Say goodbye to Jack-and-Coke slushies and hello to rigatoni bolognese – Atlanta Magazine

Say goodbye to Jack-and-Coke slushies and hello to rigatoni bolognese – Atlanta Magazine
A spread at Besto

Photo by Drew Perlmutter

Last week, the casual Church Street spot that’s been home to Victory Sandwich Bar in Decatur for 13 years welcomed a new set of diners into the freshly remodeled space. Gone are the $6 sandwiches and signature Jack-and-Coke slushies served in a mason jar. In their place is an Italian-American menu complete with all the classics. Created by Ian Jones and Caleb Wheelus—the team behind Victory, S.O.S. Tiki Bar, Stereo, and Lloyd’s—Besto is a casual European-inspired trattoria serving lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday.

“It was time for a change. The demographic of the area has changed, so we wanted something more family friendly,” Jones says. “We also get hungry for new stuff.” (The Inman Park Victory Sandwich Bar remains unchanged.)

Say goodbye to Jack-and-Coke slushies and hello to rigatoni bolognese – Atlanta Magazine
Chicken parmesan sandwich

Photo by Drew Perlmutter

Chicken milanese sandwich

Photo by Drew Perlmutter

Besto serves Italian sandwiches and salads for lunch via counter service, while the dinner menu leans pasta and entrees, served at the table. Start with fried mozzarella sticks, bruschetta, or peach burrata, followed by rigatoni bolognese, baked ziti, or eggplant parmigiana. For dessert, there’s tiramisu, cheesecake, and vanilla soft-serve ice cream. A children’s menu is available too.

“People don’t always want to buy $35 entrees when going out for family dinner,” Jones says.

Peach burrata

Photo by Drew Perlmutter

Although there is a full bar, the beverage list focuses on wine and martinis. A frozen sgroppino (lemon granita, vodka, and prosecco) is designed to fill the Jack-and-Coke void. House-made sodas, cappuccino, and affogato will also be served.

Besto does not accept reservations, though plans for a grab-and-go section with ready-made salads, sandwiches, and desserts are in the works. Weekly specials include a Lloyd’s-style martini happy hour, lasagna on Wednesday nights, and a Sunday night family-style spaghetti dinner served as a three-course prix fixe.

Cannoli

Photo by Drew Perlmutter

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Carly Cooper

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