Mary Mac's Tea Room
1 / 10

Mary Mac's Tea Room

,

An Atlanta institution since 1945, Mary Mac's Tea Room offers a true taste of Southern hospitality with classic comfort food in a charming, homey sett...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Mary Mac's Tea Room

Mary Mac's Tea Room

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An Atlanta institution since 1945, Mary Mac's Tea Room offers a true taste of Southern hospitality with classic comfort food in a charming, homey setting.

"This is a piece of Atlanta history with amazing fried chicken and a great dining experience!"

TIP

Try the Catfish

Many reviewers suggest the catfish entree as a must-try, highlighting its perfect cooking and flavor.

Consider Off-Peak Hours

To avoid crowds, especially on weekends, visiting during off-peak hours is recommended.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 11AM

Cuisine

Southern

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(404) 876-1800

Address

224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Classic Southern Fried Chicken

Classic Southern Fried Chicken

Experience the crispy, flavorful fried chicken that locals and tourists rave about. A true taste of Southern comfort.

Authentic Southern Hospitality

Authentic Southern Hospitality

Step into a homey atmosphere that feels like grandma's kitchen, with warm service and a charming, nostalgic vibe.

Delectable Peach Cobbler

Delectable Peach Cobbler

Indulge in a classic Southern dessert, with seasonal variations available, often served a la mode for extra delight.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Try the Catfish

Many reviewers suggest the catfish entree as a must-try, highlighting its perfect cooking and flavor.

Consider Off-Peak Hours

To avoid crowds, especially on weekends, visiting during off-peak hours is recommended.

Don't Miss the Sides

Savor delicious sides like sweet potato soufflé and green beans, often praised for their unique flavors.

Write Your Own Order

Embrace the old-school charm: servers provide menu cards for you to write down your own selections.

Tips

from all over the internet

Try the Catfish

Many reviewers suggest the catfish entree as a must-try, highlighting its perfect cooking and flavor.

Consider Off-Peak Hours

To avoid crowds, especially on weekends, visiting during off-peak hours is recommended.

Don't Miss the Sides

Savor delicious sides like sweet potato soufflé and green beans, often praised for their unique flavors.

Write Your Own Order

Embrace the old-school charm: servers provide menu cards for you to write down your own selections.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Mary Mac's Tea Room is celebrated for its authentic Southern comfort food and warm, hospitable atmosphere, reminiscent of a grandma's kitchen. Many praise the fried chicken, sides, and desserts like peach cobbler, while some reviews mention inconsistent service and food quality that doesn't always meet the high expectations set by its long-standing reputation.

"Enjoyed our dinner here. Food server was great, offered recommendations, and stayed attentive throughout. Had chicken fried chicken with smothered gravy, fried okra, cornbread dressing (not very good), and sweet potato with brown sugar. Topped it off with a peach cobbler ala mode. Delicious."

Jody B.

"Mary Mac’s delivers a true Southern dining experience that feels like stepping back in time. From the start, we were treated to a small bowl of pot likker (the flavorful broth from boiled greens) served with cornbread and rolls. It was rich, comforting, and a delicious way to begin the meal.

For appetizers, we tried the fried livers, which were perfectly seasoned and cooked—absolutely excellent. My husband ordered the chicken and dumplings with sweet potatoes. While the flavor was spot on, the dish could have used a bit more chicken. I had the fried chicken wings with collard greens and fried green tomatoes, and everything was tasty, especially the greens. Portions were very generous, leaving us with plenty for leftovers that night.

The atmosphere is warm, nostalgic, and full of Southern charm, making the experience just as memorable as the food. Service was friendly and efficient, adding to the welcoming feel.

Overall, Mary Mac’s is a must-visit for anyone craving hearty Southern comfort food. We’ll definitely return the next time we’re in Atlanta!"

