30 Restaurants in 30 Days: Mary Mac’s Tea Room
Before we even get to the vegetables (fruited Jell-o, pickled beets, chicken-less dumplings) at Mary Mac’s Tea Room, may we stop and admire the cocktails?
It’s such a perfect pick-your-poison list: Mint Julep, Hurricane, Martini, Bloody Mary, White Russian, Mimosa, “Georgia Peach.” Or, if you’re a teetotaler, you can get a cool glass of buttermilk. Not me. One of these days I will go to Mary Mac’s, get tanked on White Russians and wander the dining room reciting lines from “The Big Lebowski.” Until that day comes, I will eat my, um, vegetables.
I have to admit that during the 12 years I’ve lived in Atlanta, I have only been to this 62-year-old classic once. Why? I don’t know. There’s something about feeling like a tourist in your own town that’s a turnoff, and for whatever reason, Mary Mac’s has always seemed just a teensy bit like an Epcot Center restaurant.
Maybe it’s the carpeting, or the antique-ish sideboards, or the endless mullions, or the gift case, or the loudspeaker that calls guests to the front desk, or the way you actually have to write out your own order on a chit with a pencil and show a preference for yeast rolls or cornbread.
But we are all guilty of being blind to interesting things in plain view, and Mary Mac’s is a very interesting thing, indeed. We could just stop with the White Russian, the buttermilk and the Jell-O, throw in a fried chicken leg or two and have a meal of indisputable character.
But before we get to any of that, we must sample the potlikker. “Have you not had it?” the waiter will ask as soon as he approaches the table. It’s our specialty, he persists as he brings you a complimentary cup.
The potlikker — salty, oily and cloudy with mysteries of flavor, with a stray collard leaf floating within — comes alongside a miniature cracklin’ corn muffin.
Crumble it into the cup, the waiter instructs, and release your inner Rhett. But first, try a bite of the muffin by itself and appreciate the porky goodness imparted by the sticky bits of rendered fat and skin. This is a soulful starter.
But now you must turn your attention to your chit, your pencil, and the bodaciously long menu, with its “Tearoom Favorites,” “Grill Menu,” and side dishes to leave you wringing your hands with indecision.
If the waiter marks you as a newbie or a tourist, he will pull out his decision-making semaphores and direct you to the inviolate menu of bad-for-you stuff that everyone surely craves here: fried chicken, sweet potato soufflé and mac and cheese.
Ordering at Mary Mac’s can remind you of the Chinese restaurant where you want to explore the menu but the waiter seems bent on making sure you get the meal he has planned.
After many questions, I end up with these tasty fried pork chops — slices of loin, actually, that fry up so crisp the coating actually puffs away from the meat like it would for a properly made wienerschnitzel. I loved the simple preparation, though in an ideal world the frying oil would have tasted fresher.
The side of collard greens was excellent — the greens soft and velvety in that fine potlikker.
The other side — tomato pie — was the single scariest thing I’ve ever eaten in my life. With its Ritz cracker crust and cream cheese filling, I knew it was up to no good. I just wasn’t expecting it to be swimming in grease.
You think I’m exaggerating? You want proof? Watch this video, if you dare:
My friend orders the smothered chicken, and I’ve got to say this dish isn’t a looker. Again, proof:
Yet this fried and then gravy-glooped bird tastes just right — the meat damp and firm, and somehow all the more chickeny for it. On the side are fried green tomatoes (mostly breading with very little tomato tang for counterbalance) and the famous green beans that the menu boasts are hand snapped in the kitchen. Alas, they seem to have gone through a flavor-stripping machine soon thereafter.
We finish with a slice of peanut butter pie, which seems on the verge of morphing into peanut butter cheesecake. I think I may have cottoned to it better had not the tomato pie scared me off of cream cheese for the foreseeable future.
Be that as it may, I am happy to have rediscovered Mary Mac’s Tea Room. The next time I have out-of-town guests, I’m going to bring them here for smothered chicken, potlikker and White Russians.
Somehow, I can think of few meals that would say “Atlanta” better.
Did I miss anything good on the menu? What should I order next time? And can anyone step forward and defend the tomato pie?
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© 2009 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
176 comments Add your comment
Chaps
November 3rd, 2009
7:48 am
Massachusetts is calling, “Come back, come back.”
Alicia
November 3rd, 2009
8:07 am
The tomato pie is AWESOME!!!!!!!
Dixigoddess
November 3rd, 2009
8:08 am
There’s many good things to order you missed: cornbread dressing w/ gravy, squash souffle, baked chicken, trout, salmon croquettes, the omg banana pudding – I could go on . You had your mind made up when you got there. Being married to one of your kind (a Yankee) I don’t go to Philly and try to make it Southern. Don’t change us – we like us. Shut up and stay home or go home.
