When it comes to finding the best Black-owned restaurants in Atlanta, there are – fortunately – plenty of amazing options to choose from!
Our city is home to countless standout Black-owned dining spots, including long-time favorites as well as newcomers to Atlanta’s food scene.
In this post, we’re exploring a few of our favorite Black-owned Atlanta restaurants. These establishments serve everything from Soul food to burgers, wings, brunch, vegetarian eats, and everything in between. Let’s eat!
A few of our favorite Black-Owned Restaurants in Atlanta:
- Paschal’s Restaurant
- Dat Fire Jerk Chicken
- Jikssa Ethiopian Cuisine
- Apt 4B
- Hippin Hops Brewery
- Miss D’s Popcorn & Pralines
- …and many more!
In this post, you’ll find:
- The best Soul Food restaurants in Atlanta
- Caribbean and Jamaican Atlanta restaurants
- Black-owned breweries in Atlanta
- The best Black-owned restaurants and food experiences
Soul Food
Paschal’s Restaurant
Photo by David Reber from Kansas City, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Founded in 1947, Paschal’s Restaurant is known as the go-to Soul Food spot in Atlanta. Brothers James and Robert Paschal opened the restaurant, which initially began as a 30-seat “luncheonette.” Over the years, the restaurant grew and even changed locations – but the delicious food and the restaurant’s legacy continued.
In the 1960s, Paschal’s became a meeting space for prominent figures during the Civil Rights movement, including Martin Luther King, Jr. Moreover, the Paschal brothers supported the movement in a variety of ways. For instance, they would frequently post bond for protestors who had been arrested, as well as providing food and hospitality to those released from jail.
Today, you’ll find Paschal’s in the heart of Atlanta’s historic Castleberry Hill neighborhood near Downtown Atlanta. Favorite dishes include the Old Fashion Fried Chicken (a house specialty!), pulled pork sandwich, collards, candied yams, and black-eyed peas. Don’t forget the peach cobbler for dessert!
The Busy Bee Cafe
The Busy Bee Cafe has also been an Atlanta staple since 1947. Located in Downtown Atlanta, The Busy Bee Cafe is a 2023 Michelin Bib Gourmand Winner, as well as a 2022 James Beard Foundation “America’s Classics” Winner.
With the motto “the South on a plate,” Busy Bee offers the Southern comfort foods we all love to savor. Here, you’ll find meatloaf, baked chicken, BBQ ribs, chicken & waffles, fried catfish, and more – served alongside fresh veggies and sides. End your meal with cake, cobbler, banana pudding, or sweet potato pie. Catering options are available, too!
In recognition of her work with The Busy Bee Cafe and its community, owner Tracy Gates was inducted into the 2023 Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame.
Delilah’s Everyday Soul
Delilah’s Everyday Soul serves up delicious Soul Food in Dunwoody and at Chattahoochee Food Works on Atlanta’s West Side. Stop in here for an order of fried chicken, chicken & waffles, a variety of chicken sandwiches (served on a brioche roll), and delicious sides.
Fun fact: Delilah’s mac and cheese recipe was named the nation’s best mac & cheese by the Oprah Winfrey Show! Love the food? Get your hands on the recipes with a copy of Delilah’s book: Delilah’s Everyday Soul: Southern Cooking with Style.
K&K Soul Food
With roots that span back forty years, K&K Soul Food has served Soul Food for generations! In 1968, a small former pool hall became Bankhead Restaurant – which then turned into K&K. The owners share that their restaurant is all about things that remind you of home – including “Sunday dinner, family, and the sharing of love.”
Stop in to explore their extensive menu. From pork chops and ribs to chicken gizzards, fat back, wings, and catfish – you’ll find plenty of classic Southern and Soul Food dishes here. Plus, try breakfast items like grits, hash browns, sausage, and more.
Jamaican & Caribbean Eats
Dat Fire Jerk Chicken
If you’re looking for authentic Jamaican eats in Atlanta, head to Dat Fire Jerk Chicken! Named one of Travel Noire’s favorite Jamaican restaurants in the U.S., this Castleberry Hill spot serves a menu made up of family recipes. Their dishes have been passed down through generations and “steeped in the cultural history of Jamaica.”
Head here to try oxtail, jerk tacos, wings, tropical salad, sides, Jamaican sodas, and more. Serving a crowd? Ask about booking their food truck or catering services!
Apt 4B
Apt 4B is bringing a taste of the Caribbean to Buckhead! Describing itself as a “savvy, eclectic, intimate, and funky” restaurant, this spot boasts the largest vinyl collection in Atlanta. With a focus on “great food, good music, and good company,” this vinyl bar / Caribbean restaurant serves Caribbean dishes with tasteful modern flair.
Try the Island Seafood Curry, oxtail stew, coconut Jasmine rice, lobster rolls, and more. Apt 4B also serves a menu of refreshing co*cktails. For dessert, try the white chocolate butter cookie, pineapple cake, or bread pudding.
Ms. Icey’s Kitchen & Bar
In the North Decatur area, Ms. Icey’s Kitchen & Bar is “where comfort food meets Caribbean flavor.” Here, you can try Southern favorites like the skillet cornbread, Icey’s Mac (and cheese), and fried dumplin. Dishes like seafood creole, jerk chicken, and sweet plantain bring fresh flavors into the mix!
Ms. Icey’s is known for their lively brunches on weekend mornings. Head here for the Country Breakfast, Bird N’Batter (with your choice of fried curry chicken or jerk chicken, plantain waffle, and brown sugar butter), or Salmon N Grits, among other dishes.
More Black-Owned Restaurants & Food Experiences
Jikssa Ethiopian Cuisine
Guests participating in an Unexpected Atlanta food tour and sampling bites from Jikssa!
