Remember the days when disputes
could be solved with a simple game of rock, scissors, paper? Life feels just that simple at the new Roshambo,
the "Diner's Diner" located in the Peachtree Battle Shopping Center in Buckhead
(in case you were wondering, roshambo is the traditional name for rock, paper,
scissors). Roshambo is the owners' (who
also own Muss and Turners and Local Three) "love letter to Atlanta," part
comfort food shrine and part pre-1996 Olympic time capsule. The front of the house feels like a bougie gastropub
with a handsome bar with subtle nods to the Atlanta skyline. Toward the back is a second room dubbed "side
hustle" which is adorned with decorative plates on the walls with Atlanta icons
like the late Willy B who used to be Zoo Atlanta's star attraction. In the far back, towards the restrooms, photos of
other heritage symbols like "The Wolfman," Dale Murphy and other "if you know, you know" Atlanta legends hang on the walls. But the most nostalgic thing to me is their shrine
to Turtles Records and Tapes, the former Atlanta music retail dynasty (I worked at the one on Powers Ferry Road in 1985-86). Please bring in your own cassette from home and put
it on the wall! But once you have combed
through the bric-a-brac and it's time to eat, that's where Roshambo really shines. Order standard breakfast-lunch-dinner classics
all day—fluffy omelets, chicken parmesan, and a dynamite burger are a few of the monster-portion, perfectly executed mainstays. But it's not just the
classics—daily specials include lobster enchiladas, duck meatloaf, and braised short
ribs so you know can journey off the beaten path as you like. And if you and your squad are feeling extra festive, order the "Bucket
O' Chicken"—a whole bird cut 8 ways and served with enough fixings for 4. Also, make a b-line for their happy hour (Monday-Friday 3-6 pm for $10 half-dozen
oysters and a special hot chicken biscuit with pepper Jack cheese and bourbon
peach jam. The sign on the front of the restaurant declares that Roshambo is
for "locals and passers-through." This
is perfectly stated. If you are a rare pre-Olympics
local, you will find a wonderful portal back to a simpler time when the city felt small(er). If you are a newbie, even you will not be
able to resist the whimsical charms and serious Southern hospitality that doesn't
take itself too seriously.
