14 Beloved Georgia Restaurants That Keep Crowds Coming Back

Georgia has built a reputation as one of the South’s most satisfying destinations for anyone who loves great food. Travelers cross county lines and even state borders just to experience the flavors that define the Peach State’s culinary identity. From the moment you sit down, you can taste the tradition woven into every dish.

Old fashioned diners serve breakfast platters that feel like home, while family owned barbecue joints slow smoke meats until they reach melt in your mouth perfection. Soul food kitchens, coastal seafood spots, and small town cafés round out a dining scene rich with variety and heart. What makes these places unforgettable is not just the recipes but the pride behind them, often passed down through generations.

These 14 restaurants have spent years feeding loyal customers, and once you pull up a chair, you will quickly understand why people keep coming back for more.

1. Mary Mac’s Tea Room — Atlanta

You’ll find some of the best comfort food in all of Georgia at this Atlanta institution. Located at 224 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, this restaurant has been serving hungry diners since 1945. The menu features classic Southern dishes that your grandma would be proud of.

Every table gets fresh vegetables served family-style, and you can choose from over a dozen options daily. The fried chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Sweet tea flows freely, and the cornbread comes out warm with real butter.

Locals and tourists alike fill the dining room during lunch and dinner. The servers treat everyone like family, calling you “honey” and making sure your glass stays full. You’ll leave with a full belly and probably some leftovers to take home.

Don’t skip the pot roast or the mac and cheese. Both have been customer favorites for decades, and one bite will show you why people drive across the state just to eat here.

2. The Olde Pink House — Savannah

Walking into this place feels like stepping back in time to the 1700s. You’ll discover this beauty at 23 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31401, right in the heart of the historic district. The building itself is a gorgeous pink mansion that survived wars and hurricanes.

Southern cuisine gets a fancy twist here, but the flavors stay true to Georgia’s roots. The she-crab soup is creamy and rich, while the crispy scored flounder practically melts in your mouth. Every dish looks like a work of art on the plate.

Candlelight flickers across the dining rooms, creating a romantic atmosphere perfect for special occasions. Downstairs, the tavern offers a more casual vibe with live piano music. The staff knows their stuff and can recommend the perfect wine pairing.

Reservations fill up fast, especially during tourist season. The fried green tomatoes with goat cheese are absolutely worth ordering as an appetizer. You’ll want to dress nicely for this dining experience.

3. The Varsity — Atlanta

Fast food done the old-school way is what you’ll experience at this Atlanta landmark. Since 1928, this massive drive-in has been slinging hot dogs and burgers at 61 North Avenue NW, Atlanta, GA 30308. The place can serve over 600 cars at once, making it one of the world’s largest drive-in restaurants.

Order takers shout “What’ll ya have?” the moment you step up to the counter. The chili dogs are messy and delicious, piled high with their secret-recipe chili. Onion rings come out hot and crispy, and the frosted orange drink is a must-try.

Georgia Tech students have been coming here for generations, especially before football games. The atmosphere is loud, busy, and full of energy. You can eat in your car, grab a spot inside, or sit on the patio.

Don’t expect fancy food or quiet conversation. This is about quick service, big portions, and classic American comfort food that hasn’t changed in decades.

4. Busy Bee Café — Atlanta

Soul food at its finest awaits you at this West End neighborhood gem. Find your way to 810 Martin Luther King Jr Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30314, where the food tastes like somebody’s mama made it with love. This place has been feeding Atlanta since 1947, and the recipes haven’t changed one bit.

Fried chicken comes out golden and seasoned perfectly, with sides like collard greens, candied yams, and mac and cheese that’ll make you want seconds. The portions are generous, and the prices won’t empty your wallet. Every meal feels like Sunday dinner at a relative’s house.

Civil rights leaders used to meet here during the movement, and the walls hold decades of history. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with no pretense whatsoever. You might wait a bit during peak hours, but the food is absolutely worth it.

Cash is king here, so bring some bills. The peach cobbler for dessert will end your meal on a sweet note you won’t forget.

5. Sconyers Bar-B-Que — Augusta/St. Simons Island area

Real Georgia barbecue means wood smoke, slow cooking, and sauce that’s been perfected over generations. Located at 2250 Sconyers Way, Augusta, GA 30906, this family operation has been smoking meat since 1956. The smell of hickory smoke hits you before you even park your car.

