Atlanta’s comfort canon stretches from meat-and-threes and soul food to refined Southern and creative brunch.
These five favorites capture the city’s craveable side.
Busy Bee Café
Since 1947, Busy Bee has defined Atlanta soul food.
The fried chicken is legendary—juicy, seasoned to the bone, and perfectly crisp—while sides like candied yams, mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread taste like tradition.
Oxtails and smothered pork chops are equally beloved. Expect a line and expect it to be worth it.
Mary Mac’s Tea Room
An Atlanta rite of passage, Mary Mac’s delivers comfort on white tablecloths with a friendly, come-as-you-are spirit.
Chicken and dumplings, pot likker with cracklin’ cornbread sticks, and country-fried steak anchor the menu.
Bread baskets, sweet tea, and peach cobbler complete the experience. It’s history on a plate, served with warmth.
The Colonnade
A retro gem with a loyal following, The Colonnade excels at crispy fried chicken, roast turkey with dressing, and prime rib with au jus.
Classic sides—green bean casserole, baked potatoes, yeast rolls—feel like Sunday supper.
The cocktail list leans old-school, the lighting is flattering, and the energy is “Atlanta institution.”
Home Grown GA
Home Grown is where Atlanta goes for cozy breakfast and lunch with personality.
The Comfy Chicken Biscuit—fried chicken over a fluffy biscuit drowned in sausage gravy—is the headline, but the grits bowls, pimento cheese sandwiches, and daily specials hit the spot.
The space is quirky, the staff is kind, and the prices are refreshingly modest.
Wisteria
For elevated Southern comfort, Wisteria in Inman Park shines. Bacon-wrapped dates open the show, while shrimp and grits, fried chicken over mashed potatoes, and meatloaf with tomato jam deliver familiar flavors with polish.
Seasonal sides and a thoughtful wine list make it perfect for date night when you still want classics.
Get the All-American Travel Secrets!
Don't miss out on America's hidden gems!
