These 16 Georgia Hole In The Wall Restaurants Are Worth The Stop
When you are craving real Georgia food, it is best to skip the tourist traps and follow where the locals actually eat.
Across the state, small restaurants and unassuming buildings hide some of the most unforgettable flavors you will ever taste. These local favorites have earned their reputation through years of loyal customers, family recipes, and food made with heart.
From smoky barbecue that falls apart at the touch of a fork to classic diner breakfasts served just the way they should be, every bite tells a story. You will find places where the décor is simple but the food is unforgettable. These spots are not chasing trends or flashy presentations.
They focus on doing a few things extremely well. If you want to experience Georgia the way residents do, these hidden gems offer a delicious and authentic journey that proves great food does not need a spotlight to shine.
1. NFA Burger
Burgers here are stacked high with toppings that’ll make your mouth water before you even take a bite. You’ll find this gem at 1248 Clairmont Road in Decatur, where the line out the door tells you everything you need to know. The patties are juicy, cooked to perfection, and served on buns that hold up to all that deliciousness.
I love how they keep things simple but flavorful. The menu isn’t overwhelming with a hundred choices. Instead, they focus on doing burgers right, and boy, do they deliver.
Locals swear by the classic cheeseburger, but the bacon options are equally tempting. The fries are crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, making them the perfect sidekick. Prices won’t break your budget either, which makes this spot even better for a quick lunch or casual dinner with friends who appreciate quality over fancy decorations.
2. El Tesoro
Authentic Mexican flavors come alive at this unassuming spot that locals consider their secret treasure. Located at 3365 Buford Highway NE in Atlanta, this restaurant serves up dishes that remind you of home-cooked meals south of the border. The salsa is fresh, the tortillas are handmade, and the meat is seasoned just right.
Walking in, you might not expect much from the simple decor. But one bite of their tacos will change your mind completely. The carne asada is tender and full of flavor, while the chicken is marinated to perfection.
I recommend trying their tortas if you’re really hungry. These massive sandwiches are stuffed with your choice of meat, beans, avocado, and fresh vegetables. The portions are generous, so come with an appetite.
On weekends, the place fills up with families enjoying authentic cuisine at prices that make you smile.
3. Southern Soul Barbecue
Smoky ribs and tender pulled pork make this barbecue joint a must-visit on St. Simons Island. Head to 2020 Demere Road to experience what real Georgia barbecue tastes like. The aroma hits you before you even walk through the door, pulling you in like a magnet.
Their sauce strikes the perfect balance between tangy and sweet. It complements the meat without overpowering the natural smoky flavor. The brisket practically melts in your mouth, and the ribs fall right off the bone with minimal effort.
Don’t skip the sides here because they’re just as important as the main event. The mac and cheese is creamy and rich, while the collard greens are cooked with just the right amount of seasoning. I always grab extra cornbread because it’s slightly sweet and pairs beautifully with the savory meats.
Expect a wait during peak hours, but trust me, it’s worth every minute.
4. Daddy D’z BBQ Joynt
This Atlanta barbecue spot has been serving up award-winning meats since the early 2000s. You’ll find it at 264 Memorial Drive SE, right in the heart of the city where locals gather for serious smokehouse flavors. The walls are covered with awards and photos that tell the story of their success.
What sets this place apart is their commitment to slow-cooking everything over real wood. No shortcuts here, just patience and expertise. The pulled pork is my personal favorite, with a smoky depth that keeps you coming back for more.
Their ribs are rubbed with a special blend of spices before hitting the smoker for hours. The result is meat that’s tender, flavorful, and absolutely addictive. The cornbread muffins are served warm and pair perfectly with their tangy barbecue sauce.
Portions are huge, so consider sharing if you want to save room for their homemade banana pudding dessert.
5. Fat Matt’s Rib Shack
Blues music and barbecue come together at this legendary Atlanta institution that’s been around since 1990. Located at 1811 Piedmont Avenue NE, this spot offers more than just food—it’s a complete experience. The stage in the corner hosts live blues performances while you dig into your ribs.
The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious, just like the best hole-in-the-wall spots should be. Everyone from college students to business folks stops by for the authentic flavors. The ribs are meaty, smoky, and slathered in a sauce that’s become famous across the city.
I always order the rib plate with two sides because you need the full experience. The Brunswick stew is hearty and warming, while the coleslaw adds a cool, crunchy contrast to the rich meats. Prices are reasonable considering the quality and the free entertainment.
Cash is preferred here, so hit the ATM before you arrive for the smoothest experience.
