11 Must Try Hole-In-The-Wall Restaurants in Atlanta

There’s nothing like an unexpected find, a hidden gem, a delicious secret that you simultaneously want to shout about from a rooftop and keep completely to yourself. Here are 11 around the metro Atlanta area to add to your list!

1. Bismillah Cafe

This restaurant has a smaller footprint than pretty much any restaurant we’ve ever been to, but it has been serving great and affordably priced biryanis and shawarmas for years to the delight of Chamblee and Buford Highway residents and beyond. It’s better to pick up and go from here! 

2. Dat Fire Jerk Chicken

226 Northside Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Drive up to Mercedes Benz Stadium and you’ll probably notice this vividly painted red, green and yellow shack, the colors of the Jamaican flag . Will you wait practically forever? Yes. Is the food fire? Also yes. We love the extra sweetness their jerk chicken has, and of course the plantains always hit just right. 

3. Estrellita

This small but outstanding Filipino joint in Grant Park is making delicious Filipino food easier to find in Atlanta. Chef Walter Cortado is cooking up favorites he had from his mother growing up. Expand your palette and dig into Filipino favorites like Lumpia Shanghai, Crispy Pata, Shrimp Pancit, Bone Marrow with Pandesal, and Lichen Kawali.

4. Merhaba Shawarma

4188 E Ponce de Leon Ave, Clarkston, GA 30021

Clarkston has a ton of interesting and fabulous eats we are just beginning to explore, thanks to its high population of newly settled refugees from all over the world. But something delicious we’ve already discovered is this little mom and pop shop, Merhaba Shawarma, that’s killing it with filling and mouth watering gyro plates, served with a spicy sauce we’d love to drizzle over everything!  

5. Mi Barrio

571 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

There’s not a lot of things better than a divey little neighborhood Mexican spot. This Grant Park outpost has a smattering of it all, from fresh ceviche tostadas, to huge enchiladas served with a heaping side of rice and beans, to huge servings of refreshing horchata. 

6. Nick’s Food To Go 

240 Martin Luther King Jr Dr SE Atlanta, GA 30312

This spot is definitely the most quintessential “hole-in-the-wall” spot on this whole list. It *literally* is a hole in the wall with a picnic table or two outside and a bunch of tires, for some reason. But it’s here you can find some of the very best gyros in town. It’s even a favorite of famous Atlanta Chef Kevin Rathbun. Get a side of the spanakopita or try the baklava for dessert. It’s all delish! 

7. Southern Queenz 

1648 Memorial Dr SE D, Atlanta, GA 30317

Don’t overlook Southern Queenz! This intimate spot and Black-owned brunch spot has sweet alcoholic drinks that go crazy and a menu full of flair.  Try the fruity pebble French toast or cookies & cream chicken & waffles if you’re looking for sweet, or dig into the fried catfish and grits for something savory. Their dinner service is equally delicious, with turkey necks, lamb chops, and oxtails to choose from! Make reservations! 

8. El Trompo

11877 Douglas Rd #113, Alpharetta, GA 30005

This Alpharetta outpost has been a favorite for tacos for years! You can find this local favorite in an assuming spot in a Kroger shopping plaza. The flavors are fabulous and have kept diners coming back time and time again for years. Go during off-hours to avoid a wait. 

9. Po Boy Shop

Head to Decatur where it’s greater for the best po boy outside of New Orleans. You can find this casual and delicious spot in an unassuming strip mall. Head to the bar downstairs for pool and games. It’s definitely a chill dive bar feel, yet the food is outrageously good.

10. Poco Loco ATL 

2233 College Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30317

ATL needs more burrito spots, but for now we at least have Poco Loco ATL! The breakfast burrito is killer, and their menu is creative and always changing.

11. Julianna’s Crepes

775 Lake Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

Before the Beltline was the behemoth that is now is, there was sweet little Julianna’s. Don’t let this unassuming little spot for crepes fall of your radar when you meander up and down the Beltline. Featuring both sweet and savory crepes, Jualianna’s is the perfect place to start your day or stop in for a heavy snack.