Food critic Keith Lee stopped in Atlanta several months after his original Georgia good tour. While he was supposed to do a food tour proper, he switched things up unexpectedly by making an appearance in the city on Wednesday, April 3, 2024.
“There’s been a change of plans. Let’s talk about it. The next half of the food tour is not Atlanta,” he said. Explaining that he was going to be giving away free food, the Detroit-based food critic said there were some parties that pulled up with the intent to make a dollar and he wanted it made clear that they weren’t with him.
Will he come back to Atlanta for a food tour? We’ll see.
In late March, Lee announced on his Instagram that he and his family will be doing a “Redemption Tour,” for 2024, with Atlanta being the #1 spot on his list.
He stressed that there will be no do-overs, in other words, he won’t be returning to the same restaurants.
“This is a redemption tour: it’s not a good tour, meaning we’re not going to the same spots we went to last time,” he said. “This is a completely fresh slate.”
Things will be a little different though as the Lee family will have security with them this time, he said.
“We come in peace,” he said, a reference to the ruffled feathers that occurred last time he did a food jaunt through the city.
So where should Lee go? He mentioned that his focus this time will be mom-and-pop restaurants and food spots voted on by his followers, so here is a potential list.
What Atlanta Restaurants Should Keith Lee Visit?
K&K Soul Food
881 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
The original Bankhead Restaurant has been cooking home-style meals for the southwest Atlanta community since the 1960s. Now called K&K Soul Food, the eatery, which has been owned for the same family for 40 years, continues to be a standout spot for cafeteria-style soul food. Today the restaurant is run by Kimario Smith, who took over for his mother and grandmother. With its famed Pork Chop plate and Steak plate both priced at $6.99, K&K Soul Food is one of the cheapest — and best — square meals you can find in Atlanta.
One K & K Soul Food reviewer on Facebook said this: “Good SoulFood. Taste like somebody’s Auntie definitely in the kitchen.”
Buttermilk Biscuits
1634 Virginia Ave, Atlanta, GA 30337
Tucked inside quaint shopping center Virginia Station off in College Park, Buttermilk Biscuits packs a big breakfast punch. Here’s what one reviewer says about Buttermilk Biscuits.
“The Belgian waffles were melt-in-your-mouth wonderful. Fried chicken breast was seasoned and cooked to crisp and juicy perfection, and the grits… I am a grits snob. There are literally only 3 or 4 restaurants in Atlanta that I refer others to when asked.”
Aviva by Kameel Coming To Buckhead
Aviva by Kameel is one of the best Mediterranean restaurants in Atlanta and expanding to Buckhead.
The menu consists of hormone-free, butter-free food items, along with halal meat and classic salads and vegetables that have been locally sourced.
Kelz Kitchen
Atlanta Locations:
- 156 Forsyth St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 330-8004
- 5015 Old National Hwy A, Atlanta, GA 30349 | (404) 500-2034
If you’re in the mood for some Coastal Carolina goodness, Kelz Kitchen is the place to check out. The eatery has two Atlanta locations.
Here’s what one reviewer says of Kelz Kitchen: “Omg when I tell you the lollipop lamb chops were cooked to perfection and the Salmon was grilled so well. The broccoli was fresh and the corn on the cob was sweet. I also enjoyed the pound cake with a Lemonade. I wish I could give this place 10 stars. Food is cooked to orders I recommend ordering online. They only accept debit cards just a heads up.”
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 d
Final Word
No word on when Lee and his family will visit Atlanta again. They should definitely check out some of the best black restaurants in Atlanta, and there are plenty. 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.
The craze hasn’t escaped metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, which has seen a bar explosion in recent years.
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.