Pamela Harper

"This was such a charming gem in Atlanta. I don't know how many seats can possibly be in the facility, but we did not have to wait at all to be sat. Beings it was a Sunday evening around the supper rush, we were shocked by there not being a wait.
My son and I really enjoyed our dinner date. He is a bit of a foodie, so it was neat to get his take as we dined. He pointed out that the establishment is clear about what they serve, and they take pride in doing so. They aren't trying to be something they aren't. They serve literal southern food and do it well. In all honesty, our total was $80, including tip, which we both felt was reasonable.
This was a recommendation from some of our state representatives, and it is one we were gold we tried."

Jena LeAnn

What People Like

Hearty, classic Southern dishes
Warm, homey atmosphere
Generous portion sizes

What People Dislike

Inconsistent service
Food quality not always living up to hype

Frequently Asked Questions

Mary Mac's is renowned for its authentic Southern comfort food, especially its fried chicken, as well as its warm, homey atmosphere and friendly hospitality.

While it can get busy, especially on weekends, some visitors have been pleasantly surprised by short or no wait times, even during peak hours.

Google Review

Popular choices include the fried chicken, catfish, shrimp and grits, peach cobbler, and various Southern sides like collard greens and sweet potato soufflé.

The menu includes several side dishes that can be combined for a vegetarian meal, such as mac & cheese, green beans, and broccoli casserole.

Some reviews indicate that sharing dishes may not be allowed or encouraged, so it's best to check with your server upon arrival.

Google Review

The restaurant is described as having a charming, nostalgic, and homey ambiance, often compared to visiting a Southern grandma's house.

Mentioned in

Featured in these publications

Thrillist

Best Pie Shops & Bakeries in Atlanta Right Now

Sometimes, it’s just best to keep things simple, and that’s where Mary Mac’s Tea Room comes in. The tried and true restaurant has become a staple in Atlanta since its inception in the 1940s, and 76 years after it first opened, Mary Mac’s continues to serve guests high-quality pies. Currently, the restaurant’s dessert menu is nearly devoid of that specific type of dessert, yet although past fan-favorites like the peanut butter pie are no longer available, Mary Mac’s Tea Room’s classic Key Lime Pie with a homemade almond crust will be more than enough to satisfy your sweet tooth this holiday season.

Visit Source →
AFAR Media

The Best Places to Eat in Atlanta

If you ask anyone who’s visited Atlanta for restaurant recommendations, they’ll almost certainly suggest Mary Mac’s Tea Room. While the spot is a favorite of tourists—and celebrities, for that matter—it’s also a classic American eatery that locals frequent for special occasions. The space itself is sprawling, covering dozens of rooms and feeling much like a teahouse—although the only tea you’ll be drinking here is sweet and cold.

Visit Source →
Eater Atlanta

18 Comforting Southern Restaurants Around Atlanta

Visit Source →
The Culture Trip

Top Places To Try Peach Cobbler In Georgia, USA

Mary Mac’s Tea Room serves all your classic southern comfort foods. Come here for buttermilk fried chicken, black-eyed peas, corn bread, giblet gravy, collard greens, creamed corn, ribs, fried green tomatoes, and of course, peach cobbler. In addition to the peach cobbler, Mary Mac’s makes seasonal variations like blueberry cobbler.

Visit Source →
The Infatuation

Where To Eat When You’re Visiting Atlanta - Atlanta

Expect to find this Southern classic on Ponce packed with weekend tourists. Mary Mac’s is an old school meat-and-two where you write down your own order on a menu card. And where else will servers announce, “Comin’ in, honey” before setting down a plate of delicious fried green tomatoes?

Visit Source →
fodors.com

Best Fried Chicken in Atlanta?

