BOCADO Bar + Diner, a new restaurant concept from restaurateur Brian Lewis, opens June 25. Described as a new Southern American bar + diner, BOCADO Bar + Diner honors the same seasonally driven and locally sourced food menu as BOCADO’s original location in Atlanta, with an added diner culinary approach and aesthetic. The restaurant opens tomorrow for nightly dinner and weekend brunch, with weekday lunch to follow soon.
Helmed by Executive Chef Erik Perez Lujan, the kitchen will serve house-made favorites, and new Southern American fare on an all-day menu starting at 3:30pm Monday-Friday with additional menu items for brunch, late night and happy hour. Guests can expect to find dishes like Fried Kibbeh (adapted from owner Brian Lewis’ grandmother’s recipe) served with yolky eggs and field green salad; Avocado Toast with poached egg and pickled red onion; and French Toast Muffins with caviar cream and maple syrup during Saturday and Sunday brunch from 10:30am-3pm.
Lujan serves up crave-worthy selections during dinner like BOCADO’s iconic Double Stack Burger (praised by Forbes, Thrillist Atlanta and Eater Atlanta) and House-Made Pasta Carbonara with smoke pork belly lardon and starters like the Watermelon Salad with watermelon, sungold, purple tomato, jalapeño, mint, white wine, tomme cheese and lime juice and Deviled Eggs with pickled okra and shallot alongside fresh new additions. Raw Oysters, a Seafood Tower, Chilaquiles and other rotating items will be offered each day during happy hour from 3:30-6:30pm and late night from 10pm-midnight.
At the bar, Beverage Director Stephen Kuzminski presents a menu of elevated, balanced cocktails to complement the food menu. Guests can enjoy one of Kuzminski’s thoughtful and unique cocktails on the breezy patio directly on the Rail Trail like the Go Ask Mr. Owl with George Dickel Rye, beet, sumac, lemon, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao and aztec chocolate bitters; during brunch or lunch or sip a boozy stirred classic like the Cyanara with Don Q RI woum, Copper & Kings Brandy, blue curacao, lemon, rich simple syrup and egg white or Unpopular Opinions with Lillet Blanc, benedictine, lemon, hibiscus and cava to close the evening out in the restaurant’s cozy diner seating. A broad selection of smartly organized wine and local beers on draft round out the beverage list.
“We’re thrilled to finally be opening up at Atherton with our take on a neighborhood commonplace, where old friends and new visitors can make memories over good food and drink,” says owner Brian Lewis. “We are so appreciative of the support we’ve received so far, and we can’t wait to serve Charlotte our brand of Southern hospitality.”
Designed by D.T. Hubbell Architects, BOCADO Bar + Diner’s 2,700-square-foot interior maintains the history of the structure with modern updates. The building was originally constructed in 1919 as part of a larger manufacturing facility. Today, elements like heavy drapes, leather furniture and large mirrors lining the walls are offset by intentional pops of color and sparkling chandeliers. A light-hued bartop invites guests to perch on diner stools and lounge seating along with an open kitchen create an approachable atmosphere lending itself to an enlivened dining experience. In the evening, lighting will be dimmed as the space transforms into a moody late-night lounge. Off the dining room, a large, elevated outdoor patio will feature up-close views of the Rail Trail and include a covered pergola, fans and fire pits for year-round use.
The restaurant has dedicated internet access for guests and an all-day coffee program brewed on a Victoria Arduino, a high-tech Italian espresso machine.
