Holeman & Finch Public House in Atlanta, Georgia
Holeman & Finch Public House is a classic gastropub turned modern destination, founded by Chef Linton Hopkins and Gina Hopkins, along with original partners Greg Best, Regan Smith, and Andy Minchow. The restaurant’s name comes from Linton’s family name (Holeman) and Best’s family name (Finch).
What Makes It Unique & History
- Whole Animal & Whole Vegetable Philosophy: The restaurant is known for its “whole animal, whole vegetable philosophy” and artisanal twists on vintage dishes. The menu celebrates food that is from-scratch, well-executed, and deceptively simple.
- Pioneering Atlanta’s Cocktail Scene: Opening the original location in 2008, Holeman & Finch is credited with kicking off Atlanta’s craft cocktail movement. Barman Greg Best (now a former partner) helped conceive of beautifully crafted drinks, and the bar was created to be the one that chefs and bartenders wanted to drink at after work.
- “Public House” / Gastropub Concept: It was initially set across the breezeway from Linton Hopkins’ original Atlanta restaurant, Restaurant Eugene, and embraced the gastropub wheelhouse, linking England’s craze for ambitious pub cooking with the South’s British culinary roots.
- The Move to Midtown: The original Buckhead location closed in 2020, and the restaurant moved to the renovated Colony Square complex in Midtown, reopening in 2023. The new space is described as an adventurous-yet-low-key social supperhouse with dimmed lights, custom art, and an open kitchen where house-cured pork parts and salted hams are displayed.
Highlight Menu Items
- The Famous H&F Burger: This item has achieved a “cult phenomenon” status. The double-stack cheeseburger is made with two smashed patties of chuck-and-brisket, American cheese, slivered red onions, and house-made bread-and-butter pickles, served on a freshly baked pan de mie bun with from-scratch ketchup. Originally, only 24 burgers were served nightly after 10 p.m. to draw in the late-night service industry crowd, a tradition often announced with a bullhorn. The burger is now also offered at their separate concept, H&F Burger, at locations like Ponce City Market.
- Charcuterie Program: The sublime charcuterie is a staple, often displayed behind glass, with house-cured meats like souse, terrines, and smoked lardo, as well as cheese samplings and oysters.
- Offal and Funky Pleasures: Following the whole animal philosophy, the menu has included less common cuts such as fried pig ears and tails, roasted veal sweetbreads, roasted bone marrow, seared cow heart, veal brains, and iron skillet chicken livers.
- Cocktails: In addition to classics, the bar has featured inventive drinks like the Southern Cola (a blend of Amaro and Mexican Coke with a frozen lime juice cube) and the Kitty Hawk (cognac, maraschino, lemon, and lavender).
- Dessert: The Sticky Toffee Pudding and the Down Low Coke Float (Mexican Coke with espresso ice cream and yeast donuts) are notable sweets.
Customer Feedback
- Customers have called the H&F Burger “amazing” and “pure heaven,” with some calling it the “best damn burger in six states.”
- The food, including dishes like GA Royal Red Shrimp Toast and dried oysters, has been described as “so pretty!” and “stellar.”
- The bar staff is often praised for being knowledgeable, attentive, and meticulous in their cocktail creation.
- The atmosphere is generally viewed as a desirable spot for foodies, special occasions, and a great neighborhood gem, though the original location was known for being tightly packed and subject to crowds, especially for the late-night burger.
Significant Events
- 2008: The original Holeman & Finch Public House opens, co-owned by Linton and Gina Hopkins, and the bar team of Greg Best, Regan Smith, and Andy Minchow.
- 2012: An event featuring cocktail historian David Wondrich took place at the pub.
- 2020-2023: The original Buckhead location closes, and the new Holeman & Finch Public House reopens in the Colony Square complex in Midtown.
- The success of the burger led to the creation of a separate concept, H&F Burger, which opened at Ponce City Market and has partner locations at Truist Park and Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Current Location and Contact Information (Midtown at Colony Square)
