Sunday Brunch in Atlanta: Where to Go, What to Expect, and How to Plan

Sunday brunch in Atlanta, Georgia is almost a weekly ritual. From classic Southern biscuits and gravy to rooftop patios with skyline views, the city offers a wide range of brunch options for locals, visitors, and anyone planning a weekend in town.

This guide walks through popular types of Sunday brunch in Atlanta, neighborhood hotspots, typical prices, how to plan ahead, and what to know about timing, parking, and reservations.

What Sunday Brunch in Atlanta Is Really Like

In Atlanta, Sunday brunch usually means:

• Late-morning to early-afternoon dining, typically 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• A mix of Southern comfort food and modern dishes (shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, avocado toast, and more)
• Busy dining rooms, especially in Midtown, Buckhead, Inman Park, West Midtown, Virginia-Highland, and Downtown
• Optional cocktails like mimosas, Bloody Marys, and “bottomless” brunch specials (where permitted by local rules and restaurant policies)

Many restaurants only serve their brunch menu on weekends, with Sunday often being the most popular day. Wait times can be long at peak spots, so planning ahead is important.

Popular Neighborhoods for Sunday Brunch in Atlanta

Atlanta’s brunch scene is spread across many neighborhoods. Here’s a quick orientation:

If you’re staying in a hotel, you’ll likely be closest to Midtown, Buckhead, or Downtown options. Locals often gravitate toward Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, West Midtown, and Old Fourth Ward as well.

Types of Sunday Brunch You’ll Find in Atlanta

1. Classic Southern Comfort Brunch

Atlanta is known for Southern-style brunch, which often includes:

• Buttermilk biscuits with gravy or jam
• Fried chicken and waffles
• Shrimp and grits
• Pimento cheese, sausage, bacon, eggs, and hash browns
• Sweet dishes like French toast or peach cobbler-inspired items when in season

You’ll find these options across the city, especially in Midtown, West Midtown, and intown neighborhoods.

2. Hotel and Buffet-Style Brunch

Several Atlanta hotels offer Sunday brunch, often with:

• Buffet or prix-fixe (fixed-price) menus
• Carving stations, omelet stations, and dessert spreads
• More formal settings suitable for celebrations, holidays, or business meet-ups

These are concentrated in:

• Buckhead (Peachtree Road corridor)
• Downtown (near Peachtree Street, Marietta Street, and the convention area)
• Midtown (around 14th Street, Peachtree Street, and near Arts Center)

Hotel brunches can be more expensive than neighborhood cafes but may be easier to book in advance, especially for groups.

3. Trendy Brunch & “Bottomless” Style Spots

Many Atlanta restaurants offer:

• Contemporary menus (avocado toast, grain bowls, specialty pancakes, benedicts)
• Creative brunch cocktails or mimosa carafes
• Outdoor seating or rooftop views, especially in Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and West Midtown

Policies on “bottomless” brunch (fixed price for unlimited drinks) vary by restaurant and must comply with Georgia alcohol service laws. Expect many spots to:

• Offer time-limited drink specials (e.g., 90 minutes)
• Require you to also order food with alcoholic beverages
• Start serving alcohol later in the morning depending on local rules and day of the week

If drinks are a key part of your plans, check ahead for start times and any limits.

4. Family-Friendly and Kid-Friendly Brunch

Many brunch spots in Atlanta welcome families, especially near:

• Grant Park (close to Zoo Atlanta)
• Virginia-Highland (many walkable, casual restaurants)
• Inman Park (near the BeltLine and playgrounds)
• Decatur (just east of the city, known for family-friendly dining)

Look for restaurants that:

• Open earlier (around 9:00–10:00 a.m.)
• Have kids’ menus or simple options (pancakes, scrambled eggs, fruit)
• Offer high chairs and space for strollers

Typical Sunday Brunch Prices in Atlanta

Prices vary by neighborhood and restaurant style, but you can generally expect:

• Casual café or diner-style brunch
  • Main dishes: roughly $10–$18
  • Coffee/tea: around $3–$6
• Trendy or mid-range restaurant brunch
  • Main dishes: roughly $15–$25
  • Brunch cocktails: around $9–$15
• Hotel or special occasion brunch
  • Prix-fixe or buffet: commonly higher than neighborhood spots, especially in Buckhead and Midtown

Many places offer shared plates (e.g., biscuit baskets or appetizer boards) that can make brunch more affordable for couples or groups.

When to Go: Timing, Waits, and Reservations

Best Time to Arrive on Sunday

Brunch crowds in Atlanta are predictable:

• 10:00–11:00 a.m. – Typically easier to get a table at most places
• 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. – Peak time; expect waits at popular spots
• After 1:30 p.m. – Crowds often thin out, though some kitchens close brunch service by 2:00 or 3:00 p.m.

If you’re aiming for a high-demand restaurant in Midtown, Inman Park, or West Midtown, arriving on the earlier side or joining an online waitlist (if offered) can help avoid long waits.

Do You Need Reservations for Sunday Brunch in Atlanta?

Policies differ by restaurant:

• Many hotels and upscale restaurants in Buckhead and Midtown encourage or require reservations for Sunday brunch.
• Some trendy or smaller spots in Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Virginia-Highland may operate on a walk-in or limited-reservation model, using waitlist systems or apps.
• Larger restaurants, especially in West Midtown and Midtown, may take reservations for larger parties (e.g., 6 or more) but keep smaller tables for walk-ins.

