Best Brunch Places in Buckhead, Atlanta, GA: Where to Go and What to Expect
Buckhead has become one of Atlanta’s top neighborhoods for brunch, whether you want a bottomless mimosa situation, a quiet patio, or a family-friendly spot after a morning at Chastain Park. This guide walks through some of the best brunch places in Buckhead, Atlanta, GA, what each is known for, and how to choose the right place for your plans.
What Makes Buckhead Brunch Different?
Brunch in Buckhead tends to be:
- Upscale casual – You’ll see everything from athleisure to dressy-casual.
- Cocktail-focused – Expect mimosas, Bloody Marys, and craft brunch drinks.
- Parking-conscious – Many locations are in busy retail or office districts, so knowing where to park matters.
- Mix of locals and visitors – Especially near Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, and the Buckhead Village area.
If you’re coming from elsewhere in metro Atlanta, plan a bit of extra time for traffic and parking, especially on Saturday and Sunday late mornings.
Quick Comparison: Popular Buckhead Brunch Spots
Use this simple overview to narrow your options:
| Area of Buckhead | Vibe / Crowd | Good For | Typical Brunch Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buckhead Village | Trendy, walkable, lively | Patio brunch, people-watching | Modern American, creative plates |
| Peachtree Road Corridor | Classic Buckhead, mixed | Groups, special occasions | American bistro, Southern twists |
| Chastain / North Buckhead | More residential, relaxed | Families, post-park brunch | Comfort food, neighborhood feel |
| Around Lenox/Phipps | Mall-adjacent, busy | Shoppers, friends’ meetups | Chain + local spots, varied menus |
Brunch in Buckhead Village
Buckhead Village (around Peachtree Rd NE and Buckhead Ave NE) has several walkable brunch options with patios and a social feel.
1. Trendy, Social Brunch Spots
These are the places people often choose for a “let’s make a day of it” brunch with shopping or bar-hopping afterward:
- Lively patios and bar-centric brunch
- Dress code: generally smart casual, but you’ll see a wide range
- Often reservations recommended for weekend brunch
If you’re planning a birthday brunch, bachelorette meetup, or friends’ gathering, Buckhead Village is often the easiest area because everyone can park once and then walk.
2. Tips for Brunching in Buckhead Village
- Parking: Expect a mix of valet, garages, and limited street parking. Arriving before 11 a.m. usually helps.
- Noise level: Many venues have loud, energetic atmospheres during peak brunch hours with music and big groups.
- Wait times: Walk-ins can face 30–60 minute waits on Sundays at popular spots—put your name in early and explore the area.
Peachtree Road: Classic Buckhead Brunch Corridor
Peachtree Road NE runs straight through Buckhead and offers several classic brunch destinations, from long-standing restaurants to newer concepts.
3. Upscale and Special-Occasion Brunch
Restaurants along Peachtree near Piedmont Hospital, Peachtree Battle, and south toward Midtown often appeal to:
- Couples looking for a relaxed but elevated brunch
- Families meeting between intown and north suburbs
- Out-of-town visitors staying in Buckhead hotels
You’ll typically find:
- Traditional brunch staples like eggs Benedict, French toast, and shrimp and grits
- Full bar with brunch cocktails and decent coffee programs
- Comfortable seating and a more restaurant-focused feel rather than a party vibe
💡 Local tip: If you have older family members or kids and don’t want a clubby atmosphere, Peachtree Road restaurants are often a safer bet than the busiest Village patios.
Chastain Park & North Buckhead: Relaxed Neighborhood Brunch
If you’re starting your day with a walk at Chastain Park or coming down from Sandy Springs or Brookhaven, brunch spots in North Buckhead can be more relaxed and parking-friendly.
4. Neighborhood Brunch Experience
Common features in this part of Buckhead:
- Easier surface-lot parking or free garages
- Mix of families, couples, and locals
- Menus that lean comfort-forward: biscuits, skillets, waffles, and hearty plates
These can be good choices if you:
- Have kids and need high chairs or space for a stroller
- Want to avoid long waits at the busiest Village spots
- Prefer a lower-key atmosphere after an early-morning activity
Brunch Around Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza
The area around Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza (near Peachtree Rd NE and Lenox Rd NE) has a mix of national brands and local options that serve brunch or brunch-style menus.
