The Colonnade Restaurant is located at 1879 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE, Atlanta GA 30324 near the Morningside/Lenox Park neighborhoods (technically bordering them). You'll find the restaurant on the right crossing over Piedmont Rd if you're traveling from I85 onto Cheshire Bridge next to the Cheshire Motor Inn and across the street from Onyx (huge club with lots of neon).
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An Institution. I’m almost embarrassed to say I’ve been in town almost 25 years and haven’t been to the Colonnade before. I guess that’s easy enough to explain, I typically chase down new and unusual places on my own, occasionally dragging others with me. I think the Colonnade is different because it’s more about going with a group of folks and enjoying the experience, not as much about the food.
Started off in the bar. Drinks are strong and straight forward (no mixologist here). These are just like Mom used to make (assuming she made stiff drinks.) Cozy spot that reminded me of my shag-carpeted basement in the 70’s with the addition of a lot of regulars that seem to know employees and other diners already.
On to our table in the back. Very happy that it’s energetic but quiet enough to have a conversation with everyone at a 6-person round. This being my first time, can’t say much about the evolution of the menu over the years (or the lack of), but I can say it has many of the southern favorites you’ll find at any cafeteria or meat-and-3. A little amazing is the list of sides, though understand that when you order something like Brussels Sprouts, you don’t get the balsamic braised and bacon’d version so common these days, but you WILL get the southern standard of boiled Sprouts. I went with the fried chicken that was as good as promised. Crispy, moist, and not a bit greasy (and enough to take home for a snack later). For sides I did the collards (good) and the sweet potato soufflé (meh). Note that my word processor put the accent on “soufflé”... not something you find at the Colonnade! Around the table, the fried chicken livers, chicken fried steak, chicken fried chicken, and other orders of fried chicken (notice a fried theme here?) all were given thumbs up.
All in all good solid traditional southern food that is very tasty, though maybe not something I’d eat every day. Like I said, I think you go for the experience with others, not as a food destinations.
And the big news of the night? They now take credit cards (NO AMEX). Did you feel the earth move?
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High-End Southern. The Colonnade is an Atlanta institution. While it has usually been known as a place “for the grays and the gays”, it is a fine place for everyone.
Visiting on a Saturday evening at 7:30pm, we found an hour wait. The place doesn’t take reservations (or credit cards) and isn’t open for weekday lunch. I guess that the obvious popularity of the place means that they don’t have to deal with the amenities of credit cards or reservations.
There is a pleasant (but crowded) lounge where good value drinks are served along with free bar snacks.
The food is very good and quite fairly priced. The chicken liver appetizer is large and delicious (and I’m really not a fan of chicken liver). The entrees of fried chicken and fried shrimp were great. The sides of collard greens, mashed potatoes, rutabaga and brussel sprouts were all fine. The prime rib special was absolutely huge, enough for dinner and two lunches the next day.
Service was fun and friendly and made for a really enjoyable evening. Thanks Eric!
I would be happy to return any time.
A favorite for our family. Jim Stacy has never steered us wrong. The Colonnade was featured on an episode of his tv show Get Delicious and of course we had to try it. We have been back many times since then! This old school restaurant offers quality and quantity with large portions of Southern favorites like fried chicken (my favorite in all of the ATL), fried chicken livers that melt in your mouth, and nice, thick pork chops which are delicious grilled or fried. In fact, you can't go wrong with any item on the menu. A long list of sides gives diners plenty of choices. The mac and cheese is killer! We are big fans of the early bird special - $12 for your drink, entrée, 2 sides, and dessert. You would be hard pressed to find a better dinner for less. The service is always friendly, professional, and efficient. You can request to sit in on one of the classic curved booths and you can imagine it might have been the one used in the movie "Identity Thief."
The Colonnade is Atlanta's second oldest restaurant and a classic Atlanta institution. Famous for southern classics like their Famous Fried Chicken. Featured on many television shows such as The Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. The fried chicken is a go-to! If you are in the mood for good comfort food you can't go wrong with the Colonnade.
A Classic Old South Dining Experience. Dress up a little bit, step back in time, and dine at the Colonnade on Cheshire Bridge Road.
This is classic old south dining at its best.
Atmosphere similar to Mary Mac's Tea Room, but more than a meat and three.
Thoroughly enjoyable classic dining.
Their web page is: http://colonnadeatl.com/
The fried chicken is so good here. I also love the hot fudge cake. I feel like this and Mary Mac's on Pounce are quite similar. They both are true southern cooking. The only thing I hate about here is that they only take cash
Its a south thing!. Very good fried chicken! Crunchy with a kick of black pepper. Add some hot sauce to kick it up a notch...
Food is pretty good I have had better pork loin was very good the chicken was over fried
and dry
Great Southern Restaurant!. Definitely the best Southern restaurant in the Atlanta metro area. The fried chicken is great! Good service. Real ole timey atmosphere and good rib-stickin' country comfort food. A real institution in Atlanta. Good prices, too.
I love everything but the wait. The food is great here. Excellent roast pork with dressing, collard greens, sweet potato souffle, real ranch salad dressing, the list goes on. Always a hoot to see the diverse crowd of elderly couples, gay couples and families. My only issue is the long wait they have sometimes, but that can happen at any restaurant. If you get there early enough, by 6 on a Weekend night for instance, you will just miss it, but after that expect a 30+ minute wait. They have a bar area with seating but I don't think they serve food in there.
Time Tunnel for Southern Cooking. I've eaten here since I was a college student in the early 80's and my new friends from Atlanta took me out with their parents to eat.
Needless to say, I was charmed. The food was great--big servings of southern cooking I thought I was at my aunt's or grandmother's.