Alicia
November 3rd, 2009
8:15 am
Dixigoddess!!!! I agree!!!!!
Scott
November 3rd, 2009
8:19 am
You gotta have the fried chicken livers. They’re awesome if fresh and hot.
PM
November 3rd, 2009
8:19 am
Been to Mary Macs probably 100 times in the last 30 years. It is not as good as it used to be and the prices have risen dramatically in the last 10 years (with new management I suspect). However it is still one of our favorite places to go.
Your review does not do it justice…
Godeacsbd
November 3rd, 2009
8:27 am
John, did you get a back rub?
Love it!
November 3rd, 2009
8:38 am
Their catering set up is pretty tasty…they did a party for us with mini mac n cheese, little pastry cups with peach cobbler and fried chicken strips that put Chick Fila to shame-yummy!
I LOVE their mashed potatoes!
EverydayisSunday
November 3rd, 2009
8:45 am
DixieGodess, please contact me should this thing with the Philidelphian not work out…
In the meantime John, next time try the Okra and Tomatos, as well as Veggie Soup…crumble the cornbread in, add a little hot sauce, watch the smile come out…and they do have great dumplings with or without chicken, and they use to serve them in those great pewter bowls…
It’s just a great, classic, Atlanta institution. Long live Mary Mac’s, it’s like going back in time.
Hot Sauce
November 3rd, 2009
8:54 am
We go there twice a month and this is by FAR the best Sunday dinner in Atlanta. I want to lie and say it’s my first time everytime I go. I love the potlikker.
Laverne
November 3rd, 2009
8:59 am
Shame,Shame,Shame on you. People know your happy azz here now.Your review is insulting to us natives.Tomato pie sounds like a Damn Yankee dish anyway. You know what that is don’t you ? It is a Yankee who comes down here, stays and disrespects our food. Yankee go home.
anonymous coward
November 3rd, 2009
9:03 am
I’ve been to Mary Mac’s once, and that was more than enough. It was absolutely awful. The food was cold when it arrived, overcooked and dry. I prefer the Colonnade for that kind of artery clogging food, or better yet, Greenwood’s in Roswell.
Stan
November 3rd, 2009
9:05 am
To each his own. I’ve never been to Mary Mac’s, but my wife and I just went to the Dillard House this past weekend. OMG thatwasgood! No having to decide what to order, they just bring it ALL and bring you seconds of anything you want. Sure it was a tad on the touristy side but the food was fresh and very southern.
Deanna
November 3rd, 2009
9:14 am
The back rubs scare me a little.
Puhleease
November 3rd, 2009
9:14 am
Try the fried trout.
VoiceOf Reason
November 3rd, 2009
9:29 am
Went once, it was horrible, will not go again.
BreezyATL
November 3rd, 2009
9:30 am
Mary Mac’s is great! I love their vegetable selections. Their squash soufflé and fried green tomatoes are delicious. I tend to steer away from fried foods, but I indulge myself whenever I dine at Mary Mac’s, two to three times per year. Their fried chicken is delicious and I’m a huge fan of their turnip greens. No meal is complete without an Arnold Palmer (half lemonade, half sweet tea) to wash it all down. Their lemonade is fresh squeezed and refreshing! If I haven’t stuffed myself to the point of misery, I order the peach cobbler ala mode which is too good for words to describe. Mary Mac’s offers up great comfort food to be eaten in moderation, not every day if you’re keeping an eye on your waistline
atl_taz
November 3rd, 2009
9:31 am
ok, so mary mac’s may be an institution in atlanta but the food sucks. there couldn’t possibly be any food more bland and tasteless than at mary macs. it’s the ambience and people that make it worth while – i recommend you order the water, they’ve yet to mess with that.
KitCat
November 3rd, 2009
9:38 am
If you haven’t tried the fried oysters it is a must! I have been eating at Mary Mac’s for the last 35 yrs and it’s still as good as it was the first time I tried it! Institutions like Mary Macs are a dying breed-and what do Yankees know- they don’t even know what a black-eyed pea is and I am not talking about the Band!
SouthernBoy
November 3rd, 2009
9:40 am
My wife and I visit Mary Macs about once a month. The food is tasty, the service is always friendly (sometimes unpredictable if a convention is in town), and it … well, it all just feels good. We always relax and have a good time at Mary Macs – tasty, consistent food, friendly staff, lots of smiles and bottomless sweet tea.
To me, that’s what ’southern’ is all about.
This is not your best choice if you’re looking for an edgy dining experience and want to impress in your new Armani. But if you want to leave with a smile, you can’t go wrong.
