched in a sauce, but not something I ordered again. But like I said...never was a huge fan of sprouts, so by all means....go for it. F&H Burger - Honestly, this thing is comically big. When it said it had two patties I was thinking maybe two quarter pound patties. No. These were damn near half-pound patties. I honestly could not eat this burger w/o a fork and knife. Topped with two slices of american cheese, red onion, and sandwiched between two pieces of homemade bread. The patties were well cooked to medium, and had a nice taste, but really there was nothing special. The bread was good, but b/c I was having a hard time trying to eat it, it got soggy and i was out of bread before the burger was close to being done. It comes with a side of ketchup, which tasted good the first few seconds in my mouth, but then fell incredibly flat. The Hank - My friend got this. 1 half pound patty, stupid amount of iceberg lettuce, special sauce, vidlia onions. I had a bite, and though better than mine, nothing too special. We both ate at The General Muir a few weeks before and easily agreed that the Muir was leaps and bounds better. Actually, Bocado, H&F, Farm Burger, & The Albert all have better burgers We ordered the classic fries. They were ok, but nothing special. And with the disappointing ketchup, I wouldn't bother ordering them. They have some specialty fries that may be better, but higher in price. Fries can easily be split between 2-3 people. Overall, quite the let down.
(3)Alex C.
Perfect medium rare burgers. They moved locations but the quality is the same. I had eaten at the O4W location and had the hank and fungus among us burgers with the japanese fries. They were so juicy and good. Then they closed so I have been waiting four months for the perfect burger fix. I went opening weekend and there were 35 people in line before the restaurant opened. Even the chef came out to the parking lot to take a picture. Speaking of parking... It costs $5 to park there. I decided to try the pimento burger. It was delicious. Perfectly cooked. It had this campfire taste to it. The perfect char on the outside of the burger. The bun is perfect. I got the regular fries this time and they good, the ones with skin were slightly burnt. But other than that it was great. Service was good. They were packed within 15 minutes but I got my food in a timely manner, water and coke refills. I know people always compare then to H&f. They've taken the best of H&F burgers (the buns) removed the worst part of it (overcooked meat) and added delicious toppings you can't get at HF
(5)Angela L.
4.5 stars My husband and I were so excited to visit the new location - we ate Illegal Food once when they were at Joystick Gamebar and told all of our friends of the Legendary Burger. They have limited hours/menu right now, so they're probably still figuring out parts of what they want to serve once they fully open. ------ Freebie: Pork rinds seasoned with ethiopian spices - they were pretty spicy, but not too much; definitely gave me the sniffles but in a good way. Tasty. ------ Appetizer: Terrine of Confit Duck - Honestly wasn't what I was expecting; it was a bit bland but still good. Just not outstanding ------ Burger: The Nasty Nate - what my husband ordered. He really liked it; I liked mine MORE. The Warden's Burger - When I first received it, I thought it was a chicken burger by accident because the goat cheese patty was so thick. It was the perfect proportion of toppings to burger; the tomato jam tasted kind of like a better version of Heinz Ketchup and had a great texture; it also balanced out the goat cheese really well. The arugula on the burgers was also very crisp. We ordered both of our burgers medium rare - they were perfectly cooked. ------ Drinks: For the life of me, I can't remember the names of the drinks I ordered. The first was some "smoked" drink that had smoked grapefruit liquor as an ingredient. It was good! The smokiness was definitely prevalent, but not overwhelming. I also got another drink that had lemon and agave nectar, along with an egg white foam garnish which was also good. Both drinks were really STRONG (just how I like it). :) Also, get the pickleback (sans whiskey)! We got one each because they were so delicious. They make their pickles in-house; they're a bit spicy and perfectly tangy and soooooooo good. I would come here just to have one of those. ------ Service: Honestly, this was the highlight of the entire meal. The place was pretty packed, but we never felt like we were ignored for any length of time. We had fast service and our server kept our water glasses filled. She also had good recommendations and seemed genuinely psyched to be working there. ------ I really wish we could've ordered the fries (we had the okonomiyaki ones at the other location and they blew our minds); but we were both so stuffed after the other food that we decided to stop. :)
(5)Jarrell F.
