The best breakfast in Atlanta?
AJC Staff
My recent column about Thumbs Up Diner got a number of people asking: Where do you go for breakfast in Atlanta?
Personally, I do like Thumbs Up a lot — but not the one in Decatur as much as the older branch on Edgewood Ave. in the Old Fourth Ward. Why? Because the dishes I like come out just the way I like them. The tofu and veggies are big, sloppy and steamy enough to wilt their bed of raw spinach. The omelettes are fluffy and (usually) free of brown spots. The sunny side up eggs have that edge of crisp brown lace. The biscuits are whole-wheat rocks, but in a good way.
Lots of people love Ria’s Bluebird on Memorial Drive for its pancakes and poached eggs served with slow-cooked brisket. (Ria’s, along with Thumbs Up, were both recently named as two of the “59 Best Breakfast Places in America” by Esquire Magazine.) Others swear by the Social House on Howell Mill Road for its ginormous platters of fish and grits and variations on Eggs Benedict. And then there’s Waffle House. It may all be about the eggs.
Hillary Clinton tells the best scrambled egg story, which goes something like this. Soon after her family moved into the White House, Chelsea woke up in the middle of the night, scared. Clinton did what she always does for her kid: went into the kitchen, took out a pan and started scrambling eggs. The sleepy, bathrobe-wearing staff went into high alert, and soon a cook appeared to whisk the pan out of her hand. Clinton had to explain, “You don’t understand. I’m her mother. I have to scramble the eggs.”
Indeed. The person who cooks your eggs — whether a short-order diner cook or your mom — does a lot for your soul.
So, where are the great breakfasts around Atlanta?
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161 comments Add your comment
FM Fats
March 26th, 2009
9:21 pm
Manuel’s is a fine option for weekend breakfast. The pancakes are excellent and you can pretty much count on getting a table right away unlike J. Christopher or Thumbs Up. Prices are a bit lower than some of the hipster hangouts, too.
jimmy
March 27th, 2009
8:56 am
I enjoy Goldberg’s on occasion. Salty nova and scrambled eggs (or salami and eggs), an everything bagel, a potato latke, apple sauce, and sour cream. Yum.
T
March 27th, 2009
10:46 am
Dude, Flying Biscuit’s oatmeal pancakes are unique, unexpected and unblievably delicious with either fruit compote or yummy syrup.
Jeez
March 27th, 2009
10:51 am
Silver Skillet…….That’s it – That’s all!
Puggie Mama
March 27th, 2009
10:53 am
Highland Bakery
J. Christopher’s
DecaturCyn
March 27th, 2009
10:56 am
Decatur’s “Pastries a Go Go” makes moist, cheddary scrambled eggs and fluffy pancakes that are absolutely stuffed with blueberries. And if you’re at Java Jive near Va-Highland, try their very good scrambled eggs with fresh herbs and cream cheese.
Ho Slap
March 27th, 2009
10:56 am
Your mom’s.
HRK
March 27th, 2009
10:58 am
It’s all about RIa’s Bluebird across from Oakland Cemetery. Mmmmmm…I can taste the omlette and pancakes now!
Kassie
March 27th, 2009
10:59 am
R.Thomas has the greatest french toast…also the Original Pancake House on Memorial is really ood!
Ga Peach
March 27th, 2009
11:00 am
The best Saturday breakfast is the Silver Grill Midtown on Monroe and 8th Street. The pancakes and warm syrup are delicious and their specialty omelets are generous and tasty. Great value for the meal in this economy. Excellent service as well.
reservoirDAWG
March 27th, 2009
11:05 am
Hardee’s biscuits and sausage gravy.
DayDay
March 27th, 2009
11:07 am
Radial Cafe and Stone Soup Kitchen!
Michelle
March 27th, 2009
11:07 am
Rise N’ Dine. It’s right by Emory.
Gary
March 27th, 2009
11:08 am
At Mr Swiss in Cumming it’s hard to beat a hot biscuit, filled with butter and strawberry jelly.
Slothtosser
March 27th, 2009
11:09 am
Totally agree about Pastries a Go Go – it’s one of the best hidden gems in all of Atlanta. Their cat-head biscuits are by far, the best biscuits I’ve ever had.
Ivy McAllister
March 27th, 2009
11:12 am
The best breakfast is at “the social house”
Lea
March 27th, 2009
11:16 am
Thumbs Up Diner mainly because they have chicken sausage and bagging pancakes! American Roadhouse on N Highlands is a close second for their FRESH strawberry and blueberry pancakes!
reservoirDAWG
March 27th, 2009
11:16 am
I thought Mr. Swiss closed?
Cindy
March 27th, 2009
11:17 am
Silver Grill and Landmark Diner are always good. I also love Waffle House and IHOP (don’t judge me).