Hondo H
November 3rd, 2009
9:43 am
Like Aunt Pittypat said in GWTW. “Yankees in Georgia, how did they ever get here?” Yankees don’t need to review something they don’t understand. You probably criticize The Varsity rings. Go review NY pizza or Philly cheesesteaks. DixieGoddess, sorry about your misforyune
Becky
November 3rd, 2009
9:59 am
I’ve been once and don’t remember the food as being that great..Maybe I’ll try it again to make sure..
John Kessler
November 3rd, 2009
10:00 am
Am I a Yankee if I’m from Maryland? Or does that give me a Mason-Dixon borderline personality disorder? And how do you get (or make sure you don’t get) a back rub? This intrigues me.
But (and you Yankee go home crowd, bite your tongues for a sec): what I’m hearing from you all is that some of the food (chicken livers, fried trout, collards, fried pork chops. okra and tomatoes, veggie soup, OMGBP) is great. Some of it isn’t great. This happens on huge menus, Southern or not, right? It’s all about what’s good and what’s bad, right? For the record, Hondo, love me some Varsity rings…
RFP
November 3rd, 2009
10:05 am
John,
In the words of the immortal Lewis Grizzard “Delta’s ready when you are”.
In all seriousness, I thought the food at Mary Mac’s was marginal at best. If you want real quality southern / Meat and Three food, then head to Matthew’s in Tucker.
reservoirDAWG
November 3rd, 2009
10:18 am
Save yourself the trouble next time John. Go to Matthews for great southern food.
F&B Guy
November 3rd, 2009
10:24 am
Many things are great about Mary Macs, but the Fried Okra is the one dish I will never forego when I eat at MM’s.
Unlike so many dispoable things in our society, Mary Macs, has been, is, and hopefully will be true to what it is, Southern Hospitality and cooking!
F&B Guy
November 3rd, 2009
10:27 am
One other thing. JK is not deserving of the bashing that he is receiving in this forum. Back off people!
He knows what he is talking about and frankly this review is not all that bad. He does say that next time out of towners come visit, they will stop at Mary Macs…think about how many restaurants, he has been too and how many he is NOT going to bring his friend to…
Kar
November 3rd, 2009
10:27 am
Would rather go to the Colonade any time any reason.
John Kessler
November 3rd, 2009
10:35 am
Thanks, F&B Guy: I knew I was asking for it!
Boots
November 3rd, 2009
10:39 am
I’m a born and raised southerner with a mother and grandmothers who had mastered “southern cooking” — and, I prefer their efforts to those of Mary Mac’s.
Somehow the MM receipes just don’t dance on my taste-buds like MaMa’s did.
M. Johnson
November 3rd, 2009
10:42 am
One Southerner’s opinion: Mary Mac’s has built a name off of peddling imitation soul food. I’d get a shrimp basket from McDonald’s before I ordered fried oysters from that joint. The food is just window dressing to the ambiance. You want true soul food, go to Son’s Place, Paschal’s or Gladys and Ron’s Chicken and Waffles. Leave Mary Mac’s to the tourists and those whose taste buds died many, many moons ago.
Southern Bella
November 3rd, 2009
10:50 am
Native Atlantan here… Trust me, Mary Mac’s is horrible. If you want Southern food at it’s BEST, Mary Mac’s is NOT the place to go.
I take pity on you non-native Southerners that think that MM’s is the epitome of Southern cuisine. Bless your lil’ hearts!
Rebecca
November 3rd, 2009
10:58 am
Like Boots, I’m a born and raised southerner and I think Mary Mac’s is highly overrated and I’m appalled at all these so-called southerners jumping in to defend the place. Y’all must not eat well at Grandma’s house. Food is for the most part bland and tasteless, sort of like eating at a Ryan’s buffet. I think most of it is canned and little of it is actually homemade. If you want real southern country cooking either do it at home or try the Mennonite Restaurant in Montezuma.
trudy
November 3rd, 2009
11:01 am
MM is not a place I like for soul food;it’s fictional(if you know what I mean; not true/real)I prefer my cooking; but when I do go out for soul food I go to Colonade.
southernFictions
November 3rd, 2009
11:14 am
reading these comments here just reinforces to me that southern hospitality is a fiction…kudos to those of you offering constructive suggestions
mary
November 3rd, 2009
11:26 am
Good god, the food in those photos looks absolutely disgusting.
TJB
November 3rd, 2009
11:37 am
OMG, you must try the creamed corn and sweet potato souffle. The fried chicken or meatloaf would be a good entree with those sides.
And don’t leave without a backrub from Ms. Jo. She’s sweet as pie.
Doug Willix
November 3rd, 2009
11:45 am
My wife and I were told that when we came to Atlanta to be sure and eat at Mary Macs. If their food is a good example of how food is cooked down here in Dixie then all I can say is that I wish I had been born and raised in Atlanta.
We were most impressed with our waitress, a very pretty blonde named Laura. She was most effecient and polite, which is no doubt due to a proper Southern upbringing, which I understand is quite common in the South. You sure don’t hear young people up North saying “Yes, ma’am” and “No, sir.”
