14 Georgia Soul Food Spots Where Every Plate Feels Like Home
Soul food is more than just a meal it’s a celebration of culture, history, and the love that goes into every dish.
Georgia has some of the best soul food restaurants in the country, serving up fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread that taste just like grandma’s cooking.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these spots will make you feel like family from the moment you walk in.
1. Mary Mac’s Tea Room
Walking into this historic eatery feels like stepping back in time to a simpler, warmer era.
Located at 224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, it has welcomed guests since 1945.
The menu is packed with Southern staples like fried okra, pot roast, and sweet peach cobbler that melts in your mouth.
Servers treat everyone like old friends, making sure your glass stays full and your plate stays loaded.
The decor is cozy and traditional, with checkered tablecloths and friendly chatter filling the air.
Every dish is made with recipes passed down through generations.
You leave feeling satisfied and already planning your next visit.
2. Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room
Sharing a meal with strangers around a big table is an experience you won’t forget.
This beloved restaurant sits at 107 W Jones St, Savannah, GA 31401, inside a beautiful home from the 1870s.
Family-style service means bowls of fried chicken, black-eyed peas, and fresh cornbread get passed around until everyone is stuffed.
There’s no menu—you simply sit down and enjoy whatever the kitchen has prepared that day.
The communal dining creates a sense of togetherness that’s rare in modern restaurants.
Conversations flow easily as you reach for seconds and thirds.
It’s a true taste of Southern hospitality at its finest.
3. H & H Restaurant
Music history and mouthwatering soul food come together at this Macon treasure.
The address is 807 Forsyth St, Macon, GA 31201, and it’s been serving since 1959.
The Allman Brothers Band used to eat here regularly, giving the place a cool rock-and-roll vibe alongside the home-cooked meals.
Fried pork chops and collard greens are customer favorites, cooked with care and seasoned to perfection.
The atmosphere is down-to-earth and welcoming, with photos of famous guests lining the walls.
Portions are generous, so come hungry and ready to enjoy every bite.
It’s a place where good food and great stories are always on the menu.
4. Thumbs Up Diner
Breakfast lovers rejoice at this cheerful spot where soul food meets morning classics.
Head over to 573 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312, for a meal that’ll fuel your whole day.
The shrimp and grits are creamy and savory, with perfectly seasoned shrimp in every spoonful.
Pancakes are fluffy and golden, served with butter and syrup that drips down the sides.
The vibe is laid-back and fun, with colorful decor and upbeat music playing softly in the background.
Service is quick and friendly, so you’re never waiting long for your food.
It’s the perfect place to start your morning with a smile and a full stomach.
5. This Is It! Southern Kitchen & Bar-B-Q
Barbecue and soul food come together in perfect harmony at this beloved Atlanta institution.
Located at 1133 Hank Aaron Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30315, it’s been a neighborhood favorite for decades.
Ribs are smoky and tender, falling off the bone with just a gentle tug.
The sides are just as impressive, from creamy coleslaw to baked beans that taste like they came straight from a backyard cookout.
Seafood options add variety, with fried catfish and shrimp that are always fresh and flavorful.
The casual atmosphere makes it easy to relax and enjoy your meal without any fuss.
It’s comfort food at its absolute finest.
6. Colonnade Restaurant
Southern cooking has been done right here since 1927, making it one of Atlanta’s oldest restaurants.
You’ll find it at 1879 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324, still serving the same beloved recipes.
The fried chicken is crispy and perfectly seasoned, while the mashed potatoes are smooth and buttery.
Vegetables are cooked low and slow, bringing out deep flavors that remind you of Sunday dinners at grandma’s house.
The dining room has a classic, timeless feel that transports you to a different era.
Regulars have been coming here for generations, passing down their love for the food to their kids and grandkids.
It’s a true Atlanta treasure worth discovering.
7. South City Kitchen Midtown
Modern twists on traditional Southern dishes make this upscale spot a standout in Atlanta’s dining scene.
Visit at 1144 Crescent Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, for an elevated take on soul food classics.
The fried green tomatoes are topped with goat cheese and a tangy remoulade that adds a gourmet touch.
