Best Southern American Restaurants in Downtown

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Regions

AtlantaCobbDeKalbFulton

Neighborhoods

Atlantic StationBrookhavenBuckheadCandler-McAfeeCastleberry HillChamblee

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

132 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Ray's in the City

4.5

Awesome(7063)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 65 times today

Ray's in the City, located in the vibrant heart of Downtown Atlanta, offers an exceptional American dining experience that stands out for its authenticity and quality. The seafood, flown-in daily, and prime steaks are always cooked to perfection, with a touch of American flair that makes each dish memorable. One diner gushed about their meal, saying, "The steak and market seafood is always cooked perfectly with just the right seasoning." The restaurant is a staple for both locals and visitors, who appreciate the “fantastic cocktails and service.” Whether it's a special occasion or a casual night out, Ray's promises an unforgettable American dining experience.

A photo of The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View restaurant

2. The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View

4.4

Awesome(8992)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 85 times today

The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View in Downtown Atlanta offers an extraordinary Seafood dining experience that is both authentic and of exceptional quality. Perched 723 feet above Peachtree Street, it combines "breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views" with a menu that celebrates fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Diners rave about the "phenomenal" fish specials, beautifully presented and rich in flavor, making each dish a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to culinary excellence. The attentive service and inviting ambiance enhance the overall experience, creating "memorable dining moments" that linger long after the meal. For Seafood enthusiasts, The Sun Dial is a must-visit destination.

A photo of AG, Modern Bar and Steakhouse restaurant

3. AG, Modern Bar and Steakhouse

4.6

Exceptional(1179)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 17 times today

AG, Modern Bar and Steakhouse, located in the heart of downtown Atlanta at The Ritz-Carlton, offers a quintessential American dining experience infused with Southern hospitality. The restaurant shines with its "impeccable service" and "mouthwatering dishes," creating a memorable culinary journey for every guest. Diners rave about the perfectly cooked steaks and unique table-side experiences, such as the flaming hot Himalayan salt block for Wagyu. The ambiance is described as "understated elegance," making it an ideal spot for any occasion. Whether it's a business lunch or a celebratory dinner, AG's commitment to quality and authenticity sets it apart as a premier choice for American cuisine lovers.

A photo of Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint restaurant

4. Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint

4.3

Awesome(2094)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 15 times today

Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint in downtown Atlanta is a must-visit for those seeking authentic American cuisine with a soulful twist. This vibrant spot is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience that combines "delicious food, fantastic service, and great live music," as one reviewer raves. Known for its incredible Southern-inspired dishes like the "best meatloaf" and "peach cobbler to die for," the menu is as imaginative as it is satisfying. Guests are often enchanted by the "amazing ambiance" and the live bands that "bring the house down." Sweet Georgia's truly embodies the essence of American hospitality and entertainment.

5. Cuts Steakhouse

4.6

Exceptional(3651)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 29 times today

Cuts Steakhouse, nestled in the heart of downtown Atlanta, is a beacon of authentic American cuisine, offering a delightful southern twist. Renowned for its "amazing" steaks and "phenomenal" service, this restaurant is a favorite amongst both locals and visitors. Diners rave about its "impeccable" food, with options like the southern fried lobster tail and shrimp & grits, truly capturing the essence of American flavors. The inviting atmosphere, enhanced by cozy fireplaces and a vibrant bar area, makes it the perfect spot for any occasion. As one satisfied guest exclaimed, "Everything was top notch at Cuts!" Come experience the exceptional quality that defines Cuts Steakhouse.

A photo of By George - Atlanta restaurant

6. By George - Atlanta

4.5

Awesome(906)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 17 times today

The Candler Hotel's restaurant, By George, is located on famed Peachtree Street and offers a Contemporary American menu and wine program for curious palettes-

7. Polaris

4.8

Exceptional(1836)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 12 times today

Polaris, nestled in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, offers a quintessential American dining experience with a twist, quite literally. This legendary rotating rooftop restaurant dazzles with panoramic views of the city, making every meal a visual and culinary delight. With a commitment to quality, Polaris partners with over 70 local purveyors, ensuring the freshest ingredients in their chef-inspired shared plates. Diners rave about the "amazing and delicious" food, with dishes like the Wagyu steak "cooked to absolute perfection" and the "best crab" paired with steak Oscar. The fusion of classic American flavors, exceptional service, and a "beautiful ambience" makes Polaris a must-visit.

A photo of White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails restaurant

8. White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails

4.3

Awesome(1718)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 15 times today

White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails in Downtown Atlanta is a true gem for lovers of fine Contemporary American cuisine. "Phenomenal cuisine, cocktails, and service!" is a common sentiment among diners, who rave about the inventive yet authentic flavors that highlight the freshness of Southern ingredients. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in dishes like the tuna crudo and pork belly, which are "fantastic," as well as the expertly crafted craft cocktails. The ambiance, described as "beautiful decor" with "yummy southern flair," perfectly complements the exquisite menu, ensuring every visit is a memorable dining experience. Highly recommended for food enthusiasts!

A photo of Max Lager's Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery restaurant

9. Max Lager's Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery

4.2

Awesome(1635)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 11 times today

Max Lager's Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery in Downtown Atlanta stands out as a premier destination for brewery cuisine, offering an authentic experience that has captivated locals and visitors alike. Renowned for their "great beers and great service," Max Lager's combines the art of wood-fired cooking with an impressive selection of craft brews. Their menu is crafted daily from scratch, featuring wood-fired steaks, burgers, and pizza, all paired perfectly with their in-house brews. Diners rave about the "simply amazing" flavors and "outstanding service," making it a must-visit spot for those seeking a genuine brewery dining experience in Atlanta.

A photo of Hard Rock Cafe - Atlanta restaurant

10. Hard Rock Cafe - Atlanta

3.9

Excellent(1604)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 16 times today

Hard Rock Cafe is a global phenomenon with 185 cafes that are visited by nearly 80 million guests each year. The first Hard Rock Cafe opened on June 14, 1971, in London, England, and from there the brand has expanded to major cities and exotic locations around the world.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
JL
California Central Coast •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Our waitress was great, with knowledge of the food and very attentive even though she was pretty busy
More info
South City Kitchen MidtownPrice: Expensive• Southern• Midtown
•
4.7
J
JenniferVIP
Atlanta •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
It’s so much to be said about this restaurant, but everything was amazing from the food to the music the performers and the ambience. I definitely enjoyed my night there and all was well. I had the fried chicken with the mac & cheese and collard greens and it was so seasoned and good. My husband had the grill trout with the green beans and mac & cheese and he loved it. He also had the moonshine which comes in different flavors but definitely the Ms. Celey’s was delicious. This is my fifth time being here and it’s a must go if you’re in Atlanta area.
More info
Sweet Georgia's Juke JointPrice: Moderate• Southern• Downtown
•
4.3
K
Keidra
Atlanta •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We absolutely loved the food and our waiter was very friendly and knowledgeable of the menu
More info
AG, Modern Bar and SteakhousePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
•
4.6
B
Blanka
Atlanta •10 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 11, 2025
We was there for Mother's Day brunch 🫶very good.The atmosphere was nice.
More info
New South KitchenPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Southern• Downtown
•
4
B
Bev
South Carolina •20 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 11, 2025
We had Mother's Day brunch with a diverse group of family members. Everyone had a great experience. Good food, great service, beautiful ambiance.
More info
Livingston Restaurant + BarPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Southern• Midtown
•
4.2

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