Your Local Guide to South Atlanta Restaurants

South Atlanta has its own rhythm, and the restaurant scene reflects that—soul food staples, old-school diners, taquerias, Caribbean spots, vegan cafés, and hidden gems near almost every major corridor. Whether you live on the south side, commute through it, or are visiting from out of town, you can eat very well without heading to Midtown or Buckhead.

This guide focuses on restaurants in and around South Atlanta, including neighborhoods like South Atlanta (the historic neighborhood), Lakewood, Southside, East Point, College Park, Hapeville, Forest Park, and nearby areas along I‑75/I‑85 south of downtown.

How South Atlanta’s Restaurant Scene Is Different

Compared with intown hotspots, South Atlanta restaurants tend to be:

• More locally owned and family-run
• Strong in Southern, soul, BBQ, Caribbean, and Latin American food
• Often more affordable, with generous portions
• Focused less on “scene” and more on community and comfort

You’ll find:

• Strip-mall gems along Jonesboro Rd, Old National Hwy, and Tara Blvd
• Neighborhood staples near schools, churches, and MARTA stations
• Airport-adjacent restaurants in College Park, Hapeville, and East Point that serve both locals and travelers

Key Areas in South Atlanta for Dining

1. South Atlanta & Lakewood Area

The historic South Atlanta neighborhood and nearby Lakewood blend old and new:

• Soul food cafés near residential streets
• Food trucks and pop-ups around Lakewood Amphitheatre / Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood during event seasons
• Casual spots along Jonesboro Road SE and Sawtell Ave SE

These areas are great if you’re already nearby or attending a show and want something filling and unfussy.

2. College Park & Old National Highway

College Park is one of the strongest food hubs on the south side, especially around:

• Main Street in Historic College Park – cafés, brunch spots, and small bistros
• Old National Highway – a long stretch known for:
  • Soul food and BBQ
  • Caribbean and West African restaurants
  • Late-night takeout options

If you’re near the airport or live in South Fulton, this area gives you the widest variety within a short drive.

3. East Point & Camp Creek

East Point combines older neighborhood spots with newer shopping-center dining:

• Around Downtown East Point / Main Street – small restaurants, pizza, and cafés walkable from the MARTA station
• Camp Creek Marketplace area – chain restaurants mixed with some locally owned places, good for groups that want options
• Pockets of soul food and Latin American restaurants on side streets and in small plazas

This area is convenient if you’re coming from West End, Westside, or the airport and want to stay south of downtown.

4. Hapeville & Airport District

Hapeville, just east of the airport, has become a quietly popular food pocket:

• Neighborhood eateries along Virginia Ave
• Diners and burger spots that serve both locals and airline crews
• A mix of American comfort food, Mexican, and breakfast places

If you have a long layover at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport or are staying in an airport hotel, Hapeville and College Park are your best bets for local flavor without driving far.

5. Jonesboro Road, Tara Boulevard & Clayton County

Heading farther south along Jonesboro Rd and Tara Blvd into Forest Park, Morrow, and Jonesboro, you’ll find:

• Affordable buffets and soul food kitchens
• Numerous taquerias and Mexican restaurants
• Asian, Caribbean, and African restaurants in strip centers

These are designed for locals first—no-frills, big plates, and mostly drive-up convenience.

Popular Types of Restaurants in South Atlanta

Soul Food & Southern Classics

South Atlanta is rich in meat-and-three plates, fried chicken, collards, cornbread, and peach cobbler. You’ll often find:

• Blue-plate specials (a protein plus 2–3 sides and bread)
• Sunday-style meals every day of the week
• Friendly, regulars-first atmospheres

Look along:

• Metropolitan Pkwy, Jonesboro Rd, Old National Hwy, and Tara Blvd
• Side streets near churches and schools

📝 Tip: Many soul food spots are busiest on Sundays after church. Call ahead, arrive early, or be prepared for a short wait.

Barbecue & Smokehouses

South Atlanta has both classic and newer BBQ:

• Hickory-smoked pork and ribs
• Chicken, turkey wings, and sometimes brisket
• Sides like mac and cheese, baked beans, potato salad, and slaw

Common setups:

• Walk-up windows with takeout trays
• Small dining rooms with counter service
• Outdoor smokers visible from the street

Mexican, Latin American & Taquerias

Driving down Jonesboro Rd, Moreland Ave SE, and Tara Blvd, you’ll notice:

• Taquerias with tacos, tortas, and quesadillas
• Full-service Mexican restaurants with combination plates and margaritas
• Bakeries (panaderías) selling sweet breads and pastries

Signs to watch for:

• “Taqueria” or “Tacos y Mariscos”
• Storefronts in small plazas with bright colors and simple décor

These are a solid choice for quick, affordable lunches or late dinners.