Grad
March 27th, 2009
11:21 am
The Social House has me completely enraptured, right now. It’s my goal to keep going until i’ve tried EVERYTHING on the menu…5 down and many more to go, with not a single disappointment as of yet to report.
Richard H. Bradford
March 27th, 2009
11:22 am
For forty-plus years it’s been the Majestic Diner on Ponce for me. The food is just greasy enough and the wait staff just snippy enough to ensure a satisfying breakfast.
ihorizon
March 27th, 2009
11:27 am
I live next to Cumming so where is Mr Swiss located?
I like breakfast at Biscuit Barn John’s Creek, Dillards in Buford and Suwanee – (can’t beat their grits!), and J Christophers in Duluth.
ihorizon
March 27th, 2009
11:28 am
Oh! And don’t forget Cracker Barrel!!!
pnorth
March 27th, 2009
12:18 pm
The Original Pancake House on Memorial Drive. Still packed on Saturday and Sunday mornings, despite the somewhat decrepit surroundings.
CH
March 27th, 2009
12:21 pm
SOLSTACE in Grant Park has the most creative and delicious breakfast offerings I’ve yet experienced!!
Amy
March 27th, 2009
12:30 pm
I have to second the Highland Bakery…I’ve never been disappointed yet! Cafe di Sol near Highland and North has a great brunch with awesome blueberry pancakes!
ken
March 27th, 2009
12:34 pm
MiMi’s near Perimeter…..without a doubt!
James B
March 27th, 2009
12:35 pm
The chicken sausage at ThumbsUp is really good and I go to the East Point location but I do go to Pot N Pan on Piedmont often as well. More for the gays and grays and the service then the food.
John Kessler
March 27th, 2009
12:36 pm
I may lose my Decatur residency papers for saying this but: I don’t really like the biscuits at Pastries a Go Go. I find them too soft and crumbly. (But am a fan of the other baked goods.) Interesting how in Decatur we have so many distinct visions of biscuit in such close proximity — the bready, hard-shelled ones at Thumbs Up, the crumbly catheads at Pastries a Go Go, and the two versions, cream and lard, at Watershed. Watershed lard biscuits get my vote…
Fred
March 27th, 2009
12:37 pm
Original Pancake House on Cheshire Bridge. Mmm… Bacon Pancakes!
Meaghan
March 27th, 2009
12:37 pm
West Egg on Howell Mill. Creative dishes and a really nice atmosphere.
Amanada
March 27th, 2009
12:37 pm
West Egg on Howell Mill is fantastic. The grits are amazing
Tori
March 27th, 2009
12:42 pm
Stone Soup in Grant Park. All the food is great. The staff are superfriendly. Reasonable prices. Open until 3:00 for those weekends when you sleep in and wake up wanting breakfast.
JenWins
March 27th, 2009
12:44 pm
Hands Down, Thumbs Up Diner
hyde
March 27th, 2009
12:47 pm
thumb’s up for the food, Goldberg’s for the bagels, Silver Skillet for the ambiance and OK Cafe for business breakfast.
Angela
March 27th, 2009
12:48 pm
Hands down… Highland Bakery. That place is fantastic. The shrimp and grits are to die for. I crave them on a regular basis. The sweet potato pancakes are heavenly. Well worth the trip.
MC
March 27th, 2009
12:50 pm
I like Pastries A Go Go in Decatur as well. Their Biscuits and Sausage Gravy on the weekends is great.
Thumbs Up is solid.
But my favorite that has not been mentioned is Sweet Melissa’s in Decatur. The waitstaff is awesome, and they have great tofu offerings.
sammy
March 27th, 2009
12:53 pm
Rexall diner in Duluth..yummy bisquits and pancakes
gail tison
March 27th, 2009
12:54 pm
JR’s Bar-b-que in Norcross. Try Leonard’s favorite – HUGE pancakes, eggs, bacon. YUMMY
cynthia
March 27th, 2009
1:11 pm
2 thumbs up to the East Point Thumbs Up!
Leigh
March 27th, 2009
1:12 pm
Stone Soup on Woodward Way rocks and the art is good.
Mrs. W
March 27th, 2009
1:13 pm
The West Egg on Howell Mill is good. Thumbs Up is really good too with its heaps (potato dish served in a sizzling hot skillet), non-pork meat options and great French Toast.
HCS
March 27th, 2009
1:15 pm
ANYTIME I’M IN ATLANTA BREAKFAST AT AMERICAN ROADHOUSE ON HIGHLAND IS A MUST. MENU, SERVICE, AND COFFEE CAN’T BE MATCHED AT ANY OTHER PLACE.
Trae
March 27th, 2009
1:17 pm
American Roadhouse in Virgina Highland
Carroll St Cafe in Cabbagetown
Bill
March 27th, 2009
1:26 pm
I LOVE the Brisket Breakfast at Ria’s. The tofu scramble is very good, too, and I’m no vegetarian….
