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$$ | Candler Park |
Here's what pays the bills here: brisket, pulled pork, fried pickles, and an artery-cloggin' take on tater tots, served smothered in Brunswick stew and melted cheese. Try to get a seat on the patio, a great place to soak up sun and sip a cold beer. Unfortunately, you may have to hunt for parking first.
1238 DeKalb Ave., Atlanta, Georgia, 30307, USA
Known For
- Smoked brisket and pulled pork
- Buzzing patio
- Fatty but delectable tater tots
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Reservations not accepted
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$$ | East Atlanta |
Experience a range of tastes at this Southern-style dim sum outpost founded by former Top Chef contestant Kevin Gillespie. The menus change frequently, as do the chefs who prepare twists on Southern staples, such as a black-eyed peas fritter. The entire space is considered part of the kitchen, with no separation between guests and the folks cooking.
924 Garrett St., Atlanta, Georgia, 30316, USA
Known For
- The only experience like it in Atlanta
- Somewhat awkward moments when refusing a dish
- Everything à la carte
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.--Wed.
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$$ | East Atlanta |
Don't fill up on the tortilla chips at this Tex-Mex joint. They are so tasty that you might miss the rest of the menu, which includes vegan and vegetarian options, as well as standards like fish tacos and fajitas. A big patio makes this a big sunny-day draw, especially with the organic margaritas featuring rotating flavors fresh from local farmers' markets.
1314 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, Georgia, 30316, USA
Known For
- Inventive takes on Tex-Mex
- Organic margaritas with fresh ingredients
- Patio dining on sunny days
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$ | Reynoldstown |
Southern comfort food at its finest can be found at this bright, old-school diner. Cheese grits with a good cheddar bite, fluffy biscuits that can be stuffed with anything from sausage and gravy to perfectly fried chicken, and hunks of made-from-scratch cake are just a few of the reasons locals flock to Home grown. Before you leave, browse the in-house thrift store—an appropriate backdrop to the eclectic atmosphere and crowd at this restaurant. Arrive before 11 for the shortest wait, or grab a seat at the counter.
968 Memorial Dr. SE, Atlanta, Georgia, 30316, USA
Known For
- Huge Southern breakfasts, lunches, and brunches
- In-house thrift store
- Long waits, especially in the morning
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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$$$$ | Virginia-Highland |
This place serves classic Italian dishes in a beautiful setting that still recalls old-school neighborhood dining. Count on regulars like bruschetta and spaghetti with meatballs to be elevated beyond basic but without being too fancy. The catch of the day is always something deliciously special.
992 Virginia Ave., Atlanta, Georgia, 30306, USA
Known For
- Authentic trattoria menu
- Cozy, romantic atmosphere
- Rotating tours of Italian cuisine
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$$ | Downtown |
Inspired by Jarrett Stieber’s pop-up, Eat Me, Speak Me at S.O.S. Tiki Bar in Decatur, the restaurant is named after his dog, a Great Pyrenees. Located beside the old Turner Field stadium that now belongs to Georgia State University, Little Bear boasts creative and themed menu items and unique cocktails—which sometimes come in cute plastic honey bear jars.
71 Georgia Ave. SE, Atlanta, Georgia, 30312, USA
Known For
- No two meals are exactly alike
- Chill atmosphere with fancy fare
- Located in emerging Summerhill community
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch
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$ | Sweet Auburn |
Smoothies, fruit cups, and sandwiches—Lottafrutta has a fresh take on them all, and the brilliant colors of the exterior mimic the hues you’ll find in those tasty fruit cups. If you prefer a smoothie, options are plentiful. This spot on the outskirts of the MLK historical district has a funky, colorful vibe you can’t miss.
590 Auburn Ave. NE, Atlanta, Georgia, 30312, USA
Known For
- Abundance of fruit-related foods
- Eye-catching outdoor seating and signage
- Always vibrant vibes
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$$ | Midtown |
Local celebrities and ordinary folks line up for the country-fried steak and fried chicken here. In the Southern tradition, the servers will call you "honey" and pat your arm to assure you that everything's all right. It's a great way to experience Southern food and hospitality all at once.
224 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, Georgia, 30308, USA
Known For
- Legendary Southern home cooking
- Friendly waitstaff
- Big portions
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$$$$ | Midtown |
The Southern-inflected menu here emphasizes locally sourced food. A highlight is the farm egg baked in celery cream with rustic bread; it's one of the best dishes in town. The rest of the menu is just as good, like the delicious grilled pork loin and seasonal vegetable plate.
999 Brady Ave. NW, Atlanta, Georgia, 30318, USA
Known For
- Southern classics, all with local ingredients
- Sustainable, farm-friendly ethos
- Homemade ice cream sandwiches
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, No lunch
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$ | Reynoldstown |
The yellow door of the old Atlanta & West Point Railroad station where this coffee shop is housed will undoubtedly draw the eye. Muchacho offers West Coast retro vibes and an assortment of breakfast tacos, matcha lattes, and daily frescas in a bright space.
904 Memorial Dr. SE, Atlanta, Georgia, 30316, USA
Known For
- Eclectic and spacious patio
- Easy access to the BeltLine
- Fun merchandise
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
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$$$ | Castleberry Hill |
Kandi Burruss-Tucker (of Real Housewives of Atlanta fame) brings the flavors and hospitality of her Georgia upbringing to this Castleberry Hill hot spot, serving generous portions of soul food staples in a relaxed setting. Despite its reality-TV roots, the decor and atmosphere are homey here, and you’ll be tempted to stay all day.
