15 Old-School Georgia Diners Known For Legendary Biscuits And Gravy
There’s something magical about walking into an old-school diner and smelling fresh biscuits baking in the kitchen. Georgia has a rich tradition of serving up some of the best comfort food in the South, and biscuits and gravy are at the heart of it all.
Whether you’re a lifelong resident or just passing through, these classic diners serve up plates that’ll make you feel right at home.
1. Thumbs Up Diner
Comfort food reaches new heights at this family-owned establishment that’s been perfecting recipes for decades. Located at 573 East Howard Avenue in Decatur, this place has become legendary among biscuit lovers across the state.
The atmosphere feels warm and welcoming from the moment you step inside.
Their biscuits are made from scratch every morning using a secret family recipe passed down through generations. The gravy is creamy with chunks of savory sausage that complement the buttery biscuits perfectly.
I appreciate how they don’t rush you, letting you savor every bite at your own pace.
The décor features vintage diner memorabilia that tells the story of American dining culture. You’ll notice photos on the walls showing how the neighborhood has changed over the years.
Weekends can get busy, but the wait is always worth it when that steaming plate arrives at your table with a smile.
2. OK Café
Southern hospitality shines bright at this Atlanta institution that’s been feeding families since 1987. You can find them at 1284 West Paces Ferry Road NW, serving up classic comfort food with a smile.
The biscuits here are tall, flaky, and golden brown, just begging to be smothered in gravy.
Their country gravy has the perfect balance of cream, pepper, and sausage that makes your taste buds dance. I’m always impressed by how consistent the quality is, no matter what day or time you visit.
The portions are generous enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetite without breaking your budget.
The retro atmosphere features checkered floors and red vinyl booths that transport you straight to the 1950s. Friendly servers move through the dining room with practiced ease, keeping coffee cups full and conversations flowing.
They’re open late, making it a perfect spot for breakfast any time of day or night when cravings strike.
3. Dillard House
Mountain hospitality meets incredible Southern cooking at this historic establishment nestled in the North Georgia mountains. Located at 768 Franklin Street in Dillard, this place has been welcoming guests since 1917.
The biscuits are legendary, made using techniques that haven’t changed in over a century.
Their sausage gravy is rich and hearty, perfect for fueling up before a day of exploring the beautiful surrounding area. I love how they serve family-style meals, with platters passed around the table encouraging conversation and connection.
The recipes have been carefully preserved, ensuring every generation gets to taste authentic mountain cooking.
The dining room overlooks stunning mountain views that make your breakfast experience even more special. You’ll feel like you’re eating at your grandmother’s house, surrounded by warmth and genuine care.
They also have a country store where you can buy their famous biscuit mix to recreate the magic at home.
4. R. Thomas Deluxe Grill
Quirky and colorful, this Atlanta landmark puts a unique twist on traditional Southern breakfast favorites. Find them at 1812 Peachtree Street NW, where the outdoor patio is decorated with tropical plants and funky art.
Their biscuits might come with unexpected flavor combinations, but the classic version with gravy never disappoints.
The gravy here can be customized to your preferences, whether you want traditional sausage or vegetarian options. I appreciate how they accommodate different dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or quality.
The atmosphere is eclectic and fun, making it a great spot for adventurous eaters and traditionalists alike.
Open 24 hours a day, you can satisfy your biscuit cravings whenever the mood strikes. The staff is friendly and patient, happy to explain menu items and make recommendations.
People-watching from the patio is entertainment in itself, as this location attracts an interesting mix of neighborhood characters and visitors exploring the city.
5. Landmark Diner
Chrome and neon define this classic diner that’s been an Atlanta fixture for decades. Located at 3652 Roswell Road NE, the building itself is a beautiful example of mid-century diner architecture.
Their biscuits are perfectly sized, not too big and not too small, with a tender crumb that soaks up gravy beautifully.
The sausage gravy is properly seasoned with black pepper and herbs that elevate it beyond ordinary. I enjoy sitting at the counter where you can watch the kitchen staff work with impressive speed and precision.
The menu is extensive, but locals know the biscuits and gravy are what you really come here for.
