Zesto in Atlanta: What to Know About This Classic International-Style Diner

If you’ve spent any time in Atlanta, you’ve probably heard someone say, “Let’s just go to Zesto.” For many locals, Zesto isn’t just a restaurant name—it’s shorthand for a certain kind of meal: ice cream cones, burgers, chili dogs, and fried chicken with a no-frills, old-school vibe.

While it’s often thought of as a “drive-in” or burger place, Zesto also fits under international cuisine in the broad sense: it pulls from classic American diner fare, Greek-influenced ownership roots, and globally popular comfort foods like gyros, fried chicken, and soft-serve-style desserts.

This guide breaks down what Zesto is like specifically in Atlanta, where you’ll find it, what to expect from the menu, and how it fits into the local dining scene.

What Is Zesto in Atlanta?

Zesto is a small, long-running chain of fast-casual restaurants in and around Atlanta known for:

• Soft-serve–style ice cream and sundaes
• Burgers, hot dogs, and chicken
• A retro, no-frills atmosphere
• Being a local staple for quick meals, late-night ice cream runs, and family outings

Many Atlantans grew up going to Zesto after little league games, school events, or weekend errands. It’s the kind of place where you still order at the counter, wait for your number, and grab a table or take it to go.

Although it leans very “American diner,” the menu reflects internationally popular comfort foods, and some locations historically have offered items like gyros or dishes influenced by the owners’ Greek heritage.

Where You’ll Find Zesto in and Around Atlanta

Zesto locations have changed over time, but the brand has been most closely associated with intown Atlanta and nearby neighborhoods. Common patterns Atlantans see with Zesto locations:

• Many are on busy corridors where you might be running errands or commuting.
• They generally offer counter service with seating, and some historically operated like drive-ins.
• Parking lots are usually small to moderate, with quick in-and-out access.

Because individual locations and hours can change, it’s wise to:

• 🔎 Check current hours before you go, especially late at night or on holidays.
• 📍 Plug the location into a map app for up-to-date opening times and traffic.

If you’re planning a trip from Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, Zesto is typically easiest to reach by car, though some intown locations may be near MARTA bus routes.

What Kind of Food Does Zesto Serve?

Zesto’s menu is built around classic fast-food and diner-style dishes. You can usually expect:

Ice Cream & Desserts

This is what many Atlantans go to Zesto for.

Common offerings include:

• Soft-serve–style cones (vanilla, chocolate, or swirl)
• Sundaes with toppings like hot fudge, caramel, or strawberries
• Milkshakes and malts
• Banana splits and similar classic ice cream shop treats

If you’re looking for a quick ice cream stop after a day at Piedmont Park, a Braves game, or a run of errands, Zesto is an easy, familiar option.

Burgers & Sandwiches

You’ll typically find:

• Cheeseburgers and hamburgers (single or double)
• Chicken sandwiches (fried or grilled, depending on location)
• Occasionally gyros or gyro-style sandwiches at some locations

These are usually served with:

• French fries
• Sometimes onion rings or similar sides
• Soft drinks and basic fountain beverages

Hot Dogs & Chili Dogs

A classic part of Zesto’s Atlanta identity is the chili dog:

• Plain hot dogs
• Chili dogs with mustard, onions, and cheese, depending on your order
• Sometimes slaw dogs or variations, depending on the location

This makes Zesto a familiar choice if you’re craving simple, classic hot dog stand food without a lot of customization.

Fried Chicken & Tenders

Many Atlantans know Zesto as a place for fried chicken as well as ice cream:

• Bone-in fried chicken (often sold as individual pieces or combos)
• Chicken tenders or strips
• Typical sides like fries; some locations may offer slaw or other basics

If you’re in South Atlanta, East Atlanta, or similar neighborhoods and want a quick fried chicken meal that’s more diner-style than chain drive-thru, Zesto can be a practical option.

How Zesto Fits Into Atlanta’s “International Cuisine” Landscape

At first glance, Zesto might not sound like “international cuisine,” but in Atlanta it fits into that subcategory in a few practical ways:

• Global comfort foods: Burgers, hot dogs, fried chicken, and soft-serve desserts are eaten all over the world and are often considered part of a global fast-food culture.
• Greek-American roots and influence: Many Zesto locations historically had ownership ties or menu items that nod to Greek-American diner traditions—think gyros alongside burgers.
• Cross-cultural familiarity: For visitors from abroad staying in areas like Downtown, Buckhead, or Midtown, Zesto offers a familiar, globally recognized style of food while still being very “Atlanta.”

If you’re exploring Atlanta’s true ethnic restaurants—Korean BBQ along Buford Highway, Mexican spots on the west side, or Ethiopian near Midtown—Zesto won’t replace those experiences. Instead, it serves as a comfortably familiar anchor: a place to grab something simple and recognizable between more adventurous meals.

