Best sweet tea
General manager Michael Fuhrman with a pitcher of Mary Mac's beloved iced tea. It's your pick for the best non-chain sweet tea in and around Atlanta. Photo: Becky Stein / Special
YOUR PICKS (Local)
1. Mary Mac’s Tea Room
You say, “Mary Mac’s Tea Room hands down! Big ups to all the true southerners that responded in kind.”
2. Williamson Bros. Bar-B-Q
3. OK Cafe
4. The Sun Dial
5. Wright’s Gourmet Sandwich Shoppe
Chick-fil-A is your picks for the chain with the best sweet tea. Photo: PRNewsFoto
YOUR PICKS (Chain)
1. Chick-fil-A
You say, “The best iced tea on the planet, including Atlanta” and “Are you serious? Chick-fil-A has the best. No question about it. Always very great! When I think sweet tea, I think Chick-fil-a.”
2. McDonald’s
3. Zaxby’s and Cracker Barrel (tie)
4. Bojangles’
5. Captain D’s
OUR PICKS
1. Greenwood’s on Green Street
The sweet tea at Greenwood’s on Green Street is a winner because it avoids the two main pitfalls of sweet tea. It isn’t bitter (due to over-brewing) and it isn’t overly sweet. It is smooth and satisfying.
2. Mary Mac’s Tea Room
3. Mittie’s Tea Room
4. Chick-fil-A
5. Busy Bee Cafe
accessAtlanta Partner Sites
Sections
Advertise on accessAtlanta.com »
Reach the audience you want by advertising on accessAtlanta.com
Join the Access Atlanta Network »
Advertisers and Publishers, expand your reach by joining the Access Atlanta Network.
Tell us what you think about the site
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement | About our ads
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
200 comments Add your comment
North Ave Trade School Hater
February 21st, 2011
12:32 pm
BBQ Kitchen Virginia Ave atthe airport
Amanda
February 21st, 2011
12:38 pm
Blue Willow Inn
Joy Bolick
February 21st, 2011
12:41 pm
McDonald’s has come up a winner to me in sweet tea, with fresh lemon. They have gotten me back as a customer to some of their other products due to the taste of thier tea, the price of $l.00 for a a large cup and the syrofoam cup that it comes in to keep it cool. Their tea is usually consistent from store to store. I am a connoisseur of sweet tea, as I drink it all day. There are several other places that make good tea, but as far as consistency, etc. I think McDonald’s is a winner.
Please don’t release my email to any others for me to get junk emails galore. Thanks. Joy B
dga
February 21st, 2011
12:52 pm
Yes Joy, I agree with you. I was coming on here to say that, for the price, McDonald’s Sweet Tea does it for me too, and I’m expecting to be rediculed for saying McDonald’s Sweet Tea is great. They give you a huge cup and it’s usually always very good for the $1 price. I also like Chick-Fil-A’s Sweet Tea, but you can’t beat the combination of price, size and quality of McDonald’s.
Mark
February 21st, 2011
1:12 pm
Mary macs have some great sweet tea… it’ll rot your teeth through but its amazing!
BenB
February 21st, 2011
1:12 pm
There is no such thing as good Sweet tea if it made with sugar. That is why all of these people including me are Type II Diabetics. Laugh now but you won’t be laughing later.
Tweets that mention Best sweet tea | Best Of The Big A -- Topsy.com
February 21st, 2011
1:15 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Tea Leaf Times, BestoftheBigA. BestoftheBigA said: Best sweet tea http://bit.ly/hcuyEN [...]
Foodie-B
February 21st, 2011
2:04 pm
Kinda of a hard one to mess up but you would be surprised how often it happens. Mary Macs has good sweet tea as well as McDonalds and several others but to really enjoy sweet tea you got to make it in home. 2 Lipton Family size tea bags in a medium sauce pot over medium heat till it comes to a boil when it reaches a boil cover and let steep for 20-30 mins. Pour over 2 cups of sugar in a gallon tea pitcher and stir to dissolve suagr then fill with cold water stirring occasionally. Let come to a nice chill in the fridge and pour over ice garnish with mint, lemon or even lime. Head out to the hammock if weather permits and enjoy! (PS if your really a perfectionist go to Sonic and get a bag of ballpark ice it makes all the difference)
Mark
February 21st, 2011
3:53 pm
BenB- sorry, but I can enjoy a glass of tea with sugar in it because I drink it in moderation… novel concept, huh?
FoodFan
February 21st, 2011
5:15 pm
Chick-Fil-A. Even better when made an Arnold Palmer with half lemonade…
Mary
February 21st, 2011
5:29 pm
Wrights Gourmet in Dunwoody. The best sweet ever.
SWEEEET TAAAYYYY
February 21st, 2011
5:30 pm
Wendy’s!
mike
February 21st, 2011
5:33 pm
Chick-Fil-A always gooooood
Mar
February 21st, 2011
5:48 pm
I live up north in Maine so sweet tea is hard to come by. I discovered it at McDonald’s about a year ago and have been hooked on it ever since.
