"Atlanta ain’t Vegas or Orlando, so if a restaurant is going with a gimmick, it best not write checks its kitchen can’t cash. At The Vault, a money-themed restaurant inside The Bank event facility on Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy, that’s never an issue. The stylish, 21-and-up spot creates an ambience that’s fun and serves good food you’ll remember long after the last birthday shots go down. As you might expect from a clubstaurant with a life-sized gold bar replica on display, the lively interior commits hard to the theme. Between the funky LED lights and gold-speckled tables that vibrate to comically loud music, you can almost justify wearing dark shades inside. By the time you take selfies from your velvety booth or grab a cocktail at the brick-patterned bar with illuminating tempered glass, you’ll feel like an extra in an old Puff Daddy video. The Vaultphoto credit: Amy Sinclair We haven’t seen Diddy inside yet. But if you’re looking for a chance encounter with, oh say, former NFL Pro Bowlers, bump into what’s-his-name-from-that-one-show, or spot regular folks trying to get their follower count up, you’ve made the right reservation. Celeb sightings and cute banquettes can’t curb hunger pangs, though. Yeah, your accountant will frown on what you’re about to spend on bottle service, but you’ll love the returns on a sizeable bistro menu that’s well executed—with flair. Just know that by the time you add cocktails and hookah to keep pace with the table over, your bill will be approaching $200. So, maybe do yourself a favor and wait a few days before looking at the account balance. Food Rundown photo credit: Amy Sinclair Salmon and Crab Fried Rice Put 10 trendy Atlanta restaurants’ menus on a table and nine of them will have some version of salmon on them. But this braised 9-ounce piece rests atop a pile of fried rice absolutely packed with crab, thus easily separating itself from the pescatarian pack. photo credit: Amy Sinclair The Oxtail Plate Another tried-and-true ATL item, these oxtails almost fall off the bone. And fret not when they do because the tender pieces land softly on a bed of jasmine rice. Complete the southern feast with a side of auntie-approved mac, cabbage, or collards you wouldn't expect from the night spot's kitchen. Brussels Sprouts Some brussels sprouts are flash fried too hard. Others are swimming in so much sauce they turn into a wilted disaster. But if all the forks clamoring for the plate are an indicator here, this honey-glazed starter lands somewhere deliciously in between. photo credit: Amy Sinclair Chicken Wings Decent-sized and expertly fried—just the way any sensible Atlantan likes their wings. Though the 10-piece comes in a handful of flavor options, we’re partial to the subtly sweet chili, only because it pairs so well with our Boozy Billionaire Ciroc cocktail. Firecracker Salmon Bites The tastiest app on the menu is probably the messiest, too. Almost like a salmon nugget, these 10 nibbles are lightly fried, tossed in sweet chili, and then drizzled in a delightful aioli that’ll leave your hands sticky enough for wet wipes." - DeMarco Williams
