Atlanta, Georgia, is a bustling hub for entrepreneurs and students alike. However, the fast-paced city and rapidly changing skyline hasn’t stopped all of the restaurants from serving up their home-style Southern cooking. The following list will explore the best restaurants in Atlanta to grab some grub that will taste just like your mom’s. Of course, that’s only if your mom is from the South.
- Mary Mac’s Tea Room
Image via Flickr by 90928gt
Any time you are enjoying the sights of Atlanta, it is absolutely necessary to refuel with the comforting food at Mary Mac’s Tea Room. This is a restaurant that consistently gets high ratings with its patrons. As the last tea room in the city, they have stuck true to their roots. They serve fried catfish, meatloaf, fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread, true to tradition, but they do have some vegan and gluten-free options. Their most raved-about menu item inarguably is their cinnamon rolls, which can and definitely should be purchased in bulk.
- Wisteria
This next restaurant keeps to the idea of Southern food, but adds a little bit of an upscale twist making it the perfect date-night restaurant. They have several drink specials, a large selection of wine, and a romantic atmosphere. Most of the menu options take traditional Southern food and add a bit of either a flavor or cooking-technique twist. This restaurant also has several gluten-free options. However, their most bragged-about menu items are by far the black-eyed pea hummus and the molasses-rubbed pork tenderloin. This restaurant could easily set you up for a date night you won’t easily forget.
- JCT Kitchen & Bar
Image via Flickr by atl10trader
JCT Kitchen & Bar is similar to Wisteria in that it delivers Southern taste in an upscale atmosphere. It was founded by Chef Ford Fry, who has since successfully begun other culinary ventures. You can get all of your favorites like fried chicken and chicken and dumplings, along with some more adventurous options like shrimp and grits. However, the most raved-about selection is the pork chops with apples and pecans, which are locally sourced. The restaurant also features live music, event hosting, and an upstairs bar.
- The Colonnade Restaurant
Image via Flickr by Robot B
This restaurant has been around for nearly a century and it doesn’t seem as though its popularity has faded one bit. It may not be as upscale as some of the other joints on this list, but it still ranks high with locals and visitors as far as taste and service are concerned. Of course, all of the home-style favorites are available here, but the most recommended dish is the chicken liver. While liver isn’t for everyone, if it’s for you, The Colonnade is the place to get it in Atlanta. Both the coconut cream pie and chocolate cream pie are reminiscent of Grandma’s at Thanksgiving. They also have a banquet room for events that is quite popular.
Each of these restaurants have impeccable reviews with quite a bit of variety in menu options that you can’t seem to go wrong with. Consider atmosphere and your taste buds, and go out to try a few while you’re in Atlanta.
