The Colonnade Restaurant in Atlanta: Classic Southern Comfort on Cheshire Bridge

If you’re searching for “Colonnade Atlanta restaurant”, you’re probably looking for one thing: a dependable spot for old-school Southern comfort food that feels unmistakably Atlanta. The Colonnade, just off Cheshire Bridge Road, has been that place for locals, families, and visiting friends for generations.

This guide walks you through what to expect: food, atmosphere, location, parking, what to wear, when to go, and how it fits into the broader Atlanta dining scene.

Where the Colonnade Fits in Atlanta’s Restaurant Landscape

Atlanta has everything from multi-course tasting menus on the Westside to tiny counter-service spots on Buford Highway. The Colonnade sits in a different category:

• Location: Near the intersection of Cheshire Bridge Rd NE and Lenox Rd NE, convenient to Midtown, Morningside, Virginia-Highland, Buckhead, and I-85
• Style: Classic, sit-down Southern restaurant with a strong “special occasion with the grandparents” vibe
• Atmosphere: Casual but old-fashioned; more “Sunday supper” than trendy brunch
• Food focus: Fried chicken, country-style sides, rolls, and traditional desserts

For many Atlanta residents, it’s the kind of place you go before a show at the Fox, after church, or when relatives are in town and “want real Southern food.”

Location, Parking, and Contact Basics

Here’s a quick reference if you’re planning a visit. Always confirm details before you go, as hours and policies can change.

If you’re staying in a hotel near Lenox Square, Piedmont Park, or Midtown, the Colonnade is usually a straightforward drive or rideshare away.

What to Expect on the Menu

The Colonnade is known for traditional, hearty Southern dishes rather than experimental or health-focused fare. While menus can change, diners commonly find:

Classic Southern Mains

You’re likely to see staples like:

• Fried chicken (frequently mentioned by regulars as a go-to)
• Roast turkey, pot roast, or country-fried steak
• Pork chops (fried or grilled, depending on the day)
• Seafood options such as fried shrimp or fish

Portions tend to be generous, in line with what many Atlantans expect from a classic meat-and-three style restaurant.

Side Dishes and Breads

Much of the appeal lies in the sides and extras:

• Macaroni and cheese
• Collard greens, green beans, turnip greens
• Mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, fried okra
• Squash casserole, cole slaw, and other rotating vegetables
• Yeast rolls and often cornbread served to the table

If you grew up in the South—or you’re visiting Atlanta to experience it—this style will feel deeply familiar.

Desserts

Desserts typically lean toward:

• Pies (such as pecan or coconut)
• Layer cakes
• Old-fashioned favorites that fit the “Sunday dinner” theme

For many people in Atlanta, dessert at the Colonnade is part of the tradition, especially when celebrating a birthday or family milestone.

Atmosphere: Old-School Atlanta, Not Trendy Midtown

The Colonnade has the feel of a long-established Atlanta institution:

• Decor: Traditional, leaning slightly retro; more banquet hall than modern lounge
• Guests: A wide mix—older regulars, multi-generational families, couples, and friend groups
• Noise level: Can get lively during peak times, especially weekends and holidays

If you’re used to the sleek interiors of newer restaurants on the BeltLine or in West Midtown, the Colonnade will feel different—more like stepping back into “classic Atlanta” than into a newly opened hotspot.

Dress Code and What to Wear

There isn’t a strict dress code, but there are some local norms:

• Common outfits:
  • Nice jeans or slacks with a shirt or blouse
  • Casual dresses or skirts
  • Business casual if coming from work or an event
• Less common: Very casual gym wear or beachwear

If you’re coming from church, a show at the Fox Theatre, or a Buckhead office, what you’re already wearing will usually fit right in.