Garrett
March 27th, 2009
1:31 pm
Flying Biscuit!
tammy
March 27th, 2009
1:33 pm
The iron skillet on Donald Lee Howell is the best breskfast ever.
Jon
March 27th, 2009
1:34 pm
I didn’t know that breakfast was served anywhere in Atlanta but at The Skillet on 14th Street. Is it?
imjustduckie
March 27th, 2009
1:40 pm
Surprised that Gato Bizco in Candler Park not on here. That’s OK – ya’ll keep going to those other places and I’ll keep the crosseyed cat to myself!!
Magellan
March 27th, 2009
1:41 pm
Stone Soup Kitchen right between Cabbagetown and Grant Park has atmosphere as well as yummy food. The service is excellent too. Whole wheat biscuits and yellow (stone ground) grits with bacon my faves.
Why???
March 27th, 2009
1:47 pm
Definitely…Thumbs up!!! I have eaten at three of the four locations…not sure about the Decatur local. I love the fact that they have consistent staff who know what I want!! Please they have nice vegan dishes.
Phil
March 27th, 2009
1:47 pm
Main Street Resturant in Snellville, ” Great breakfast at a Great Price”
Reign
March 27th, 2009
1:49 pm
I enjoy Mimi’s Cafe in Dunwoody. The ambiance of the restaurant is nice, the food is good and I love their french toast…
Jason Kayen
March 27th, 2009
1:52 pm
Gwinnett county has limited choices when it comes to breakfast… However there are a few places that offer delicious options… JR’s, J.Christophers, MiMi’s, and Einstein bagels are my favorites…
Cracker Barrel is always a trusty stand-by when all else fails….
IC Atlanta
March 27th, 2009
1:53 pm
My favorites:
Watershed on Sundays – all is good pancakes, grits
Gato Bizco – for casual
Ria’s
Pastries A go-go
pete
March 27th, 2009
1:56 pm
I know it’s not Atlanta,but,The Breakfast Club on Tybee is my all time
Favorite.The owner is a CIA grad and has the best Omelets and shrimp an grits.
janis
March 27th, 2009
1:56 pm
Douceur de France, corner of Glover Street and Atlanta Rd in smyrna. small blue house, French place, pastries to die for, cant beat the ham and swiss omelet and they have these parmesan scallion hashbrown pancake things. YUM
Christy
March 27th, 2009
1:57 pm
The Clifton omelet and french toast at the Flying Biscuit are awesome!
BnBFinder
March 27th, 2009
1:59 pm
You can also find gourmet breakfast at Tea Cakes Bed and Breakfast in Atlanta. Imagine waking up to the delicious smell of buttermilk blueberry and ricotta pancakes, spinach and feta frittatas, sweet potatoand ginerbread waffles topped with bananas and pecans. They don’t call them B&Bs for nothing. You can find other great breakfast options at nearby inns or recipes at http://www.bnbfinder.com.
Theresa
March 27th, 2009
2:00 pm
Palace Bakery (Jewish Deli) in the Toco Hills shopping center.
Heather
March 27th, 2009
2:04 pm
No question about it…. The Flying Biscuit
kopp
March 27th, 2009
2:09 pm
Hopefully folks will differntiate between Breakfast and Brunch. My favorite breakfast used to be the Dutch Baby at the Original Pancake House in East Cobb – I don’t care for the surviving locations as much. Now, I pretty much go nuts on a Heap (pictured above, I take it?) at Thumb’s Up on Edgewood. Great folks working there, excellent food, and (if you get there before 8:30)usually a quick breakfast.
Sherry
March 27th, 2009
2:16 pm
Thomas Restaurant in Forest Park has one of the best down home breakfasts that you can get anywhere. The biscuits are better than Mamas.
TBizzle
March 27th, 2009
2:18 pm
My favorites: McDonald’s (McGriddles are awesome and you never have to wait for a table), Chick Fil-A (breakfast burros are to die for), Burger King (Sausage, Egg N Cheese croissant is a great way to start the weekend), Waffle House (scrambled eggs and hash browns smothered covered and diced). So many great options here in Atlanta!! I can’t believe it!
N
March 27th, 2009
2:20 pm
West Egg. Great food. Most of the staff is good (including the host, who is great), but you occasionally have to deal with some bad service (of the VW driving, mac elitist variety). All in all, nothing starts a day off like their food — I haven’t had a dish yet that I would let anyone even try a taste of because it would take away from what I got to eat.
Carrie
March 27th, 2009
2:45 pm
I had a great time at Tea Cakes B&B in Atlanta! My hosts, Karcheik & Joel were friendly and very accommodating. They were able to handle serving a ‘gluten-free’ b’fast and provided juices and snacks as well.
LS
March 27th, 2009
2:54 pm
Scattered, smothered, and covered. Where else but Waffle House!