Brunch was my first time here. And I immediately contemplated coming back to get dinner. The bartender, Tim, was awesome. He picked my dish for me (the Kentucky Hot Brown) and I could have squealed with glee. I also had a drink special, the Triple Lindy (watermelon goodness) which Tim got done quickly and put on a bit of a show too. Now, for the Hot Brown...The turkey brine is potent and gives a great maple flavor. And I could bathe in mornay and bacon if it was what they made. The only drawback were bits of turkey bone in the meat. But,at least I know it's fresh! The reviews seem a bit lackluster, perhaps brunch is the golden hour (it is pretty new for them). But, I am now a serious customer. The space is small,but it was moderately crowded when i went (about 20-30 diners). Parking is free on site and you can meet some cool characters like I did; it is a pretty communal place.
(4)Stormtrooper H.
The new brunch is just what I needed. This past week was the first brunch service for Illegal, one of our favorite spots in Atlanta. So we were excited to check it out, and like always we were not disappointed. We went at 2pm and had no trouble getting a table, although we decided to sit at the bar. Parking was free in the lot next door and the street was pretty empty. The new menu was so hard to pick from because everything looked so good. It was a nice mix of breakfast items and lunch, with the Hank (of course) and a Patty Melt (my personal favorite). But we ended up going with the "Hot Brown" which is a Kentucky delicacy (Google it). I've had this at the Brown Hotel, where it was invented, and this was SO much better. Not to mention the cheese grits with smoked pimento cheese on top! The drink menu was pretty much all new as well. I had the Pimm's Cup (yum!) and a Bloody Mary, and both were delicious. Lots of people were put off by the house made pickled veggies that were garnishing the Bloody Mary, which just meant more for me to enjoy! It's hard to go to a place that I have such a favorite order, both food and drinks, and get something else. But it totally paid off, and now we will have to make this a Sunday tradition, next time with the kids.
(5)Cynthia N.
I was so excited for Illegal Food to open - SO EXCITED. After tasting all of their burgers when they were a pop-up at Joystick, I couldn't wait for them to have their own space. And giving Illegal Food a 3-star review breaks my HEART, but they let me down. I ordered the Hank ($12) and the Okonomiyaki fries ($10). I also ordered the One Down, Two to Go cocktail ($10). The only item that I would order again were the Okonomiyaki fries, they arrived hot and flavorful. Since they taste better that way, I tried to gobble as many of them as I could while taking bites of my burger, sips of my drink and having a conversation with the guy next to me. (I was doing an amazing juggling act with this meal.) The fries were the only thing that were as good as I remember from my pre-solo-location experiences and why this is not a two-star review. The One Down, Two to Go cocktail was good, but sweeter than I thought it would be. I had two, and I was okay with the price. But something's gone wrong with the burger. The Hank used to be a juicy, flavorful patty that melted in your mouth and your fingers. I loved this burger so much that I took 50-year-olds to an arcade to try it (FYI, they LOVED it too!). But this new Hank is cooked medium well with the barest hint of pink and is very dry. The H&F bun (sans butter or grilling or whatever makes a bun amazing) was not that great. I don't know a strong enough word to express how disappointed I was with this burger. There was a time when I would stand on solid ground saying that Illegal Food had the best burger in Atlanta, but now I have to eat those words, and I'd rather eat them than eat this burger again. I was lucky enough to get parking on the street because I went around opening time on a Wednesday night, and my service experience was better than expected. Overall, it was not a horrible meal, but for the price point, it should have been a much, MUCH better meal than it was. I wouldn't eat here again just because the food doesn't live up to its cost. (I cry as I write this...really...well, not really, but you understand the sentiment.) And I also left smelling like burgers and onions, and I very much dislike smelling like food. Unless it's bacon. Yelp 100 #20
(3)Zewditu D.
