Sound-off: C Baby vs. H Stix

Posted by Unknown in atlanta eats

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In one corner we have The Real Chow Baby , Atlanta's veteran create-your-own-stir-fry restaurant with roots on Howell Mill and a second home at the Cobb Galleria. Rookie Hot Stix Stir-Fry Kitchen hailing from the Lindbergh City Center in Buckhead rounds out the battle in the opposing corner. When it comes to the all-you-can-eat-create-your-own-stir-fry concept, we all win. But for kicks, lets put them head to head to see who chalks up the KO.

C Baby Stats

Photo Cred: The Real Chow Baby

Price: Lunch - $7.99, Dinner - $11.99

# of Ingredients to choose from: 70+

Appetizer choices: Chicken Potstickers, Thai Chicken Quesadilla, Spicy Shrimp Quesadilla, Vegetable Egg Rolls, Chicken Pesto Quesadilla

Catering?: Yes

Wait?: Short/Medium

How it works: Server brings you two bowls, one for your meat and one for everything else. Choose your rice or your noodle (or both), then assume the exec chef role by whipping up the creation of your choice with a variety of fruits, veggies, meats, and sauces. Write your name on the wooden stick and drop it off to your sous chefs for execution. Server brings your cooked creation to you.

My 2 cents: When I discovered The Real Chow Baby, I thought I had found the holy grail of restaurant concepts. I've only been during lunch, so the idea of eating-til-you-pop for 8 bones was sold on me. I can't speak for dinner but lunch can be a bit crowded. For faster lines at the stir-fry buffet, hit up C Baby just before or after the rush. The sauces are divine and the ingredients are very fresh.

H Stix Stats

Photo Cred: Hot Stix

Price: Lunch - $7.99, Dinner - $12.99

# of Ingredients to choose from: 61

Appetizer choices: Wok Seared Edamame, Chicken Pot Stickers, Crab & Cheese Rangoons, Calamari, Hot Shrimp, Tuna Tartar

Catering?: Yes

Wait?: None/Short

How it works: Server brings you two bowls, one for your meat and one for everything else. Choose your rice or your noodle (or both), then assume the exec chef role by whipping up the creation of your choice with a variety of fruits, veggies, meats and sauces. Write your name on the wooden stick and drop it off to your sous chefs for execution. Server brings your cooked creation to you.

My 2 cents: I was apprehensive at first. How could anything compare to my C baby? The concept and make-your-own set-up are virtually identical. Ambiance is neck and neck. There aren't as many ingredient options, but all in all its a great spot and much closer to my apt!

So who gets the win? I'll let you be the judge.