By Robert J. Nebel

Editor, Men’s Traveler

On a balmy late winter day, we decided to visit a hip new restaurant in the town of Roswell, Georgia after a nice stroll. When I put that bit of information up on my Facebook account status, an old schoolmate, New Mexico resident and FB friend wrote back, “You don’t mean the one in New Mexico. They don’t really have restaurants like you’re describing.” “No, the Roswell I’m writing about is 15 miles from my house in Georgia,” I replied. This Roswell’s downtown while quaint and different from much of over-developed Atlanta, is a far cry from the town in New Mexico that shares its name. Downtown Roswell, Georgia is culturally conservative compared to the off-the-wall Roswell, New Mexico. Still, Georgia’s Roswell offers up a smattering of eclectic antique shops, art galleries and most of all restaurants.

After walking around the town’s well-preserved streets, we ended up at the Salt Factory. The exposed brick, wood flooring and open ceiling with expansive beams make the Salt Factory inviting. You just want to cozy up with a tall beer and burger, watch a Braves game and forget the world with all of its crime and economic doldrums. My wife did just that by ordering the Traditional Burger with a glass of Woodpecker Cider. The fruity beer goes down great with just about anything here, but the burger and beer combo work great. My daughter enjoyed the same burger sans beer, although before I know it, she will be imbibing on that beverage before I know it. I went for the Shepherd’s Pie and beer out of Oregon by the name of Session. A mixture of minced lamb, corn, green beans, mushrooms and cheddar mashed potatoes, the Shepherd’s Pie filled me up until the next day.

Photo by Robert J. Nebel from BlackBerry device (obviously).