If you blink, you might miss Pijiu Belly. It is a small newcomer to the Westside. The word, “Pijiu” is Mandarin for “beer”. So you can imagine that they have a pretty decent craft beer list. In fact, Pijiu Belly has over 15 beers on tap. I enjoyed the Three Taverns Le Peche Mode Saison and Monday Night’s Fu Man Brew. Besides beer, they have a decent cocktail list as well.
The concept of Pijiu Belly is comfort food with Asian influence. Think items like Thai Tater Tots or a Bulgogi Cheesesteak. This is probably not the spot to visit if you are trying to eat healthy, though they do have several salads. Our group began with a quad of appetizers: Thai Tater Tots, Pimento Cheese Grit Stix, the Sausage Plate and an order of Poutine to round out our gluttonous order.
I expected to really love the tots, made with sweet potatoes and topped with jalapenos, cilantro and a sriracha-mayo, all things I love. But it was a bit lacking in flavor. It was Pijiu Belly’s Grit Stix that I found the tastiest. Topped with bacon, I could have made a meal out of it. Sweet and spicy sausage served with Kimchi mustard (see below) was a close second favorite.
Their signature item at Pijiu Belly is their Rotisserie Chicken. Roasted for hours, it is served with the beer bbq sauce, it’s on my list for my next visit. Asian influenced sandwiches also include the Bahn Mi and Pork Belly topped with a peach hoisin sauce. However, I couldn’t resist the Bulgogi Bop.
The portion of Pijiu Belly’s Bulgogi Bop, if you can’t tell, is huge! Two can easily split this and it only is $12. While I liked the cilantro-lime rice, kimchi and asian slaw combination, I did find the beef to be very fatty. I was still able to get full from many non-fat pieces though.
Dessert isn’t just an afterthought here. While a chocolate cake is sinful, it is the Yuzu cheesecake that is the clear winner of desserts at Pijiu Belly. If you are too full, get it to go!
I really love the Asian influence on comfort food here, not to mention how affordable Pijiu Belly is. Appetizers average just $6 and entrees only $12. Here’s Pijiu Belly’s Menu. Another win in my book for Pijiu Belly? There is a small parking lot adjacent to the restaurant, pretty much unheard of in Midtown.
Pijiu Belly on Facebook
678 10th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 343-6828
Disclosure: Our meal was complimentary per our affiliation with the Association of Food Bloggers, but the opinions expressed are my own.
