There are plenty of spots around Atlanta to find good food. Sometimes the most interesting restaurants are unassuming and off the beaten path. Atlanta has a plethora of neighborhood gems with wonderful food. If you go to these restaurants, you will see how unpretentious and focused on good flavor they are, rather than focusing on how upscale they are. Exploring the simple food scene Atlanta has to offer is an authentic way to get a real feel for the city. If you find yourself in the Atlanta area, you might consider trying some of these restaurants.
The Bucket Shop Cafe
This place is a legendary spot on Lenox Road that gives you a classic neighborhood bar feel without any frills. It sits right by the UGA business building and it is open super late so you can grab some hearty American pub food anytime you feel hungry. People really love their Reese’s peanut butter pie and the prices are just great for the area. You will definitely enjoy the casual vibes here when you want a relaxed meal with your friends.
Huskey’s Kitchen
Don’t let the name or the looks deceive you from the outside. From the front, this place is tiny and unassumingly basic, but step inside, and you’ll instantly be relaxed by the atmosphere. They serve up delicious chicken and waffles, but make sure to try a side of the shrimp and grits as well. It’s an example of a good restaurant that doesn’t need an ostentatious building because their food is more than enough to bring in the customers.
Busy Bee Cafe
This spot has been serving traditional Southern soul food since 1947 and it is totally beloved by locals. The cafe offers daily meat and three plates along with their famous fried chicken that even celebrities like Oprah Winfrey have enjoyed. You do not go here for fancy luxury stuff because it is all about comforting flavors and budget friendly prices. It just proves that you only need a plate of good food to be happy.
Home Grown
This is basically the definition of a no frills Southern breakfast experience in Atlanta. You walk in and it feels like an old school diner where the food is just honest and filling. They focus entirely on making hearty breakfast plates that keep you going for the whole day. Sometimes a simple country biscuit is way better than an expensive brunch platter.
Fox Bros Bar-B-Q
Located right at the intersection of Little Five Points and Candler Park this BBQ joint has a super casual setting with a nice patio. They offer slow roast ribs and pulled pork that will literally make your mouth water just by looking at them. It might just look like a basic eatery but they serve some of the popular BBQ plates around town. Grab some Southern sides and a stack of napkins because things will get messy and fun.
Desta Ethiopian Kitchen
This place was established by two Ethiopian immigrants and has grown into a major East African food staple in the city. It is a very popular spot known for serving exotic dishes and plenty of vegetarian options on soft injera bread. The setting is totally unassuming but the rich flavors of their kitfo will definitely fill you up nicely. It is basically food heaven without all the unnecessary fancy decorations.
Sceptre Brewing Arts
They are probably the most unassuming spot in town but they brew some really nice adult drinks in the heart of Oakhurst. These guys are not here to impress anyone with looks because they just want to give you great drinks in a relaxed space. It is completely worth the trip to try their stuff and then walk around the nice neighborhood. You can grab a drink and just chill out without worrying about a dress code.
Northside Tavern
If you want absolutely no frills and affordable drinks every single night then this is your destination. It is famous for its live jazz music and a very casual atmosphere that just feels incredibly authentic. The outside looks like it has been there forever and that is exactly the charm of it. You just go in there to listen to good music and enjoy the simple things in life.
Petit Chou
You will find this restaurant located in a very unassuming purple building down the street from Muchacho. They serve some great brunch food around and are well known for their French inspired menu options. It does not look like a high profile dining room but the flavors they put on the plate are just wonderful. People always end up coming back for their American breakfast plates because they taste so good.
Leon’s Full Service
This place is actually located inside a former gas station right off the Decatur Square which sounds crazy but it works. They offer some really inventive cocktails and craft adult drinks along with classic pub fare in a very laid back environment. Turning a gas station into a food spot is the ultimate no frills move and it just makes the experience way cooler. It is a fantastic place to hang out and grab a bite with good company.
