These 13 Georgia Restaurants Are So Unusual You’ll Want To Experience Them At Least Once
Georgia’s dining scene goes far beyond traditional Southern cooking, offering experiences that surprise even lifelong locals. Across the state, restaurants have found creative ways to turn a simple meal into something memorable. You might find yourself dining inside a beautifully restored historic building, stepping into a restaurant with a wildly unexpected theme, or enjoying food served in ways you never thought possible.
These places are not just about what is on the plate, but about the stories, settings, and creativity that surround each bite. Every visit feels like an adventure, blending atmosphere and flavor into one unforgettable moment. Some spots lean into history, others embrace pure imagination, but all of them challenge what dining can be.
If you love discovering places that make you say wow before the food even arrives, you are in for a treat. Get ready to explore thirteen of the most unusual dining experiences across Georgia that turn meals into lasting memories.
1. The Pirates’ House
Legend says real pirates once roamed the halls of this incredible restaurant. Located at 20 East Broad Street in Savannah, this place dates back to 1753 and has stories that’ll make your jaw drop. The building served as an inn for sailors, and some say Captain Flint from Treasure Island died in one of the upstairs rooms.
Walking through the fifteen different dining rooms feels like exploring a ship’s quarters. Dark wooden beams, nautical artifacts, and candlelit tables create an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else. The menu features Southern classics with a seafood twist, perfect after you’ve explored all the hidden passages.
Kids absolutely love searching for secret tunnels that supposedly connected to the river. Whether the ghost stories are true or not, eating here feels like stepping into a storybook. Your server might even share a spooky tale while you enjoy your meal in this authentically unusual spot.
2. R. Thomas Deluxe Grill
Parrots greet you at the entrance of this wildly decorated restaurant that never closes. You’ll find this 24-hour spot at 1812 Peachtree Street in Atlanta, where healthy eating meets circus-like decor. Real birds live on the property, adding squawks and chirps to your dining soundtrack.
Every inch of space bursts with color, from the rainbow-painted walls to the jungle-themed outdoor patio. Christmas lights twinkle year-round, and bizarre art pieces catch your eye everywhere you look. The menu focuses on organic, health-conscious options that taste way better than typical health food.
Late-night cravings? No problem here since the kitchen never stops cooking. Vegetarians and vegans find plenty of choices alongside meat options for everyone at the table.
The quirky atmosphere makes even a simple breakfast feel like an adventure, especially when a parrot decides to photobomb your meal.
3. Sun Dial Restaurant
Eating dinner while the room slowly spins sounds impossible, but it’s reality at this amazing restaurant. Perched on the 73rd floor at 210 Peachtree Street in Atlanta, you’ll rotate a full 360 degrees during your meal. The views stretch for miles, showing you the entire city from every angle without leaving your seat.
Floor-to-ceiling windows surround the dining room, making you feel like you’re floating above Atlanta. One complete rotation takes about an hour, perfectly timed with a leisurely dinner. Watching the sunset from up here beats any regular restaurant experience by a landslide.
The menu features upscale American cuisine with creative twists on classic dishes. Sure, you’re paying partly for the experience, but the food quality matches the incredible setting. Make reservations well ahead because everyone wants to try Georgia’s only revolving restaurant at least once in their lifetime.
4. Battle & Brew
Imagine combining your favorite restaurant with a game store, and you’ve got this genius concept. Located at 279 West Crogan Street in Lawrenceville, this spot lets you play thousands of board games while munching on tasty food. Shelves packed with games line the walls, from classic Monopoly to complex strategy games you’ve never heard of.
The fantasy theme runs throughout, with swords, shields, and medieval decorations creating a castle-like atmosphere. You can rent games for just a few dollars or bring your own from home. Servers actually know the rules and can teach you new games if you’re feeling adventurous.
Weekly events include trivia nights, game tournaments, and special themed dinners that attract serious gamers. The menu offers everything from burgers to creative appetizers, all designed to be eaten while keeping one hand free for gameplay. Families, friend groups, and solo visitors all find their place at these communal gaming tables.
5. Kamayan ATL
Forget forks, knives, and spoons because you won’t need them at this hands-on Filipino restaurant. Situated at 1100 Howell Mill Road in Atlanta, the dining style here follows an ancient tradition called kamayan. Food gets spread directly on banana leaves covering your table, and you eat everything with your hands.
The experience brings people together in ways regular dining can’t match. You’ll tear into grilled meats, scoop rice, and grab vegetables using only your fingers, just like Filipinos have done for centuries. Staff members explain the proper technique and cultural significance before your feast begins.
Groups work best here since the meals are designed for sharing and laughing together. Filipino flavors like sweet, sour, and savory all mix on the communal banana leaf spread. Washing your hands before and after becomes part of the ritual, making the whole evening feel special and completely different from your usual dinner out.
6. Wrecking Bar Brewpub
Drinking craft beer inside a 1890s Victorian mansion creates an atmosphere you won’t believe until you see it. Find this architectural gem at 292 Moreland Avenue in Atlanta, where original stained glass windows and ornate woodwork survived over a century. The building almost got demolished before being rescued and transformed into this unique brewpub.
High ceilings, detailed moldings, and period features make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. The brewing equipment sits right in the dining areas, so you can watch your beer being made while you eat. Multiple rooms spread across different floors, each with its own character and charm.
The food menu changes seasonally but always features elevated pub fare that pairs perfectly with their house-brewed beers. History buffs love learning about the mansion’s past lives before becoming a restaurant. Sitting in a century-old parlor while sipping modern craft beer creates a contrast that somehow works beautifully together.
