The Colonnade Restaurant in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to a Classic Southern Institution

If you search for “The Colonnade Restaurant Atlanta,” you’re usually looking for one of three things: what kind of place it is, what to expect from the menu and experience, and whether it’s worth a special trip while you’re in the city. In Atlanta, The Colonnade is widely known as a long-standing spot for traditional Southern cooking that feels both old-school and approachable.

Below is a practical guide to help you decide if it fits your plans—and how to make the most of a visit.

Where The Colonnade Restaurant Is and How to Get There

Address (commonly listed):
The Colonnade Restaurant
1879 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
Phone: (404) 874-5642

The restaurant sits on Cheshire Bridge Road, a corridor known for older Atlanta landmarks, eclectic restaurants, and nightlife. It’s a short drive from:

• Morningside–Lenox Park
• Virginia-Highland
• Lindridge-Martin Manor
• Major corridors like Piedmont Road and I-85

Getting There From Around Atlanta

• From Midtown:
  Drive north on Piedmont Road and cut over to Cheshire Bridge. Depending on traffic, it’s usually around 10–15 minutes.
• From Buckhead:
  Head south on Piedmont or use Lenox/Cheshire Bridge; plan about 15–20 minutes.
• From Downtown:
  Take the Connector (I-75/85) north, exit toward Cheshire Bridge or Buford Highway/Piedmont, then follow local roads. Expect roughly 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic and time of day.

🅿️ Parking: The Colonnade generally offers on-site parking adjacent to the building. Spaces can fill up during peak dining times, so arriving a bit early is often helpful.

🚗 Rideshare: Many locals use rideshare services (Lyft, Uber) if they’re combining dinner with drinks or coming from intown neighborhoods where parking is tighter.

What Kind of Restaurant Is The Colonnade?

The Colonnade is typically described as a classic Southern meat-and-three–style restaurant with a retro, old-Atlanta feel. It’s not trendy or experimental; it leans into:

• Comfort food
• Familiar recipes
• Generous portions
• A casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere

Many people visit for:

• Family gatherings
• Pre-theater or pre-night-out dinners
• Sunday meals after church or weekend errands
• Taking out-of-town guests to something that feels “very Atlanta”

The space itself usually feels traditional: wood-paneled or classic interiors, table-service dining, and an ambiance that’s more about conversation and comfort than design trends.

What to Expect on the Menu

Menus can change, so always check the current one when you arrive. But in general, when Atlantans talk about The Colonnade, they’re usually talking about:

Signature Southern Staples

Expect a strong lineup of fried and roasted meats, along with classic sides:

• Fried chicken
• Roast beef or pot roast
• Country-style pork dishes
• Turkey and dressing (seasonal or weekly)
• Occasionally seafood options like fried shrimp or fish

“Meat and Three”–Style Plates

The structure is often similar to traditional meat-and-three restaurants in the South, where you pick:

• One main protein (your “meat”)
• Two or three sides (vegetables or starches)
• Often served with rolls, biscuits, or cornbread

Common sides might include:

• Mashed potatoes with gravy
• Macaroni and cheese
• Green beans
• Collard greens
• Fried okra
• Creamed corn
• Cole slaw
• Sweet potato casserole

Desserts and Sweets

As a Southern restaurant, The Colonnade often features classic desserts, such as:

• Cobbler (e.g., peach or seasonal fruit)
• Layer cakes or pies
• Banana pudding–style desserts at times

These rotate, so if dessert is important to you, it’s worth asking what’s available when you’re seated.

Price Range and Value

Pricing can change over time, but The Colonnade typically falls into mid-range casual dining for Atlanta:

• Entrées with sides are generally more than fast food but less than high-end Buckhead or Midtown restaurants.
• Many diners see it as a good value for portion size, especially for families or groups.

If you’re budgeting:

• Expect a moderate sit-down dinner price point.
• Factor in tax, tip, and possibly parking or rideshare if you’re coming from another part of the city.

