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50 Outstanding Black-Owned Restaurants in Atlanta

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on February 6, 2020 and last updated February 1, 2024. 

One of the things that makes Atlanta a Great American City is our Black history and culture. And dining at locally-owned, minority-owned businesses is a great (and delicious) way to support Atlanta’s fabric. Here are some of the best Black-owned bars restaurants in Atlanta! Restaurants listed below in no particular order.

1. Anansi Cocktail Lounge

2700 E College Ave Ste 4000 Decatur, GA 30030-3913

An ultra cool, upscale cocktail lounge opened just last year in Decatur. Find a selection of expertly crafted classic and signature cocktails, plus a few mocktails, too. This lounge has a few bar bites, but is not a full-service restaurant. However, it’s Decatur, so you’ll find no shortage of great restaurants nearby

2. Gocha’s Breakfast Bar

3695 Cascade Rd, Atlanta, GA 30331

Gocha Hawkin’s is serving up so much brunch realness, plus lots of vegan friendly dishes! Expect affordably priced Southern favorites like shrimp ‘n grits and biscuits that are “better than yo momma’s.” Find this joint on Cascade Rd!

3. Dat Fire Jerk Chicken

226 Northside Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Right outside Mercedes Benz Stadium in a small, colorful shack is a helluva meal. Get some real delicious Jamaican cuisine right at this spot–amazing jerk chicken with a homemade jerk sauce you’ll want to drizzle straight into your mouth. Gotta pair it with some perfectly sweet plantains. Try the jerk chicken cheese fries!

 

4. Capers

1635 Old 41 Hwy NW Ste 403 Kennesaw, GA 30152

This family-owned spot is cooking everything up with flavor. Whether you indulge in the seafood or dig into their lamb, you’re going to make your tastebuds happy. The service is always excellent and the dining room is spacious, but reservations are recommended for weekend nights. 

 

5. Roc South Cuisine

3009 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30329

This Buford Highway spot has all the good stuff. Collard greens, mac and cheese, oxtails, catfish, and grits. You’ll love the grown and sexy vibes and blue velvet touches throughout. It’s elevated soul food right on Buford Highway!

6. Pit Boss BBQ

800 Doug Davis Dr, Atlanta, GA 30354

Pit Boss BBQ is a total dive, hole-in-the-wall, line-out-the-door gem in Hapeville. Atlanta airport area folks have known for years that this is the place you want to go if you want phenomenal barbecue. Their smoked wings are truly some of the best we’ve tasted!

Just Add Honey Tea Interior, showing the team in our black-owned restaurants in Atlanta article | Photo: Facebook/justaddhoney
Just Add Honey Tea Interior | Photo: Facebook/justaddhoney

7. Just Add Honey Tea Shop

684 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

For a break from the hustle and bustle of the Beltline, step into the peaceful, quiet, and cute-as-a-button Just Add Honey tea shop, owned by Brandi and Jermail Shelton. They have the coziest of seating and an ample selection of teas that make this place a wonderful spot to catch up with a friend or get some reading done.

8. Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks

Multiple Locations

You’d be hard-pressed to find an Atlanta restaurant with more of a cult following than Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks. Derrick Hayes used to drive all the way to Philadelphia just for that authentic cheesesteak taste, and he has perfected the sandwich and is now slinging some of Atlanta’s, if not the world’s, best. He first opened up in a Shell gas station, where lines would stretch on and on from his hungry fans before he set up shop at his Downtown Atlanta location before further expanding with a Dunwoody location and food truck. Wear stretchy pants, and try the cheesesteak egg rolls!

9. Tassili’s Raw Reality Cafe

1059 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30310

How does chef/owner Tassili Ma’at make raw vegan so delicious? We have no idea, but her giant kale wraps (we love the Punany Wrap especially!), curried plantains, and Carob Climax Brownies have all the flavor you could ever want. Find this woman-owned, Black-owned restaurant in the historic West End.

Hippin Hops Brewery's Owners Clarence and Donnica Boston | Photo: Instagram/hippinhopsbrewery
Hippin Hops Brewery’s Owners Clarence and Donnica Boston | Photo: Instagram/hippinhopsbrewery

10. Hippin Hops Brewery

1308 Glenwood Ave SE. Atlanta, GA

Hippin Hops Brewery is Georgia’s first African-American owned brewery, and they are truly making a name for themselves with both creative pours and food that’s far from basic. For sour beer fans, their “So Peachy” sour beer is a delight and for seafood fans, their New Orleans themed menu is going to rock your world. They also have just opened a second location in East Lake, so pretty soon you’ll be able to enjoy Hippin Hops anywhere! 

11. Busy Bee Cafe

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

A true Atlanta institution! Busy Bee was founded in 1947 at the height of the segregation era by self-taught cook, Lucy Jackson and is still Black-owned today by restaurateur Tracy Gates. Find this gem on Memorial Drive, just a short drive from Mercedes-Benz stadium. Order up some candied yams and finish your meal with their “ol’ fashioned banana puddin’.”