7. The Vortex Bar & Grill
A massive skull marks the entrance to this adults-only burger joint that doesn’t apologize for anything. You must be 21 or older to enter either location, including the one at 438 Moreland Avenue in Atlanta. The age restriction means the atmosphere stays edgy, loud, and completely uncensored.
Inside, bizarre decorations cover every surface, from motorcycle parts to random pop culture references. The menu features outrageously large burgers with creative names that sometimes make you blush. Seriously, some burgers stack so high you’ll need a strategy to bite them without making a mess.
The staff embraces the rebellious vibe with attitudes that match the décor. Don’t expect fancy service or quiet conversation because this place celebrates chaos and fun. Their motto basically says they serve great food without pretending to be something they’re not, which customers absolutely love about the whole experience.
8. Truett’s Luau
Picture a regular Chick-fil-A that got transported to a Hawaiian island, and you’ll understand this concept. Located at 4650 Ashford Dunwoody Road in Atlanta, this location serves the same menu but in a completely tropical setting. Tiki torches, bamboo accents, and island music transform your chicken sandwich experience into something memorable.
The founder created this theme to honor his love of Hawaiian culture and hospitality. Unlike standard fast-food restaurants, this space feels like a vacation destination with its detailed decorations and relaxed atmosphere. You can almost forget you’re eating fast food when surrounded by palm trees and Polynesian art.
Families especially enjoy the unique environment that makes a simple dinner feel more special. The food quality matches every other Chick-fil-A, but the presentation and setting elevate the whole experience. Taking pictures here has become almost mandatory because nobody believes a tropical Chick-fil-A exists until they see proof of this unusual Georgia restaurant.
9. Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room
Sharing a table with complete strangers might sound awkward, but it’s the whole point here. At 107 West Jones Street in Savannah, this legendary spot serves lunch family-style at big communal tables. You’ll sit elbow-to-elbow with tourists and locals, passing bowls of food back and forth like one big family reunion.
The meal includes about twenty different Southern dishes spread across the table at once. Fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, and sweet tea flow freely while conversations start naturally. Everyone takes what they want and passes the rest, creating a sharing experience that feels genuinely warm and welcoming.
Lines form early because seating is limited and they only serve lunch. The restaurant has operated this way since 1943, refusing to change their traditional approach. Cash-only payment and no reservations keep things simple and authentic, exactly how Mrs. Wilkes wanted it when she started feeding hungry folks decades ago.
10. Back In The Day Bakery
Stepping inside feels like your grandmother’s kitchen threw a party with a 1950s diner. Find this charming spot at 2403 Bull Street in Savannah, where vintage décor and homemade treats create pure nostalgia. Old-fashioned cake stands display beautiful layer cakes that look too pretty to eat, but you definitely should try them anyway.
The husband-and-wife owners left stressful careers to pursue their baking dreams, and their passion shows in every detail. Mismatched vintage plates, retro advertisements, and cozy seating make you want to stay for hours. Everything gets made from scratch daily using quality ingredients and traditional techniques.
Their famous grit cakes put a Southern spin on breakfast, while towering cakes steal the show for special occasions. The lunch menu features sandwiches and soups that taste like home cooking at its finest. Locals treat this place like a community gathering spot where everyone knows your name and your favorite dessert after a few visits.
11. Bollywood Tacos
Combining Indian spices with Mexican street food sounds crazy until you taste how perfectly the flavors work together. Located at 1529 Piedmont Avenue in Atlanta, this fusion restaurant proves that breaking rules sometimes creates magic. Traditional tacos get filled with tikka masala, tandoori chicken, and other Indian-inspired ingredients that’ll blow your mind.
The menu reads like a cultural mashup that shouldn’t exist but absolutely does. Samosas meet quesadillas, naan bread serves as taco shells, and chutneys replace standard salsas. Each bite delivers familiar comfort from both cuisines while tasting completely new and exciting at the same time.
The casual atmosphere lets the food be the star without fancy presentation getting in the way. Vegetarians find plenty of creative options that go way beyond boring salads or plain rice. This restaurant represents modern American dining where immigrant flavors blend into something uniquely delicious that you can’t find anywhere else in Georgia.
12. Southern Soul Barbecue
Most barbecue joints sit inland, but this one brings smoky goodness to the beach. You’ll find it at 2020 Demere Road on St. Simons Island, where ocean breezes mix with hickory smoke. The casual, almost ramshackle building doesn’t look like much from outside, but locals know the food inside is absolutely worth the trip.
Traditional low-and-slow cooking methods produce tender ribs, pulled pork, and brisket that falls apart at first touch. The unusual location means you can enjoy serious barbecue while wearing flip-flops and sandy shorts. Picnic-style seating and paper plates keep things simple so the focus stays on the incredible meat.
Lines stretch long during peak times because word has spread about this coastal barbecue anomaly. The sides taste just as good as the main dishes, with creamy mac and cheese and tangy coleslaw earning their own fan clubs. Combining a beach vacation with top-tier barbecue makes this stop essential for any Georgia food adventure.
13. The Olde Pink House
Eating in a building from 1771 means your dinner comes with serious history lessons. Located at 23 Abercorn Street in Savannah, this pink mansion has survived wars, fires, and centuries of change. The unusual exterior color came from mixing red brick dust into white paint, creating the signature pink that gives the restaurant its name.
Candlelit dining rooms maintain the colonial atmosphere with period furniture and original architectural details. The basement tavern offers a more casual experience but keeps the same historic charm throughout. Ghost stories swirl around the building, with staff and guests reporting strange occurrences over the years.
Southern cuisine gets elevated to fine dining status here, with dishes like she-crab soup and crispy scored flounder becoming signature favorites. The piano player in the tavern adds live music to your evening, making the whole experience feel elegant yet approachable. Reservations are absolutely necessary because everyone wants to dine inside this gorgeous piece of Savannah history.
