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Haley Maddox
Midtown Buckhead Summerhill Grant Park Poncey-Highland Home Park Emory Decatur Avondale Estates Koshu Club The General Muir Antico Pizza Napoletana Radio Roasters Lazy Betty Southern Sweets Bakery Arepa Mia Wild Heaven Beer Dancing Goats, Glide Pizza, Taqueria del Sol3 Avondale Estates Town Green, Banjo Coffee, Cremalosa, Galette, Little Cottage Brewery, Ophelia Tavern, The Book Bird, The Lost Druid8 B-Side, Decatur Square, Foxtail Coffee, Guild + Journeyman, The White Bull, Wild Oats & Billy Goats6 Lyla Lila Five Daughters Bakery, Umbrella Bar2 East Pole Coffee Co., Fishmonger2 Che Butter Jonez, Three Taverns2 Opo Coffee The Varsity Savage Pizza Avondale Lake Atlanta Breakfast Club BeetleCat World of Coca-Cola Fox Bros Bar-B-Q Fred’s Meat & Bread, The Little Tart Bakeshop, The Salty Donut3 Chrome Yellow Whoopsie’s Evergreen Butcher + Baker Home grown Bomb Biscuit Co., Estrellita, Perc Coffee3 Small Fry Little Bear Midtown Buckhead Summerhill Grant Park Home Park Emory Decatur Avondale Estates Koshu Club The General Muir Antico Pizza Napoletana Radio Roasters, Southern Sweets Bakery2 Lazy Betty Wild Heaven Beer Dancing Goats, Glide Pizza, Taqueria del Sol3 Arepa Mia, Avondale Estates Town Green, Banjo Coffee, Cremalosa, Galette, Little Cottage Brewery, Ophelia Tavern, The Book Bird, The Lost Druid9 B-Side, Decatur Square, Foxtail Coffee, Guild + Journeyman, The White Bull, Wild Oats & Billy Goats6 Lyla Lila Five Daughters Bakery, Umbrella Bar2 East Pole Coffee Co., Fishmonger2 Che Butter Jonez, Three Taverns2 Opo Coffee The Varsity Savage Pizza Avondale Lake Atlanta Breakfast Club, World of Coca-Cola2 BeetleCat Fox Bros Bar-B-Q Fred’s Meat & Bread, The Little Tart Bakeshop, The Salty Donut3 Chrome Yellow Whoopsie’s Evergreen Butcher + Baker Home grown Bomb Biscuit Co., Estrellita, Perc Coffee3 Small Fry Little Bear

City guide

Atlanta

The city, Decatur, and Avondale Estates, where my mom Jan lives.

55 places, with a Michelin star and 9 Bib Gourmands.

Start with these

Morning
Biscuits and gravy, a biscuit sandwich, and a hash brown at Bomb Biscuit
Bib Gourmand

Bomb Biscuit Co.

Grant Park

Get the biscuits and gravy and a biscuit sandwich, with a hash brown. Go early or on a weekday, and grab a coffee at Perc next door.

Afternoon
A slice of Pepp City with a cup of ranch at Glide Pizza

Glide Pizza

Decatur

A slice of Pepp City with Glide’s ranch, then walk up Ponce to see Jan’s paintings at Wild Oats & Billy Goats.

Evening
The day’s menu at Little Bear
Bib Gourmand

Little Bear

Summerhill

Order the prix fixe. The menu changes every week with what local farms have. Try for a bar seat.

Jan smiling by her painting in the window at Wild Oats & Billy Goats
Jan, by her painting
Our local guide

Jan’s Avondale

My mom, Jan, is a painter in Avondale Estates, and the best person to show you around her side of town. Her paintings hang at Wild Oats & Billy Goats, a Decatur gallery for Georgia artists, a short walk from Decatur Square. She also illustrated my picture book, If Woof Woof Could Talk.

