The Villains Have Arrived in Midtown

Atlanta’s culinary scene just got a little more sinister as Villains Wicked Heroes officially unleashed its creations onto the masses on Thursday.

Specializing in gourmet sandwiches and salads with a creative flair, Villains will be a dining destination for those seeking lunch or dinner with a twist. The restaurant is located in the heart of Midtown in the former Little Azio space at 903 Peachtree Street near 8th Street and will serve counter-style lunch and dinner menus along with a comprehensive cocktail list.

The masterminds behind Midtown’s latest concept are seasoned veterans in Atlanta’s culinary scene and include Alex Brounstein of Grindhouse Killer Burgers, Jared Lee Pyles of HD1 fame and Jason McClure formerly of FLIP burger boutique and the Art Institute of Atlanta. Together the three will combine their expertise and creativity to revamp and elevate the everyday sandwich. Chefs Pyles and McClure collaborated to design the chef-driven menu and will both lead the kitchen.

“This menu truly showcases our talent and creativity, and it’s going to provide Atlanta with something they haven’t really seen before,” said McClure in a news release. “As fans of villains throughout pop culture, we’re adding a twist by weaving that theme into the restaurant and especially highlight it with our menu and restaurant concept.”

Menu highlights will include the “Kingpig of Crime” with Porchetta, sautéed kale and garlic aioli; the “Bugsy Siegel” with short rib pastrami, braised cabbage, Swiss cheese and Russian “caviar” dressing on dark rye the” Zartan” with vegetarian “meatballs”, marinara sauce, sautéed kale, ricotta and provolone cheese; and the “El Guapo” with pulled chicken and chorizo, avocado, black bean, radish and Cotija cheese. Of course a villain is nothing without cronies, and Villains will offer several options including Cherry Tomato & Charred Tofu Salad, Housemade Pickles and Ramen Popcorn.

In addition to a variety of sandwich options, guests seeking a healthier option can select from the “Wicked Greens” including the “Hail Nero” with kale, ramen “croutons” and spicy white miso dressing. Guests will have the option to add choice of tuna, turkey or steak to make the salad a “BIG salad.”

The bar menu includes a variety of adult libations and craft beer choices, hand-selected and created by Pyles. Cocktail highlights include the “Gamma Crush” with corsair barrel aged gin, Thai basil, Sichuan peppercorn and simple syrup; and the “Prohibited at Turner Field” with sugar cane Coke topped with peanut infused bourbon and roasted peanut floaters.

“I had a lot of fun creating the cocktails and working to complement our menu items,” said Pyles in the release. “The cocktails are flavorfully eclectic, original and surprising which truly reflects my culinary style.”

The restaurant’s interior aesthetic, as diabolical as its menu, was designed by local designer Kim Fong of Studio Song, who used “evil lair meets underground command center” to create the dark and eccentric space. Each detail draws inspiration from classic comics and TV shows, down to the lighting fixtures and steel bar stools, utilizing as much natural, dark aesthetic as possible.

Villains will be serving lunch and dinner seven days a week. For more information please visit facebook.com/villainswickedheroes.