Tucked along Cheshire Bridge Road in Atlanta, The Colonnade has been serving up soul-satisfying Southern food since 1927. People drive from all corners of Georgia just to get a taste of their legendary fried chicken and classic comfort dishes.
With over 2,000 glowing reviews and a 4.4-star rating, this beloved local institution proves that great food never goes out of style. Whether you are a longtime regular or a first-time visitor, a meal here feels like a warm hug from the heart of the South.
The Legendary Fried Chicken
Four pieces of perfectly fried chicken land on your plate, and suddenly you understand why people drive hours to get here. The Colonnade’s fried chicken has a crackling, golden crust that gives way to juicy, tender meat underneath.
Reviewers rave about it being cooked to absolute perfection every single time.
What makes this dish so special is the balance between the crispy coating and the seasoned, moist chicken inside. You can order it as a classic plate or try the “Grandma’s Chicken” special, a fried chicken breast stuffed with spinach and cheese.
The portions are famously generous, and many guests admit they box up leftovers to enjoy later. If you only try one dish at The Colonnade, make it this one.
It is the reason this Atlanta gem has stayed packed for nearly a century.
A History That Spans Nearly a Century
Since 1927, The Colonnade has been feeding Atlanta one plate of comfort food at a time. That is almost 100 years of yeast rolls, fried chicken, and happy diners walking out with full bellies.
Not many restaurants can say they have been around long enough for multiple generations of the same family to share meals there.
Step inside and you will spot a wall covered in the restaurant’s rich history, including menus from the 1930s and movie posters from films shot on the premises. It is like walking into a living museum of Atlanta’s food culture.
The building itself carries an old-school charm that newer restaurants simply cannot replicate. Regulars who have been coming since the 1970s still show up, and they will tell you the food has stood the test of time.
That kind of loyalty says everything.
Warm, Welcoming Southern Atmosphere
Walking into The Colonnade feels like stepping into someone’s grandmother’s house on a Sunday afternoon. The low lighting, spacious dining room, and unpretentious decor create an atmosphere that instantly puts you at ease.
There is nothing fancy or fussy about it, and that is exactly what makes it so charming.
The restaurant buzzes with conversation, laughter, and the clinking of glasses. During the holidays, the decorations add an extra layer of coziness that reviewers describe as “lively and warm.” Groups, families, and solo diners all seem equally comfortable here.
One guest wrote that the atmosphere reminded them of the “real and old Atlanta,” the kind of place where people know each other and take their time over a good meal. If you crave a dining experience that feels genuine and unhurried, The Colonnade delivers that vibe beautifully.
Generous Portions That Impress Every Time
At The Colonnade, nobody leaves hungry. Portions here are famously oversized, and guests frequently mention needing a to-go box even after eating their fill.
One reviewer noted they could barely finish their fried catfish despite giving it their best effort, calling it “a feat” to consume the whole thing.
Whether you order the pot roast, pork chops, roasted turkey, or fried chicken, expect a plate piled high with food. The sides are equally generous, from creamy whipped potatoes to savory collard greens and crispy onion rings.
For families or groups with big appetites, this place is a dream come true. You get true Southern home-cooking quantities at a price point that feels like a throwback to simpler times.
Several reviewers called the value “a quaint relic from decades ago,” and they meant it as the highest compliment possible.
Classic Southern Sides Worth Ordering
Some restaurants treat sides like an afterthought. At The Colonnade, they are practically the main event.
From creamy mac and cheese to savory turnip greens and perfectly seasoned black-eyed peas, the sides here are made with the kind of care that only comes from decades of practice.
The whipped potatoes are buttery and smooth, while the onion rings arrive thick-cut and golden. Collard greens are slow-cooked and full of flavor, and the fried green tomatoes make a fantastic starter or side.
Even the spinach gets a special mention from guests who loved its bold seasoning.
Mixing and matching sides is half the fun of dining here. Most entrees come with your choice of sides, letting you build a plate that feels totally personal.
Every combination seems to work, which speaks to the consistency of the kitchen at this Atlanta institution.
Yeast Rolls and Cornbread to Start
Before the entrees even arrive, The Colonnade sets the tone with warm yeast rolls that guests absolutely cannot stop talking about. Soft, pillowy, and served with creamy butter, these rolls are the kind of bread that makes you want to ask for a second basket before your meal arrives, and many guests do exactly that.
The cornbread is another crowd-pleaser, offering that slightly sweet, crumbly texture that pairs perfectly with rich Southern mains. One reviewer mentioned taking extra rolls home to go, which tells you everything you need to know about how good they are.
Starting a meal with fresh, homemade bread is a small gesture that makes a big impression. It signals that the kitchen cares about every detail, not just the headliner dishes.