MsOpportunity
February 21st, 2011
5:56 pm
McDonald’s, Chick Fil A, and Publix (in that order)
tea drinker
February 21st, 2011
5:56 pm
chick fil a
mike
February 21st, 2011
5:58 pm
Unless someone does something truly unique, I have a feeling that the nominations are going to be all over the map. Doesn’t it really come down to a personal preference of how much sugar you like in the tea?
Tommy
February 21st, 2011
6:02 pm
Tea, good or bad, still gives you kidney stones
T
February 21st, 2011
6:07 pm
Mary Mac’s. And, no, my Mom’s Tea is terrible.
Decatired
February 21st, 2011
6:08 pm
WATERSHED! They have the best everything and always will.
nora
February 21st, 2011
6:14 pm
I love the iced tea at Chick Fil A. I drink it unsweetened, but since the tea itself is so good it would be delicious either way.
Chris
February 21st, 2011
6:19 pm
If you want the best sweet tea ever then come to Columbus,GA Country’s barbeque has the best in the land and also Clearview Barbeque and they have crushed ice. It’s great!!!! Clearview also has great 99cent chipped sandwiches and the best potato salad
peggysue
February 21st, 2011
6:30 pm
Chick-fil-a, hands down!
gretch
February 21st, 2011
6:35 pm
Zaxby’s
Alterior Motives
February 21st, 2011
6:40 pm
Publix has the best tea….
Bud Flu
February 21st, 2011
6:49 pm
Melear’s Barbeque used to have some of the best.
SweetTeaFanatic
February 21st, 2011
6:49 pm
Chickfila with McDonalds at the #2 spot
West Georgia Coach
February 21st, 2011
6:50 pm
Guthrie’s tea and chicken fingers are THE BEST in the southeast. Zaxby’s is just a knock-off of Guthrie’s.
Libby D
February 21st, 2011
6:52 pm
Fickle Pickle in Roswell has a great sweet peach tea (Harney & son’s good quality black tea with a little peach in it) that is great too.
McDonalds does have good tea. That and the egg mumuffin are all we will consume from there. Chick-fil-a is good but usually too sweet for our taste. McAlisters Deli is also good – they are known for their sweet tea.
Oh and no lemon, please. While one of my favorite flavors/tastes, lemon ruins a good glass of tea for me!
Mark Leutzinger
February 21st, 2011
7:00 pm
The sweet tea at Taqueria Del Sol is excellent. I think the purveyor is Blue Durango? Something like that.
Brazen Unicorn
February 21st, 2011
7:00 pm
Chick-fil-a
Reg
February 21st, 2011
7:01 pm
Scholtzky’s
ATLcracker
February 21st, 2011
7:05 pm
I lived 35 years in Atlanta. Jeneane’s in Macon has the best every day.
Georgia Girl
February 21st, 2011
7:07 pm
McDonald’s has the best! It is so good that I buy it everyday:-)! My day isn’t right until I have my sweet tea with lemon from McDonald’s.
i
February 21st, 2011
7:18 pm
OK Cafe, Waffle House, and Picadilly
CFA fan
February 21st, 2011
7:20 pm
Chick-fil-A is best, followed by Captain D’s.
bub
February 21st, 2011
7:24 pm
Maybe it’s the ice, maybe it’s the tea…but whatever it is, my vote goes to OK Cafe.
RK
February 21st, 2011
7:32 pm
Firefly.
Sweet Tea Connoisseur
February 21st, 2011
7:33 pm
Come on guys…the BEST is Cracker Barrel.. Second best goes to…………………Williamson Bros. BBQ. None of the others can hold a candle. Sorry.
KG
February 21st, 2011
7:34 pm
This is a dumb category. As an Atlantan I’ll vote for Mary Mac’s, but really it’s not much different from the tea at a million other places.
falcon josh
February 21st, 2011
7:39 pm
My Grandma’s
chewyandrw
February 21st, 2011
7:40 pm
I mean people…McDonalds ST is great but give me a break. Come up with something more original than that. You can get that stuff anywhere.
Douglasville-Hudsons Hickory House. Best tea on the west side of Atlanta.
na
February 21st, 2011
7:43 pm
McAllisters #1
Followed by Chick Fil A
Sonny’s
Wendy’s
McDonalds
but as a previous writer stated——- places like Sonny’s now gouge you on the cost of Tea so I quit drinking it there, then I just quit going
So take a lesson all of these restaurants—– the cost of making tea is not expensive, if you keep rippping off your customers to make huge profits they will go elsewhere or go to water and maybe lose weight.
Jim R
February 21st, 2011
7:44 pm
If Granny were alive today she’d be a rollin’ in her grave at anyone buying ice tea from a drive-in window. Lordy, Lordy….But it is good, Sorry Granny. Still got to vote for Cracker Barrel…Truest to my southern roots.
DB
February 21st, 2011
7:50 pm
Wright’s Gourmet sandwich shop in Dunwoody Village has the most amazing tea — sweet or unsweet, with mint. YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!
