The ATL Airport District is home to a vibrant culinary scene with a rich array of Black-owned restaurants just minutes from the Atlanta airport. While this blog highlights 20 standout eateries, it’s by no means an exhaustive list; in fact, it's less than half! Whether you’re craving classic Southern comfort food, vegan delights, or globally inspired dishes, the District has something to satisfy every palate. Let’s dive in!
Aye Tea Elle
📍3755 College St, College Park, GA 30337
The trio of childhood friends opened Aye Tea Elle (ATL - get it?) in College Park to give Southsiders an upscale dining experience without having to go downtown or to Buckhead. Open Thursday - Saturday for dinner, their menu is full of tasty elevated tapas that pair perfectly with their selection of craft cocktails.
Bakes by Drae
📍1860 Harvard Ave, College Park, GA 30337
Satisfy your sweet tooth in College Park with a stop at Bakes by Drae. Located in a small space just off Downtown College Park's Main Street, you'll find a great assortment of goodies, from creative cakes (the banana pudding pound cake is *chef's kiss*), brownies, cinnamon rolls, cookies, and even vegan options. Stop by and treat yourself Friday - Sunday!
Bole Ethiopian Restaurant
📍1583 Virginia Ave, College Park, GA 30337
Since opening its doors in 2010, Bole Ethiopian Restaurant has proudly offered vibrant flavors and a lively, cultural experience to guests, serving authentic Ethiopian dishes to the College Park community.
The Breakfast Boys
📍3387 Main St, College Park, GA 30337
Located in College Park, The Breakfast Boys offers an all-day brunch experience that combines inventive dishes with a lively atmosphere. Their menu features unique takes on breakfast classics, such as pineapple upside-down French toast and jerk chicken with sweet potato waffles. The vibrant ambiance and creative cuisine make it a must-visit spot for brunch enthusiasts.
Buttermilk Biscuit
📍1634 Virginia Ave, College Park, GA 30337
Buttermilk Biscuit ATL in College Park is a cozy spot serving Southern-inspired breakfast and lunch dishes featuring their signature buttery, flaky biscuits baked fresh daily. Menu highlights include classics like shrimp and grits, fried chicken biscuit sandwiches, and house-made sides, offering a comforting taste of the South.
Buttersweet Bakery
📍625 N Central Ave, Hapeville, GA 30354
Buttersweet Bakery is the sweetest resident in Historic Downtown Hapeville, offering a vast menu of gourmet treats crafted with love. Pastry Chef Charlita Varner creates everything from traditional desserts to custom wedding cakes, delighting both individuals and corporate clients. Stop by often—you might even have a treat named after you!
Hapeville Pizza Company
📍626 S Central Ave, Hapeville, GA 30354
A local favorite for carryout pizza and wings, Hapeville Pizza Company is known for its fresh, high-quality ingredients and excellent service. The pizza dough and sauce are made daily and they often sell out before 8 PM—a testament to its growing popularity.
Johnny’s Chicken and Waffles
📍3725 Main St, College Park, GA 30337
Brought to Atlanta by Crystal Smith, Ne-Yo and Karlie Redd, Johnny’s Chicken and Waffles opened in December 2020, bringing signature Southern food to the College Park community. With options like Johnny’s famous chicken & waffles, brioche French toast logs and triple decker grilled cheese sandwiches, you can’t go wrong – and will always leave wanting more.
Kula Bowls by Icey Chicks
📍615 N Central Ave, Hapeville, GA 30354
What began as the owner's teenage daughter's summer project has flourished into a thriving brick-and-mortar business in Hapeville. Located inside Chapman Drugs, Icey Chicks offers a variety of bases and an extensive selection of toppings, they make it easy to craft a bowl that’s as wholesome or indulgent as you like.
Lickety Split Southern Kitchen and Bar
📍1155 Virginia Ave Suite F, Hapeville, GA 30354
Hapeville’s Lickety Split specializes in homestyle Southern fare, featuring family recipes from owner Melissa Harris. Combining comfort food and warm hospitality, Lickety Split aims to wow diners with Southern staples like fried chicken, smoked brisket and perfectly seasoned pork chops.