After a walk around the neighborhood, my dinner club visited Illegal Food. They don't open till 6pm for dinner on Sundays, so we lined up before opening with some other folks to make sure that we didn't have to wait too long to have a party of 8 seated. Complimentary pork rinds are provided by the chef. The burgers seemed very tasty and it was hard for me to figure out what to order. So I shared The Hank and The Bahn Mi with another person in the group. Three of us ordered regular fries to share with everyone at the table. Diners also ordered vittles (mushrooms, ramps, radishes) and brussel sprouts to share with the group. Verdict: (1) The pork rinds were crisp and quite spicy. Some of the diners could not handle the spice. I could handle the kick but thought they were just OK in taste. (2) The Hank at medium was cooked nicely, but I think it ended up being more on the medium-well side. The meat itself was on the small side, but the burger was quite tall given the bun and toppings. Well executed but didn't blow my mind. Solid though. (3) The Bahn Mi is a double pork patty which makes it quite large. I did not like this at all. It was definitely Asian style, but didn't really remind me of a bahn mi. I didn't even bother finishing my half of this burger. It wasn't worth the calories to me. (4) The fries are pretty standard. Nothing especially memorable about them. (5) THE BRUSSEL SPROUTS! Omg. One of the best things I have ever eaten in my whole life. Definitely the best brussel sprouts I have ever had. Came with some kind of aioli sauce, I suspect. I think I ate half a bowl myself and the bowl was a pretty good size. (6) I don't like mushrooms, but the vittles ended up being quite tasty. I think since the mushrooms were cut into small pieces, I found them to be more palatable. Side note: Nice bathroom. Take home: Get The Hank and the brussel sprouts.
(3)matt m.
Food was ok. Burgers tasty. Japanese fries good. Service, .. I guess it was B team night. Slow to greet. Not particularly friendly. Moms a vegetarian. Literally the only thing she could eat was the kids grilled cheese which was way over cooked. And the server acted like she was doing her a favor by selling her a kids item, because they're only allowed to sell it to kids?? Get a veggie burger, or how bout some other veggie options . What? You didn't get the memo?? It's Virginia Highland. Not everyone is a carnivore. Anyways... $90.00 later the experience was a let down. Nothing worse than a half ass server. It'll ruin the whole experience.
(2)Keo S.
So mostly everything you read about this place is correct. The burgers are delicious and you can't beat the Holeman buns. It's a pretty good sized patty, perfectly cooked, and juicy (so it'll be a messy burger to eat). We really liked it and the service was just fine. However, the price is going to be what gets you here and the fact that you have to buy fries on the side. The portion does feed 2 so basically you are screwed if you come by yourself - lol. The fries are ok - a little over cooked, but ok. Net net - it's a nice local neighborhood place, but you aren't going to leave for less than $65+ tip for each couple with 1 beer each. This location has had its issues - maybe the rent is too high so let's see if this place can survive.
(3)Yen N.
We celebrated my Fiancé's 30th birthday last year at Joystick bar and remembered the Brussels sprouts and Sriracha Honey Fries were amazing from Illegal Food's small kitchen in the bar. When it came time to celebrate his birthday this year, I felt it was fitting to visit Illegal Food in their new restaurant located in Virginia Highlands. They don't take reservations so it's very wise to get their early for dinner. We got there like 5 after 6 when they opened for dinner and several tables were already occupied and there was a wait. We were explained by the hostess that there was a hold on seating to prevent overwhelming the kitchen. Having worked in the service industry back in college I completely understood. We headed to the bar which is small with limited seating. After our first round of drinks and about 10 minutes we were ready to be seated. With a group of 10 in a less than average size venue we didn't feel too cramp. We started with the night's special appetizers for table : In house beef jerky made from Brasstown Beef and Beer Batter wild caught Florida Everglades Frog legs. Those came out right away. I am a fan of the jerky. It wasn't too salty and had nice spices; overall a natural smoked taste. This was the first time I had frog legs and as most people say it would taste like chicken , I thought it was much more tender than chicken. Insanely, surprisingly tender. The batter was a perfect fluff and crispy balance. We ordered a second round of appetizers right before we got our first two. We decided on our house favorites: Brussell Sprouts and Sriracha Honey Fries. Since these were their staple items, I expected these to also come out quickly,but we waited a very long time for them to arrive. It was like 20 minutes after we finished the first appetizers. We did get the pork rinds as complimentary, and