Much has been written about what “soul” food is and how healthy it is for you. But what’s good for the soul isn’t just about nutritional value, especially when it comes to Atlanta restaurants.
When you envision soul food, you might think of some slamming ole fried chicken or potato salad, but as you’re about to see, the cuisine accounts for a well-rounded palate.
So where is the top-notch classic soul food? This article will show you all the great soul food restaurants in Atlanta.
Where To Find The Best Soul Food in Atlanta
Historically, those new Atlanta restaurants that get all of the attention have been on the North and West side.
Here we’ll look at some hidden culinary treasures that serve the best soul food in the area. Many of them have struggled to stay afloat, either due to the COVID-19 pandemic are trying to survive on bare-bones budgets. That being said, there are a few joints still keeping the soul food flame alive.
Are you ready to get down and eat? Here are some of the best soul food restaurants in Atlanta.
The Top 15 Best Soul Food Restaurants In Atlanta
1. The Beautiful Restaurant
2260 Cascade Rd, Atlanta, GA 30311
The Beautiful has for decades fed southwest Atlanta community with fresh vegetables, piping hot desserts and slow-cooked meats.
Here’s what one customer says about the Beautiful: “In all the years (decades!) I’ve been coming here, I have NEVER been disappointed. For breakfast (fish & grits, salmon croquettes, etc.), for lunch or dinner (the home-style vegetables, the cornbread, and ANY meats), and last but not least – the BEST banana pudding (the real kind)!!! Beautiful Restaurant, you’re an Atlanta institution. May you continue to be blessed and to prosper.”
2. Busy Bee
810 M.L.K. Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
The Martin Luther King Boulevard staple has survived lean times in the 1990s and enjoyed a resurgence as gentrification combined with a loyal following from Atlanta University Center students has kept the doors open for years. Choice dishes include the Baked Chicken & Corn bread Dressing … a quarter of chicken smothered in its own gravy and served with cranberry sauce. And don’t sleep on the Pork Chops: Two 6 oz. chops marinated, hand breaded and fried in peanut oil to a crisp golden brown.
3. Carrie Bo’s
568 Macon St McDonough, GA 30253
Carrie Bo’s offers what it calls “Soul Food Fusion,” and it is delicious! Located in McDonough, the eatery has some of the fresh takeout dishes you can get, including fried fish, hot wings and barbeque!
4. Debbie’s Delights
4495 Jonesboro Rd, Forest Park, GA 30297 | (314) 330-2672
Here’s what one reviewer says about Debbie’s Delights: “On a road trip and stopped in to have a bite to eat. It’s a small quaint little place. The coffee tasted wonderful. We had the chicken & waffles, shrimp and grits, and a vegetable omelette. One of the kids had a waffle. All were delicious! The chicken was perfectly cooked, not greasy, and the seasoning was delicious. The shrimp and grits were amazing and taste great. The omelette was delicious. The portions were good and prices are reasonable. The owner came out and tuned the TV to a show for the kids. She brought a chair out for the baby in carseat. They also have board games and big Jenga blocks. We enjoyed our meal very much.”
5. K&K Soul Food
6. Lickety Split Southern Kitchen & Bar
1155 Virginia Ave Suite F, Hapeville, GA 30354
Lickety Split is a soul food restaurant that serves traditional, homecooked southern food with a heaping helping of hospitality. It opened in late April 2019, but is making some sizable rumblings already.
The family owned and operated restaurant offers happy hour as well as brunch on the weekends. Delivery and catering services are also available. See more.
7. Soul Vegetarian
879 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
One of the West End’s most famous restaurants, Soul Vegetarian is just what the name implies, vegetarian, but don’t get it twisted. This is some of the best whole food in the city. Fave joints include the Garvey Burger, made from seasoned wheat gluten topped with special “Mierah” mushroom and onion sauce.
8. Soul Vegetarian 2
652 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306 | (404) 875-0145
Like its cousin on the southside, Soul Vegetarian 2 offers expertly-cooked 100% vegan dishes. Soul Vegetarian 2 is among the Atlanta restaurants that offers curbside pickup.
9. Paschal’s
180 Northside Dr SW #B, Atlanta, GA 30313
Intl Airport, Concourse B, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, N Terminal Rd Suite T120, Atlanta, GA 30320
Known as the kitchen of the civil rights movement, Paschals has had the most continuous success of any soul food joint in the city. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Ralph David Abernathy and Hosea Williams all planned protests in the back room while collard greens and corn bread baked only feet away from them. Today, Paschal’s has morphed into a mid-upscale eatery with a cosmopolitan clientele. But it still has some of the meanest soul food in the ATL. Best dishes include Gulf shrimp, chicken and Andouille as well as the Caribbean Fish Tacos.
10. Ms. Icey’s Kitchen & Bar
1371 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033
The newest soul food spot in Decatur comes from owner and restaurateur Sim Walker, whose New York City rearing comes through in the vibe. Ms. Icey’s, named after Walker’s grandmother, is Decatur’s best-kept secret even though it has quickly become a culturally hip gathering place for those in the know. When cornbread comes in an iron skillet, and oxtails do as well, you know you’re in a foodie’s dream. Not only are many of the dishes a nod to Southern and soul food culture, but the drinks are mostly handcrafted, giving the place an organic life. The sweet potato waffles are to die for.
