The Best Soul Food Restaurants in Atlanta

If you're in the Atlanta area and are looking for some great soul food, there are several great places in Atlanta that you could visit. However, there are a few places that stand out that are sure to leave you coming back for more. Here is some helpful information on Atlanta soul food restaurants that will point you in the right direction if you have a craving for sweet potato pie, collard greens, or a healthy serving of fried chicken.

Gladys and Ron's Chicken and Waffles

This restaurant has become one of the staples of the Atlanta community and is located downtown, on the ever-popular Peachtree Street; the late hours and Sunday dinner fare make the location especially ideal. You'll get great appetizers like fried green tomatoes or salmon croquettes, and there are entrees to satisfy every food lover, if those that are not accustomed to soul food. Side dishes like candied yams sweetened with butter and brown sugar, macaroni and cheese made with a combination of quality cheeses, and collard greens (seasoned with turkey) are constant favorites, and the entrees, like fried or baked fish or fried chicken keep guests visiting the restaurant daily. Of course, the location's signature dish, chicken and waffles, is a treat for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Buttermilk waffles are cooked to perfection and paired with savory fried chicken for an unlikely combination that is undeniably tasty. Prices are affordable (usually under $15 per plate) and there are plenty of options for vegetarian diners as well.

Collard Green Cafe©

Collard Green Cafe© offers great soul food dishes for those living in the Norcross area of Atlanta. The restaurant is open for lunch and early dinner, and the health-conscious choices that the chefs create will allow you to eat soul food without feeling guilty. There are several baked and broiled seafood dishes to choose from, including tilapia and shrimp, and you can enjoy Southern favorites such as ribs or buttermilk fried chicken as well. The sweet tea is a tasty addition to any meal, and the great desserts, such as homemade banana pudding or sweet potato pie are so decadent and moist you'll definitely want seconds. You can check out the seasonal menu and price per plate online, and get directions to this soul food hot spot hidden in the Shallowford Road neighborhood.

Pascal's

If you're vacationing in Atlanta, this is the perfect spot. The restaurant is in the same building as the Castleberry Inn, which is a quality Atlanta hotel that is conveniently located downtown, close to prominent locations like the Georgia World Congress Center and the Georgia Dome. The menu is a little more sophisticated, but the soul food is still delicious. Health-conscious choices such as mixed greens, baked potatoes, and fresh fruit are available for those trying to watch calories, and hometown favorites like smothered chicken, chicken and dumplings, and fried fish are appealing parts of the menu as well. The ambience is very inviting and perfect for a first date or anniversary celebration. The service is great, and the wait staff is very knowledgeable about the menu.

The spots are great for soul food, but Atlanta has plenty of restaurants that offer Southern fare, no matter what part of the city you're in. Visit these spots the next time you're in the city for some soul food you'll never forget. Enjoy!