Jikssa Ethiopian Cuisine is one of our favorite spots to visit and eat at during the weekday. (Note: Jikssa is closed on Saturdays & Sundays). This spot serves a unique blend of French and authentic Ethiopian cuisine.
Located in the Sweet Auburn Curb Market near Downtown Atlanta, Jikssa offers “a superior level of professionalism and service” alongside its fusion dishes. Vegans, vegetarians, and carnivores alike can delight in the nutritional, tasty meals prepared by Jikssa. They also offer catering options for weddings and corporate events!
We know and love Jikssa because they’re featured as part of our Historic Market Food Tour + Biscuit Class with Unexpected Atlanta. During this experience, you’ll sample the best of Atlanta’s foods while guided by a local foodie expert.
The James Room
Looking for a fun night out? The James Room describes itself as “a place where you can leave your stresses at the door and immerse in the energetic vibrations of our cozy and intimate space.” But, they aren’t a “quiet and boring speakeasy.”From the conversation to the drinks, have a spirited time at The James Room on Auburn Ave!
Sip on complex co*cktails as live artists and DJs play pop, hip-hop, R&B, Reggaeton, and Soul music. Music offerings vary nightly, with something for everyone. Be sure to check the attire standards before heading to The James Room!
Unexpected Atlanta Food Tours
Go on a guided experience to sample the best food Atlanta has to offer! Unexpected Atlanta is a Black-owned business offering off-the-beaten-path food and history tours. In particular, foodies will love our Historic Market Food Tour + Biscuit Class as well as the Grant Park Food and Cemetery Tour.
These two experiences include fascinating Atlanta history lessons and samples of delicious Southern dishes. On the Historic Market Food Tour, stroll through and sample the Sweet Auburn Curb Market, with 9 tastings from 5 food stops and a hands-on biscuit-making class. On the Grant Park Food and Cemetery Tour, walk 1.2 easy miles as you try 8 dishes from 3 food stops. This experience includes a jaunt through Historic Oakland Cemetery.
Watch a preview of each tour below!
Join us to see why we’re the #1-rated Atlanta activity on TripAdvisor! Unexpected Atlanta also offers unique and fun corporate team building experiences and other private events.
slu*tty Vegan
Looking for a big (vegan) burger, fries, and something sweet for dessert? slu*tty Vegan has you covered! This Black-owned restaurant in Atlanta has gained popularity for its delicious fast-food style eats and unique menu item names. With 7 metro Atlanta locations, you’re sure to find a slu*tty Vegan restaurant that’s convenient to you – or book their truck!
As the name implies, slu*tty Vegan is completely vegan – but you’d never know it by looking at their delicious and indulgent menu! Here, plant-based burger and chik’n patties are stacked with toppings like vegan bacon, vegan cheese, guacamole, plant-based ranch and cole slaw, signature “slu*t Sauce,” and the usual burger fixings – all on a vegan Hawaiian bun! Add a side of fries and top it off with a lemonade, slushie, or dessert.
slu*tty Vegan is the creation of Pinky Cole, a successful Atlanta restauranteur, author, philanthropist, and visionary who’s bringing plant-based burgers mainstream!
Pro tip: slu*tty Vegan on Edgewood Avenue makes for a perfect lunch spot after our Martin Luther King, Jr. Atlanta Tour.
Desserts & Drinks
Miss D’s Popcorn & Pralines
Miss D’s Popcorn & Pralines is the spot to visit when you need a sweet or salty treat! You can’t go wrong with a classic praline. Or, try the signature “Triple” popcorn with caramel, cheese, and butter.
Find Miss D’s in the Sweet Auburn Curb Market near Downtown Atlanta and in Douglasville, GA. You can also sample treats from Miss D’s during the Unexpected Atlanta Historic Market Food Tour + Biscuit Class! Join us to try 9 delicious tastings from 5 vendors in Atlanta’s oldest market. It’s a must-try Atlanta foodie experience!
Sublime Doughnuts
Late-night sweet tooth kicking in? Head to Sublime Doughnuts to get your 24-hour doughnut fix! Find these doughnuts any time of the day or night in the Georgia Tech area and North Druid Hills neighborhoods. Additionally, Sublime’s outpost in Mercedes-Benz Stadium serves guests during stadium events.
You’ll find the usual doughnut flavors: chocolate, raspberry-filled, honey-glazed cinnamon swirl, and so on. But, you’ll also find unique offerings like Orange Dream Star, White Chocolate Peach Fritter, Sweet Potato Cake, and even Salt ‘n’ Vinegar!
Pro tip: order custom letter-shaped doughnuts ahead of time to celebrate a special occasion! You can spell out phrases like “Happy Birthday,” “Moms Day,” “Congrats Grad,” or a loved one’s name.
Hippin Hops Brewery
Hippin Hops made headlines when they opened in 2020 as Georgia’s first African-American owned brewery with its own location. Head to their taproom and restaurant/oyster bar in East Atlanta Village for a meal that “blends tradition, creativity, and boldness.”
For food options, choose from a variety of oysters, seafood favorites, pasta, and more. You can also try appetizers like Cajun cheese fries, Cajun shrimp deviled eggs, fried catfish nuggets, and “Hot Chick Egg Rolls.”
Beer offerings rotate by the season. Current options on tap include fruit-flavored frozen brews, a banana pudding sour, peach cobbler sour, black IPA, hefeweizen, and more.
For more Atlanta fun, browse our blog packed with fun ideas of things to do across the city. Explore the best co*cktail bars in Atlanta, delve into the city’s street art, or join us for a unique walking tour of Atlanta. Here’s to more of discovering what makes our city so special!
