Hero Diner — Restaurant in Atlanta

I have been to Hero a few times, usually during the Spring/ Summer to eat outside on the back patio. Today I came in to grab a burger after the snow shut Atlanta down for a couple days.

Parking was great since people were not out. I was able to get a spot in the back of the restaurant. Upon walking in, it’s was slow as expected since there is still some ice on the roads. I was one of three patrons in the restaurant. I wasn’t greeted (not a big deal) but when I arrived at the register, no one approached. They could have been waiting for me to check out the menu or the person at the register was away. With about five people working, I would have hoped for a quicker shift to the register.

After I ordered, I sat against the wall and began to take notice in the employees. One put on gloves to begin moving empty doughnut trays from the display. A patron walked in for a to go order. She began touching the register (putting in her employee code, I’m assuming), until she realized that it was a to go order. She then grabbed the bag to hand to the customer and went back to removing the trays. It was not a problem until she began moving the doughnuts with the gloved hand she was touching the register with. You might be thinking it’s not a big deal but another employee touch the register with her bare hands after her. Another employee who was eating, walked over to the register and touched it as well. So imagine how many bare hands touched the register and what was transferred to the doughnut.

I received my food and it looked great. Fries and burger were hot. I order the classic double patty burger. No issue with the fries. My burger had a green tomato that appeared to be from the bottom of the barrel. My patties crumbled after the first bite. Honestly, still a good burger lol. It was well seasoned, crispy yet juicy, but I practically needed a fork to eat it. Again, still a good burger, I ate it, did not complain. Just be aware that your burger may be messier than planned.

Final point to make. There was an employee who grabbed a doughnut with her bare hands after hand. She left soon after so maybe it was her to go doughnut for her ending shift but she still put her bare hand in the case to grab it. I believe they have tongs next to the register so I’m shocked by how often the doughnuts are being handled with hands and glove hands.

So all in all, if you want a good burger that may collapse on you but will check every box when it comes to your taste palette, this is a good place. If you want a doughnut that will not be manhandled by every employee working that day (being sarcastic), but kind of honest, I would go to Sublime Doughnuts. They at least get your doughnuts with tongs. Be safe in this...

I was in the downtown area and needed a spot to check out for breakfast. Due to a stopped train in a train track that diverted me from my first choice, I ended up at hero.

History: based on my quick research I determined that this spot originated in Alabama in 2017. It started out as a pop up shop. They pride themselves on using brioche style, yeast for the doughnuts and bread. Today, they have 6 brick and mortar locations serving breakfast plates, burgers, salads, and of course doughnuts! You can also order coffee drinks and crunchy cocktails.

Parking: honestly, I don’t know if I parked in the right spot, however, there is a lot at the rear of the restaurant . The spots are limited, but luckily we scored one! I did not see any place to pay, so I assume it’s free parking.

The inside of this spot is small! There are tables, but not a ton. They also have a cute patio and it would be perfect in warm days!

You order your food and pay at the register. If you are dinning in you will be given a number so they can bring your order to your table. The staff taking our order was nice. She helped me decide on a doughnut to try. I ordered the folded egg and cheese bun. It is only $5. However, she asked me what meat I wanted and I said chicken sausage. To add the meat is an additional $3.00. I also ordered a cup of coffee and a bread pudding doughnut. My mom ordered the Hero breakfast plate with chicken sausage. The total came up to like $27 prior to me adding a tip.

The food was brought to our table in about 10 minutes. My mother immediately noticed that they failed to give her the chicken salad with her plate. They also did not provide me with my coffee cup or my doughnut. When I received my cup I went to pour coffee in my cup from the drink station. They had options for both pat and almond milk. Both containers were empty. Remind you it was only about 9am in a Saturday. Maybe they just forgot to refill after the early morning rush?

The food was good. Nothing that I will be driving from my side of town to get. However, if I am in the area I would not be opposed to stopping for a bite to eat in the future.

A few things to note- the hash browns are more like very think diced potatoes and NOT your tradition shredded potato hash browns. The doughnut I tried had an interesting consistency and taste. I think I need to try a different flavor to provide a true rating for the doughnuts.

Overall I would recommend checking this spot out if in the...

For a low key, inexpensive breakfast in a town filled with 'brunch specials', this is your spot! Say you don't need all the bell's and whistles, the bottomless mimosas and such, H.D.B. serves up delicious delectable doughnuts and old fashioned American themed breakfast. While you won't find a southern staple like grits, you will fall into flavors you may not have experienced before in their Glazed Blueberry icing, or Boston-Creme, crammed with their signature custard.

But, like most Sunday mornings, the crowds do come. My stop there was just right. I got in on a rare lull, but quickly, another wave of folks came through. Despite the flow of customers, the service was very accommodating. Whether the cashier, or a server, the staff seemed to be aware of customer's needs and responded accordingly. (Clearing a table without being asked, or coming from behind the counter ro take a plate a customer had been carrying when finished with their meal.) Even apologizing, for a wait, that was obvious and expected on a day like that.

I liked the little touch of putting the doughnuts in pouches, like White Castle does. I had the breakfast, but I noticed the burgers and more lunch time meals on the menu. I imagine were just as tasty. The prices were reasonable. Although, the coffee may have been a little on the high end for the type of place it is. (I would expect to pay 4.50 for coffee, or some such at S.b. but not here) Otherwise, it was alright.

The patio, and the shade that was offered with the umbrellas and coverings were much appreciated and many people seemed to enjoynsitting outside on a pleasant morning. It's gonna be one of my spots to return to!...