Nouveau Bar & Grill
📍3775 Main St, College Park, GA 30337
Owner Ebony Austin combined her experience in marketing and real estate to bring Nouveau Bar & Grill to life. Alongside food and drink offerings, Nouveau hosts weekly karaoke on Friday nights, bringing energy and excitement to the College Park community.
Party of 5 by MetroWest
📍1644 Virginia Ave Suite B, College Park, GA 30337
Party of 5 is a family-owned restaurant known for exceptional service and their specialty dish, red snapper. The menu also includes flavorful options like brown sugar glazed salmon and fried chicken with macaroni and cheese. With happy hour specials during the week and brunch Friday - Sunday, Party of 5 is a perfect spot for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Pit Boss BBQ
📍800 Doug Davis Dr, Hapeville, GA 30354
Featured on Hulu’s Eater’s Guide to the World, Pit Boss has been serving authentic Southern barbecue since 2008. Pit Boss has been a renowned favorite in Hapeville for years, known for their slow-smoked ribs, brisket sandwiches and smoked wings. Check out their menu and see for yourself why people keep coming back, year after year.
T's Brunch Bar
📍3699 Main St, College Park, GA 30337
This Southern brunch bar in College Park is owner Teneshia Murray Butler's newest location, and has been readily embraced by the community. The entrepreneur is heavily involved in the day to day operations of her restaurants and loves pouring her heart into the creation and promotion of her menu items. Favorites include chicken and cinnamon roll biscuits, oxtail omelettes, vegan hash, and a specialty for Atlanta natives - The MARTA, which lets you choose your waffle: original, blueberry, strawberry, red velvet, pecan, or sweet potato, and comes with catfish, grits, and jumbo shrimp
The Real Milk & Honey
📍3719 Main St, College Park, GA 30337
Located in the heart of Historic College Park, The Real Milk and Honey has been a brunch favorite since its establishment in 2019. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and over-the-top brunch menu, this spot offers dishes like deep-fried salmon hash, shrimp and grits, and the lobster, egg, and cheese biscuit.
This Is It! Southern Kitchen and Bar-B-Q
📍3920 Jonesboro Rd, Union City, GA 30291
This Is It! BBQ & Seafood in Union City is a staple for Southern comfort food, earning rave reviews for its tender ribs, flavorful collard greens, and creamy mac and cheese. Expect generous portions and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a hearty takeout meal or a satisfying dine-in experience, This Is It! lives up to its name.
Tom, Dick, and Hank
📍3807 Main St, College Park, GA 30337
Hank Johnson redefines traditional dishes by adding a soul food twist. Pairing his passion for backyard barbecue with creative flavor profiles, Tom, Dick, and Hank in College Park is known for its smoked wings, barbecued crab legs and mac & cheese.
Tropical Cuisine
📍4899 Old National Hwy, College Park, GA 30337
Tropical Cuisine serves Caribbean dishes with an international twist, with options like curried chicken, vegetable roti and curried goat – and offers a calm, comfortable dining environment to College Park.
Wrap-a-Lot
📍2051 Godby Rd, College Park, GA 30349
Featuring wraps, salads, rice bowls, alkaline lemonade and fruit smoothies, Wrap-a-Lot is proud to serve health-minded dining options to the College Park community.
Zubi's Taco Kitchen
📍1509 Virginia Ave Suite C, College Park, GA 30337
Zubi’s Taco Kitchen is a taco lover’s paradise, offering an array of creative tacos, including several vegan options. Stop by for their daily happy hour from 4PM - 7PM, featuring $8 margaritas and $4 Tex-Mex street tacos. They’ve recently expanded their outdoor seating area, making it an even better spot to enjoy flavorful tacos and refreshing cocktails with friends.
The ATL Airport District’s culinary scene is as diverse and flavorful as the community it represents. From hidden gems to popular local staples, there’s always something new to discover. Be sure to sign up for The Holler and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for even more updates on the best eats, events, and experiences the Southside has to offer!
