Sometimes a restaurant just gets it right, whether it be mastering the chili dog, or finding the perfect method for smoking premium meats. Georgia is full of eateries that have been bringing in customers for generations, and these are some of our favorites.
Mary Mac’s Tea Room
Since 1945, Mary Mac’s has been frying up melt-in-your-mouth chicken, paired with divine southern sides and cinnamon rolls. Quaint and cozy, it’s like dining at Grandmas, and we hope this place will forever be an Atlanta staple.
Nu-Way Weiners
Nu-Way beats out the Varsity in age, by about 12 years! Macon locals will argue the chain, also the second oldest in the US, is in fact the best in Georgia. Founded in 1916, the motto is “I’d go a long way for a Nu-Way” and we bet you’ll agree. Only your taste buds can decide if you love the iconic red hotdog the most.
Blue Willow Inn
Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone with the Wind, visited Blue Willow Inn back when it was the residence of one of her beaus. In 1991, the Greek Revival Mansion was converted into a home style restaurant, and while that’s not long compared to others, Georgia natives have proclaimed the fried green tomatoes, fried chicken, mashed potatoes and cobbler to be some of the best in the nation.
The Smith House
The Smith House has technically been operating since 1899, but the restaurant opened its doors officially in 1922. Customers go crazy over the cinnamon rolls and copious amounts of quality southern cuisine served in a rustic mountain environment in beautiful Dahlonega.
Old Hickory House
Luckily, one of the famed Georgia Old Hickory Houses is still going strong in Tucker. It’s likely you’ll never find a better Brunswick Stew, and breakfast is traditional, super southern and completely authentic.
Fresh Air Bar-B-Que
Having opened in 1929, Fresh Air Bar-B-Que is the oldest pit barbecue joint still in its original location. Minor tweaks have been made to the cooking process, but glorious meat selections are gently smoked traditionally every day. The menu is simple, but perfect—they’ve stuck around this long for a reason!
The Varsity
You’ll never know hotdog perfection until your teeth sink into a Varsity chili dog with mustard and onions. In 1928, Atlanta acquired one of its most famous fast food joints, which continues to grow stronger. Fresh ingredients are used to make indulgent American favorites like chili burgers, shakes, fries and onion rings—we can almost hear the famous phrase right now, “what’ll ya have?”
The Pirates' House
The Pirates’ House in Savannah oozes history, and plenty of old restaurants that have strongly rooted themselves. The Pirate House is known for their fun theming, but it all ties back to the 1700s, when the restaurants served and housed real pirates. So this place has all of the others beat, and has truly stood the test of time.
