Breakfast is definitely the most important meal of the day. Not only does it give us the energy to survive a day of work or exploration, it can also dictate your mood for your entire day. When it comes to Georgia’s capital, Atlanta, there’s no shortage of awesome and downright delicious breakfast stops to try out. Whether you’re fan of good old pancakes and bacon or prefer a breakfast pastry to start your day, there’s bound to be a place in Atlanta that will hit the spot. If you’re eager to start your day on the right foot and with a good taste in your mouth, check out some of our top favorites places to grab breakfast in Atlanta.
1. Le Petit Marche
Owned by Marchet Sparks, Le Petit Marché was established in 2008 and began as an actual market filled with cheeses, pesto, fresh breads, and locally made pantry items. Later in the year, when the economy hit a bump, Le Petit Marché, or The Little Market, shifted to prepared foods. That was all it took to turn this small grocery into an award-winning restaurant. What makes the restaurant so successful is how intoxicatingly familiar it is to all of its guests. Truly, it feels like coming home with the smell of mouth-watering soups wafting around the restaurant and Pop greeting customers as they enter. The breakfast menu here is huge and has anything you could possibly want. Some of the crowd pleasers include the Best-Ever Oatmeal, the French toast sandwich, and customizable egg sandwiches.
1984 Hosea L. Williams Drive, Atlanta, GA 30317, Phone: 404-371-9888
2. The General Muir
There was a time in Atlanta when, try as you might, you just couldn’t find a good matzo ball soup nor a decent Reuben with corned beef and sauerkraut on rye. All that changed when The General Muir entered the picture. In just five years, this stand out deli-café has become an indispensable part of Atlanta’s breakfast scene as an upscale New York-style Jewish deli and café. As with any Jewish deli, you can’t visit The General Muir and not try their handmade and baked-daily bagels! Try one of their open-faced bagels with all kinds of schmear and fish toppings for a delicious start to your day. Not a fan of bagels? No problem! Try one of their breakfast plates like The General, which comes with two pieces of pastrami, two eggs, two latkes, apple sauce, and sour cream, or the smoked hash, which is served with crispy pastrami, potatoes, cabbage, peppers, caramelized onions, and sunny side eggs.
Emory Point, 1540 Avenue Place, Suite B-230, Atlanta, GA 30329, Phone: 678-927-9131
3. Folk Art Restaurant
Promising artful eats for simple folk, the Folk Art Restaurant is an all-day diner-style joint that dishes up some of the finest versions of Atlanta’s favorite breakfasts. From the classic chicken and waffles to the huge biscuits serve with house-made jellies or sausage gravy, it’s no surprise that locals just keep coming back for more. Although the restaurant does offer lunch and dinner offerings, it’s the breakfast menu that really blows the minds of all those who come to visit. Take their eggs Benedict, for example, which is available in six different variations. They also have massive three-egg omelets that you can customize to your preferences and specifications.
465 N Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, Phone: 404-537-4493
4. Home Grown
It’s always a challenge to serve good food in a way that will make your taste buds happy but refrain from clogging your arteries. Add restricting your menu to locally grown and sourced produce and it’s even more complicated! Though many restaurants have already accomplished this in the past, it’s still an achievement for Home Grown to do it as well. But what actually sets Home Grown apart? Well, affordable prices and a slow and steady cooking method is where it’s all at. The delicious and hearty options on Home Grown’s brunch menu aren’t just more affordable, they’re also much more hearty and delicious than your typical breakfast joint. Try favorites like the fried green tomatoes, their 100% vegan and award winning sloppy Joe, and their salmon patties for starters.
968 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30316, Phone: 404-222-0455
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5. Sun in My Belly
Nestled in the neighborhood of Kirkwood, Sun in My Belly is a café as well as a full-service catering company that has a sincere passion for spectacular food, whimsical decorations, and developing local friendships and connections. Founded in 1996 by Alison Lueker, the food at Sun in My Belly features intricate and nature-driven themes, all of which are distinctly woven into her gastronomic creations. Some of the crowd pleasers on her stellar brunch menu are the challah French toast, the Belly Benedict, the Kirkwood Breakfast, and Alison’s Famous Pimento Cheese Omelette. Other must-try offerings include the house-made lavender biscuits, the bagel with thin-sliced house-smoked salmon, and the P.B.L.T.