Sami
March 27th, 2009
2:55 pm
Definitely Sweet Melissa’s. It’s a little pricey, but he food is to die for. The yogurt pancakes, omelets, etc. It’s a great place.
Amanda
March 27th, 2009
2:56 pm
I have been eating at J.R.’s Log House in Norcross for 25 years and it just keeps getting better. Chicken and gravy biscuits are AMAZING and my kids eat for free.
Sekou K. Smith
March 27th, 2009
2:58 pm
Thumps up, Highland Bakery and Canoe or Ray’s on the River for Sunday Brunch!
SexyCool
March 27th, 2009
3:01 pm
West Egg gets my vote for the atmosphere and the originality of the eclectic decor. And the food is REALLY GOOD too.
When I don’t feel like making the trek, Dennys, it is.
Ada
March 27th, 2009
3:02 pm
Gotta love the Java Jive on Ponce. Worth the wait if you have the time, the coffee’s good, and the pb&j french toast is amazing!!
Nana T
March 27th, 2009
3:02 pm
GRITS on the Square in McDonough!
Sarah
March 27th, 2009
3:15 pm
Checkers..They have a great Sunday Brunch
Kris
March 27th, 2009
3:24 pm
Radial (on DeKalb Ave.) is our current favorite breakfast spot; we go there almost every Sunday for brunch.
John Kessler
March 27th, 2009
3:26 pm
Yes, that’s a Thumbs Up “Heap” pictured, kopp. Would love to hear more about GRITS in McDonough, Nana T…
JR
March 27th, 2009
3:41 pm
Pastries a Go Go in downtown Decatur. Absolutely delicious!!!
MM
March 27th, 2009
3:41 pm
Copelands on cobb pkwy’s french toast is to die for
and Crescent Moon in Downtown Decatur has the best wheat pancakes and chicken sausage. bt my old reliable for something quick is Waffle House…love those waffles
MOT
March 27th, 2009
4:00 pm
I’m with Pete: to Tybee’s Breakfast Club!!!! Amazing food, get there early or you will stand in line out the door and down the block! There is a bonus too: get a seat at the counter and watch the cute guys doing their thang at the grill! (well for us girls, anyway)
Miche
March 27th, 2009
4:02 pm
I love Highland Bakery. The sweet potatoe pancakes are ridiculous! The shrimp and grits with the faccocia bread are awesome as well. The entire menu is fabulous! Just like me!
Oh and if you are looking for an all you can eat brunch, try Gilbert’s on 10th Street. It is right across from the Flying Biscuit(yuck!) and there is hardly ever a wait. The menu is all you can eat, but cooked to order so it ain’t buffet style(yuck, gross and disgusting!).
And I think Sarah meant Chequers Seafood Grill by Perimeter Mall. They do have a fabulous brunch. Kind of pricey for those of us that like to brunch every weekend, but great for special ocassions. Easter and mother’s Day it is always crowded!
TBizzle, I need you to get out more. You can’t eat fast food all of your life! That food WILL kill you…
Mel
March 27th, 2009
4:04 pm
Breakfast is the best meal of the day. I can eat breakfast food all day if I could. Other than my own kitchen, i’d have to vote Thumbs Up one of the best places to go for hot plate of breakfast.
Try the shrimp and grits! Mmmm.
Now, I’ve only been to the Marietta Street location and my only issue is the place isn’t big enough for the amount of people that try to jam into the place on a Saturday morning. OMG!
Kitty
March 27th, 2009
4:12 pm
There is no better white gravy on the planet than the sawmill gravy at Cracker Barrel … eaten over a biscuit plastered with butter. Yum-o-licious!!
gapine
March 27th, 2009
4:12 pm
Agnes and Muriel’s or the Bagel Palace in Toco Hills
A. Teesman
March 27th, 2009
4:23 pm
LePeep in Dunwoody.
Destin
March 27th, 2009
4:32 pm
Have none of you ever been to Sun in My Belly? The bacon is amazing.
Gymnasium
March 27th, 2009
4:34 pm
There are lots of good places, but one of my favorites is the Marietta Diner on Hwy 41 south of the Big Chicken. Not only is the food good, but the quantities are almost to much and the price is very good. If you go during the week, a glass of juice is included. Weekends are crowded.
A. Teesman
March 27th, 2009
4:34 pm
That wasn’t really the AJC editor, it was just me funning with either the real or fake Hawks beat writer.
SheStartedIt
March 27th, 2009
4:36 pm
J. Christopher’s is fantastic! They have THE BEST berry crepes…it’s a must try
veghead
March 27th, 2009
4:43 pm
RIAS!!!!!!!!!! Hands down, there is no better place in the city for brunch.
KC
March 27th, 2009
4:52 pm
Ok, I’m fairly new to Georgia – -where is there a REALLY good and a REAL bakery in Towne Lake Area – or within 5 miles?? And Cracker Barrell is “standard blah”.. but GOOD! Where around Towne Lake is there a non-francised breakfast place??? I’d very much like to support/shop in my community!
