Vickery’s: A Local Favorite for International Flavors in Atlanta
If you’re in Atlanta and searching for international cuisine in a relaxed neighborhood setting, Vickery’s is one of those names that longtime locals recognize right away. Known for blending Southern comfort food with global influences, this spot fits neatly into Atlanta’s international dining scene while still feeling very local and approachable.
Below is a practical guide to what to expect, how it fits into Atlanta’s restaurant culture, and how to decide if Vickery’s belongs on your dining list.
What Kind of Restaurant Is Vickery’s?
Vickery’s is best described as a casual neighborhood restaurant and bar with a menu that pulls from American, Southern, Caribbean, and other international flavors. Instead of focusing on just one country, it offers:
- Comfort-style dishes (burgers, sandwiches, grilled items)
- Seafood and island-influenced plates
- Starters and sides with global seasonings and sauces
- A full bar with cocktails, beer, and wine
So while you won’t find a traditional single-country menu (like a purely Thai or Indian restaurant), Vickery’s fits into “International Cuisine” because of its eclectic, globally inspired menu and wide appeal for groups with mixed tastes.
Where Vickery’s Fits in Atlanta’s Dining Landscape
Atlanta has neighborhoods known for specific global cuisines—Buford Highway for pan-Asian and Latin American food, Decatur for diverse, walkable international spots, and ** Midtown / West Midtown** for trend-forward restaurants. Vickery’s offers a different angle:
- It feels like a local tavern but with global twists on familiar dishes.
- It can work as a meet-in-the-middle option if your group can’t agree on one cuisine.
- It fits especially well for people who want international flavors without committing to a more formal, single-cuisine restaurant.
If you’re staying in central or intown Atlanta, Vickery’s can be a convenient alternative to a longer drive to a specific global corridor like Buford Highway, while still giving you something more interesting than standard bar food.
Atmosphere: What It Feels Like to Dine at Vickery’s
Most visitors experience Vickery’s as:
- Casual and unpretentious
- Welcoming to small groups, coworkers, and friends
- Well-suited for after-work drinks, casual dates, or a relaxed meal before or after exploring nearby neighborhoods
You can generally expect:
- Indoor seating with a bar-centric layout
- A lively but not overwhelming noise level during peak hours
- Televisions at or near the bar area (often tuned to sports)
- A mix of locals, regulars, and visitors
If you’re used to Atlanta’s trend-heavy restaurants in places like Inman Park or the BeltLine, Vickery’s will likely feel more like a classic neighborhood grill with broader, international flavor influences.
What’s on the Menu: International & Southern Influences
Menu specifics can change over time, but Vickery’s typically leans on:
Typical Starters
You might find items such as:
- Wings with internationally inspired sauces
- Shrimp or seafood appetizers with Caribbean-style seasonings
- Nachos or shareable platters with global spice blends
Main Dishes
Expect a mix of:
- Burgers and sandwiches with unique sauces or toppings
- Seafood plates, sometimes with island or coastal influences
- Grilled meats with marinades or sides that borrow from global cuisines
- Salads that include international dressings or ingredients
You’re not locked into one flavor profile—someone can order something fairly classic, while another person at the table opts for a more adventurous, globally inspired dish.
Drinks
The bar typically includes:
- Standard and craft beers
- Wine selections
- Cocktails that may feature tropical or international flavor notes
In Atlanta, this makes Vickery’s competitive with other casual spots where food and drink are equally important to the experience.
Price Range and Value for Atlanta Diners
Vickery’s generally falls into the mid-range for Atlanta restaurants:
- Starters: usually in a moderate, shareable price band
- Entrées: typically equivalent to other casual sit-down restaurants in intown neighborhoods
- Cocktails: priced similarly to many Atlanta bars and grills
For locals, it can be a regular spot that doesn’t feel like a splurge every time. For visitors, it’s a comfortable way to sample Atlanta-style international fusion without the higher prices you might see at some chef-driven Midtown or Buckhead restaurants.
