Another Awesome Neighborhood Joint: H. Harper Station

The Fox Confessor

Reynoldstown is a small neighborhood just south of Little 5 Points, and it now also happens to be my neighborhood. I spent my entire childhood in the suburbs of Atlanta, a short 20 minute drive from the city, but never knew that Atlanta had these amazing unique communities all over the city.
Reynoldstown began as a community of freed slaves after the Civil War, who worked for the railroad. The neighborhood is named after Madison and Sarah Reynolds, one of the first families to settle in the area. The community has deep, southern roots and the residents are proud to be a part of such a rich, historical district.
Reynoldstown suffered alongside the decline of the railroads in the 1950s, but currently it is undergoing a revival. Old homes, like mine, are being repaired and loved, and best yet, great businesses are moving in. There's Wonderroot, a local arts co-operative, and there's hope of Eye-Drum coming, as well. It is also the home of the Trees Atlanta amazingly eco-friendly headquarters.
About a month ago, H. Harper Station opened on Memorial Drive. H. Harper Station is the newest venture from Lush Life Group: Chef Duane Nutter, Reginald Washington and Mixologist Jerry Slater. The old train depot has been respectfully re-fitted with moody lighting, heavy oak and deep comfy booths. The menu is full of local southern comfort food, and there are over 40 signature cocktails.
Some of my favorites on the cocktail menu are: the Amulet, which is Hendrick's Gin, Apricot Brandy, Dolin Dry, Grapefruit and Pernod Absinthe; the Fox Confessor, which is Karlsson's Gold, Muscadine Shrub, Black Pepper Syrup and Peychaud's Bitters; and the Calexico, which is Don Diego Reposado, Pineapple, Jalepeno Syrup, and Aztec Chocolate Bitters. Every drink I have tasted has complex flavor; combining sweet, bitter, sour and fragrant notes together in a clever way.
On the food menu, I'm always a fan of cheese, and I love that their cheese board is from Georgia. We have wonderful local producers of cheese and it's great to see someone showcasing the delicious dairy products. I also enjoyed the country ham plate on the starter menu. My favorite entree has been the pork belly with crawfish over creamy grits. It's not so much bacon that you feel ill after eating it, and the crawfish are wonderfully saucy over the starchy grits. My family loves the burger, which comes with a huge helping of crisp tater tots.
If Reynoldstown is undergoing a revival, H. Harper Station is just the sort of congregationalist that I am hoping we will draw.