KT2
March 27th, 2009
4:58 pm
What about Landmark Diner on Roswell, the best breakfast with great service!
Joanie
March 27th, 2009
5:04 pm
Artisan Foods Bakery & Cafe – Canton Street, Roswell, GA. Great breakfast & lunches. Everything homemade – Beignets (french doughnuts), breads, pancakes, eggs, etc.
I.V. Boyd
March 27th, 2009
5:20 pm
Ria’s Bluebird is my favorite breakfast/brunch spot! The country fried tempeh is off the meter! My 2nd favorite is Highland Bakery. The sweet potato pancakes make me wanna thump my momma upside her forehead! LOL
Jennifer
March 27th, 2009
6:15 pm
i miss Le Peep’s skillets… they make a pretty good one at J. Christophers… but…
I do like how you can customize your skillet any way at J. Christopers, though – and their egg white omlettes are very tasty
Mikey
March 27th, 2009
6:43 pm
American Roadhouse has the worst service. Rude and in a place with a lot of competition. Try Java Jive during the week and Food 101 or Murphys on the weekends. Goldbergs is great too.
Frani Ze
March 27th, 2009
6:54 pm
Ain’t no place like the Waffle House on Holcomb Bridge and Miss Wanda’s grits with butter. Waffle House grits are a Georgia legacy!
dervish
March 28th, 2009
2:53 pm
The food and waitstaff at Sun in My Belly are both wonderful.
Pi$$onaDAWG
March 29th, 2009
9:17 am
“PawPaw’s” he makes the best biscuts. I keep bees and bring the honey. Paw also makes his own fig and blueberry preserves. Breakfest with my family, sisters, and grand kids is the best time of the week.
Rose
March 29th, 2009
9:25 am
Thumbs Up Diner is the winner. I like the one in East Point.
Kevin
March 29th, 2009
9:44 am
Original Pancake House, hands down. I love the pumpkin pancakes!
djf
March 29th, 2009
9:54 am
Original House of Pancakes on Memorial Drive………fast and cheap, but also great food
Robert
March 29th, 2009
10:01 am
The Pot’n Pan on Cheshire Bridge is the best place for a good, reasonably priced breakfast. Attentive staff and great management.
Charles H
March 29th, 2009
10:35 am
Souper Jenny is fantastic, but doesn’t open until brunch.
Thumbs Up is tasty but nowhere near worth the wait. Expect 45 minutes to an hour to sit down on weekends. Their food isn’t worth that kind of delay just to sit.
zeke
March 29th, 2009
10:47 am
The Original Pancake House beats all hands down! Only problem, NOT IN ATLANTA! Theose in Atlanta cannot come close to the ones in Miami, Columbia or Charlotte!!!
Shawn
March 29th, 2009
10:55 am
Thumbs up , catfish and eggs, without a doubt!
Rachel
March 29th, 2009
11:01 am
If you’re ever out in Athens, Mama’s Boy (just past downtown off Oconee Street) has amazing breakfast and brunch options. Their cheese grits are incredible, and the biscuits are easily the best ones this side of 316.
Jon
March 29th, 2009
11:59 am
Every weekend, I wake up missing the late, lamented Three Bears Cafe on Marietta Square, which was another casualty of last year’s economic downturn. I didn’t mind eating healthy at that place. Now, I guess it’s Waffle House for me – there’s just nothing else decent on this side of town any more.
Devildog
March 29th, 2009
12:03 pm
Pastries a Go Go in beautiful Downtown Decatur is our favorite.
Only went to Crescent Moon onces. Biscuits were cold, grits were like that paste you use in elementary school (only didn’t taste as good) and service was awful.
Funny isn’t it, how many people a bad wait crew can run off and the restaurant owner doesn’t even know it.
Devildog
March 29th, 2009
12:09 pm
Not trying to take over, but I just saw a question about bakeries. Try the Village Corner German Restaurant & Bakery. Great weekend brunch and the German fare is outstanding. And don’t miss that German beer. Very unique place. We’ve gone there for over 30 years.
david Bernk
March 29th, 2009
12:15 pm
no debate. Sunshine in my Belly. great food. great prices. good service
Dave
March 29th, 2009
12:58 pm
**JR’s – Norcross**
astsat
March 29th, 2009
1:15 pm
Loren’s cafe in Alpharetta, Bob the owner his breakfast combinations are to die for. Everything is cooked to order. Such as The Usual, The Contractor, The Ocee Park or The Contractor. plenty of fresh hot coffee. the Homemade herb potatoes are excellent, i eat there almost everyday, excellent prices and great company await you
Alabamastan
March 29th, 2009
1:24 pm
I can’t believe no one has mentioned Evan’s Fine Foods on N. Decatur and Clairemont! They aren’t open Sundays which is a drawback, But many Saturdays got a great start there when we lived in Decatur. Eggs prefect every time, decent grits, good panckes and the no-frills diner coffee. MMMmmm….
boomer1ga
March 29th, 2009
1:37 pm
The best breakfast in Atlanta is at The Red Hen in Alpharetta! http://www.theredhencafe.com/
JP
March 29th, 2009
1:40 pm
Elliott Street’s breakfast, on those rare Sundays when they open up, is unrivaled.