6. Sandfly BBQ
Savannah locals know this is where you go for authentic low-country barbecue with a side of Southern hospitality. Find it at 8413 Ferguson Avenue, tucked away in a spot that tourists rarely discover. The meat is smoked fresh daily using traditional methods that have been perfected over years.
Their pulled pork is incredibly tender and comes with a vinegar-based sauce that’s typical of Georgia barbecue. The brisket is another standout, with a beautiful smoke ring and flavor that develops from hours in the smoker. I’m always impressed by how consistent the quality is here.
The sides deserve special mention because they’re made from scratch every day. The baked beans are sweet with bits of bacon mixed in, and the potato salad is creamy with just the right amount of mustard. Locals often order family packs for gatherings because the value is excellent.
The casual outdoor seating adds to the laid-back vibe that makes this place so enjoyable.
7. Randy’s BBQ
Small-town Georgia barbecue doesn’t get more authentic than what you’ll find at this Fayetteville favorite. Located at 510 North Jeff Davis Drive, this family-run spot has been serving the community for decades. The recipes have been passed down through generations, and you can taste the tradition in every bite.
Their ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender without being mushy, which shows real skill in the smoking process. The chicken is another popular choice, staying juicy under its crispy, smoky skin. I appreciate how they don’t drown the meat in sauce, letting the natural flavors shine through.
The homemade Brunswick stew is loaded with vegetables and shredded meat, making it a meal on its own. Their sweet tea is properly brewed and sweetened just like grandma used to make it. The dining room is simple and clean, with friendly staff who treat regulars and newcomers equally well.
Prices remain affordable despite the rising costs everywhere else.
8. Clocked!
Breakfast and lunch get a creative twist at this quirky spot that locals absolutely love. You’ll find it at 1371 Clairmont Road in Decatur, serving up inventive dishes that go beyond typical diner fare. The menu changes regularly based on what’s fresh and what the chef feels inspired to create.
Their breakfast sandwiches are legendary, piled high with eggs, cheese, and your choice of meats on fresh-baked bread. The pancakes are fluffy and come with interesting toppings that change with the seasons. I’m always excited to see what new combinations they’ve dreamed up.
Lunch options include creative takes on classic sandwiches and salads that actually fill you up. The ingredients are fresh and locally sourced when possible, which you can taste in every bite. The space is small and cozy, so expect to wait on weekends when everyone has the same idea.
Coffee is strong and properly brewed, perfect for starting your day right.
9. Silver Skillet
Classic Southern breakfast has been served here since 1956, making this Atlanta institution a true piece of history. Located at 200 14th Street NW, this diner keeps traditions alive with recipes that haven’t changed in decades. The chrome and red vinyl decor takes you back to a simpler time.
Their biscuits are fluffy and buttery, served with country ham that’s salty and delicious. The grits are creamy and properly seasoned, not the bland mush you sometimes get elsewhere. Eggs are cooked exactly how you order them, and the hash browns are crispy on the edges.
I always order the country fried steak when I’m really hungry because it’s huge and covered in peppery white gravy. The waitstaff has been working here for years, remembering regular customers and their usual orders. Prices are incredibly reasonable for the portion sizes you receive.
Cash only, so plan accordingly before you arrive for your Southern breakfast fix.
10. ADD Drug Lunch Counter
Step back in time at this old-fashioned soda fountain and lunch counter that’s been serving Athens since 1947. You’ll find it at 296 East Clayton Street, right in the heart of downtown where locals still gather for simple, honest food. The original counter and stools remain, creating an atmosphere that can’t be replicated.
Their burgers are straightforward and delicious, cooked on a flat-top grill that’s been seasoned over decades. The milkshakes are thick and made with real ice cream, available in classic flavors that never go out of style. I love sitting at the counter and watching the cooks work their magic.
The grilled cheese is perfectly golden and gooey, served with chips and a pickle. Hot dogs are another popular choice, served Chicago-style or plain depending on your preference. The atmosphere is friendly and unpretentious, with conversation flowing easily between strangers.
This is the kind of place where everyone feels welcome and time seems to slow down just a bit.
11. Doug’s Place
Home-cooked Southern meals are the specialty at this Emerson restaurant that feels like eating at a friend’s house. Located at 6770 Old Allatoona Road SE, this spot serves up comfort food that warms your soul. The daily specials board lists whatever they’re cooking fresh that day.
Their fried chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy inside, seasoned with a blend of spices that’s just right. The meatloaf is another favorite, served with brown gravy and mashed potatoes that are real, not instant. I appreciate how they cook vegetables properly, not mushy but with just enough bite left.