they had a nice kick. My cocktail kept me happy. I decided on "When the smoke clears " and ended up having two. Definitely a nice paring of tequila and grapefruit juice. I could have had more but was the designated driver for the evening. Brussels sprouts were a hit with everyone. Sriracha fries were good but the fries at the bottom of the bowl were drenched with the sauce and were to soggy to enjoy. I ordered the Banh Mi burger as my entree. They did a great job marinating the burger patty to imitate a traditional Nem Nuong. The pickled carrots and daikon were less sweet and mild than I preferred. The Double patty was huge! I had to tackle it with a knife and fork. My fiancé got the 50oz. bone in Ribeye special to split with another friend. I think he could have had the whole thing himself. He said it wasn't a whole lot of meat because most of it was the bone (which a friend took home for her pitbull) and fat. I tried some of the fat, because asians aren't afraid to eat fat. I like the taste and texture. Everyone else finished their burgers with satisfaction. Our server, Stephen was great at handling our group among his other tables. He was quick to bring out our drinks and was on top of clearing our finished plates and glasses. He handled our every request and was friendly doing so. Our whole dining experience took about a little over 3 hours. The restaurant was packed the entire time we were there. I couldn't imagine the table turn over is very quick here so for a weekend night it could be a long wait . We enjoyed our company and the ambience so it didn't matter that our food took some time to get out. The kitchen staff is still figuring out their rhythm. The place is some what loud with all the conversations from the entire room. I felt like was speaking louder than normal. The bathrooms are a 1 stall unisex and very clean. I love that they have hand towels instead of paper towels which eliminates so much waste. We had a great time at Illegal Food . What I love most about the place is the creativity behind the menu selections and specials. The culinary team understands how to pair different and common ingredients together to create a unique dish. It's also a plus that all their meats are grass fed. We will be back to try the other items on the menu.
(4)Teresa C.
Great food and venue! Ordered the Okonomiyaki Style fries and Brussels sprouts for apps... both phenomenal. THE best fries I've ever had -- they had Bonita flakes, shredded nori (seaweed), Japanese mayo and chili sauce, such a great combo of flavors. Brussels sprouts had lots of delicious crispy leaves. Ordered the Fish and Chips which was the special that night. It was literally a whole (except no head) yellowtail fish with fries. I liked the ambition of the whole fish and it was cooked very well but in the end it was a little annoying to have to pick through the bones. Friend ordered the Pimento Burger and loved it... They did an awesome job with the homemade pimento. He rated it 8.5/10.
(4)Janet Y.
Illegal food, I really wanted to like you. But not even your decent food can make up for the service we received. We started with the brussels sprouts, which were crispy, flavorful and so so good-- unfortunately, it all went downhill from there. Our waiter initially forgot our drinks, and they arrived late-- maybe this place just has to work out some kinks. We were also looking forward to the pork rinds, because we'd heard good things.. but they never arrived. Then we ordered the beef carpaccio, but about 10 minutes later someone informed us that they'd given it to another table and we would be comped another one. Sure thing, no harm no foul, awfully nice of you guys. After a decent amount of time, we asked again about the carpaccio and we were informed that that was the last one with a halfhearted apology. I get it-- there's always someone on yelp with the bad review and the terrible experience. But really, guys? We had the hank burger, which was solid-- nothing to write home about. Do yourself a favor and go to bantam pub instead. When the check arrived, to their credit they did apologize for the various mishaps. "You'll see we've taken care of quite a few things on the check." translates to a whopping $5 taken off, by the way. I'd rather have two hours of my life back. We tipped a begrudging 15%, but trust me-- I don't think they deserved it. Mistakes happen and we take them in stride.. I just wish it had been handled better. You've definitely lost our business for good.
(1)Melissa K.
The food is organic so, 2 stars for that. However, server not so great. The communication was AWFUL. After, a 45 min wait, there were items on the menu that had changed. I Guess it was to our surprise when the food came out and was NOT how it was explained on the menu. The waiter was so apologetic and helpful(NOT) and there is also a $2 charge for an extra 2 teaspoons of Syrup when they serve you 4 thick waffles. I'm the last person to complain but, as a business owner myself good service is EVERYTHING! Not the way I had planned on spending my Sunday with a great group of friends and I will not be returning.