Jim 's Granny
February 21st, 2011
7:50 pm
Well I start with all of the clear liquors then add some…what oops…never mind. Misread the topic
Scott
February 21st, 2011
7:52 pm
Chic-Fil-A hands down
Renee
February 21st, 2011
8:17 pm
Quick-Trip
The Truth
February 21st, 2011
8:21 pm
Wow…McDonalds? Go back to Michigan, carpetbaggers. No store-bought tea comes close to the tea made at home – the way it’s supposed to be made.
James
February 21st, 2011
8:33 pm
Milos famous sweet tea hands down.
Jo
February 21st, 2011
8:48 pm
McDonalds, Chickfila, Zaxbys, MaryMacs, Publix, & Luzianne if made at home, with lemon if its not sweet enough
Big Juicy
February 21st, 2011
8:50 pm
Chick-fil-a has the best tasting while McDonald’s has the best value…
Jim
February 21st, 2011
8:56 pm
My house! I use sugar in the raw and Tetley Decaf rounds to make a gallon at a time.
Jim
February 21st, 2011
8:57 pm
Oh, and in the restaurants, this may shock you; but, any El Torero has great sweet tea!
cfarris
February 21st, 2011
9:17 pm
Milos is my favorite of all time, but I love Chik Fil A for a local place.
Mochadlyte
February 21st, 2011
9:38 pm
McAllister’s!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pork Snob
February 21st, 2011
10:16 pm
Williamson Bros.
HammondXK
February 22nd, 2011
5:45 am
The Place @ Towne Lake has great Tea I like it with Lime
itsme
February 22nd, 2011
6:11 am
Serenbe.
HenryCoRedneck
February 22nd, 2011
6:59 am
Baby Jane’s in McDonough. Best tea and best AYE buffet.
Patrick
February 22nd, 2011
7:23 am
Matthews in Tucker, with the crushed ice……
Jeff
February 22nd, 2011
7:32 am
Dont people on here realize the difference between tea made with cane sugar and tea made with syrup? Also, someone posted about making it at home with 2 teabags and 2 CUPS of sugar??? Dude, i hope you have insurance so that my taxes dont have to pay for your health problems!!!
Ga Dawg
February 22nd, 2011
7:38 am
Sun Dial restaurant on top of the Westin Peachtree Plaza! Just had it yesterday…citrus vanilla bean – just a hint and it is perfect for this southern peach
toots
February 22nd, 2011
7:39 am
Enter your comments here
toots
February 22nd, 2011
7:41 am
Enter your comments here Well, I guess none of you have ever drank the tea at LongHorn’s in Douglasville. It is really good but like others have mentioned, it’s hard to beat home made tea. Oh, and by the way, Hudson’s tea is awful!! I always end up pouring it out.
mowreck
February 22nd, 2011
7:44 am
Captain D’s used to have the best sweet tea. Not many Captain D’s open anymore, but their tea was excellent.
Brewmaster
February 22nd, 2011
7:46 am
Having sold Tea for a few years, I will give you my opinion (for what it is worth). The OK Cafe has excellent tea year round followed closely by Mary Mac’s. They are both full flavored and mixed just right.
sharon
February 22nd, 2011
7:46 am
Piccadilly’s sweet mango tea is the best!
jrg
February 22nd, 2011
7:50 am
OK CAFE PUBLIX
Thrifty Mama
February 22nd, 2011
7:53 am
Mine! Old fashioned sugar syrup made on the stove with Luzianne tea.
The worst is at Marlow’s Tavern!
mowreck
February 22nd, 2011
8:00 am
Most GOOD restaurants sweet tea makers, use to use Luzianne Tea. Then is only a matter of how much to use, tea and sugar wise. Anyone who names a flavored tea hasn’t been in the south very long.
Carrie
February 22nd, 2011
8:10 am
Order: McDonalds,Red Lobster,Chic Fil A,Captain D’s,Watershed, Mary Macs
Top it off with the ice that Sonic has, & u’ve got a WINNER!
UDST(United Daughters of Sweet Tea)
February 22nd, 2011
8:12 am
OAK GROVE MARKET on LaVista has great sweet tea. Their volume of business assures that the tea is always fresh. It is self-serve, so if you’re worried about the sugar, you can tone it done with some of the unsweet tea. They have real lemon wedges, so you can add that if you like. AND they have crushed ice!!! The only way it could be better would be if it were served in glasses rather than styrofoam cups.
Maddernheck
February 22nd, 2011
8:12 am
I can’t believe we got 2 whole pages of comments without Folks being mentioned. Though there aren’t many locations left – it’s worth a drive for the fried chicken and sweet tea – OH MY!!!
lorie
February 22nd, 2011
8:13 am
Jim -n- Nicks BBQ has the best sweet tea. After that, I like Zaxby’s.