11. Old Lady Gang Southern Cuisine
Atlanta Locations:
- 177 Peters St. SW, Atlanta | 404-692-4407
- 3650 Marketplace Blvd Suite 950, East Point, GA 30344
- Inside Mercedes Benz Stadium
Known as the Kandi Burruss-Tucker spot, Old Lady Gang Southern Cuisine has quickly taken its position as both a sophisticated and downhome Southern food spot in downtown Atlanta. Yes, it is owned by Burruss-Tucker and husband Todd Tucker, but it pays homage to Kandi’s aunts, Joyce Jones, aunts Bertha Jones & Nora Wilcox, who make up the “Old Lady Gang.”
Favorites on the menu of Old Lady Gang, which also has a location in State Farm Arena, include Momma Joyce’s House Punch, Aunt Bertha’s Fried Chicken and Aunt Nora’s Fried Catfish Strip.
12. Peach Cobbler Cafe
2221 Peachtree Rd NW Suite G Atlanta, GA 30309 | 404-351-0450
Here’s what one reviewer says about the Peach Cobbler Cafe: “What a great find! It’s a perfect date night location. The space is well decorated. The food is chef driven and nails everything from taste, freshness, ingredient variety, to presentation. The drinks are well crafted and delicious. Complete with professional and polite staff that is also fun, prompt, and I am definitely going back.”
13. Soul Delicious Grill & Buffet
1375 Mount Zion Rd, Morrow, GA, GA 30260 | (678) 604-7195
Soul Delicious Grill & Buffet is located in a modest strip mall south of the city, but the food is big-time. If you enjoy smothered chicken with all the fixin’s, this is your place.
14. The Real Milk & Honey
3719 Main St, College Park, GA 30337 | (404) 458-5500
Want some great seafood and Southern goodness? The Real Milk and Honey is one of the best restaurants in College Park. They have day parties on the weekend, so plan accordingly.
15. Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours
1133 Huff Rd NW #D, Atlanta, GA 30318
This relatively new eatery has quickly stolen the hearts of soul food lovers in the city. Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours is run by Executive Chef and Owner Deborah VanTrece has become a culinary force in Atlanta. She also runs her own catering company Catering by VanTrece. Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours has become known as an eatery that offers creative versions of Southern classics such as Jack Daniels Pecan Honey Chicken Wings and Sweet Tea Baby Back Ribs. Their Blue Plate Specials are great.
16. Q’s Restaurant
1599 White Way, Atlanta, GA 30344 | (404) 767-9894
Located in downtown East Point, Q’s Restaurant is an old faithful spot where you can get neckbones, rib tips and two sides at lunchtime for an affordable price. Q’s Restaurant typically is only open for lunch, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
17. Q Time Restaurant
1120 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30310
Among the best of the Styrofoam plate eateries, Q Time Restaurant continues to impress and they are reopening soon! This West End gem sits in a strip mall a short distance from Willie Watkins Funeral Home, The Wrens Nest and even the Atlanta University Center. Q Time is known for its succulent turkey wings, collard greens and meatloaf.
18. This Is It! BBQ & Seafood
Atlanta Locations:
- 3523 Camp Creek Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30344
- 3620 Camp Creek Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30331
- 6045 Old National Hwy, College Park, GA 30349
- 2776 Cumberland Blvd SE, Smyrna, GA 30080
- 4065 Memorial Dr, Decatur, GA 30032
- 1497 Mt Zion Rd, Morrow, GA 30260
This is It is the quintessential soul food joint in the heart of the South. Boasting a decades long tradition secured by a tight family, This Is It has expanded throughout metro Atlanta to become the premiere soul food brand in Georgia. If you’re in the mood for neck bones, this are the best in the country, bar none.
If you want to expand your palate a bit, check out our guide to the best new Atlanta restaurants to try right now. Bon apetite!
19. Walter’s Soul Food Cafe
394 Cleveland Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30315 | (404) 761-0001
Walter’s Seafood is a mainstay in southwest Atlanta. The cafe is ideal for takeout and offers all the Southern dishes you love.
20. Who’s Got Soul Southern Cafe
3818 Covington Hwy, Decatur, GA 30032 | (404) 289-0116
Who’s Got Soul is one of the best soul food restaurants in Decatur. They offer no pork seasonings, no canned vegetables, or no MSG is served as well. If you’re ever in the Covington Highway area, stop by — Southern Café.
The best dishes in the Southern kitchen have typically revolved around greasy meats, starches and heavily sugared desserts, but Atlanta’s top soul restaurants turn that stereotype on its head.
How To Cook Soul Food
Soul food takes certain ingredients for it to be great. Here is what you need to cook some real soul food:
Soul food is a Southern tradition. Not every restaurant is worthy of the religion. Only those that adhere to the time-tested and working class code associated with the soulful dishes and recipes can rightfully hold the crown and be befitted with the moniker.
What Is The Best Soul Food In Atlanta?
Atlanta has many restaurants that are categorized as “soul food., but are they really? A better description for some of these eateries though, would be Southern food, because many restaurants below the Mason-Dixon line feature some of the same dishes.
When you think of Southern food, though, you’re talking about as many as 11 states and the way different subcultures prepare their food.
If we add that little distinction, great restaurants such as Mary Mac’s Tea Room on Ponce de Leon Avenue and The Colonnade on Cheshire Bridge Road clearly are two of the best.
Of course, how those dishes are prepared is what really differentiates one from the other.
What Celebrities Have Restaurants In Atlanta?
Atlanta has many celebrities that have opened up restaurants. Rapper and actor Ludacris was the force behind Chicken+Beerat the airport. Love & Hip Hop’s Kirk and Rasheeda Frost gave us Frost Bistro.
See some of the other black celebrity restaurants here.
If you’re a health nut and want more local healthy food choices, perhaps you’ll be interested in our Guide to Local Farmers Markets.
We also have special coverage of Black Farmers In Atlanta as well as How To Keto In Atlanta.
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