Lei One On and Hula at Lure Luau on August 31

Labor of Love: Atlanta Restaurants are Open Over Labor Day Weekend

You have to love the devoted chefs and wait staff at these Atlanta restaurants. They're laboring in hot kitchens on the last holiday weekend of summer, making sure all of those farm-fresh finds and cold brews find their way to your table. When you love what you do, it's not really work anyway.

Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland will remain open late on Sunday, September 1 for pre-Labor Day enjoyment. The neighborhood favorite plans a special Labor Day brunch feature on Monday, September 2. Over on the Westside, Ormsby's almost pulls an all-nighter, staying open until 3 a.m. as Sunday becomes Monday, then naps through lunch before opening again at 5 p.m. on Labor Day evening.

If you're "chicken" to dine out because you just want something comfy and family friendly, head over to Bantam + Biddy in Ansley Mall for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Get it to go if you are envisioning a picnic or patio supper at your place. Fast and casual Chick-a-Biddy in Atlantic Station will be open for its usual weekend brunch menu and lunch and dinner. Both eateries offer regional, all-natural and pastured poultry dishes plus loads more down-home goodies and cold libations.

Inspired and wood-fired describe the pizzas at Hearth Pizza Tavern just outside the perimeter in Sandy Springs. Salads, sandwiches and burgers round out the menu while wine, draft and bottled beer, plus other beverages keep everyone hydrated and happy.

There are lots of reasons to head downtown, one of them being that with many offices closed for the holiday there will be less traffic! Located in the Glenn Hotel, Glenn's Kitchen is a casual-yet-sophisticated spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner. SkyLounge, also at the Glenn, is a lovely place to coddle a cocktail while taking in a skyline view. With more than 60 games and lots of sports-viewing screens, Game-X is headquarters for an active and fun holiday. A full bar and lots of nourishing nosh options keep everyone's adrenalin pumping.

On this all-American holiday weekend, meet up with friends for a labor-less meal at an American classic, Marlow's Tavern. With 10 locations around Atlanta (and two in Florida), there's a Marlow's Tavern near your neighborhood.

Fifth Group Restaurants La Tavola Trattoria and The Original El Taco will be open in Virginia-Highland, and Ecco will please those heading to Midtown.

That beachy getaway is as close as the deck and seafood-laden menu at The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill in Buckhead. Margaritas, cold brews, and eat-in or to-go cantina fare are all yours at Tin Lizzy's Cantina Buckhead, Grant Park and Perimeter locations.

Those craving sushi and cocktails will be glad to know that RA Sushi Bar Restaurant in Midtown will be open on Labor Day.

"680 College Game Day" Broadcasts Live from STATS and Gives Away a Big Green Egg

 Every Saturday 

Even gridiron rivals can agree on one thing -- how head-bumping great it would be to win a Big Green Egg before bowl games kick in. 680 The Fan can make that happen for a football fan each Saturday from September 7 through December 14 (excludes November 2 and December 7) when "680 College Game Day" broadcasts live from STATS in downtown Atlanta. During their weekly 1-3 p.m. broadcasts, "Hometeam" Brandon Leak and Carlos Medina will tackle college football from all angles..."between the hedges" to "The Swamp" to "Roll Tide" and beyond. The guys will give away one Big Green Egg each Saturday to a lucky STATS guest (must be present to win), and they'll have lots more prizes and promotional items to give away during each show.

It's Not Too Early to Plan for Ho Ho Holiday Parties at Old Vinings Inn 

Stay ahead of the holiday curve ball by planning your holiday party now with the staff at Old Vinings Inn. Book your party at the historic restaurant before Monday, September 30 and receive 10 percent of the total event cost back on an Old Vinings Inn gift card. Parties must be booked for November or December of 2013 and have a $500 minimum, and planners must mention the code "EB10" when making a reservation to obtain the gift card special. Executive chef Don Diem and staff treat all parties, large and small, with the same attention to detail in customizable buffets, menus, entertainment, décor and other needs. Gift cards hold no expiration date but are not valid on Thanksgiving Day, New Year's Eve, Valentine's Day and Valentine's Day weekend and Mother's Day. For more information or to make a reservation, call 770-483-2282 or email privatedining@oldviningsinn.net.

Cornhole ATL Fall League Begins September 3

 at Atkins Park Virginia-Highland

Monday Night Brewing Stars at September 6 Craft Beer Tasting and Brewery Tour 

for GiGi's Playhouse Atlanta

Milton's Cuisine & Cocktails Tailgates at Alpharetta Grilling and Gridiron Competition

 on September 7

Come and Get It at 4th Annual Southern Chefs Potluck Covering Serenbe on September 8

You don't have to bring a covered dish or even a fork. Southern chefs are taking care of everything at this major munch-out spreading over the pastoral grounds of The Inn at Serenbe on Sunday, September 8 from 3-6 p.m. Kevin Gillespie of Gunshow, Shaun Doty of Bantam + Biddy and Chick-a-Biddy, Ford Fry of JCT. Kitchen, No. 246, The Optimist and King + Duke, and Tyler Williams of Woodfire Grill are all contributing to the 4^th Annual Southern Chefs Potluck. Join them for good eats and family style dining (maybe you can wrestle a family recipe out of a chef at your communal table). White Oak Pastures meats also will be featured. Terrapin beer, Quivira wines, cocktails and an outstanding auction overflowing with culinary experiences garnish the package. Tickets, available online, range in price from $125 per person up to $1,000. Monies raised at the annual fundraiser for Wholesome Wave Georgia will increase access to good, wholesome and locally grown foods for all Georgians.

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