(2)Bob K.
Went with a buddy. I got "The Hank" and we split the Japanese fries. Everything was phenomenal, from the food to the service. Definitely one of the best burgers in Atlanta and cooked to a perfect medium rare. Main beef was the parking, as we were heading to a Braves game and had to find a spot, but you can't blame a VaHi restaurant for lack of parking. Will definitely be returning.
(5)Ryan S.
Overpriced when overcooked. Normally I will start with the good and then tell you why not to go there. This time, because of the nature of the issue, I will flip that. THE BAD: The burger. Read the menu, they sound great. Dry aged beef ground in house, home made fixings, etc. Youre drooling reading it. You get there, all excited, order the one that strikes your fancy. You say, "medium rare." That is when this train goes off the rails and doesnt get back on. They DONT DO MEDIUM RARE. They only do "medium" and well-done. The hell? You go all out on the meat and the only way you serve it is overcooked? And the medium is a lie too, its a cover for not actually being capable of cooking a burger properly. We had 12 people and all of them were overdone, not one actual medium in the bunch. I fared better at medium-well but another burger was what could only be called "murdered." Either way condiments are required because they cooked out any remaining moisture. And don't claim safety. If you are truly getting primals and grinding them yourselves then the risks drop substantially compared to pre-ground meat. Their name should actually be, "What we do to this meat should be illegal." THE GOOD: Virtually everything else. The service was attentive and quick. The atmosphere is nice (albeit a bit loud with the metal drop ceiling). The kitchen was a little slow (if they cooked the burger properly they could get them out faster, just saying) The fries are excellent. Come out hot enough to burn your tongue (I should have waited but I got hungry waiting for them to overcook my burger). Nice seasoning and they offer some well made dipping/topping sauces. If I came back it would be for the fries, Id pass on a burger. Id just go eat somewhere else, drink somewhere else and then, if they were open, come over there to chow on 3 orders of fries. You may be thinking, "Dang dude, two stars because the burger was overcooked?" Yeah, two stars. Look at the menu, its the only thing they do. If you're going to specialize in something and charge a premium then get it right. The burgers at Grindhouse are better simply because they will cook them properly (and I can get a burger, fries and a shake for the price of my one burger at Illegal). IF they hired someone who knew how to work a griddle they could go from two stars to 4 or 5 stars overnight.
(2)Billy S.
Heard about this spot from my boss. He said the burgers were better than Farm Burger. While I'm still not convinced of that, this place was pretty good. We got there at about 9:15pm on a Thursday, and that must be the perfect time to miss the crowd, because we found a parking spot pretty easily in their lot, and we didn't have to wait to be seated. If you come, be prepared to pay for parking if you're unable to find street parking. I think it's usually $5 in their lot. We lucked out because the hostess told us the attendant just left. They serve house-made chicharrones and if you even remotely like pork rinds, skins, etc, it's almost worth eating here just for their version. Make sure you add hot sauce, too! We ordered the okonomiyaki style hand-cut fries and while the flavor could be described as "authentic" and "tasty", it was a little too salty and it gets old after you've had a few. Good to try once, but we probably won't order these again. We ordered 2 burgers. The Hank and Nasty Nate. The Hank was one of the best burgers I've ever had, based solely on the beef. It is really simple and delicious. The Nasty Nate definitely has a lot more going on. The bacon jam, for my taste, takes away from the flavor of the burger, but it's worth trying once for sure.
(5)Karen L.
