Food lovers rejoice, Atlanta is a food mecca! The city has everything from classic Southern cooking to haute cuisine. The greater Atlanta metro area has some of the best food in the state, if not the country. Keep reading to discover our top ten picks for the best places to grab a bite to eat in Atlanta.
10. The Varsity
A blast from the past. The Varsity’s claim to fame is that it is the World’s Largest Drive-in Restaurant. The restaurant can park up to 600 cars, but if you don’t want to eat in your car, the restaurant can hold more than 800 people inside. What should you order? The most popular dishes are their hot dogs and homemade fried pies. Wash it all down with an orange shake and you’ll be in retro heaven.
9. Cibo e Beve
While Cibo e Beve has only been open for two years, it’s quickly become a favorite among Roswell residents. The restaurant serves up classic Italian food and is popular for its traditional style pizzas. Monday is a great night to visit, as the restaurant’s bar tenders will teach you how to make a classic cocktail.
8. Waffle House
The Waffle House is a cultural icon of the south eastern United States. While there are Waffle Houses in many states, the original is from Georgia and the company’s headquarters are located in Gwinnett County. You won’t find anything fancy at the Waffle House, but you will enjoy comfort food like waffles, steak and eggs and smothered hash browns. Every Waffle House is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
7. Bacchanalia
If you’re planning on splurging on a meal while in Atlanta, be sure to make a reservation at Bacchanalia. Bacchanalia serves contemporary American style cuisine. While dishes can be ordered a la carte, most diners choose to order the 5 course, pre-fix menu for $85. The menu changes frequently, but local meats, seafood and produce are always highlighted. You can’t go wrong with any of their scallop dishes.
6. Lotus Vietnamese Cuisine
Tucked away in the suburbs of Duluth, you’ll find some of the best Vietnamese in the state. The prices can’t be beat and the portion sizes are huge – a win-win! If it’s your first visit, we recommend trying the Pho Ga. Don’t miss the Vietnamese coffee either!
5. World of Coke
So it’s not a ‘bite’ exactly, but the World of Coke is a must visit for anyone visiting Atlanta. The World of Coke is part of Coca-Cola headquarters and is open to the public. You can visit interactive exhibits and the best part is that you can sample Coke products from around the world. You’ll be able to find out if the Coke in Mexico really tastes better and see what unique flavors of soda the French are drinking.
4. Disco Latino Panaderia and Bakery
This bakery makes some of the best Latin baked goods in the city. It’s worth making an early morning visit to this Roswell bakery for their delicious churros which are only available before noon. In addition to baked good, you can also choose from Mexican classics like tamales, and chicharron pupusa.
3. The Porter Beer Bar
In addition to providing great, local craft beer, the Porter Beer Bar also has some fantastic food. There are some great mains like Shrimp n’ Grits but we recommend ordering a bunch of the starters and sharing them with your dining companions. The Salt and Vinegar Popcorn is a must order!
2. Busy Bee Café
Craving some traditional Southern Soul Food? Head on down to the Busy Bee Café. You’ll have a tough time choosing from home-style dishes like fried chicken, ham hocks and BBQ ribs. While you can eat inside, most people take out.
1. Farmer’s Markets
Going out to eat is great, but to truly enjoy some of the best food Atlanta has to offer, you’ll have to visit a farmer’s market. There are a number of markets across the city selling fresh local produce and artisan foods. Spend a morning wandering through the stalls. Many booths provide samples, making it easy to find new favorites. Then pick up what you need to make a wonderful meal and bring it back to your InTown Suite’s kitchen where you can prepare a flavorful dinner. Whether you cook up an elaborate 3-course meal, or just choose a couple of blocks of gourmet cheese to go with some crackers, you’re sure to have a delicious meal! If you’re visiting in season, be sure to pick up some of Georgia’s world famous peaches.