Visit Source →
ROAD TRIP USA

Atlanta, Georgia, Sights on the Appalachian Trail

Atlanta landmark Mary Mac’s Tea Room (224 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, 404/876-1800) has served traditional Southern food (fried chicken, peach cobbler, and sweet tea) since 1945. A large, lively (and just a little bit seedy) 1930s-style café, the Majestic Diner (1031 Ponce de Leon Ave., 404/875-0276) is open daily 24 hours for great waffles, burgers, and endless cups of java. In between these two landmarks, check out the Ponce City Market (675 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE) food hall and amusement center, or take a stroll along the adjacent BeltLine, an evolving pedestrian and cyling path that forms a 22-mile loop around the heart of the city.

Visit Source →
TripSavvy

Atlanta Guide to Gay-Friendly Bars and Eateries

Dainty and delightful Mary Mac's Tea Room is yet another Atlanta classic that's been serving great food since long before the city developed a fervent gay scene—and has in recent years become a mainstay of that very community. Serving lunch and dinner daily, this go-to for filling and tasty Old South cooking has changed little since it opened in 1945. Count on the talented cooks here to keep turning out big bowls and plates of Brunswick stew, fried pork chops, chicken and dumplings, fried oysters, broccoli soufflé, Georgia peach cobbler, and Key lime pie with whipped cream.

Visit Source →
Best places to eat in Atlanta, GA | Atlanta Eats

The Absolute Best Restaurants in Midtown, Atlanta - Best places to eat in Atlanta, GA

According to their website, Mary Mac’s first opened its door in the 1940s during the days when women couldn’t easily own restaurants, so many female business owners used the more genteel Southern name “Tearoom” to get around that custom. Today, Mary Mac’s has been operating for over 70 years and continues to serve up seriously craveworthy Southern cookin’ just like your mama used to make it. Their banana pudding has rave reviews and every meal begins with a bread basket filled to the brim with cornbread, warm cinnamon buns, and more.

Visit Source →
Two Drifters

Romantic Things to Do in Atlanta: 10 Fun Atlanta Date Ideas

You can’t visit Atlanta without trying some authentic Southern food like fried green tomatoes, fried chicken, fried okra, cornbread, and more. Mary Mac’s Tea Room was established in 1945 and has 4.4/5 star reviews by a whopping 8,481 people!. Parties of 2 or more can order the Southern Special consisting of 3 entrees, 3 sides, and dessert to share where choices include fried chicken, oven roasted turkey with cornbread dressing, black-eyed peas, fried green tomatoes, squash soufflé, Hoppin’John, and so many more!

Visit Source →
USA TODAY 10Best

Atlanta Southern Food Restaurants: 10Best Restaurant Reviews

This restaurant is known as the place for classic Southern cuisine. Recently cited by Gourmet magazine as the best place for family dining in Atlanta, Mary Mac's has been providing great food in a comfortable atmosphere for more than 50 years. The charming staff bring out plates piled high with country favorites like fried catfish, country steak, and meatloaf, with sides like macaroni and cheese, sweet potato soufflé, squash soufflé, black-eyed peas, steamed cabbage, and collard greens.

Visit Source →
Kev's Best

5 Best Dumplings in Atlanta, GA

Mary Mac’s Tea Room is serving made-from-scratch classic Southern food with genuine hospitality in the heart of Atlanta for over seventy-five years. it is primarily opened its doors with one dining room; currently, they already have a full-service bar and 6 bustling dining rooms. Their food is undeniably comforting, the environment feels as close as grandmother’s kitchen, and their staff welcomes each customer as if they were offering their long-lost cousin a holiday cuisine.

Visit Source →
Billy Howell Ford Lincoln Blog

The Best 4 Restaurants Where You Can Have a Peach Cobbler in Atlanta, GA

Mary Mac’s Tea Room is not only famous for its authentic southern meals and fresh desserts, but the Georgia peach cobbler has made it very famous among many people who live in Atlanta. If it’s your first time there, make sure to try the tomato pie and fried chicken, and for dessert, you should definitely pick the peach cobbler. The restaurant also has a big variety of desserts including ice cream, banana pudding, seasonal cobbler, key lime pie, and pecan pie.

