In Atlanta, breakfast is more than fuel for the day—it’s practically a contact sport. Whether you’re craving the kind of biscuits that spark family debates or eggs cooked with more style than a Buckhead boutique, this city’s morning scene has depth and charm. I’ve skedaddled from Midtown’s art-lined streets to tucked-away diners near Decatur, chasing perfect hash browns and pour-over coffee that doesn’t talk back. There’s something about starting your day in a room filled with clinking plates and Atlanta’s easy buzz that feels both welcoming and electric.
Picking where to eat in Atlanta can feel a bit like blindfolded darts—except here, most of the options are a bullseye. This guide isn’t cobbled together from glossy brochures. Every spot earns its place through quality, comfort, and character. Whether you’re after a classic Southern brunch or something with a twist, the following lineup takes the guesswork out of your next breakfast—and might even spark a new morning tradition.
Where to find the best breakfast in Atlanta, GA
Here are some of the top spots to find the best breakfast in Atlanta, GA:
- By George restaurant and bar
- Thumbs Up Diner
- Buttermilk Kitchen
- OK Cafe
- Atlanta Breakfast Club
- Home Grown
- Flying Biscuit Cafe – Midtown
- Desta Ethiopian Kitchen
- Silver Skillet
- Ria’s Bluebird
1. By George restaurant and bar
+1 470-851-2752
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Nestled in the historic Candler Hotel, By George restaurant and bar brings classic breakfast to a refined setting right in the heart of downtown. Imagine warm sunlight pouring through restored Beaux-Arts windows while your coffee arrives, stronger and smoother than most find on Peachtree.
What stands out most is the blend of old-world elegance and fresh, contemporary flavor. Each plate feels carefully considered—from buttery grits to eggs perfectly poached. Here, it’s easy to slow down and savor.
If you’re here for breakfast, try their Avocado Toast topped with tangy pickled veggies or their airy omelets paired with roasted potatoes. The ingredients sing on their own, but there’s a chef’s touch in every detail. By George proves breakfast in Atlanta can be polished, but never dull.
2. Thumbs Up Diner
Thumbs Up Diner is an Atlanta breakfast landmark, where every visit feels a bit like joining a lively neighborhood gathering. The energy buzzes as plates of golden home fries and fluffy biscuits glide by, each one promising a satisfying meal.
The vibe is easygoing, with a touch of nostalgia—think classic booths, friendly service, and the clatter of skillets on the line. What makes Thumbs Up stand out is its dedication to fresh, made-to-order comfort food, and options for every dietary need.
The Build Your Own Breakfast plate is the real star; stack your favorites just how you like them, from spiced potatoes to pillowy pancakes. Or try the tofu scramble for something hearty and vegan. Either way, “ordinary” never makes the menu here.
3. Buttermilk Kitchen
Buttermilk Kitchen feels like a breath of fresh air from the moment you step in. The sunlight streams in, cinnamon drifts from the open kitchen, and the pace slows just enough for a real conversation.
This spot built its reputation on scratch-made, thoughtfully sourced dishes. Local ingredients shape everything—from creamy grits to crispy hashbrowns. The warmth from the staff matches the comfort on each plate.
If you want a true taste, try their vegetarian biscuit sandwich or the Georgia peach granola parfait. Both dishes show off what Buttermilk Kitchen does best: elevated, honest breakfast that puts Atlanta’s best flavors front and center.
4. OK Cafe
OK Cafe has the spirit of a Southern family kitchen, wrapped in retro diner charm. Slide into a booth and you’ll hear the sizzle from the open grill and the hum of regulars who look like they’ve never missed a morning here.
This place stands out because it never cuts corners. Breakfast classics get true Southern treatment—hearty, comforting, and always fresh. The staff feels like old friends, and everything on the menu is built to satisfy.
If you’re unsure what to order, try the stack of fluffy buttermilk pancakes or their creamy cheese grits with eggs your way. The food here has staying power; one bite and you’ll understand why crowds keep coming back for decades.
5. Atlanta Breakfast Club
Atlanta Breakfast Club puts a fresh spin on the city’s favorite meal, all in a buzzy, welcoming space. There’s a feeling of anticipation in the air, whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth. The kitchen runs like clockwork, and every dish emerging from the pass looks like it could launch a food trend.
This isn’t your average diner—it’s where Southern breakfast classics get creative updates with a nod to comfort. The servers know their stuff, and the crowd is always a lively mix of locals and travelers chasing a memorable meal.
Order the Peach Cobbler French Toast or the veggie hash. Each one is both thoughtful and bold, showing off what sets Atlanta Breakfast Club apart: soulful flavors, unfussy hospitality, and a menu anchored in Atlanta’s unique style.
