Local Georgia Favorites Serving The Kind Of Southern Food You’ll Never Forget
Georgia is home to some of the most mouthwatering Southern cooking you’ll ever taste. From crispy fried chicken to smoky barbecue and buttery biscuits, these local restaurants have been serving up comfort food that keeps people coming back for generations.
Whether you’re a lifelong Georgian or just passing through, these beloved spots will give you an authentic taste of Southern hospitality and flavors you won’t soon forget.
1. Mary Mac’s Tea Room, Atlanta
Since opening its doors in 1945, this Atlanta treasure has been dishing out Southern classics that make your taste buds dance. Locals and tourists alike line up for their famous fried chicken, which comes out golden and crispy every single time.
Their collard greens are slow-cooked to perfection with just the right amount of seasoning. The sweet potato soufflé is so good it tastes more like dessert than a side dish.
What really sets this place apart is the genuine Southern hospitality you feel the moment you walk in. Every server treats you like family, and the portions are generous enough to share or take home for later.
2. Weaver D’s Delicious Fine Foods, Athens
When you see the motto “Automatic for the People” painted on the building, you know you’re in for something special. This Athens institution serves soul food that tastes exactly like what grandma used to make on Sunday afternoons.
Their fried chicken is perfectly seasoned with a crunchy coating that stays crispy. The collard greens are cooked low and slow with just enough spice to make them interesting.
Fresh cornbread comes out warm and buttery, perfect for soaking up all those delicious juices on your plate. It’s the kind of place where everyone knows your name after just a few visits.
3. Sconyers Bar-B-Que, Augusta
Operating since 1956, this Augusta landmark has earned its reputation as one of America’s top ten barbecue spots. The secret is in their slow-cooking method that’s been perfected over decades of practice.
Every piece of meat that comes out of their kitchen is tender, flavorful, and smoked to absolute perfection. The sauce strikes the perfect balance between tangy and sweet without overpowering the natural meat flavors.
Families have been celebrating special occasions here for three generations now. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, the quality never wavers and the portions always satisfy your hunger completely.
4. The Grey, Savannah
Housed in a beautifully restored 1938 Greyhound bus station, this Savannah gem puts a modern spin on Southern cooking. Chef Mashama Bailey creates dishes that honor tradition while adding unexpected twists that surprise and delight.
Their foie gras and grits might sound fancy, but it’s comfort food elevated to an art form. Every ingredient is carefully sourced from local farms and prepared with incredible attention to detail.
The atmosphere blends historic charm with contemporary style, making it perfect for special occasions. You’ll leave with a new appreciation for how creative Southern cuisine can be when handled by talented hands.
5. Busy Bee Cafe, Atlanta
Are you ready for soul food that’s been feeding Atlanta since 1947? This West End institution has served everyone from civil rights leaders to neighborhood families looking for an honest meal.
Their fried chicken is legendary, with a perfectly crispy skin that locks in all the juicy goodness inside. The mac and cheese is creamy and rich, made from a recipe that’s remained unchanged for decades.
Sweet tea flows freely, and the portions are big enough to fuel you for the entire day. It’s more than just a restaurant it’s a piece of Atlanta history that continues to bring people together over amazing food.
6. The Lady & Sons, Savannah
Paula Deen’s famous restaurant brings Southern buffet dining to a whole new level of deliciousness. When you walk through the doors, you’re greeted with the smell of fresh biscuits and fried chicken that makes your mouth water instantly.
The buffet features over 30 different Southern dishes, from creamy shrimp and grits to perfectly seasoned green beans. Their hoecakes are fluffy and buttery, served with real maple syrup that complements them beautifully.
Though it gets crowded during peak hours, the wait is absolutely worth it. You’ll want to pace yourself because there’s so much good food you’ll want to try everything twice.
7. Matthews Cafeteria, Tucker
How many restaurants can say they’ve been serving the same community for over 70 years? This Tucker cafeteria keeps the tradition of meat-and-three dining alive and thriving in the modern age.
You walk down the line choosing your main protein and three side dishes from dozens of options made fresh daily. The fried chicken is always a safe bet, but the meatloaf and country fried steak have devoted fans too.
Everything tastes homemade because it actually is, prepared each morning using tried-and-true recipes. The prices remain surprisingly affordable, making it a favorite spot for families and seniors who appreciate quality without the fancy price tag.
8. Colonnade Restaurant, Atlanta
It’s been a Buckhead staple since 1927, making it one of Atlanta’s oldest continuously operating restaurants. Generations of families have celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, and regular Tuesday nights at this beloved establishment.
Their fried chicken is brined overnight and fried to order, ensuring every piece is juicy and flavorful. The sides change seasonally, but favorites like squash casserole and butter beans appear regularly on the menu.
Despite nearly a century in business, they’ve never sacrificed quality for convenience. The dining room has that comfortable, lived-in feel that makes you want to settle in and enjoy a long, leisurely meal with people you care about.
9. Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, Savannah
Did you know this Savannah landmark started as a boarding house back in 1943? Today, strangers become friends as they pass platters of Southern comfort food around large communal tables.
There’s no menu to choose from everyone gets the same amazing spread of fried chicken, beef stew, collard greens, and about a dozen other dishes. The biscuits are legendary, and people have been known to sneak extra ones into their bags for later.
Lines form early because seating is limited and they don’t take reservations. Once you’re seated though, you’ll understand why people wait it’s like Sunday dinner at your favorite aunt’s house.
10. Blue Willow Inn, Social Circle
This stunning Greek Revival mansion serves up a Southern buffet that includes over 100 different items throughout the week. From the moment you step onto the wraparound porch, you feel transported back to a gentler time when meals were social events.
Their fried green tomatoes are crispy on the outside and tangy on the inside, served with a creamy remoulade sauce. The peach cobbler is made with Georgia peaches and topped with a buttery crust that melts in your mouth.
Though the building looks fancy, the atmosphere is casual and welcoming to everyone. It’s become a popular stop for travelers heading to Lake Oconee or just exploring small-town Georgia charm.
11. Dillard House, Dillard
Nestled in the North Georgia mountains, this family-style restaurant has been welcoming hungry travelers since 1917. When you sit down, servers start bringing platters of food to your table until you literally can’t eat another bite.
Fried chicken, country ham, and roast beef appear alongside vegetables picked from their own garden. The biscuits are so light and fluffy they practically float off your plate, and the homemade preserves are made from local berries.
After your meal, you can walk the beautiful grounds or rock on the front porch while your food settles. It’s the perfect combination of mountain hospitality and traditional Southern cooking.
12. Southern Soul Barbeque, St. Simons Island
If you’re craving barbecue that’s worth the drive, this converted gas station on St. Simons Island delivers in every way. People travel from all over the country just to taste their slow-smoked ribs that fall right off the bone.
Their pulled pork is tender and juicy, with a smoky flavor that comes from hours of careful cooking. The Brunswick stew is a signature dish that perfectly balances savory meat with vegetables in a rich, hearty broth.
Despite being housed in an old gas station, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. You’ll find yourself wanting to try everything on the menu, and honestly, you should.