12. Gilly Brew Bar

5329 Mimosa Dr, Stone Mountain, GA 30083

This cute-as-a-button coffee shop is temporarily closed for renovations, but it’s one worth keeping your eye one. It’s in Stone Mountain and serves up creative drinks while capturing some Southern historic charm. The light-filled interiors of this two-hundred year old, pre-Civil War house has been lovingly renovated and restored by owner Daniel Brown. There’s a wraparound patio  with hammocks upstairs, making this place the perfect place to relax in fair weather. As for the menu, everything they serve is reasonably priced and their specials include their housemade “elixirs” that are much more creative than your usual latte. 

13. Chef Rob’s Caribbean Cafe

5920 Roswell Rd #117, Atlanta, GA 30328

Chef Rob is the sauce king! Take a trip to the North Buckhead / Sandy Springs area to try his fall-off-the-bone oxtails and show-stopping grilled shrimp skewers. It’s the ultimate comfort food. Or catch his food truck roaming around town!

14. Slutty Vegan ATL

Multiple Locations

Everyone all over Atlanta and beyond has heard about Black-owned Slutty Vegan. And the hype is real! This isn’t your bland kale salad, carrot juice type of vegan spot—it’s cheat day, cheesy, tasty, craveworthy vegan food you’ll dream about all week long. Pinky Cole was serving impossible burgers way before they were cool, and just one taste of her creation and you’ll see why the lines are so long and pretty much every ATL celeb has been spotted here.

15. K & K Soul Food

881 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

Pull up to the counter to order up some deliciousness on a plate. This no frills spot is serving up delicious soul food at breakfast, lunch, and dinner–and has been for over 40 years. Try the cheese grits, gorge on fried chicken, and dig into some cornbread at K&K Soul Food.

Not As Famous Cookie Sandwich showing classic vanilla ice cream, one of our featured black-owned restaurants in Atlanta | Photo: Courtesy of Not As Famous Cookie
Not As Famous Cookie Sandwich | Photo: Courtesy of Not As Famous Cookie

16. Not As Famous Cookie

1080 Windy Hill Rd SE Suite 300, Smyrna, GA 30080 ⠀

We love any excuse to indulge in a warm, ooey gooey cookie! Ashley Carlton is the owner of this food truck turned gourmet bake shop, serving up cookie shakes, cookie skillets, ice cream cookie sandwiches, and more. And everything is made using the secret recipes that his father came up with 40 years ago. No preservatives to be found anywhere, and only real butter, fine chocolates, and premium sugar are used in this spot’s gourmet treats. You can find their food truck roaming around town or at their brick and mortar location at 1080 Windy Hill Rd SE, #300 in Smyrna, GA! 

17. The Real Milk & Honey

3719 Main St College Park, GA 30337

Head to College Park for a brunch you’ll always remember. You’ll love the over-the-top presentation and heaping portions with Southern delights like a southern fried lobster and grits and smothered chicken and biscuits. Best part? Brunch is served on weekdays and weekend evenings too, because they understand it’s all too hard to make it out of bed before 3pm on the weekends. Thank y’all!

Paschal's Fried chicken.
Paschal’s Fried Chicken | Photo: Instagram/paschalsrestaurant

18. Paschal’s

180 Northside Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Paschal’s, nestled in Castleberry Hills, has been an Atlanta staple for soul food for over six decades. The prices are super reasonable, and the fried chicken hits the spot every time. The takeout system makes it easy to order all time.

19. Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours

1133 Huff Rd NW, Atlanta, GA, 30318

Seafood macaroni and cheese, Jack Daniels honey pecan wings, and a fried apple pie are just some of the menu highlights at this excellent Blandtown/Westside spot from Chef Deborah VanTrece. It’s soul food and Southern food, but more upscale and very creative. Get twisted with their house-infused moonshine flight!

20. Local Green Atlanta

19 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30314

You don’t have to eat unhealthy to eat well. Local Green Atlanta is serving food that’s as healthy as it is delicious. And for owner Zak Wallace, it’s part of a mission to bring food that’s both nutrient-rich and affordable to food deserts in Atlanta. You can enjoy their mostly plant-based menu in Vine City.

21. Garden Parc

792 Cascade Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30310

Hello, brunch realness! This West End brunch spot and Instagram dream is all about the experience. They have all your brunch favorites served in a tableside buffet/all you can eat format for a two-hour window, plus an hour of complimentary mimosas. The experience comes in a little pricier at $60 per person without tax and tip, but it’s the ultimate thing to do when you’re in the mood to treat yourself! 

22. Ms. Icey’s Kitchen & Bar

1371 Clairmont Rd, Atlanta, GA 30033

For some Caribbean flavor, head to Ms. Icey’s Kitchen & Bar in Decatur. Start your meal with skillet cornbread, order the strip club wings, and try the jerk lamb chops for a taste bud explosion!

23. Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar

3721 Main St, College Park, GA 30337

Another College Park gem right beside the Real Milk & Honey, Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar is a place to enjoy Gullah Geechee flavor and family recipes passed down from generation to generation. Expect scrumptious rice dishes, “bussin’ cornmuffins” and an “afta church plate” that’ll have you coming back again and again. Honestly, salivating just thinking about it. The vibes here are also fantastic, and it’s perfect for brunch as well! They also are now open in Conyers and West Midtown. 

Sublime Donuts - Donuts
Sublime Donuts – Donuts

24. Sublime Donuts

Multiple Locations

This 24-hour Atlanta mainstay and its over-the-top donuts have been satisfying sweet tooths for years. Founded by Kamal Grant, Sublime makes gourmet, artisan donut flavors like s’mores, Buttercup, and strawberry cream (the BEST). Find them by Georgia Tech, in the Mercedes-Benz stadium, and in North Druid Hills!

25. Urban Grind

962 Marietta St NW Atlanta, GA 30318

This cozy, shabby-chic coffeehouse in West Midtown is a great study spot with tasty blended frappucino-like drinks, but they also get extra kudos for all of their community event offerings that give local artists, musicians and comedians a chance to be heard. Head to Urban Grind on Thursday evenings for open mic poetry.

26. B&L Wings

800 Forrest St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

This pick-up and delivery only spot has wings that are so good, they were listed as the favorite meal in ALL of 2019 by not one, not two, but THREE Atlanta Eats staffers. Innovative flavors, ranch-fried okra, and a wet lemon pepper sauce that’ll surely satisfy alllll your tastebuds. See why our editor OJ and production assistant Matt love them so much on their episode of Lunch Wars!  And follow them on Instagram to get your fix.

27. Cafe Bourbon Street

680 Murphy Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30310

There’s a cajun food truck with a line that stretches on and on most weekends. And the reason why is pretty simple: beignets. Jambalaya egg rolls. Bourbon ranch fries. Cajun Shrimp baskets. And the portions are generous, too. Check them out on Instagram for their schedule and go see what the hype is all about!

28. Toast on Lenox

2770 Lenox Rd Suite B-1 Atlanta, GA 30324

Hey there, brunch realness! The folks behind this Buckhead brunch spot really know what they’re doing. Just listen to this menu, y’all: lobster waffles. Honey fried chicken. Cajun seafood dip. Salmon croquette. Bananas foster french toast. Are you salivating yet?! Be sure to make a reservation! They also are now open in Midtown. 

 

29. Just Brunch

1950 Satellite Blvd Suite 400, Duluth, GA 30097

Chef Keith Kash has done it again with Just Brunch, which if you ask us is just awesome. Find a mix of flavors with everything from a healthier açai bowl to a lobster and shrimp grilled cheese to bananas foster french toast to a Korean fried chicken cornbread waffle stack. And did we mention the interiors are absolutely beautiful?! Be sure to check out his other restaurant ventures, Who’s Got Soul cafe and Who’s Got Soul Southern Grill.

30. The Corner Grille

3823 Main St, Atlanta, GA 30337

The Corner Grille is a neighborhood favorite in College Park serving a blend of Creole and American flavors. On the weekends, they serve brunch and offer meals like shrimp and grits, omelets, chicken and waffles, and beignets. For lunch and dinner, you’ve got options from a shrimp po boy and the cajun chicken sandwich to a lovely lamb shank or cajun seafood pasta. Everything here is loaded with flavor, and the plates are hearty portions! If you’ve been craving a filling meal that is seasoned to perfection, check out The Corner Grille. 

31. Atlanta Breakfast Club

249 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Chef Anthony Sanders’ Atlanta Breakfast Club has been a staple of Downtown Atlanta for years. Don’t believe us? Just look at the line out the door any weekend morning. One bite of their chicken and waffles, and you’ll be in love.

 

32. Breakfast At Barney’s

349 Decatur St SE Unit A1, Atlanta, GA 30312

A newcomer to the Atlanta dining scene, Breakfast At Barney’s is providing a delicious and creative brunch menu in the most beautiful of atmospheres. It’s the perfect place to have brunch and get boozy. Want to get a little fancy? Try their 14 karat gold topped pancakes. Want to get REALLY fancy? Try their $1,000 “Mansa Musa” tower that’s a combo of the 14 karat gold pancakes, the yard bird platter, fried lobster and grits, 1 bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut, and serves up to four guests. 

33. Slim & Husky’s

Multiple Locations

“Pizza Rules Everything Around Me” is the mantra for this pizza spot with Nashville roots. This nationally acclaimed pizza chain incorporates fresh ingredients plus a love of hip-hop into every pie they make. Slim & Husky’s was started by a group of three, old college roommates: Clinton Gray, Derrick Moore, and Emanuel Reed. Here’s a secret for your next visit: be sure to order up the cinnamon rolls. Any flavor is AWESOME, but get the Halle Berry one just because she’s amazing. It’s all delicious. 

