Spotlight on Haven

2 Min Read

If it’s your first visit to Haven in the Dresden neighborhood of Brookhaven, the first thing you might notice is the lush patio with vines and wrought iron under white fairy lights, one of the most sought-out alcoves for al fresco dining in town.

At some point, you might also notice that diners at different tables seem to know each other and the owner…

It’s a friendly environment, yes, but there’s another reason for the cross-table conversation: since opening over 15 years ago, Haven has been a centerpiece of the community, and many of its patrons have been dining there since day one.

Though Dresden Drive is now home to specialty boutiques, cocktail bars, and tasty restaurants, Haven was the original culinary pioneer. The husband and wife team who launched the restaurant and still own it today spent years in the hospitality industry, and when they moved to Brookhaven they eventually grew tired of driving to Atlanta for fine dining options. Why not take their expertise to their own backyard?

Any restaurant venture is a risk, but they took their time, patiently looking at different neighborhoods and spaces until they found one they thought was perfect—and the community agreed. They created a menu that was both seasonal and reliable, full of perfectly turned-out classics like steamed mussels with grilled sourdough, steak frites, and made-from-scratch tortellini alongside gourmet-level comfort foods like tater tots and chicken and dumplings.

The extensive wine alone has turned many a guest into a loyal patron, and the unique cocktails served by Haven’s attentive bartenders are just as appealing. Looking for a just-right brunch? The weekend late morning cocktails are also not to be missed—order a Grand Mimosa or Haven Bloody Mary to accompany crab cakes with poached eggs and challah French toast with peaches and whipped cream.

Far from an afterthought, the dessert menu deserves its own spotlight, with old fashioned banana pudding studded with homemade Nilla wafers, a chocolate brownie sundae with espresso sauce, caramel ice cream, and cocoa nibs that may have you ordering dessert first, and daily rotating selections of locally made ice creams and sorbets.

Haven’s community engagement has only grown since they opened their doors, and it shows in every facet of the dining experience, from the live music by renowned local artists to the Small Plates bread basket with selections from a local bakery served with Pimiento cheese, salted butter, and apple butter, the proceeds from which directly benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Reserve a table and make yourself at home. At Haven, you’re immediately family.

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