ATL
February 22nd, 2011
8:13 am
My mom’s, aunt, grandma & McDonald’s
Best TEA AROUND…………
former Cols resident
February 22nd, 2011
8:14 am
I’d second the Country’s BBQ in Columbus (the thing I miss the most from Columbus is Country’s!) but the best I’ve had in Atlanta hves been Mary Mac’s, Chick-Fil-A, McAllisters, and believe it or not, Captain D’s.
The Brantley Man
February 22nd, 2011
8:19 am
Chick-fil-a, although the styrofoam cups make all drinks taste better.
Todd - Dacula
February 22nd, 2011
8:19 am
1. My mother
2. Sonny Triangle restaurant, Hallandale, Florida; why have borders…
3. Arizona Sweet Southern Tea, if you cannot find a good local tea…
4. Cracker Barrel
5. McDonalds
Carla
February 22nd, 2011
8:28 am
I’m glad I’m not alone in this one…Captain D’s makes some GOOOD sweet tea! Haven’t tried McD’s yet but guess I will now…! And yes to the poster above…a good old fashioned, home-made southern style sweet tea….luzianne tea bags and yes…2 cups of sugar…lot’s of ice…lemon slice if you want.
Sam
February 22nd, 2011
8:29 am
The Pickrick on Hemphill Avenue serves the best iced tea in Atlanta!
Dawg
February 22nd, 2011
8:35 am
J. Alexander’s on Ashford Dunwoody – Tea is always brewed fresh – great tea flavor and color – clear, not cloudy – with just the right amount of sugar – not icky sweet. And your refills are always served in a fresh glass.
Know your Facts
February 22nd, 2011
8:39 am
Myth: Eating too much sugar causes diabetes.
Fact: No, it does not. Type 1 diabetes is caused by genetics and unknown factors that trigger the onset of the disease; type 2 diabetes is caused by genetics and lifestyle factors. Being overweight does increase your risk for developing type 2 diabetes, and a diet high in calories, whether from sugar or from fat, can contribute to weight gain. If you have a history of diabetes in your family, eating a healthy meal plan and regular exercise are recommended to manage your weight.
TEALOVER
February 22nd, 2011
8:41 am
Captain D’s and Adams Barbecue (Adams has the wonderful small, crunchy ice)
JudiDF - Tea Connoisseur
February 22nd, 2011
8:47 am
The best sweet tea around is MINE……..made at home!!! I agree with FoodieB: 2 family size Lipton tea bags; brought to a boil in a medium sauce pan. Lower the heat and let steep about 20 mins; pour over 2 cups of sugar in a gallon size container. I allow to cool like this, steeping even more before adding cool water from the faucet. Talk about D-LI-SCIOUS!!!! There’s nothing around like MY tea made in the privacy of my home. But after mine, I would choose McDonald’s. The taste is consistent regardless of which restaurant location you purchase it from and it’s very economical……..$1!!!! Can’t beat it. Someone else mentioned restaurants overcharging for tea which is very inexpensive to make and they are EXACTLY right. Save the money and make it at home or go to McDonald’s. When eating out at these high fluent restaurants, drink water when they’re tea is overpriced!!!!! Enjoy!!!!
Georgia Peach
February 22nd, 2011
8:53 am
McDonalds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AJ
February 22nd, 2011
8:59 am
Publix?! That stuff is awful. Too dark and has a funny aftertaste. Mc D’s and Mrs Winners are tops for me.
Tiff
February 22nd, 2011
9:01 am
There are some places that have good tea, but for a really interesting twist, at my last trip to the Sundial, I asked for tea and they brought it to me with fresh vanilla bean. Talk about yummy!
MelKel
February 22nd, 2011
9:08 am
I was born and raised in the south. This drink was ALWAYS called iced tea. After ordering iced tea, one would specificy whether they wanted it sweetened or unsweetened. That was ALWAYS the protocol.
I never heard the term “sweet” tea until four or five years ago. It seems that sweet tea is some sort of corporate marketing term. How quickly we forget.
Blondie
February 22nd, 2011
9:08 am
I am not a big sweet tea fan; however, when I feel the need for it, the only place I go is Chic-Fil-A. By far, it has the best. When I need just a small taste of sweet tea, I also go to Chic-Fil-A and get a large tea, half sweet and half unsweet.
JD
February 22nd, 2011
9:09 am
My mama’s…of course. But Popeye’s Cane Sweet Tea or McDonald’s Sweet Tea is second.
Alicia Chen
February 22nd, 2011
9:11 am
Nothing like some good ole’ Chick-fil-a sweet tea!!!
The Real Georgia Peach
February 22nd, 2011
9:12 am
I can’t say “my mother” because even though I love her with all my heart, she can’t make sweet tea to save herself. I use Paula Deen’s recipe and get rave reviews every time I serve it. McD’s and Chick-Fil-A are the best for fast food places, but Colonnade on Cheshire Bridge Rd. is the best restaurant sweet tea.
