12 Georgia Soul Food Buffets That Feel Like A Hug From Grandma

Soul food buffets across Georgia serve up more than just meals.

They offer memories, traditions, and flavors that remind you of family gatherings around Grandma’s table.

From crispy fried chicken to creamy mac and cheese, these restaurants deliver comfort on every plate.

1. Bee Cafe

Walking through the doors here feels like stepping back in time to when recipes were passed down through generations.

The address is 810 M.L.K. Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314.

Crispy fried chicken sits alongside perfectly seasoned collard greens that cook low and slow until they melt in your mouth.

Cornbread comes out warm with just the right amount of sweetness.

Since 1947, families have gathered at these tables to share stories and meals.

Civil rights leaders once met here to plan their next moves over plates piled high with Southern goodness.

Every bite carries history and heart.

The banana pudding alone is worth the trip, with layers of vanilla wafers that soften just right.

2. Sweet Potatoes Kitchen

Fried green tomatoes get a spotlight here that they truly deserve.

You’ll find this gem at 531 Stephenson Ave, Savannah, GA 31405.

The tangy crunch pairs beautifully with creamy remoulade that adds a kick without overwhelming your taste buds.

Sweet potato soufflé steals the show as a side dish that tastes more like dessert.

Light and fluffy with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, it reminds you of holiday dinners at Grandma’s house.

Traditional recipes get modern touches without losing their soul.

Portions come generous, so bring your appetite.

The staff treats everyone like family, checking in to make sure your sweet tea glass stays full.

Savannah’s charm extends to every corner of this cozy spot.

3. Ole Times Country Buffet

Buffet lines stretch long with options that make choosing just one plate impossible.

Located at 24033 US-80, Statesboro, GA 30461, this spot knows how to feed a crowd.

Mac and cheese bubbles with multiple cheese varieties that create the perfect creamy texture.

Fried chicken comes out crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside.

Rustic wooden tables and country decorations create an atmosphere that feels like eating at your cousin’s farmhouse.

Banana pudding sits in a huge bowl at the dessert station, calling your name.

You can go back for seconds, thirds, or however many trips it takes to try everything.

Green beans simmer with bits of ham that add smoky flavor.

Save room for the peach cobbler if you can.

4. Bulloch House

Victorian architecture surrounds you while you enjoy food that hasn’t changed in decades.

The address is 70 Broad St, Warm Springs, GA 31830, housed in a beautifully restored home.

Butter beans cook until they’re tender and seasoned with just enough salt and pepper.

Fried chicken arrives golden brown with a crackly crust that shatters when you bite into it.

High ceilings and elegant woodwork make you feel fancy even while eating comfort food with your hands.

Multi-layered chocolate cake towers on the dessert menu, each slice rich enough to share.

The porch offers outdoor seating when weather permits.

Sweet tea comes in mason jars that keep it cold.

Servers know the menu inside and out, offering suggestions based on what came out of the kitchen freshest.

5. K & K Soul Food

Piling your plate high is encouraged at this buffet-style favorite that’s been serving since 1968.

You’ll find it at 881 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW, Atlanta, GA 30318. Smothered pork chops swim in rich gravy that begs for a biscuit to soak it all up.

Yams come candied with brown sugar and butter until they practically glow.

Lines form early because locals know the good stuff goes fast.

Fried chicken remains a staple that never disappoints, seasoned with a secret blend of spices.

Banana pudding appears in individual cups, making portion control slightly easier.

Collard greens simmer with smoked turkey for hours until the flavors marry perfectly.

The casual atmosphere lets you relax and focus on what matters the food on your plate and the people at your table.

6. Mary Mac’s Tea Room

Servers still write down your order on paper tickets, keeping traditions alive in a world that rushes too fast.

Located at 224 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, this institution has fed Atlanta since 1945. Pot roast falls apart with just a fork, braised until it practically melts.

Sweet potato soufflé comes topped with pecans that add crunch to the creamy base.

Vegetables get cooked Southern-style, meaning they simmer long enough to develop deep flavors.

The dining room buzzes with conversation as strangers become friends over shared bowls of turnip greens.

Biscuits arrive hot and fluffy, perfect vehicles for butter or honey.

Iced tea flows freely, sweetened just right.

You’ll leave with a full belly and probably a to-go box because portions don’t skimp.

