Athens, GA — Amid the bustling culinary scene of Athens, a new player, Pretty Boy, is making a name for itself with a unique take on Vietnamese cuisine, infused with playful twists that cater to contemporary tastes. Located at 247 Prince Ave., the establishment owned by Kenny Nguyen, has been greeted with enthusiasm despite its delayed opening.
The restaurant, mainly attracting a crowd of young Millennials and older members of Gen Z, gives off a vibe distinctly different from traditional Vietnamese eateries. It’s less formal and more spirited, often filled with the vibrant chatter of youthful patrons discussing their latest escapades or digital trends. This ambiance might not be everyone’s cup of tea, especially for those preferring a quieter dining experience.
Offering more competitive prices, especially during happy hour, Pretty Boy makes up for its eclectic mix of Japanese and Chinese chopsticks and its slightly less polished aesthetic with a substantial drinks menu that features inventive cocktails like the Patty Pistachio. However, the cocktails, while enjoyable, tend to be fleeting in their impact.
For diners unable to secure reservations, walk-ins are welcomed on Mondays and seats at the chef’s counter are usually available even without prior notice. The chef’s counter, contrary to expectations, offers limited visibility into the kitchen, suggesting that a table might offer a better overall experience, despite the necessity of dealing with reservation platforms.
The culinary offerings at Pretty Boy are bold and innovative. Standouts include the coconut-braised spare ribs served with a dynamic cilantro-lime sauce, and the Viet Street Corn, which rivals the best elote with its rich layers of flavor and textures. Dishes like these exemplify the restaurant’s fearless approach to flavors and its commitment to delivering memorable culinary experiences.
Another notable dish is the mushroom rice paper pizza, showcasing locally sourced mushrooms and a clever use of Laughing Cow cheese in an aioli that balances richness with the dish’s more delicate components. For those with dietary preferences or restrictions, it’s worth noting that nearly the entire menu is gluten-free, with plentiful vegetarian and vegan options.
While experimental dishes mostly receive praise, traditional offerings like the spicy beef pho occasionally miss the mark, being overly aromatic for some palates. Similarly, other dishes such as the crunchy chicken salad, although fresh and flavorful, might seem like something easily replicated at home.
Desserts, like the dragonfruit panna cotta and pandan bundt cake, are adventurous in flavor, encapsulating the restaurant’s bold and eclectic approach to cuisine that aims to blend a medley of textures and tastes.
Pretty Boy operates from 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and extends its hours until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, inviting dinner patrons to savor its innovative dishes late into the evening.
In addition to Pretty Boy, the Athens food scene continues to grow with new establishments like Yossi Kitchen and Redstone Market & Butcher, enriching the city’s diverse culinary landscape. However, the community also recently mourned the loss of Wayne Bradberry, a beloved local fruit and vegetable vendor.
As Athens continues to foster a vibrant, evolving food scene, restaurants like Pretty Boy not only contribute to this dynamic environment but also redefine what traditional Vietnamese cuisine can mean in a modern American context.