When Todd Semrau moved into this transitional neighborhood a few years ago, he lamented the fact that there was no place to go for a good meal and a beer. Recognizing the potential, Semrau opened this modest but sassy little storefront restaurant with the hope of attracting neighborhood singles and families. It quickly caught the attention of in-town and suburban folks who don't mind venturing off the beaten track for simple but interesting fare at the right price. Semrau's restaurant was the first new venture to attract people from outside the neighborhood, and he gets a lot of the credit for beginning the East Atlanta commercial renaissance. This place offers some diversity in a growing area of the city.

The big attractions here are the Heaping Bowls, hearty one-dish meals: a stew of greens and beans in an Italian herb broth; chicken and noodles; or comfy cheese-and-potato-filled pierogi with sausage, brown butter, sage, and mushrooms, to name three of the perennial favorites. The menu changes with the seasons, and there are several specials each day. There's a full bar, including Guinness on tap and a good selection of micro-brewed beers. For brunch, try the Hungry Bear, a wrap with eggs, chicken, and bacon, accompanied by home fries.