The cover of If Woof Woof Could TalkIf Woof Woof Could TalkWritten by Haley Maddox · Illustrated by Jan Rae
Find her art locally Jan on Instagram

Pocket guides

Avondale Estates

About 1.8 mi · 6 stops

Take it with you

Directions
Breakfast

Biscuits any way you want them

A biscuit sandwich in Grant Park, fried chicken biscuits by the aquarium, or fried chicken on a donut.

Biscuits and gravy, a biscuit sandwich, and a hash brown at Bomb Biscuit

Bomb Biscuit Co.

Grant Park

Bib Gourmand

Biscuits and gravy, a biscuit sandwich, and a hash brown.

A biscuit sandwich and a plate of biscuits at Bomb Biscuit
Two fried chicken biscuits with a cup of gravy at Atlanta Breakfast Club

Atlanta Breakfast Club

Downtown, by the aquarium

Fried chicken biscuits with gravy, and the shrimp and grits.

Shrimp and grits at Atlanta Breakfast Club
Two donuts and a fried chicken donut sandwich at BeetleCat

BeetleCat

Inman Park

Weekend brunch: the fried chicken donut sandwich, and donuts.

Coffee and a treat

A cup of coffee, then something from the bakery

Coffee

  • A decaf and a water in paper cups at Chrome YellowChrome YellowA decaf, and a water
  • An East Pole Coffee Co. cup held up over fall leavesEast PoleTwo to go
  • The coffee bar at Radio RoastersRadio RoastersThe tasting bar
  • Bags of Dancing Goats coffee on the shelfDancing GoatsBeans to take home
  • A Book Bird tumbler and a book about Avondale Estates on the shelfThe Book BirdCoffee in the bookstore

A treat

  • A table of pastries with green labels at a Little Tart standLittle TartKrog Street croissants
  • A chocolate pecan pie with a slice cut, in a bakery box from Southern SweetsSouthern Sweets Chocolate pecan pie, in Decatur

Four burgers, from the old drive-in to a Sunday-only double

  • A cheeseburger, onion rings, and a Varsity cup on a red tray at The VarsityThe VarsitySince 1928Midtown. A cheeseburger and onion rings.
  • A burger and fries in a checked basket at Che Butter JonezChe Butter Jonez New in DecaturDecatur, a block from Three Taverns.
  • A cheeseburger in foil at Evergreen Butcher + BakerEvergreen Butcher + BakerSundays onlyKirkwood. It sells out most Sundays.
  • A burger in foil at Fred’s Meat & BreadFred’s Meat & BreadBib GourmandInside Krog Street Market.
Haley and Michael smiling behind a pizza at Antico
Pizza

A Neapolitan pie and a New York slice

At Antico, order the San Gennaro with sausage and sweet-hot peppers. At Glide, get a slice of Pepp City with their ranch.

A margherita pizza on a tray at Antico
Antico
A slice of Pepp City with a cup of ranch at Glide Pizza
Glide · Pepp City
Haley and Michael smiling by a giant Coke bottle at World of Coca-Cola
Drinks

A Coke, a pint, and a margarita

World of Coca-Cola, a cheers at Little Cottage, and drinks around town.

Two beers raised for a cheers at Little Cottage Brewery
Little Cottage
A margarita with chips, guacamole, and queso at Taqueria del Sol
Taqueria del Sol
An orange drink under the pink Umbrella Bar neon sign
Umbrella Bar
In the Michelin Guide

From the Michelin Guide

Four Bib Gourmands and one Michelin Guide pick

  1. A plate of fried chicken under herbs at Little BearBib GourmandLittle Bear
  2. A rice plate with grilled meat and salad at EstrellitaBib GourmandEstrellita
  3. Peel-and-eat shrimp and a sandwich on a yellow table at FishmongerBib GourmandFishmonger
  4. Sandwiches and fries on paper at Fred’sBib GourmandFred’s
  5. Bagel plates on the bar at The General MuirMichelin GuideThe General Muir

What are you craving?

