When asking yourself about something to do near me in Atlanta with a group of friends or family, consider
Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours
Why Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours, located on Atlanta's bustling Westside, is a must-visit dining destination that brilliantly combines traditional soul food with international influences. Founded by acclaimed chef Deborah VanTrece, this restaurant offers a warm, inviting atmosphere reminiscent of gathering at a friend's home, making it an ideal spot to meet up with friends for any meal from brunch to dinner. Among its culinary highlights are the crispy fried chicken served with sweet potato chutney, and hoisin-glazed oxtails, showcasing innovative takes on classic dishes. The menu extends beyond typical soul food staples, elevating comfort food with creative touches such as mac and cheese topped with candied pecans and crispy bacon. The wood-paneled bar is well-stocked with a diverse selection of liquors, perfect for enjoying unique cocktails like the tequila-based matcha and pineapple drink. Whether you’re looking for a casual weekend brunch or a cozy dinner, Twisted Soul offers an intimate yet lively setting suitable for groups or couples. Its blend of flavorful food, inventive cocktails, and personable ambiance ensures a memorable dining experience that keeps patrons coming back.
Here's what people think of Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours
As of recent, Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours holds a 4.4-star rating based on 2364 reviews.
Reviews from diners highlight Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours as a standout restaurant offering a unique and flavorful take on soul food. Many users praise the quality and creativity of the food, with particular compliments for the fried chicken, seafood dishes, and the inventive cocktail menu. Positive reviews frequently mention the warm, cozy atmosphere and attentive service, noting that servers are knowledgeable and provide helpful recommendations that enhance the dining experience. The restaurant’s ambiance, blending a comfortable home-like feel with a stylish aesthetic, is often cited as a key reason why patrons enjoy spending time there. However, some less favorable reviews mention occasional inconsistencies in wait times and service speed during busy periods. A few also note that the space can feel a bit cramped because of its popularity. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall consensus is highly positive, with many guests expressing a strong desire to return. The combination of inventive soul food dishes, a vibrant drink menu, and welcoming staff positions Twisted Soul as a cherished dining spot in Atlanta’s culinary scene.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Liliana Tipton
We are in town for Women Evolved and wanted to try a locate spot. Saw this place on Google and wanted to give it a try. We were greeted as we came in and loved the atmosphere. The staff was super helpful and explained the menu. I had the fried chicken, and my friend has the steak. The food was amazing. Very delicious and serving are very generous. We did try dessert, the peach cobbler and strawberry pound cake. Both were tasty. I would definitely recommend this restaurant.
N W
This place is in my neighborhood and I've driven pass so many days. Well tonight we went in and no regrets. Food, service and atmosphere were awesome. We ordered the fried chicken, salmon rolls, bread package, collard rolls and Mac and cheese. Yummy 10 out of 10.
Charna Wilson
This was a great spot for my birthday dinner. The food was delicious, the drinks strong and the atmosphere warm and welcoming. We had to wait quite a bit for our plates but was worth the wait. I would definitely visit again and try some other options! The catfish ravioli was perfection.
Jeremiah Wiggins
Black owned. We walked in and were instantly greeted by the host and sat immediately. The decor was a mix of industrial chic, really vibes. Our server, Cierra, came and greeted us warmly. She went over special drinks and described the start of Twisted Soul and how the founder was a flight attendant for 30+ years and experienced many cultures and decided to share her experiences via food with a soul twist. We ordered drinks and apps and Cierra brought out a bread basket--literally the best bread basket I've experienced. No butter or anything required. We order the wings as an app and they were so good we order two more portions lol For my meal I had their version of a fried chicken sandwich and it was delectable as expected but I couldn't finish it due to filling up on the bread basket and apps. I really can't say enough about the food, I could go into what my friends ordered but the moral of all of their stories is that EVERYTHING was literally good. We will be back.
Drew “Fatboy” Calloway
Made a reservation for four on Saturday at 11am with the wife a our friends. Reservation was t needed as we were the only ones there for a while. We were sat promptly and our server was attentive and food was delivered quickly. We shared the 'Bread Service Basket' and it was a good, tasty selection. Also had the 'Smoked Salmon Eggroles' which I didn't partake in. Friends seemed to like them, wife, not so much. Wife had the 'Hoisin Oxtails' which were strangely missing the bok choi. Needless to say she didn't enjoy her meal at all. She couldn't put her finger on it but she didn't like it. Friends seemed to like their 'Southern Marinated Fried Chicken' and 'Dirty South Fried Chicken Omelette' well enough though our friend did not finish her fried chicken. I had the 'Steak And Eggs' which were good but not worth the $40 price tag, more than the menu online for some reason. Overall decent spot to eat some soul food but won't be back for brunch. Kinda pricey for what you're getting in my opinion. We might try some dinner fare but we're hardly pressed to come back.
