Several family-owned and operated restaurants have chosen to call the ATL Airport District home, and we are proud to share our talented local chefs, bakers, and baristas with diners who travel here from around the world via Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. With specialties that range from Southern soul food to authentic Thai cuisine, we feel privileged to showcase the diverse tapestry of families and food that bring their unique flavors to the District.
✈️ Flying to Atlanta with your own family? Check out this list of hotels in the District (30% cheaper than staying in downtown Atlanta, 100% worth the value).
Aye Tea Elle
3755 College St, College Park, GA 30337
Owners: Don Bratton, Scott Corbin and Jovan Dais
Whether it’s a first date, anniversary, birthday celebration, or simply a girls' night out, Aye Tea Elle is the place to be. This hip, 21+ restaurant boasts a sleek and inviting atmosphere, complete with a baby grand piano, mood lighting, a premium sound system, and an outdoor patio perfect for plane watching. Owned by Don Bratton, Scott Corbin, and Jovan Dais, three lifelong friends and "brothers from another mother," Aye Tea Elle offers a diverse menu of culinary treats, including the Jerk Lamb Lollipops, Forever 404 Chicken Sandwich, Collipark Cauliflower (with sauces that range from Scotty 2 Hotty to Honey BBQ), and Mini Waffles a la carte with succulent chicken, lobster, or shrimp add-ons. Their wide selection of signature cocktails, like the Smoked Old Fashioned that comes with table-side presentation, promises to elevate any occasion. Two of Jovan's daughters contribute to the family business working in the restaurant to serve guests as well as supporting the marketing efforts of the restaurant.
Bakes by Drae
1860 Harvard Ave, College Park, GA 30337
Owners: Andrae and Marla Jones
Owned and operated by mother-son duo, Marla and Andrae (Drae) Jones, Bakes by Drae puts generous servings of heart into every cake, cookie and pastry that they create. Based in Historic College Park, these self-proclaimed "customer servants" truly make an effort to connect with each person that comes in. And the love goes both ways - dozens of customers have taken the time to leave rave reviews online, proving that food truly does taste better when served with a smile. Drae started baking as a hobby during the pandemic, and so many friends and family members were willing to pay for his baked goods that he made it an official business. Now, he uses a mix of Southern family recipes, passed down by Marla, and inventive new creations that he whips up himself to keep customers coming back for more. Stop by every weekend and try a slice of Grandma Betty's carrot cake, Drae's strawberry key lime cake, vegan chocolate chip cookies, or whatever else your heart desires.
The Breakfast Boys
3387 Main St. College Park, GA 30337
Owners: Gee Smalls, Juan Smalls and Lorenzo Wyche
Power couple Gee and Juan Smalls share a mission of creating a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone, particularly Black gay men. They teamed up with seasoned restaurateur Lorenzo Wyche to launch The Breakfast Boys in 2021. The trio opened the all-day breakfast and brunch restaurant to establish a daytime gathering spot where friends and family can socialize over a glass of something special, like passionfruit mimosas, and chow down on inventive culinary classics, such as their jerk chicken & sweet potato waffles, a fried green tomato stack, catfish and grits, plus plenty of plant-based options. The atmosphere is laid-back and stylish and promises to be someplace you'll want to return to again and again, whether you're a lucky District local, or just stopping in for a memorable bite before you catch your flight.
C'est La Vie Café
3727 Main St, College Park, GA 30337
Owner: Belinda Charles
This woman-owned business is full of feminine charm with its chic ambiance and Instagram-worthy decor. Of course they offer coffee to-go, but this is a place you're going to want to stick around to enjoy your order in a comfortable, yet elegant environment. Owner Belinda Charles started C'est La Vie as a mobile business and now proudly serves her customers in a beautiful storefront on Historic Main Street College Park. Specializing in not just incredible handcrafted coffees and lattes, but also yummy flaky pastries, breakfast bites, and specialty cocktails, each created with intention and care. This café has garnered major appreciation from College Park residents and visitors from around the globe, and the shop has hosted many women's empowerment events. As an entrepreneur herself, Charles loves being able to create something meaningful in the ATL Airport District, a place that is always growing, evolving and encouraging of local businesses. She is grateful to receive plenty of behind the scenes support from her family, which helps her run her business with the core values of "integrity, hard work, and community."
FunTapas Bar & Kitchen
3365 Dogwood Dr, Hapeville, GA 30354
Owners: Darwin Sura Gomez, Ever Sura Gomez, Juan Criollo
FunTapas Bar & Kitchen in Hapeville is inspired by the spirit of authentic Spanish tapas. The food is as bold and vibrant as the countries from which they originate: Colombia, El Salvador, Mexico, and Spain. Their small plates are made to be shared, enhancing a sense of connection and conversation to each table. The owners say it's important to be able to offer something for everyone in their community to enjoy, both on the menu and in the ambiance of their bar and dining room. Popular dishes include their mango habanero wings, Picanha bites, and chicharrones, as well as vegan-friendly dishes like their chickpea salad and house guaca. Plus, there's plenty to enjoy at the bar, whether you prefer sipping on cocktails or mocktails. Low-key nights can certainly be enjoyed here, but if you're in the mood for something more energetic, join them for special live DJs, music, or salsa nights!