Shrimp and grits come with a rich, flavorful sauce that takes the dish to the next level.
The atmosphere is stylish yet welcoming, perfect for a date night or special celebration.
Cocktails are creative and pair beautifully with the food, adding to the overall experience.
It’s soul food with a sophisticated spin that still feels comforting and satisfying.
8. The Beautiful Restaurant
Healthy soul food might sound like a contradiction, but this spot proves it’s absolutely possible.
Located at 2260 Cascade Rd SW, Atlanta, GA 30311, it offers guilt-free versions of your favorite comfort dishes.
The menu features baked chicken instead of fried, along with fresh vegetables and whole grains.
Flavors are still rich and satisfying, so you never feel like you’re missing out on taste.
The bright, clean dining space feels fresh and inviting, matching the wholesome food philosophy.
It’s a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy soul food without the heaviness.
You can feel good about what you’re eating while still enjoying every delicious bite.
9. Old Lady Gang
Celebrity chef Kandi Burruss brings her family recipes to life at this popular restaurant with multiple locations.
The original sits at 375 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, named after her mother and aunts.
Chicken and waffles are a signature dish, with crispy fried chicken perched on top of fluffy, golden waffles.
The mac and cheese is creamy and addictive, while the collard greens are seasoned to perfection.
The decor is stylish and modern, with touches that honor the family matriarchs who inspired the menu.
Service is attentive and friendly, making sure every guest feels like part of the family.
It’s a place where great food and warm hospitality come together beautifully.
10. Atlanta Breakfast Club
Brunch gets a soulful upgrade at this energetic spot where the food is as lively as the atmosphere.
Find it at 249 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, ready to serve up morning favorites with a twist.
The salmon croquettes are crispy outside and tender inside, served with eggs and grits for a complete meal.
French toast is thick and custardy, dusted with powdered sugar and served with fresh fruit.
The space is bright and modern, with big windows that let in plenty of natural light.
Music and conversation create a buzzing energy that makes every meal feel like a celebration.
It’s the perfect spot for weekend brunch with friends or family.
11. Green’s Beverages – Ponce De Leon
Vegetarian soul food might sound unusual, but this spot makes it work beautifully.
Located at 685 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, it serves plant-based versions of Southern classics.
The black-eyed peas are hearty and flavorful, cooked with spices that make them taste rich and satisfying.
Cornbread is moist and slightly sweet, perfect for soaking up the juices from your greens.
The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, attracting vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Portions are generous, so you definitely won’t leave hungry.
It’s a great way to enjoy soul food while keeping things light and healthy.
12. The Busy Bee Cafe
Few places capture the spirit of true Southern cooking quite like this legendary Atlanta spot.
You’ll find it at 810 Martin Luther King Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314, where it has been serving hungry diners since 1947.
The fried chicken here is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, paired perfectly with tender collard greens and golden cornbread.
Locals and visitors alike line up for a taste of history on every plate.
The walls are filled with photos and memories from decades of service.
You can feel the energy and love in every bite.
It’s the kind of place where strangers become friends over shared meals and good conversation.
13. Paschal’s Restaurant
History and flavor blend seamlessly at this iconic spot that played a role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Find it at 180 Northside Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30313, where activists once gathered to plan and organize.
The fried chicken is legendary, with a crispy coating that stays crunchy bite after bite.
Mac and cheese is creamy and rich, the kind that sticks to your ribs in the best way.
Dining here means being part of a legacy that goes far beyond great food.
The walls hold stories of courage, community, and change.
It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves soul food with a side of significance.
14. Poor Calvin’s
Comfort food meets creative cocktails at this trendy spot in the heart of Atlanta.
You’ll find it at 510 Flat Shoals Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316, serving up soul food with a modern edge.
The fried catfish is crispy and flaky, served with tangy tartar sauce and a side of collard greens.
Drinks are inventive and strong, with bartenders who know how to mix the perfect cocktail to complement your meal.
The vibe is cool and laid-back, with eclectic decor and a diverse crowd of diners.
It’s a neighborhood favorite where locals come to unwind after a long day.
Good food, good drinks, and good company make this a winning combination.
