The Ultimate Woodstock Dining Guide
Woodstock has often been dubbed “A City Unexpected”.
You may dismiss it because it’s over thirty minutes north of Atlanta, but you’d be making a huge mistake because it is quickly becoming one of the hottest downtown areas around. It possesses a unique blend of modernity and timelessness, feeling simultaneously trendy yet old-fashioned.
It only makes sense that its food reflects that balance! Here are just a few of the finest places to grab a bite in Woodstock, from hole-in-the-wall Venezuelan to creative New Southern to devastatingly fresh Korean BBQ.
Century House
125 E Main St, Woodstock, GA 30188
Century House, as the name indicates, has been around for over one hundred years. It’s the former site of the Hubbard House, which was built in 1894 in downtown Woodstock and was the home of the Hubbard family until 2004, when it became one of the hottest restaurants in town. Locals and visitors alike love listening to live music and dining on the enclosed porch, but the top draw is the delicious food.
Perhaps the most popular item on the menu is the Jack & Coke Glazed Pork Belly with heirloom grits. You can go lighter with the Marinated Beet Salad with goat cheese mousse, mixed greens, and sherry balsamic vinaigrette. If you’re still craving pork belly (and who could blame you?), check out the Pork Belly Banh Mi with radish, jalapeno, cilantro, sweet chili soy, and pickled cucumbers and carrots on a hoagie roll. Or for something a bit simpler, get the French Dip topped with crispy onions and horseradish cheddar, and served with plenty of savory au jus for dunking.
Izumi Asian Bistro
2035 Towne Lake Pkwy #150, Woodstock, GA 30189
Izumi offers fresh and authentic Asian cuisine as well as a wide range of sakes so you can always find a perfect pairing. There’s a sushi roll for anybody’s tastes, including: volcano roll, spicy tuna crunchy roll, and drunken tiger. There’s also other Japanese favorites like drunken noodles, Hawaiian fried rice, and Mongolian beef. Whether you’re an adventurous eater or a bit more conservative with your eating, you’re going to love Izumi.
Ipp’s Pastaria & Bar
8496 Main St, Woodstock, GA 30188
The latest venture from the creators of the famous Ippolito’s, Ipp’s takes the tried and true Italian favorites and brings them into a more modern context.
You simply cannot come here without getting their famous garlic rolls (only partially because they’re on the house when you dine in). The chicken parm is also a staple, whether you’re eating it with a fork and knife or on a hoagie roll. Nothing hits the spot like a fresh pizza, and Ipp’s whips up both the iconic, like margherita, and the funky, like fig & prosciutto.
Rootstock Restaurant & Bar
8558 Main St, Woodstock, GA 30188
With a spectacular rooftop, live music, and absolutely impeccable vibes, Rootstock is THE Woodstock date night spot. The wine bar is top-tier, owing much to the onsite sommelier, who ensures that you are never overwhelmed by the wine menu with hundreds of options from around the world. The whiskey/bourbon list is no less impressive, so no matter the color of your drink, you’ll enjoy its taste.
You’ll need something to eat while you’re enjoying your beverages, so make sure you check out their small plates. The Bacon Shrimp is comforting and unique, with a blue cheese schmear, roasted pecans, and black pepper honey. The Roasted Octopus is perfectly crispy with a hazelnut romesco, roasted cauliflower, and tear drop peppers with a deeply layered ginger basil oil.
Canyons Fresh Grill
335 Chambers St, Woodstock, GA 30188
At Canyons, “it’s all about the burger.” This family-owned business brings a classic American menu to life thanks to locally-sourced ingredients and loving preparation.
Is there a greater lineup of comfort foods than burgers, chicken fingers, and milkshakes? Throw in some tater tots, sweet potato fries, and Canyons Bites (chicken tenders wrapped in cheddar and Texas Toast) and you’ll be a very happy customer.
KPOP BBQ
1105 Parkside Ln STE 1334, Woodstock, GA 30189
Who doesn’t love an all-you-can-eat spot? And who doesn’t love Korean BBQ? Mathematically, everybody will love KPOP BBQ! It’s $18 (lunch or $30 (dinner) per adult, but it’s very easy to get the bang for your buck.
Your meal includes unlimited: kimchi, spicy radish salad, pasta salad, pickled onions & jalapenos, and more, as well as proteins like ribeye, pork belly, spicy beef bulgogi, and lemon pepper chicken. The obvious order is, of course, all of the above. Make sure you partake in the unlimited appetizers, including Korean Fried Chicken, Ramen, and Spicy Rice Cakes…as if you needed more food!
Freight Kitchen & Tap
251 East Main St, Woodstock, GA 30188
Freight Kitchen & Tap brings the modern iteration of Southern cooking to downtown Woodstock. They emphasize the beauty of farm-to-table ingredients to compose seasonal menus based on what is freshest and most abundant at the nearby farms.
Your party can start off with the Deviled Egg Flight with two traditional eggs and two with pimento and bacon. Then enjoy fresh and hearty entrees like Wagyu Bison Meatloaf, Portobello Mushroom Ravioli, and whatever the catch of the day may be.
They have a phenomenal brunch as well. They’ve got the usual brunch classics like chicken and waffles and Eggs Benedict, but also more unique offerings. Why not start your day with the Freight Nachos: Cajun pork rinds topped with gouda mornay, Sweetwater 420-braised pork shoulder, roasted corn, diced jalapenos, and Freight salsa?
Saigon Cafe
12195 Hwy 92 #132, Woodstock, GA 30188
Saigon Cafe is Woodstock’s go-to Vietnamese restaurant. Founder David Lee came to America as a refugee child then spent decades in the construction business until 9/11 inspired him to open a restaurant to pay tribute to his Vietnamese family.
It’s a challenge to recommend what to get at Saigon Cafe because everything is just so good. The fresh pho is some of the best you’ll find anywhere in the Atlanta area. The same is true for the pad Thai and massaman curry. The bubble tea is also refreshing and sweet, and it’s hard to find a dish it doesn’t pair well with.
Cylantro’s Venezuelan Cuisine
9595 Main St. Suite B, Woodstock, GA 30188
Since 2015, Cylantro’s has brought irresistible Venezuelan food, mainly Arepas, Empanadas and Tequeños, to the Atlanta area. It’s attached to a gas station, which is a classic venue for the most delicious (yet affordable) food you’ll ever eat. Order any combination of the aforementioned staples, or just go with your gut…you’re bound to end up with something you’ll enjoy.