34. Zaddy’s

1197 Peachtree St NE, Ste 150 Atlanta, GA 30361 

For #bigbreadbigmeat, head to Zaddy’s. This elevated deli specializes in XXL sandwiches. Find it in Politan Row in Colony Square. Try the PMC Smoked Turkey or the Cajun Lemon Pepper Tuna.

35. Desta Ethiopian Kitchen

Multiple Locations

Ask anyone where to get amazing Ethiopian food and 9 times out of 10, they’ll say Desta. Owners and Ethiopian immigrants Ash Nega and Titi Demise have been serving Ethiopian staples for years. The meat tibs and injira are phenomenal, and their perfectly spiced vegetable platter will convert even the most hardcore carnivore. It was even named one of the best meals we ate all year in 2019, by our Atlanta Eats pastry chef, Jon. 

36. Plant Based Pizzeria

730 Barnett St NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

The vegan dining scene in Atlanta is heating up, and much of it is thanks to the talented Black chefs and entrepreneurs in our city. If you want to really fall into a food coma, try their cheese burger pizza with vegan cheese, tater tots, beyond meat, and more. Um. Wow!

 

37. Black Bear Tavern

1931 Peachtree Rd, NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Atlanta has always been a City on the rise, with folks all over the country packing up and heading down to the Empire State of the South. That’s what owner Timmy Phillip did and why his Black Bear Tavern is an oasis for Chicago expats living in ATL.  They’ve got every Cub, Bulls, Bears and Blackhawk game on, but if you’re not a fan of the Windy City sports team, you’ll find plenty to love on the menu. Next time you’re in Brookwood Village, or driving up on Peachtree, stop by and enjoy the company of Second City’s own.

38. The James Room

661 Auburn Ave NE STE 280, Atlanta, GA 30312

This cocktail lounge is a vibe. Step into a chic but unassuming Parisian cafe, walk through a door, and you’ll find a hidden speakeasy in the back. With live music on Tuesdays and R&B nights on Wednesdays, The James Room is a place for grown and sexy people who want to have a fun and upbeat night without hitting the club. The bartenders know what they’re doing, too. Try the Lost in Translation for an excellent Japanese whisky based drink, or the Espresso En Noir for a sexy take on the espresso martini. 

39. My Fair Sweets

This boutique bakery will fulfill all your candy fever dreams! Kandace Hunter is the self-taught brains and talent behind this operation, and she’s been baking her fabulous cakes for 11 years! Her cakes are almost too pretty to eat… almost. 

 

40. Tom, Dick & Hank

Multiple Locations

This hole-in-the-wall spot over in College Park and Downtown strives to make every visit feel like the family reunion BBQs of your childhood.  Try their “barbecue with a soul” twist meals of turkey ribs, cornbread, and mac and cheese. Food coma = achieved.

 

41. Mustard Seed BBQ

Multiple Locations

Talk about BBQ. This veteran owned restaurant is absolutely a trip worth making. Mustard Seed BBQ is an underrated spot in Fairburn and the Atlanta airport is serving up some BBQ realness. Their BBQ sauces have a mustard base, and even if you think mustard isn’t your thing, trust us, it’s phenomenal. Make the trip today! 

42. Southern Fire Kitchen

3375 Buford Hwy NE Ste 1050 Atlanta, GA 30329

Buford Highway has all the good spots, and now there’s an excellent, reasonably priced soul food and Southern spot you can enjoy. Think mac & cheese, fried chicken, yams. Get the fried lobster bites! 

43. The Breakfast Boys

3387 Main St College Park, GA 30337

Brunch is the most important meal of the day and The Breakfast Boys sure know how to do it right! The atmosphere is top notch with a vibrant color scheme and fun decorations throughout. The menu is also over-the-top with items like chicken and pancakes, lobster mac & cheese, and “the sweet chick” which is a breakfast sandwich on a croissant loaded with swiss cheese, chicken sausage, a fried egg, and the house jam with your choice of watermelon, breakfast potatoes, grits, or a salad on the side. Everything on this menu is so filling and so flavorful! However, it doesn’t stop there. No brunch is complete without a boozy drink so try the peach kiss or French connection with your meal. 

Juiceheads ATL, photo of healthy vegan food from one of the black-owned restaurants in Atlanta | Photo: Facebook/juiceheadsatl
Juiceheads ATL | Photo: Facebook/juiceheadsatl

44. Juiceheads ATL

2591 Piedmont Rd NE #1110, Atlanta, GA 30324

After all the soul food and Carribean food you try from this list of Black-owned restaurants in Atlanta, you’re gonna want a refreshing juice. So get your refreshing smoothies, juices, acai bowls, and plant-based burgers from Juiceheads ATL and a support an Atlanta Black-owned restaurant! 

