The Loop Pizza Grill is one of those casual neighborhood spots where you'll likely see folks gathering after a Little League game or tennis match, joining other families and couples grabbing a bite. It offers double doses of two American favorites — pizza and burgers — plus desserts to top them off.

The Stone Mountain location is the fourth in metro Atlanta, following others in Embry Hills, Sandy Springs and Peachtree Battle. Juicy burgers and thick shakes make the Loop a destination, especially on a nice day when you can dine outside on the second story at its newest eatery in Rockbridge Square Shopping Center (at the intersection of Rockbridge and Five Forks Trickum roads).

NICK ARROYO (ENLARGE)
The gorgonzola walnut salad mixes seasonal greens with roma and sun-dried tomatoes, red onions, walnuts and gorgonzola cheeese.
NICK ARROYO/AJC Staff (ENLARGE)
Skip the pizzas and go straight for the good stuff, like the Loop 'N Bleu burger with a side of fresh veggies or a Butterfinger or Oreo milkshake.
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The grill

The Loop burger is one of the best we've had in metro Atlanta. It's juicy and plump, but not overly greasy, served up on a soft sesame seed bun. Toppings include cheddar, blue cheese, Swiss cheese and bacon. Go for the side of homemade chips, which are crispy with a hint of basil. The menu also has wraps and other sandwiches, plus salads and soups. The tomato bisque is surprisingly good — creamy, but light. The Greek salad is OK, with a bit too many olives and mixed greens instead of romaine lettuce. It and other salads are served in wide-rimmed bowls with large tasty, crunchy croutons.

The pizza

The two pizzas we tried — one a basic margherita with small diced tomatoes and basil and another topped with pepperoni — were disappointing. Although the crust tasted fresh, there's not really anything memorable about the pies, especially compared to those burgers. Sizes start at individual 8-inch pies and go up from there, with gourmet-like options such as sausage and goat cheese or spicy cilantro chicken.

The desserts

A dessert case displays items like a six-layer carrot cake, but go for the shakes instead. Among the choices: chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, Oreo and Butterfinger. The candy-filled Butterfinger shake we tried was topped with whipped cream and even more pieces of candy. It's so thick you definitely need a spoon, which was thankfully included in the bag as we took ours to go.

For kids and more

On Wednesdays, kids' meals are half price from 6 to 8:30 p.m., plus there are appearances by characters such as Elmo. The eatery, with its retro loft-like décor of exposed black pipes, glossy brown tile, aluminum-covered tables and cushiony booths upholstered with polka-dot fabric, also has room for folks to roam. All the ordering is done at the counter, drinks are self-service and several TVs add to the ambience.