Wonderful service provided by the host at the front door, as well as our server Lily. She was extremely generous and patient to explain menu options or details about anything. Great ambiance. Great food, I had PC's seafood curry and the sauce delightfully creamy with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Calvin's the head chef and to my knowledge he was the one who delivered our food, which was awesome. Was only visiting Atlanta for the weekend for a Hyrox race, and this was the perfect place to celebrate. They even gave us a strawberry and baileys ice cream made in house that was so, so good.
Amber
I had such a great experience at Poor Calvin's! The food was absolutely wonderful — every dish was full of flavor and cooked to perfection. You can really tell they put love and creativity into their menu. On top of that, the service was top tier. The staff was attentive, friendly, and made sure everything was just right from start to finish. It's rare to find a place that delivers both amazing food and outstanding service, but Poor Calvin's really nailed it. I'll definitely be back!
Lisa
We had dinner at Poor Calvin's for the first time tonight. Our reservation was early because we had plant to attend an event nearby later in the evening. We were greeted kindly by the host and led to our table. The ambiance of the restaurant and decor with the velvet chairs and gold lighting made the vibe so nice. Our server Louise greeted us an i walked us through the specials for the night. She gave me some non alcoholic drink options while my husband looked over the wine list. We ordered two small plates, a NA mojito and a Pinot. Louise helped us with our dinner entree and really made us feel welcomed as a first time guest. She shared with us Calvin's background and that he was the chef. Our appetizers came out piping hot. Calamari and the special Salmon and corn fritter bites. Both were fantastic and a large portion. We couldn't finish them. Our entree followed and the presentation was beautiful I hated to cut into it! Marinated Lamb loin with lobster tail mashed potatoes asparagus with chimchurri sauce. The flavors were amazing. We had such a great meal that we can't wait to come back. They have a small parking lot, and a reservation is recommended. Louise gave us such great care. She truly made our experience wonderful.
Jennifer
TJ was an excellent waiter. We shared the lobster fried rice, the lobster, mac & cheese, appetizer, calamari, appetizer and drunken noodles. They accommodated our request to have the drunken noodles made with shrimp.
Royce
I took my husband to Poor Calvins for his birthday. The experience was unmatched! The service was impeccable! The food was definitely Chef's kiss ( Lobster Fried rice 10/10)!! I will definitely be back!!
Curtis Husk
Great food and great people.
Clyde Bonn
Just finished up and on all levels one of the best dining experiences I’ve had. From drinks to desserts to service! Poor Calvin’s exceeded all expectations. This is a must do if in ATL
JoAnna Aldridge-Wilson
The other day, I ordered through Uber Eats for several of my household's favorite entrees and appetizers. My favorite is the Lobster Fried Rice. Imagine my shock and disappointment when I tasted the fried rice, and it was uncooked!
I called immediately to complain, which I have never had to do before at Poor Calvin's, and spoke with a Host. I think his name was Derwin. If I have the name wrong, I apologize. But, he was so pleasant and he even remembered my order's special instruction, once I gave him my name, and let me know he has seen my special instruction several times, even from my several previous orders. I was impressed!
He took my information for the General Manager, James, to give me a call. James called me the next day and let me know I could come get a fresh order of the Lobster Fried Rice and an offered an invitation for me to sit at the bar, and have a drink and eat my meal there. I told him it would probably be a to-go and let him know I would see him that soon. It was around 8 PM or so, and I was getting my exercise in. I knew to be there by 9:15P.
I showed up at the restaurant and let the young man, who was at the door, know who I was and that I was there to speak with James about my uncooked fried rice. When he realized who I was, he let me know that it was him I had spoken with the previous day, and we hugged as if we were old, long-lost friends.
James put my order in before I even saw him, and he came over to introduce himself, and I shook his hand. He was pleasant as well. I sat at the bar while I waited and had a Sangria, which is not on the menu anymore, but a nice female bartender made it for me, and it was tasty. She served it with a smile. The male bartender was not as friendly as the other 3 staff I had encountered for the past 2 days. I left a tip, even though everything was complimentary, and he snatched up the $5 without saying anything. I hope he and the female bartender divide tips.
