Mary Mac's Tea Room

On weekends, this Southern staple on Ponce is packed with folks determined to check a box on their “First time in Atlanta” card. During the week, locals give themselves away with work badges. But no matter how many times you’ve dined in these homey rooms lined with photos of famous past guests, you feel the nostalgia. Name another meat-and-two stop where you write down your own order on a menu card? And where else will the waitress announce, “Comin’ in, honey” before sitting a plate of delicious fried green tomatoes? Be it juicy pot roast, fluffy sweet potato souffle, or crispy fried chicken, the kitchen’s been steady for decades (even though we’re almost certain they’re holding back on seasoning, so they don’t offend the couple visiting from Toledo).

photo credit: Amy Sinclair

photo credit: Amy Sinclair