How to reach Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours
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Why Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours with your friends? Because this vibrant Atlanta eatery offers more than just a meal—it creates an experience perfect for social gatherings and memorable meetups. Twisted Soul flawlessly blends classic Southern soul food with unexpected global twists, serving dishes that surprise and delight every palate. The warm, cozy atmosphere feels like gathering at your favorite auntie’s home, complete with wood-panel accents and a relaxed vibe that instantly invites laughter and connection. Exceptional service enhances every visit; staff are knowledgeable and passionate, guiding you through both the menu and the creative cocktail list, making group dining effortless and special. With a solid 4.4 rating from over 2,300 reviews, this place has struck the perfect chord between comfort, craftsmanship, and cool. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, catching up after a long week, or just craving some world-class fried chicken and inventive drinks, Twisted Soul sets the stage for shared moments wrapped in soul-satisfying flavor and heartfelt hospitality.
What activities make Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours ideal for group meetups? The heart of this restaurant is its communal spirit, evidenced by how well the space and offerings cater to groups of friends or family looking to connect over extraordinary food and drinks. First, the seating arrangement is thoughtfully designed to accommodate mid-size groups comfortably, with enough intimacy to foster lively conversation without feeling cramped. The menu itself invites communal dining — featuring shareable dishes such as hoisin-glazed oxtails, seafood mélange, and fluffy sweet potato biscuits that everyone can pass around and sample. This interactive style of dining adds to the festive atmosphere of gathering at Twisted Soul. Beyond the food, the bar is a social hub with creative cocktails like tequila-based matcha pineapple drinks; these unique concoctions spark interest and conversation, perfect for toasting to good times. Additionally, the knowledgeable servers act like guides on a culinary journey, enhancing the experience by helping navigate choices and pairing dishes with drinks, which is ideal for groups who want to maximize their outing. Seasonal specials and weekend brunches provide more opportunities for meetups, making Twisted Soul a versatile destination from casual afternoons to celebratory dinners.
Why is the ambiance and service at Twisted Soul suited for group occasions? The venue strikes a balance between cozy and lively, creating an inviting environment that feels like an upscale version of a Southern home gathering. Wood panel accents, warm lighting, and comfy seating come together to create a space that encourages relaxation and connection. Unlike more formal or impersonal restaurants, Twisted Soul’s ambiance fosters an easygoing vibe perfect for groups who want to laugh, share stories, and enjoy soulful food without pretense. The staff adds another layer of charm with their attentive and friendly approach. Reviews often highlight their expertise, noting that servers are well-versed in the menu and cocktails, providing tailored recommendations based on group preferences. This service style transforms meal ordering into an interactive experience, where everyone in the group can feel included and excited about the choices. The attention to detail in both ambiance and service ensures groups leave not only satisfied but also feeling cared for, making it a reliable spot for gatherings that need to feel special.
What menu highlights at Twisted Soul make it appealing for friends or family gatherings? The menu shines with inventive takes on Southern soul food classics infused with global flavors, elevating every dish into something exciting and unique. Standouts like the crispy fried chicken paired with a sweet potato chutney show the thoughtful blending of comfort and creativity. The oxtails glazed in hoisin sauce offer rich, savory depth, perfect for sharing and showing off the chef’s bold flavor influences. Even traditionally simple items like mac and cheese receive luxury twists with toppings like candied pecans and crispy bacon, pleasing guests who appreciate familiar comforts with an elevated edge. The seafood mélange, featuring charred octopus in a rich spicy broth, adds a sophisticated touch for groups willing to explore new tastes together. Beyond food, Twisted Soul’s cocktail program serves up inventive drinks that are perfectly suited for social interaction—like their tequila-based matcha pineapple concoction, offering something unusual and refreshing. This spectrum of menu options ensures there is something to please every eater in a group, making the dining experience both inclusive and exciting.
How does the location and safety measures at Twisted Soul support a worry-free group gathering? Situated in Atlanta’s vibrant Upper Westside, Twisted Soul benefits from a lively neighborhood setting that’s easily accessible for locals and visitors alike. Its mid-size dining space feels intimate without being cramped, providing just the right scale for groups of various sizes. Particularly noteworthy are the COVID-19 safety protocols the restaurant implemented, such as socially distanced tables and plexiglass dividers, which remain reassuring for patrons even in post-pandemic times. The staff’s careful attention to safety speaks to their commitment to guest well-being without compromising the welcoming atmosphere. These factors combine to make Twisted Soul a dependable choice when planning group meetups where comfort and peace of mind are priorities. Whether you’re starting a weekend brunch tradition or gathering for a dinner celebration, the location and safety-conscious approach help ensure the focus stays where it should—on great food, drinks, and company.
What makes the overall experience at Twisted Soul memorable for group celebrations? Beyond its standout menu and inviting setting, the holistic experience at Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours is crafted to celebrate soul food in its most joyful and spirited form. The restaurant’s distinctive fusion of Southern roots with international flair reflects a modern culinary narrative that resonates with groups seeking more than just a conventional meal. From the moment guests enter, they are enveloped in an atmosphere buzzing with Southern charm and vibrant energy, which lends itself perfectly to birthdays, reunions, or casual friend catch-ups. The attentive staff ensures guests feel seen and welcomed, elevating the dining experience with personal touches and expert suggestions. This personalized attention often serves as the glue for unforgettable times around the table. Furthermore, the chef’s approach to dishes—offering familiar staples with surprising twists—keeps everyone intrigued and eager to return for more. All these elements collectively make Twisted Soul an exemplary venue for those wanting to host lively, flavorful, and meaningful gatherings.