Atlanta Orthodox Jewish Community Resources

Shul and Food Reviews

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Yes, I know these will be highly subjective, but I will try to stay objective and non-controversial as possible. (Wish me luck!)

Shuls:

• Beth Jacob: The oldest and the biggest. They like things orderly, which I guess is a necessity with so many members. This is a "full-service shul," with every conceivable (to me) service available to its members, although many are actually made possible by the Kollel, which mostly operates out of BJ. Expect 200 - 300 people on Shabbos, unless there's a Bar/Bat Mitzvah (maybe 400,) or Rabbi Feldman's out of town (maybe 150). Rabbi Feldman has a great talent for giving daroshas, and he speaks very directly, despite growing up, literally, in Beth Jacob (his father is the previous Rav). The (downstairs) Early minyan is distincly Yeshivish (even more so than the Yeshiva Minyan), and usually has 2 women and 40 - 50 men. Usually 30 or more in the Learning (or "Beginner's") Minyan, half men. There's a nice catered kiddush every Shabbos morning, in the very large (but not large enough) social hall. Expect to see over 100 (70% men) at Seuda Shelishi. (Disclaimer: the author is a member of BJ.) In Toco Hills.
• Young Israel: This is a very "haimish" and comfortable bunch. Rabbis Larry Meltzer and Michael Broyde are very low-key, and both have day jobs. (Since Rabbi Meltzer is more senior, he saw to it that Rabbi Broyde is the official Rav of the shul.) Expect to see more Israelis and fewer neckties than at the other shuls. They are now completing a very nice renovation (not yet reckoned in the table showing number of seats). In Toco Hills.

Food:

• Bernie the Baker: An authentic-in-every-detail old-fashined Kosher bakery. Bernie makes the best breads I have ever had. The Corn Rye bread is worth the trip from New York, and the Kichel is pure art. In Toco Hills. (404)633-1986
• Bijan Catering: The most-established Atlanta-based kosher caterer. Very capable and reliable. In Sandy Springs. (770)457-4578
• Broadway Cafe: This is a "gourmet vegetarian" restaurant, and they're not kidding. It's maybe slightly too "toned down" sometimes, but the "seafood" gumbo and southwestern chili are fabulous. In Toco Hills. Cholov Yisrael. Entrees range from $5 - 10. (404)329-0888
• Chai Peking: This is the obligatory Chinese place; take-out only. The food is truly excellent (they have 2 chinese chefs). Operates out of the Kroger supermarket, right by the Kosher Deli, in Toco Hills. Meat. Lunch specials (full meal with drink) from $3.99, dinner from $6.99. (404)327-7810
• Creative Catering by Judith operates from Brodway, and is very good. (404)982-9554
• Harris-TeeterMT: A chain supermarket? Absolutely. They have a lovely Kosher "market" with a deli serving prepared foods in what may be the only second floor in a supermarket in the country. Nice wine selection, too. They also have an area with tables, making this the only place in town you can get a hot burger. The rotisserie chickens (order ahead, they go fast) are a delicious no-step Shabbos dinner. It seems fancier than Kroger, but my wife insists it's not more expensive. In Toco Hills. (404)687-1189
• K.G.'s Bakery: This is the bakery run by "Kosher Gourmet" catering. Their catering is outstanding, and the bakery treats are, too. Their chocolate chip cookies are just incredible. In Toco Hills. (404)321-1166
• Kroger at Fountain Oaks: A variety of packaged meats and cheeses (but not milk) are available here, supervised by Rabbi New of Beth Tefilla (Chabad). The selection is usually quite good. In Sandy Springs. (404)843-3080
• Kroger at Toco HillsMT: A nice selection (and friendly service, no foolin') at their Kosher deli, as well as some ready-made (microwave-able, that is) meals (for 1) under $10. Beware, though: they have Hebrew National and Best's packaged goods (not good, according to the AKC) in a "Kosher" refrigerator case (in another part of ther store) together with Aaron's and 999 and the like. Since it's all packaged, it's not a problem, as long as you pay attention. In Toco Hills. (404)633-8694
• Quality Kosher MarketMT: The oldest and the biggest. It is literally a medium-sized supermarket, entirely under supervision, and has the best wine selection in town. Also, Cholov Yisrael milk, (availability and quality unfortunately spotty) and a number of other "goodies" unavailable elsewhere in town. Meat both Glatt and not. In Toco Hills. (404)636-1114
  They have a smaller Sandy Springs location, in the Hammond Square shopping center, 1/4 mile inside the perimeter (I-285) on Roswell Road at the corner of Hammond. (404)705-8643
• Wall St. Pizza: This is the oldest Kosher restaurant in Atlanta. It is on (at least) the 3rd owner in 10 years, but the pizzas are first rate, (they make their own crust, a rarity) and the service is back in the "good" range. Many unusual "meat" toppings are available (after all, we're in the South). A variety of dairy (mostly Mediterranian -- Greek and Italian) dishes are available (their felafel is very good, and eggplant parmegian excellent) if you're all pizza'ed out, and the Fish 'n' Chips is a very nice change of pace. Limited delivery available. Cholov Yisrael (except Good Humor desserts). Expect a pizza to cost $10 - 20. Sandwiches under $5, entrees $6 - 10. In Toco Hills. (404)633-2111