Visit Source →
aaa.com

5 Atlanta Southern Food Restaurants to Try

Comfort foods made from scratch and sweet tea — the so-called “table wine of the South” — will delight diners in the one-time tearoom that Mary McKenzie opened in 1945. Though the boarding house days are long gone, you can still feel the care put into running this genteel establishment. While fried chicken is always a good choice, consider ordering the country-fried steak, cornbread stuffing with gravy, fried okra and peach cobbler at Mary Mac's Tea Room.

Visit Source →
livefromtheatl.com

An Insider's Guide to the Best Restaurants in Atlanta for Mature Diners

No visit to Atlanta would be complete without indulging in the classic Southern flavors at Mary Mac's Tea Room. Established in 1945, this institution offers a taste of the South with dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, and sweet potato soufflé. The warm, inviting atmosphere and the restaurant’s dedication to preserving Southern culinary traditions make it a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic Southern comfort food.

Visit Source →
Spokin

Atlanta Allergy-Friendly Travel Itinerary

When we went in to place our to-go order, the waiter took the time to go to the back and ask about allergens, informing us that their peach cobbler was safe for me to eat. After we placed the order, he went back to the kitchen again to remind them of my allergy and brought out our peach cobbler when it was ready, assuring us that it was made safely. It was absolutely delicious and the best way to end our trip!

Visit Source →
guides.apple.com

Must-Try Iconic Restaurants in Atlanta

Mary Mac’s Tea Room has delivered on serving up down-home faves like fried green tomatoes, fried chicken and copious amounts of sweet tea (never order unsweet here; it’s blasphemy) since opening its doors in 1945. Yes, for 75 years, it’s been a legend in Atlanta’s culinary story, and if you ask anyone where to go for a healthy dose of proper Southern cooking, this Ponce de Leon icon will be first on the list.

Visit Source →
Discover Atlanta

25 Must-try Restaurants in Atlanta

Visit Source →
maps.apple.com

Must-Try Iconic Restaurants in Atlanta

Visit Source →
Busy Tourist

57 Best & Fun Things To Do In Atlanta (Georgia)

Today, however, they’ve become a relic of the past, and only holdouts like Mary Mac’s Tea Room remain. Mary Mac’s Tea Room specializes in good old country-style food. From crispy fried chicken and gravy-smothered biscuits to piping hot cornbread served with okra and collard greens, you’ll feel like you stepped back in time to a genuine southern kitchen from the ’40s and ’50s.

Visit Source →
Monster Mac

Mac and Cheese in Atlanta, Georgia: How Its Made

Mary Mac’s Tea Room has been operating in Atlanta since 1945 and has a rich, unique history behind it. It was opened by Mary Mackenzie at the tail end of WWII when many women were looking for a way to make their own money and enter the workforce. In this era, women couldn’t legally open up their own restaurants, so they called them “tearooms” to get around the red tape.

Visit Source →
Atlanta Mom

Happy Galentine's Day: Women-Owned Restaurants in Atlanta

Mary Mac’s Tea Room – Truly a “can’t miss” because of its historical significance. Mary Mac’s was opened by Mary MacKenzie in 1945, one of many “tearooms” run by women in town because they couldn’t open restaurants. Mary’s successor, Margaret Lupo, stayed true to the kitchen’s commitment to freshness, and they have employees who have worked there for over 45 years.

Visit Source →
Trip101

10 Best Spots For Fried Chicken In Atlanta, Georgia

Mary Mac’s is a must for both locals and travelers, especially with its very antique-y vibes and historic ambiance, because of the pictures of the famous people on the wall that have visited this lovely restaurant, including Joe Biden and the Dalai Lama. The fried chicken is very good, with a very nice light golden color and juicy inside.