Mary Macs should not be missed by anyone who visits Atlanta.
Sonofamike
November 3rd, 2009
12:18 pm
Give the tomato pie a second chance. The las time I ate there, 6+months ago. It was so good I ordered a second one togo.
top chef fanatic
November 3rd, 2009
12:19 pm
dear mr kessler,
Like you i dined only once there before and what i noticed was the staff was trying harder to please the customers more than the food was . I mean sure its southern food all of the way but it lacks in culinary preperation and quality. I was contracted to do the historical restoration of the plaster next door at the peters house mansion and honestlly i did papis 7 times to mary macs tea room one. So i just will save it for the ebeneezer baptist church faithfulls on sunday . (which i might ad that i did the historical restorations of the plaster on that as well.) And let them enjoy what they think as a fine culinary experience. Im saving mine for wildfire grill …..GO KEVIN!
tourist trap all the way……from a boston badboy
have a blessed day
Madge
November 3rd, 2009
12:37 pm
I used to dine at Mary Mac’s quite often on business – it was a coworker’s favorite for client lunches. While I was never a big fan (I would beg for Thelma’s Kitchen instead), I did have a go-to order that held up fairly well: turnip greens (& pot likker, natch), fried okra, and baked chicken, with banana pudding for dessert. If I ever go back, I’ll definitely try those White Russians – most things taste better with copious amounts of booze!
Victoria Elder
November 3rd, 2009
1:43 pm
Born in the Midwest and been here since ‘74. I recall when I fell in love with Southern “Meat & Threes” and you actually got three sides (vs today’s two) with the breads, desert & tea included at most of them. I totally concur that the goodness of Mary Mac’s died long ago. A few dishes are still tasty but there are just too many places with better quality food here now. And while many of them have already been mentioned, my fave for hitting with out-of-towners is O.K. Cafe for quality and consistency. Yeah, they are a little pricer than most but it is conveniently located for me (I live in Vinings) and you can’t beat their squash casserole or mac & cheese (except for the latter at Sam & Daves which is actually penne). It is the only restaurant I have found in Atlanta where I will order Pot Roast. And in the take out section, I can get real roast turkey dark meat to make a sammy. Read several years ago that OK had the highest sales figures of any restaurant in Atlanta! And, NO, I do not and have never worked there.
Now y’all stop dissin’ on my man John for writing honest opinions. He knows what he is talkin bout. If you don’t think he does, stop reading his blog and go back to work.
Joan
November 3rd, 2009
2:32 pm
My goodness, who’d have thought this simple little restaurant would’ve generated so many comments? It’s been many years since I ate at Mary Mac’s, and I think it’s changed ownership a couple of times since then. Back then it wasn’t so much a tourist spot as a great place to get a full meal for lunch, at a very good price. And even then I remember inconsistencies in the cooking. But they had a great baked onion dish, which I’ve never had anywhere else. Yum.
John Kessler
November 3rd, 2009
3:15 pm
This is really fascinating to read. I think I should be writing more about restaurants that stir up such strong feelings. Who’s coming with to the Varsity?
On a side note, my daughter who is at her first year in college in Massachusetts has asked me to make her some collard greens when she comes home for Thanksgiving. She misses her border-state dad’s Southern cooking…
Bravo
November 3rd, 2009
3:34 pm
You didn’t like the fried green tomatoes? I love ‘em there. Everything else is ….good, but not great. I can’t get over the fact that they have the audacity to sell potliker. That’s like giving you a side of cornbread crumbs. Anyway, it’s serviceable and not all bad. I like the food. Busy Bee’s still has the soul food thing down pat
uberVU - social comments
November 3rd, 2009
3:50 pm
Social comments and analytics for this post…
This post was mentioned on Twitter by jdkess: RT @AJCFoodandMore New post on Mary Mac’c Tea Room, with greasy video http://bit.ly/3oHWla #30in30…
E
November 3rd, 2009
4:20 pm
Haven’t been to Mary Macs in about 5 years but on the last visit, what I had reminded me too much of Morrisons/Picadilly. 20 or more years ago when Margaret Lupo was still around it was much more enjoyable in my opinion. Now it is just how you described it. Some things on the menu are good, some aren’t. I enjoy the greens, fried okra, okra and tomatoes, baked chicken and salmon croquettes.
Agreed with other that Matthews is my favorite in the area, followed by Sons Place (any truth to Son’s being closed now?) Haven’t tried Carvers yet. Think the Colonnade is just awful but maybe, like Mary Macs, you have to only order certain things.
