Atlanta’s Best Sunday Brunch: Where to Go, What to Expect, and How to Plan

Atlanta takes brunch seriously. On Sundays, the city’s restaurants, hotels, and neighborhood spots fill up with locals and visitors looking for shrimp & grits, fried chicken, fluffy biscuits, bottomless mimosas, and skyline views.

Whether you’re new in town, visiting for the weekend, or an Atlantan looking to try somewhere new, this guide walks through Atlanta’s best Sunday brunch options, organized by vibe, neighborhood, and what kind of experience you’re after.

What “Best Sunday Brunch” Means in Atlanta

When people in Atlanta talk about the best Sunday brunch, they usually mean a mix of:

• Quality food (Southern, modern, or global)
• Atmosphere (laid-back, upscale, family-friendly, or brunch-party)
• Drinks (cocktails, coffee programs, mocktails)
• Location & convenience (parking, MARTA access, central vs neighborhood)

You’ll see a few patterns across the city:

• Intown neighborhoods like Midtown, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and West Midtown tend to have trendier, chef-driven brunches.
• Buckhead leans upscale and polished, often with hotel and high-end restaurant brunches.
• Grant Park, East Atlanta, Kirkwood, West End, and the Westside are strong for locals’ favorites and relaxed neighborhood spots.
• Reservations are increasingly important on Sundays, especially from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Keep that in mind as you look through options below.

Quick Snapshot: Atlanta Sunday Brunch Options by Vibe

Classic Southern-Style Sunday Brunch in Atlanta

If you’re visiting Atlanta or you just want Southern comfort on a Sunday, focus on places known for:

• Shrimp & grits
• Fried chicken and waffles
• Biscuits and gravy
• Pimento cheese, collards, and mac & cheese sides

These are the brunches that feel unmistakably “Atlanta.”

What to Expect at a Southern Brunch Spot

• Heavier dishes and generous portions
• Lines forming right at opening, especially near the BeltLine
• A mix of families, friend groups, and couples
• Casual to smart-casual dress

Common local go-to dishes include:

• Chicken & waffles with hot sauce and syrup
• Buttermilk biscuits with house-made jams
• Brunch bowls with grits, eggs, and local sausage
• Seasonal peach dishes when peaches are in season

If you’re trying to show a visitor “real Atlanta brunch,” a classic Southern brunch spot is usually where locals start.

Upscale & Special-Occasion Sunday Brunch

For birthdays, graduations, or a “dress-up” meal, Atlanta has polished, often hotel-based brunch options and chef-driven restaurants that lean more refined than casual.

These spots typically offer:

• Thoughtful plating and modern takes on brunch standards
• Strong cocktail programs and champagne options
• Sometimes buffet or prix-fixe brunches on Sundays
• White tablecloth or chic, modern interiors

You’ll find many of these in:

• Buckhead – luxury hotels, polished dining rooms
• Midtown – close to the Fox Theatre, arts district, and Piedmont Park
• Downtown – convenient if you’re staying near major hotels or attractions

If you’re going upscale, plan to:

• Book a reservation several days in advance, especially between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• Budget for higher prices than a neighborhood brunch
• Allow time for parking or valet, which is standard at many Buckhead and Downtown locations

Boozy, Lively, and “Brunch Party” Spots

Atlanta is known for turning brunch into an event. If you’re looking for music, cocktails, and a social scene, Sunday brunch can feel more like an early-day party than a quiet meal.

Common features at brunch-party spots include:

• DJ sets or loud playlists
• Bottomless mimosas or brunch punch (where permitted)
• Themed brunches (’90s, R&B, Caribbean, etc.)
• Large groups celebrating birthdays or bachelorettes

You’ll encounter these most often in:

• Midtown – walkable, nightlife crossover, close to MARTA
• Buckhead – bar clusters and restaurant-turned-day-party setups
• West Midtown – industrial-chic spaces with big patios

If you’re planning a brunch-party day:

• Check time limits on bottomless drinks and table seating
• Ask about group size policies when you reserve
• Plan safe transportation:
  • MARTA rail through Midtown and Buckhead
  • Rideshare pickup zones in Buckhead Village and around major restaurant clusters

Neighborhood Brunch Gems Across Atlanta

Some of the best Sunday brunches in Atlanta aren’t flashy, but they’re the places locals return to week after week.

These neighborhood spots tend to offer:

• Consistent food, fair pricing, and friendly service
• Easier parking than dense entertainment districts
• A mix of families, regulars, and neighbors

Popular brunch-heavy neighborhoods include:

Grant Park & East Atlanta

• Close to Zoo Atlanta and historic Oakland Cemetery
• Many spots within a short drive or rideshare from Downtown

Expect relaxed patios, biscuit-focused menus, and Southern-influenced brunch.

Kirkwood, Edgewood & East Lake

• More residential, with strong neighborhood crowds
• Often less touristy than intown hot spots
• Good for low-key Sundays, especially if you live on the east side

West End & Westside

• Near the Atlanta BeltLine Westside Trail
• Growing mix of soul-food-inspired brunch and modern, industrial-feel cafés
• Good for pairing with a BeltLine walk or bike ride after brunch

These areas are where you’re more likely to find:

• Room for strollers and kids
• Laid-back dress codes
• Staff who recognize regulars and take time to chat

Hotel & Buffet-Style Sunday Brunch in Atlanta

If you’re staying in a hotel or hosting a large group, hotel-based brunch can be convenient and spacious, especially for:

• Family gatherings
• Visitors without cars
• Guests wanting a wide variety of options on one buffet

Typical characteristics:

• Located in Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead hotels
• May offer:
  • Made-to-order omelet or carving stations
  • Dessert tables
  • Champagne or mimosa add-ons
• Often open earlier than independent restaurants, useful if you have a flight or early event