When to Consider Vickery’s Over Other International Spots
You might choose Vickery’s instead of a more traditional international restaurant in Atlanta if:
- ✅ Your group has diverse tastes and can’t agree on one cuisine
- ✅ You want international flavors in a relaxed, bar-like setting, not a formal dinner
- ✅ You’re looking for solid, familiar dishes with globally inspired twists
- ✅ You’re exploring nearby neighborhoods and want a convenient, low-stress option for food and drinks
On the other hand, if you want a deeply traditional experience (for example, a fully authentic regional Chinese, Ethiopian, or Indian meal), you may want to look to Buford Highway, Clarkston, or Decatur, where restaurants often specialize in one regional cuisine.
Practical Tips for Visiting Vickery’s in Atlanta
1. Check Hours Before You Go
Like many Atlanta restaurants, hours can shift for holidays, game days, or special events. It’s smart to:
- Look up their current hours the day you plan to go
- Confirm kitchen closing times if you’re heading there late
2. Consider Peak Times
Expect it to be busier:
- Evenings, especially Thursday–Saturday
- During major sports games or neighborhood events
If you prefer a quieter experience, aim for:
- Earlier in the evening
- Weekday lunches, if available
3. Parking and Transportation
Depending on where the current location or nearest Vickery’s is relative to your plans in Atlanta, typical options might include:
- On-site lot or shared parking with surrounding businesses
- Street parking, which can vary in availability and may be metered
- Rideshare or MARTA connections if you’re staying nearby
If you’re unfamiliar with the area, checking a map app for parking notes and transit options can save time.
4. Dietary Preferences and Restrictions
Like many mid-range Atlanta restaurants, Vickery’s may be able to accommodate:
- No pork / no shellfish requests
- Certain allergy considerations (for example, “no nuts,” “no dairy” in a specific dish)
- Some vegetarian or lighter options, depending on the menu at the time
If you have significant restrictions, it’s a good idea to:
- Review the menu in advance, if available
- Mention your needs clearly to your server when ordering
Quick Snapshot: Is Vickery’s Right for You?
| Question | If Yes, Vickery’s Might Be a Good Fit |
|---|---|
| Want a casual, bar-like atmosphere? | Yes – it’s relaxed and neighborhood-focused. |
| Need a mix of familiar and international? | Yes – menu blends comfort food with global touches. |
| Traveling with a group of picky eaters? | Yes – broad menu with varied options. |
| Looking for deeply traditional global cuisine? | Maybe not – consider Buford Highway or Decatur for that. |
| Want mid-range prices, not a fine-dining bill? | Yes – generally in the moderate Atlanta range. |
How Vickery’s Compares to Other International Options in Atlanta
Atlanta’s international scene is broad, and Vickery’s fills a specific niche:
Compared with high-end global restaurants in Midtown or Buckhead, Vickery’s is:
- More relaxed
- Generally more affordable
- Less formal in menu and atmosphere
Compared with specialty ethnic corridors like Buford Highway:
- Vickery’s is more of a fusion tavern than a traditional ethnic restaurant
- It’s easier for groups who want something familiar with global flair, rather than a fully specialized menu
If you’re building an Atlanta food itinerary, Vickery’s can serve as:
- A comfortable first-night meal when you’re settling in
- A backup plan when schedules or tastes don’t align for a dedicated international excursion
- A regular neighborhood go-to if you live nearby and want a mix of bar food and global flavors
Making the Most of Your Visit
To get a satisfying international experience at Vickery’s:
- Look for dishes that specifically mention Caribbean, island, or global-inspired sauces, rubs, or spice blends.
- Pair your meal with a cocktail or drink that leans into those flavors (tropical or citrus-forward drinks often match well).
- If you’re local, visit a few times to see how the seasonal or rotating items change—these often show the most creativity with global influences.
For anyone in Atlanta who enjoys international cuisine in a laid-back, social setting, Vickery’s is a practical, flexible option that combines neighborhood comfort with globally influenced flavors.