Mary Mac’s Tea Room

In the heart of Atlanta, a few blocks from the hum of downtown traffic and nestled among the historic architecture of Ponce De Leon Avenue, sits a restaurant that feels like home from the moment you walk through the door. Mary Mac’s Tea Room has been greeting guests with warm smiles and made-from-scratch Southern food since 1945. With its deeply rooted legacy and unwavering devotion to authentic flavors, this landmark serves as a living chapter of Atlanta’s cultural and culinary history.

Where Southern Hospitality Comes Alive

Step inside Mary Mac’s, and it’s clear that this isn’t just another restaurant. The scent of fresh cornbread wafts through the air, mingling with the sound of clinking glasses filled with sweet tea and the soft hum of conversation. Every guest is welcomed like family, a tradition that began when Mary MacKenzie opened her tea room as a place for women to earn a living after World War II. While the original sixteen tea rooms that once lined Atlanta’s streets have all closed, Mary Mac’s remains, the last one standing and still thriving.

From its earliest days, Mary Mac’s has embodied the essence of Southern hospitality. On your first visit, tradition dictates that you’ll receive a complimentary cup of pot likker, the nutrient-rich broth from simmered collard greens, served with a piece of golden cornbread. It’s not just a gesture. It’s a warm hello, a small taste of the care and time that goes into every dish.

The Flavors of the South, Handcrafted with Care

The kitchen at Mary Mac’s starts buzzing long before the doors open each morning. Corn is shucked by hand. Green beans are snapped fresh. Biscuits and desserts are baked from scratch using recipes handed down through generations. Many of them were documented in the 1960s by Margaret Lupo, a beloved former owner who helped solidify the restaurant’s place in Atlanta’s culinary memory.

The menu reads like a roll call of the South’s greatest culinary hits:

• Fried Chicken: Crispy, juicy, and always hot from the fryer
• Fried Green Tomatoes: World-famous and lightly breaded for the perfect crunch
• Tomato Pie: A creamy, savory surprise baked in a flaky crust
• Banana Pudding: Creamy, sweet, and layered with nostalgia
• Georgia Peach Cobbler: A warm, golden dessert that brings guests back time and time again

With over thirty vegetable sides to choose from, including classics like macaroni and cheese, collard greens, and fried okra, meals are served with a sense of abundance and care that turns a lunch or dinner into a full experience.

And of course, the meal is never complete without a tall glass of sweet tea, proudly known here as the “Table Wine of the South.” Brewed fresh daily, it pairs effortlessly with every plate and stands as a symbol of Southern ease.

Private Events with Character and Comfort

Mary Mac’s isn’t only a destination for casual diners. It’s also a favored spot for celebrations and gatherings. With six separate dining rooms and the ability to host groups from 20 to 200, the restaurant accommodates everything from family reunions and birthday parties to rehearsal dinners and corporate events.

The event staff brings the same hospitality to planning and service as the kitchen brings to the food. Every detail is managed with thoughtfulness and flexibility. Whether it’s a seated breakfast or a lively evening dinner, the team ensures that each event feels seamless and memorable.

For those looking to bring the experience home, Mary Mac’s also offers full-scale catering and delivery. Every bite, from the fried chicken to the peach cobbler, travels well and arrives with the same flavor and heart as if it had been served at your table.

Southern Comfort, Delivered Nationwide

Thanks to a partnership with Goldbelly, Mary Mac’s now ships select favorites across the country. This means their signature dishes, including peach cobbler and banana pudding, can arrive fresh at your doorstep, packed with the same care they receive in-house. For those who’ve moved away from Georgia or visitors looking to relive their meal, it’s a welcome way to reconnect with flavors that feel like home.

A Place Rooted in Time

What makes Mary Mac’s so enduring is its devotion to the details. The recipes haven’t changed much over the past seventy-five years, and the same goes for the feeling in the dining room. Tables are often filled with three generations of families, longtime Atlanta residents, or travelers who’ve heard about “Atlanta’s Dining Room” and want to see what it’s all about.

The wood-paneled walls and simple tablecloths reflect a charm that isn’t manufactured but earned. The atmosphere is casual but respectful, cozy but full of life. It feels like a Sunday dinner with family, no matter what day of the week you stop by.

Visiting Mary Mac’s

Whether you’re visiting Atlanta for the first time or you’ve lived here your whole life, a stop at Mary Mac’s belongs on your itinerary. The food is honest. The service is heartfelt. The traditions are still alive.

Details:

• Address: 224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Hours: Daily from 11 AM to 9 PM
• Phone: 404.876.1800
• Order Online: Available through their website
• Nationwide Shipping: Available via Goldbelly

Mary Mac’s Tea Room doesn’t rely on trends or novelty. Its success lies in the consistency of its hospitality and the timelessness of its recipes. It’s not about being flashy. It’s about being real. In a city constantly evolving, Mary Mac’s holds steady, a comforting reminder that the best things in life are often the simplest.