Back in Time
Buckhead’s DIRTY RASCAL charms guests with its sleek atmosphere and flavorful dishes
With cuisine just as alluring as its name, Dirty Rascal has cemented itself as an Italian favorite among the Buckhead dining scene. Located inside the newly constructed Thompson Hotel on East Paces Ferry Road, chef Todd Ginsberg and the Rye Restaurants team successfully transformed the ground-floor space into a swanky, yet comfortable backdrop to enjoy a variety of family-style Italian-American fare.
“Many of us grew up with Italian-American food, whether it be spaghetti and meatballs or lasagna—it’s all common comfort food,” says Ginsberg. “Our goal for Dirty Rascal wasn’t to reinvent that wheel, but rather to serve that food with added depth, flavor and thoughtfulness to provide our visitors with an experience that allows them to enjoy the dishes they already know and love—with a twist—in an elevated and sophisticated environment.”
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Dirty Rascal serves up fresh pasta made in-house, hearty menu items like rigatoni alla vodka, veal parmigiana and meatballs, and an espresso bar.
Studio 11 Design was the brains behind Dirty Rascal’s old-school New York aura, with interiors mimicking the sophistication of the menu offerings. Think midcentury modern elements featuring a palette of leather, black-and-white tiles and marble.
“It’s a cozy atmosphere with a midcentury design that ties in seamlessly with the Thompson Buckhead hotel,” says Ginsberg. “The dim lighting and red leather oversize booths add a vintage yet glamorous feel, creating an atmosphere that can be dressed up or down for any occasion.”
Ginsberg notes that it’s his goal for everyone who walks through the doors of Dirty Rascal to have a legendary time. “‘Dirty Rascal’ stems from the nickname my mom gave me as a teenager for my knack of getting into trouble; so the restaurant is fun and playful at its core,” says Ginsberg. “That spirit really shines through with our theatrical tableside preparations, whimsical fox logo and personalized service.”