I first read about this place from an article that listed the best burgers in America. Illegal Food was listed for Georgia for their burger, The Hank, and since it isn't too far, I had to try it. I didn't know it at the time, but my friend and I had went in on a Saturday night, which happened to be the second or third night they were opened since they moved locations. Unsurprisingly, the wait was a little over an hour. The hostess notified us that we could grab drinks at the bar while we wait, or grab drinks at another place since there were other bars and restaurants around and that she would call us to let us know when we're about to get seated. Although when we kept checking in with the hostess, there were plenty of empty tables and it took about 10-15 more minutes before she sat us... not sure why. Oh, parking! There are two parking lots on either side of the restaurant (I think it was either $5 or $10) and street parking (and probably more that I didn't see). It can get very difficult to find parking, especially on the weekends since there are many surrounding bars and restaurants on that street. My friend and I ended up ordering their steak tartare, The Hank, Okonomiyaki style hand-cut potato, and banana pudding ice cream. My friend did want to order their sriracha honey potatoes, but unfortunately, the ingredients includes local honey that they didn't have to serve with it. Before any of our food came out, we were given complimentary fried pork skin, which were a tad bit over seasoned (for my taste) and had a tangy spice to it (that I liked). By the time our burgers and hand-cut potatoes came out, we were pretty much full from the pork skins and steak tartare (but that probably also had something to do with the hour wait). The Okonomiyaki potatoes are covered in Japanese mayo, okonomiyaki sauce (a Japanese worcestershire sauce), fermented chili sauce, bonito flakes (dried, fermented and smoked tuna slices. Yes, it does look like it's moving, but don't be afraid because that's just what happens when they're placed on hot food), shredded nori, green onion, sesame seeds, and beni shoga (a type of Japanese pickle). To be honest, we had no idea half the ingredients that were in it, it just sounded good, haha. And it was! It was something different and gave it a new spin on regular fries. The amount given is definitely more than enough for two people, so if you have three or four people at a table, one order is probably enough. I wish one of us tried another one of their burgers, because we both got The Hank. But the burger is a house ground, dry-aged grass-fed beef burger topped with American cheese, shredded lettuce, vidalia onions, dill pickles and their special sauce. I ordered a double, and the thing was bigger than my face. I honestly had to use a fork and knife because it was too big, hahaha. The special sauce was really what made it really good on top of the melted cheese. For dessert we had their banana pudding ice cream. It is also mixed with cookie crumbs. I wasn't too excited about the taste because I expected it to be a little more moist, instead it was a little dry (maybe from too much cookie crumbs?) and it tasted like the banana wasn't mixed in enough either. Overall, it was an okay first experience and our waiter was very nice and attentive.
(4)Tom D.
I stopped in on a Saturday night for dinner and had a cocktail, appetizer, and entree. Among the 4 listed cocktails on the menu, I ordered the One Down, Two to Go. It was overall a pretty good bourbon cocktail but a little light on the potency. Next, I ordered the Fried Brussel Sprouts on the specials list and this made me love Brussel sprouts even more. Very well done with a fantastic aioli that I feel like I could've made an entire meal out of if I ordered two portions. Entree was also from the specials list and ordered the Sloppy Seconds burger. It had good flavor to it but what bugged me was the fact the patties were a little too salty and overdone and could've used more pimento cheese to balance it out with the chili that was topped onto it. There was a good kick of spiciness to it though and perhaps I'll try another burger with a few less ingredients that might over power the flavor of the beef itself. Staff was nice and the bartender even brought out a tomahawk steak that was 70 oz in size that I may recruit some fellow carnivores to try. Price per ounce wasn't that bad when you break it down. Overall, worth trying again and hopefully the next time will live up to expectations.
(3)Ashleigh P.
I tried this place tonight for the first time after it being talked about in the office. I was pleased for the most part! The establishment looks nice and is very clean! Even the bathrooms ladies There was no wait and I was seated immediately. A server immediately came to the table to bring us water and introduce himself. The menu is all burger and fries/sides. They do have pork and chicken burgers, but they're not as fancy or creative as the beef burgers. I wanted to get a pork burger but I wanted it TOPPED like one of the many beef burgers, but I was told I could not do that. So I tried the Le Cluck burger, which is ground chicken patty that is grilled then coated with panko bread crumbs and flash-fried. It was only topped with lettuce,pickles and mayo. Aside from it sounding boring it was very tasty!! My main issue was the price, it was very tasty, But it was so $12 (a la carte) for the burger. The Siracha Honey fries were $7.50 which $20 is a bit much for burger and fries. Though it was good, I won't be rushing back because I can get burger and fries elsewhere for a lot less money.
(4)Tushanda D.
