Updated 4/5/24
Anybody who knows me, knows that brunch is my thing. There’s something about sleeping in on the weekend, then getting up and having a leisurely meal with mimosas. This is my idea of heaven and Atlanta has some of the best brunch restaurants in the U.S. I like to come out with my favorite brunch places every year and this is the second year. If you’re in Atlanta or are planning a trip, you have to try these places out because the ATL “be brunchin”.
I have ranked my favorite places for brunch in the city because when I’m not making brunch at home, I don’t want to have to drive too far for my brunch. Surprisingly, my list hasn’t changed much from last year, but one has gone out of business and I’ve added Marcus Bar & Grille and Toast on Lenox. Now this list might not be the trendiest, but it’s definitely for the “grown and sexy” folks.
#1 The Breakfast Boys
This is my #1 for a reason. Even though it doesn’t have endless mimosas, the menu is the best in town. The Jerk Chicken & Sweet Potato Waffles is to die for along with Catfish & Grits and Shrimp & Grits. The grits are so creamy and delicious. The last time I was there I deviated from my traditional mimosa and got the frozen frose and it was sinful. You have to try it.
This all day breakfast and brunch eatery is located on Main Street in College Park, an area that is a burgeoning spot for cute new restaurants and shops. Owned by Lorenzo Wyche, who served as a consultant on several breakfast only spots in Atlanta/NYC and is dubbed the “King of Brunch”, this place is wonderful and I highly recommend it.
#2 – Marcus Bar & Grille
This is owned by Marcus Samuelsson, need I say more? He’s one of the greatest chefs in the world and does a fabulous Sunday brunch buffet. Some of my favorites are the cornbread waffles, brisket hash and deviled eggs. Delicious and the only reason it’s not #1 is that I’ve only been to brunch once and it hasn’t passed the consistency test yet.
There’s a Chef’s Dining Counter where you could sit and see some of the kitchen, as well as another bar with televisions next to an outside seating area with garage doors that open when the weather’s nice. It’s extremely hard to get in for brunch and dinner so be aware and make reservations early. Three weeks to a month ahead of time; trust me.
Image via Marcus Bar and Grille
#3 Superica
Superica is my go-to spot for Mexican food and if you’ve never gone for brunch before, you’re in for a treat. Even though it’s a chain, the one Krog Street Market is special. There’s Huevos Rancheros, Chilaquiles, Chorizo, Potatoes & Eggs and even Steak & Eggs or Pancakes. The Mimosas are not too sweet and the tangy Bloody Marys are delicious.
I would recommend sitting on the covered patio where there’s long tables with cushioned benches if you have large parties. You can people watch and enjoy the scenery, then go into the Krog Street Market and walk around.
#4 The Real Milk and Honey
Image via The Real Milk and Honey
This is the second restaurant on this list that’s located on Main Street in College Park. It also specializes in Breakfast/Brunch all day. The brain child of restauranteur Monique Rose Simms, the first locations were established in the DC area.
From the usual southern fare to standouts like the Fried Lobster, Egg & Cheese Biscuit and the Fried Shrimp & Keylime Waffle, this place is a perfect way to start your weekend.
They have a delicious Cocktail Menu and you can order Mimosas by the glass or by carafe. There’s a Belaire Luxe that is champagne infused with blueberries, which sounds delicious also.
Image via The Real Milk and Honey
#5 Barcelona Wine Bar
Sometimes I like to have another cuisine besides southern for brunch and this tapas bar is certainly that. I’ve only been to the one in Inman Park, but there’s another one in the Westside District on Howell Mill Road.
There’s a full list of charcuterie and cheese to start off with. For the entrees, there’s some traditional items like Steak & Eggs, Shrimp & Grits and Eggs Benedict, but you can add traditional tapas to complement them. There are also large plates including paella three different ways.
They have Cava, which is Spanish sparkling wine by the glass and bottle, but not the traditional mimosa. If mimosas aren’t your thing, which is hard to fathom, they also boast one of the biggest wine programs in the U.S. If you’d like to try something different for brunch, I would highly recommend this restaurant.
#6 Toast on Lenox
When I looked at the menu, I was excited about the ricotta pancakes with blueberries and they did not disappoint. But the short rib skillet and the lobster sweet potato waffle is outstanding. This is another one of those restaurants that are serving brunch/breakfast all day long.
Even though it serves the standard chicken & waffles and shrimp & grits among other Southern standards, there’s always a twist. And that twist will keep you coming back for more. Besides that, there’s a drink menu that has something for everyone.
#7 The Beverly
The Beverly is a restaurant and sports bar located in Grant Park that was opened by restaurateur Mario Johnson who’s also the owner of Grant Park Social. The brunch is only on Saturdays from 11am-4pm but from 1-4pm there’s live entertainment.
Even though it’s a sports bar, the food is amazing and the brunch does not disappoint. There’s all the favorites like Chicken & Waffles, Fish & Grits and Shrimp & Grits. The Beverly Breakfast lets you choose from six proteins with toast or potatoes and grits. The service is great and the Mimosas are a great value at $3 per glass and a carafe for $15. There’s even a Vegan Brunch menu.
LIke I always say, endless mimosas are not the deciding factor for me. Food and ambiance are more important but you best believe, if the mimosa isn’t good I will be highly upset.
Let me know in the comments if you’ve ever been to any of these and what you thought. Also, please give me your favorites if they’re not on this list because I would love to try it.
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