I appreciated the customer service, and I will definitely be ordering again. I was told that the uncooked rice incident was a "thing" the previous day.
Poor Calvin’s is a great restaurant and the only reason a gave it a one star is because every time I have family and friends in town we go there. I recently tried to make reservations for my birthday for a party of 9 I was told they could only accommodate a reservation for 6. I asked them if I could make 2 reservations I was told no. If you have a party more then 5 this is not the place for you
Danielle Harrison
There is an automatic 19% gratuity added to all bills. Our service was good, except the one hurried busgirl with an attitude who tried to rush the last 2 of my party of 4; she managed to spill a decent portion of my curry broth when she poured it into the container. I personally hope none of that 19% goes to her.
Other than that, our food was fine. Tastes better if you're tipsy, so it's a good thing the cocktails were great. Plan to Uber or use their valet service. Overall, just something to cross off my local restaurant bucket list, but not a place I'd consider visiting repeatedly.
One star off for the autograt policy, one star off for the grainy creme brulee.
I had a reservation here for me and my partner for my birthday which is Valentines Day. They called to cancel my reservation today. So now I have nowhere to go for my 35th birthday because everything is already booked up. Thanks alot
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Cassandra Beasley
First time visiting didn't know you have to make a reservation so I made a reservation quickly... the food was not good to me not to many good choices and the place is small ........
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
Anjali Guli
The place itself is pretty crowded and the tables were arranged close to the other. This makes it not a good place to celebrate anniversaries coz you need to have some space around you, less noisy and good ambience. But I must say the food is really creative and delicious. We tried the crab beignets and it was soooo goood!! Never had something like this before (chef's kiss) we also tried thai basil grouper and tom yum soup which were okay but not out of the world. I guess there are many other items in the menu that are worth trying. we would definitely visit the restaurant again but not on anniversaries or birthdays. The parking is bit trouble to find too. There are only limited parking available right next to the restaurant. Street parking is the only option if you could find one. Service is excellent.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 5
Dominique Grant
I had plans at my fave restaurant and someone suggested poor calvins instead. If I see this its on site!
The GREAT! The hosttttt, the waitress, the seating is intimate so you end up talking and laughing with your neighbors. The menu (not the food) is sooo tempting and dynamic.
The BAD : The food. My happiest moment was win my food arrived at the table and then it was downhill. The only thing i could stomach was the Won Tons. The fried green tomatoes were tasteless and thats alll green tomatoes but there was nothing to balance it, wish makes this dish one of my faves. The spring rolls.. just no. But my biggest disappointment because it was what i intended to order at Cuts Steakhouse… the lobster fried rice. The taste is just bad. I dont cook, i just eat, so i cant say what their adding (turmeric or something) but I had ordered it to go before i sat down and i keep taking a bite, feeling disgusted, remembering I paid $50 bucks, taking another bite and then fighting the air.
When i saw the disclaimer that they will not remove the food from your bill because “you just dont like it” on the bottom of the menu, that shouldve been a red flag. But its vday and im single so you know how them red flags be looking 🏳️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
Kendra Guzmán
I came here while on a business trip from Maryland and did not have reservations. We were told there would be a 30-45 minute wait. After waiting for 45 minutes, the host came and told us he could seat us but we would have to hurry up and be up from the table by 830pm because of reservations. He said he would give us a minute to think about it. He walked away. He comes back a few minutes later and says he needs an answer immediately because he is about to give the table away and we have to decide now. Never in my life have I ever felt so mistreated and disrespected in an establishment. I understand restaurants have reservations but they should also allot time for walk in patrons. If there was no room at all for any one else outside of reservations, we should have been advised to dine elsewhere. This was my FIRST TIME AND MY LAST TIME ever coming to Poor Calvin's. Maybe Calvin should spend some money on training his staff on how to treat people.
