Atlanta is home to some of the best Southern food in the country, but that’s not all this city is known for. From BBQ joints, to authentic Italian pizza, to basic brunching, Atlanta has it all.
Just in case you can’t tackle every restaurant in Atlanta’s massive food scene, we’ve narrowed it down to the top 28 things you need to eat in ATL before you die. And there was just no possible way for us to rank these, so you must visit them all.
On your mark, get set, go.
1. Fried Chicken at Mary Mac’s
Photo courtesy of Rebecca Son
If you want real, Southern fried chicken, this is the spot. For over 70 years, Mary Mac’s has been considered the epitome of homestyle, Southern cooking. It was even officially declared as Atlanta’s Dining Room by the Georgia House of Representatives. Now that’s legit.
2. A Hotdog at The Varsity
Photo courtesy of The Varsity
“What’ll ya have?” A hotdog. That’s what you’ll have.
3. A Burger at The Vortex
Photo courtesy of The Vortex
If you just turned 21 and you’re feeling super edgy, this is the place for you. Posters of half naked girls, smoking bar, and killer burgers. You can’t go wrong.
4. An Avenue A Bagel at The General Muir
Photo courtesy of Sara Kotcher
We may not be in New York, but these bagels are just as good. Trust us.
5. Chicken Parm at Gio’s Chicken Amalfitano
Photo courtesy of Eric Solomon
Mama Mia! This will seriously make your mouth water. Like ours is. Right now. Looking at this picture.
6. Pizza at Antico
Photo courtesy of Anabelle Kaplan
This is hands-down the best pizza in Atlanta. Or basically anywhere. It even scored a spot on Business Insider’s “The Best Pizza in 10 Big Cities Around The US”.
7. A Cheeseburger at Holeman and Finch
Photo courtesy of Holeman and Finch
Previously only available at 10 o’clock, this bad boy is now available all the time. So now you have no excuse to not try this burger.
8. A Popsicle at King of Pops
Photo courtesy of Danielle Ball
Whether you’re at a farmer’s market, Whole Foods, a local festival, or even on campus, you can always find the ever-enticing rainbow umbrella that sells the most delicious popsicles ever. Chocolate Sea Salt is our personal favorite.
9. The Oshi Roll at Miso Izakaya
Photo courtesy of Eric Solomon
If you’re trying to stack up some Insta likes, this looks really pretty. This beautiful sushi masterpiece tastes better than it looks.
10. Any Sandwich at Sawicki’s
Photo courtesy of Danielle Ball
Literally all of them. One of them even has french fries in it. Yes.
11. Texas Fries at Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q
Photo courtesy of Danielle Ball
Fries drenched in BBQ sauce, covered with chopped brisket or pulled pork, jalapeños and melted cheese. If this doesn’t get you going, you’re wrong.
12. Chicken And Waffles at 10th & Piedmont
Photo courtesy of 10th & Piedmont
Do you like corn dogs? Do you like chicken and waffles? If you answered yes to both of these questions, this is your dream dish.
13. Maple Bacon Cheddar Doughnut at Sublime Doughnuts
Photo courtesy of Lois Johnson
We know this sounds so bizarre, but we promise you won’t regret it. Only sold on Saturdays, so get out of bed and inhale at least four of these doughnuts.
14. S’more Bread Pudding at Saltyard
Photo courtesy of Olivia Sahlman
You know that feeling when you think you’re super full, and then you look at the dessert menu and you’re suddenly ravenous. This is what that feels like.
15. Acai Bowl at Kale Me Crazy
Photo courtesy of Danielle Ball
Kale me crazy for wanting to be healthy, but we didn’t know what love was until we tasted this.
16. Nutella Pancakes at Rise-n-Dine
Photo courtesy of Sara Kotcher
Need we say more?
17. Brown Butter Almond Brittle at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Photo courtesy of Anabelle Kaplan
The flavors are so unique, that it will take you at least 10 tasters before you can decide which flavor you’ll get.
18. Grilled Cheese at Folk Art
Photo courtesy of Eric Solomon
Ooey. Gooey. Toasty. Crispy. Buttery. Folk Art has everything you’ve ever wanted in a grilled cheese, plus more.
19. A Steak at Bones
Photo courtesy of Morgan Goldberg
You’ll probably only go here when your parents are in town, so order the biggest, juiciest piece of meat on the menu.
20. Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice at Umi
Photo courtesy of Sara Kotcher
Ladies/fellas. If you’re trying to impress your significant other, get out your wallet and treat that beautiful person to some spicy tuna crispy rice at Umi.
21. Sesame Fries at Takorea
Photo courtesy of Takorea
Step 1: Order them. Step 2: Drench them in Chipotle ketchup. Step 3: Devour them. Step 4: Repeat steps 1-3 as many times as you deem fit.
22. Chicken 65 at Zyka
Photo courtesy of Zyka
This chicken will forever hold a special place in your heart.
23. Eggs Benedict at West Egg Cafe
Photo courtesy of Rebecca Son
You might have to wait two hours for a table, but trust us when we say that this breakfast is totally worth it.
24. Crispy Brussel Sprouts at Yeah! Burger
Photo courtesy of Danielle Ball
Now you can call your mom and tell her you that you really have been eating your vegetables (but don’t tell her that they’re covered in cheese).
25. Lobster Macaroni and Cheese at Poor Calvin’s
Photo courtesy of Poor Calvin’s
Are you familiar with Southern comfort and Thai fusion? We weren’t either. But OMG we are so glad that Poor Calvin’s exists. Especially because of their lobster mac.
26. Beet-cured Salmon at Buttermilk Kitchen
Photo courtesy of Eric Solomon
If you love smoked salmon, you can’t miss this. We wouldn’t steer you wrong.
27. Bubble Tea at Sweet Hut Bakery & Cafe
Photo courtesy of Sweet Hut
With flavors ranging from Honey Jasmine Green Milk Tea to Taro Milk Tea, you’ll definitely become a regular at Sweet Hut.
28. Vegetarian Platter at Desta Ethiopian Kitchen
Photo courtesy of Desta Ethiopian Kitchen
Even the non-vegetarians will want this.
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