Hapeville Corner Tavern
573 N Central Ave, Hapeville, GA 30354
Owners: Mike and Melanie Rabb
Husband-and-wife team Mike and Melanie Rabb are the co-owners of Hapeville Corner Tavern. Following a devastating fire in January 2022, the space needed extensive repairs and renovations. Several months later, neighborhood regulars eagerly rejoined their favorite local spot when they were finally able to re-open, proving that the community they worked hard to build could stand the test of their unfortunate temporary closure. The kitchen serves home-cooked style American fare complemented by local brews and cocktails to sip at your table or while shooting a game of pool. Their inviting, dog-friendly outdoor area is complete with lawn games, picnic tables and more. Each day of the week you can find a different special promotional offer (like Taco & Tequila Tuesdays!) and their weekends are jam-packed with fun: brunch from 11 AM to 3 PM, and karaoke or live music at night.
JPresso Café
407 N Central Ave Ste B, Hapeville, GA 30354
Owner: Christine Ahn
Inspired by her lifelong dream since her family’s move from Korea to Hapeville in 1984, Christine Ahn opened JPresso Café in March 2020. Growing up, Christine's parents owned a store in the same shopping plaza where JPresso stands today. The name "JPresso" cleverly combines "espresso" and some of the most important men in her life – her two sons and their father, who all have names that begin with J. As a loving mother, Christine extends her warm and caring nature to her staff and her customers, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and at home. JPresso offers a wide range of coffee options and an impressive selection of 30 all-natural syrups to add a little extra flavor to your favorite drink. She'll also keep you well fed with amazing breakfast and brunch options, including healthy açai bowls, sandwiches, avocado toast and fresh fruit. Adding to their family's connection to the shopping plaza, Christine's sister, Joanna Olmos-Yim, owns Sombreros Mexican Cantina right next door.
Manchester Arms Pub
1705 Virginia Ave, College Park, GA 30337
Owners: Will and Kristi Warren Evans
Open Monday through Friday, the Manchester Arms Pub is a real home away from home for locals and tourists alike. In fact, College Park used to be named Manchester way back in 1891! Originally a historic College Park home nestled in the heart of the neighborhood, the venue was transformed into a charming English pub in 2005. In 2020, husband-and-wife duo Will and Kristi Warren Evans purchased and revitalized the restaurant and operate the pub today. Complete with many repurposed items, such as a British Naval Union Jack airplane that flew over the Salcombe town hall in Southern England more than 100 years ago, and a bar top made from reclaimed boxcar timbers from the Western and Atlantic railroad, the neighborhood eatery offers hallmarks of an authentic UK experience. Savor a pint with your mates on its large, shaded patio before you tuck in to enjoy a delightful array of dishes, ranging from traditional favorites like fish and chips, bangers and mash, or chicken tikka masala to Southern fusion desserts like glazed donut bread pudding or peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream. Cheers!
Paper Plane
816 S Central Ave, Hapeville, GA 30354
Owners: The Suteeluxnaporn Family
The Suteeluxnaporn family gradually migrated from Bangkok, Thailand to the United States, where they ventured into the restaurant business as a family. Building on the success of their East Atlanta Thai restaurant, Spoon, they opened Paper Plane in Hapeville in 2021. Featuring an incredible bar with an impressive whiskey selection and local brews on tap, the establishment offers authentic Thai dishes that you can enjoy in their modern dining room or alfresco on one of three relaxed and playful patios. Their flavorful cuisine is inspired by their mother’s home-cooked recipes and includes a special American-Thai fusion brunch on the weekends! The eldest sister, Sujaree, serves as the business manager and her husband, an interior designer, helped bring their vision to life. Chef Aim, a culinary graduate and the middle sister of the family, proudly leads the kitchen as head chef. Her husband runs the Paper Plane website, while Wind, the youngest of the three siblings, manages the bar with his wife. Paper Plane boasts multiple private dining spaces and is also available for a full buyout for private parties or events.
Unbelievegan
7000 Renaissance Pkwy, Fairburn, GA 30213
Owners: Donte', Lisa, and Azjure' Beasley
Unbelievegan is Fairburn's go-to spot for 100% plant-based lunch, brunch, and dinner. The Beasley family is proud to present their community with a lifestyle that they truly believe in, the value of which extends farther than any dollar amount. As vegans themselves for almost 20 years, they strive to serve meals that will contribute to the overall health of their community. Chef Lisa, who is also the manager, prepares every meal with love and notably without soy, tofu, or any processed meat substitutes. Every menu item is specially curated, and never fried. Donte' and Lisa are joined by their lovely daughter, Azjure', who works as their server, bartender, and assistant manager. Their unique cuisine has been embraced by locals and travelers alike. First time customers are quickly converted to enthusiastic regulars, and out-of-towners looking for a great place to eat near the airport are always glad they stopped by. The Beasleys run a family-owned business because, according to Donte', "it sets a precedent not only within our family of serial entrepreneurship, pride, & unification, but it also demonstrates within our community what belief one’s goals can bring about."
There's no place like home, and there's a culinary home for everyone here in the District. So come on down to the Southside with your family, and become a part of ours.
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