Pulled pork comes off the smoker tender and juicy, with a vinegar-based sauce that complements rather than hides the meat. Brunswick stew is thick and hearty, loaded with vegetables and meat. The ribs fall off the bone, and the chicken has crispy skin with smoky flavor throughout.

Everything is cooked over wood, never gas, which makes a huge difference in taste. The sides are traditional Southern fare, with baked beans and coleslaw being customer favorites. You can order by the pound or get a full plate.

This isn’t a fancy restaurant with cloth napkins. You’ll eat at picnic tables with paper plates, and that’s exactly how barbecue should be enjoyed in the South.

6. The Dillard House — Blue Ridge Mountains

Up in the North Georgia mountains, you’ll discover a dining tradition that started in 1917. Head to 768 Franklin Street, Dillard, GA 30537, where the air is cool and the food is served family-style. This place began as a boarding house and grew into a beloved restaurant and inn.

Servers bring out platters piled high with fried chicken, country ham, roast beef, and vegetables fresh from local farms. You don’t order from a menu—they just keep bringing food until you wave the white flag. Biscuits arrive hot from the oven with real butter and homemade preserves.

The dining room fills with families, couples, and groups who come for the all-you-can-eat experience. Everything tastes homemade because it is. The portions are enormous, and the variety means everyone finds something they love.

After eating, you can walk the grounds or rock on the porch overlooking the mountains. Breakfast is just as impressive as dinner, with country ham and red-eye gravy stealing the show.

7. Brochu’s Family Tradition — Savannah

Home cooking without the cleanup is what you’ll get at this Savannah favorite. Pull up to 5710 Skidaway Road, Savannah, GA 31404, where the Brochu family has been feeding folks since the 1970s. The restaurant feels like eating in someone’s dining room, with a welcoming atmosphere and reasonable prices.

Meat and three is the way to go here pick your protein and three sides from a daily selection. The meatloaf is moist and flavorful, while the fried pork chops are crispy outside and tender inside. Vegetables are cooked Southern-style, which means they have flavor and aren’t bland or boring.

Breakfast is served all day, which makes the locals very happy. Pancakes are fluffy, and the grits are creamy with real butter. The staff remembers regular customers and treats newcomers like old friends.

Prices are incredibly fair for the amount of food you receive. This is where Savannah residents go when they want good food without tourist prices or crowds. The banana pudding is homemade and absolutely delicious.

8. Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room — Savannah

Eating here means sitting elbow-to-elbow with strangers who quickly become friends. Find this Savannah treasure at 107 West Jones Street, Savannah, GA 31401, in a historic home that’s been serving food since 1943. There’s no menu, no choosing, and no ordering—you just sit down and start passing dishes.

Twenty different items cover the table, from fried chicken to collard greens to sweet potato soufflé. Everything is made fresh that morning using recipes passed down through generations. You take what you want and pass the rest to your neighbor.

The line forms early because they only serve lunch and seating is limited. Cash only, no reservations, and absolutely worth the wait. The communal dining experience creates a unique atmosphere where tourists and locals share stories while sharing platters.

Mrs. Wilkes herself used to greet guests until she passed away, but her family continues the tradition. The biscuits are legendary, and the mac and cheese disappears fast. Bring an appetite because you’ll want to try everything on that table.

9. Southern Soul Barbeque — St. Simons Island

Island life meets low-and-slow cooking at this coastal barbecue joint. You’ll find it at 2020 Demere Road, St. Simons Island, GA 31522, where the ocean breeze mixes with hickory smoke. This place started as a small operation and grew because the food is just that good.

Ribs are the star here, with meat that pulls off the bone easily and sauce that adds the perfect kick. The pulled pork is smoky and tender, while the smoked wings offer a unique twist on traditional barbecue. Don’t sleep on the Brunswick stew, which is loaded with meat and vegetables.

The casual atmosphere fits the island vibe perfectly. You order at the counter, grab your drinks, and find a seat inside or on the patio. The staff is friendly and helpful with recommendations if you’re visiting for the first time.

Locals know to get there early because popular items sell out. The hush puppies are crispy and slightly sweet, making them perfect for soaking up extra sauce. This is coastal Georgia barbecue at its absolute finest.

10. H&H Restaurant — Macon

Music history and soul food come together at this Macon institution. Located at 807 Forsyth Street, Macon, GA 31201, this restaurant fed the Allman Brothers Band and countless other musicians back in the day. The walls are covered with photos and memorabilia from Georgia’s rich musical heritage.

