Going “Strait” to Midtown
Overlooking the corners of Juniper and Fifth Streets, Straits Restaurant gained a lot of buzz in Atlanta. Its owner is Atlanta ’s own Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, and Executive Chef Chris Yeo. An establishment started in San Francisco by Yeo, the dining experience can also occur in Burlingame, and Santana Row (both in California)!
Overall, it’s a pretty good restaurant in Atlanta’s Midtown area. The Asian Fusion comes out in its excellent menu. Whether in the mood for crab cakes with mango salsa, Kung Pao Lollipops, or Origami Seabass, everyone is bound to find something to eat. And, you can’t go wrong with delicious and unique drinks, like lychee martinis and strawberry martinis. I know you’re thinking, what’s so special about strawberry martinis? The name. Now, the fact that I am a redhead who would give a limb to work for the Ludacris Foundation does not have any influence on my admiration for this drink….Red Head in Bed. Ha! Really, it is delicious.
The interior is beautiful, especially with the two-story wine cellar behind the bar and a main room adorned with windows. The high prices and small portions were expected, but the service? Needs work. I tend to have an issue when a server has a chip on his/her shoulder. Sure, it’s a restaurant owned by Ludacris, but how often is he really inside the establishment? Straits is not the only “celebrity owned” restaurant in Atlanta, and regardless of owner, there are a ton of fabulous restaurants in the city. No restaurant is beyond being overshadowed by a chic new place. Yeo is an experienced chef, who I am sure, is responsible for the wonderful menu. I think he deserves a floor staff that will do the food justice.
The later the visit, the louder the bar, but a good time is bound to occur. So, I will go back at least one more time (unless someone else is paying), being sure to make reservations to help cushion wait time. If you come through town and stop in, let us know what you think!
Straits, 793 Juniper St, Atlanta, GA 30308, Phone: (404) 877-1283