If you’re planning:

• A group brunch (6+ people)
• A birthday, shower, or special celebration
• Brunch on a holiday weekend

It’s wise to contact the restaurant a week or more in advance to clarify:

• Group policies
• Any prix-fixe or special menus
• Deposit or cancellation rules, if applicable

Parking, Transit, and Getting Around for Sunday Brunch

Driving and Parking

Atlanta is car-heavy, and parking options vary by neighborhood:

• Midtown / Downtown

  • Expect paid parking decks or metered street parking.
  • Some restaurants validate parking in nearby garages.
  • On busy Sundays, allow extra time to find a spot, especially near Piedmont Park or major hotels.

• Buckhead

  • Many locations offer valet or structured parking, especially around Peachtree Road and Lenox Road.
  • Malls and mixed-use centers often have shared decks with restaurant parking.

• Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, Old Fourth Ward, Grant Park

  • More street parking, but spaces may be limited near popular corridors and the BeltLine.
  • Always observe posted neighborhood parking signs to avoid tickets.

Using MARTA and Rideshare

If you’d prefer to avoid driving:

• MARTA Rail

  • Midtown, Arts Center, North Avenue, Five Points, Peachtree Center, Buckhead, Lenox, and Lindbergh Center stations can put you within a reasonable walk or short rideshare of many brunch spots.
  • Sunday rail service typically runs less frequently than weekday service, so checking current schedules before leaving is helpful.

• Rideshare / Taxis

  • Widely used for Sunday brunch, especially when cocktails are involved.
  • Popular drop-off zones include Midtown (Piedmont Park area), BeltLine access points, and Buckhead commercial areas.

Brunch Near Popular Atlanta Attractions

If you’re spending Sunday exploring the city, you can combine brunch with nearby activities:

Near Piedmont Park & Midtown

Ideal if you plan to:

• Walk through Piedmont Park
• Visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden
• Enjoy the Midtown arts district

You’ll find numerous brunch options along and near Peachtree Street, 10th Street, and 14th Street, many with outdoor seating and a relaxed, park-adjacent feel.

Near Downtown Attractions

Good if you’re visiting:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola
• Centennial Olympic Park
• College Football Hall of Fame
• State Farm Arena (for events)

Many hotels and stand-alone restaurants in Downtown offer brunch menus that start late morning, making it easy to eat before or after a visit to nearby attractions.

Near the BeltLine (Eastside)

If you want a walkable brunch day:

• The Eastside BeltLine corridor (linking Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and Inman Park) has many brunch restaurants, coffee shops, and patios.
• This area is popular with pedestrians and cyclists on weekends, so it’s great if you want a post-brunch stroll.

Planning Brunch for Groups or Special Occasions

For birthdays, graduations, or visitors in town, Atlanta has many options that handle larger parties. To simplify planning:

1. Choose your area first
   Decide if you want to be near your hotel, the BeltLine, Piedmont Park, or another landmark.

2. Call the restaurant directly
   Ask about:

   • Maximum group size for brunch
   • Set menus or minimum spends
   • How far in advance they book Sunday brunch for groups
   • Decoration rules (balloons, cakes, etc.)

3. Confirm timing
   Earlier slots (around 10:30–11:00 a.m.) can be easier for larger groups than peak midday times.

4. Clarify payment details
   Some restaurants may:

   • Add an automatic gratuity for larger parties
   • Require one form of payment
   • Ask for a deposit or contract for very large groups

Tips to Make the Most of Sunday Brunch in Atlanta

A few practical pointers:

• Check hours before you go – Many restaurants have different Sunday hours than Saturday, and brunch menus may only be available during set windows.
• Look at the menu in advance – This is particularly helpful if anyone in your party has dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-conscious).
• Plan for weather if you want a patio – Outdoor seating is popular during Atlanta’s spring and fall. On nice days, these areas can fill up fast, and some patios may be first-come, first-served.
• Consider traffic – Sunday mornings are calmer than weekdays, but events (sports, festivals, parades) can affect driving and parking in parts of Midtown, Downtown, and around major venues.
• Think about what you’re doing after – If you plan something active (BeltLine walk, Botanical Garden, or park time), choose brunch nearby to avoid extra driving and parking.

Finding Sunday Brunch Options and Confirming Details

For the most accurate, up-to-date information in Atlanta, you can:

• Check restaurant websites or reservation platforms for:
  • Sunday hours
  • Brunch-specific menus
  • Reservation availability
• Call the restaurant’s main phone number to confirm:
  • Current brunch days and hours
  • Whether they accept reservations
  • Parking or validation options
  • Any special dishes or events on Sundays

If you’re already in the city, local hotel concierges, visitor centers, and neighborhood guides (especially in Midtown, Downtown, and Buckhead) can also point you to nearby Sunday brunch options tailored to where you’re staying and how you plan to get around.

With a bit of planning—choosing your neighborhood, checking hours, and deciding whether you want a casual Southern spot, a hotel buffet, or a trendy patio—you can make Sunday brunch in Atlanta a reliable highlight of your weekend.