Breakfast is the main event here, served all day long. The eggs are cooked to order, and the bacon comes out crispy. Grits are creamy and seasoned just right, while the biscuits are fluffy with a golden crust.

Mama Louise Hudson ran this place for decades until her passing, and her legacy continues. The lunch menu features meat and three options with different choices daily. Fried chicken, pork chops, and meatloaf rotate through, always accompanied by fresh vegetables.

The atmosphere is no-frills and authentic, with counter seating and booths. Service is quick and friendly, with staff who know most customers by name. This is where you experience real Georgia soul food in a place that’s been serving it for generations.

11. Chuckwagon Restaurant — Calhoun

All-you-can-eat Southern cooking is the name of the game at this North Georgia spot. Drive to 126 Soldiers Pathway, Calhoun, GA 30701, where the buffet stretches longer than your arm and everything looks delicious. This family-owned restaurant has been filling bellies since the 1960s with honest, home-cooked food.

The buffet changes daily but always includes fried chicken, multiple vegetable options, and several meat choices. Everything is made from scratch, and you can taste the difference. The fried okra is crispy without being greasy, and the mashed potatoes are real, not instant.

Desserts line their own table, with pies, cobblers, and puddings tempting you to save room. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, with large dining rooms that accommodate crowds. Prices are reasonable considering you can eat as much as you want.

Locals pack this place after church on Sundays. The staff keeps the buffet fresh and full, clearing empty trays quickly. You’ll leave satisfied and probably planning your next visit before you even reach your car.

12. Sweet Potatoes Kitchen — Georgia (southern staple)

Comfort food with a focus on Southern vegetables is what makes this place special. While locations vary across Georgia, the mission stays the same serving food that reminds you of home. The name comes from their signature sweet potato dishes, which appear in multiple forms on the menu.

Sweet potato pancakes for breakfast are fluffy and slightly sweet, topped with butter and syrup. The candied yams are rich and satisfying, while sweet potato casserole offers a different take on the vegetable. Regular menu items include fried chicken, meatloaf, and other Southern classics.

The restaurants maintain a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that makes solo diners and families equally comfortable. Portions are generous, and the prices reflect good value for homestyle cooking. Fresh vegetables are featured prominently, cooked the Southern way with real seasoning.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served, with different specials throughout the day. The biscuits are made fresh and served warm. You’ll find both traditional dishes and creative takes on Southern favorites, all prepared with care and quality ingredients that make a difference.

13. Hayakawa — Atlanta

Japanese cuisine meets Southern hospitality at this Atlanta favorite. You’ll find this gem at 1055 Howell Ml Rd, Atlanta, GA 30318 where skilled chefs put on a show while cooking your meal. Since 1984, this family-owned restaurant has been serving authentic Japanese food with entertaining teppanyaki presentations.

Sitting at the hibachi grill means watching your chef flip shrimp, create onion volcanoes, and toss eggs with impressive skill. The steak is cooked to your preference, and the fried rice is loaded with vegetables and egg. Portions are large enough to share or take home leftovers.

The sushi bar offers fresh options for those who prefer traditional Japanese dishes. Everything is prepared with quality ingredients and attention to detail. The staff is friendly and attentive, making sure drinks stay filled and needs are met.

Birthday celebrations happen here frequently, with special treatment and dessert for the guest of honor. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. The combination of great food and entertaining preparation keeps customers coming back for decades.

14. The Chastain — Atlanta

Upscale Southern dining in a beautiful setting is what you’ll experience here. Located at 4320 Powers Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30342 this restaurant sits in a historic building near Chastain Park. The space combines elegance with a welcoming atmosphere that never feels stuffy or pretentious.

The menu changes seasonally, featuring locally sourced ingredients prepared with modern techniques. Southern classics get elevated treatment—think shrimp and grits with a gourmet twist or fried chicken that’s brined and perfectly seasoned. The bar program is impressive, with craft cocktails that complement the food beautifully.

Outdoor seating on the patio is popular during nice weather, surrounded by trees and greenery. Inside, the dining room features warm lighting and comfortable seating. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and can guide you through wine pairings.

This is the place for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something beyond everyday dining. Prices reflect the quality and presentation, but the experience justifies the cost. Reservations are definitely recommended, especially for weekend dinners.