5. Brunch While Shopping
This area works well if you’re:
- Staying at a nearby hotel in Buckhead’s commercial core
- Planning a shopping day and want to eat before or after
- Coordinating a midpoint meetup for different parts of metro Atlanta
Expect:
- Larger dining rooms that can often accommodate bigger groups
- Convenient access to MARTA’s Buckhead, Lenox, or Lindbergh stations, plus large parking decks
- Menus that cater to a wide range of tastes—picky eaters, kids, and dietary restrictions are usually easier to handle here
What to Expect on a Typical Buckhead Brunch Menu
While every restaurant is different, brunch places in Buckhead, Atlanta, GA commonly offer:
6. Classic Brunch Items
- Eggs Benedict with variations (Southern versions may include fried chicken or biscuits)
- Shrimp and grits, a local favorite often with spicy sausage or creole-style sauce
- Avocado toast, sometimes with local twists like pimento cheese or pickled veggies
- French toast or pancakes, often with seasonal fruit or praline toppings
7. Southern and Atlanta-Inspired Dishes
Because you’re in Atlanta, many Buckhead brunch menus lean into Southern flavors, such as:
- Fried chicken & waffles
- Biscuits and gravy
- Pimento cheese on sandwiches or biscuits
- Collard greens, fried green tomatoes, or okra as sides
If you’re visiting from out of town, choosing these dishes can be a good way to get a taste of Atlanta’s food culture without committing to a full traditional Southern dinner.
8. Drinks and Coffee
Common drink options at Buckhead brunch spots include:
- Mimosas (sometimes by the glass, sometimes bottomless where allowed)
- Bloody Marys, often with house mixes and garnishes
- Cold brew or specialty coffee drinks
- Zero-proof options like flavored lemonades, mocktails, and iced teas
If you prefer a quieter, coffee-focused morning, look for cafés and bakeries in the area that offer lighter brunch menus with pastries and coffee rather than full bar programs.
Practical Tips for Brunch in Buckhead, Atlanta
9. Reservations vs. Walk-Ins
Reservations are strongly recommended for:
- Sunday brunch between about 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Holidays like Mother’s Day, Easter, and graduation weekends
- Large groups (6+ people)
Walk-ins can work better:
- Earlier (around 9–10:30 a.m.)
- On Saturdays versus Sundays
- At more neighborhood-style spots away from the busiest intersections
If you’re planning an event (birthday, shower, or work meetup), it’s wise to call ahead and ask about group policies, fixed menus, or time limits on tables.
10. Parking and Getting Around
In Buckhead, brunch crowds and traffic can affect timing:
Driving and parking
- Many spots offer valet on weekends, especially near Peachtree and Buckhead Village.
- Garages near Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, and Buckhead Village District typically have posted parking fees.
- Street parking is limited and may be time-restricted—check signs carefully.
Public transit
- The MARTA Red Line serves Buckhead via stations like Buckhead, Lenox, and Lindbergh Center.
- From there, you may need a short ride share or walk to your brunch destination.
Rideshare
- Popular for groups planning to enjoy drinks.
- Pickup areas around major shopping centers are usually signed or clearly designated.
Family-Friendly vs. Party Brunch in Buckhead
Not every brunch spot in Buckhead feels the same, and choosing the right vibe can make your experience much better.
11. Family-Friendly Brunch
Look for:
- Spacious seating and booths
- Kids’ menus or simple options like pancakes and scrambled eggs
- Quieter rooms or patios away from loud music
Neighborhood areas near Chastain Park and some Peachtree Road restaurants often do well for multi-generational brunches.
12. Lively, Adult-Focused Brunch
If your priority is music, drinks, and a social atmosphere, aim for:
- Buckhead Village patios and rooftop options
- Spots that advertise brunch cocktails, DJs, or live music
These locations tend to be louder and more crowded, so they’re better suited for friends’ gatherings than for babies in strollers or people seeking a quiet meal.
How to Choose the Right Brunch Spot in Buckhead
When you’re scanning options for brunch places in Buckhead, Atlanta, GA, consider:
Location
- Are you closer to North Buckhead/Chastain, Buckhead Village, or Lenox/Phipps?
- Do you prefer walkability or easy parking?
Vibe
- Low-key vs. high-energy
- Family-friendly vs. adult-focused
Menu Style
- Traditional American brunch? Southern comfort food? Lighter, health-focused dishes?
- Any dietary needs like vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-conscious?
Budget
- Buckhead brunch can range from casual café pricing to more upscale, special-occasion meals.
- Check menus in advance to avoid surprises, especially for large groups.
Timing
- Early brunch (before 10:30 a.m.) is usually less crowded.
- Peak time is typically 11 a.m.–1 p.m., especially on Sundays.
Helpful Local Resources
For up-to-date details like hours and current brunch offerings in Buckhead:
- City of Atlanta information line: 311 (from within city limits) – can help with questions about parking rules, public transit, and local events that might affect traffic.
- MARTA Customer Service: 404-848-5000 – for train and bus schedules serving Buckhead stations if you prefer not to drive.
- Buckhead-area hotels and concierge desks – often keep current suggestions for walkable brunch places near where you’re staying.
Whether you live in Atlanta or you’re just visiting, Buckhead offers plenty of brunch options for every style and budget. Decide on the vibe you want—lively, laid-back, family-focused, or special-occasion—and then pick the part of Buckhead that best fits your plans. From classic Southern plates to modern brunch favorites, you’ll find plenty of ways to make a late morning in Buckhead feel like a highlight of your weekend.