I ate there the other day and it is alittle different--it is pretty gay and gray--but the food was still great. The service alittle slouchy, but tolerable. I just like places that haven't REALLY changed in a long time and basically, it's a great "meat 'n three"-- I don't think you can beat it for good grub--not a fine dining establishment, but a great place for good supper!!
Best fried chicken and loads of it!!!
This place is known as the gay and the gray, but it is welcoming to all. Great southern favorites, yeast rolls, cornbread, fried chicken, fried shrimp. Oh and look for the lady with big hair, she is there most nights...think a female caucasion version of Don King.
Lake Mary Food Critic
+4.5
You can get Good Eats at Atlanta's Colonnade restaurant, and i did when I visited recently. I was visiting Atlanta with a friend and we met up with several of his friends for dinner on a Friday night here. There was a wait, a good 30 minute wait, but it w
Greeted and seated within minutes. Server was prompt and efficient. Served beautiful biscuits and miniscule but delicious corn muffins- I am picky about bread. All of that was impressive enough...but! When the plates, overflowing with huge portions, was presented in front of us, we grew quiet and buck-eyed! Half of a chicken! Whole fish ( we had catfish & trout). The sides were nice portions which were tasty. Overall the meal was authenticly southern because my 89yo mom made no negative comments. I highly recommend this establishment which is posted as a must on many lists. Enjoy the memorabilia in the decor as well. BTW Long Island Ice Tea was GOOD 👍
A true taste of the South and a piece of Atlanta history. The food is great try the fried green tomatoes. Staff is wonderful and I love the vintage decor. This place takes me back in time to my youth and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants some good southern cooking.
A bit of Old School Atlanta continues. If you are from Atlanta, most likely you'll appreciate dining here.
The bourbon and sling were refreshing.
My Little Princess had calf liver, rice and gravy, and sweet potatoes. Having worked as a kid at Mary Mac's she missed the pecans and marshmallow toppings with a little more cinnamon as served there back in the day, otherwise the sweet potatoes were tasty.
My catfish, rings, and caesar salad were perfect.
Ms. Valerie. although very busy this evening was very helpful with a couple of requests and appropriately attentive during our dining experience.
November update: Another great dining experience and a pleasure being served by Ms. Bria. Although the restaurant was very busy, our selections were very good and she took care of all diners most efficiently.
But, y'all don't listen to me, I'm the last native Atlantan in this here town, so what do I know?
The Colonnade is excellent in every way; food, drinks, service and atmosphere.This restaurant is an Atlanta institution. I had the broiled scalps which were perfect. Everything was excellent! My waiter also made sure I had plenty to drink. I'm glad the bridge is fixed on Cheshire Bridge Rd. so I can start going more often.
10/10 would definitely recommend! The Colonnade is no frills, American comfort food. Everything we had was amazing. The fried chicken is seasoned just enough. No hot sauce needed to eat it. The drinks were strong and the strawberry shortcake has us fighting for the last spoon. What an unexpected surprise. I see why it’s been around so long. The diners are typically senior in age but that adds to the charm. I’ll be back for sure.
Great food and fast service.
We dined very late and did not feel too rushed.
Dined here again last Saturday evening - Derby Day.
We had an enjoyable table wait in the bar with great drinks, Customer Service, and fellow drinkers. Whata race to observe!
Food was great! Tasted like a home cooked meal. The fried chicken was delicious! Loved the old school vibe, reminded me of going out to dinner with my family when I was a kid and more restaurants were like this. This is a must go when in Atlanta!
If you're in search of authentic Southern cuisine this is one of the best places in Atlanta. Hadn't been in a while, but the taste and service have remained top notch. Order anything, you can't go wrong .
I have been coming here for over 20 years. My grandparents loved this place, wo when they were in town, we would come here. The food is always amazing!! Hands down, best fried chicken!!
Haven't been to The Colonade? You've got to add it to your dining list. It's Atlanta's second oldest restaurant and a local landmark.
Fried chicken is their signature dish and it is fantastic. We started with a Shrimp Cocktail, then delicious fried chicken and a plethora of southern sides.
I had the Pear Salad and Baby Limas and my wife had Pickled Beets and a salad.
The food is good ole southern comfort food. They get busy so be prepared to wait. They have a lounge where you can enjoy a drink while you wait.
There's lots of history here including being featured in movies you would have seen.
Stop in and enjoy a great meal!
I don't live in Atlanta anymore, so this nice treat with 3 other girlfriends was a real treat. We all loved our food, our drinks, our server and the atmosphere. For me, the major treat was chicken livers. Yum.
Good Southern Cooking with Good Service. This The Fried Chicken is excellent along with other entrees. I highly recommend their stewed corn and collard greens
Since reopening on July 31,2020 I have eaten dinner and was shocked at the new prices. Based on my recollection it appears they have increased prices up to 40% on some entrees
1/2 Fried Chicken with 2 sides is $20 plus tax and tip
It was a dream. We went for the first time and it was fantastic. Sure the wait was about 45 minutes but it was well worth it. And we live watching people. I had veal liver, the best I ever had. My family had the chicken. Juice, well spiced. Btw the salat that comes with the meal is big and fresh.
We will be back
Great food and service. The fish dishes were great. The greens and black eyed peas tasted great, but very small portions. The mixed drinks are really good too. They don't accept American Express. No military discount. Almost 100 years in business. Almost like your mom's home cooking. I recommend this place if you're in the area.
Experienced the banquet hall with a set menu (see pictures). Service was wonderful but a little slow. Meal was home cooking. Nothing fancy but nice.
Delicious food, service, and atmosphere. Chicken fried chicken was crispy and juicy! Chopped steak had so much flavor, and the onion rings were to die for.
An Atlanta landmark with fantastic food! Nice atmosphere! Friendly staff! Highly recommended since 1927!!!!
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