45. The Bando

3050 M.L.K. Jr Dr SW suite M, Atlanta, GA 30311

The Bando has to be one of the most unique restaurants in Atlanta, with some of the best wings! They really thought outside of the box that’s one part culture museum and one part wing spot. The museum has artifacts and memorabilia from the 90s and is made to look like an abandoned house, and you can complete your visit by trying their powdered sugar dusted “crack wings.” 

Apt 4B - Oxtail Hummus | Photo: Facebook/apt4b
Apt 4B – Oxtail Hummus | Photo: Facebook/apt4b

46. Apt 4B

2293 Peachtree Rd Unit B, Atlanta, GA 30309

Apt 4b is serving up all the flavors of the Caribbean but with a unique twist! This funky Buckhead spot is headed by Chef Dayana Joseph, the Haitan-born creative mastermind behind inventive fare like oxtail hummus, tamarind glazed short ribs, and oxtail bucatini. We gotta give kudos to her for taking our Caribbean favorites and remixing them into something new and just as delicious! Apt 4b also has a great atmosphere and fantastic cocktails, so make this upscale spot your next girl’s night or date night destination! 

47. Fin & Feathers

Multiple Locations

It’s a vibe. For “Nu American” Soul in a sexy environment in the heart of Edgewood, try Fin & Feathers. You’re going to have trouble figuring out if your food, your cocktail, or the music is better.

48. The Beverley

790 Glenwood Ave SE Ste 260 Atlanta, GA 30316

This comfy sports bar is a casual and fun hangout spot, with a great brunch menu, too. Try their jerk chicken eggrolls! 

49. Yay Beignet

660 Irwin St NE Atlanta, GA 30312

When you’ve got a beignet craving in Atlanta, nowhere else compares to the powdered sugar goodness they are serving up at Yay Beignet. Order yours up with an Ethiopian cafe. And if you really want to go full New Orleans, try their cajun fish biscuit too!

50. Barrio ATL

2310 Cascade Rd Atlanta, GA 30311

This lively restaurant in Cascade Heights has a little bit of everything! Spicy margaritas, great birria tacos and consome, and a Mexican Soul food take on classic ramen. They’ve got great brunch offerings for the girlies, too, with three variations of French toast named Girls Love Brunch #1, Girls Love Brunch #2, and Girls Love Brunch #3. One of them is a churro crunch French toast!! You must try!! 
 

Check Out Other Delicious Black-Owned Restaurants from Cities Across America on American-Eats.com

Use our map below to find Black-owned restaurants in Atlanta near you!

Popbar
Gocha’s Breakfast Bar
Dat Fire Jerk Chicken
Hattie Marie’s BBQ
Roc South Cuisine
Pit Boss BBQ
Just Add Honey Tea Shop
Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks
Tassili’s Raw Reality Cafe
GAS Food Truck
Busy Bee Cafe
Ann’s Snack Bar
Chef Rob’s Caribbean Cafe
Slutty Vegan ATL
K & K Soul Food
Not As Famous Cookie
The Real Milk & Honey
Le Petit Marche
Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours
Local Green Atlanta
Old Lady Gang Southern Cuisine
Ms. Icey’s Kitchen & Bar
Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar
Sublime Donuts
Urban Grind
B&L Wings
Cafe Bourbon Street
Bankhead Seafood
Who’s Got Soul Cafe
Jamrock
Atlanta Breakfast Club
Breakfast At Barney’s
Slim & Husky’s
Big Oak Tavern Restaurant
Desta Ethiopian Kitchen
Plant Based Pizzeria
The Fill Up Station
Krab Queenz ATL
Tom, Dick & Hank
Ray’s Southern Foods
Southside Chicago BBQ
Viva La Vegan ATL
Juiceheads ATL
Fin & Feathers
Ghion Cultural Hall
Clues and Cocktails Atlanta Restaurant
Popbar

These aren’t just popsicles! Enjoy handcrafted gelato, yogurt, and sorbet served on a stick. This Alpharetta spot is family-owned and operated by Jamaal and Charel Palmer. Indulge your sweet tooth with their creamy, signature hot chocolates, mouthwatering waffle pops, and decadent gelato shakes!

Gocha’s Breakfast Bar

Gocha Hawkin’s is serving up lots of vegan friendly dishes. Expect affordably priced Southern favorites like shrimp ‘n grits and biscuits that are “better than yo momma’s.” Find this joint on Cascade Rd!

Dat Fire Jerk Chicken

Right outside Mercedes Benz Stadium in a small, colorful shack is a helluva meal. Get some real delicious Jamaican cuisine right at this spot–amazing jerk chicken with a homemade jerk sauce you’ll want to drizzle straight into your mouth. Gotta pair it with some perfectly sweet plantains. Try the jerk chicken cheese fries!

