There are few better places for Southern comfort food than the cities of Georgia. Located in what is affectionately known as the „Deep South,” cities such as Alpharetta are home to hidden gastronomical delights sure to satisfy any food-loving traveler. If you’re heading to one of these restaurants, be sure to come hungry and wear your stretchy pants — this is Southern comfort food at its finest.
Secreto Kitchen & Bar
Secreto Kitchen & Bar is arguably the best restaurant in Alpharetta for Southern comfort food. Classic Southern dishes such as shrimp and grits, fried chicken, crabcakes, and bourbon-braised ribs are all prepared with attention to layers of melding flavors and textures. In addition to the mouthwatering appetizers and entrees, Secreto serves local craft beers, wines, and cocktails. For dessert, try the Warm Buttermilk-Glazed Carrot Cake with orange cream cheese icing. Reservations are recommended.
Table & Main
Table & Main, „a Southern tavern,” is an old house that has been converted into a five-star restaurant with a distinctly rustic, yet hip feel. The menu features burgers, rabbit, fish, ribs, crab, and shrimp alongside seasonal vegetables, pickled and preserved selections, and tempting desserts. Perfectly seasoned, crunchy and tender, the fried chicken is one of the most popular dishes and is not to be missed. For dessert, try the Bourbon Butter Ice Cream with smoked pecans, which is made by the local High Road Craft Ice Cream, exclusively for Table & Main. Reservations are recommended.
Photo via Flickr by kurmanstaff
AJ’s Home Cooking
For travels on a budget, AJ’s Home Cooking is an excellent option for no-frills Southern comfort food. AJ’s Home Cooking is a buffet-style restaurant with a daily rotating menu. Main dishes may include quintessentially Southern dishes such as meatloaf, country-fried steak, barbecue chicken, fried chicken livers, and catfish. Side dishes may include items such as black-eyed peas, collard greens, candied yams, and cheese grits. A full salad and dessert bar rounds off the selection of sweet and savory comfort foods.
Midway Meal House
Established in 1994, the Midway Meal House serves Southern comfort dishes that taste „just like Grandma’s.” The breakfast menu features classic dishes such as homemade biscuits and gravy, pancakes, and omelets, while the lunch and dinner menus serve the typical selection of fried chicken, meatloaf, fried shrimp, and the like. The restaurant is located in an old house with a lovely deck where you can feel the Southern breeze on your skin as you enjoy your meal. As a testament to its gastronomical merit, the restaurant is typically busy — be prepared to wait for a table, as they do not accept reservations.
Whether you prefer to eat in upscale establishments with renowned chefs or from down-home, no-frills kitchens, Alpharetta, Georgia, offers delectable cuisine sure to satisfy any food-loving tourist. To maximize your leisure time, book a hotel near the restaurants you intend to patron, especially if you plan to enjoy beer or wine with your meal. Keep in mind that popular restaurants will likely experience lunch and dinner rushes, so be sure to make reservations and plan your activities accordingly.