Wonderful service provided by the host at the front door, as well as our server Lily. She was extremely generous and patient to explain menu options or details about anything. Great ambiance. Great food, I had PC's seafood curry and the sauce delightfully creamy with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Calvin's the head chef and to my knowledge he was the one who delivered our food, which was awesome. Was only visiting Atlanta for the weekend for a Hyrox race, and this was the perfect place to celebrate. They even gave us a strawberry and baileys ice cream made in house that was so, so good.
I had such a great experience at Poor Calvin's! The food was absolutely wonderful — every dish was full of flavor and cooked to perfection. You can really tell they put love and creativity into their menu. On top of that, the service was top tier. The staff was attentive, friendly, and made sure everything was just right from start to finish. It's rare to find a place that delivers both amazing food and outstanding service, but Poor Calvin's really nailed it. I'll definitely be back!
We had dinner at Poor Calvin's for the first time tonight. Our reservation was early because we had plant to attend an event nearby later in the evening. We were greeted kindly by the host and led to our table. The ambiance of the restaurant and decor with the velvet chairs and gold lighting made the vibe so nice. Our server Louise greeted us an i walked us through the specials for the night. She gave me some non alcoholic drink options while my husband looked over the wine list. We ordered two small plates, a NA mojito and a Pinot. Louise helped us with our dinner entree and really made us feel welcomed as a first time guest. She shared with us Calvin's background and that he was the chef. Our appetizers came out piping hot. Calamari and the special Salmon and corn fritter bites. Both were fantastic and a large portion. We couldn't finish them. Our entree followed and the presentation was beautiful I hated to cut into it! Marinated Lamb loin with lobster tail mashed potatoes asparagus with chimchurri sauce. The flavors were amazing. We had such a great meal that we can't wait to come back. They have a small parking lot, and a reservation is recommended. Louise gave us such great care. She truly made our experience wonderful.
TJ was an excellent waiter. We shared the lobster fried rice, the lobster, mac & cheese, appetizer, calamari, appetizer and drunken noodles. They accommodated our request to have the drunken noodles made with shrimp.
I took my husband to Poor Calvins for his birthday. The experience was unmatched! The service was impeccable! The food was definitely Chef's kiss ( Lobster Fried rice 10/10)!! I will definitely be back!!
Great food and great people.
Just finished up and on all levels one of the best dining experiences I’ve had. From drinks to desserts to service! Poor Calvin’s exceeded all expectations. This is a must do if in ATL
The other day, I ordered through Uber Eats for several of my household's favorite entrees and appetizers. My favorite is the Lobster Fried Rice. Imagine my shock and disappointment when I tasted the fried rice, and it was uncooked!
I called immediately to complain, which I have never had to do before at Poor Calvin's, and spoke with a Host. I think his name was Derwin. If I have the name wrong, I apologize. But, he was so pleasant and he even remembered my order's special instruction, once I gave him my name, and let me know he has seen my special instruction several times, even from my several previous orders. I was impressed!
He took my information for the General Manager, James, to give me a call. James called me the next day and let me know I could come get a fresh order of the Lobster Fried Rice and an offered an invitation for me to sit at the bar, and have a drink and eat my meal there. I told him it would probably be a to-go and let him know I would see him that soon. It was around 8 PM or so, and I was getting my exercise in. I knew to be there by 9:15P.
I showed up at the restaurant and let the young man, who was at the door, know who I was and that I was there to speak with James about my uncooked fried rice. When he realized who I was, he let me know that it was him I had spoken with the previous day, and we hugged as if we were old, long-lost friends.
James put my order in before I even saw him, and he came over to introduce himself, and I shook his hand. He was pleasant as well. I sat at the bar while I waited and had a Sangria, which is not on the menu anymore, but a nice female bartender made it for me, and it was tasty. She served it with a smile. The male bartender was not as friendly as the other 3 staff I had encountered for the past 2 days. I left a tip, even though everything was complimentary, and he snatched up the $5 without saying anything. I hope he and the female bartender divide tips.
