4 Best Places to Get Your Comfort Food Fix in Atlanta

Comfort food is designed to provide a feeling of warmth and well-being, reminding us of those childhood home-cooked meals that many of us never had thanks to technology and fast-paced living. Fortunately, there are a variety of restaurants in the Atlanta area where you can eat like a kid again as the cooler weather rolls in.

Mary Mac’s Tea Room

With countless pictures on the walls, conservative decor, and hand-painted artwork, you’ll think you’re dining at a well-to-do auntie’s home in the middle of Ponce de Leon Avenue. This down-to-earth restaurant features several different dining rooms, each with its own name and style.

First-time visitors to Mary Mac’s will be treated to complimentary goodies like their Pot Likker with cracklin’ bread. You can even ask to sample a dish. Besides the best sweet tea in town, folks rave about the fried green tomatoes, chicken tenders, sweet potato souffle, and tomato pie. Service is extraordinary, and staff is friendly.

Be warned, however, Mary Mac’s is hardly a secret. Tourists and locals alike will fill the place up quickly and it’s not uncommon to see a police officer directing traffic into their parking lot.

Home Grown

Located on Memorial Drive, Home Grown is true to its name, featuring farm-fresh chow that, in many cases, they’ve grown themselves. Its award-winning cuisine is served in a cheerful space that’s decorated with colorful art, and there’s a small curio shop full of treasures to take home.

They’re known for serving the best brunch in town, and folks line up for their plate-sized pancakes, heavenly fluffy biscuits, and chicken so tender you can cut it with a fork. Unlike some Southern food spots where collards are cooked in a sea of meat, Home Grown offers many vegetarian-friendly sides that are both tasty and healthy. They even offer an award-winning vegan sloppy joe!

Roasters

It may be in a shopping mall on Lenox Road, but don’t let that throw you; some of the best food in the state can be found at Roasters. Reasonable prices, fast service, and fresh ingredients are the hallmarks of Roasters. Their house brand BBQ sauce and homemade sauces complement the signature rotisserie chicken. Some of their more notable dishes are the black bean soup and the peach cobbler made with fresh peaches.

One Eared Stag

Dressy, sophisticated, and upscale, you can’t beat One Eared Stag for a comfort food-infused date night on Edgewood Avenue. It can get pretty busy, so you may want to make a reservation. They have an authentic farm-to-table philosophy, and their menu can change according to what’s in season.

Their top-notch comfort offerings include classics such as their Wisconsin grilled cheese, catfish platter, and fried green tomatoes. One popular item that’s not on the menu is the Meat Stick, a massive double burger with bacon-infused into the meat. Monday nights are particularly special, as it’s the only night they offer their famous pan-fried chicken. Be sure to arrive early so they’re not sold out!

Comfort food is found everywhere in the South, and some of the best in the world can be had right here in Atlanta. One bite and you’ll agree that it’s worth the extra trip(s) to the gym.