Alkamom
November 3rd, 2009
5:14 pm
John, we’ve been here fifteen years – to Mery Mac’s once. It was fun as a tourist type place, but I agree, the food was nothing to write home about. As for all the Yankee bashing southerners, where is your famous “southern hospitality”? Just because it’s a tradition, doesn’t make it good food. Be nice.
cold sassy knee
November 3rd, 2009
5:38 pm
First thing, I’m a Chef, burnt out for sure, nothing worth being on TV about. This is relevant because I had a old buddy of mine who briefly worked as the kitchen manager at MM during this decade. And I’m a Ga. Baptist baby, so that makes me Southern to the core. I spoke with my friend often and he didn’t have alot of postives to say about the Management or the conditions in the kitchen. And while this is 2nd hand info, this establishment has had many issues. That said I wouldn’t knock anybody that happens to enjoy the food and the atmosphere. The place has character and that special something that touches people. Personally, real good soul food went to heaven with my grandmother so you won’t catch me at MM’s.
And John, I often feel that my hometown is changing into some bad imitation of New York City. It is up us Southern folk to try to understand and help educate you snow birds on the true glories of the South(especially the food). Cause y’all just keep on comin down. But watch out when you go to the Varsity, don’t mess with my Rings!
esa
November 3rd, 2009
6:10 pm
The thought that animals die to be served at Mary Mac’s is enough to make me want to join PETA.
TJB
November 3rd, 2009
6:12 pm
John, I bet your collard greens are great. You should have a contest and have a few readers over for some of your favorite dishes. You think this blog is lively, that would be the talk of the town.
John Kessler
November 3rd, 2009
9:18 pm
“Real good soul food went to heaven with my grandmother.” That’s beautiful, Cold Sassy Knee. I bet it did. Also, I think you totally called it when you said, “The place has character and that special something that touches people.” Y’all come back…
Shhhhh
November 3rd, 2009
9:56 pm
JK’s columns are by far the best thing in the AJC. Looking forward to this series (and the comments) over the next month.
Nichole
November 4th, 2009
9:07 am
Mary Macs food is best enjoyed by people who grew up eating overcooked veggies and heavily sauced or fried mains. Many of us did and find this kind of food comforting on occasion. It represents a certain type of Southern cooking, not the best or a broad representation but a very specific kind. It also has an atmosphere and charm that appeals to people who can look past the somewhat touristy veneer (or who enjoy it). In other words, the place ain’t for everyone but there is a certain clientele who will enjoy it for perfectly valid reasons. Same can be said of The Varsity.
Bill
November 4th, 2009
10:54 am
Yes, you are a Yankee if you’re from Maryland. But I lived in Bawlamer for a couple of years and Maryland has some excellent food/restaurants.
Mary Mac’s is just okay, but I will take the suggestion about trying the fried oysters one day soon.
Beans
November 4th, 2009
11:47 am
I wasn’t raised on Southern food, but get to Mary Macs about once a month and have had great experiences every time. The atmosphere is great (much improved in recent years) and the food is just downright comforting to me. Can’t say as I’ve tried everything (there’s so much to choose from and when I land on a favorite I stick with it); fried oysters, fried chicken or pork chops – John, I agree they are tasty and the best I’ve had anywhere – fried okra, greens, mac & cheese, yeast rolls, pecan pie…). And, their Mint Julep is quite tasty, too.
I love writing down my order and the friendly wait staff – some of which I’ve had the pleasure of seeing there for 15 years or better. Ever been when the piano player is there? A real treat.
If you’ve not been there in a while, I suggest you do like John and give it a whirl. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
To the piont.....
November 4th, 2009
12:24 pm
John apparently you DO NOT know southern food. Mary Mac’s by far is the best southern food you can get in Georgia. Your comment referring to the “loud speaker” does not exist. Get your facts straight before you even attempt to write such a negative article about a landmark in this city. If the food and the service were not great in this restaurant it would fold as many have here in Atlanta. I’ve had the tomato pie at least 20 times and it was excellent.
Question: How are the southern restaurants where you come from? I bet no where near as good Mary Mac’s…
Peggy
November 4th, 2009
12:53 pm
Agree on the “place that touches people” comment being good. And the last re
“landmark” is the key. Atlanta, having none but the dome and it obfuscated behind that ugly never touch hot asphalt bridge. Is the varsity (the one on north, even it had to try to chain) the oldest continuous on it’s site? I go from time to time just to be sure it’s still there (And I find the carpet sag underfoot reassuringly noticed before and forgotten) when in the mood for meatloaf, and end up with fried chicken
Louis
November 4th, 2009
1:31 pm
There’s something about Mary Mac’s, and it may in fact just be the ambiance and that fact that it’s a tried and true Atlanta born and bred restaurant. Granted, the food there is sometimes like a crap shoot… sometimes it’s good and sometimes it’s cold. No one mentioned those wonderful cinnamon rolls there but the meat loaf, fried okra, and creamed corn are my favorites. Someone did mention Greenwoods on Green St and JK that should be one of the places on your list. This man is from Maryland with crab cakes you should love. All in all , I think Mary Macs is most loved by us native Atlantans because it’s stood the test of time. As for the back rubs..I don’t want anyone I don’t know coming up behind me and rubbing my back… keep those hands to yourself lady !
