Bury yourself in great seafood: Six Feet Under offers fried catfish, cold drinks — what more do you need?

By Gray Chapman

Sometimes when we work too hard, all we need to get back on track is a sunny outdoor porch, a cold drink and a big basket of fried seafood. Next time you’re stuck inside working on a still life for ten consecutive hours, give yourself a break and head on over to Six Feet Under. Though the name might seem morbid, the atmosphere is casual and friendly — and who wouldn’t love a restaurant that prides itself on its cold beer and raw oysters?

Considering that Atlanta is not exactly a coastal city, it takes a lot for a restaurant to be awarded “Best Seafood” by Creative Loafing. Six Feet Under has a full selection of food from the deep, from catfish tacos to shrimp-n-grits. Coming from a long line of oyster connoisseurs myself, I particularly appreciated the dozen on the half-shell for a mere $8.50. For those of you who consider yourselves more turf than surf, their cheeseburgers are said to be big, juicy and delicious — which is impressive, considering this is a menu item often neglected by seafood restaurants.

Luckily for me, I was given an insider’s view of the menu (tip: it’s always good to try a new restaurant with someone who works there). The combo tacos were recommended to me, as they are one of the most popular items on the menu — and for good reason. The plate of three seafood tacos, including catfish, fried calamari, and blackened shrimp, were each different from the next but all equally tasty. These aren’t your ordinary fish tacos either; each has several surprising ingredients, such as cucumber wasabi sauce, sweet onion relish and fried leeks. My dining partner also recommended the catfish po’boy, which he says is another very popular dish with a “massive piece of fried catfish” on a toasted hoagie with all the necessary accoutrements. Another tip he gave me: the chips that come with the meals are great, but try the onion rings. The impressively large basket of battered and seasoned onion rings was slightly daunting at first, but I somehow managed to eat every last one.

The casual atmosphere of the restaurant is relaxing and fun, with vintage beer advertisements lining the brick walls and a very friendly waitstaff. The price is student-friendly, without sacrificing taste; in fact, Atlanta Magazine awarded Six Feet Under with “Atlanta’s Best Restaurants Under $25.” For the 21-and-over population, the pub also has a full bar which features a wide selection of beer, margaritas, martinis and after-dinner drinks. Of course, if you really want to impress your friends, you can try one of the six oyster shooters they offer. Good luck with that.

Though the original location is in Grant Park next to Oakland Cemetary (hence the name), their second location can be found in Westside at 685 11th St. near the intersection of 11th and Howell Mill. This location is closer to SCAD and includes a great second-floor patio for warm summer nights.
For more information, including directions, menu, and hours, visit Six Feet Under’s website at www.sixfeetunderatlanta.com.