CJ Johnson in Restaurants

Best Restaurants In College Park For Great Food

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College Park, Georgia is fast becoming a foodie haven thanks to its many restaurants that continue to create buzz during weekend brunch, lunch and more.

College Park is more than just a quick stop to and from the airport, it’s a restaurant row of sorts. Located about 15 minutes from Atlanta, the city’s culinary scene has been a renewed center of attention since restaurant critic Keith Lee came through to rate some of its eateries.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best eats in College Park, Georgia, which is just outside Atlanta. Because Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is partially in College Park, we’ll include some eateries located there as well.

Here Are The Best Restaurants In College Park, Georgia

Don’t make the mistake of thinking College Park’s cuisine is relegated to soul food or even just Southern fare. You can find some of the best seafood, barbecue and other inspirations on Main Street alone.

Let’s explore what delicious food choices College Park, Georgia, has to offer for your palate.

Buttermilk Biscuit

634 Virginia Ave, Atlanta, GA 30337 | (404) 941-7328

Buttermilk Biscuit is tucked in the corner at the Virginia Station shopping Center on Virginia Avenue, but there’s a lot of good eating going on there. Try the Early Bird.

Brake Pad

3403 E Main St, College Park, GA 30337 (404) 766-1515

Made from a former gas station, Brake Pad is a great place to enjoy a burger and fries along with a cold beer on draft.

Here’s what one reviewer says about Brake Pad: “We were in town for one night, thought this place looked unique. We went here and had amazing service, our waiter was so friendly. The food was absolutely delicious, the price was so reasonable especially for how good it was.”

BBQ Kitchen

1437 Virginia Ave, Atlanta, GA 30337 | (404) 766-9906

Here’s what one reviewer says about BBQ Kitchen. “Oh my gosh this place is amazing! I’m from South Georgia and this is like my kind of hometown cooking. Even though this is in the atl metro area it could be a shining star anywhere in the south! I’ve been here about three times and I’ve never had a bad meal.”

Bole Ethiopian Restaurant

1583 Virginia Ave, College Park, GA 30337 | (404) 549-9111

Here’s what one customer says about Bole Ethiopian: “Visited for the first time for lunch. The food was savory and cooked according to spice level requested. The food came in a timely manner. We had the vegetable sampler as appetizer because the sambusa was not available, which turned out well. The fried fish was well seasoned and battered delicately giving it a nice crunch. The beef awaze was delectable with layers of flavor. The place was decorated tastefully and the cultural area was interesting. The service was excellent thus, we plan to return.”

Don Sige Taqueria

1720 Vesta Ave, College Park, GA 30337 | (404) 762-8084

Here is what one reviewer says about Don Sige Taqueria: “The tacos were delicious. The fries were okay for a Mexican place but the tacos are the main judges here. Well I stop by again to get tacos here? Yes. It’s worth the money and can’t wait to try something else during my next visit.”

Hattie Marie’s

3699 Main St, College Park, GA 30337 | (678) 927-9216

Hattie Marie’s Texas Style BBQ and Cajun Kitchen may specialize in barbecue, but they have several other tasty dishes on the menu.

Here’s what one reviewer says about Hattie Marie’s. “The food is delicious! I have traveled almost 3 hours for this food at least weekly since the first time! I tried almost everything my first trip and I was in awe over the seafood. The fried lobster tail, shrimp, crab legs and catfish taste perfect! The sides are great, as well. If you are in the Atlanta area or planning a trip you will not be disappointed. It is a must! I wish I could give more stars.”

Johnny’s Chicken And Waffles

3725 Main Street, College Park, GA 30337

Atlanta celebrities Ne-Yo and wife, Chef Crystal Smith, along with reality TV star Karlie Redd have teamed up to open a new restaurant in College Park: Johnny’s Chicken & Waffles. The eatery opened its doors in December 2020, AtlantaFi.com has learned.

See what’s on the menu at Johny’s Chicken and Waffles.

Milk & Honey

5495 Cascade Road, Suite 100, Atlanta, 404-968-9266

Featuring the triumphant dishes of Chef Sammy Davis, winner of the Food Network’s hit show “Chopped,” and helmed by co-owner Monique Rose Simms, Milk & Honey at Cascade has a hit on their hands.

Nouveau Bar & Grille

3775 Main St, College Park, GA 30337 | (404) 343-6785

Here’s what one customer says about Nouveau Bar & Grille. “Checked out Nouveau for brunch. Everybody loved their food. I got some extra chicken to go because it was so good. Bottomless mimosas was an added bonus. DJ was great. Waitstaff was awesome. The guy with the red hair was the best. The manager could be a bit nicer. The owner Ebony checked each table to make sure everything was good. I will definitely be back again. Especially since this is a black owned business.”

Tom, Dick & Hank

3807 East Main Street, College Park, GA 30337

Hank Johnson is the proprietor of Tom, Dick & Hank, a fusion barbecue joint that has commandeered area taste buds near its original location on Ralph David Abernathy across from Georgia State University Stadium. A second location in College Park is sure to elicit the same feelings.

Tom, Dick and Hank has another location at 191 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW, Atlanta, GA 30312.

Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar

3721 Main St, College Park, GA 30337 | (404) 228-4897

Virgil’s is on the main strip of College Park, where you can get authentic Gullah-inspired seafood dishes and desserts.

Last Word

if you’re looking for a great place to eat, College Park has several places to go. The College Park dining scene encompasses some of the best restaurants on Atlanta’s South Side.

Don’t take our word for it, come and visit College Park yourself. You can even take the MARTA train.

The food goes great with your favorite cocktail and you can even get it to-go or delivered to your door.

Who needs fast food when you can try amazing dishes from some of the top chefs around the Southeast? The local restaurant scene in Atlanta could use your support.

When you think of “The Strip,” your mind might imagine Vegas. “The Magnificent Mile” may conjure Chicago’s shopping district. College Park, Georgia’s Main Street might as will be called Meal Street.

I’m just going to go out on a limb and say that the quarter-mike stretch of Main Street may have more black restaurants than any other place in America. But College Park’s culinary foot print goes beyond that special strip of road. There are also authentic spots that represent different cuisines and cultures around the world.

That not only makes College Park special, but that makes it historic as well. And it just might make you hungry.

No matter if you’re in the mood for seafood, American cuisine like burgers and fries or even all-day breakfast, Main Street has it.

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East Point’s Camp Creek area has numerous restaurants that make up some of the best of metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene

Slutty Vegan is one of the best black restaurants in Atlanta, and there are plenty others. If you like barbecue, see our list of the Best Atlanta BBQ Restaurants.

As for eateries below I-20, these Southside Atlanta restaurants have developed quite a following.

Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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CJ Johnson: CJ is a longtime Atlantan who has written a book about Atlanta's food scene. He has also fallen in love with the city's music and sports scenes. He writes about Food, Restaurants, Travel, Sports and Atlanta Culture. Check out the book. https://amzn.to/3RPmbZM