  • Arepa MiaAvondale Estates · VenezuelanBib GourmandOrder The reina pepiada arepa, filled with chicken and avocado salad.Tip Closed Sun and Mon.
  • Atlanta Breakfast ClubDowntown · Southern breakfast, by the Georgia AquariumOrder Fried chicken biscuits with gravy, and the shrimp and grits.Two fried chicken biscuits with a cup of gravy at Atlanta Breakfast ClubShrimp and grits at Atlanta Breakfast Club
  • B-SideDecatur · Bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee
  • BeetleCatInman Park · Seafood and oysters, with brunch on weekendsOrder Brunch: the donuts, and the fried chicken donut sandwich.Two donuts and a fried chicken donut sandwich at BeetleCat
  • Bomb Biscuit Co.Grant Park · SouthernBib GourmandOrder Biscuits and gravy, a biscuit sandwich, and a hash brown.Tip Go early or on a weekday.Biscuits and gravy, a biscuit sandwich, and a hash brown at Bomb BiscuitA biscuit sandwich and a plate of biscuits at Bomb Biscuit
  • EstrellitaGrant Park · FilipinoBib GourmandOrder The Big Beef Nilaga short rib soup, the chicken barbecue skewers, and the lumpia.Tip Moving to South Downtown in late 2026.A rice plate with grilled meat and salad at EstrellitaMichael raising a purple drink at Estrellita
  • Evergreen Butcher + BakerKirkwood · Bakery and butcher with a Sunday cheeseburgerA cheeseburger in foil at Evergreen Butcher + BakerPeople in line under the Evergreen signThe counter and kitchen at Evergreen Butcher + Baker
  • FishmongerPoncey-Highland · Fish and seafoodBib GourmandOrder The blackened grouper sandwich on a toasted seeded bun with Florida sauce.Tip Closed Mondays.Peel-and-eat shrimp and a sandwich on a yellow table at Fishmonger
  • Fox Bros Bar-B-QInman Park · Texas-style barbecueA slice of layer cake with caramel and whipped cream at Fox Bros
  • Fred’s Meat & BreadKrog Street Market · SandwichesBib GourmandOrder The Italian grinder, with barbecue fries and white barbecue sauce.A burger in foil at Fred’s Meat & BreadSandwiches and fries on paper at Fred’s
  • Green Coyote CantinaEast Cobb · Mexican cantinaOrder The salsa.
  • Heirloom Market BBQCumberland · Korean and Texas barbecueBib Gourmand
  • Hen Mother CookhouseJohns Creek · Breakfast and brunchMichelin GuideOrder The fried chicken and a pancake.
  • Home grownMemorial Drive · American, breakfast all dayMichelin GuideOrder The Comfy Chicken Biscuit: fried chicken on a cathead biscuit under sausage gravy.
  • Koshu ClubBuckhead · Japanese, from the Mujō teamOrder The steak.Sliced steak and a gratin at Koshu Club
  • Lazy BettyMidtown · Contemporary tasting menu★ MichelinKnow The tasting menu changes with the seasons, a few dishes at a time. The tuna roll is the signature.Tip Book well ahead.
  • Little BearSummerhill · ContemporaryBib GourmandKnow The menu changes every week with what local farms have. The prix fixe has dishes you can’t get à la carte.Tip On my Love List · Try for a bar seat.The day’s menu at Little BearA plate of fried chicken under herbs at Little BearA plate of vegetables and herbs on a green plate at Little BearA yellow cocktail by a vase of flowers at Little Bear
  • Little Cottage BreweryAvondale Estates · BreweryTwo beers raised for a cheers at Little Cottage Brewery
  • Lyla LilaMidtown · AmericanMichelin GuideOrder The crispy duck lasagna with cocoa béchamel.
  • Ophelia TavernAvondale Estates · Italian, with an upstairs barA fried cutlet with a cup of sauce at Ophelia Tavern
  • Small FryAtlanta Dairies · Fried seafood, sandwiches, and friesThe menu and a drink at the bar at Small Fry
  • Taqueria del SolDecatur · Tacos and margaritas, order at the counterOrder A margarita.A margarita with chips, guacamole, and queso at Taqueria del Sol