Tom Turner
November 4th, 2009
1:56 pm
I’ve never been to Mary Mac’s but some of these comments have shown me the error of my ways. Mr. Kessler, I’m glad you’re doing this hog blog exercise. Just remember, when you hit somewhere Polynesian, do NOT fall asleep with an apple in your mouth!
Rebecca Abbott
November 4th, 2009
2:55 pm
John,
Maryland is a border state.
It was not part of the Confederacy, so it is not Southern to those of who were born in the Deep South. And we were raised that anyone not born in the Confederacy is a Yankee. It doesn’t even matter if you moved here as an infant. Born in or Yankee.
Sorry, dude!
John Kessler
November 4th, 2009
3:37 pm
Rebecca: Can I apply for a Southern passport if my Atlantan children sponsor me?
Tom: Trader Vic’s!!! Time to rearrange the schedule.
Clemfan
November 4th, 2009
4:00 pm
please go to Bobby and Junes off 14th street if you want good southern food and no chinese menu. Fried chicken okra and mac and cheese take a picture of your belly after your done clown
Steve
November 4th, 2009
4:06 pm
Are you kidding me? I’ve eaten their several times and was always underwhelmed. I’ve even tried their fried chicken recipe – bland.
So many better places to eat this kind of food. Trust me. This one is blah.
Tech Guy
November 4th, 2009
4:07 pm
It’s Obama’s fault their quality has fallen!
grillinchef
November 4th, 2009
4:12 pm
God bless him, Lewis Grizzard said it best – “Delta is ready when you are!”
Tyree
November 4th, 2009
4:15 pm
Like you, I’ve eaten at Mary Mac’s a couple of times in the last few years. It’s fine but unremarkable. Nothing stands out to pull me back. No craving for a signature dish.
Just like another old timer Colonnade, it seems to ride on it’s reputation from it’s defenders rather than the actual quality of the cooking.
Tucker
November 4th, 2009
4:16 pm
When we arrived in Atlanta, there were at least four places of this sort, which were very pleasing. They were in no particular order: Mary Mac’s, Evan’s Fine Food, Colonnade, and OK Cafe. I believe OK Cafe is the winner in terms of retention of quality over the long haul. I must say Mary Mac’s under the management of the now deceased Mrs. Lupo was the shining star at the outset.
SuwaneeDawg
November 4th, 2009
4:19 pm
We’ll drive from Suwanee to Mary Mac’s to eat any time. The food and hospitality are always great. I love the creamed corn, sweet potato souffle, fried okra and black-eyed peas. We also can’t get enough corn bread and cinnamon rolls. I’ll admit the tomato pie you were served doesn’t look too appetizing, but I’d be surprised if it simply wasn’t just a bad day for whoever made/served that one. As far as the back rubs, I could do without them, although I personally like the lady who gives them and find her entertaining to talk to. In my opinion it’s worth the drive to Mary Mac’s any day of the week and suggest you keep an open mind about this Atlanta landmark and make a return visit.
snort
November 4th, 2009
4:20 pm
I doubt you’re getting the usual group of epicureans commenting here. As a native Southerner whose family has likely been in Georgia and the deep South longer than most of you (I can visit MY deceased family members in Oakland…can you?) I can firmly attest that a LOT of what passes for good Southern cooking is not. Overcooked vegetables that turn to mush and lose all flavor are NOT good Southern cooking,
You want to eat good Southern cooking today? Try Watershed. You want to COOK good Southern food? Try Mrs. Dull’s, or Edna Lewis and Scott Peacock’s book. THAT is good Southern cooking – not the Gone-with-the-Wind-sold-to-the-tourists-so-long-that-y’all-have-started-to-believe-it-yourself crap that passes these days.
Fred
November 4th, 2009
4:25 pm
I’ve eaten several times at Mary Mac’s in the past few years. It’s fine. However, nothing remarkable draws me back. I can’t recall a signature dish that would make me drive out of my way to the restaurant.
Like another old timer Colonnade, Mary Mac’s seems to ride on it’s reputation from defenders rather the actual quality of the cooking.
Jennifer
November 4th, 2009
4:28 pm
Mary Macs Tea Room USED to be the best place. You really want to sample some good home cooking – go to Gabriel’s Desserts In Marietta. It is a bakery but also serves some great food…mostly veggies, sandwiches and salads. But the desserts are amazing. The owner is Johnnie Gabriel (the cake lady) who is also Paula Deen’s cousin.