Caribbean, African & Global Cuisine

South Atlanta’s diversity really shows along Old National Highway, around South Fulton, and parts of Clayton County:

You’re likely to find:

• Caribbean: jerk chicken, oxtails, curry goat, rice and peas
• West African: jollof rice, fufu, stews, grilled fish
• Ethiopian, Indian, and other global cuisines in small plazas

These restaurants often offer a mix of dine-in and takeout, with portions that travel well if you’re heading home or to a hotel.

Vegan & Health-Conscious Options

Historically, the south side has been lighter on vegan spots than Midtown or Decatur, but you still have options:

• Plant-forward soul food at select cafés and pop-ups
• Smoothie shops and juice bars, especially near Camp Creek and along major corridors
• Regular restaurants that will substitute sides (greens without meat, salads, baked potatoes, veggie plates)

If you’re vegan or vegetarian on the south side:

• Look for “veggie plate” or “meatless sides” on menus
• Call ahead—many kitchens will work with simple swaps

When You’re Visiting: Airport & Hotel-Area Dining

If you’re flying in or out of Hartsfield-Jackson and don’t want to rely only on airport food courts:

• North of the airport:

  • College Park Main Street – local restaurants within a short drive
  • Camp Creek Pkwy / Camp Creek Marketplace – many options, including family-friendly chains and some local places

• East of the airport:

  • Hapeville (Virginia Ave area) – walkable options if you’re staying in nearby hotels

Most airport-area restaurants are set up for fast service and takeout, which helps if you’re on a tight schedule.

Sample South Atlanta Dining Scenarios

1. You Live on the South Side and Want a Reliable Weeknight Dinner

• Check Old National Hwy, Jonesboro Rd, or Tara Blvd for:
  • Soul food / meat-and-three
  • Taquerias and Latin spots
  • Pizza and wings for quick pickup

Look for neighborhood favorites (busy parking lots at dinner are a good sign).

2. You’re Coming from Downtown or Midtown

If you don’t know the south side well:

• Use main routes: I‑75/85, Metropolitan Pkwy, Moreland Ave, or Cleveland Ave
• Aim for Camp Creek, College Park, or East Point first—they’re easier to navigate and have a wide comfort-food mix.

3. Family-Friendly, South of Downtown

For kids and mixed-age groups:

• Camp Creek Marketplace area
• Larger sit-down restaurants along Jonesboro Rd near major shopping centers
• Casual diners and buffets in Morrow and Jonesboro

Quick Snapshot: What to Expect in Key South Atlanta Areas

Practical Tips for Eating Out in South Atlanta

• Transportation:

  • Many spots are easier to reach by car; parking is usually free in lots or on side streets.
  • MARTA works well for College Park, East Point, and Hapeville-adjacent areas if you’re willing to walk or rideshare a short distance.

• Peak Times:

  • Sunday afternoons and Friday evenings are often the busiest, especially for soul food, BBQ, and buffet-style places.
  • Airport-adjacent areas can surge during big travel holidays.

• Payment & Ordering:

  • Most restaurants accept cards, but a few small places may be cash-preferred, especially takeout windows.
  • Call-ahead orders are common on the south side—useful for BBQ and soul food.

• Takeout vs. Dine-In:

  • A lot of South Atlanta restaurants are optimized for takeout with compact dining rooms.
  • If you’re planning to dine in, it can help to confirm seating when you call.

How to Choose a South Atlanta Restaurant That Fits Your Needs

When you’re deciding where to go, think about:

1. How far south you want to drive

   • Closer to downtown: South Atlanta, Lakewood, East Point
   • Deeper into the south side: College Park, Old National, Forest Park, Clayton County

2. Type of food you’re craving

   • Comfort/soul food → look near Metropolitan Pkwy, Old National Hwy, Jonesboro Rd
   • International flavors → focus on Old National, Tara Blvd, Jonesboro Rd
   • Brunch and café-style → College Park Main Street, East Point, Hapeville

3. Atmosphere

   • Sit-down meal: Camp Creek area, College Park Main Street, Hapeville
   • Grab-and-go: BBQ shacks, taquerias, wings, and fish fry spots all along the major corridors

If you live in Atlanta, it’s worth exploring one corridor at a time—pick an area (like Old National or Camp Creek), try a couple of places over a few weeks, and you’ll quickly build a go-to list of South Atlanta restaurants that fit your tastes and budget.