Late-night crowds flock here after concerts and events, making it a lively spot at all hours. The booths are comfortable and perfect for lingering over coffee and conversation with friends.
Prices remain reasonable despite the prime location, making it accessible for everyone from students to professionals looking for quality comfort food.
6. Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room
Savannah’s most famous dining experience happens around communal tables where strangers become friends over shared platters. You’ll find this treasure at 107 West Jones Street, where the line often wraps around the block before opening.
The biscuits are small but mighty, with a buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with their peppery gravy.
Everything is served family-style, with bowls and platters passed around until everyone has had their fill. I’m amazed by the variety of dishes that come out, though the biscuits and gravy always steal the show.
The dining room feels like eating in someone’s home, with antique furniture and a cozy atmosphere.
They only serve lunch, and you’ll need to arrive early to avoid the longest waits. Cash or check only, so come prepared without your credit cards.
The experience is about more than just food; it’s about Southern hospitality and the joy of sharing a meal with your neighbors.
7. Bee Café
Soul food tradition runs deep at this Atlanta landmark that’s been feeding the community since 1947. Located at 810 Martin Luther King Jr Drive SW, this café has served everyone from civil rights leaders to neighborhood regulars.
The biscuits are fluffy and substantial, perfect vehicles for their rich, flavorful gravy.
Their gravy has a homemade quality that tastes like it came from somebody’s grandmother’s kitchen. I love the sense of history you feel sitting in the dining room, knowing so many important conversations happened at these very tables.
The portions are generous, and you’ll likely leave with a takeout container for later.
The staff treats everyone with respect and warmth, making first-time visitors feel like they’ve been coming for years. Lunch can get crowded, so timing your visit strategically helps avoid the rush.
The prices are incredibly fair, especially considering the quality and quantity of food you receive on every plate.
8. Metro Diner
Big portions and bigger flavors define this growing chain that started in Florida but has won Georgia hearts. You can find locations throughout the state, including one at 5975 Roswell Road in Sandy Springs.
Their biscuits are enormous, almost comically large, but somehow still light and fluffy inside.
The gravy is thick and loaded with chunks of savory sausage that make every bite satisfying. I’m impressed by how they’ve maintained quality while expanding to multiple locations across the region.
The menu offers creative twists on classics while respecting traditional preparations that Southerners expect.
The décor is modern diner style with comfortable booths and an open kitchen concept. Service is typically quick and efficient, even during busy weekend breakfast rushes.
They’re known for using fresh ingredients and making everything from scratch daily, which you can definitely taste in the final product on your plate.
9. Flying Biscuit Café
Creative Southern cooking with a health-conscious twist has made this Atlanta-born chain a breakfast destination. The original location at 1655 McLendon Avenue NE started it all back in 1993.
Their biscuits are made with whole wheat flour, giving them a slightly nutty flavor that’s different but delicious.
The gravy comes in both traditional and vegetarian versions, both packed with flavor and creamy texture. I enjoy how they’ve reimagined Southern classics for modern tastes without losing the soul of the dishes.
The atmosphere is bright and cheerful, with colorful décor that puts you in a good mood.
They’re famous for their cranberry apple butter that comes with every order of biscuits, adding a sweet complement. The menu features organic and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, appealing to health-conscious diners.
Weekend brunch crowds can be intense, but they accept call-ahead seating to make the wait more manageable for hungry customers.
10. Mamie’s Kitchen Biscuits
Small and unassuming, this Columbus gem serves up some of the most authentic biscuits and gravy in Georgia. Located at 1900 10th Avenue in Columbus, it’s the kind of place locals keep secret from tourists.
The biscuits are made using a recipe that’s been in the family for generations, and you can taste the love.
Their gravy is simple but perfect, with just the right ratio of cream to sausage to seasoning. I love the no-frills approach here, where the food speaks for itself without fancy presentation or gimmicks.
The dining room is basic, with simple tables and chairs, but nobody cares when the food is this good.
Breakfast is served all day, which is a blessing for those who crave biscuits and gravy at unconventional hours. The staff is friendly and efficient, getting food out quickly without sacrificing quality.
