Review: Nick’s Food to Go: Downtown Atlanta’s Amazing Greek Joint
Did you know that just a block from Pencil Factory, in a fairly uninspiring painted brick building, exists what many think to be the best Greek food in Atlanta? Nick's Food to Go is one of those places generally only known to the seasoned, tried-and-true intowner: no tables, wait for your food in the dining room or parking lot, but oh, is it worth it! From their celebrated gyros to their cult-inspiring pastitchio (Greek lasagna), a favorite of Atlanta chef Kevin Rathbun, Nick's serves one of the best quick meals in all downtown.
I haven't been in quite a while, despite being a long-time fan of the place, so I headed down last week for a quick lunch in between errands. Just my luck: the special of the day was moussaka, my favorite. Their version of the sautéed eggplant, tomato, and ground meat casserole is covered in a perfect white sauce and baked to a bubbly perfection. The lamb is delicious and the spices are perfect. The Greek salad I had to accompany was crisp and tasty. Sure, eating this kind of decadent food in your car in the middle of a blustery December isn't the most elegant way to spend your lunch break, but is it ever worth it!
Nick himself is a riotously funny man with an alternating friendly/grumpy demeanor who nonetheless takes his food very seriously. He and his wife Eleni have been serving their glorious gyros and other offerings to Atlanta since 1994. Their prices are incredibly reasonable, making it one of those lunches that make your brown-bagging coworkers weep with envy.
Here are some insider tips for eating at Nick's: Don't substitute, don't ask for things on the side, and don't make too many special requests. Like many old-timers set in their ways, Nick is sweet, but if you throw a monkey wrench in his system he'll let you know! Just let him make his food, and you won't be disappointed. Be sure to eat carefully: you will end up covered in tzatziki. And be sure to call ahead in the summer, or else you might catch the restaurant during the family's fabled month-long Greek vacation: that is to say, closed.
Mmmm...I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!