2161 College Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30317, Phone: 404-370-1088
6. Babs Midtown
Looking for a great place to gather over a gorgeous breakfast? Enjoy the relaxing vibes, delicious dishes, and the company of friends at Babs Midtown. Guests are welcome to relax on the restaurant’s patio while enjoying their morning cup of joe. Even better? You can also bring your furry four-legged friend with you. What people absolutely love about Babs is that they serve breakfast at any time of the day. We recommend dishes like Juniper Street Wrap, a lightly grilled tortilla filled with scrambled eggs, tomato, onion, turkey sausage, Swiss cheese, and scallions, as well as the bagel and smoked salmon, which is pretty self-explanatory except that it’s topped with lettuce, tomato slices, capers. and thinly shaved red onions.
814 Juniper Street, Atlanta, GA 30308, Phone: 404-451-0888
7. Bread and Butterfly
A whimsical café and snazzy bistro all rolled into one gorgeous eatery at the heart of Inman Park, Bread and Butterfly features European-inspired interiors and delectable food and drink to match. The breakfast selection at Bread and Butterfly is incredible and what better way to enjoy feasting on a great morning meal than by sitting at the bistro’s lovely porch area and soaking up the beautiful view of Elizabeth Street. Regulars of the bistro swear by the combination of Bread and Butterfly’s cappuccinos and croissants for a light breakfast. Decadent season breakfasts are also available, like their Marinated Bucherondin, the Omellete Du Jour, and the Jambon Beurre.
290 Elizabeth Street, Suite F, Atlanta, GA 30307, Phone: 678-515-4536
8. Buttermilk Kitchen
It’s arguable that there’s nothing that represents authentic Southern cooking more than a bottle of buttermilk. This could be why Chef Suzanne Vizenthann chose to name her breakfast and lunch concept Buttermilk Kitchen. Buttermilk Kitchen is all about nurturing their guests with food made from nothing but local and sustainable ingredients. All of the dishes that leave the kitchen are guaranteed to be made in-house and from scratch, ensuring that absolutely nothing goes to waste. For visitors swinging by during the work week for their all-day breakfast, the chicken biscuit, buttermilk pancakes, and lox plate are great selections. On the other hand, guests coming by for weekend brunch should definitely give the lobster omelet, short rib hash, and Dad’s Waffle Burger a taste.
4225 Roswell Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30342, Phone: 678-732-3274
9. Corner Cafe
What can you look forward to at the Corner Café? Well, think pastries, pastries, and even more pastries! Every day, European-style pastries, bread, cookies, and desserts are baked on site by the Corner Café, many of which are responsible for landing them on the list of Top 25 Restaurants in Atlanta by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. Delight in the freshly baked pastries and pair them with the restaurant’s favorite Pano’s Reserve blend coffee. Other breakfast options are also available for diners at the Corner Café, such as the fresh pan poached eggs, the scratched corned beef hash and farm poached eggs, and the traditional eggs Benedict. Things to Do in Atlanta
3070 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30305, Phone: 404-240-1978
10. Egg Harbor Cafe
Located in the popular neighborhood of Buckhead, the Egg Harbor Café promises amazing service and a stunning breakfast. Picture sitting within a bright and classy decorated café and having a freshly brewed carafe of Intelligentsia coffee delivered to your table, which you can then enjoy with fantastic menu items like gluten-free pancakes or stone-ground grits. Service at the café is efficient and utterly friendly, while the meals are fresh and offer healthy options to start your day. Another great thing about the Egg Harbor Café is their dedication to organic foods and seasonal produce. They also do their best to shop from local and sustainable sources and source free-range eggs that are free from antibiotics and hormones.
