Atlanta restaurant known for its burgers will open in former Big Ben location Friday.
Atlanta restaurant BOCADO Bar + Diner has moved into the Atherton Mill space that formerly held Big Ben British Restaurant & Pub and is ready to open Friday, June 25.
BOCADO, described on its website as a “new Southern American bar and diner” will serve seasonal, locally sourced food from brunch through late night. Erik Perez Lujan is the executive chef.
“I love the big city small town feel of Charlotte. I love the density, which is relatively unique. I just think it’s “got great bones,” said BOCADO owner Brian Lewis, who lives in Atlanta.
He’s been keeping tabs on other South End restaurants such as Superica and O-Ku, noting, “I’ve been secretly following those guys, but not so secretly.”
“It’s a nice balance of smart, thoughtfully put together restaurants, and I like that feel and how we intersect with that. It kinda just rounds out what’s happening already,” Lewis said.
Look for its double burger stack, housemade carbonara and a traditional Lebanese dish Lewis adapted for the menu from his grandmother — fried kibbeh served with yolky eggs and housemade pita bread. Both Creative Loafing Atlanta and Atlanta Journal Constitution have included the restaurant in best burger roundups.
When Lewis eats at BOCADO with his own family, he goes for a variety of small plates. “I like the idea of sharing — crudo, fava bean salad or something like shrimp and grits that’s a little more hearty. We’re going to be creative and give people options.”
Happy hour and late night options will include raw oysters, a seafood tower and chilaquiles, along with a curated wine list and local beers on draft. Beverage director Stephen Kuzminski’s cocktail menu includes the Go Ask Mr. Owl (George Dickel Rye, beet, sumac, lemon, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao and Aztec chocolate bitters) and Unpopular Opinions (Lillet Blanc, benedictine, lemon, hibiscus and cava). Its coffee will be brewed on a Victoria Arduino, a high-tech Italian espresso machine.
Among the changes BOCADO made was to create a large outdoor patio showcasing views of South End’s Rail Trail.
“It’s going to be an exciting spot to find a seat in,” Lewis said, describing the space as walking a fine line between “elegance and come as you are.”
Atlanta firm D.T. Hubbell Architects worked on the layout and interior scheme, along with ODA Architecture in Charlotte. EMC Design in Charlotte rounded out the details of the space.
Other recent additions to the South End area include Indaco, The Eagle Food and Beer Hall and West Elm. Legion Brewing’s Trolley Barn Fermentory will open soon.
BOCADO
Location: 2000 South Blvd., Suite 530, Charlotte, NC 28203
Neighborhood: South End
Hours: All-Day Menu: Every day from 3:30-10 p.m.; Happy Hour: Monday-Friday from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Late Night: Monday-Saturday from 10 p.m.-midnight
Cuisine: new Southern American
Instagram: @bocadoclt
Editor’s note: This story was originally published Jan. 13, 2001, and has been updated.
This story was originally published January 13, 2021 at 6:54 PM.