H. Harper Station opened in Reynoldstown in November, taking over the recently renovated space that was home to the short-lived bar/restaurant, The Depot.
Dubbed “a modern watering stop,” the concept from the creative team behind One Flew South restaurant at Atlanta’s Hartsfield–Jackson International Airport combines two ongoing trends: classic cocktail culture and Southern-inspired cooking.
The look: Located in the former Atlanta & West Point freight depot on Memorial Drive, the historic red brick building retains many original architectural details. Polished concrete floors, dark wood, black leather booths and high-top tables add contemporary ambiance, and lengths of railroad track serve as footrests at the long bar.
The scene: The sight of valet parking has surprised some. But residents of nearby Cabbagetown, Glenwood Park and East Atlanta have been creating a lively buzz on weeknights, while a younger crowd has packed the place on weekends.
The menu: Like many newer bar-centered spots, H. Harper Station features lots of snacks and small plates meant for sharing, including the likes of boiled peanuts ($3) and a cold relish tray ($3.50) with pimiento cheese, pickled veggies and deviled eggs. Pumpernickel-crusted bass ($20) and bison short rib ($22) are among the bigger entree plates.
The drinks: Mixologist Jerry Slater features a host of spirits and some 40 signature cocktails, from an old school French 75 ($12) to a creation called God’s Little Acre ($14), with Booker’s single barrel bourbon, Fernet Branca, sorghum syrup, bourbon barrel bitters and flamed orange. Special punch bowls ($40), such as Buford Highway Artillery Punch, serve four to six sturdy imbibers.
The extras: In addition to the regular menu, on Sunday nights look for three-course ($15 per person) Sunday Supper selections. One recent evening, that included a relish tray, a choice of pork loin, chicken breast or Cajun-style bouillabaisse, several family-style sides, and a piece of pie.
Dining out
H. Harper Station
5 p.m. -- 1:30 a.m. Tuesdays -- Saturdays; 4 -- 8 p.m. Fridays; 5 -- 10 p.m. Sundays. Closed Mondays.
Snacks and small plates, $3 -- $12; sandwiches and entrees, $8 -- $23; sides, $3 -- $6.
904 Memorial Drive, Atlanta, 678-732-0415, www.hharperstation.com
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