Hattie Marie’s BBQ

This College Park joint is a great family spot with an amazing brisket sandwich, perfectly smoked wings, and jaw-dropping giant dino beef ribs! It’s all cooked low and slow, Texas-style with a bit of Louisiana influence make this a black-owned restaurant in Atlanta not to be missed.

Roc South Cuisine

This Buford Highway spot has all the good stuff. Collard greens, mac and cheese, oxtails, catfish, and grits. It’s soul food right on Buford Highway!

Pit Boss BBQ

We just discovered Black-owned Pit Boss BBQ, a total dive, hole-in-the-wall, line-out-the-door gem in Hapeville, but airport area folks have known for years that this is the place you want to go if you want phenomenal barbecue. Their smoked wings are truly some of the best we’ve tasted!

Just Add Honey Tea Shop

For a break from the hustle and bustle of the Beltline, step into the peaceful, quiet, and cute-as-a-button Just Add Honey tea shop, owned by Brandi and Jermail Shelton. They have the coziest of seating and an ample selection of teas that make this place a wonderful spot to catch up with a friend or get some reading done.

Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks

You’d be hard-pressed to find an Atlanta restaurant with more of a cult following than Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks. Derrick Hayes used to drive all the way to Philadelphia just for that authentic cheesesteak taste, and he has perfected the sandwich and is now slinging some of Atlanta’s, if not the world’s, best. He first opened up in a Shell gas station, where lines would stretch on and on from his hungry fans before he set up shop at his Downtown Atlanta location. Wear stretchy pants, and try the cheesesteak egg rolls!

Tassili’s Raw Reality Cafe

How does chef/owner Tassili Ma’at make raw vegan so delicious? We have no idea, but her giant kale wraps (we love the Punany Wrap especially!), curried plantains, and Carob Climax Brownies have all the flavor you could ever want. Find this woman-owned, Black-owned restaurant in the historic West End.

GAS Food Truck

GAS Food Truck is serving up creative and BLAZIN’ cannabis-themed eats all over town. Started by vegan couple Kelli Marshall and Jef Flemming who wanted to bring some more tasty and delicious vegan options to Atlanta, GAS Food Truck serves up a “How High” New York-style chopped cheese that we literally dream about. The bread. The cheese. Need it now! You can find GAS Food Truck at vegan festivals all around town and posted up in DecaturFollow them on Instagram to see where they’ll be next.

Busy Bee Cafe

A true Atlanta institution! Busy Bee was founded in 1947 at the height of the segregation era by self-taught cook, Lucy Jackson and is still Black-owned today by restaurateur Tracy Gates. Find this gem on Memorial Drive, just a short drive from Mercedes-Benz stadium. Order up some candied yams and finish your meal with their “ol’ fashioned banana puddin’.”

Ann’s Snack Bar

Support Black-owned businesses in the most delicious of ways with Ms. Ann Price’s famous ghetto burger, a perfectly delicious and saucy mess that’s sure to leave you in the best kind of post-gluttony haze. It’s been named the best burger in America by the Wall Street Journal. Ms. Ann Price passed away a few years ago, but her legacy lives on through her sister Josephine Culver who has taken over operations.

Chef Rob’s Caribbean Cafe

Chef Rob is the sauce king! Take a trip to North Buckhead/ Sandy Springs area to try his fall-off-the-bone oxtails and show-stopping grilled shrimp skewers. It’s the ultimate comfort food. Or catch his food truck roaming around town!

Slutty Vegan ATL

Everyone all over Atlanta and beyond has heard about Black-owned Slutty Vegan. And the hype is real! This isn’t your bland kale salad, carrot juice type of vegan spot—it’s cheat day, cheesy, tasty, craveworthy vegan food you’ll dream about all week long. Pinky Cole was serving impossible burgers way before they were cool, and just one taste of her creation and you’ll see why the lines are so long and pretty much every ATL celeb has been spotted here.

K & K Soul Food

Pull up to the counter to order up some deliciousness on a plate. This no frills spot is serving up delicious soul food at breakfast, lunch, and dinner–and has been for over 40 years. Try the cheese grits, gorge on fried chicken, and dig into some cornbread at K&K Soul Food.

Not As Famous Cookie

We love any excuse to indulge in a warm, ooey gooey cookie! Ashley Carlton has been the owner of this truck for 5 years, serving up gourmet cookie shakes, cookie skillets, ice cream cookie sandwiches, and more. And everything is made using the secret recipes that his father came up with 40 years ago. No preservatives to be found anywhere, and only real butter, fine chocolates, and premium sugar are used in this truck’s gourmet treats. You can find this food truck at their brick and mortar location at 1080 Windy Hill Rd SE, #300 in Smyrna, GA!

