Top Ten Signature Foods You Must Try in Atlanta
Food is a huge part of Atlanta’s culture and history. The diverse and scintillating culinary flavors of this city add a lot to the overall traveling experience of tourists. With a unique blend of southeastern and traditional flavors, foodies are in for a refreshing experience. If you happen to be a food lover and are traveling to Atlanta this year, here are 10 must-try signature foods & beverages in the city:
Foods You Cannot Miss When You’re in Atlanta!
Atlanta’s vibrant food scene gives travelers numerous opportunities to try the mouthwatering and succulent flavors of the southeast. Here are the 10 most irresistible and signature foods everyone must try when in Atlanta:
1. Fried Chicken
One of Atlanta’s trademark and most popular dishes is its crispy and juicy fried chicken. A wide variety of restaurants across the city serve this dish as one of its mains. Many restaurants also serve the dish with delicious sides such as mac & cheese with pimento cheese and different sauces. Popular restaurants for fried chicken include Busy Bee Cafe, Gus’ World Famous Fried Chicken, Ponko Chicken, etc.
2. Pimento Cheese
A southeastern specialty, Pimento cheese is a combination of cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos. A pimento is a type of pepper, low in heat and sweet in flavor. They are used for garnishing or pureed for sauces and dips. Pimento cheese is a famous southeastern dip and a signature side served in many restaurants across Atlanta. It is served beside various dishes such as burgers, sandwiches, gravies, biscuit crackers, hot dogs, etc.
3. Chicken and Waffles
Hailing from the 1600s colonial era in America, Chicken and Waffles is a signature dish in Southeastern America. A breakfast staple, it is served throughout Atlanta in multiple restaurants and breakfast houses. It is a unique way of exploring the southeastern culture and going back to its traditional flavors. Restaurants known for Chicken and Waffles include Atlanta Breakfast Club, South City Midtown, Johnny’s Chicken & Waffles Midtown, The Breakfast Club, etc.
4. Crab Cakes
If you are a big fan of seafood, get ready to be blown away by Atlanta. Another signature dish Atlanta is known for is crab cakes. A multitude of restaurants across the city serve this dish as an appetizer or as a lunchtime sandwich filling. It is not just healthy but also jam-packed with tangy flavors to put your seafood cravings to rest. Restaurants known for their crab cakes in Atlanta include Bone’s Restaurant, Blue Ridge Grill, and Houston’s, among others.
5. Peach Slider Doughnuts
Also known as the Peach State, Atlanta is popular for its sweet and flavorful peaches. The city is home to numerous peach farms and distributes peaches to other states in the US. With abundant produce all year round, peach desserts and delicacies are popular in Atlanta. Peach Slider Doughnuts are worth a try if you love the refreshing flavor of peaches. While this specialty is available all over Atlanta, some of the popular bakeries and cafes include Sublime Doughnuts, Revolution Doughnuts & Coffee, and Atlanta Doughnuts.
6. Barbecue Ribs
Barbecued food is always a hit when you are traveling and luckily Atlanta offers many diverse barbecue flavors. Barbecued Ribs are among the best sellers in various restaurants and barbecue houses across town. Barbecued food in Atlanta is an authentic experience for foodies as you won’t find it anywhere else in the US. Popular restaurants you can try for barbecued ribs include Wallace Barbecue, Dave Poe’s BBQ, TDT BBQ, and many more.
7. Coca-Cola
Atlanta is known for many historic landmarks including Coca-Cola’s first-ever factory. In short, it is the birthplace of Coca-Cola and its first factory serves as an important landmark for tourists. As the place of Coca-Cola’s origin, your trip would be incomplete if you do not indulge in a Coke guilt-free. You can also buy a few cans and take them as souvenirs for friends & family back home.
8. Popsicles
As a city with extreme summers, Atlanta is known for its summertime treats. Grabbing gourmet and handcrafted popsicles as you take a walk on the beach is a ritual you must give into during your trip. You can find a wide variety of flavors at King of Pops Bar, Popbar Alpharetta, Mocha Pops, and many more.
9. Gravy & Biscuits
A Southern classic, gravy & biscuits is a high-calorie dish that emerged during the Revolutionary War in the 1800s when there was an immense food shortage. It is a staple dish if you are looking to delve deeper into the Atlantic culture. The traditional dish consists of soft dough biscuits with white gravy made of flour, milk, and sausages. Foodies can find gravy & biscuits readily available at numerous restaurants including Buttermilk Kitchen, Silver Skillet, Atlanta Breakfast Club, and more.
10. Sweet Tea
Known as a symbol of Southern hospitality, Sweet tea is among the most consumed beverages in Atlanta. Also known as the ‘Nectar of the South’, sweet tea is made of sugar, tea, and crushed ice. It makes for a refreshing drink during hot summers and is available everywhere you go in the city. It may look like regular iced tea but tastes different. The best places in the city to try sweet teas are Mary Mac’s Tea Room, Busy Bee’s Cafe, The Colonnade Restaurant, Paschal’s, etc.
