Walkability is not Atlanta’s strong suit. Sure, there are a number of tree-lined streets where we love to take a stroll, many of them in our neighborhood and the surrounds. And yes, we know Decatur is awesome for walking around, but I didn’t name this post “Quite Possibly Decatur’s Best Block.” This blog is also not called “Trees We’ve Seen.” So, what makes Atlanta’s best block the best? Food per square foot of walkability, naturally.

We’ve told you before of our love for Burro Pollo and it still ranks as one of our favorite hot, fresh, delicious weekend meals. And, after sitting curbside enjoying burritos and agua frescas, we’ve been known to head down the block for a sweet popsicle from King of Pops. But now, ladies and gentleman, there is a triumvirate of street foods on this beautiful block of North Highland between Ponce and Freedom Parkway. For now, there are Belgian fries. Yes, people, Belgian fries. They are fat spears of piping-hot, skin-on, seasoned deliciousness, served up fresh to you in a handy cone from The Fry Guy; he’s set up just outside The Highland Inn. The fry cone is $5 and there are a variety of dipping sauces to choose from (we liked the slightly spicy red curry ketchup). We found the cone to be quite shareable and a welcome snack as we waited in the Burro Pollo line.

Last, just to make our point that this block is fantastic for its brick and mortar spots as well as its street food kings, we stopped in The Atlanta Cupcake Factory for a Salted Caramel and a Vanilla cupcake (sprinkles get me every time). We like that Cupcake Factory’s little cakes are, in fact, little; they’re the standard muffin cup size, just the right amount of sugary satisfaction at the end of a meal. For comparison, if we’d eaten a CamiCake, we’d probably have had to check into the Highland Inn for a nap. The flavor choices at Atlanta Cupcake Factory are fun too, from El Diablo to Sweet Potato Bourbon to old favorites like Red Velvet and Chocolate Peanut Butter. All of the frostings are cream cheese based and while this style isn’t my favorite type (butter cream is), their icing is perfectly creamy and the cake beneath is bouncy and moist. We know that pie is the next dessert trend, and we do love ourselves some pie, but until a pie stand opens up next to The Fry Guy (please, someone, open a pie stand), we’ll eat our little cake and enjoy it, too.   

Now, if you need to take a break after enjoying such a tasty walk, stop into Young Blood Gallery & Boutique to shop it off and pet their cat. If it’s just too much excitement for you, sit for a while at Cafe di Sol and nurse a Grapefruit Rosewater Martini (our favorite thing about the place). Cheers to Atlanta’s Best Block! 

We loved Pura Vida long before Chef Hector Santiago’s brief, but bold run on Top Chef last year. Dining there feels like Christmas, making a wish list and waiting for yummy little presents to arrive at the table. And it doesn’t hurt that Chef Santiago is good people. So, when we heard that he had started a food stand, Burro Pollo, on weekends in the lot across the street from Pura Vida…let’s just say that there aren’t very many things we’ll stand outside for in July, but this is one of them. Santiago’s luscious chicken burritos get their start with a quick flame char for the tortillas, filled with generous spoonfuls of tender chicken stewed with Mexican spices and topped with crema, fresh onions, carrots and cilantro. He also slips in tiny pickled chilies that pack a fiery punch – it’s a good thing we opted for a house-made agua fresca (today’s water was flavored with watermelon, basil, agave nectar and lime). I asked for tips on the agua fresca since we have some watermelon and basil to finish off at home – Santiago said to simply muddle the ingredients with your hands and strain. He also said vodka would be pretty good in there. I’ve got my to-do for tonight.

We ordered two regular burritos (if you’re real hungry, you can go for a grande), an agua fresca, and a bottled water, for $15. Devoured over the wooden picnic table in front of the stand, stew juice running down our arms, it was a delightful way to spend a Sunday lunch. So tasty that we even forgot about the heat – for about 15 minutes anyway.

Coming up from Chef Hector, he’ll be selling gourmet Latin sandwiches from Pura Vida starting this Tuesday, July 27. Called Super Pan, the lunch spot’s menu will include Pork Belly Coconut Buns, a Chipotle BBQ Beef Sandwich, Jamon Serrano on house made Spanish Coca Bread with manchego cheese & date-marcona almond butter, and more.

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