From its early roots Snake Nation—a rough-and-tumble enclave of the South—to its present identity as a home for idiosyncratic artists, Castleberry Hill, Atlanta, has danced to the beat of its own drum. From soul food classics to cool, casual cantinas, this community’s restaurant options are just as diverse and unique as its residents. Below are the best restaurants in the Castleberry Hill area.
When you want and need some good old-fashioned Southern Comfort
180 Northside Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | (404) 525-2023 | Website
This is a Castleberry institution, and for good reason. The interior reflects its history as a meeting place for civil rights icons; pictures of Dr Martin Luther King Jr, Fannie Lou Hamer, and others line the walls. Of course the food is the main draw to this place. Any first-time visitors can’t go wrong with their famous fried chicken, mac & cheese, collard greens, and black-eyed peas.
177 Peters St SW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | 404-748-9689 | Website
Southern classics don’t have to be served in a classic setting. Old Lady Gang, started by reality TV star Kandi Burrus, reimagines the soul food experience. The lively, decked out digs—featuring family photos made into memes, original artwork, and modern décor with pops of color—are just as much a feast for your eyes as the food is for your stomach. Satisfy your cravings with fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and other Atlanta classics. If you’re here on the weekend, check out the Sunday brunch.
309 Nelson Street SW, Atlanta GA 30313 | 404-228-6377 | Website
It may be one of the newer kids on the Castleberry block, but The Smoke Ring is fast becoming one of the best barbeque restaurants in Atlanta. Start your pulled pork feast off with some BBQ Deviled Eggs and Smoked Gator Tail.
Where everyone knows these places by name
51 Elliott Street SW, Atlanta GA 30313 | 404-558-0858 | Website
Need a mouthwatering sammy and a cold beer? Elliot Street Deli & Pub is where Castleberry residents go to get their fix. This neighborhood pub has been slinging sandwiches and suds to hungry customers since 2006.
2945 Stone Hogan Connector, Atlanta GA 30331 | 470-355-7617 | Website
Every neighborhood needs a great coffee shop. When you need to wake up with a strong cup of joe and some comfort food, Rosie’s has you covered.
180 Walker St SW, Atlanta GA 30313 | 404-574-5678 | Website
Looking for a little slice of Mexico in Atlanta? No problemo. No Mas! Cantina’s menu is inspired by authentic dishes and their menu has over 80 different tequilas. After you feast on street-style tacos and stuff your gullet with guac, check out their artisanal market and pick up a souvenir from our neighbors to the south.
263 Peters St SW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | Website
You’ll need to plan ahead to get in here, but it’ll be worth it. Éclair is a pop-up restaurant that maxes out at 14 people, and the seasonal menu is consistently changing. What you can always count on is an intimate and amazingly decadent five-course offering from Chef Alex Bolar.
These recent additions bring big, bold flavors to the ATL
180 Walker Street, SW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | 404-574-5680 | Website
A sushi joint isn’t anything new, but Bottle Rocket also throws in some grill favorites. Whatever you’re craving, they probably have it. BR offers a variety of delicious dishes in a cool, casual atmosphere. So go ahead, order a few rolls and a black angus beef burger.
264 Peters Street, Atlanta, GA 30313 | 470-355-3830 | Website
Wat are you in the mood for? Puns aside, this Ethiopian eatery aims to bring authentic flavors into a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Grab some flatbread, known as Injera, and dig into hearty, well-seasoned dishes.
110 Centennial Olympic Park Dr, Suite 102-104 | Atlanta, GA 30313 | 404- 254-4970 | Website
NFL quarterback Cam Newton’s spot is a throwback to the intimate cigar lounges of old. Put on your best jacket and dine on dishes like crispy blooming cauliflower and broiled lobster tails. After dinner, smoke a stogie and sip on a bourbon Old Fashion. Now that’s the good life!
199 Walker Street Southwest, Atlanta GA 30313 | 404-228-1078 | Website
They describe themselves as “Tiki-ish,” and we think that’s just right. Order up some fried cauliflower with sweet chili sauce, sip on a mai tai, and soak up the Polynesian-inspired scene.
226 Northside Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | 404-254-4494 | Website
Fried chicken is the king, but Jamaican jerk style is the prince in these parts. When you want some grilled chicken that brings the heat, look no farther than this local hot spot. It’s takeout only, so get it to go.
So close you have to go
224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 | 404-876-1800 | Website
If you don’t mind a three-mile drive north, then you can hit up one of the oldest restaurants in Atlanta. What’s good to eat here? Everything. But just about everyone will tell you that the fried chicken is where it’s at, and don’t pass over the Vegetable Plate, which uses only the freshest local fare.
810 Martin Luther King, Jr Dr, SW, Atlanta, GA 30314 | 404-525-9212 | Website
In 1947, Lucy Jackson decided to open her own restaurant, and Atlanta’s food scene has been better ever since. Classic counters and historic photos will immerse you in Atlanta’s culture, and if you’re looking for food that has just as much flavor as it does soul, then look no further. There’s a reason this place is continuously packed—it lives up to the “busy” in its name.
999 Peachtree St – Atlanta, GA | 404-541-1105 | Website
When you hear so much about a place, you start to think it can’t be that good, right? Well, this Empire State South is. Renowned chef Hugh Acheson’s imaginative menu takes Southern classics and elevates them to fine dining stars.
Restaurants near Castleberry hill that are worth the short trip
1016 Howell Mill Rd, Atlanta, GA 30318 | 615- 647-7017 | Website
What happens when a bunch of hip-hop heads start a pizza joint? Damn good pizza. Pick one of their artist-inspired pies like California Love or Cee No Green, or make your own using one of the five house-made sauces and seven drizzling finishes.
675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Ste 185, Atlanta GA 30308 | 678-609-8696 | Website
Yes, they’ve got flapjacks—and so much more. With Instagram-worthy décor, friendly service, and breakfast-based food, this place is just the jump-start you need anytime of the day.
1460 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd. Suite A, Atlanta, GA 30318 | 404-365-0410 | Website
Since its opening in 1993, this restaurant run by Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison has dished out culinary masterpieces. Their seasonal menu relies solely on organic ingredients, creating dishes that are as unique as they are fresh.
913 Bernina Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 | 404-963-1742 | Website
Located less than 5 miles east of Castleberry Hill, Victory offers dozens of savory sandwiches. Of course, you’ll need something to help wash it down. We suggest the Jack & Coke slushy.
240 Martin Luther King Jr Drive S.E, Atlanta GA 30312 | 404-521-2220 | Website
This local favorite on the corner of MLK and Hill has served up mouth-watering gyros and tangy tzatziki for years. Make your gyro a combo with fries and coke for around $10.
Whether you’ve just taken the art walk in Castleberry or are just cruising around the “Hollywood of the South,” you’ll be living the good life at some of the best restaurants in Castleberry Hill.
Are you looking to visit Castleberry Hill this Summer? Visit our listings or call 1-844-BOOK-OYO to find available rooms today.
Enjoy 30% off when you use code: OYOUS30
Please go back to portrait mode for the best experience