It’s no small thing to find a restaurant whose kitchen has been continuously open for decades. Atlanta has a handful of eateries that have been serving customers since the old days.
Atlanta has a rich culinary history with several restaurants that have stood the test of time. They’ve kept their doors open through thick and thin, and you should consider supporting them.
What Atlanta Restaurants Have Been Open the Longest?
In this article, we’ll fully cover the Atlanta restaurants that have been open the longest and when they started.
Atkins Park Restaurant and Bar (1922)
794 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306
Atkins Park Restaurant, located in the Virginia-Highland neighborhood of Atlanta, holds the distinction of being Atlanta’s oldest continuously-licensed tavern, first serving customers as a deli in 1922. It later evolved into a pub and, since 1983, has been owned and operated by Warren Bruno and is now managed by his widow, Sandra Spoon, and other staff.
The Colonnade (1927)
1879 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 | (404) 874-5642
Located on Cheshire Bridge Road, this restaurant has been serving Southern comfort food since 1927, making it Atlanta’s second-oldest restaurant. One of the best Southern food spots in Atlanta, the Colonnade is known for its fried chicken, salmon croquettes, and large portions. It’s a beloved institution with a loyal following. Recently, it expanded to seven-day operations in February 2025.
The Varsity (1928)
61 North Avenue NW, Atlanta, GA 30308 | (404) 881-1706
An iconic Atlanta landmark, The Varsity on North Avenue has been dishing out chili dogs, onion rings, and frosted oranges since 1928. As the world’s largest drive-in, it’s a cultural staple, accommodating 600 cars and over 800 people, especially popular during Georgia Tech game days.
The Majestic Diner (1929)
1031 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 | (404) 875-0276
Situated in Poncey-Highland, this diner has been serving “food that pleases” since 1929. Famous for its late-night appeal and classic diner fare like burgers, pancakes, and omelets, it’s a go-to spot next to the Plaza Theater. It currently operates until 2:30 p.m. daily.
Mary Mac’s Tea Room (1945)
224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 | (404) 876-1800
Opened on Ponce de Leon Avenue in 1945, Mary Mac’s is the last of Atlanta’s original 16 tea rooms and a standard-bearer for Southern cooking. Known for fried chicken, sweet tea, and complimentary pot likker, it’s a favorite among politicians, students, and celebrities.
Busy Bee Cafe (1947)
810 MLK Jr. Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314 | 404-525-9212
This West End soul food institution, opened by Lucy Jackson in 1947, is renowned for its fried chicken and Southern sides. A historic meeting place for civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., it won a 2022 James Beard America’s Classics Award.
Matthews Cafeteria (1955)
2299 Main St, Tucker, GA 30084 | (770) 939-2357
Located in Downtown Tucker, Matthews has been serving Southern cafeteria-style food since 1955. Operated by the Matthews family, it offers daily specials like meat and veggies, maintaining its traditional charm.
The Silver Skillet (1956)
200 14th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 | (404) 874-1388
A Midtown staple since 1956, this no-frills diner is known for its Southern breakfast, attracting college students, office workers, and construction crews. Its classic menu includes biscuits, eggs, and other comfort foods.
Paschal’s Restaurant (1959)
180 Northside Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | (404) 835-0833
In 1959, Paschal’s Restaurant & Coffee Shop opened in its new location at 830 Hunter Street in Atlanta. On its way to becoming one of the best soul food restaurants in Atlanta, the eatery would go down in history as one of the war rooms used by leaders of the civil rights movement. And the food — made with love and stacked with flavor — was breaking down barriers as well.
Final Word
While The Plaza Restaurant & Oyster Bar in Thomasville, Georgia, established in 1916, holds the title of the state’s oldest restaurant, it is located 250 miles south of Atlanta and thus didn’t make the cut. With that being said, Georgia’s largest city sees eateries opening nearly every week. Don’t believe me? Check out our New Atlanta Restaurant Guide.
And before you go, please know: Memphis has its barbecue. New Orleans has its gumbo. Atlanta has its lemon pepper wings and much, much more. The largest city in Georgia’s food festivals and culinary events set the tone for the entire Southeast.