The portions are generous, and most meals come with multiple sides and cornbread or rolls. Sweet tea flows freely, refilled without you having to ask. The dining room is casual and comfortable, with locals filling most of the tables during lunch rush.
Prices are what you’d expect from a small-town restaurant where quality matters more than profit margins.
12. Ross’s Diner
Breakfast all day is the motto at this Blairsville favorite that keeps locals coming back week after week. You’ll find it at 96 Blue Ridge Street, serving up classic diner food with a smile. The menu is extensive without being overwhelming, covering all the breakfast and lunch favorites you crave.
Their omelets are stuffed full of fresh ingredients and cooked to fluffy perfection. The pancakes are enormous, hanging over the edges of the plate in true diner fashion. I’m particularly fond of their hash browns, which are crispy and well-seasoned.
Lunch options include burgers, sandwiches, and daily specials that showcase traditional Southern cooking. The staff is friendly and efficient, keeping coffee cups filled and checking on tables regularly. Locals gather here for both the food and the community atmosphere.
The prices are fair, and the portions ensure nobody leaves hungry. This is exactly what a small-town diner should be—welcoming, delicious, and consistent.
13. Hole in the Wall (Blairsville)
This aptly named restaurant in Blairsville serves up Southern favorites in a cozy, no-frills setting. Located at 6619 Gainesville Highway, the exterior might not look like much, but locals know better than to judge this book by its cover. Inside, the aroma of home cooking greets you immediately.
Their burgers are juicy and cooked to order, while the barbecue sandwiches are piled high with tender meat. The homemade chili is perfect on a cool mountain day, served with crackers and shredded cheese. I always appreciate restaurants that focus on doing simple things really well.
The staff treats everyone like family, remembering regular customers and making newcomers feel welcome. Breakfast is served all day, which makes early risers and late sleepers equally happy. The biscuits are made from scratch and served warm with butter and jam.
Portions are substantial, and prices reflect small-town values. This is genuine mountain hospitality paired with food that satisfies your hunger and your soul.
14. Keithsburg Cafe
Country cooking at its finest awaits you at this Calhoun area restaurant that locals consider their secret spot. Find it at 1941 Redbud Road NE, where the parking lot fills up quickly during meal times. The building is simple, but the food inside is anything but ordinary.
Their daily meat-and-three specials showcase traditional Southern cooking done right. The fried catfish is crispy and flaky, served with hush puppies that are golden and delicious. I love their turnip greens, cooked with just the right amount of seasoning and pot liquor.
The cornbread is slightly sweet and crumbles perfectly when you break it apart. Desserts are homemade, with pies that change based on what’s in season. The peach cobbler is legendary when peaches are fresh.
Service is friendly and efficient, with staff who clearly take pride in their work. Prices are incredibly reasonable for the quality and quantity you receive. This is the kind of place where you become a regular after just one visit.
15. Crooked Tree Diner
Comfort food meets mountain hospitality at this Blue Ridge restaurant that’s become a local favorite. Located at 4482 Appalachian Highway, this diner serves breakfast and lunch that’ll fuel your mountain adventures. The rustic decor fits perfectly with the surrounding landscape.
Their breakfast burritos are massive, stuffed with eggs, cheese, potatoes, and your choice of meat. The country breakfast includes all the classics eggs, bacon or sausage, grits, and biscuits with gravy. I’m impressed by how they manage to keep everything hot and fresh even during busy weekend mornings.
Lunch brings hearty sandwiches and burgers that satisfy hungry hikers and locals alike. The homemade soups change daily and are always worth trying. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the area, happy to share recommendations for local attractions.
Prices are fair, especially considering the generous portions. The coffee is strong and frequently refilled, which is exactly what you need when exploring the North Georgia mountains.
16. Buddy’s
Soul food traditions live on at this Columbus restaurant that’s been feeding the community for years. You’ll find it at 3826 St Marys Road, where the menu features dishes that have been perfected over time. Walking in, you immediately feel the warmth that comes from a family-run establishment.
Their fried chicken is seasoned and fried to crispy perfection, with meat that stays juicy and flavorful. The collard greens are cooked low and slow with smoked meat, creating rich, savory flavors. I always get the mac and cheese because it’s creamy, cheesy, and baked until the top is golden.
The yams are sweet and buttery, while the cornbread has just the right amount of sweetness to balance the savory dishes. Portions are generous, and most people end up taking leftovers home. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with staff who treat customers like extended family.
Prices are reasonable for the quality and quantity of food you receive. This is authentic soul food served with genuine Southern hospitality.
