You would be mistaken if you thought that just because Atlanta’s fancy restaurants are increasing that the city still doesn’t do Southern-style food well.
A proper Southern eatery would take pains to produce quality meals, large portions and extra ingredients for style and flavor. They would all be creatively seasoned and stick to your bones. You may be wondering if Atlanta restaurants have such offerings.
Here Are The Best Southern Restaurants In Atlanta
Even Atlanta, with its large populace of transplants, offers different styles of Southern cooking. But where are the best Southern restaurants in Atlanta?
This article will explore where you can eat In Atlanta to experience authentic Southern cuisine.
Where To Take Atlanta Visitors Who Say They Want Southern Food
Use this list as a resource for those times when you encounter visitors to Atlanta who want to try Southern dishes.
We’re not talking about chicken wings and white bread. What you’ll find is a diverse group of eateries offering different versions of a similar delicious theme.
Let’s take a look at Atlanta’s top Southern restaurants.
Home Grown Atlanta
968 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30316 | (404) 222-0455
Ah, no pretentiousness, no flash, just great Southern comfort food on Atlanta’s eastside. That’s Home Grown.
Here’s what one reviewer says about Home Grown: “Last week, I had dinner here with my friends, and we loved the place as well as the food. Their price, too, was just right and fair. Their staff members were very accommodating and helpful as they helped us find a taxi nearby because we’re new to the place. Thank you guys!”
Lickety Split Southern Kitchen & Bar
1155 Virginia Ave Suite F, Hapeville, GA 30354
| Takeout | √ | No-Contact Delivery | √ | Dine-In | √ |
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.
Here’s what one reviewer says about the family-owned Lickety Split: “My family and I visited this place today. We never heard of this restaurant but my husband was eager to try it. I’m glad we did because the food was delicious, fresh, and authentic. The fried chicken was cooked to perfection. The collard greens and deviled eggs were also tasty. Everything was flavorful. The customer service was also great. I loved the atmosphere as well. I highly recommend this spot.”
Poor Calvin’s
510 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 | (404) 254-4051
| Curbside Pickup | √ | No-Contact Delivery | √ | Dine-In | √ |
Here’s what one reviewer says about Poor Calvin’s: “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.”
Mary Mac’s Tea Room
224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 | (404) 876-1800
Mary Mac’s is the quintessential downhome Southern eatery and a must-stop for visitors looking for a great Georgia dining experience.
Here’s what one reviewer says about Mary Mac’s. “Delicious and affordable southern food. The service was super friendly as well. Come hungry because the portion sizes are huge. Got the fried chicken and was not disappointed. While the green tomatoes were good, I’d recommend getting a different side. Just some better options on there that I wish I’d chosen!”
The Colonnade
1879 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 | (404) 874-5642
Since 1927, this discreet-looking place has served the masses a simple plate typical of two pieces of chicken, some cornbread and green beans. And it’s been a hit ever since.
Here’s what one reviewer says about The Colonnade: “The Colonnade is a main stay when you’re going out to eat. This was my first time dining (out). I ordered to go. The restaurant hostess was so kindhearted and friendly. The food is so delicious. Great food, family atmosphere and real community. The Colonnade is a great comfort food living room.”
Eats
600 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 | (404) 888-9149
Eats, known for its delicious jerk chicken, caters to diners who are in a hurry, but still appreciate a downhome-like meal on the go.
Here is one what reviewer says about Eats: “Local, classic, warm southern cuisine with a twist. I always get the jerk chicken and sides! I’ve occasionally had the meatloaf and pasta! Feels like your eating at your favorite Aunt’s house on Sunday dinner! Plus, You get MORE bang for your buck here!”
Nouveau Bar & Grill
3775 Main St, College Park, GA 30337 (404) 343-6785
Here’s what one reviewer says about Nouveau Bar & Grill. “Absolutely loved this place! We went on a Wednesday evening and it was perfect. The atmosphere was light and happy, the food was great! We ordered the jerk wings and spinach dip for the appetizer and they were delicious! We would have liked bigger portions of the wings but nevertheless the taste was great! The lamb chops and sides were perfect, drinks amazing and shrimp and grits were good. I would have liked more shrimp than any other protein but it was still great! Service was great as well! 10/10 recommend!”
Tom, Dick & Hank
Atlanta Locations:
- 3807 East Main Street, College Park, GA 30337
- 191 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW, Atlanta, GA 30312
| Takeout | √ | No-Contact Delivery | X | Dine-In | √ |
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.
Top dishes at Tom, Dick & Hank include Beef Brisket Sandwich, BBQ dry rubbed wings and fried whiting.
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.
South City Kitchen
Atlanta Locations:
- 1144 Crescent Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 (404) 873-7358
- 3350 Peachtree Rd #175, Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 815-6677
- 1675 Cumberland Pkwy SE, Smyrna, 770-435-0700
Curbside Pickup √ No-Contact Delivery √ Dine-In √
Here’s what one Google reviewer says about the South City Kitchen: “I can only imagine how many plates of fried green tomatoes and fried chicken that must get served here daily! Both were delicious and i really liked the addition of the goat cheese with the tomato, yum. Fried chicken was perfectly seasoned and moist with really creamy mashed potatoes. I missed the recommendation for the spicy oil for the greens, I won’t make that mistake next time. Shrimp and grits was also perfect and my cocktail was crisp and refreshing.”
White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails
270 Peachtree St NW, 100, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 524-7200
| Takeout | √ | No-Contact Delivery | X | Dine-In | √ |
Here’s what one Google reviewer says about White Oak Kitchen: “I was staying in a hotel adjacent to this restaurant and went in for a late night bite and drink with my wife. We just wanted an appetizer and drinks but, what a creative selection, it was hard to choose just a few things. We got some wine and a couple of cocktails and the charred broccoli and carrots.”
What Is The Best Food To Eat In Atlanta?
Atlanta has a long culinary history rooted in making something out of nothing. That would include the days of people eating everything on the hog, likewise the cow. Coincidentally, the city has some great rib joints.
There’s also a growing vegetarian and vegan trend happening in Atlanta. Some of the best food can be found in Midtown Atlanta as well as in many of its suburbs, like College Park or other spots on the south side.
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?