  • The General MuirEmory Point · DeliMichelin GuideOrder Matzoh ball soup, or the Lower East Side platter: bagel, cream cheese, and smoked Nova.Tip Save room for cheesecake.Bagel plates on the bar at The General Muir
  • The Lost DruidAvondale Estates · Brewery and distillery with a covered patio
  • The White BullDecatur · AmericanMichelin GuideKnow New dishes every day, from what’s in season. They mill their own flour for the pasta.
  • Three TavernsDecatur · Brewery with a garden, a block from Che Butter Jonez
  • Umbrella BarPonce City Market · Korean bar food and slushiesAn orange drink under the pink Umbrella Bar neon sign
  • Whoopsie’sMoreland Ave · AmericanBib GourmandOrder The Southern snack tray: pimento cheese, chow chow, pickles, and pork terrine.
  • Wild Heaven BeerAvondale Estates · Brewery with a beer garden
  • Antico Pizza NapoletanaHome Park · PizzaBib GourmandOrder The San Gennaro pie with sausage and sweet-hot peppers, or the Diavola for spice.Haley and Michael smiling behind a pizza at AnticoA margherita pizza on a tray at Antico
  • Glide PizzaDecatur · New York–style slicesOrder A slice of Pepp City: pepperoni, fresh jalapeño, Calabrian chilies, and parsley, with Glide’s ranch.A slice of Pepp City with a cup of ranch at Glide Pizza
  • Savage PizzaLittle Five Points · Pizza in Little Five Points
  • Che Butter JonezDecatur · Burgers and sandwiches, with a full barOrder The burger.A burger and fries in a checked basket at Che Butter Jonez
  • The VarsityMidtown · The old drive-in, chili dogs and frosted orangesA cheeseburger, onion rings, and a Varsity cup on a red tray at The VarsityA Varsity cup held up at the counterRed trays and cups at The Varsity counter
  • Banjo CoffeeAvondale Estates · Coffee shop with breakfast burritos
  • Chrome YellowOld Fourth Ward · Coffee roaster with a shelf of notebooks and pensOrder A decaf.A decaf and a water in paper cups at Chrome Yellow
  • Dancing GoatsDecatur · Coffee bar with pastriesBags of Dancing Goats coffee on the shelf
  • East Pole Coffee Co.Poncey-Highland · Coffee roaster, next door to FishmongerAn East Pole Coffee Co. cup held up over fall leaves
  • Foxtail CoffeeDecatur · Coffee, sandwiches, and ice cream
  • Guild + JourneymanDecatur · Coffee shop with a bike shop in back
  • Opo CoffeeDecatur · Coffee roaster across from the old train stationOrder A scone.
  • Perc CoffeeGrant Park · Coffee shop, next door to Bomb Biscuit
  • Radio RoastersAvondale Estates · Coffee roaster with a tasting barThe coffee bar at Radio Roasters
  • Five Daughters BakeryPonce City Market · Hundred-layer donutsThree filled donuts in a box from Five Daughters
  • GaletteAvondale Estates · Galettes, pastries, and coffee
  • Southern Sweets BakeryDecatur · Cakes and pies, by the slice or wholeA chocolate pecan pie with a slice cut, in a bakery box from Southern SweetsA pecan pie and a key lime pie on a wooden table
  • The Little Tart BakeshopKrog Street Market · Croissants and pastriesA table of pastries with green labels at a Little Tart stand
  • The Salty DonutKrog Street · Donuts and coffee on Krog Street
  • CremalosaAvondale Estates · Handmade gelato and shakes, on the Town Green
  • The Book BirdAvondale Estates · Bookstore with a café and wine barA Book Bird tumbler and a book about Avondale Estates on the shelf
  • Wild Oats & Billy GoatsDecatur · Gallery and shop for Georgia artists
  • Avondale Estates Town GreenAvondale Estates · Town green with a playground and a Sunday farmers market
  • Avondale LakeAvondale Estates · A half-mile path around the lake
  • Decatur SquareDecatur · The town square, with concerts on the lawn
  • World of Coca-ColaDowntown · The Coca-Cola museum, with a tasting roomHaley and Michael smiling by a giant Coke bottle at World of Coca-Cola