When to Go: Timing Your Visit

Busy Times

Atlanta diners report that the Colonnade can be especially busy:

• Weekend evenings
• Holiday periods (Mother’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving-related times, etc.)
• Sunday dinner hours

At these times, the parking lot and waiting area can be crowded. For those trying to avoid long waits:

• Aim for early evening on weeknights
• Consider early Sunday lunch if you’re flexible

Reservations and Groups

Policies may change, but for larger groups, Atlantans often:

• Call ahead to ask about reservations or call-ahead seating
• Plan extra time if dining with a group of six or more
• Confirm any special arrangements (birthdays, accessibility needs, or high chairs)

Alcohol and Bar Area

The Colonnade is known among many locals for its full bar and classic cocktails. Instead of elaborate craft cocktails, you’re more likely to find:

• Traditional mixed drinks
• Basic wine and beer selections
• A bar area where some people choose to arrive early, have a drink, and wait for a table

This can be appealing if you’re coming from nearby neighborhoods like Morningside, Ansley Park, or Virginia-Highland and want a relaxed, old-school place for a drink and a meal.

Bringing Kids, Family, and Visitors

The Colonnade often works well for:

• Family dinners with multiple generations
• Out-of-town guests who want “real Southern food in Atlanta”
• Celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries

Points Atlanta families typically consider:

• The environment is family-friendly, but not a children’s play space
• Portions and rich dishes may be best shared or planned around younger appetites
• It’s helpful to call ahead if you need high chairs, booster seats, or space for a stroller

For visitors staying near Piedmont Park, Downtown, or Buckhead, the restaurant gives a good feel for a more traditional side of Atlanta dining, distinct from tourist-heavy chains.

Dietary Considerations and Menu Flexibility

Like many traditional Southern restaurants, the Colonnade’s menu emphasizes:

• Fried foods
• Butter, cream, and cheese
• Meat-heavy mains

If you or someone in your group has dietary needs, Atlantans often handle it this way:

• Call ahead to ask about possible accommodations
• Ask your server which sides or preparations are grilled, baked, or lighter
• Verify ingredients if you’re managing allergies or specific dietary restrictions

It is not typically seen as a destination for highly specialized diets, but some people do find workable options by focusing on vegetables and non-fried proteins when available.

Getting There from Key Atlanta Areas

To put it in local terms, here’s how Atlantans often think about reaching the Colonnade:

• From Midtown:

  • Short drive northeast via Piedmont Rd NE or Monroe Dr NE connecting to Cheshire Bridge
  • Rideshares are common, especially in the evening

• From Buckhead:

  • Usually a straightforward trip down Piedmont Rd or via Lenox Rd NE and I-85 access roads
  • Many people combine it with shopping trips to Lenox Square or Phipps Plaza

• From Downtown:

  • Take the connector (I-75/85) north to I-85, then exit toward Cheshire Bridge / Lenox Rd
  • Allow extra time in rush hour, as traffic can back up near freeway exits

If you rely on MARTA, check current bus routes serving the Cheshire Bridge Rd NE corridor, as service patterns can change.

Tips for an Atlanta Local or Visitor Planning a Visit

Here are some practical pointers tailored to Atlanta:

• 🕐 Go off-peak if you dislike waits. Earlier weeknight dinners are often smoother than Friday or Saturday prime time.
• 🚗 Plan for parking. Expect to circle the lot or wait a bit at heavy times, especially around major holidays and Sunday evenings.
• 📞 Call before you go. A quick call can clarify hours, reservations, large-party policies, and any special holiday schedules.
• 🥘 Lean into the classics. Many regulars focus on staple Southern dishes—fried chicken, vegetables, rolls, and a traditional dessert.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Use it for family gatherings. If you need a place that feels like “Atlanta tradition” for a multi-generation meal, this is a common choice.

If you’re in or visiting Atlanta and searching for “Colonnade Atlanta restaurant”, you’re looking at one of the city’s long-standing spots for comfort-heavy Southern cooking and a distinctly old-school atmosphere. It’s not the newest or trendiest place in town—but for many Atlantans, that’s exactly the point.