Kim
March 29th, 2009
2:33 pm
Thumbs Up Diner in East Point is the answer to my breakfast question every Sunday.
Beth
March 29th, 2009
5:24 pm
I went to Radial on Dekalb Ave just today and it was not my idea of good food however service was excellant. I ordered Eggs Benedict. Eggs were almost hard boiled and there was no sause.
Thumbs Up (Decatur), Sweet Mellisa’s , Pastries A Go Go all good places to eat. J.R. Christopher’s (Decatur) I have had some orders not done correctly.
RiceChrispies
March 30th, 2009
9:57 am
Broadway Diner in Stockbridge on 138 (for all you northsiders). Biscuits and gravy – divine! Eggs Benedict – three on a plate!
LAH
March 30th, 2009
11:54 am
Definitely The Flying Biscuit! The Southern Scramble is amazing!
John Jacobs
March 30th, 2009
12:04 pm
I like the one in East Point … Excellent customer service… Great!!!
FCM
March 30th, 2009
5:36 pm
I miss la peep too. Hickory House used to be good and I just found one in Dunwoody I will try again. Hate J Chris, though its a fav of my children and parents. Marietta Diner is good anytime (especially cake time—cake for breakfast works too!).
IHOP and Waffle House do rule for somethings. (don’t judge me either)
paulp
March 30th, 2009
8:27 pm
No one has mentioned World Peace Cafe in Sandy Springs. We’ve enjoyed it for dinner on a few occasions, went for breakfast yesterday for the first time. It was yum–orange cranberry pancakes for me were better than the pancakes I had last time I went to the Flying Biscuit (in Norcross), and my wife had an omelet with zucchini and other vegetables, it was nice and fluffy. The music is soothing, the staff are friendly, and the menu makes us want to come back for more.
John
March 30th, 2009
8:31 pm
Loretta’s in Oakwood. Best sausage gravy in history.
Adam
March 30th, 2009
8:38 pm
FLYING BISCUIT CAFE! Without a doubt. The original, or the new one at Peachtree & Piedmont.
Bill Berry
March 30th, 2009
8:43 pm
Best breakfast by far is at D.J.’s on Brown Bridge Road in Covington. There biscuits are to die for. They absolutely can not be beat! Waffle Houses, etc. cannot touch the breakfasts here.
Patty
March 30th, 2009
8:46 pm
I like Thumbs Up on Edgewood but Ria’s had me at the fried eggs on a blue corn tortilla with salsa verde. Ai yi yi!
Professor
March 30th, 2009
9:20 pm
The best breakfast in Atlanta is served at The Original Pancake House on Memorial Drive. Their heavy cream makes their coffee wonderful. Oatmeal is served with cream, brown sugar, raisins… mmmmm; pancakes are excellent… service by Cookie compares to any five star resturant!
Joseph
March 30th, 2009
9:24 pm
The Unity on MLK Jr. Dr. across the street from the cemetery over there. It is right next to the casket store. No joke. . . this place has the most amazing breakfast. The grits here are an amazing treat. Take some cash and enjoy yourself.
Charlie
March 30th, 2009
11:26 pm
John, the cover image of the French Toast with berries got my attention. Great image! I see no mention of the restaurant. Did I miss something? Thanks for the articles.
From ajc “best of” I discovered Barkers Red Hots are being served again in town. Stopped by the Windy Hill location for two chargrilled original dogs. Heavenly. Kudos to the ajc staff.
Elizabeth
March 30th, 2009
11:57 pm
Douceur de France and Sugar Cakes Patisserie in Marietta. YUMMY!
grrtch
March 31st, 2009
12:23 am
I’m an Athenian seconding the plug for Mama’s Boy. I’m lucky it’s a short stroll from my home. favorite dish – the salmon benedict – a poached egg over a very fleshy salmon croquet.
when in Atlanta, Stone Soup is yummy, easy, comfy, and very accommodating regarding my gluten intolerance.
Ria’s is all about great food, but can be a bit of a scene – as in, you’ll see folks there who will know you’re still wearing last night’s duds! that walk of shame can be brutal!
The Porter in L5P has a scrumptious salmon scramble and an extensive menu from which one can select their hair of the dog.
a Mexican place on Highland somewhere between Boulevard and Elizabeth St. (name???) has dynamite, sublime migas, a rare treat outside of Tejas.