What to Expect When You Visit a Zesto in Atlanta

Ordering and Service Style

Most Zesto locations in the Atlanta area operate with a counter-service model:

1. Walk up to the order counter and view the menu board.
2. Place your order and pay at the register.
3. Receive a ticket or order number.
4. Wait to hear your number called and pick up your tray or bag.
5. Grab a table inside (if seating is available) or take your food to go.

Some locations may have drive-thru windows, but this can vary, so it’s helpful to check ahead if drive-thru service matters to you.

Atmosphere

The overall vibe is:

• Casual and old-school, with simple decor
• Family-friendly, often with kids and teens stopping in for ice cream
• Popular with locals, workers on lunch break, and longtime Atlanta residents

You’re not going for fine dining—Zesto is about quick, familiar, and nostalgic.

Timing Your Visit

In Atlanta, Zesto locations are often busiest:

• Lunchtime (11 a.m.–1:30 p.m.) when nearby workers stop in
• After-school and early evening when families and students visit
• Warm evenings and weekends especially at ice-cream–focused locations

If you want to avoid crowds:

• Go mid-afternoon on weekdays.
• Avoid right after big local events (games, festivals, or concerts) if a nearby location is on your route.

Zesto vs. Other Atlanta Dining Options

If you live in or are visiting Atlanta, it helps to understand where Zesto sits among your many dining choices:

Zesto is most useful when you:

• Want simple, recognizable food.
• Are traveling with kids or picky eaters.
• Are exploring intown neighborhoods and need a quick, no-surprise meal.

Tips for Atlantans and Visitors Using Zesto

Here are some practical pointers if you’re planning to add Zesto to your Atlanta food stops:

1. Plan Around Traffic and Parking

Atlanta traffic can make a short drive feel long. To make Zesto runs easier:

• ⏱️ Avoid peak rush hours if you’re crossing major arteries like I-75/85 or I-20.
• 🚗 Look for Zesto locations that line up with errand routes or your commute.
• 🅿️ Expect simple surface-lot parking—usually free, but sometimes tight at peak times.

2. Consider Weather

Because Zesto is strongly associated with ice cream, warm days see more crowds:

• On hot summer days, lines may be longer, especially late afternoon into evening.
• If you’re visiting Atlanta in spring or fall, weekday evenings can be a pleasant time to sit outside or enjoy a cone in your car.

3. Keep Dietary Needs in Mind

Zesto’s menu is generally traditional diner-style:

• It leans heavily toward meat, fried foods, and dairy.
• Plant-based, gluten-free, or heavily customized options may be limited.
• If you have strict dietary needs, it’s wise to:
  • Review the menu in advance.
  • Call the specific location to see what adjustments they can make.
  • Pair Zesto with other Atlanta restaurants that specialize in your dietary style.

4. Cash vs. Card

Most Zesto locations in and around Atlanta accept major credit/debit cards, but if you’re visiting an older-style location:

• It can be helpful to carry a small amount of cash, just in case.
• If you’re with a group, one person paying together at the counter typically speeds things up.

How Zesto Fits Into an Atlanta Visit or Routine

For Atlanta Residents

If you live in Atlanta, Zesto often becomes:

• A reliable backup when you don’t want to cook.
• A reward stop after kids’ activities or school events.
• An easy ice cream run on hot evenings.

Many locals fold it into weekly routines—grabbing a cone after a grocery trip, stopping by with coworkers, or making a quick lunch stop during errands.

For Visitors Staying in the City

If you’re visiting and staying in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, Zesto can be:

• A simple “I know what I’m getting” meal between more elaborate dinners.
• A late-night ice cream spot if you’re driving or ridesharing.
• A way to get a feel for everyday Atlanta life, outside of tourist-only areas.

Pair it with:

• A walk through Piedmont Park or the BeltLine (for dessert afterward).
• A trip to local attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, or Zoo Atlanta, using Zesto as a convenient meal nearby.

Practical Next Steps for Finding and Using Zesto in Atlanta

To make the most of Zesto during your time in Atlanta:

• ✅ Identify the nearest location to your home, hotel, or regular commute.
• ✅ Check current hours through a map or directory listing before you go.
• ✅ Decide if you want:
  • A full meal (burgers, chicken, fries, drink), or
  • Just dessert (cones, sundaes, or shakes).
• ✅ Plan around traffic and parking, especially if you’re crossing major highways.

If you’re building a broader international cuisine itinerary in Atlanta, think of Zesto as your comfort-food anchor—a reliable, retro-style stop amid more adventurous dining across the city’s diverse neighborhoods.