7. Paschal’s Restaurant

History lives in every corner of this establishment that served as a meeting place for civil rights icons.

The address is 180 Northside Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30313, standing proud since 1947.

Fried chicken comes with a crispy coating that stays crunchy even after it cools down.

Macaroni and cheese gets baked until the top forms a golden crust while staying gooey underneath.

Black-eyed peas simmer with onions and seasonings that make them taste nothing like the canned version.

Photos on the walls show famous faces who once sat in these very booths.

Cornbread muffins arrive in a basket, still warm from the oven.

The buffet rotates daily specials that keep regulars coming back to try new dishes.

Peach cobbler finishes the meal with fruit that tastes like summer in Georgia.

8. South City Kitchen Midtown

Upscale takes on traditional dishes surprise your taste buds without feeling pretentious.

You’ll discover this spot at 1144 Crescent Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, where modern meets classic.

Fried green tomatoes get stacked with goat cheese and dressed with a tangy sauce.

She-crab soup warms you from the inside out with chunks of sweet crabmeat floating in creamy broth.

The Sunday brunch buffet spreads across multiple stations, offering everything from shrimp and grits to fresh fruit.

Exposed brick and large windows create an airy space that feels both sophisticated and welcoming.

Buttermilk fried chicken arrives juicy with a hint of cayenne in the breading.

Cheese grits come stone-ground and cooked low until they reach perfect creaminess.

The cocktail menu impresses with Southern-inspired drinks that pair beautifully with the food.

9. Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room

Family-style serving means you’ll share tables and pass dishes to complete strangers who quickly become dining companions.

Located at 107 W Jones St, Savannah, GA 31401, this legendary spot operates on a first-come basis.

Fried chicken piles high on platters that get passed around until everyone’s had their fill.

Collard greens, black-eyed peas, and candied yams crowd the table in bowls that never seem to empty.

Conversations flow as easily as the sweet tea while you reach across for another helping of cornbread.

No menus exist because the meal changes daily based on what’s fresh and what Mrs. Wilkes would have cooked.

Lines form before opening, so arrive early.

The communal experience creates connections between travelers and locals alike.

Banana pudding ends the feast on a sweet note.

10. The Colonnade Restaurant

Operating since 1927, this Atlanta landmark has perfected the art of Southern comfort over nearly a century.

The address is 1879 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324, serving generations of families.

Fried chicken livers might sound unusual, but one bite converts even the skeptical.

Turkey and dressing appears on the menu year-round, not just during holidays, with sage-scented stuffing that tastes like Thanksgiving.

Squash casserole bubbles with cheese and a buttery cracker topping.

The cafeteria-style line moves quickly despite the crowds, with friendly staff ready to explain any unfamiliar dishes.

Macaroni and cheese achieves the perfect balance between creamy and firm.

Fresh vegetables rotate seasonally, prepared simply to let their natural flavors shine.

Save room for coconut cream pie that towers high with fluffy meringue topping.

11. Thelma’s Kitchen

Oxtails braised until they fall off the bone showcase cooking skills that take years to master.

You’ll find this treasure at 768 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, tucked away but worth finding.

Rich gravy coats each piece, begging to be sopped up with white bread or rice.

Fried catfish comes out crispy with cornmeal breading that adds texture without overpowering the mild fish. Cabbage cooks down with smoked meat until it becomes silky and flavorful.

The small dining room fills quickly with regulars who guard their favorite dishes like family secrets.

Peach cobbler arrives warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into the cinnamon-spiced filling.

Portions satisfy even the heartiest appetites. Cash is preferred, so stop by the ATM before you go.

12. Thumbs Up Diner

Breakfast meets soul food in creative ways that make morning meals feel special.

The address is 573 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312, serving all day long.

Shrimp and grits get elevated with plump shrimp sautéed in garlic butter over creamy stone-ground grits.

Chicken and waffles arrive as a towering stack with crispy fried chicken balanced on top of fluffy Belgian waffles.

Real maple syrup and hot sauce sit on every table so you can customize your sweet-and-savory ratio.

The retro diner vibe includes checkerboard floors and vinyl booths that squeak when you slide in.

Salmon croquettes pair beautifully with cheese grits for a lighter option that still satisfies.

Coffee flows freely with refills appearing before your cup empties.

Weekend brunch brings crowds, but the wait passes quickly with mimosas in hand.