You've charted the top things to do in Atlanta like visiting its many historic sites and museums. But where are the best places to eat?
Well, we've compiled some of the most famous Atlanta restaurants that will satisfy your cravings and pay homage to Atlanta's food culture. Read below to discover ten iconic ATL establishments.
1) Mary Mac's Tea Room
Address: 224 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308
Since 1945, Mary Mac's Tea Room has served authentic Southern dishes made-from-scratch. Serving everyone from local families to celebrities and politicians over the years, it's now the last of sixteen tea rooms that once resided Intown Atlanta in the 1940s. Moreover, in 2011, Mary Mac's was declared to be "Atlanta's Dining Room". Fan favorites include Sweet Tea, Fried Okra, Pineapple Upside Down Cake, The Mint Julep, Pot Likker, and Fried Green Tomatoes.
If it's your first visit to Mary Mac's, make sure to ask for your complimentary cup of Pot Likker.
2) The Colonnade Restaurant
Address: 1879 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324
Founded in 1927, The Colonnade Restaurant offers quality, fresh Southern fare like fried chicken, fresh fish, and country vegetables. Further, this family-owned-and-operated restaurant serves generous portions of roast pork, homemade dressings, pies, and the beloved homemade yeast rolls. Furthermore, guests can enjoy a full service bar, cozy fireplace, and spacious dining and banquet rooms. Searching for a twist on Southern cooking? Look for the chef's nightly specials.
photo credit: Colonnade Boston via Facebook
3) Bones
Address: 312 Piedmont Road. Atlanta, GA 30305
For the past 41 years, Bones has served award-winning steaks, fresh, seafood, and Southern specialties. Considered one of the best steakhouses in the nation, Bones has received the Best of Atlanta Steakhouse Award for the past sixteen years. Additionally, Zagat awarded Bones with the highest rating for food and service of any steakhouse in the nation. Guests can expect top-of-the-line service, a diverse menu, an extensive wine list, and Southern hospitality. One of the most famous Atlanta restaurants, you don't want to miss out.
4) Manuel's Tavern
Address: 602 North Highland Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307
A treasured watering hole, you'll find that Manuel's Tavern operates as a home base for many ATL residents. Everyone feels comfortable here; everyone quickly becomes a regular. Known for its delicious, no frills dishes like nachos, poppers, loaded hot dogs, and more, you'll leave feeling completely satisfied. With that being said, you also find healthier options like Jerk Chicken, salads, Veggie Burgers, hummus, and much more.
5) The Silver Skillet
Address: Eastside, 200 14th St., Atlanta, GA 30318
Made famous by countless appearances in TV shows and films such as Taken 3, OZARK, Remember the Titans, Atlanta's Hidden Treasures, and so many more, this beloved ATL institution dishes quality Southern cooking and charm. Frequented by residents, visitors, and passing celebrities over the years, The Silver Skillet serves fresh, quality hometown favorites. Guests can expect classics like Chicken Fried Steak, Lemon Ice-Box Pie, Spicy Catfish Strips, and so much more. One of the top famous Atlanta restaurants, The Silver Skillet won't disappoint.
6) The Varsity
Address: 61 North Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308
Although The Varsity now serves several locations, the original downtown Atlanta location still operates on the same two city blocks. Opened in 1928, The Varsity quickly became known as the "world's largest drive-in." A true Georgia institution, this family-friendly old-school dining establishment dishes out fast but fresh, made-from-scratch Game Day meals like chili hotdogs, onion rings, and burgers.
7) Busy Bee Cafe
Address: 810 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Atlanta, GA 30314
Since 1947, the Busy Bee Cafe has focused on authentic Southern cooking made-from-scratch, bringing true soul food and comfort to its customers. Dishes use fresh, local ingredients from local markets and family farms, and guests can expect Southern hospitality. Visitors can sample delicious eats such as Baked Chicken with Corn Bread Dressing, Chicken & Waffles, Baked Fish, and Pulled Pork Sandwiches.
The Busy Bee Cafe also stands a symbol of hope and prosperity during segregation. Because Lucy Jackson opened its doors during the Jim Crow period, the cafe was one of the few locations where African Americans could gather in large numbers. Moreover, it was listed as a safe place in The Negro Motorist Green Book (1936-1966) that detailed establishments safe for African Americans to visit.
8) Pittypat's Porch
Address: 25 Andrew Young International Blvd. Atlanta, GA 30303
Named after Scarlett O'Hara's gracious Aunt Pittypat from Gone with the Wind, Pittypat's Porch lives up to its namesake with gracious hospitality and traditional Southern entrees. Guests can anticipate collard greens, mint juleps, black eyed peas, fried chicken, and deep dish pie. Additionally, the ambiance sets the tone with modern era furniture, delicately placed antiques, and menus printed on fans. You'll feel transported in time at one of the most famous Atlanta restaurants.
9) Majestic Diner
Address: 1031 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306
Opened in 1929, this famous Atlanta restaurant serves top notch breakfast food 24/7. Try one of their loaded omelettes with grits and toast, corned beef hash, Southwestern egg specialties, or turkey sausage. With numerous options for breakfast lovers, everyone will leave feeling satisfied from the iconic Majestic Diner.
photo credit: Paschal's Restaurant via Facebook
10) Paschal's
Address: 180 Northside Dr., Atlanta, GA 30313
This historic soul food restaurant has a rich history that dates back to 1947. Located downtown in the Castleberry Hills Arts District, Paschal's fried chicken recipe has delighted customers from the beginning. Furthermore, Paschal's Restaurant became the meeting place for some of the most renowned figures throughout history such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Vice President Al Gore, Dizzy Gillespie, and Aretha Franklin.
Although it has now moved locations, Paschal's still serves the same comfort food ATL citizens adore. Guests can expect to find flavorful dishes like Voodoo Fried Shrimp, Chef's Signature Gumbo, Po'Boys, and much more.
Dine Well in Atlanta, Georgia
Now that you know some of the most famous Atlanta restaurants, where will head to first? Let us know your favorite restaurants and their dishes in the comments.
