June 12, 2019

Where to take Dad for Father’s Day

We picked 10 spots fit for 10 types of dads

The interior of The Waterman in Sedgefield. Kristen Wile/UP

Mother’s Day has become one of the busiest brunch days on the calendar, but Father’s Day doesn’t have the same kind of standard. To help you plan, we came up with a few ideas for different kinds of dads. Still looking for the right reservation? Email us and we’ll help you out in our weekly Concierge! —Kristen Wile

The family man

Seoul Food Meat Co. (open 11:30 a.m. to midnight)

Fusing Korean and Southern barbecue, Seoul Food serves some of the crunchiest chicken wings in town in a high-energy atmosphere. The patio of this South End spot comes with plenty of space for families to run around and play games such as life-sized billiards.

The cocktail lover

Dot Dot Dot (open 5 p.m. to midnight)

Sunday night is one of the best nights to visit Dot Dot Dot; the sleek cocktail bar pulls out a different bottle of liquor each week to serve pours at cost. Put the kids to bed, get a sitter, and settle in at the bar or a table for a late dinner and some of the city’s most finest cocktails.

The foodie

The Stanley (open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

Even during brunch, The Stanley serves innovative takes on traditional Southern dishes using local ingredients. Grab a BLT or pork belly with grits, greens, and a poached egg — whatever Dad wants. Don’t miss the doughnuts of the day for a starter or dessert.

The new dad

Yafo Kitchen (open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.)

Trying to find a place where you can get in and out during a baby’s nap time? Pack up your diaper bag and head to Yafo Kitchen for a build-your-own Mediterranean bowl or wrap any time of day. With plenty of booth seating, you can slide baby into a corner and enjoy a healthy, flexible meal.

The craft beer drinker

Midwood Smokehouse (open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.)

In honor of Dad’s day, Midwood Smokehouse and The Unknown Brewing Co. partnered on a beer called “Dad Jokes,” a lager made using grains milled with a lawnmower then smoked. The tap features a typical white Nike dad shoe. Classic.

The coastal spirit

The Waterman Fish Bar (open noon to 10 p.m.)

Settle in at a table on The Waterman’s patio, called Topside, and get to eating. With fried seafood, lobster rolls, low country boils, a raw bar, and plenty of craft cocktails, you won’t even miss the beach.

The wine obsessed

The Fig Tree (open 5 to 9 p.m.)

Some of my favorite wines came from recommendations at The Fig Tree. Pick your dinner and let the staff guide you on wines to pair. You won’t be disappointed.

For a special diet

Burton’s (open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.)

With a menu page dedicated specifically to special diets, Burton’s can adjust to nearly any restrictions. Enjoy lunch or dinner on the patio or the dining room brightened by lots of natural light.

The fur dad

7th Street Public Market (open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Grab a table along the light rail with your pup and send your date inside to order from one of the market’s many vendors, from Uptown Yolk’s phenomenal breakfast to a cheese plate from Orrman’s or a pie from Pure Pizza and a bottle of wine at Assorted Table Wine Shoppe.