Lure, the new seafood spot from Fifth Group Restaurants — South City Kitchen Vinings, La Tavola Trattoria, Ecco, the Original El Taco and Alma Cocina — is a stone's throw away from South City Kitchen Midtown, the first restaurant the company opened 19 years ago.
Lure's location also is well-known as the space where the lively, long-running Vickery's Crescent Avenue Bar & Grill once stood.
The look: Fittingly, the major renovation features a playful, nautical-inspired design by Bill Peace of Peace Design and ai3. A hefty wooden anchor chain hangs near the host station, while dangling brass spotlights recall Jules Verne. Behind the bar, tap handles are fashioned from driftwood. Outside, the walled courtyard patio serves as an open-air dining area.
The scene: One recent evening, the crackle of new restaurant energy was in the air, as a large party gathered at a long table set with vintage silver punch bowls and chilled seafood platters. At the crowded bar, partner Robby Kukler shook hands and welcomed Fifth Group regulars, while beverage director Vajra Stratigos showed-off a few newfangled cocktails.
The menu: Fifth Group veteran chef David Bradley oversees the kitchen at Lure, which offers a changing array of sustainable seafood. Seared scallop crudo ($12) and spicy Mexican-style seafood cocktail ($12) are among the starters. Larger plates for sharing include seafood sausage cassoulette ($15) and mussels steamed with wheat beer and creme fraiche. Recent entrees include sauteed red grouper with silver queen corn ($31) and grilled mahi mahi with summer salad ($28).
The drinks: Stratigos beverage program features intriguing beer and wine selections, including prosecco on tap ($6). The cocktail list goes beyond mixed drinks to creative punch bowls, such as the Pre-siesta ($40/$80), a milky concoction with almond horchata, honey syrup, tequila, Benedictine, Kronan and allspice. And light, bubbly bottled cocktails, such as the Blue-eyed Boy, with gin, mint elderflower and peach bitters ($9), already seem to be a big hit.
The extras: The bar opens at 4 p.m. every afternoon. And look for lunch and brunch hours, scheduled to begin in September.
Dining Out
Lure, Midtown
Dinner: 5-10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays; 5-11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. Bar: 4 p.m.-late Sundays-Saturdays.
Starters and sharing plates, $2.50-$36; entrees, $16-$33; desserts, $5-$8.
1106 Crescent Avenue N.E., Atlanta, 404-817-3650, lure-atlanta.com
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