The Real Milk & Honey

Head to College Park for a brunch you’ll always remember. You’ll love the over-the-top presentation and heaping portions with Southern delights like a southern fried lobster and grits and smothered chicken and biscuits. Best part? Brunch is served on weekdays and weekend evenings too, because they understand it’s all too hard to make it out of bed before 3pm on the weekends. Thank y’all!

Le Petit Marche

Le Petit Marche is a Kirkwood staple! You know it’s good because lines are almost always out the door. Their griddle cakes are something to be remembered, but if you want real decadence, order up their French Toast sandwich, stuffed with scrambled eggs and bacon. Yummm.

Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours

Seafood macaroni and cheese, Jack Daniels honey pecan wings, and a fried apple pie are just some of the menu highlights at this excellent Blandtown/Westside spot from Chef Deborah VanTrece. It’s soul food and Southern food, but more upscale and very creative. Get twisted with their house-infused moonshine flight!

Local Green Atlanta

You don’t have to eat unhealthy to eat well. Local Green Atlanta is serving food that’s as healthy as it is delicious. And for owner Zak Wallace, it’s part of a mission to bring food that’s both nutrient-rich and affordable to food deserts in Atlanta. You can enjoy their mostly plant-based menu in Vine City at 19 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd NW.

Old Lady Gang Southern Cuisine

“The Real Atlanta Housewives” star Kandi Burruss-Tucker opened up this venture in East Point/Castleberry/State Farm Arena. You’ll love the patio, the bar offerings, and the good-old fashioned southern food at this hot spot.

Ms. Icey’s Kitchen & Bar

For some Caribbean flavor, head to Ms. Icey’s Kitchen & Bar in Decatur. Start your meal with skillet cornbread, order the strip club wings, and try the jerk lamb chops for a taste bud explosion!

Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar

Another College Park gem right beside the Real Milk & Honey, Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar is a place to enjoy Gullah Geechee flavor and family recipes passed down from generation to generation. Expect scrumptious rice dishes, “bussin’ cornmuffins” and an “afta church plate” that’ll have you coming back again and again. Honestly, salivating just thinking about it.

Sublime Donuts

This 24-hour Atlanta mainstay and its over-the-top donuts have been satisfying sweet tooths for years. Founded by Kamal Grant, Sublime makes gourmet, artisan donut flavors like s’mores, Buttercup, and strawberry cream (the BEST). Find them by Georgia Tech, in the Mercedes-Benz stadium, and even in Bangkok, Thailand!

Urban Grind

This cozy, shabby-chic coffeehouse in West Midtown is a great study spot with tasty blended frappucino-like drinks, but they also get extra kudos for all of their community event offerings that give local artists, musicians and comedians a chance to be heard. Head to Urban Grind on Thursday evenings for open mic poetry, Wednesday evenings for open mic music, and Tuesday evenings for open mic comedy.

B&L Wings

This pick-up only spot has wings that are so good, they were listed as the favorite meal in ALL of 2019 by not one, not two, but THREE Atlanta Eats staffers. Innovative flavors, ranch-fried okra, and a wet lemon pepper sauce that’ll surely satisfy alllll your tastebuds. See why our editor OJ and production assistant Matt love them so much on their episode of Lunch Wars!  And follow them on Instagram to get your fix.

Cafe Bourbon Street

There’s a cajun food truck setting up shop at popular food truck park Triton Yards with a line that stretches on and on most weekends. And the reason why is pretty simple: beignets. Jambalaya egg rolls. Bourbon ranch fries. Cajun Shrimp baskets. And the portions are generous, too. Check them out on Instagram for their schedule and go see what the hype is all about!

Bankhead Seafood

An iconic staple in Atlanta, Bankhead Seafood was  family-owned and operated for more than 50 years. They recently shuttered their doors in 2018 and were immediately scooped up for purchase by Killer Mike and T.I. to save this Atlanta favorite.  Their brick and mortar location is still being renovated but you can find their food truck all over town, including regularly posted up at Triton Yards and Greenbrier Mall!

Who’s Got Soul Cafe

Turkey wings. Candied yams. Peach cobbler. Who’s Got Soul has it all! You’ll come back again and again for their catfish feast and affordably priced eats, just like your mom used to make it. Locations in Lawrenceville, Decatur, and Duluth.

Jamrock

Jamrock never disappoints when we need some amazing jerk chicken, stat. Their jerk has a bit of a hint of extra, dry spice, and we crave it always. It’s the perfect takeout or delivery option when you need something savory. One of our collection of favorite black-owned restaurants in Atlanta that are available on Uber Eats!

Atlanta Breakfast Club

Chef Anthony Sanders’ Atlanta Breakfast Club has been a staple of Downtown Atlanta for years. Don’t believe us? Just look at the line out the door any weekend morning. One bite of their chicken and waffles, and you’ll be in love.