You’ll generally find:

• Valet parking (common around Peachtree Street and Buckhead)
• Slightly more formal atmosphere
• Easier accommodation for large parties with advance notice

Before you go, call the hotel restaurant to confirm:

• Sunday brunch hours
• Whether buffet, plated, or prix-fixe is being served
• Any holiday pricing or special menus

Scenic Brunch: Views, Patios, and BeltLine Spots

If part of the “best brunch” for you is the view, Atlanta has several categories to consider:

Rooftop Brunch

Rooftops around Midtown, Downtown, and Buckhead often feature:

• Skyline views and photo-friendly setups
• DJs or live music on some Sundays
• Limited indoor seating, so weather can affect plans

Bring:

• A light layer (wind can be stronger on rooftops)
• A backup indoors option in case of rain, especially in summer

BeltLine Brunch

The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail is lined with brunch-friendly spots between Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Midtown.

Benefits:

• Easy to walk or bike between brews, coffee, and brunch plates
• Great people-watching, with runners, dog walkers, and cyclists
• A good plan if you want a more active Sunday rather than a sit-and-stay meal

Parking near the BeltLine can be tight on Sundays, so consider:

• Using rideshare
• Parking a few blocks away and walking in
• Checking for paid decks or lots in Inman Park and Old Fourth Ward

Practical Tips for Sunday Brunch in Atlanta

1. Reservations vs. Walk-Ins

In Atlanta, you’ll see both models:

• Reservation-heavy: Upscale, popular BeltLine spots, hotel restaurants, and most Buckhead destinations
• Walk-in friendly: Many intown diners, cafés, and neighborhood joints

For peak Sunday brunch (roughly 11 a.m.–2 p.m.):

• Try to reserve 3–7 days ahead for high-demand places.
• For walk-in spots:
  • Arrive near opening time or
  • Aim for later brunch (after 2 p.m.) to avoid the rush

⏱️ Pro tip: If you have a flight, concert, or game later, call ahead to ask about typical wait times and whether they can accommodate a tight schedule.

2. Getting Around: Parking, MARTA, and Rideshare

Driving & Parking

• Intown areas like Midtown, Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, and Old Fourth Ward can have limited street parking on Sundays.
• Many restaurants in Buckhead and West Midtown share paid decks.
• Always check nearby residential permit parking signs to avoid tickets.

MARTA Rail & Bus

If you want to avoid driving, MARTA can be useful for brunch near:

• Midtown Station – easy access to multiple brunch-heavy streets
• Arts Center Station – short rideshare or scooter hop to nearby spots
• Lindbergh Center and Buckhead Stations – access to several Buckhead-area brunches

MARTA Information:

• MARTA Headquarters: 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
• Customer Service (to confirm routes/schedules): 404-848-5000

Rideshare

Rideshare is widely used, especially for:

• Boozy brunches
• Areas with tight parking (BeltLine, Midtown, parts of Buckhead)
• Group outings where splitting a ride is easier than paying for multiple parking spots

3. Dietary Preferences & Allergies

Most Atlanta brunch menus now offer options for different dietary needs, such as:

• Vegetarian and vegan dishes (tofu scrambles, veggie hashes, dairy-free grits)
• Gluten-sensitive options (bun substitutes, grain bowls, salads)
• Pork-free alternatives (turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or plant-based patties)

Still, recipes and menus change. If you have serious allergies or strict requirements:

• Call ahead and ask:
  • Whether the kitchen can avoid cross-contact
  • What oil or butter is used in cooking
  • If substitutions are possible during busy brunch hours

Planning a Sunday Brunch Day in Atlanta

Here are a few realistic ways locals and visitors often structure their Sunday:

If You’re Visiting and Want a “Classic Atlanta Sunday”

1. Late Morning Brunch near Midtown or Inman Park
2. Walk a stretch of the BeltLine Eastside Trail
3. Stop for coffee or dessert at a nearby café
4. Head to Piedmont Park or a museum (High Museum of Art, Center for Civil and Human Rights) afterward

If You Live in Atlanta and Want a Relaxed Local Routine

1. Choose a neighborhood spot within a short drive or walk
2. Aim for early or late brunch to skip the rush
3. Combine brunch with:
   • A run-through of Errands nearby
   • A visit to Grant Park, Westside Park, or Freedom Park
   • A quick grocery stop on the way home

If You Want a Brunch Party With Friends

1. Reserve at a lively, music-forward restaurant in Midtown, Buckhead, or West Midtown
2. Coordinate rideshare so no one has to drive
3. Confirm:
   • Time limits on your table
   • Whether they do separate checks
   • Dress code, if any
4. Consider a post-brunch walk or a second stop for dessert or coffee to wind down

Useful Local Contacts & Info for Brunch Planning

While brunch itself is handled by individual restaurants, a few local resources can help you coordinate the rest of your Sunday:

• Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
  233 Peachtree St NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main Phone: 404-521-6600
  Helpful if you’re visiting and want info about events near your brunch area.

• City of Atlanta – Office of Special Events (for large group or event-style brunches tied to public spaces)
  55 Trinity Ave SW, Suite 3500, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main Phone: 404-330-6200

These offices do not handle restaurant reservations, but they’re useful for understanding street closures, festivals, or big events that could affect traffic or parking around brunch time.

Atlanta’s best Sunday brunch will depend on what you value most: Southern comfort, creative menus, a social scene, skyline views, or a calm neighborhood table. Use this guide to narrow down your preferred style, neighborhood, and logistics—then book early, arrive hungry, and give yourself time to actually enjoy the slow Sunday pace that brunch in Atlanta is built for.