Patrick
February 22nd, 2011
9:15 am
I have to agree with Joy Bolick about McDonald’s Sweet Tea. When they introduced it a few years ago, I was skeptical, because I’d had tea from McD’s before. That was one of many reasons why I avoided McD’s at all costs. After they came out with the new tea, I tried it, and I loved it. It’s right up there with another popular fast food place based right here in Georgia, Chick-Fil-A. Those two places have been pretty consistent with their sweet tea from one location to another. Half the time I can’t tell the difference. Of course, Chick-Fil-A sells theirs by the gallon, so you can have it at home or work whenever you want. Until the gallon jug gets emptied out.
As for sit-down restaurants, I’ve found a lot of local Chinese restaurants to serve some of the best sweet tea out there. It’s probably because they use a special tea blend usually used for hot Chinese tea, but when chilled and sweetened, you’re in heaven.
As for store-bought-made-who-knows-where sweet tea, Milo’s Sweet Tea is tops. The company that makes it is based in Alabama, so they know their sweet tea. They are distributed through the same company that distributes Mayfield brand products(don’t drink the Mayfield Sweet Tea…just don’t.) so if you can’t find it in your store, ask them to start carrying it. Tell them to call their Mayfield distributor and order it. I remember walking into a Wal-Mart one time and they had one of those sample ladies giving out samples of the tea. I told her I already knew how it tasted. Tried a cup anyway, and sure enough it was good.
Father Murphy
February 22nd, 2011
9:18 am
Chuck e cheese
North over south
February 22nd, 2011
9:19 am
My house and I can also make Arnold Palmer with half lemonade…
yummy
February 22nd, 2011
9:23 am
chic-fil-a then popeyes
FCM
February 22nd, 2011
9:23 am
In this order:
Chick Fil A
Waffle House
Publix
Jim and Nick’s BBQ
Jen
February 22nd, 2011
9:26 am
Chick-fil-a, McDonald’s and store bought would be Milo’s.
MY SWEET TEA IS THE BEST!!
February 22nd, 2011
9:32 am
I have been told many, many times that I make the best sweet tea. I started as a little girl & I have mastered it. I put my foot in it, just a saying that it taste awesome. Can’t get any sweet tea when you go up North, I guess it’s a Southern thing, the Northerners wouldn’t understand. LOL!!
Claire
February 22nd, 2011
9:32 am
MILOS FAMOUS SWEET TEA….no contest.
Mel
February 22nd, 2011
9:34 am
Daddy D’z.
LS
February 22nd, 2011
9:37 am
Scholtzky’s has the best. Wallace BBQ in Austell is pretty good too.
Carerra
February 22nd, 2011
9:39 am
Williamson Brothers BBQ
Old School
February 22nd, 2011
9:43 am
I don’t know if it’s still there, but back in the day Bobby and June’s had a good offering.
LS
February 22nd, 2011
9:46 am
MelKel, I too was born and raised in the South. Mostly the Atlanta Metro area. Growing up, Iced Tea came unsweetened. You had to add your own sugar that was found on the table. So there was no “sweet tea”. Now that tea is made sweet or unsweet, you have to ask for Sweet Tea or UnSweet Tea.
Edward
February 22nd, 2011
9:51 am
To me all of the “sweet tea” I’ve tried at every restaurant around here is just TOO SWEET to be drinkable. It’s like tea flavored syrup. YUK. The only way I’ve been able to drink it is ask for half sweet/half unsweet (or do it myself if it is self-serve). Self-serve also allows me to mix half unsweet tea with half lemonade, too.
lynn
February 22nd, 2011
9:51 am
The best tea can be found at the Blue Willow Inn and the Busy Bee Cafe. If you want the best fast-food tea, then go to Chick-fil-A and McDonald’s.
Sweet tea party
February 22nd, 2011
9:53 am
McDonald’s does have good tea! At home, I use Luzianne (I believe McDonald’s does, also).
I recently switched to Luzianne’s green tea. I found that I have to use three family size bags of the green tea versus two of the black tea to the gallon. I add one and a half cups sugar and my secret ingredient…ICE…so that the tea is already cold and does not melt the ice in my glass.
fes
February 22nd, 2011
9:54 am
Bojangle’s! Their tea is awesome, followed by Alice’s Iced Tea at Waffle House.
She-She
February 22nd, 2011
10:02 am
McDonald’s!
Dammit_Allie
February 22nd, 2011
10:04 am
Pascal’s in Atlanta Airport!!! So Good, and not “pre-made”!
Huh?
February 22nd, 2011
10:06 am
Missing some things here: it is mandatory by this time that Flying Biscuit, QT, Zestos and Del Taco get mentioned. The “best is at my house” has been taken care of a few times. We are also missing the ITP snobs versus the OTP subject, plus the indignant ones who love to disparage anything “corporate” or “fast food” or “chain” and instead nominate some obscure place nobody has heard of.
Sid Vicious
February 22nd, 2011
10:11 am
Nibbles has the best sweet tea hands down!!! Then Chick-Fil-A second.
Karen
February 22nd, 2011
10:12 am
My house
Gee
February 22nd, 2011
10:13 am
Best Sweet Tea in town? No where. Sweet Tea is vile sugar water- all sugar.. no tea! And I’m a Southerner, yall.
