Panbury’s Double Crust Pies in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re in Atlanta and craving hearty, handheld savory pies with an international twist, Panbury’s Double Crust Pies is one of the most recognizable names in that niche. While offerings and exact locations can change over time, the brand has become known locally for its British- and South African–inspired pies baked into a fully enclosed, flaky double crust.

This guide walks you through what Panbury’s is known for, how it fits into Atlanta’s international food scene, what to expect from the menu, and practical tips for enjoying these pies in and around the city.

What Is Panbury’s Double Crust Pies?

Panbury’s is best known in Atlanta for savory, fully enclosed pies—not open-faced pot pies, but hand pies with a top and bottom crust that you can usually eat without utensils.

The concept blends:

• British-style meat pies
• South African–influenced fillings
• American comfort food flavors

This makes it a good option if you’re looking for international cuisine in Atlanta that still feels very familiar and comforting.

Where Panbury’s Fits in Atlanta’s International Cuisine Scene

Atlanta’s food scene is heavy on Southern, Korean, Mexican, Caribbean, Ethiopian, and Vietnamese restaurants. A dedicated savory pie shop is relatively niche, which is why Panbury’s tends to stand out.

For someone living in or visiting Atlanta, Panbury’s can be:

• A quick grab-and-go meal near downtown or central neighborhoods when available
• An alternative to burgers or sandwiches for lunch
• A way to sample British- and South African–style comfort food without leaving the city

If you’re exploring international food around the city—say, dim sum on Buford Highway, Ethiopian in Midtown, and ramen in West Midtown—adding a savory pie stop offers something different from the usual rotation.

Typical Types of Pies You’ll Find

Exact menus change, but Panbury’s built its reputation on a mix of classic British flavors, South African comfort dishes, and American favorites baked in crust.

You may encounter pies along lines like:

Classic & British-Style Pies

• Steak and ale–style pies
• Chicken-based pies with vegetables and creamy sauces
• Mince-style beef pies with rich, savory fillings

South African–Inspired Options

South African pies often include curried or spiced fillings that are flavorful but usually approachable. At Panbury’s, this typically translates into:

• Mildly spiced curried beef or chicken options
• Fillings that highlight savory gravies, onions, and herbs

American Comfort Food in Pie Form

To appeal to Atlanta diners who want familiar flavors, the brand also leans into:

• Chicken pot pie–style fillings
• BBQ- or meatloaf-style blends
• Occasional breakfast-oriented pies with egg, cheese, and meat

Not every item will be on the menu every day, and seasonal or limited-run pies sometimes appear.

Double Crust vs. Pot Pie: What to Expect

If you’re used to traditional American pot pies in a dish with an open top, Panbury’s double crust pies will feel different.

Key differences:

If you want something easy to carry to a nearby park, office, or hotel, the double crust format is a major advantage.

Vegetarian and Dietary Considerations

Restaurant menus evolve, but Panbury’s has historically offered some vegetarian options alongside meat pies. If you have dietary preferences, in Atlanta you’ll typically want to:

• Check the current menu for clearly marked vegetarian pies
• Ask about ingredients and preparation, especially if you avoid certain animal products
• Confirm whether any egg wash, butter, or dairy is used in the crust

For strict dietary needs (vegan, dairy-free, gluten-sensitive), it’s important to verify details directly, since many traditional pie crusts include butter or other dairy and wheat flour.

What It’s Like to Dine or Grab Takeout

When Panbury’s has operated storefronts or stalls in Atlanta, the experience has generally leaned toward casual and efficient rather than formal dining.

Common Experiences for Atlanta Diners

• Counter service: Order at the counter, choose your pies from a warm case or menu board.
• Quick service times: Because pies are often pre-baked and kept warm, you usually don’t wait long.
• Limited but focused menu: Instead of dozens of dishes, you’ll usually pick from a curated list of pies plus occasional sides or drinks.
• Easy to-go setup: Pies pack well in boxes, making them good for:
  • Office lunches in Downtown or Midtown
  • Hotel meals if you’re staying near the city center
  • Snacks to bring to a game or event, where outside food is allowed

If you’re coming from elsewhere in the metro—Decatur, Sandy Springs, East Point—plan your trip around traffic and peak hours, especially on weekdays during lunch.

