New dining destination inside Sonesta Gwinnett Place located north of Atlanta, Georgia.

Seasonal fare, local art, live musical performances.

By Hope S. Philbrick

As you surely have picked up on by now as an avid reader, I eat out at restaurants often. So when I say that the service at the new ArtBar, located inside the renovated Sonesta Gwinnett Place, has the friendliest servers that I’ve ever met—genuine smiles, eager conversation, thoughtful recommendations, attentive service without hovering—trust that the claim has merit.

It was hard not to love the fact that the server welcomed us with a hearty greeting. But the first bite of food cemented the fact that ArtBar is a pub worth frequenting.

When the trio of smoked brisket soft tacos was delivered to our table my husband said, “What artistic plating!” The colorful contrast of the watermelon radish and avocado atop the meaty tacos does underscore the appropriateness of the “Art” in the name of this place.

The just-right spicy meat and contrast of smooth avocado, crunch of radish and cabbage, and soft tortilla make for a scrumptious, addictive combination. Give a taco to your dining companion and you may regret that kindness.

But there’s more to adore on the new menu.

ArtBar’s Executive Chef Rocco Pisera and his team have created a menu that features local Southern favorites alongside popular favorites from other American and international traditions. So you’ll find like truffled deviled eggs and stone ground grits, as well as Buffalo chicken wings, Cajun chicken and sausage gumbo, tempura-fried crab roll, fish and chips and other temptations.

Tabbouleh is minty and light; the generous serving makes it easy to share. Chicken bruschetta ala greque is a flavorful open-faced chicken sandwich. Crayfish bisque is rich, spicy and warms the soul as much as the palate. Peanut butter pie is big enough to satisfy multiple sweet teeth.

Signature cocktails impress, underscoring the appropriateness of the “Bar” in the name of this place. Light and bubbly, the “Watermelon Fizz” is crisp and refreshing, not sickly sweet as you might fear. “Peaches & Honey,” made with Jack Daniels honey whiskey and lavender peach syrup, packs a punch. “Raspberry Julep” is a fruity spin on its minty cousin. “Georgia Mule” gives vodka an edge with peach, ginger and lime. The drink menu also boasts 12 draught beers and over 20 total beers to choose from, with an emphasis on local craft brews. There’s also an extensive bourbon menu and wine list.

ArtBar features art installations that will change each quarter in partnership with a local organization that showcases local art and artists.

Live musical entertainment is staged each Wednesday evening, from 6 to 9 p.m., coinciding with Wine Down Wednesdays that pair  featured wines with light appetizers.

ArtBar is a compelling reason to visit the hotel whether you’re staying overnight or not.

More Information…

ArtBar
Open daily until 4 p.m.; food served until Midnight daily

Sonesta Gwinnett Place
1775 Pleasant Hill Road
Duluth, GA 30096
770.923.1775

Read our review of the hotel.

– Photos © HSP Media LLC

Featured products, services and/or travel arrangements may have been complimentary in part or in full; this affords the research opportunity but does not sway opinion.

Hope S. Philbrick is founder and editor-in-chief of Getaways for Grownups. Her work has appeared in dozens of publications nationwide. She’s reviewed restaurants for several Atlanta-based newspapers and magazines for more than 12 years. When not writing, she can usually be found on the road or savoring something tasty.