JoeV
February 22nd, 2011
10:14 am
@Huh?
We have a winner! Well played!
Gene
February 22nd, 2011
10:16 am
If you go up I-85 to the north, pull off the road in Spartanburg,S.C. and ask for directions to the Beacon Drive-In on John B.White Blvd. and have some of the best sweet tea you’ve tasted.
Deborah
February 22nd, 2011
10:18 am
Don’t live in Atlanta anymore but recall that Canoe Restaurant had delicious iced tea; always tasted fresh brewed.
They provided sugar syrup so you could sweeten it to your taste, and a cute miniature “canoe paddle” stirring device.
Huh?
February 22nd, 2011
10:20 am
I forgot the other two categories – places that are three hundred miles from here and places that closed down 10+ years ago.
Expat
February 22nd, 2011
10:26 am
Hudson’s BBQ in Douglasville! The best there ever was!
Sweet tea party
February 22nd, 2011
10:29 am
Use to be in the South that if you ordered “tea”, you got sweet tea. Many places didn’t even have unsweet tea.
Unbelievably, some places only offer unsweetened tea which is almost impossible to get sugar to melt in (and I’m not into the chemical substitutes which will melt). That’s when I order Gerogia’s second best beverage…Coke.
Lisa Boalt Richardson
February 22nd, 2011
10:37 am
I love this topic! As an author,Certified Tea Specialist, and a Southerner, I love making iced tea at home with loose leaf tea. I think it makes really flavorful tea and I can limit the amount of sugar in it as well. If you have really great tea and make it correctly you don’t need a ton of sugar. This means not oversteeping it which brings out the bitter flavor and then more sugar is needed to balance the flavor. I am often disappointed when ordering iced tea out. However, I have say that Chic-Fil-A makes great iced tea and I order is 1/2 sweet 1/2 unsweet. I also enjoy The Cheesecake Factory’s iced tea!!!
SMH
February 22nd, 2011
10:45 am
Chick-Fil-A
Publix
summertime
February 22nd, 2011
10:46 am
PUBLIX has the best sweet tea!!!!
Jen @ Cup a Dee Cakes
February 22nd, 2011
10:47 am
I add another vote for Chik-fil-A, but I also think that Sonny’s BBQ also serves up a right decent glass of iced tea!
DreamsMaterialize
February 22nd, 2011
10:47 am
McDonald’s for the price. Chic-Fil-A is pretty good too. The best is my home brewed sun tea.
T
February 22nd, 2011
10:51 am
Chick-fil-a all the way!
Elaine
February 22nd, 2011
10:55 am
The best iced tea is from Pal’s in Kingsport, TN. It comes in a 32- ounce styrofoam cup, so it will almost make the trip from east TN.
cw
February 22nd, 2011
10:58 am
I have considered myself a tea connoisseur for many years. Also, my tea is so good I’ve met out-of-town friends at traveling antiques shows who have asked me to bring them a jug of my tea. Being older now, I drink unsweet with Splenda; however I have tasted and drunk for years sweet tea all over Atlanta. As a self-proclaimed expert, I can honestly say that the best tea I’ve ever drunk, sweet or unsweet is:
The Blue Durango Tea at Taqueria del Sol! The runner up is Mary Mac’s – we once had the waiter bring out a pkg of the tea they make to see if it was a brand we could buy ourselves. Both are heavenly and never displease!
really
February 22nd, 2011
11:01 am
i drink tea unsweetened, and chickfila has the best…
i’m sure it’s delish either way.
mexican restaurants always have GREAT unsweetened tea!
Abby
February 22nd, 2011
11:02 am
McDonald’s (great taste, consistency, price) then Zaxby’s (taste good, but not always consistent). If you’re buying it from the grocery store, you cannot go wrong with Gold Peak – the absolute best!!
cw
February 22nd, 2011
11:03 am
Almost forgot: DO NOT screw my tea up by putting fruity crap in it – I am not amused by having perfectly good tea ruined by “peach” or “apricot” or whatever nasty flavoring some put in the tea.
And, I consider myself the salvation of real, normal iced tea at The Cheesecake Factory and at “Corner Cafe” at Lenox. They both were having only the flavored crap and I complained over and over. At CF, I’d order a glass of ice and a pot of hot tea and brew my own. At CC I’d get my tea downstairs at the Bread Co, and make sure to tell the counter people I was doing it.
Happily they both now have regular unsweet and sweet teas.
Ben F
February 22nd, 2011
11:07 am
Waffle House and Olive Garden. At home, 2 family size bags + 1 Earl Grey single serve. Boil water, steep 20 mins, add sugar (2/3 cup for my tea jug), and add water. Earl Grey adds a very distinctive taste to iced tea.
Mike
February 22nd, 2011
11:13 am
Country’s BBQ, Columbus, GA. Made with cane sugar. It’s the best!
Really People?
February 22nd, 2011
11:18 am
I was waiting for the idiot who named some place outside the Atlanta area.
Rick
February 22nd, 2011
11:21 am
Mary Mac’s Tea Room!
