Buttermilk Kitchen in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go
If you search for “Buttermilk Kitchen Atlanta”, you’re almost always looking for one thing: an excellent, Southern-style breakfast or brunch in the city. This cozy spot in North Buckhead has become a staple for Atlantans and visitors who want a classic, from-scratch morning meal with a local feel.
Below is a practical guide to help you decide if it’s right for you, what to expect, and how to plan your visit.
Where Is Buttermilk Kitchen in Atlanta?
Buttermilk Kitchen – Atlanta Location
- Neighborhood: North Buckhead
- General Area: Just off Roswell Road, north of Buckhead’s main shopping district
- Typical Driving Access: Easy to reach from GA-400 and Peachtree Road corridors
The restaurant sits in a busy, residential-meets-commercial stretch, so planning your route and parking is worth a few minutes of thought, especially on weekends.
What Kind of Restaurant Is Buttermilk Kitchen?
Buttermilk Kitchen is known as a from-scratch breakfast and brunch restaurant with a strong Southern comfort food influence and a focus on simple, high-quality ingredients.
Typical traits you’ll notice:
- Breakfast and brunch–focused menu
- Emphasis on biscuits, fried chicken, grits, pancakes, and eggs
- A mix of classic Southern plates and more modern, seasonal specials
- A warm, casual atmosphere that still feels a little “special outing” rather than a quick diner stop
It’s the type of place many Atlantans use for:
- Weekend brunch with friends or visiting family
- A relaxed weekday breakfast meeting
- A “treat yourself” breakfast outing if you live nearby
What to Expect on the Menu
The menu can change with the season, but Buttermilk Kitchen is best known for homey, Southern breakfast staples made with care. You’ll generally find:
Classic Southern-Based Dishes
Expect plenty of:
- Buttermilk biscuits (plain or sandwiched with eggs, cheese, or proteins)
- Fried chicken for breakfast or brunch styles
- Shrimp and grits–style dishes or other grits-based plates
- Pancakes, waffles, or French toast with a Southern twist
- Egg plates with bacon, sausage, or other sides
These are usually plated in a way that feels a bit more “chef-driven” than a basic diner, but still familiar and comforting.
Lighter and Modern Options
If you’re not in the mood for heavy Southern fare, you’ll typically see:
- Egg dishes with fresh vegetables
- Yogurt, fruit, or grain-based options
- Salads or bowls with a brunch spin
This balance makes it easier to bring a mixed group where some people want biscuits and gravy and others want something lighter.
Price Range and Value
Compared with fast-casual breakfast spots in Atlanta, Buttermilk Kitchen sits in the mid-range brunch price bracket.
In practical terms, if you’re used to brunch in Buckhead, Inman Park, or Midtown, Buttermilk Kitchen’s pricing usually feels in line with other popular, chef-driven breakfast spots. You’re paying a bit more than a no-frills diner, but most diners feel they’re getting:
- Scratch-made dishes
- Higher-quality ingredients
- A more crafted, “destination brunch” experience
For locals, it’s often a once-a-week or special morning spot rather than an everyday grab-and-go breakfast.
Wait Times, Lines, and Reservations
For Atlanta, the question with any popular brunch restaurant is less “Is it good?” and more “How long is the wait?”
When You’re Most Likely to Wait
At busy times, it’s common to see lines out the door, especially:
- Saturday and Sunday mornings and early afternoons
- Holiday weekends or when friends and family are in town
Even on weekdays, a late-morning rush can create a moderate wait if the dining room is full.
Tips to Manage the Wait
While specific policies can change, here are general patterns that help:
- ⏰ Go early: Arriving shortly after opening, especially on weekends, usually gives you the best chance at a shorter wait.
- 👥 Smaller groups seat faster: Parties of two to four are often seated more quickly than large groups.
- 📱 Check ahead where possible: Before you leave, it’s helpful to call or check common restaurant listing platforms to see whether there’s current information about wait times or seating approaches.
For larger groups or special occasions, consider planning your timing carefully around the brunch rush or being flexible if the full party isn’t seated immediately.
