The Atlanta dining scene had a rocky 2020 but is continuing to improve amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that a vaccine is being distributed, more eateries are opening their doors to dine-in customers.
If you’re looking for an Atlanta restaurant where you can dine in, you don’t have to look far. From Buckhead to Midtown to East Atlanta, and up and down the Beltline, there are plenty of dine-in eateries around the city.
Are Atlanta Restaurants Open For Dine-In?
Many Atlanta restaurants also accommodate dine-in customers while still prioritizing the health and safety of their customers and workers. That means they still may have all or some of the following safety procotols:
- Social distancing
- Mandatory Masks unless eating
- Temperature checks for employees
- Gloves and masks for employees
Ready to eat inside a restaurant? These Atlanta eateries offer dine-in seating.
Aprés Dìem
31 Monroe Dr NE St C103, Atlanta, GA 30308 | (404) 872-3333
Here’s what one reviewer says about Apres Diem: “Great outdoor seating! Loved the huge patio for lunch and brunch. The sandwiches were tasty. They have a good variety of appetizers. I would go back again!”
BQE Restaurant & Lounge
262 Edgewood Ave. NE, Atlanta, 404-996-6159
Here’s what one reviewer says about BQE Restaurant: “The service at the bar was great and the food was delicious. Georgia is unique in a way as they are regulated to selling alcohol after 11am. If you are wanting the bottomless mimosas, please make a reservation, as you cannot order the bottomless mimosa at the BAR! That’s right makes no sense to me either!”
Escobar Restaurant & Tapas
327 Peters St. SW, Atlanta, GA 30313 404-941-7907
Here’s what one reviewer says about Escobar: “The food was excellent! The hosts are gorgeous! The atmosphere is amazing! The drinks are strong! And this place is all out worth you spending some time to enjoy yourself.”
Lazy Llama Cantina
1551 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
Lazy Llama opens in late February 2020 in Midtown Atlanta. Consulting in the kitchen will be veteran Atlanta chef Jeffrey Gardner, who will spice up the menu with top-notch tacos and other Mexican specialties. Read more here.
Nina and Rafi
661 Auburn Ave NE #220, Atlanta, GA 30312 | (404) 549-8997
Nina and Rafi is one of the best pizza places in Midtown Atlanta. As for now, they are offering limited seating for dine-in and the patio. Read our Nina and Rafi review here.
Pancake Social
675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 | (678) 609-8696
Pancake Social opened its doors at Ponce City Market in late spring 2019. The 150-seat restaurant and coffeehouse serves breakfast all day and gets rave reviews
Here’s what one reviewer says about Pancake Social: “Very clean inside, all the staff wore masks and were very helpful and polite. The food was so fresh! I had the pancake special and the eggs were generous, and creamy! The mimosa was strong! Very good and the pancake was perfect- they are large and not too thick, so one was just enough to eat. Will be back!”
Patria Cocina
1039 Grant St SE, Atlanta, GA 30315 | (404) 622-3501
Patria Cocina opened in Grant Park’s Beacon development in late 2018. The Mexican-inspired restaurant serves strong Margaritas, righteous tacos and top-notch burritos. Here’s what’s on the menu at Patria Cocina.
Here’s what one reviewer says about Patria Cocina: “Off the charts. Went here with my family for my birthday and everything I put in my mouth was ridiculously delicious. The Cozuela margarita was beautifully presented in a bowl with half a grapefruit, orange, and lime. One of the best cocktails I’ve ever had. Chicken enchiladas and guacamole were both crazy good. First time visiting but definitely not the last.”
Flying Biscuit Cafe
Atlanta Locations:
- 1001 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 874-8887
- 1655 McLendon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 | (404) 687-8888
- 857 Collier Rd NW Suite 16, Atlanta, GA 30318 | (404) 816-3152
Here is what one reviewer says about the Flying Biscuit: “The grits here are amazing (and I usually don’t like grits) but they are the best thing that we had. The jelly is great tasting also but unfortunately the biscuits are hard and dry and I only used some of it to get the jelly in my mouth. The restaurant could use a thorough cleaning. Be aware that they do require masks and one of the staff was telling customers to get a mask on. That took a star off for me.”
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
Atlanta Locations:
- 231 Peachtree Street NW A-05 The Mall, Atlanta, GA 30303| (404) 996-2837
- 5486 Peachtree Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341 | (770) 557-0839
- 6518 Roswell Rd, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 | (678) 974-2466
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken is the longest-running chain serving hot chicken. After expanding in the Atlanta market a few years ago with a restaurant downtown, Gus’s has big plans to open up several more locations in metro Atlanta.
Here’s what one reviewer says of Gus’s hot chicken: “Every year I have the pleasure of visiting Atlanta for a cheer competition. Well we stumbled into Gus’s one night when we were starved & it was the best decision we made. Every year I cannot wait to go back to Atlanta just for Gus’s chicken . The chicken is dredged through a heavenly concoction of spices and flour that just set your tastebuds wild. The chicken can be spicy to some lightweights like my daughter, but it barely even sends alarms to me & sister. It is worth the visit any time you are near Atlanta. You will never find better fried chicken. Let’s talk about the Mac n cheese. Oh my gosh, such delicious creamy cheesy goodness. The beans are good as well, but nothing compares to that Mac!”
South City Kitchen
Atlanta Locations:
- 3350 Peachtree Rd #175, Atlanta, GA 30326 | (404) 815-6677
- 1144 Crescent Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 873-7358
- 1675 Cumberland Pkwy SE, Smyrna, GA 30080 | (770) 435-0700
- 9000 Avalon Way, Alpharetta, GA 30009 | (678) 722-3602
Here is what one reviewer says about South City Kitchen: “If your looking for a great bowl of Shrimp & Grits on a cold rainy day or a sunny day you will not be disappointed at South City Kitchen- Best I have had- Comes with homemade Biscuits & Cornbread- Sweet tea to drink – Makes my mouth water just thinking about it- The help is ready to serve you with a smile- Go by and see them today- Your tummy will thank you!!”
Some of the best restaurants in Atlanta aren’t in a particular side of town. check out our guide to the best new(ish) restaurants in Atlanta.
The cuisine in Georgia’s largest city consists of a mix of ethnic foods, regional influences and cultures blended onto a collective palette.
If you want to check out some other food spots in the area, here are the best restaurants in Buckhead. Or you might like to read our Buckhead Steak Guide to find all the best eateries offering mouth-watering prime cuts.