The Brookwood Marketplace, 1820 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30309, Phone: 470-225-1901
11. Empire State South
Situated along Peachtree Road is the beautiful community restaurant known as Empire State South. This restaurant takes a fantastic modern approach to authentic Southern dishes in order to appeal to a broad range of customers. Although the restaurant is open for all three meals of the day, there’s no denying that their breakfast offerings are a favorite amongst locals. Empire State South relies on locally sourced foods from the region to dish up breakfast offerings like fried chicken biscuit, breakfast bagel sandwich, and the GA Yogurt and House Granola. Other items on the breakfast menu include the ESS Oatmeal, with pecan and white raisin streusel, the ESS Omelette, and the ESS Breakfast.
999 Peachtree Street NE #140, Atlanta, GA 30309, Phone: 404-541-1105
12. Atlanta Breakfast: ADios Cafe
Looking for an authentic Mexican breakfast made fresh seven days of the week? If yes, then there’s definitely no better place to head over to than ADios Café. Started in 2009, the café specializes in various delectable breakfast dishes as well as desserts and coffees. Breakfast is served every weekday between the hours of 8:00am and 11:00am, but on the weekends, breakfast extends to 2:00pm. Try fantastic dishes like the café’s Mexican Eggs Benedict, which is served with mouthwatering applewood bacon and homemade masa cake, or the popular blue corn hotcakes, smothered with a yummy passion fruit butter and to-die-for piloncillo syrup. Other dishes to try at the café include the Crepa de Nutella and the huevos divorciados.
180 Walker Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30313, Phone: 404-574-5678
13. Highland Bakery
The Highland Bakery all started when it’s owner Stacy started thinking about coffee. After seeing success from several coffee carts around the city and teaching Atlantans about what genuinely good coffee is all about, Stacy started thinking about muffins, breads, and eventually what Southern comfort was all about. From there, the Highland Bakery was born. Today, the Highland Bakery is one of the busiest breakfast stops in the city with choices for those who need to grab a bite to eat on the run as well as those who want to sit down and really savor the first meal of their day. Try the crab cake Benedict, ricotta pancakes, or cornbread panzanella salad if you’ve got time or go for one of their delightful baked offerings if you don’t. No matter what though, make sure to grab a double, tall, skinny, half-caff, bald latte to get your day started.
655 Highland Avenue NE, No. 10, Atlanta, GA 30312, Phone: 404-586-0772
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14. The Mediterranea Restaurant and Bakery
At the Mediterranea, they live and work by one simple Italian saying, “At the table, one does not grow old.” It’s this saying that dictates everything that the Mediterranea does, from the way they greet their customers to the food that they put on the table. The premise here is simple really: Embracing flavorful and healthy eating. All of the dishes at the Mediterranea are inspired by the diet of the region. As such, the ingredients mostly revolve around vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, and olive oil. Of course, there is also a reliance on seeds, spices, herbs, seafood, and poultry. Through healthy food served graciously within a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere, the Mediterranea has cemented its place in the hearts of Atlanta’s locals.
332 Ormond Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30315, Phone: 404-748-4219
15. Ria’s Bluebird
If you’re in Atlanta and searching desperately for a homey restaurant to tuck into some brunch at, we implore you to stop by Ria’s Bluebird and give their fantastic menu a try. Don’t just take our word for it either! Ria’s Bluebird is hugely popular with the local community because of its incredible menu and friendly staff. Their all-day brunch menu has some of the typical Tex-Mex favorites like the huevos but also has some of the classic breakfast favorites like the buttermilk pancakes. Looking for something out of the ordinary? Why not try the shrimps and grits, which features sautéed white shrimp with red and poblano peppers in a spiced maple broth and served over a large bowl of organic cheddar grits? Don’t forget the side of crunchy toasted baguette either!
421 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30312, Phone: 404-521-3737
16. The Silver Skillet
Located on the corner of 14th Street, The Silver Skillet has been dishing up mouthwatering Southern cooking since 1956! What’s equally as remarkable as its delicious food is that The Silver Skillet still looks and feels like it’s in the ‘50s. The period atmosphere of the restaurant has landed it in several movies and televisions series, such as Taken 3, Anchorman 2, and more. Beyond the glitz and lights of Hollywood and television success, however, lies really great cooking and a sincere desire to serve customers with only the best food their kitchen has to offer. Some of the true blue Southern breakfast options to try are the spicy catfish strips, the grilled corned beef hash, and the skillet country ham.
