The Colonnade Restaurant in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to a Classic Southern & Soul Food Spot

If you’re looking for old-school Southern comfort food in Atlanta, The Colonnade is one of the city’s most enduring names. For many locals, it’s the kind of place you go for fried chicken, yeast rolls, and strong cocktails in a setting that feels unchanged for decades.

This guide walks you through what to expect, what to order, how to plan your visit, and how The Colonnade fits into Atlanta’s broader Southern and soul food scene.

Where The Colonnade Fits in Atlanta’s Food Landscape

Category: Restaurants
Sub-category: Southern and Soul Food
City: Atlanta, Georgia

The Colonnade is known as a classic Southern restaurant with many “meat-and-three” style offerings, home-style sides, and desserts that feel like something out of a Sunday dinner.

It’s especially popular with:

• Long-time Atlanta residents who grew up going there
• Visitors looking for a no-nonsense Southern meal with local character
• Groups and families who want big portions and shareable sides
• Pre- or post-event diners heading to or from Midtown, Buckhead, or downtown

You’ll get a mix of traditional Southern dishes and some soul food favorites—think fried chicken, country-fried steak, collard greens, mac and cheese, and banana pudding.

Location, Parking, and Getting There

The Colonnade is located in northeast Atlanta, convenient to Midtown, Buckhead, and the I-85 corridor.

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

Key location notes for Atlanta visitors and residents:

• 📍 Cheshire Bridge Road area: You’re just a short drive from Piedmont Park, Virginia-Highland, and Morningside.
• 🚗 Driving & parking: The restaurant typically offers on-site or adjacent parking, which is a major plus in Atlanta’s tighter in-town neighborhoods.
• 🚕 Rideshare-friendly: If you’re coming from Midtown, Buckhead, or Downtown, rideshares are usually under 15–20 minutes outside of rush hour.
• 🚌 Public transit: Depending on your starting point, you may be able to combine MARTA rail + short rideshare or bus. Many locals still find driving or rideshare more straightforward in this area, especially at night.

If you’re planning a group dinner, it’s worth confirming current parking details and accessibility when you call ahead, especially during peak weekend times.

Atmosphere: What It Feels Like Inside

The Colonnade is often described as:

• Traditional and unpretentious – no trendy décor, more of a vintage, lived-in atmosphere
• Lively but relaxed – expect conversation, regulars greeting staff, and a social bar area
• Multi-generational – you’ll see families, older couples, and groups of friends out together

Things Atlanta diners tend to notice:

• Old Atlanta vibe: Many people view it as one of the city’s “institutions,” especially if you’ve lived here long enough to remember when Cheshire Bridge looked very different.
• Bar scene: There’s a reputation for strong drinks and a friendly, mixed crowd at the bar, including LGBTQ+ regulars and neighborhood locals.
• Comfortable for groups: Booths and tables can usually be arranged to fit families or larger parties if you call ahead.

If you prefer super quiet, minimalist spaces, this may feel more like a classic, bustling dining room—but that’s part of the charm for many Atlantans.

What’s on the Menu: Southern & Soul Food Highlights

Menu details can change, but The Colonnade is best known for straightforward Southern comfort dishes. Expect:

Signature Southern Mains

Common favorites include:

• Fried chicken – often the most talked-about dish
• Country-fried steak with gravy
• Roast turkey or baked chicken
• Fried shrimp or seafood platters
• Pork chops (fried or grilled in some versions)

You’ll typically see a mix of pan-fried, baked, and roasted options, reflecting a home-style Southern table.

Classic Southern Sides

Sides are a major part of the experience and often come in meat-and-two or meat-and-three combinations. Frequent options include:

• Collard greens
• Macaroni and cheese
• Green beans
• Mashed potatoes (with or without gravy)
• Fried okra
• Sweet potato dishes
• Slaw or side salads

Atlanta diners often build a plate around their favorite sides just as much as the main dish.

Bread & Desserts

Bread and dessert are part of why people come back:

• Yeast rolls and cornbread are commonly mentioned by locals
• Pies and cakes – options like coconut cake, chocolate desserts, and traditional pies may rotate
• Banana pudding or other Southern-style sweets may appear, depending on the day

For anyone visiting Atlanta and wanting a “Sunday supper” style experience, The Colonnade’s combination of mains, sides, and desserts provides that classic feel.

Sample Visit Snapshot: What to Expect

Here’s a simple overview to help you plan:

Because it’s a classic spot, weekends and holidays can be especially popular with Atlanta families and longtime regulars.

Timing Your Visit: Lunch, Dinner, and Peak Hours

Operating hours can change, so always confirm by phone before you go. In general, patterns tend to look like this:

• Evenings – Often the busiest, especially Friday and Saturday nights
• Early dinner – Popular with older regulars and families who prefer to avoid crowds
• Weekend nights – More energy at the bar area, with a mix of locals and visitors

Tips for smoother visits in Atlanta traffic:

• ⏰ Arrive early if you’re planning to eat before a show or event in Midtown or Downtown.
• 🅿️ Plan extra time for parking and Cheshire Bridge traffic, especially if there’s construction or weekend congestion.
• 📞 Call ahead for large groups or special occasions; ask what they recommend for your party size.

Who The Colonnade Is Best For

The Colonnade can be a good fit if you:

• Want classic, no-frills Southern food in a long-running Atlanta restaurant
• Are visiting the city and want an “old Atlanta” experience rather than a trendy new spot
• Like comfort food—fried dishes, rich sides, and big portions
• Are meeting a mixed-age group where older relatives may feel more comfortable in a traditional dining room

It may be less ideal if you’re strictly seeking:

• Very health-focused, low-calorie options
• Cutting-edge culinary trends or chef-driven tasting menus
• Extremely quiet, minimalist, or high-design spaces

For most Atlanta locals, The Colonnade sits in that category of reliable, nostalgic comfort rather than “special-occasion fine dining.”

Tips for Atlanta Visitors

If you’re in town and building a food itinerary that includes The Colonnade:

1. Pair it with nearby neighborhoods

   • Grab a drink or walk around Virginia-Highland, Poncey-Highland, or the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail before or after your meal.

2. Plan for rich food

   • Southern and soul food can be heavy. Many visitors pace themselves, split plates, or take home leftovers.

3. Consider rideshare at night

   • If you’re staying in Midtown, Buckhead, or Downtown, a rideshare trip can be straightforward and may save you parking stress.

4. Ask about daily specials

   • Classic spots like this often run rotating specials—certain days might feature pot roast, turkey and dressing, or particular desserts that locals seek out.

Practical Details and Next Steps

To plan a visit to The Colonnade in Atlanta:

• Call for current hours and to confirm whether they’re open the day you plan to go:
  • Phone: (404) 874-5642
• Ask about wait times if you’re heading over during peak dinner hours.
• Mention any needs like accessibility, large parties, or dietary restrictions when you call; staff can explain what they can accommodate.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta who wants to experience traditional Southern and soul food in a long-established local setting, The Colonnade is a classic option to consider.