Visit Source →
Midlife Healthy Living

11 Georgia Spots Serving Peach Cobbler Worth Traveling For

Stepping into this Atlanta institution feels like visiting grandma’s house. Since 1945, locals and tourists alike have flocked here for authentic Southern cooking. The peach cobbler arrives piping hot with a golden-brown crust that crackles under your spoon, revealing juicy Georgia peaches swimming in their own sweet syrup.

Visit Source →
Guestie

16 Rehearsal Dinner Locations in Atlanta With Private Dining

Can you have a list of the best restaurants in Atlanta to host your rehearsal dinner without a good old made-from-scratch Southern food option?. Mary Mac’s Tearoom has been an Atlanta staple for over 75 years!. Every morning at Mary Mac’s start by brewing their own sweet tea and baking their own bread and desserts.

Visit Source →
Cozymeal

Restaurants in Atlanta | Top 27 in 2025

Since 1945, Mary Mac’s Tea Room has been an absolute staple restaurant in Atlanta. Southern hospitality is the central theme at Mary Mac’s, highlighted in both their traditional homestyle food and antique tea room atmosphere. If you’re planning a special event in Atlanta, Mary Mac’s also offers fantastic catering!

Visit Source →
Explore Georgia

Kid-Friendly Restaurants Around Atlanta

Mary Mac’s Tea Room – Mary Mac’s has been serving “a meat and two sides” Southern style since 1945. The staff serves up genuine Southern hospitality and down-home cooking. Meatloaf, fried chicken, baked fish, and so much more, with over 30 different side choices mean you never have to eat the same thing twice.

Visit Source →
WhatNow

Hop Into These Atlantas Easter Dining Spots for a Feast to Remember

Mary Mac’s is set to bring delicious Easter offerings (Source: Google Reviews). Midtown residents and visitors can bask in the delicious taste of Southern comfort food at Mary Mac’s Tea Room. This food establishment can be an ideal pick for families this Easter Sunday, owing to its classic ambiance since 1945.

Visit Source →
Holiday

Top 10 Must-Try Foods in Georgia

Let’s face it, after the birth of Chick-fil-A, Georgia dominates the fried chicken game. Putting the successful chain to the side, Mary Macs Tea Room’s crispy, tender chicken has been drawing in customers for 70 years. The heavenly cinnamon rolls and traditional sides may have something to do with it, too.

Visit Source →
Medium

Atlanta’s Best Southern Food Restaurants | by Stepping Stones Photography

No list of Atlanta’s best Southern food restaurants would be complete without mentioning Mary Mac’s Tea Room. Established in 1945, Mary Mac’s has been serving up classic Southern dishes for generations. This iconic restaurant is famous for its fried chicken, collard greens, and mac ’n’ cheese.

Visit Source →
placemakr.com

The 18 best restaurants in Atlanta

First opened in 1945 by namesake Mary Mackenzie, Mary Mac’s Tea Room is the last-standing location out of her 16 original tearooms. Their tried-and-true menu of delectable, made-from-scratch Southern fare hasn’t changed much in 70 years. And that’s just the way their patrons like it.

Visit Source →
Atlanta Hits

The Absolute Best Family Restaurants in Atlanta [Updated 2025]

Mary Mac's Tea Room in Atlanta is a must-visit for families seeking a taste of Southern charm and hospitality. Their delicious comfort food and friendly staff will leave a lasting impression. From the savory fried chicken to the delectable sweet tea, every bite felt like a warm hug.

Visit Source →
Creative Loafing

Where to Eat Southern Food in Atlanta

Atlanta's best-known home of soul food, Mary Mac's delivers quality Southern favorites like fried chicken, collard greens, hoppin' John and fried okra. Fried food is the order of the day so people with an aversion to crunchy, crispy goodness probably should find other places to be.

Visit Source →
Discover Walks Blog

25 Most Famous Restaurants in Atlanta

The Mary Mac`s Tea room is a restaurants in Atlanta that has specialized in southern cuisines. The restaurants has been in existence for decades and has kept is truth is serving some of the best meals in Atlanta. The restaurant stands as one of the oldest in Atlanta.