Atmosphere and Dress Code

The Colonnade is known for being welcoming and relaxed rather than formal.

Atmosphere

• Casual and comfortable
• Mix of long-time regulars, families, and visitors
• A feel that many describe as “old Atlanta” or “retro Southern”

Noise levels can be lively during peak hours, especially on weekends and holidays. If you prefer a quieter meal, earlier times in the evening or weekdays may be better.

Dress Code

There is typically no strict dress code:

• Casual wear (jeans, polos, casual dresses) is common.
• You will also see people slightly dressed up for occasions or church, especially on Sundays.
• Business casual is easily appropriate, but not required.

When to Go: Peak Times and Planning Ahead

Because The Colonnade is a well-known restaurant with a loyal following, timing matters, especially if you’re trying to avoid a wait.

Busy Times

Expect it to be busier:

• Friday and Saturday evenings
• Sunday after church and around traditional lunch/dinner windows
• Holidays and special occasions (e.g., Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving period)

Tips to Minimize Waits

• ⏰ Arrive early for dinner (for example, close to opening time for evening service).
• 📞 Call ahead to check:
  • Current wait times
  • Hours for the day (especially around holidays)
  • Whether they’re offering anything special or limited
• 🚶 If you’re close by (Midtown, Virginia-Highland, Morningside), consider popping over slightly off-peak (e.g., early weeknights).

Who Will Enjoy The Colonnade Most?

The Colonnade fits best if you’re looking for:

• Traditional Southern comfort food rather than modern fusion or fine dining
• A nostalgic, old-school Atlanta experience
• A place to bring multi-generational groups where the menu feels familiar
• A stop on a Cheshire Bridge–area outing, combining with other intown activities

You might be less excited if you want:

• Cutting-edge or experimental cuisine
• A very quiet, minimalist dining room
• A health-focused, plant-forward menu (while there are vegetable sides, the overall concept leans comfort-heavy)

Accessibility and Practical Details

While details can change, The Colonnade is generally set up as a single-entrance, sit-down restaurant with parking directly outside.

Points to consider:

• Accessibility:
  Older Atlanta buildings can have steps, narrow entrances, or older restrooms. If accessibility is critical (wheelchairs, walkers, limited mobility), it’s wise to:
  • Call ahead and ask about ramp access, seating options, and restroom setup.
• Group dining:
  For larger parties, you can usually:
  • Call in advance to ask about wait times for larger tables
  • Discuss seating arrangements if you’re planning a special gathering or family event

The Colonnade vs. Other Southern Restaurants in Atlanta

Atlanta has many places serving Southern and soul food, from meat-and-three cafés to upscale modern Southern spots. The Colonnade sits in a lane that is:

• More formal than a cafeteria line but less formal than a fine-dining Southern restaurant
• More old-fashioned and traditional than many newer intown concepts
• Located in a central intown area, convenient to Midtown, Buckhead, and I-85

If you’re building an Atlanta food itinerary, The Colonnade often serves as the “classic, old-school Southern dinner” stop, balancing out more modern or international picks elsewhere in the city.

How to Decide if The Colonnade Belongs on Your Atlanta To-Do List

Consider adding The Colonnade to your plans if:

• You want to introduce visitors to Atlanta’s traditional Southern side.
• You’re in or near Midtown, Buckhead, or the eastside neighborhoods and want a sit-down meal that feels local and established.
• You enjoy fried chicken, meat-and-three plates, and classic sides.
• You appreciate restaurants with history and regulars, not just the newest openings.

If your focus is on trend-driven restaurants, ultra-modern decor, or strictly health-conscious options, you might prioritize other stops—but The Colonnade is still useful to know as a reference point in Atlanta’s dining history.

Quick Snapshot: The Colonnade Restaurant, Atlanta

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, The Colonnade Restaurant is less about chasing the newest trend and more about experiencing a piece of the city’s long-standing Southern dining culture—with a plate full of comfort food to match.