I appreciated the customer service, and I will definitely be ordering again. I was told that the uncooked rice incident was a "thing" the previous day.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lobster Wontons, Lobster Fried Rice
Poor Calvin’s is a great restaurant and the only reason a gave it a one star is because every time I have family and friends in town we go there. I recently tried to make reservations for my birthday for a party of 9 I was told they could only accommodate a reservation for 6. I asked them if I could make 2 reservations I was told no. If you have a party more then 5 this is not the place for you
There is an automatic 19% gratuity added to all bills. Our service was good, except the one hurried busgirl with an attitude who tried to rush the last 2 of my party of 4; she managed to spill a decent portion of my curry broth when she poured it into the container. I personally hope none of that 19% goes to her.
Other than that, our food was fine. Tastes better if you're tipsy, so it's a good thing the cocktails were great. Plan to Uber or use their valet service. Overall, just something to cross off my local restaurant bucket list, but not a place I'd consider visiting repeatedly.
One star off for the autograt policy, one star off for the grainy creme brulee.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Restaurantji Recommends
I had a reservation here for me and my partner for my birthday which is Valentines Day. They called to cancel my reservation today. So now I have nowhere to go for my 35th birthday because everything is already booked up. Thanks alot
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
First time visiting didn't know you have to make a reservation so I made a reservation quickly... the food was not good to me not to many good choices and the place is small ........
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
The place itself is pretty crowded and the tables were arranged close to the other. This makes it not a good place to celebrate anniversaries coz you need to have some space around you, less noisy and good ambience. But I must say the food is really creative and delicious. We tried the crab beignets and it was soooo goood!! Never had something like this before (chef's kiss) we also tried thai basil grouper and tom yum soup which were okay but not out of the world. I guess there are many other items in the menu that are worth trying. we would definitely visit the restaurant again but not on anniversaries or birthdays. The parking is bit trouble to find too. There are only limited parking available right next to the restaurant. Street parking is the only option if you could find one. Service is excellent.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 5
I had plans at my fave restaurant and someone suggested poor calvins instead. If I see this its on site!
The GREAT! The hosttttt, the waitress, the seating is intimate so you end up talking and laughing with your neighbors. The menu (not the food) is sooo tempting and dynamic.
The BAD : The food. My happiest moment was win my food arrived at the table and then it was downhill. The only thing i could stomach was the Won Tons. The fried green tomatoes were tasteless and thats alll green tomatoes but there was nothing to balance it, wish makes this dish one of my faves. The spring rolls.. just no. But my biggest disappointment because it was what i intended to order at Cuts Steakhouse… the lobster fried rice. The taste is just bad. I dont cook, i just eat, so i cant say what their adding (turmeric or something) but I had ordered it to go before i sat down and i keep taking a bite, feeling disgusted, remembering I paid $50 bucks, taking another bite and then fighting the air.
When i saw the disclaimer that they will not remove the food from your bill because “you just dont like it” on the bottom of the menu, that shouldve been a red flag. But its vday and im single so you know how them red flags be looking 🏳️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
I came here while on a business trip from Maryland and did not have reservations. We were told there would be a 30-45 minute wait. After waiting for 45 minutes, the host came and told us he could seat us but we would have to hurry up and be up from the table by 830pm because of reservations. He said he would give us a minute to think about it. He walked away. He comes back a few minutes later and says he needs an answer immediately because he is about to give the table away and we have to decide now. Never in my life have I ever felt so mistreated and disrespected in an establishment. I understand restaurants have reservations but they should also allot time for walk in patrons. If there was no room at all for any one else outside of reservations, we should have been advised to dine elsewhere. This was my FIRST TIME AND MY LAST TIME ever coming to Poor Calvin's. Maybe Calvin should spend some money on training his staff on how to treat people.
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