Family-Friendly Dining Experiences in Atlanta
Families visiting Atlanta with kids can find plenty of fun places to eat. By choosing a few special dining experiences, mealtime can be a memorable vacation highlight in addition to your sightseeing adventures.
The Varsity
Address: 61 North Avenue NW, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA
Phone: +1 404-881-1706
Considered by many locals and visitors alike to be an Atlanta highlight, The Varsity in downtown Atlanta is dubbed the World’s Largest Drive-in. Situated on more than two acres, this landmark drive-in restaurant is able to accommodate 600 cars and over 800 people inside. Serving Atlanta since 1928, it is one of the nation’s original drive-in restaurants. Popular menu items range from various hot dog and hamburger variations to traditional side orders and the famous Frosted Varsity Orange shakes, all made from scratch daily.
While there are several locations around the Atlanta area, the downtown location is the original and the best choice for visitors to enjoy the full experience. A visit to The Varsity is sure to be something you will remember.
Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament
Address: 5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Lawrenceville, GA 30043, USA
Phone: +1 770-225-0230
Located at Discover Mills in Lawrenceville, Georgia, about 30 miles northeast of Atlanta, this arena dinner show features a medieval banquet served 11th-century style without utensils and an arena show, complete with knights, pageantry, jousting, romance, magnificent horses, colorful costumes, original music, and more. The castle opens 90 minutes before show time, so plan to arrive early as seating is first-come, first served.
Opened in 2006, this is the ninth Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament location in North America and the third in the Southeast U.S.
American Girl Boutique and Bistro
Address: 1202 North Point Cir, Alpharetta, GA 30022, USA
Phone: +1 877-247-5223
If you are traveling with children who have American Girl dolls, or if you are planning to purchase one or more American Girl dolls, a visit to the American Girl Boutique and Bistro in Alpharetta could be a highlight of your trip. Located at the North Point Mall, this is the only American Girl store in the Southeast U.S.
The Bistro serves brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner on scheduled days, along with frequent special events. Reservations are recommended for dining and special events, so plan accordingly.
The Sun Dial Restaurant
Address: 210 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
Phone: +1 404-589-7506
For an upscale family dining experience, consider having lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch at the famous Sun Dial Restaurant. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, this revolving restaurant sits at the top of the Westin Peachtree Plaza hotel. The restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine, and there are Kid’s Menus for children ages 12 and under.
Keep in mind that the restaurant has a dress code: casual clothing is allowed during lunch hours; however, during dinner hours, business casual attire is required. It is best to avoid very casual attire such as athletic gear, shorts, flip-flops, and hats.
Hard Rock Cafe
Address: 215 Peachtree St, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
Phone: +1 404-688-7625
With over 130 locations around the globe, Hard Rock Cafes feature extensive menus of casual American cuisine and lively decor complete with memorabilia from many of the world’s greatest rock legends. The Atlanta Hard Rock Cafe, opened in 1992, is conveniently located across from the towering Westin Peachtree Plaza hotel.
This themed restaurant is a fun choice for lunch or dinner, appealing to family members of all ages. A Kids Menu is available for children ten and under, ensuring there is something for everyone. Expect older kids to want to visit the Rock Shop to buy tees, collectible pins, or other popular souvenirs.
Souper Jenny!
Address: 130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305-1316, USA
Phone: +1 404-295-6761
A local favorite for healthy homemade soups, sandwiches, and salads, this neighborhood café in Buckhead offers a great alternative to typical restaurant chain food in a casual atmosphere. On most days, the café closes at 5 or 6 p.m., accepting only take-out orders during the last hour. On Thursdays, however, Souper Jenny’s remains open until 10 p.m. for Grilled Cheese Night.
Cash is the only payment accepted, and they request that guests put cell phones away while dining.
Mary Mac’s Tea Room
Address: 224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA
Phone: +1 404-876-1800
Serving lunch and dinner daily since 1945, Mary Mac’s Tea Room has been a staple for traditional Southern favorites, including many dishes made from scratch. Guests fill out their own orders using pencils provided at each table. Menu items are available à la carte, or diners may choose the all-you-can-eat Southern Specials served family-style. Children 10 and under may order from the Kids Menu for just $4.95 (subject to change).
Googie Burger
Address: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313-1615, USA
Phone: +1 404-223-4664
If you are sightseeing or staying in downtown Atlanta, Googie Burger, located next to the famous Fountain of Rings in Centennial Olympic Park, is a good option on a nice day. The retro-style take-out stand offers a limited menu of cooked-to-order burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and veggie burgers, prepared in an exhibition kitchen. Regular prices and kids’ prices are quite reasonable and some outdoor seating is available for your convenience.