Visit Source →
theknot.com

The Definitive List of the Most Romantic Restaurants in Atlanta for Every Occasion

Mary Mac's Tea Room—one of the last of Atlanta's 16 tea rooms from the 1940s—blends history, coziness and affordability. The Midtown institution is a Southern comfort food destination that allows couples to kick back and relax like they're in grandma's kitchen.

Visit Source →
Kid Restaurant

Top 10 Kid Friendly Restaurants in Atlanta for a Fun Family Dining

Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Friday-Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM. Mary Mac’s Tea Room is a Southern institution known for its homestyle cooking and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant offers a special kid’s menu and plenty of high chairs.

Visit Source →
Slurrp

Famous Restaurants In Atlanta: 7 Iconic Places For Indelible Experience

For nearly 80 years, Mary Mac’s Tea Room has been a beloved spot in Atlanta. Located on Ponce de Leon Ave, it's famous for Southern cooking like fried chicken, fried green tomatoes, and sweet tea. Opened in 1945, it's one of Atlanta's oldest restaurants.

Visit Source →
Stacker

Highest-rated Brunch Restaurants in Atlanta, According to Tripadvisor

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (3,958 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: American- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 224 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308-1938- Read more on Tripadvisor

Visit Source →
Natalie Gregory & Co.

5 Places to Get The Best Soul Food in Atlanta, GA

Another soul food restaurant with a lengthy history, Mary Mac’s has been feeding hungry diners since 1945. It’s the last of 16 tea rooms that once lined 1940s in-town Atlanta. Today, they have six dining rooms in addition to a full-service bar.

Visit Source →
AtlantaFi.com

Here Are The Best Southern Restaurants In Atlanta

224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 | (404) 876-1800. Mary Mac’s is the quintessential downhome Southern eatery and a must-stop for visitors looking for a great Georgia dining experience. Here’s what one reviewer says about Mary Mac’s.

Visit Source →
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Best fried chicken restaurant in Atlanta

Mary Mac’s has been setting the standard for Southern cooking in Atlanta for more than 75 years, and chose to close during the coronavirus pandemic. The restaurant’s website states it plans to reopen when it’s safe to do so.

Visit Source →
Wide Open Country

Atlanta's Best Fried Chicken Spots According to a Local

Arguably the most legendary restaurant in Atlanta, Mary Mac's is a Southern food institution. Be prepared to wait for a seat (it's first-come first-serve). Be prepared to also be wowed with a quintessential Southern meal.

Visit Source →
Unexpected Atlanta

15+ Atlanta Activities for History Lovers

You won’t find finger sandwiches and high tea service here!. Instead, this “tea room” is a full restaurant serving from-scratch Southern foods. Think: fried chicken, pot likker, grits, hoppin’ john, and more.

Visit Source →
blog.giftya.com

17 Restaurants in Midtown Atlanta You Need to Add to Your Bucket List

Midtown restaurant known for its nourishing Southern comfort food. There’s definitely something for everyone to enjoy at Mary Mac’s Tea Room, so order a shareable plate!. Image courtesy of Instagram.

Visit Source →
Yelp

Best Fried chicken in Atlanta, GA

My best friend ordered the chicken fried chicken with white gravy, macaroni and cheese, and stuffing. He passed out the second he got in the car on… read more

Visit Source →
FOX 5 Atlanta

Atlanta Bites: Easter, special events, new restaurants & more | April 2025

Mary Mac’s Tea Room offers a traditional Easter meal in a historic Midtown setting known for Southern comfort and hospitality.

Visit Source →
Restaurant Clicks

13 Best Fried Chicken Restaurants in America

Visit Source →
Solaris Traveller

Three Of The Best Restaurants and Diners in Atlanta!

Visit Source →