A must try in Atlanta!! The steaks melt in your mouth. We had the Behemoth and I think by far the best thing were the fries under the steak now that's a "steak fry "
(5)R B.
We went on a Saturday night, right about 6:30pm. The weather was nice so we sat on the deck overlooking the ($5 to park) parking lot. The $5 is well worth it if you haven't tried street parking in Highlands. The burgers were everything we had read. I had the Nasty Nate and enjoyed it thoroughly. My wife opted for the Banh-Mi burger which was excellent, although be forewarned it has two big patties on it. She thought that the sandwhich could use just one, but I was happy to take it home and eat it for lunch the next day. Four of us shared the sriracha-honey fries. Nicely made craft cocktails (the 15 will get ya 20 is smooth and sweet) complemented the meal. Service was quick and the server was knowledgeable about the menu. I think I agree with the reviewer that the burgers were more done that I liked. Next time I will order them medium rare or rare.
(4)Tom K.
I ate here after hearing all the hype about the burgers, but I was also somewhat reserved in my expectations because of some recurring complaints in other reviews. The food was great, and I will go back, but I did encounter a few of the same annoyances that others have mentioned. I had the Hank, and it was a great tasting burger. It was a good size for the price, and I see why it gets the accolades it does. The fries were very tasty and the portions are big enough to allow 3 people to share comfortably. The house-made pork rinds were fresh and wonderful, and making the complementary is a nice touch. Overall, we were happy with our food. However, I do have to echo a few other comments I've seen in other reviews. First, the everyone's burger was overlooked. I was told the default was something in between medium and medium-rare, and I said that was fine, but I'd prefer it more on the medium-rare side. My dining companions also ordered theirs medium. All of our burgers came out a solid medium-well. Good burgers could have been amazing if they weren't overdone. Also, the kitchen was remarkably slow, given that the restaurant was no more than half full at the time. I will go back, and hope they get their issues ironed out before then.
(4)Kaitlin P.
When the Smoke Clears cocktail - delish I had 2 and I wanted 8 more. Okonomiyaki style fries - you must get these. They were amazing. Burgers - way too salty and a strange consistency. A let down after such a good start. Come here for happy hour and grab a burger from grind house on the way home.
(3)Bailie B.
I'm a little biased since these guys are my next door neighbors. That being said, I'm in love with the hank burger - easily as good as or better than H&F and Bocado burger and head and shoulders above Flip. Good beer selection and great brunch. Minus a star because of the slow service and volume level (interior is all subway tile, could use some dampening), but the burger is worth it and you can enjoy your beer and pork rinds during the wait!
(4)Cassie W.
Definitely a newly opened restaurant working on a few glaring service issues. We arrived at about 6:30 pm and were prepared to wait for a table (check the restaurant website where this is noted). However, I can't understand why you wouldn't seat people when 5-6 tables are open (of 20 tables total). I'm not sure whether the hostess was told to do this or just needs a quick re-training. We decided to grab a drink at the beautiful bar - the beer selection leaves quite a bit to be desired in selection and price, but we are spoiled by nearby Hop City. The bartender hinted that we should order at the bar and since not one party had been seated for 10 minutes at those open tables, we decided to go for it. Also, by this time the restaurant was packed with people at the bar waiting to be seated. We ordered the Nasty Nate burger, Pimento Cheese burger, Okonomiyaki fries, & brussel sprouts. The bartender tried to sway my boyfriend to the pork chop, but I had a funny feeling that would take close to an hour (menu notes long wait) and just thought it was strange given our first visit to this epic burger place. Specialty cocktails we tried were delicious. Brussel sprouts came out first and were so tasty. The Nasty Nate was not my favorite - the bacon jam temperature was too cold. My boyfriend loved the Pimento Cheese burger. Our Okonomiyaki fries somehow came out after our meal to the dismay of the bartender (who felt terrible and comped the fries). When the fries come after we wait 10 minutes post burgers, we are stunned that they would cost $10. I ask the bartender and he tells me we received the Classic fries - after waiting 45 minutes and ordering multiple drinks I want to try these supposed mind-blowing fries. After another 5 minutes, bartender comes back with Okonomiyaki fries.... They are good, but not $10 fries good. Relieved they were comped. We ask for the check, receive the wrong check, finally get our correct check, and exit the scene. Overall, good flavors going on, but this restaurant has some growing pains to get through. We will be back, but probably in a few months after the service issues settle.