Marty
March 31st, 2009
1:08 am
Duh!! Marietta Diner.
Henry C
March 31st, 2009
3:00 am
It would be The Flying Bisquit on McClendon and the one on 10th St. and Thumbs Up on Edgewood and on Marietta st. They are the best. But then there is also the Sunday brunch at the Waverly.
suzy Q
March 31st, 2009
3:37 am
THE SOCIAL HOUSE ON HOWELL MILL HANDS DOWN.
Second place is Highland bakery.
Third place is Thumbs up.
Gary Bradford
March 31st, 2009
4:02 am
Silver Skillet is the best. A little hard to get to with the bridge construction, however, always worth the trip.
Jerald
March 31st, 2009
5:49 am
Curt’s buffet at the Oakwood Exit in Gainesville. Great tenderloin and gravy biscuits.
Diana
March 31st, 2009
6:33 am
The brunch buffet at Ray’s Killer Creek in Alpharetta.
Tim P
March 31st, 2009
6:41 am
Marty said it — Marietta Diner! Their french toast is the best.
HJones
March 31st, 2009
6:49 am
I still dream of Melvin’s on Northside Drive from the 70’s. People used to have his biscuits overnighted to NYC. Here is an AJC link to the picture from 1979:
http://projects.ajc.com/gallery/view/metro/70s-scenes/38.html
Dana
March 31st, 2009
7:14 am
You aren’t southern if you don’t say Waffle House!!! But as far as homemade good southern, Rexall in Duluth!
beckyboo
March 31st, 2009
7:30 am
Evans Fine Foods in Decatur has very good pancakes; Rise & Dine just down N. Decatur Road has sweet potato pancakes from heaven. But the best overall breakfast for food and value is Old Hickory House at Northlake. The eggs, biscuits, gravy & creamy grits can’t be beat. Great pancakes & French toast, also.
ELIZABETH
March 31st, 2009
7:31 am
THE ORIGINAL PANCAKE HOUSE ON CHESHIRE BRIDGE!! THEY HAVE AWESOME BREAKFAST!!! STAWBERRY PANCAKES, HOME FRIES, BACON, CRAPES, OMLETS OH THAT HAVE SO MANY GOOD THINGS!!!!
lauren
March 31st, 2009
10:32 am
The blueberry pancakes at social house rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
david herman
March 31st, 2009
10:44 am
the flying biscuit on peachtree parkway…turkey bacon and eggs,with oatmeal panckes are the best…then there are the bean cakes…glad they came to my area in Norcross…midtown in the “burbs”…
Lissa
March 31st, 2009
1:13 pm
For breakfast to go – love Chic-Fil-A chicken biscuits. Yum! Even better, the Saturday breakfast buffet at the Dwarf House is awesome. KC – there’s a Dwarf House on 92 close to 575.
BeezieB
April 2nd, 2009
8:11 am
I’d like to second the Gato Bizco love. No pretense, just good food. Their tofu scramble is the best vegan breakfast I know of. I miss Bakers Cafe in Little 5; the French toast was fantastic!
bmac
April 4th, 2009
12:39 pm
Flying Biscuit has the best grits ever fool!
Steve O
April 4th, 2009
12:40 pm
There is only one place for me- Flying Biscuit baby
Mayor of Midtown
April 4th, 2009
5:42 pm
My Saturday consists of $3 Mango Mimosas and killer Biscuits & Gravy (cause this southern boy knows his B & G) at the 10th and Piedmont Flying Biscuit and a lazy afternoon in Piedmont Park. Get right!
Allen
April 4th, 2009
9:40 pm
The new Flying Biscuit in Sandy Springs is my new FAVORITE breakfast place. The food is amazing (especially their organic oatmeal pancakes – YUM!), the decor is really hip & cool, and the service has been terrific. And, to top it all off, their general mgr is an absolute sweetheart.
Christopher B.
April 6th, 2009
6:07 pm
There’s a reason why I’ve dined at the original Flying Biscuit almost every weekend for the past 15 years— it’s the best! The organic pancakes rock and their coffee is the best I’ve found in the ATL. Funky decor, great food, friendly service and cheap breakfast– why would anyone go elsewhere?
Jim
April 6th, 2009
10:49 pm
Java Jive on Ponce- Truly the best biscuits in town and killer egg dishes in one of the most original decors I’ve encountered. I like their gingerbread waffle, too.
Paige Bradshaw
April 7th, 2009
6:53 am
Flying Biscuit Grits!!!!
Paige
April 7th, 2009
6:54 am
Enter your comments here
Kathleen
April 8th, 2009
10:49 pm
Flying Biscuit has the best selection of scrambles and omelets of any breakfast place in Atlanta. Always great food and service
Sara
April 15th, 2009
9:59 pm
for brunch, Fado in Buckhead and Atkins Park are great…West Egg too…
Diner
May 19th, 2009
10:05 pm
Radial Cafe — Vege gravy with rosemary and biscuits; pancake specials.