Lynn
February 22nd, 2011
11:21 am
Burger King and Pizze Hut by far, I must be going to the wrong McDonalds because it’s always to watery
martin
February 22nd, 2011
11:23 am
BOJANGLES – JUST GOT TO HAVE MORE
Mr No it all
February 22nd, 2011
11:30 am
Other than my own tea, Mc Donald’s tea is the best. Chic-fil-a, Wendy’s and Zaby’s is like WATER NOT GOOD AT ALL. They all need to call me so I can help them out on the TEA LOL
MmmH
February 22nd, 2011
11:33 am
If purchasing at a store – definitely Milo’s. All others taste artificial. Sweet Tea at restaurants can be hit or miss. Sometimes, even fresh brewed tea has a strange, sour taste. I’ve learned it is because the staff does not sterilize all of the components of the brewer and urn. Therefore, old tea particles build up in it and spoil. Think of using a coffee cup continually without ever washing it. The residue is the same effect. Unfortunately, this greatly affects the taste no matter how great the tea is. I’ve learned that QuikTrip consistently sterilzes their equipment, so you have a better chance of getting fresh tasting sweet tea there. They also add just the right amount of sugar.
Denise
February 22nd, 2011
11:39 am
OMG…The Busy Bee.
BenB…I understand your comment. The sweet tea is not what causes Type 2 Diabetes, it’s the lack of exercise and eating a balanced diet that does it.
Chris
February 22nd, 2011
11:45 am
I don’t know if they have any in the Atlanta area but there is McAlister’s Deli in Stateboro and it by far had the best sweet tea anywhere. I liked it because it was a perfect amount of sugar. Sweet enough to satisfy the sweet tooth but not so much it turned to syrup and overpowered the actual tea flavor. With a wedge of lemon I was in heaven.
KD
February 22nd, 2011
11:46 am
Hudson BBQ in Douglasville! Ruby Tuesday’s is the worst!
dgl1970
February 22nd, 2011
11:48 am
Hudson’s Hickory House – Douglasville
Wallace Barbecue – Austell
dgl1970
February 22nd, 2011
11:48 am
Mrs. Winner’s
Bojangles
Sweetened by Desire
February 22nd, 2011
12:03 pm
Benjamin’s of East Point has THE BEST sweet tea. Try it.
BlondAlto
February 22nd, 2011
12:03 pm
Once you have had the sweet tea at a Truett’s or Chic-Filet, you will be spoiled for any other tea!!
Jonathan
February 22nd, 2011
12:05 pm
Chick-Fil-A and just about any Bar-B-Que joint west of atlanta where I live. The more rural, the better the Tea : p
Shawn
February 22nd, 2011
12:06 pm
PUBLIX has the best tea hands down….its actually kind of addicting lol!!!!
koko
February 22nd, 2011
12:21 pm
Sun in my Belly
Daniel Allender
February 22nd, 2011
12:43 pm
Ok… I do have to admit that Chik-Fil-a and Mcdonald’s do have awesome sweet tea, in general, even though they are fast food restaurants. For non chain places, which I think is what the question is really looking for, would be Pig N Chik BBQ or Mary Macs.
Laluke
February 22nd, 2011
12:47 pm
Williamson Bros. BBQ gets my vote! But I do agree that what I make at home is the best.
Deena
February 22nd, 2011
1:06 pm
My sweet tea is the best because it is made with Splenda. For sweet tea with sugar – Chic-fil-a is #1 and Slopes Barbecue in Roswell is #2.
MelB
February 22nd, 2011
2:07 pm
Chick-fil-A!!!!
i
February 22nd, 2011
2:13 pm
Chick-Fil-A’s is too weak for me.
Sweet tea should be strong and a burnt orange color, not pale yellow!
Of course I think mine is best, but when out, OK Cafe serves a pretty good glass.
TRUTH IS
February 22nd, 2011
2:42 pm
PUBLIX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
alchy
February 22nd, 2011
7:52 pm
I love fire fly
Nique
February 22nd, 2011
8:25 pm
Mary Mac’s Tea Room hands down!!!! Big ups to all the true southerners that responded in kind. lol
Alphie48
February 22nd, 2011
9:22 pm
McDonalds & Quick Trip -Good sweet tea and the best prices
C
February 22nd, 2011
10:13 pm
Best- Publix, McDonald’s, Chick-fil-a
Worst- Red Lobster, Bahama Breeze
Gigi
February 23rd, 2011
12:04 am
Chic-Fil-A ’s Arnold Palmer!
Alex Lanni
February 23rd, 2011
2:35 am
Wow! It is really nice tea.
Becky
February 23rd, 2011
7:45 am
Dreamland BBQ has awesome sweet tea……
Kristine
February 23rd, 2011
7:51 am
Zaxby’s
Betsy
February 23rd, 2011
7:58 am
Publix really does make good tea (aack! I almost hate to even admit that I know this), as does Chick-fil-A.
