You know all of Georgia’s legendary restaurants, including The Varsity and Vortex, but the food scene has few limits. From Atlanta to Savannah, it seems if you keep digging, quirky eateries continue to emerge. So we’re taking you off the beaten path to some of the unusual places you may not have heard of yet. Ready for an adventure? Jot these fun, tasty stops down for your next drive through the Peach State.
Bone Garden Cantina, Atlanta
Bone Garden Cantina in Atlanta celebrates Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, 365 days a year. With artistry from not only the owner but from other local talents, Bone Garden is brimming with colorful displays of Hispanic culture. Not just any Mexican fare is served here—everything from the vibrant tacos to the chips and salsa is made from scratch, in-house. The result is authentic street food worthy of any Day of the Dead celebration.
1425 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, USA— +1 404-418-9072
Paul’s Pot Pies, Marietta
Pot pie isn’t the first thing to come to mind when dining within the culinarily rich borders of Georgia, but Paul’s Pot Pies in Marietta has reimagined the pot pie experience. A pleasant variety of pies are crafted with flakey, tender crust, from the classic chicken with expected fillings to the seafood option loaded with shrimp, scallops and crawfish! This Southern dish will never be the same.
Ball Ground Burger Bus, Ball Ground
Ball Ground is a bit north of Atlanta and houses the charming Ball Ground Burger Bus. An old vintage transit bus from Atlanta, of course, has been fully restored while keeping its historic charm. Guests can enjoy craft burgers made from a melt-in-your-mouth fresh meat blend with brisket and bacon. Pair it with a beer or some in house-made pickles and sauce!
288 Gilmer Ferry Rd, Ball Ground, GA 30107, USA— +1 678-454-2422
The Grey Restaurant, Savannah
The Grey Restaurant was once an old bus stop in Savannah. Now the building has been brought back to life, attracting the same droves of people it did back its transportation days. Aesthetics, even including the old gate signs within the terminal, have been kept intact. Come enjoy upscale southern cuisine that Savannah is known for, in an iconic setting.
109 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401, USA— +1 912-662-5999
Mama's Boy, Athens
Mama’s Boy is a breakfast joint in Athens. Biscuits and gravy, cinnamon rolls and fried green tomatoes are all pretty basic for any southern eatery, but things get funky when trailing down further on the menu. How does a pork taco plate sound for breakfast? The surprisingly tasty creation comes with egg tacos topped with drunken beans, jicama slaw, and most definitely pork. The “soysage biscuit” defies the Southern cuisine nature, and their ground beef is sourced from the University of Georgia.
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar, Doraville
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar is technically a chain restaurant, but still uncommon and offering an all-around interesting experience. Multiple booths and bar seating encircle a few conveyer belts carrying a variation of sushi dishes and sides. Each table also has its own touch screen, so you can order items specifically as well. The concept hails from Japan itself, as it was intended to help make the most out of tiny restaurant spaces. After you eat each small plate, insert dishes down the table side slot, and eventually, a prize will roll down from the ceiling goody case.
6035 Peachtree Rd Unit A-107, Doraville, GA 30360, USA— +1 470-255-2071
Mac Lab, Duluth
Mac Lab in Duluth is a simple shop, in a shopping center. Don’t let the simple exterior fool you, because inside are the most magical macarons, literally. Little unicorn designs are flavored with fruity pebbles, but there is also a range of other heavenly flavors from blueberry to mango. Order early, or hope to time it just right to get one of the stunning geode macarons made with electric blue and purple crystallized sugar rocks. As a bonus, the lattes are to die for.
2131 Pleasant Hill Rd #135, Duluth, GA 30096, USA— +1 678-580-1985