Justine
November 10th, 2009
8:01 pm
On the search for the ultimate breakfast with my friend Don every Wednesday morning we’ve found good things about several of the places mentioned here, but no ultimate score yet. So far we’ve gone from I-Hop to Thumbs UP, JR’s to Flying Biscuit, Original House of Pancakes to Social House tomorrow! I’ll let you know. Of course if you want characters and entertainment with your pecan waffle, you can enjoy Waffle House–sometimes fun but not for breakfast–more for late night. The Original House of Pancakes was disappointing–so lacking in energy. The Flying Biscuit we went to was the new one in Sandy Springs. It was cute (they tried on decor) and the people nice–but seriously, the biscit? I think I could hit it with a bat and have it not completely split apart. The potatoes and grits were great! The Thumbs Up we went to was the new one in Roswell and we enjoyed it. The air circulation cooled my tea off too quickly and the interiors are not as cosy as I would enjoy for breakfast. I don’t like to be cold which is sometimes the feeling you get in this streamline set up.
I recently had one of the most amazing breakfasts up at a B&B in the Highlands of NC. Colonial Pines. I’ll be trying her french toast and baked apples for my Christmas breakfast at home.
Still on the hunt…tomorrow Social House. I’ll also be looking for the ulitmate old fashioned barber soon…for Don.
Justine Albree
December 16th, 2009
8:26 am
Well, in our “ultimate breakfast search” we have now tried Thumbs Up, Ria’s, Social House, J. Christophers, Flying Biscuit, Original House of Pancakes, and International House of Pancakes.
On my earlier post I talked about Thumbs Up and Flying Biscuit….Social House had the most wonderful pancakes, and an odd potato pancake that was interesting, nice music, and I liked the way they served my tea. The location is not the most lovely and view is nothing…excellent waiter. Ria’s was not good at all. The location across from the Oakland Cemetary was very interesting, but the booths were old, cracked ,and uncomfortable, limited seating and just very average on food. I don’t understand the “Best of Atlanta” at all except for perhaps the trendy factor. I wouldn’t bother to go back. J. Christophers is okay…we didn’t have very sharp service that day and cold syrup on pancakes is a killer.
Still on the hunt.
Justine
February 4th, 2010
8:15 pm
On the ulitimate breakfast search on Wednesday mornings, Don and I have now gone to Hickory House in Dunwoody, The Marietta Diner, West Egg, Pastries A Go Go, and Biscuit Barn in Cumming. We’ve gone back twice for breakfast at Pastries A Go Go and Thumbs up in Alpharetta, and Thumbs up so far held up for the second go round best.
Old Hickory House was so interesting. Food alright. Personally,I found the conversation between the old men at the food counter to be the best part. Listening to them talk about old Dunwoody was so enjoyable. I nearly skated on the bathroom floor and worried what it would do to an old person with slippery shoes. What’s up with bad bathrooms at good breakfast places?
West Egg was unique. They tried hard…but I absolutely hated having my food on a tin plate so light that it slid around the table when I tried to cut with my fork. I think my dog used to chase a plate around the kitchen floor like that. Rattle Rattle Rattle! Real dishes would be so much better…food wasn’t that awesome. Marietta Diner was a hoot…I felt like we stepped into another state and era. Don was a little put off by the gruff-quick to the order-no frills waitress…I did see a manager nearby keeping a good eye on things. Everything is over the top…Texas style portions…excellent French toast. A little garish for my style in decorating,(pink!turquoise!) but you can close your eyes as you leave and just smell the air. The Biscuit Barn in Cumming is about as basic as you can get. Styrofoam plates! Plastic! Ick! Men in boots, yeah! But I will tell you that I had a jelly biscuit and it just melted in my mouth. Eggs with plastic and styrofoam or paper plates is just too much like camping for me. I probably wouldn’t go back just because of that. Pastries A Go Go…well frankly I was so put off by the name I didn’t take it seriously. When we went I had to ask directions because it’s tucked in a strip shopping center in Decatur. Well, the name being so fluffy and blonde didn’t represent the dining part of the place. They have homemade sausage…yummmy…and great waffles. A nice waitress…cold bathrooms. On the second go round for some reason our food didn’t quite “Wow” us as before. I had french toast, a scone and potatoes. I’m usually in heaven with any and all, but today I just came away full. My scone was dry…my Scottish grandmother would be disappointed. I imagine we’ll try again sometime in the future. Thumbs up on Alparetta looked so much better now that it’s been open a bit. Warmed up decorating…just a good feeling place…a nice big comforting cup of tea…Don loved his eggs and salmon. So the quest continues….casting a wider net I suppose.
Justine
February 4th, 2010
9:01 pm
Thumbs up Roswell I mean…
I may end up a grits lover after all….