Atlanta, Georgia “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” Guide: Where Guy Fieri Ate in the ATL

If you’re searching for “Atlanta Georgia Diners Drive Ins And Dives”, you’re probably looking for the real-world restaurants in and around Atlanta that have been featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” (DDD)—plus what they’re known for and how to visit them.

Atlanta has appeared on multiple episodes of the show, and several spots in the metro area have become must-visit destinations for locals and visitors who want that classic Triple D experience.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to the DDD restaurants in and near the city, what to order, and how to plan your own mini food tour.

How “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” Works in Atlanta

The show focuses on independent, character-filled spots with:

  • Signature, often over-the-top dishes
  • Strong local followings
  • Chefs or owners with interesting backstories

In Atlanta, that has meant everything from soul food and Southern comfort to Tex-Mex, burgers, and modern comfort cooking. Most of the restaurants are casual and relatively affordable, making them accessible stops whether you live in Atlanta or are just in town for a weekend.

Atlanta-Area Restaurants Featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”

1. The Silver Skillet (Midtown / Westside)

Why it’s a DDD favorite:
The Silver Skillet is a classic Atlanta diner known for old-school Southern breakfasts and meat-and-three plates. It has a vintage feel and has been used as a film and TV location.

Signature vibes:

  • Classic chrome-and-formica diner interior
  • Popular with both regulars and out-of-town visitors
  • Strong reputation for hearty breakfast plates

What people often go for:

  • Country ham and red-eye gravy
  • Biscuits and gravy
  • Liver and onions (for adventurous eaters)
  • Traditional grits, eggs, and bacon or sausage

Location:
The Silver Skillet
200 14th St NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: (404) 874-1388

It’s just off I-75/85 and very convenient if you’re staying in Midtown or visiting Georgia Tech.

2. Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q (Little Five Points / Candler Park Area)

Why it’s a DDD favorite:
Owned by twin brothers from Texas, Fox Bros. brought Texas-style barbecue to the heart of Atlanta and turned it into a local institution.

Signature vibes:

  • Casual, lively, often busy
  • Popular with both neighborhood residents and BBQ travelers
  • Indoor and outdoor seating at the main Dekalb Ave location

What people often go for:

  • Beef brisket (a standout)
  • Pulled pork and ribs
  • The famous “Fox Bros. Burger” (with brisket on top)
  • Classic barbecue sides like mac and cheese, baked beans, and slaw

Location:
Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q
1238 DeKalb Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30307
Phone: (404) 577-4030

Parking can get tight during peak times; many locals plan for a short wait.

3. The Colonnade (Lindridge / North Druid Hills Area)

Why it’s a DDD favorite:
The Colonnade is an old-school Southern meat-and-three restaurant that feels like stepping back in time. It’s popular with long-time Atlantans and anyone craving classic Southern comfort food.

Signature vibes:

  • White-tablecloth but still casual and comfortable
  • Known for generous portions
  • A long-running Atlanta institution

What people often go for:

  • Fried chicken (one of its most famous dishes)
  • Fried shrimp and catfish
  • Yeast rolls and classic sides like collard greens, squash casserole, and mashed potatoes

Location:
The Colonnade
1879 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
Phone: (404) 874-5642

It’s just off I-85, convenient if you’re staying in Midtown, Buckhead, or near Emory.

4. Bone Garden Cantina (Underwood Hills / West Midtown)

Why it’s a DDD favorite:
Bone Garden Cantina is a quirky, colorful Tex-Mex cantina tucked into an industrial area. The menu focuses on scratch-made tacos, sauces, and Mexican-inspired comfort food.

Signature vibes:

  • Day-of-the-dead inspired decor
  • Casual, creative, and a bit hidden if you don’t know where to look
  • Popular for relaxed evenings and weekend hangs

What people often go for:

  • Tacos with various fillings (including options like fried chicken, carnitas, and more)
  • Queso and chips
  • Enchiladas and other Tex-Mex staples
  • House-made salsas and sauces

Location:
Bone Garden Cantina
1425 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW, Suite 1
Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: (404) 418-9072

It’s in an industrial park area; many first-timers rely on navigation apps to find it.

5. Local Republic (Lawrenceville – Metro Atlanta)

While not in the City of Atlanta proper, Local Republic in downtown Lawrenceville (northeast of the city) has been featured on the show and is within reasonable driving distance for many metro residents.

