A decade of pop-ups, planning and build-out ends this Wednesday. Mule Train, the first brick-and-mortar restaurant from husband-and-wife team Mike and Shyretha Sheats, is scheduled to open Sept. 30 at 87 Broad St. SW in South Downtown.
The address carries some history. The building is the former Miller's Rexall Drug Store, which once appeared on the cover of a Paul McCartney album. Inside, the 40-seat, shotgun-style room was designed by NO Architecture, with walnut wood walls, blue leather and velvet banquettes, direct views into the kitchen and a bar anchoring the space.
The concept
Mule Train grows out of The Plate Sale, the Sheatses' acclaimed pop-up. The goal is to center the "foodways and family gathering traditions of Northeast Georgia, drawing on seasonal ingredients and the resourcefulness that has long shaped the region," according to the restaurant's announcement. The name nods to the house of Chef Mike Sheats' aunt and uncle, a community gathering spot and stopping point in rural Northeast Georgia.
Sheats is a veteran of top Southeast kitchens, including Staplehouse and Muss & Turner's in metro Atlanta. His menu takes its cue from classic "meat and threes," with dishes such as Candy Roaster Squash with Habanada and Marigold, or Aged Pork with Wisteria and Okra.
Shyretha Sheats is the general manager and beverage director. Her drinks list offers full-size and tasting-size pours of house drinks, classic cocktails, aperitifs and fortified wines, along with wines and craft beer.
Where it fits
We first followed the project when it was known only as The Plate Sale's next move, in The Plate Sale Becomes Mule Train, Taking Root at 87 Broad Street. Now it joins the growing table of restaurants across South Downtown.
Parking
Driving in? The closest option is the South Downtown - Redbud Lot (165 Mitchell St. SW), about a two-minute walk away. The first two hours are free, courtesy of South downtownATL; beyond that, normal rates apply. All four lots are covered in our guide to South Downtown's first-two-hours-free parking.
Mule Train, 87 Broad St. SW, Atlanta. Opening Sept. 30.
Reporting by Josh Green for Urbanize Atlanta. Photo courtesy of Urbanize Atlanta / Mule Train.
