Tio Lucho's — Restaurant in Atlanta

Our merry band of 6 ventured ITP from OTP, and our time and meal at Tio Lucho's was fantastic! We were quickly seated and equally fast our server, Jae, popped over to greet us and take drink orders. Perhaps our crew was too lost in conversation, but the drinks seemed to arrive almost as quickly as they were ordered, and we then ordered a couple of apps. The apps also arrived quickly and the rest of our order was placed.

While enjoying the delicious libations and nibbles, Jae and the rest of the Tio Lucho's team took great care of us, and our crew just continued to enjoy the fantastic vibe of the place.

After a reasonable wait, our orders started arriving and everything looked delicious. My order, Pollo a La Brasa, arrived last, and it was like watching a Queen walk into a room - all eyes at our table were on my plate, and I knew I'd chosen very well, thx to some guidance from Jae. All of us shared bites with each other, but the Pollo was definitely the hit of the night. The half-chicken was cooked to perfection, and the accompaniments - sofrito collard greens & crispy potatoes - were also perfect. A 2024 article in the AJC speaks to the special attention paid to the prep of the chicken:

"Chef Arnaldo Castillo’s Peruvian roots and Southern ingredients provide the best of both worlds on a menu of coastal food, but I can’t stop thinking about the chicken. The secret is a combination of marinade and cooking method. The three-day process begins with an overnight brine, and then a 24-hour marinade of aji, spices and beer. The dish gets its subtle smokiness and bronzed skin from time on a Big Green Egg."

Absolute magic in my opinion, and one of the best meals I've ever enjoyed. Post-dinner, some desserts were shared, and we could not have been more satisfied. Our server, Jae, and the entire Tio Lucho's team enhanced our visit in only the best way possible, and it was hard to leave.

But leave we did, and we decided a stroll down VA-Highlands memory lane was in order. It was fun to walk along N Highlands Ave and see places we'd all spent time at as singles and newlyweds - Highland Tap, Limerick Junction, Atkins Park, Blind Willies, Moe's and Joe's, etc., etc.

What a fun evening and Tio Lucho's was outstanding; we'll definitely get back down...

I'd been curious about this place for a few weeks, but was waiting for my Peruvian friend and her husband to join us since this cuisine is new for us. I'm so glad we waited, but not for the reason you'd think. I'm certain you could throw darts at this menu and hit amazing dishes. What I learned is that the food is so good, you'll want to try EVERYTHING.

I'd never tried Peruvian food before and didn't know what to expect. What I found is some of the most unique, flavorful dishes I've had in a long time. I eat out a lot, and am experienced with many styles from around the world, but this was really new! I'm going to drop some mental notes down below, but I'm urging anyone who's curious about this place... please stop procrastinating. GO NOW. And in case you're not sure what the menu items are, I've simplified things a bit...

Outstanding Pisco Sours and the Lucuma Daiquiri is a must have!

Papas y Salsas: Potatoes with various sauces. My least favorite dish of the night, but I couldn't stop scooping up sauces with the potatoes!

Causa with crab: Large cylinder topped with loads pf crab. I'm no potato person, but this rocked my world. Who knew room temp mashed potatoes could be so incredible?

Pulpo Anticuchero: Best octopus I've had, and I've been around the block! It was so perfectly cooked, and the sauces... I don't know how this place came up with so many unique, crave worthy flavors!

Pescado a lo Macho: Stew with generous portions of snapper and shrimp. I loved this. It was like all the best parts from Thai, Carribean, and Indian cuisines combined.

Pork Belly Majado de Yuca: Huge portion of richly flavored pork belly with stick-to-your soul yuca mash. It was great reheated the next day!

Ceviche de Pescado (with added fried calamari): Huge portion of the freshest, most flavorful ceviche you will find! There was easily enough for 4 people to share.

Lomo Saltado: Like steak frites meets Chinese? Umami bomb. So satisfying.

We had a couple delicious deserts. I don't recall the names, but there was an ice cream and fried doughnut stick things made from sweet potatoes and drowning in molasses. YES YES YES

I can't wait...

Came here solo on a Friday night 1 hour before closing. It is one of the only restaurants open til 11pm in this area that is not a bar or fast casual. I appreciate that. 😊

I wanted to sit on the patio and have a drink but they close the patio down at 10pm. I got there about 5 after 10pm and was told i couldn’t be seated on the patio - it was closed for the night. Understandable considering the effort closing a restaurant takes. I don’t know if that’s standard or if it was just that night.

I sat at the bar. The bartenders were fun and nice. I got the watermelon drink (cant remember the actual name) and their old fashion. They were both good cocktails. I’d recommend the watermelon drink if you like sweet cocktails and their old fashion if you like them more boozy than balanced.

I didn’t plan on ordering food and assumed the kitchen was closed/ing but the bartender let me know I could still order food. The food menu at the bar is small but you can tell it’s very well thought-out. The descriptions got me excited for each dish. Not sure if bar menu and restaurant are the same. I ordered the fried fish and shrimp (sorry forgot the proper name of the dish but it starts with a J). It was a great dish and the sauce it came with was phenomenal. Everything was very fresh and the corn, hominy, and red onions were exactly enough lightness and brightness. The portion was just right too and came with sweet potatoes as well. For someone who didn’t come in there to eat I am so glad I did.

The team seemed to be having fun and really enjoying each others company while working together which was great to see.

Also random but you can tell the hvac system in there is top notch too so if you are still covid aware consider this spot. I was cold inside until the the drinks kicked in so perhaps have a covering if you’re sleeveless.

There was free street parking when I pulled up. I spent about $55 before two drinks and food before tip.

Totally going again to explore more of the menu and...