(3)Amy C.
I came here because Illegal Food is supposedly the hotest place to be for burgers and one of the ATL mags just rated Illegal Food, The Hank, as the #1 burger in atlanta. This place is located in the heart of Highlands, right behind Dark Horse. The venue itslef isn't that big and the vibe is pretty cool; you do feel like you stepped back in time a bit. I went with two sorority sisters and we all ordered different burgers and split their normal fries to go with it. The Hank, which was the burger I got, was pretty good but Idk if it's better than H&F's burger, Bocado, or Anne's Snack Bar. I think it's certainly tasty. The fries had a nice crunch and they either make their own ketchup or use some organic because it's definitely not as sweet as your Hines ketchup that you pick up at your neighborhood Kroger or Publix. WHen you go, they are suppose to give you complementary pork reins but my table never received it and after looking at other people's tables with it and not seeing it on the menu, I had to ask our server for it. If it was meant to be free, then hell yes I want it because I want to try it. I thought the prok reins were ok; too salty for my taste. I didnt think the ethopian spices were all that and a bag of spices; I found it to be very monotone. I think if you're looking for a local ATL joint, yeah you should come try this place.
(3)Gil T.
Went there last saturday with three friends. Half of the tables weren't occupied, and we had to wait at the bar for about 30-40 mins until someone decided we could sit down. We got a free app, which was cool. The carpaccio we ordered was pretty tasty, too. The fries were brought to the table a solid 5 minutes before our burgers, and I discovered (a little too late) that one of the fries included seafood. I'm allergic to seafood, and seeing the item "bonito flakes" among eight asian-themed toppings didn't really scream SEAFOOD at me. Massive oversight for a pretty common allergy. I scarfed down my burger so I could get home and take some medicine. The burger was ordered as "medium", and I'm really not a burger snob, but there was no pink whatsoever on the burger. I would have probably sent it back if I wasn't about to have a severe reaction. I mean...if I'm paying $15 for a burger, it absolutely HAS to be divine, and it just wasn't. All three of my friends shared a similar sentiment. Didn't get comped on the seafood thing, ate two benadryl on the way home to combat the seafood. Passed out at 10 on a saturday night, when I was planning on going out. All of this for about $45 and two hours!
(2)Agata R.
I have one word for you: overpriced. The burger was good, but I can get something equivalent (in terms of quality/ingredients/locally sourced/etc.) relatively nearby for 2/3 the price. Both the cocktails we got were just ok, nothing special, a bit too sweet. I'm not likely to return.
(3)Riki L.
I was excited to come here but have to admit was disappointed once I sat down. Ordered; The Nate (sauce on the side) Brussels sprouts French onion fries Ice tea Let's start with the good. The Brussels sprouts were ok, but really salty. The burger came out and it just wasnt a $12 burger. Maybe $7. I liked the bun was toasted but that's about it. It just didn't live up to the comparison hype of Farm burger or H&F. Fries were nothing to write home about and the French dip, well I thought it was going to be an au jus thing and it was just like chip dip. Which wasn't my cup of tea. On the topic of tea, the ice tea was water down and had a strange taste. Walked out feeling super greasy.. Probably won't be returning.
(3)Maxwell M.
It's called "Illegal Food" because the prices they charge are borderline criminal. Let's be real, if you're paying $15 for a burger (without fries included), you should settle for no less than "out of this f@#king world!" However, these burgers leave a lot to be desired. Not bad mind you, but certainly not bringing anything great to the table (pun intended). Taking price out of the equation, if you're looking for a decent burger in the Atlanta area, I can name 15 places off the top of my head you would be better off going to instead. All my negativity aside, it's a lovely locale and the aesthetic of the restaurant is very inviting. I'm sure a ton of folks love the burgers, and it's possible you might go and really love your dining experience, but if it's your life's mission to eat truly juicy succulent burgers, I suggest you do a little more research. Good Luck Friend!
(3)