Sorka
November 4th, 2009
4:40 pm
Maryland is a border state and their brand of fried chicken is rather different from truly Southern chicken. I have not been to Mary Mac’s in many years as I used to find its food uninspiring, although the atmosphere was pleasant. I will check it out again. I have frequented the Silver Skillet more often in recent years, although their food is an acquired taste (they also make you write out your order on chits). I will definitely meet you at the Varsity anytime, Mr. Kessler! I went there with my date on senior prom night, 1986. We ate at the drive-in. I will always love the Varsity.
Sorka
November 4th, 2009
4:41 pm
I am also a native Atlantan and have deceased relatives buried in Oakland, so I think I have a few solidly Southern credentials!
suki and fritz
November 4th, 2009
4:42 pm
I went to Mary Mac’s a couple years ago and it was okay, but I am not racing to get back. I have to be honest- when the lady came up behind me unannounced and tried to rub my back- I screamed. I don’t think even Southerners get that cozy normally. And the food was pretty good in that comfort food way, but I don’t see the point of paying a fair amount of money that I can get visiting my Grandmother’s for free (and of course, far superior, Gran). It is church function food- the only thing I liked about having to go to church functions as a child- (mmm, mystery casseroles). having said that, if you are an out-of-towner with a Gran who doesn’t do southern mac-’n'cheese- you can go here and pretend (for a price of course).
Smitty
November 4th, 2009
4:44 pm
Try the Shrimp and Grits, a true southern favorite!
atlantanative
November 4th, 2009
4:45 pm
only here 12 yrs.you are a still tourist.please leave
ziza
November 4th, 2009
4:56 pm
i’m a transplanted yankee. there i said it lol. and i like mm’s. i know it’s not the best food, but yes i love the arnold palmers and the yeast rolls are to live for. one thing i REALLY like is the sheer array of food that’s on the menu!! i do like the atmosphere. and any restaurant that has fried chicken livers is ok with me. i do love ok cafe and will definitely try carvers. have been wanting to try colonnade for a long time and just haven’t gotten there. great responses even the mean ones lol are entertaining. i like jk and am happy he’s back to commentating on restaurants. and making collards for his daughter. love that.
KC
November 4th, 2009
5:00 pm
When I first moved to Atlanta (from TN) over 20 years ago, I really enjoyed the place. The last few times I went, the food was cold, greasy, and abso-fricking-lutely god-awful. I’ll never go back again, and when friends come to visit and want to go there, I take them to OK Cafe instead.
It's Very Simple
November 4th, 2009
5:09 pm
Just because I can make make a plate of spaghetti doesn’t mean that I’m Italian.
If you like MaryMac’s, you are not a born and bred Southerner. This is not an opinion, it’s just a fact. Any place can call its food ’southern’. It doesn’t make it so. It takes a bonafide Southerner to identify bonafide Southern food.
Atlanta Native
November 4th, 2009
5:17 pm
The real one, by the way.
The review was very good based on my trips there as of late. I loved it as a kid, but maybe it is the fact that I have broadened my palate over the years. The potlikker remains one of my favorite things ever and I agree on leaving the cornbread on the side. Each is great by itself.
However, I choose other places when I want to eat the heart attacks on a plate I grew up with.
John, remember, these are the same people who recommended QuickTrip or a specific Subway for best sandwich in Atlanta.
Oh, and real Atlanta Natives are courteous and glad to have you here. JK, without you I would never have tried so many different types of food while out and about. (Though your story years ago of taking the kid’s team for Korean BBQ seems a bit apocryphal to me)
Please have a “dine with Kessler” contest sometime!
Voice of Reason #1
November 4th, 2009
5:32 pm
I went to Mary Mac’s once. HATED IT! For real soul food, go to “Bob the Chef’s” in Boston.
Gary
November 4th, 2009
6:12 pm
I am not going to attempt in any way to be mean. Really, I’m not. I’m just gonna give what I think is the very best possible response to anyone that takes upon himself to come to our beautiful city and have the audacity to have anything negative to say about anything in this wonderful place that we call home.
And I’m not even going to be original either. I’m going to call upon the memory of someone that grew up in the south, loved the south and everything about it. I’m going to “paraphrase” from someone that I followed for many years in the AJC and in his numerous books. Our dear friend Lewis Grizzard.
“……….If you folks want to come down here, by all means come on. Come down here, eat our food, breathe our air, drink our water, marry our women. But know this, we don’t care how you use to do it in Cleveland. This is how we do it here. Anytime you aren’t happy with how we do it here, well my yankee friend, Delta is ready when you are……………”
Momma said it best. If you ain’t got something good to say, then just keep your mouth shut.
Mr. Kessler, I suggest that you jsut keep your mouth shut.
