Hey Hawks fans, it is the food review guy here again, Mac Cummings, and I have got the third installment of our Farm Food Review series after a bit of a hiatus. First, let me apologize for the delay on the reviews. I will be bringing you guys episodes more frequently moving forward.
The Hawks organization had a total overhaul of their concessions back when renovations were underway at State Farm Arena. The Hawks are currently the only team in the league to offer “fan-friendly” priced concessions, just like our neighbors at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. To put in perspective, the menu ranges from $2 Jumbo Pretzels or bottled water, $3 hot dogs, nachos, or bottled soda, $4 for a slice of pizza, and even $5 for certain domestic beers. I will be doing a food review of those menu items in a couple of episodes too, so be on the lookout for that one if you are a cost-efficient Hawks fan.
The Hawks, as on organization, were also celebrating the Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year) and everything they put on for it was incredible. This organization has always done such a great job at not only being inclusive and progressive, but also celebratory of all of sorts of different cultures and backgrounds that make up the Hawks nation. It is times like this that I feel a large sense of pride for this organization and all that they do. Now, time to get to reason you are all here, the food reviews. For this episode I am going to be reviewing the food from the Zac Brown’s Social Club food vendor in the Farm. Let’s get to it.
Zac Brown’s Social Club first opened in State Farm Arena during the 2018-2019 season and quickly became of the neatest and more unique aspects of the “Farm.” Zac Brown is not new to the restaurant game, so it is no wonder that he and head chef, Rusty Hamlin, have been able to curate a menu that offers numerous decadent options. ZBSC does not just offer delicious food, they have also created a vibe over there that combines relaxation with class. They even have handcrafted wooden stools in this area that are beyond comfortable. ZBSC offers a combination of variety, quality, and craftsmanship that other arenas in the NBA do not offer. There is something about being in this area, which is located behind the 115 and 116 sections, that makes you forget you are at a sporting event. Having this type of food vendor within the “Farm” is just one more reason as to why we have the best fan experience in the league. Now time for the reviews of everything I got in this haul.
- Chicken Nachos:
- Ingredients: Grilled chicken, oven-baked tortilla chips, pickled green tomato pico, queso, buttermilk crema
- Price: $14
- Value: 4.5 out of 5
- Overall Rating: 4.6 out of 5
- Analysis: Alex’s (creator of HawksFanTV) suggestion on these did not disappoint. These nachos tasted like something you would get at Superica, not an NBA game. The queso they use on them adds a level of flavor and richness that your average nachos can not offer. I guarantee you will not be disappointed by the container they come in either. If you are a fan of anything delicious, you will definitely want to check these out.
- Smoked Baby Back Rib Sandwich:
- Ingredients: Smoked Baby Back Ribs, vinegar slaw, BBQ aioli, ciabatta bun
- Price: $14
- Value: 4.2 out of 5
- Overall Rating: 4.4 out of 5
- Analysis: This sandwich is not messing around. The smoked baby back ribs were cooked to perfection and the ciabatta bun added a level of artisan flavor that a normal bun would not have brought. I have never been the biggest fan of coleslaw either, but I felt this vinegar slaw was a welcomed addition to the sandwich. Only thing that could have made it better was serving it in a cardboard guitar like the chicken nachos.
- Chargrilled Peachtree Street Corn:
- Ingredients: Chili lime dust, buttermilk crema, cilantro, cotija
- Price: $5
- Value: 4.8 out of 5
- Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Analysis: This place seriously does not miss. This street corn had to be one of, if not the best, side dishes I have ever had at a sporting event. The corn could not have been cooked better and the crema/chili lime dust combination were the perfect touch for an authentic flavor. I swear, when I bit into this corn, I could have closed my eyes and it would have felt like I was on the Santa Monica Pier in California. All of this flavor and artistry for only five dollars. Easily one of the better deals in the entire arena.
Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with everything that the Zac Brown’s Social Club had to offer. The lines were not too long, the menu prices are fair for the quality of food you are purchasing, and the seating options are some of the best you will find at State Farm. I can more than guarantee that you will not be disappointed by checking out the Zac Brown’s Social Club. I would even go as far as to say it will more than likely become your go-to food stop when you come to the “Farm.” Providing food options like this are a major component to the Hawks organization delivering the best fan experience in the NBA. Let me know what you think of my ratings and where you would want me to review next in the comments below!
Overall Rating: 4.8 out of 5
DISCLAIMER: After careful consideration, I have decided to change my overall score for the Antico Pizza review, from a 2.6 to 3.8. I went to the Washington Wizards game in D.C. a few weeks ago, and the prices of their concessions should be illegal. A slice of pizza and a double bourbon-ginger cost me $48. So, me being a harsh on Antico for their price of $14 for a WHOLE pie did not seem as justified.
