McKinnon’s Louisiane: A Classic New Orleans–Style Seafood Landmark in Atlanta

If you’ve heard Atlantans talk about old‑school seafood or New Orleans flavors in the city, McKinnon’s Louisiane has probably come up. For decades, this Midtown restaurant has been known as a cozy, retro spot serving Louisiana‑inspired seafood and French‑Creole dishes right here in Atlanta.

This guide walks you through what to expect, where it is, who it’s best for, and how it fits into Atlanta’s international and regional restaurant scene.

Where McKinnon’s Louisiane Fits in Atlanta’s Dining Scene

Atlanta’s restaurant landscape is often known for:

• Southern comfort food
• Modern Southern fine dining
• A growing list of global and international cuisines

McKinnon’s Louisiane sits at the intersection of those last two. It’s:

• A New Orleans–style seafood and Creole restaurant
• With a classic, old‑Atlanta feel rather than a trendy, modern vibe
• Focused on table-service dining, not a grab‑and‑go or bar‑food model

If you’re exploring international and regional cuisines in Atlanta, McKinnon’s represents:

• The Gulf Coast and Louisiana side of Southern food
• A more traditional, white‑tablecloth experience in a city that’s constantly opening new, casual concepts

Location, Parking, and Practical Details

McKinnon’s Louisiane is located in Midtown Atlanta, convenient to many hotels, offices, and attractions.

Address (commonly associated with McKinnon’s Louisiane):
3209 Maple Drive NE
Atlanta, GA 30305

Because specific hours, reservations, and current menus can change, it’s wise to:

• Call ahead for current hours and reservation options
• Ask about parking—many Midtown restaurants rely on surface lots, shared lots, or street parking
• Confirm if there are holiday or event‑week changes, especially during large conventions or major downtown events

If you’re visiting and staying in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, McKinnon’s is generally a short car ride away.

What Type of Food McKinnon’s Louisiane Serves

McKinnon’s is best thought of as a New Orleans–influenced seafood and Creole restaurant, not a generic seafood house.

You’ll typically find:

• Seafood-focused entrées

  • Dishes featuring shrimp, crab, oysters, and fish
  • Preparations inspired by New Orleans and Gulf Coast cooking

• French‑Creole touches

  • Sauces and seasonings that lean toward buttery, garlicky, and herbed
  • Some dishes with wine‑based sauces or cream‑based elements

• Classic appetizers

  • Items like seafood cocktails, baked or broiled seafood starters, or regional appetizers

• Traditional desserts

  • Often in the style of Southern or New Orleans classics

Menu specifics can rotate, but the overall feel is seafood‑centric with Louisiana flavor, rather than a broad, pan‑international menu.

Atmosphere: What It Feels Like Inside

McKinnon’s Louisiane is often described as old‑school and intimate, especially compared to many of the newer Atlanta restaurants.

You can generally expect:

• Cozy, low‑key dining room

  • A more quiet, conversational setting than a loud, open‑kitchen spot
  • A setting that suits date nights, small celebrations, or business dinners

• Classic service style

  • Table service, with a pace that encourages sitting and enjoying multiple courses
  • Staff who often know the menu in detail and can guide you through seafood choices

• Retro, “time‑capsule” feel

  • Decor and ambiance that feel more like classic Atlanta than the latest trend

If you like restaurants that feel established and personal rather than slick and hyper‑modern, this style will likely appeal to you.

Who McKinnon’s Louisiane Is Best For

McKinnon’s can be a strong fit if you:

• Enjoy seafood and New Orleans‑style flavors
• Prefer sit‑down dining over counter service
• Appreciate older, locally rooted Atlanta spots
• Are planning:
  • A date night
  • A quiet celebratory dinner
  • A meal with family members who prefer classic restaurants

It may be less ideal if you’re looking for:

• A very casual, quick bite
• A strictly budget‑oriented meal
• A large, boisterous group outing with a party vibe

Tips for Atlantans and Visitors Planning a Visit

Here are some practical, Atlanta‑specific tips to make your visit smoother:

1. Make a Reservation When Possible

While walk‑ins may be accepted at times, many diners find it easier to:

• Call ahead for reservations, especially:
  • Friday and Saturday nights
  • Around holidays
  • During convention weeks or major events in Midtown and Downtown

This helps avoid a long wait, particularly if you’re on a schedule.

2. Plan Around Atlanta Traffic

Traffic patterns in Atlanta can affect your dining plans:

• Weekday evenings can be congested, especially if you’re driving from Downtown, Buckhead, or the northern suburbs
• If you have tickets to a Fox Theatre show, a game, or a concert, build in:
  • Time for rush hour traffic
  • Time to park and walk comfortably

Aim to arrive slightly earlier than your reservation so you’re not rushed.

3. Consider Your Group’s Preferences

Because McKinnon’s is seafood-forward, think about:

• Whether everyone in your group is comfortable with seafood
• Whether anyone has shellfish allergies or dietary restrictions

If you’re not sure what non‑seafood options are available, it can be helpful to:

• Call ahead and ask about current menu flexibility
• Confirm if they can adjust dishes for common restrictions (such as dairy or gluten concerns), understanding that options may be limited

How McKinnon’s Compares to Other International Cuisine Options in Atlanta

Atlanta offers a wide range of international and regional cuisines, from Buford Highway to Midtown and beyond. In that context, McKinnon’s Louisiane is distinct because it:

• Focuses specifically on New Orleans–style seafood and Creole flavors
• Maintains a classic, white‑tablecloth style instead of a modern casual format
• Feels more like a historic local institution than a brand‑new concept

If you’re mapping out an “around the world in Atlanta” food itinerary, McKinnon’s can easily represent:

• Louisiana and Gulf Coast regional cuisine within the broader international and American regional food mix

Simple Snapshot: McKinnon’s Louisiane at a Glance

Practical Next Steps if You Want to Go

If you’re in Atlanta and considering a visit to McKinnon’s Louisiane:

1. Confirm basic details

   • Check current days and hours of operation
   • Ask about reservations, especially for peak nights

2. Plan your route and parking

   • Decide whether you’ll drive, rideshare, or use MARTA plus a short walk or rideshare
   • Give yourself extra time for rush hour traffic

3. Think through your group’s needs

   • Make sure seafood is a good fit
   • Call ahead about any dietary restrictions to see what’s realistic

4. Set expectations for the experience

   • Expect a traditional, slower‑paced meal
   • Plan to stay long enough to enjoy appetizers, mains, and possibly dessert

For Atlantans and visitors who enjoy classic New Orleans flavors and seafood in a relaxed, old‑school setting, McKinnon’s Louisiane offers a distinctly Atlanta take on Louisiana cuisine—rooted in the city’s dining history and positioned right in the heart of its modern urban core.