But, the only tea that I crave is Mediterranean Grill’s tea that is some sort of iced Early Grey. That stuff is really, really good.
sandram
February 23rd, 2011
8:49 am
Piccadilly s has a mango sweet tea that is to die for. However, I m afraid McDonald s reasonably priced sweet tea comes in as a winner..
meechie713
February 23rd, 2011
9:50 am
I best tea i ever taste was my tea i brewed at home good old lipton tea!!!!!!!
Jason
February 23rd, 2011
10:17 am
Wright’s Gourmet is the winner.
Vicki
February 23rd, 2011
11:42 am
publix!!!
Michele
February 23rd, 2011
12:00 pm
McAllister’s by far, followed by Chick-fil-a
Duane
February 23rd, 2011
12:06 pm
MacAllister’s
JMME
February 23rd, 2011
1:06 pm
Publix and Zaxby’s
Saucey
February 23rd, 2011
1:26 pm
Martin’s
Swest
February 23rd, 2011
1:47 pm
Publix definitely is the best. Always consistent. McDonald’s, Zaxby’s and Chick-fil-a are decent but I don’t like when it tastes like it has been sitting a while. Folks Restuarant is also quite tasty.
ChrisB
February 23rd, 2011
2:33 pm
Publix has the best sweet tea. The tea from Kroger is just awful.
Bobsyouruncle
February 23rd, 2011
2:44 pm
S&S Cafeteria in Decatur has the best sweet tea in Atlanta, no contest.
Thoreau
February 23rd, 2011
2:50 pm
It’s been six years since I indulged their sweet tea, but the cafeteria at the Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center was this native-son’s favorite and was made fresh each day with loving care. Milo’s is definitely a close runner-up.
LP
February 23rd, 2011
3:44 pm
There is no such thing as good sweet tea..or tay as y’all like to call it. Even if I ask for 50/50 tea it’s too sweet! No wonder kids are hyper and have ADD.
Davis-Copeland
February 23rd, 2011
3:45 pm
My husband makes the best sweet tea. McDonald’s is my second favorite.
Hannah
February 23rd, 2011
6:46 pm
Sundial. Hands down.
russ yow
February 23rd, 2011
6:55 pm
country’s bar b q in columbus. best on the planet !! served in pint and quart jars.
Jim
February 23rd, 2011
7:28 pm
Imagine if we could buy alcohol on SUNDAY…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TOM_UuQzc0
pbred8
February 23rd, 2011
11:33 pm
Anderson’s , in Griffin
Skip
February 24th, 2011
10:16 am
I know it’s not Atlanta, but Old Tymer’s Bar-b-que in Rome, Georgia, is worth the drive… best sweet tea in the state…
Karen
February 24th, 2011
12:58 pm
Chick-fil-A, Wendys, and Capt’n D’s
Green Hornet
February 24th, 2011
3:48 pm
Sonnys
Metsfanforlife
February 24th, 2011
4:57 pm
^ I agree.
Sonny’s x2
Diego
February 25th, 2011
9:38 am
Do restaurants wash the lemons they drop into your tea? Not! You don’t know where the lemons have been, maybe rolling around on the floor!
NotTeaBagged
February 26th, 2011
3:27 am
Worth a drive to Rome or Spartanburg or wherever else outside metro Atlanta for a glass of freakin’ tea? Really? REALLY??? No wonder nobody takes anything you people say/do seriously and this state is a joke.
Carol
February 26th, 2011
5:11 pm
Blue Durango at Breadwinners is THE best!!!
aaron humes
February 26th, 2011
5:18 pm
Hands down, CHIC FIL A has the best iced tea on the planet, including Atlanta.
Blanca B
February 26th, 2011
5:34 pm
My Co-worker Ms. Vickie hands down.
KCP
February 26th, 2011
6:04 pm
Chick-fil-a’s tea is great!
Innocent Bystander
February 26th, 2011
6:23 pm
If you want the best sweet tea ever then come to Columbus,GA Country’s barbeque has the best in the land and also Clearview Barbeque and they have crushed ice. It’s great!!!! Clearview also has great 99cent chipped sandwiches and the best potato salad – Chris
Gonna have to agree with this whole statement. I also like Macon Rd BBQ. They give you your own pitcher of tea upon ordering. It’s great.
Suboo
February 26th, 2011
6:28 pm
Chic Filet the best by far, never bitter, even better half and half..that’s with sugar and unsweet mixed.
ParQ Ave
February 27th, 2011
8:44 am
Are you serious? Chick-Fil-A has the best. No question about it. Always very GREAT! When I think Sweet Tea, I think Chick-fila-a.
maryalice
February 27th, 2011
7:31 pm
chic fil a has the best sweet tea ever!!!!
Angel
February 28th, 2011
8:38 am
My Mom’s tea first, she blends with a snip of ginger, or cinnamon stick. Next
McDonald’s on Abernathy is the best! Then Q-Trip on Buford Hwy(very clean)
Lawrencevillian
February 28th, 2011
9:35 am
The Corner Stop Cafe on the Square in Lawrenceville, Hands Down!!!