Prices are some of the lowest you’ll find anywhere, making it perfect for budget-conscious eaters who refuse to compromise on taste.
11. Clary’s Café
Savannah history and great food combine at this downtown institution that’s been serving since 1903. You’ll find it at 404 Abercorn Street, right in the heart of the historic district.
The biscuits here are traditional Southern style, crusty on top and soft inside, perfect for soaking up gravy.
Their sausage gravy has a peppery kick that wakes up your taste buds without overwhelming them. I appreciate the old-school diner atmosphere with its vintage counter and well-worn booths that have stories to tell.
The café was featured in the book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” adding to its legendary status.
Breakfast crowds include locals and tourists alike, all drawn by the reputation for authentic Southern cooking. The menu is extensive, but regulars know the biscuits and gravy are the real reason to visit.
Service can be slow during peak times, but the quality of food makes patience worthwhile every single time.
12. Skillet Restaurant
Athens locals have been flocking to this breakfast spot for years to get their biscuit fix. Located at 229 East Broad Street, it’s walking distance from the University of Georgia campus.
The biscuits are made fresh throughout the morning, ensuring you always get them at peak freshness and warmth.
Their gravy is hearty and stick-to-your-ribs good, perfect for fueling up before a busy day. I enjoy the college-town atmosphere where students and professors mix with longtime residents over morning coffee.
The prices are student-friendly, which means everyone can afford to eat well without draining their wallet.
The restaurant has a casual, laid-back vibe that makes it easy to relax and enjoy your meal. Weekend mornings get packed with families and football fans on game days throughout the fall.
They’re known for quick service despite the crowds, getting you fed and on your way without unnecessary delays or waiting around forever.
13. H&H Restaurant
Macon’s most famous soul food restaurant has been feeding hungry folks since 1959. You’ll find it at 807 Forsyth Street, where it gained fame as the favorite spot of music legend Otis Redding.
The biscuits are small and dense, made in the traditional Southern style that’s been perfected over decades.
Their gravy is rich and flavorful, seasoned with a blend of spices that makes it uniquely delicious. I love the connection to Macon’s musical history, with photos and memorabilia covering the walls.
The buffet-style service lets you try multiple dishes, though the biscuits and gravy always deserve prime plate space.
After closing for several years, the restaurant reopened in 2015 to great celebration from the community. The recipes remain unchanged, maintaining the authentic taste that made it legendary in the first place.
Lunch is the main meal here, served daily to crowds of devoted fans who’ve been coming for generations of family meals.
14. Peter’s Sunrise Restaurant
Classic American diner vibes and Southern hospitality meet at this Warner Robins favorite. Located at 2907 Watson Boulevard, it’s been a community gathering spot for breakfast lovers for years.
The biscuits are perfectly golden, with layers that separate easily when you pull them apart with your fork.
Their gravy is creamy and well-seasoned, with plenty of sausage pieces distributed throughout every serving. I appreciate the consistent quality no matter what time of day you visit for your meal.
The staff remembers regulars and makes newcomers feel welcome from the moment they walk through the door.
The dining room features classic diner décor with comfortable booths and counter seating for solo diners. Portions are generous without being wasteful, giving you plenty of food for your money.
They’re open early and stay busy through the morning rush, with the smell of fresh biscuits drawing people in from the parking lot outside.
15. Silver Skillet
Walking through the door feels like stepping back in time to when diners were the heart of every neighborhood. You’ll find this beloved spot at 200 14th Street NW in Atlanta, where it’s been serving hungry locals since 1956.
The biscuits here are fluffy on the inside with just the right amount of crispness on the outside.
Their sausage gravy is thick, peppery, and loaded with flavor that makes you want to lick the plate clean. I love how the staff treats everyone like family, remembering regulars by name and their favorite orders.
The counter seating gives you a front-row view of the cooks working their magic on the griddle.
Early mornings are the best time to visit when the place fills up with people from all walks of life. You’ll spot construction workers sitting next to businesspeople, all united by their love for good food.
The prices are incredibly reasonable, especially considering the generous portion sizes they serve up every single day.