Why it’s a DDD favorite:
Local Republic blends Southern ingredients with creative gastropub-style dishes, plus craft beer and a neighborhood vibe.

Signature vibes:

  • Historic downtown Lawrenceville setting
  • Elevated but approachable comfort food
  • Casual, modern interior

What people often go for:

  • Creative burgers and sandwiches
  • Dishes that spotlight local and seasonal ingredients
  • Shareable appetizers and hearty mains

Location:
Local Republic
139 N Perry St
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Phone: (678) 205-4782

If you’re in Gwinnett County or driving up from Atlanta, it can be a good anchor stop for exploring Lawrenceville’s walkable square.

At-a-Glance: Atlanta “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” Spots

RestaurantNeighborhood / AreaStyleKnown For
The Silver SkilletMidtown / WestsideClassic Southern dinerCountry ham, biscuits, breakfasts
Fox Bros. Bar-B-QCandler Park / L5P areaTexas-style barbecueBrisket, ribs, BBQ plates
The ColonnadeCheshire Bridge / I-85 areaSouthern meat-and-threeFried chicken, classic sides
Bone Garden CantinaUnderwood Hills / West MidtownTex-Mex / Mexican-inspiredTacos, queso, creative plates
Local RepublicLawrenceville (metro Atlanta)Modern Southern gastropubBurgers, seasonal comfort food

Planning Your Own “Triple D” Food Tour in Atlanta

If you’re trying to hit multiple “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” locations in a short visit, planning by area and time of day helps.

Sample One-Day DDD Route (Inside Atlanta)

Morning – Breakfast at The Silver Skillet

  • Start your day with a classic Southern breakfast near Midtown
  • Easy access from Downtown, Midtown, or the Westside

Afternoon – Barbecue at Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q

  • Head east toward DeKalb Ave for a late lunch or early dinner
  • Allow for a possible wait; it’s a popular spot, especially on weekends

Evening – Drinks and Tacos at Bone Garden Cantina

  • Wrap up on the West Midtown side with tacos and a relaxed cantina atmosphere

This route gives you three distinct DDD experiences without crisscrossing the entire metro area.

Adding a Suburban Stop

If you have a car and extra time:

  • Plan a separate trip to Local Republic in Lawrenceville
  • Combine it with a walk around downtown Lawrenceville’s square or a performance at the Aurora Theatre nearby (check current schedules separately)

Tips for Visiting Atlanta’s DDD Restaurants

A few local-minded pointers to make your visits smoother:

  • Check hours before you go.
    Some spots close earlier on certain days, and hours can change for holidays or special events.

  • Plan for traffic.
    Atlanta traffic on I-75, I-85, I-20, and GA-400 can be heavy, especially weekday rush hours. Build in extra time if you’re traveling across town.

  • Consider MARTA where practical.

    • The Midtown and Downtown areas are relatively MARTA-friendly, including getting close to The Silver Skillet.
    • Westside and some intown neighborhoods are more car-dependent, but rideshare is widely used.
  • Parking can vary.

    • Many of these restaurants have on-site lots or shared parking.
    • At more crowded times, you may need to park a short walk away or use valet when available.
  • Be ready for a wait at peak times.
    Popular spots like Fox Bros. and The Colonnade can have lines during dinner and weekend brunch. Some locals aim for off-peak hours such as late lunch or early dinner.

  • Ask about featured dishes.
    Staff are often familiar with what was highlighted on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” and can point you to the exact plate or a current version of it.

How to Find Even More DDD Locations Around Atlanta

If you want to go beyond the list above:

  • Search by episode or restaurant name to confirm which locations were featured in the Atlanta area.
  • Check each restaurant’s official website or social media for updated menus, hours, and any mention of their DDD episode.
  • For metro residents, consider pairing a DDD restaurant with nearby neighborhoods or attractions—like Little Five Points, Candler Park, West Midtown, or historic downtowns in surrounding cities such as Lawrenceville or Marietta.

If you live in Atlanta, these “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” locations can become part of your regular rotation. If you’re visiting, building one or two of them into your stay is an easy way to experience Atlanta’s local flavor, neighborhoods, and food culture through spots that have earned both TV attention and genuine community loyalty.