200 14th Street, Atlanta, GA 30318, Phone: 404-874-1388
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17. The Flying Biscuit Cafe
When people say that The Flying Biscuit always has a line, they mean it. This busy all-day breakfast establishment in Atlanta’s bustling Midtown neighborhood can see lines around the corner for their fresh and ultra-delicious breakfast offerings. All of the menu items at The Flying Biscuit Café are prepared fresh daily, which only elevates their food to another level. The best seller at the café is the Famous Flying Biscuit Breakfast. This huge breakfast comes with two large farm-fresh eggs served with the café’s signature chicken breakfast sausage, creamy and dreamy grits, and a fluffy Flying Biscuit. That’s not to say that their other menu items aren’t equally delicious, though! Some other meals to try are the turkey hash, the Eggs-Ceptional Eggs, and the Egg-Stravaganza.
1001 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, Phone: 404-874-8887
18. Thumbs Up Diner
Located in downtown Atlanta, right across from the historic Martin Luther King Jr. District, is the Thumbs Up Diner. Practically an institution in this area of Atlanta, the diner has been in operation for over a decade and even has five other locations scattered throughout Georgia’s metro area. Setting the standard for a fantastic Southern breakfast in the city, the Thumbs Up Diner enjoys tons of regular customers that rave about the diner’s menu. Some of the special things about their menu are the fact that they serve only 100% pure New England Maple Syrup, that their turkey and chicken are all smoked in-house, and that their jams and multi-grain biscuits are made by hand from scratch. Don’t miss out on their stone-ground grits either or their 100% organic Nicaraguan Arabica coffee. Oh, yes!
826 Marietta Street, Atlanta, GA 30318, Phone: 404-745-4233
19. West Egg Cafe
A veritable gem in the heart of Atlanta’s burgeoning Westside neighborhood, the West Egg Café is a popular breakfast spot conveniently located near Midtown, Georgia Tech, Buckhead, Atlantic Station, and the Downtown area. Serving up Southern comfort food in a new, spunky, and modern way, the café is a must-visit for lovers of the Southern classics. We definitely can’t forget to mention their separate coffee shop area, which serves a mean cup of joe alongside delicious baked goods, all of which have fueled hundreds of creative and business minds in the area. Their all-day breakfast menu is jam-packed with goodies, but some of our favorites in particular include the Blue Plate, the pimiento cheese and bacon omelet, the sour cream pancakes, and the black bean cakes and eggs.
1100 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta, GA 30318, Phone: 404-872-3973
20. Atlanta Breakfast Club
There’s nothing that starts a day better for Southerners than some Southern soul food for breakfast. Owned by Osiris Ballard and Anthony Sanders, who is also the restaurant’s executive chef, the Atlanta Breakfast Club is part of the Good Food and Company Team. There’s an unbridled passion for food involved in every dish that comes out of Atlanta Breakfast Club’s kitchen, and the team that runs the joint is absolutely committed to love, loyalty, and outstanding cuisine. Some of the breakfast specialties of the Atlanta Breakfast Club include the crispy fried chicken and waffles, which are served with a Belgian-style waffle, crispy chicken breast, and house syrup, and the Breakfast Bowl, which comes with scrambled egg, ultra-creamy grits, cheddar cheese, toast, and your choice of chicken sausage, pork sausage, turkey bacon, or pork bacon.
249 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30313, Phone: 470-428-3825
What are the 22 Best Breakfast & Weekend Brunch Spots in Atlanta?