177 Peters St. SW, Atlanta, Georgia, 30313, USA
Known For
- Chicken and French toast
- Fried deviled eggs
- All-day Sunday brunch
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$$ | West End |
ATLiens (both meat eating and vegan) were delighted when this popular food truck expanded to a brick-and-mortar Westview location in early 2019. The mission behind its coquettish name is to prove that plant eaters can still indulge in good, rich food, and, with a menu of charbroiled Impossible Burgers loaded with special sauce, vegan cheese, sweet plantains and more, Slutty Vegan achieves just that. Lines out the door at this fun and lively place mean long waits and a fairly limited menu, but the food is worth it.
1542 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd., Atlanta, Georgia, 30310, USA
Known For
- Vegan burgers as good as the real thing
- Fun atmosphere
- Long waits
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$$$$ | Inman Park |
For an adventurous take on Italian cuisine, visit this former commercial space that hops with young, hip patrons dining on seafood risotto, spaghetti with sun-dried mullet roe, and utterly perfect panna cotta (custard).
313 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta, Georgia, 30307, USA
Known For
- Inventive Italian dishes
- Young and hip atmosphere
- Setting that's perfect for date night
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, No lunch
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$$ | Poncey-Highland |
Vegan comfort food and plant-based barbecue dishes are served up in a no-frills diner setting, with mac and cheese (made with soy cheese), cauliflower and tofu steaks, and kalebone (a wheat-gluten protein) topping the menu. The original location (on Ralph David Abernathy Blvd.) serves similar fare but buffet-style, with more limited daily choices.
652 N. Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta, Georgia, 30306, USA
Known For
- Vegan comfort food
- Soy mac and cheese
- Relaxed atmosphere
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$$$ | Midtown |
The culinary traditions of South Carolina inspire the dishes served at this cheerful restaurant. This is the place in the city to try out Southern staples like fried green tomatoes, she-crab soup, and buttermilk fried chicken. In the heart of the Crescent Avenue entertainment district, the spare, art-filled restaurant attracts a hip crowd.
1144 Crescent Ave., Atlanta, Georgia, 30309, USA
Known For
- Creatively prepared catfish
- Fried green tomatoes with goat cheese
- Hip, artsy crowd
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$$$$ | Buckhead |
Amanda Wilbanks has come a long way from entering her buttermilk pie in local competitions—she’s now the owner of three storefront locations and the author of a cookbook. There’s a variety of sweet and savory choices at this chic Buckhead Village location (even a Pie-of-the-Month club). Favorites include the caramel pecan pie, original buttermilk pie, and chicken potpie.
3145 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta, Georgia, 30305, USA
Known For
- Buttery piecrust
- Chicken potpie
- Gluten-free options
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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$$ | Old Fourth Ward |
Staplehouse was a true staple of Atlanta, with its 2016 James Beard finalist for Best New Restaurant and charitable status widely known. In 2020, the lauded restaurant became a market. The fresh charcuterie is a holdover from the full-service menu, but some new offerings such as pork loin with tortillas hit the spot. Buy what you need and take it to go, or sit out on the garden patio while you eat.
541 Edgewood Ave., Atlanta, Georgia, 30312, USA
Known For
- High-quality foods that are always made fresh
- Unique global wine list
- Relaxing outdoor space
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.--Thurs.
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$ | Midtown |
Don't let the long lines outside this counter-service eatery discourage you. They move quickly, and once you get in you'll be rewarded with a full bar, a wide selection of tacos and enchiladas, and unusual sides like spicy collard greens and jalapeño coleslaw. You can also sample a fabulous trio of salsas and not-to-be-missed chunky guacamole. Don't grab a table before you order or you'll get glares from those waiting in line.
1200-B Howell Mill Rd., Atlanta, Georgia, 30318, USA
Known For
- Long lines and cutthroat table-grabbing
- Fresh salsa and guacamole
- Midday "siesta" that can frustrate those who lunch late
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Closed Sun. No dinner Mon., Reservations not accepted
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$$$$ | Downtown |
The Ted in question is CNN founder Ted Turner, who has left a significant mark on this city, and Atlantans feel a sense of ownership for this chain specializing in bison meat. Tin ceilings, a cheerful waitstaff, and mahogany paneling add to the comfortable feel. The restaurant is located near a street named for the Atlanta icon, dedicated in 2015.
133 Luckie St. NW, Atlanta, Georgia, 30303, USA
Known For
- Bison and beef burgers
- Cozy, clubhouse feel
- Its famous founder
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Reservations not accepted
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$ | East Atlanta |
Scrappy and lots of fun, this bar has a hearty menu of classic pub food. A favorite here is the Greenie Meanie Chicken, a grilled chicken breast topped with roasted poblano peppers and salsa verde. In the back bar you'll see the country's best up-and-coming indie acts.
488 Flat Shoals Ave., Atlanta, Georgia, 30316, USA
Known For
- Classic bar food
- Indie-rock atmosphere thanks to live music
- Smoky atmosphere, especially on weekends
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Reservations not accepted