And as far as the tomato pie and Mary Macs’ goes. It is the best of the best of the best. If you don’t like it, it’s because you aren’t smart enough to understand it. And how dare you call it scary? You don’t know scary. Yeah, I recommend that you just keep your mouth shut.
Do you need the number for Delta?
T.R.
November 4th, 2009
6:42 pm
Has anybody mentioned the cinnamon rolls? Definitely tasty! Mary Mac’s will always have a loyal fan base. But for an overall memorable meat n’ three experience, the Colonnade is consistently better.
Nichole
November 4th, 2009
7:50 pm
Good grief people. It’s possible for two people to have two differing opinions about one thing and for neither to be an ignoramus who needs to get out of town. Sheesh.
Laverne
November 4th, 2009
9:02 pm
Mr. John , I apologize, you are not a Yankee if you can provide us with an authentic Maryland Crab Cake recipe.
Piso Mojado
November 4th, 2009
9:32 pm
JK,
As you know by now, Southerners in general, and Georgians in particular, are very thin-skinned when it comes to criticism of ANYTHING. Most can’t deal with a difference of opinion and, when it does come, they immediately get personal. Good honest debate of anything – be it food, politics, sports, lifestyle – doesn’t seem to be on many of these people’s menu (pun intended).
Hang in there, buddy. You MAY get used to it after being here for 20 or 30 years.
Tragedy
November 4th, 2009
9:40 pm
Son’s Place being closed is a tragedy. Come back Son’s Place.
Ga Peach
November 4th, 2009
9:41 pm
I’m another Atlanta Native who gets dragged to Mary Mac’s by visitors all the time. And every time I regret it.
I’m sorry that many of my townspeople are blinded by allegiance to an institution rather than to what constitutes a decent meal. There’s great soul food in Atlanta- The Busy Bee is my favorite, but The Colonnade and Matthew’s are also very good.
Keep at it John!
chris
November 4th, 2009
9:43 pm
Mary Mac’s, overall, is a pretty good southern food establishment, but not even close to the best. The fried chicken needs more seasoning and the mac and cheese was bland to me. The collards were good along with the Peach Cobbler. I have only been once, and I will go again, maybe try the cornbread dressing this time.
Pdiddy
November 4th, 2009
9:51 pm
Give ‘em hell John. Good review. I kind of think it’s been like this since I was a student at GT in the 80’s. I liked it, and the aging quirkiness, but the food is hit or miss. Would be fun to hit the cocktails, rather than sweet tea….
Traci
November 4th, 2009
10:03 pm
Blue Willow Inn in Social Circle GA puts Mary Mac to shame on any day!
necie hams
November 4th, 2009
10:10 pm
BlUE WILLOW IS THE PLACE TO BE!!!!
SharonH
November 4th, 2009
10:10 pm
Well I’m glad somebody said it! MM’s is one of those overrated Atlanta phenomenoms like chili dogs from the Varsity or UGA football. None of them are worthy of the publicity they receive.
signed,
a native Southerner
John Kessler
November 4th, 2009
10:11 pm
Laverne, I’ve made a blood oath not to share the recipe for crabcakes with anyone who cannot provide their Old Line State bona fides. I will say it involves Old Bay Seasoning, crushed saltines and (here, I duck for cover) Hellman’s mayonnaise.
Native Southerner
November 4th, 2009
10:13 pm
KC, it really wasn’t any better 20 years ago, was it? I tried Mary Mac’s for the first time 22 years ago. It was just as disappointing the next time, 15 years ago. I’ve never returned.
Villa Rica DAWG
November 4th, 2009
10:44 pm
I thought it was just me… I LOVE southern cooking. Merry Mac’s? Not so much…
Edward
November 4th, 2009
11:01 pm
Native southerner here and I can attest that Mary Mac’s is just awful. And yes, I’ve been several times and it is awful every time. Seriously, if that is your idea of “great Southern food” I pity your meager experiences. My parents wanted to go there when they visited because they’d heard about it. I warned them, but we went anyway. It was awful. I found absolutely nothing redeeming, I’ve had better food from a Swanson frozen dinner.
There are far better choices for good Southern food in Atlanta. Mary Mac’s has some mystified reputation, much like The Varsity (another seriously overrated experience that I just don’t understand). Evidently one must not have ever had actual good food in order to adore these vaunted places. I’m just thankful that my grandmother and mother knew how to cook real food so I could tell the difference and know that Mary Mac’s is just awful.
east cobber
November 4th, 2009
11:03 pm
sorry, but mary macs doesn’t hold a candle to many of the local meat and three’s (carver’s for example)…over-priced and underwhelming…after my last visit, i said that’s it for me.
Native Southerner
November 4th, 2009
11:04 pm
Someone mentioned Gladys Knight’s Chicken & Waffles. John’s Creek location closed abruptly a few weeks ago.