The 22 Best Breakfast & Weekend Brunch Spots in Atlanta according to local experts are:
- Le Petit Marche
- The General Muir
- Folk Art Restaurant
- Home Grown
- Sun in My Belly
- Babs Midtown
- Bread and Butterfly
- Buttermilk Kitchen
- Corner Cafe
- Egg Harbor Cafe
- Empire State South
- Atlanta Breakfast: ADios Cafe
- Highland Bakery
- The Mediterranea Restaurant and Bakery
- Ria’s Bluebird
- The Silver Skillet
- The Flying Biscuit Cafe
- Thumbs Up Diner
- West Egg Cafe
- Atlanta Breakfast Club
Marta Trains in Atlanta
Almost every major city all around the world has its own public transportation system. These systems can vary a lot from one city to the next, and it can be quite an overwhelming and intimidating prospect for travelers to try and figure out the various maps, schedules, fares, and rules of a transportation system in a city they're not familiar with. Atlanta is a fine example.
Georgia's state capital city is a wonderful place to live, work, and visit, home to some beautiful green spaces, impressive architecture, and unique landmarks like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, the CNN Center, and the Swan House. However, getting around Atlanta isn't always easy for first-time visitors. Fortunately, once you know the ins and outs of the system, it becomes a lot simpler.
Public Transport in Atlanta
Atlanta's main form of public of transport is the MARTA system, with MARTA standing for Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority. Formed back in the 1970s, initially as a network of bus routes, MARTA has grown over the years to incorporate trains too. It's one of the biggest public transport systems in the entire United States. Both light rail streetcars and heavy rail trains are in operation on Atlanta's MARTA system, and you can use MARTA trains to get anywhere around the city and visit all of the various major landmarks and points of interest.
Important Information about MARTA Trains
The MARTA train system features four lines: Red, Green, Gold, and Blue. This color-coded system makes it very easy to differentiate between each line and plan your route, and there are 38 different stations served by the various lines throughout the city, formed in a cross-like shape. The Blue and Green lines run from east to west, while the Red and Gold lines run from north to south.
It's very important to note that, unlike many other train systems in major cities, the MARTA trains do not run round the clock. The service ends at approximately 1am each morning, with the first trains of the day setting off at 4.45am on weekdays and 5.50am on weekends and holidays. There are also line-specific rules and aspects to be aware of. For example, the route of the Red Line becomes limited after 8.30pm, and the Green Line will serve additional stations during the week.
A good tip for riding MARTA trains in Atlanta is to consult the MARTA official website. There, you'll be able to consult a full map of the MARTA train network and see all of the various lines and stops. You'll also be able to see full and live train schedules, learning more about each train. The trains tend to run every 10 minutes during the busiest times of day, like from 6-9pm or early in the mornings, but will run every 20 minutes for the rest of the day. You can download the MARTA to Go app to see live information and consult the MARTA train map on your mobile device.
Fares for MARTA Trains
MARTA trains have a standard one-way fare of $2.50. This ticket will last for three hours and let you travel in one direction on the MARTA train system, making up to four transfers along the way. MARTA train passengers will need to buy their tickets in the form of a Breeze Card, which allows you to pass through the ticket gates. If you're only visiting the city temporarily, you can buy a paper card, but if you're having an extended stay in Atlanta or plan on coming back again in the future, a full plastic card is the better option.
You can then use your Breeze Card at the ticket gates, placing it on the blue circle in order to open the gate. Cash or cards can be used to add additional ticket fares onto your Breeze Card and there are various additional options like round-trips and full-day travel passes. When you arrive at your destination, you can simply tap your card once more on the circles to exit. It’s a simple and easy process, but if you have any problems, the station staff will be standing by to help.
Rules for MARTA Trains
There are some rules that all passengers need to be aware of and follow while riding the MARTA trains. For example, passengers are not allowed to eat, drink, or smoke while riding the MARTA trains. No pets are allowed on board except service animals or small animals in secure carriers, and it's important to respect the trains and avoid littering or vandalizing them in any way.
Passengers are not allowed to listen to music through smartphone speakers or any other loud device, so headphones must be used at all times. In addition, as with any major public transportation network, passengers are encouraged to be polite and courteous to one another, standing aside for busy commuters to pass by, offering seats to people who need them, and avoiding taking up multiple seats with bags and belongings.
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