Parking and Getting There
Because Buttermilk Kitchen is in North Buckhead, how you get there matters, especially if you’re coming from Midtown, Downtown, or suburbs like Sandy Springs or Brookhaven.
Driving and Parking
Most visitors drive. Typical considerations:
- On-site or nearby parking: There is usually parking close by, but spaces can fill quickly during peak brunch hours.
- Give yourself extra time: If you have a specific time in mind (for example, meeting friends at 10:00 a.m.), build in 10–15 extra minutes to handle parking on busy weekends.
- Rideshare as a backup: If you’re coming from areas like Midtown, Virginia-Highland, or Old Fourth Ward and want to avoid parking stress, rideshare can be an easier option, especially if your group plans to enjoy brunch beverages.
Public Transit
MARTA access in North Buckhead isn’t as direct as in Midtown or Downtown, but you can:
- Take MARTA to a nearby Buckhead-area rail station, then
- Use a short rideshare or bus connection up Roswell Road
This isn’t the most common route for locals, but it’s an option if you prefer not to drive.
Atmosphere: Is It Kid-Friendly? Good for Groups?
Many Atlanta households want to know if a popular brunch spot can accommodate kids or visiting family.
Families and Kids
Buttermilk Kitchen’s style is:
- Casual enough for families with children
- Busy and energetic on weekends, which can help kids feel less out of place
- Focused on foods kids usually recognize (pancakes, eggs, biscuits, etc.)
If you’re bringing little ones:
- Try earlier time slots, which often feel calmer
- Consider smaller groups, which are seated more easily
Friends, Dates, and Out-of-Town Guests
For adult groups:
- It’s a solid choice to show off Southern-style breakfast to visitors
- Works well for low-key brunch dates or catch-up meals
- The space is usually lively, not quiet, during peak times—so it’s more “fun brunch” than “intimate, hushed breakfast”
How Buttermilk Kitchen Fits Into the Atlanta Breakfast Scene
Atlanta has no shortage of brunch spots—from Midtown cafes to Old Fourth Ward staples and Decatur brunch houses. Buttermilk Kitchen holds a particular place in that mix:
- It’s Buckhead-adjacent yet relaxed, without the heavy “see and be seen” vibe some Buckhead spots have.
- The focus is squarely on Southern-style breakfast foods made from scratch.
- It draws both neighborhood regulars and citywide visitors, especially on weekends.
For locals who brunch around the city, Buttermilk Kitchen often sits on the same mental list as:
- Intown neighborhood favorites in Virginia-Highland, Grant Park, or Inman Park
- Other chef-driven spots that take breakfast classics and add seasonal, thoughtful touches
If you’re visiting Atlanta and want one representative Southern breakfast on your trip, this is the kind of place many Atlantans would suggest you consider.
When Buttermilk Kitchen Might Be Right for You
You’re likely to enjoy a visit if you:
- Want a Southern-style breakfast or brunch in a comfortable, neighborhood setting
- Don’t mind a potential wait during peak weekend times
- Appreciate scratch-made, slightly elevated versions of familiar dishes
- Are looking for a Buckhead-area brunch that still feels rooted in homey, Southern comfort food
You may want to look at alternative spots around the city if you:
- Need very fast, grab-and-go breakfast with minimal wait
- Prefer a quiet, low-traffic environment on weekends
- Are staying in another part of town and don’t want to travel to North Buckhead
Quick Reference: Planning a Visit to Buttermilk Kitchen
| Topic | What Atlantans Typically Experience |
|---|---|
| Location | North Buckhead, off Roswell Road |
| Focus | From-scratch, Southern-style breakfast and brunch |
| Atmosphere | Casual, busy, and lively—especially on weekends |
| Price Range | Mid-range brunch pricing for Atlanta |
| Wait Times | Short to moderate on weekdays; often long on weekend peaks |
| Best Times to Go | Early mornings or off-peak weekdays |
| Good For | Locals, visitors, families, and anyone craving Southern brunch |
If you live in Atlanta, are visiting the city, or are comparing breakfast options in the Buckhead area, Buttermilk Kitchen is a well-known, reliable choice for a classic Southern-style brunch experience—as long as you plan ahead for crowds, timing, and parking.