College Park, Ga is where it all goes down!
We live, work, eat, and play in every part of town!
Explore this soulful, historic city with a distinct personality. Located just south of Atlanta, it offers a blend of small-town charm and major-league energy.
Come visit and see what makes dining in College Park special.
EAT IN COLLEGE PARK, GA
The "Main Street" Dining Scene
College Park’s Main Street has quietly become a foodie destination, particularly for brunch and Southern fusion.
Parking: There is street parking along Main Street, but it fills up fast. There is a public lot behind the shops on College Street. The College Park MARTA station is located on East Main Street within a few minutes of many shops on Main Street.
Reservations: Most of these spots (especially the brunch ones) are very popular. I recommend checking OpenTable or Resy, as "walk-in only" policies are common on weekends.
Famous Brunch & All-Day Breakfast
The Breakfast Boys: A trendy "social breakfast" spot known for jerk chicken and waffles and creative cocktails.
The Real Milk & Honey: Highly popular for its award-winning shrimp and grits and decadent biscuits. It often has a line, so arrive early.
Johnny’s World Famous Chicken & Waffles: Celebrity-owned (Ne-Yo) spot specializing in—you guessed it—crispy chicken and fluffy waffles.
C’est La Vie Cafe: A cozy French-inspired cafe offering coffee, pastries, and light breakfast/lunch options
Casual Dining & Pub Fare
Brake Pad: A local staple in a converted gas station. It’s the best spot for a burger and a beer on the patio while watching the trains go by.
Nouveau Bar & Grill: A lively spot with a "vibe dining" atmosphere, known for its DJ-led brunches and salmon sliders.
Aye Tea Elle: An elevated tapas and cocktail lounge perfect for a late-night drink and shared plates.
Southern & Soul Fusion
Tom, Dick & Hank: A fusion BBQ spot offering everything from traditional smoked meats to seafood-topped baked potatoes.
Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar: Authentic Gullah-Geechee soul food. The "Rice & Gravy" and "Gullah Fries" are must-tries in a very stylish, art-filled space. (TEMPORARILY CLOSED)
Captain D's: For a quick, classic southern seafood fast food.
The "Virginia Avenue" Entertainment District
While Main Street is known for its historic charm and brunch scene, Virginia Avenue is the city’s high-energy corridor. It serves as the primary link between many airport hotels and the local neighborhood, offering a mix of long-standing local favorites and international flavors. There tends to be plenty of parking.
International Flavors
Bole Ethiopian Restaurant: Widely considered one of the best Ethiopian spots in the metro area. It’s famous for its colorful vegetarian platters and doro wat (spicy chicken stew) served on fresh injera.
Zubi’s Taco Kitchen: A vibrant spot for elevated street tacos. Their Birria tacos and Jerk Chicken tacos are local favorites, and they have a great selection of craft beers.
La Fiesta: A classic, dependable Mexican restaurant known for large portions, strong margaritas, and a festive atmosphere.
Famous Brunch & All-Day Breakfast
Buttermilk Biscuit: Southern-inspired breakfast favorites in a warm, trendy atmosphere
Party of Five: A brunch boutique restaurant known for its seafood entrees and cocktails
Casual Dining & Pub Fare
Manchester Arms: A hidden gem housed in a quaint historic cottage. It’s a British-style pub serving high-quality comfort food like Fish & Chips and Shepherd’s Pie. It has one of the best patios in the city.
Mellow Mushroom: A reliable stop for stone-baked pizzas and a massive craft beer list in a funky, art-filled environment.
Southern Comfort Food
Barbecue Kitchen: An old-school institution. Don’t let the simple name fool you; it’s a "meat-and-three" style diner that has been serving the community (and hungry travelers) since the 1960s.
Lickety Split Southern Kitchen & Bar: A fast-casual spot perfect for soulful comfort food like fried chicken, BBQ ribs, and homemade hoecakes.
Quick Bites & Coffee
Drip Thru Coffee: A double-sided drive-thru espresso hut that is perfect for a high-quality caffeine fix on your way to the airport.
Blimpie: Located in the same plaza as Zubi's, offering quick sub sandwiches
The "Old National" Business District/College Park
The intersection of Old National Highway and Godby Road is a bustling commercial hub. This district is known for late-night spots, bold flavors (especially Caribbean and soul food), and convenient fast-casual options. The Old National area is one of the busiest corridors in southern Fulton County. Many of these restaurants (especially Harold's and Legend Cafe) stay open very late (often until 2:00 AM or 3:00 AM), making it the primary destination for food after events at the Gateway Center or late-night arrivals at the airport.
Signature Wings & Soul
Harold’s Chicken & Ice Bar (Old National): A legendary Chicago import. It’s famous for fried chicken and catfish "fried hard" with mild sauce. This location is a major social hub with a full bar and a lively evening atmosphere.
Legend Cafe: A go-to for late-night cravings. They specialize in "legendary" wings (try the Honey Lemon Pepper), Philly cheesesteaks, and fried rice.
American Deli: Located right in the heart of the shopping centers here, this is a local staple for classic wings, subs, and gyros.
Caribbean & International
Tropical Cuisine: A well-loved spot for authentic Caribbean dishes like oxtail, curry goat, and jerk chicken. It's known for generous portions and traditional flavors.
Fast-Casual & Quick Bites
Wrap-A-Lot Fresh Express: Located on Godby Road, this is a local favorite for those looking for something a bit lighter, specializing in fresh wraps, salads, and smoothies.
Piccadilly Cafeteria: A long-standing Southern institution for "meat-and-three" style dining. It’s great for a sit-down meal with options like fried fish, roasted chicken, and various Southern sides.
Taco Bell & McDonald - Both have large, high-traffic locations right near the Godby Road intersection if you need something quick and familiar.
Breakfast & Brunch
Let’s Do Brunch: The menu features signature dishes like savory waffles, sweet crepes, indulgent French toast, and hearty egg dishes, often paired with Southern-style sides. Currently, delivery or takeout only