Breakfast At Barney’s

A newcomer to the Atlanta dining scene, Breakfast At Barney’s is providing a delicious and creative brunch menu in the most beautiful of atmospheres. It’s the perfect place to have brunch and get boozy. Want to get a little fancy? Try their 14 karat gold topped pancakes. Want to get REALLY fancy? Try their $1,000 “Mansa Musa” tower that’s a combo of the 14 karat gold pancakes, the yard bird platter, fried lobster and grits, 1 bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut, and serves up to four guests.

Slim & Husky’s

“Pizza Rules Everything Around Me” is the mantra for this pizza spot with Nashville roots. This nationally acclaimed pizza chain incorporates fresh ingredients plus a love of hip-hop into every pie they make. Slim & Husky’s was started by a group of three, old college roommates: Clinton Gray, Derrick Moore, and Emanuel Reed. Here’s a secret for your next visit: be sure to order up the cinnamon rolls. Any flavor is AWESOME, but get the Halle Berry one just because she’s amazing. It’s all delicious.

Big Oak Tavern Restaurant

This new restaurant and tavern in Roswell, GA had the bad luck of opening up this past February right before the pandemic hit, but we have faith that Nate and his team are going to make it because their food is TRULY phenomenal and they’re already a staple in the Roswell community. Their patio is open at this time, and they’re also offering super affordable $15 “Soul Food Sundays and Mondays” serving alllll the good stuff.

Desta Ethiopian Kitchen

Ask anyone where to get amazing Ethiopian food and 9 times out of 10, they’ll say Desta. Owners and Ethiopian immigrants Ash Nega and Titi Demise have been serving Ethiopian staples for years. The meat tibs and injira are phenomenal, and their perfectly spiced vegetable platter will convert even the most hardcore carnivore. It was even named one of the best meals we ate all year in 2019, by our Atlanta Eats pastry chef, Jon.

Plant Based Pizzeria

The vegan dining scene in Atlanta is heating up, and much of it is thanks to the talented Black chefs and entrepreneurs in our city. If you want to really fall into a food coma, try their cheese burger pizza with vegan cheese, tater tots, beyond meat, and more. Um. Wow!

The Fill Up Station

Order online. Fill yourself up with delicious lobster bites, fried oreos, Thai wings. Annnd repeat. The Fill Up Station over on Greenbriar Parkway will bust diets left and right, and we’re not mad about it at all. That’s what spandex was made for.

Krab Queenz ATL

Krab Queenz is another new, Black-owned restaurant in the ATL dining scene, and you can try their seafood boils, poh boys, and fried crab legs via UberEats and support this local business today. Originally started by comedian Kwaylon Rogers in Houston, Texas, Krab Queenz in Atlanta has diners raving about their heaping platter portions and giant candy infused drinks! Find them downtown.

Tom, Dick & Hank

This hole-in-the-wall spot over in Downtown strives to make every visit feel like the family reunion BBQs of your childhood.  Try their “barbecue with a soul” twist meals of turkey ribs, cornbread, and mac and cheese. Food coma = achieved.

Ray’s Southern Foods

Y’all didn’t know the southside had good food??? Ray’s Southern Foods in Forest Park is a total hidden gem serving up all-star BBQ and southern food . And they’re doing affordable family meals with menu items like catfish nuggets, smoked chicken, and beef brisket with heaping sides. It’s a steal!

Southside Chicago BBQ
Viva La Vegan ATL

Viva La Vegan is the type of spot that creates meals that will have you SHOCKED that they’re vegan. Diners rave about their shrimp po boys, their one-of-a-kind dill fries, and their buffalo cauliflower sub!

Juiceheads ATL

After all the soul food and Carribean food you try from this list of black-owned restaurants in Atlanta, you’re gonna want a refreshing juice. So get your refreshing smoothies, juices, acai bowls, and plant-based burgers from Juiceheads ATL and a support an Atlanta Black-owned restaurant!

Fin & Feathers

It’s a vibe. For “Nu American” Soul in a sexy environment in the heart of Edgewood, try Fin & Feathers. You’re going to have trouble figuring out if your food, your cocktail, or the music is better.

Ghion Cultural Hall

We’re always down for Ethiopian, and this Cheshire Bridge Rd spot is *seriously* underrated. No, the ambiance isn’t fancy, but the food is phenomenal and this is one of our favorite black-owned restaurants in Atlanta that we highly recommend you visit. Try their one-of-a-kind honey wine for a delicious end to your meal.

Clues and Cocktails Atlanta Restaurant

For a restaurant, bar, and escape room all mixed in one, head to owner Joy Christina’s extra creative venture in Edgewood! You’re gonna love the geechee influenced cuisine from their South Carolina chefs and craft cocktails. Joy writes on her website that she “was inspired to create this space after feeling bored while hanging with friends at a bar who were so deeply absorbed in their cellphones. This concept forces customers to put down their electronics and engage with one another.” Definitely making this place a spot to visit–once you feel safe doing so.

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