6. Home Grown
Home Grown looks and feels like Atlanta’s front porch: cozy, unpretentious, and always a little surprising. The retro vibe is more than a design choice here—it sets the stage for a breakfast experience both classic and a touch quirky.
This is where you find breakfast powered by Southern heart and local flavor. Menus shift with the seasons, but the focus is always comforting, homemade fare using mostly local ingredients. The staff greets you with genuine warmth, and colorfully dressed regulars chat across booths beneath paintings from neighborhood artists.
Order the veggie omelet or the “Comfy” biscuit smothered in vegetarian gravy for a taste of what makes Home Grown beloved. With every bite, you’ll sense the care and personality behind this Atlanta gem.
7. Flying Biscuit Cafe – Midtown
Flying Biscuit Cafe – Midtown radiates neighborhood energy that feels instantly inviting, no matter how early you arrive. Folk art splashes the walls, and the aroma of fresh-baked biscuits drifts through the air—it’s little wonder you’ll spot lines out the door on weekends.
Known for its eclectic twist on Southern fare, this spot stands out with its versatile menu—think rich grits, veggie scrambles, and plenty of vegan options. Staff stay upbeat even during the morning rush, and regulars swap stories over mugs of robust coffee.
Order a High Flyer plate for the true house experience: signature biscuits with apple butter, scrambled eggs, and their famous creamy grits. Each bite is a reminder of why Atlanta mornings start here.
8. Desta Ethiopian Kitchen
Desta Ethiopian Kitchen brings the warmth of Ethiopian hospitality to Atlanta’s breakfast scene. The atmosphere is easy and vibrant, with colorful décor and a patio that matches the comfort of what’s on the plate.
This spot stands apart for its bold flavors and creative morning fare. Dishes here are crafted with care, featuring plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. The aroma of warm spices sets the stage before your food even hits the table.
For breakfast, order the firfir—torn pieces of spongy injera sautéed with veggies and aromatic spices. Or try the scrambled eggs with tomato and jalapeño, pairing perfectly with their soft, tangy bread. Desta serves a wakeup call for anyone craving something different in Atlanta’s breakfast lineup.
9. Silver Skillet
Silver Skillet serves up Atlanta nostalgia with every plate. Stepping inside feels like a jump back in time, thanks to chrome fixtures, Formica tables, and a steady buzz of conversation. It’s the kind of place where coffee refills never run dry and the staff remembers your name.
This classic diner stands out for its commitment to tradition. Breakfasts here are hearty, reliable, and straight from a well-seasoned griddle. Morning regulars share tables with tourists looking for the real deal.
Order the corned beef hash with eggs or the house biscuit sandwich stacked with hashbrowns. These are the kind of stick-to-your-ribs breakfasts that keep Silver Skillet’s reputation shining bright across generations in Atlanta.
10. Ria’s Bluebird
Ria’s Bluebird is the kind of breakfast spot that makes mornings in Atlanta feel special. Tucked beside Grant Park, it draws in a mix of artists, neighbors, and folks who never miss a brunch. The vibe is friendly, bright, and a little bit offbeat—fitting for a place with legendary pancakes.
This spot stands out for its creative, soulful menu and an easy charm you can’t fake. Vegetarian and vegan options round out a lineup of classic Southern fare. Even on busy days, the staff keep things upbeat.
Order the award-winning buttermilk pancakes, light and golden, or try the tofu scramble loaded with veggies. Ria’s Bluebird proves that comfort food and a creative spirit can share the same plate, and mornings here always end with a satisfied smile.
More Things to Try in Atlanta, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular breakfast spots in Atlanta?
Some local favorites include Atlanta Breakfast Club, Home Grown, and Flying Biscuit Cafe. Each offers its own spin on classic Southern breakfast and plenty of options for different diets.
Which Atlanta breakfast restaurants offer vegan or vegetarian options?
You’ll find vegan and vegetarian choices at Ria’s Bluebird, Buttermilk Kitchen, Thumbs Up Diner, and more. Many also have gluten-free offerings, so there’s something for everyone.
Where can I get a great breakfast near downtown Atlanta?
Try By George or Silver Skillet for a memorable downtown breakfast. Both are close to many hotels and attractions, making them easy spots to start your day in the city.
Are there family-friendly breakfast places in Atlanta?
Yes—OK Cafe and Folk Art Restaurant are loved by families for their cozy settings and diverse menus. Kids and adults alike will find favorites to enjoy.
Is it necessary to make reservations for breakfast in Atlanta?
At most spots, walk-ins are welcome. For popular places like Atlanta Breakfast Club or Buttermilk Kitchen, plan for a little wait on weekends, especially during brunch hours.