When Panbury’s Works Best for Atlanta Locals

For someone living in Atlanta, Panbury’s-style pies can slot into your routine in a few specific ways:

• Workday lunch: Particularly useful if you’re near central neighborhoods and want something filling but different from typical fast-casual spots.
• Pre-event meal: Handy before a show around downtown or a sports event, where you want to be full but not sluggish.
• “I don’t want to cook” dinner: A couple of pies per person can act as a full meal with a simple salad at home.

Because pies are relatively compact, it’s common for people to:

• Order one pie with a side if they’re not very hungry
• Order two different pies to try multiple flavors if they have a bigger appetite

Tips for Visitors to Atlanta Wanting to Try Panbury’s

If you’re visiting Atlanta and want Panbury’s to be part of your food itinerary, a few practical tips help:

1. Confirm current location and hours
   Businesses sometimes move, pop up in food halls, or adjust their hours. Before you build your day around it, check the latest information directly with the restaurant.

2. Plan around Atlanta traffic
   If you’re driving from Buckhead, Midtown, or the suburbs, allow extra time, especially during:

   • Morning (roughly 7–9 a.m.)
   • Late afternoon/early evening (roughly 4–7 p.m.)

3. Combine with nearby attractions
   When Panbury’s has operated near central Atlanta, many visitors pair a stop with:

   • Georgia Aquarium
   • World of Coca-Cola
   • Centennial Olympic Park
   • Events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena

   The pies’ portability makes them an easy meal before or after sightseeing.

4. Consider storage if you’re in a hotel
   If you buy multiple pies to reheat later, check whether your hotel room has:

   • A mini-fridge (for short-term storage)
   • A microwave (for reheating; crust may not be as crisp as fresh, but still workable)

How Panbury’s Compares to Other International Eats in Atlanta (Conceptually)

While not comparing specific brands, it can help to understand where savory pies fit among Atlanta’s many international options:

• If you enjoy British pubs, pies align with dishes like bangers and mash or shepherd’s pie, but in handheld form.
• If you gravitate to South African, Australian, or New Zealand food traditions, double crust pies are very familiar and might feel like a taste of home.
• Compared to ramen, tacos, or curry, Panbury’s pies are more about rich gravies, roasted meats, and buttery crusts—hearty and filling, especially in cooler weather.

For locals who regularly visit Buford Highway or international pockets in Decatur and Tucker, Panbury’s offers a different global comfort food style that still fits within Atlanta’s broader international dining map.

Practical Considerations for Atlanta-Area Consumers

When deciding whether to add Panbury’s to your regular rotation or your next trip to the city, it can help to think through:

• Budget: Savory pies often fall into a “casual lunch” price range per pie. Factor in how many you’ll need to feel full.
• Portion sizes: One pie may be enough for a light meal; two can be more satisfying for larger appetites.
• Takeout vs. dine-in: If you have a comfortable space to eat nearby—office, home, hotel—takeout is straightforward. For quick lunches, dining in for 20–30 minutes is also common when seating is available.
• Group orders: For offices or gatherings around Atlanta, a box of assorted pies can make ordering simpler than juggling multiple entrée types. Just keep dietary needs in mind.

If You Can’t Reach Panbury’s Easily

For some parts of the metro—like Alpharetta, Marietta, or Fayetteville—getting to a central location just for pies might not be convenient. In that case, Atlanta residents sometimes:

• Plan a “city day” and include Panbury’s as one of several food stops
• Look for frozen or take-and-bake options if offered, which can be stocked at home
• Explore other bakeries and international spots in their own area for similar comfort-food experiences

Checking whether Panbury’s offers frozen pies or retail distribution is worthwhile if you prefer to cook them at home on your schedule.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Diners

• Panbury’s Double Crust Pies specializes in fully enclosed savory pies with flavors rooted in British and South African comfort food, adapted to Atlanta tastes.
• It fits neatly into the city’s international cuisine landscape as a more niche but memorable option, especially if you like rich, hearty meals.
• Expect portable, filling pies that work well for lunch, pre-event meals, or easy takeout for home or hotel.
• Always verify current locations, hours, and menu options before you head out, since restaurant operations in Atlanta can change over time.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta who enjoys discovering global comfort foods, Panbury’s-style double crust pies are a distinctive addition to the city’s dining lineup and worth considering when you’re in the mood for something both international and deeply comforting.