At The Colonnade, the bread basket alone is reason enough to look forward to dinner.
Friendly and Attentive Service
Great food is only part of the equation at The Colonnade. The service here has its own fan club.
Reviewers consistently describe the staff as warm, attentive, and genuinely invested in making your visit memorable. One guest praised waiter Alex as “the best waiter I have ever had,” which is a bold statement that clearly came from the heart.
Waitress Christina was celebrated by another family for treating them “like royalty” during a birthday dinner. A fellow server even drew a picture for a three-year-old birthday boy, and the whole restaurant sang happy birthday.
Moments like that are rare and unforgettable.
The servers seem to know their menu inside and out, making helpful suggestions without being pushy. Requests get handled quickly, and nobody is left waiting for simple things like condiments or refills.
That kind of thoughtful service keeps people coming back year after year.
The Bar Experience While You Wait
No reservations? No problem.
The Colonnade does not take them, but they have a smart solution. A separate bar room sits to the right of the main entrance, giving waiting guests a comfortable place to sip a drink and soak in the atmosphere before being seated.
It actually makes the wait feel enjoyable.
The house specialty cocktails are a big hit, with reviewers calling the pours “generous” and the prices reasonable at around ten dollars a drink. The pomegranate martini has earned its own fan base, and the bar menu offers plenty of options for every taste.
Fair warning, the bartender runs a tight ship. If you are not ready to order, she will move on to the next guest without hesitation.
Come prepared, know what you want, and you will have a great time. The bar energy adds to the restaurant’s lively old-school character.
Prime Rib That Steals the Spotlight
The fried chicken gets most of the glory, but insiders know that the prime rib at The Colonnade is something truly extraordinary. One reviewer brought family members from Wyoming who raise their own beef on a ranch, and even they agreed it was among the best cuts of meat they had ever tasted.
That is a jaw-dropping endorsement.
The prime rib is offered as a special and tends to sell out, so arriving early gives you the best shot at landing a slice. It is tender, richly flavored, and cooked to a level of precision that surprises first-timers who did not expect this level of quality from a casual Southern spot.
For meat lovers who want to stray from the fried chicken lineup, the prime rib is the ultimate adventure. It proves that The Colonnade’s kitchen has serious range beyond its classic comfort food reputation.
Shrimp and Grits Done Right
Southern cooking lives and dies by its shrimp and grits, and The Colonnade takes this dish seriously. The shrimp are cooked perfectly, tender without being rubbery, and the grits are described as creamy and topped with a deeply satisfying sauce.
Scattered sliced okra adds a textural twist that some guests love and others can skip.
This dish captures everything that makes Southern cuisine so comforting. It is rich, filling, and made with ingredients that feel honest and real.
Reviewers who ordered it called the meal “superb” and noted that every component worked in harmony together.
Shrimp and grits can be hit or miss at many restaurants, but The Colonnade has clearly refined their version over many years. If you are visiting for the first time and want to experience the restaurant at its most Southern, this dish is an excellent choice alongside that famous fried chicken.
Perfect for Large Groups and Family Dinners
Trying to find a restaurant that can handle a big group without chaos is a challenge. The Colonnade makes it look easy.
The dining room is massive, the tables are large, and the staff is experienced at managing parties of all sizes. Reviewers consistently highlight how smoothly the restaurant handles group dinners.
One family chose The Colonnade for a birthday celebration and left raving about the entire experience, from the food to the staff singing happy birthday. Another reviewer specifically called it “a great place for large families,” noting that everything from the sides to the drinks exceeded expectations.
The combination of generous portions, a wide-ranging menu, and friendly service makes group dining here genuinely stress-free. Everyone at the table can find something they love, which is not always easy with Southern menus.
The Colonnade handles big crowds with the confidence of a restaurant that has been doing this for generations.
Fried Catfish and Seafood Surprises
Not everyone at the table wants fried chicken, and The Colonnade has them covered. The fried catfish is a standout option that one reviewer described as “spot on” with a portion so large they could barely finish it despite genuinely trying.
That is the kind of challenge most seafood fans would happily accept.
Salmon croquettes also appear on the menu and earn their own admirers, particularly among guests who appreciate a classic Southern seafood preparation. The stuffed salmon special, when available, brings a more elevated touch to the seafood lineup.
Calamari makes a surprising appearance as a starter and draws consistent praise for its generous serving size and delicious flavor. The seafood options at The Colonnade prove this kitchen is not a one-trick pony.
Whether you love catfish, shrimp, salmon, or something in between, there is plenty of reason to explore beyond the famous fried chicken.
Affordable Prices With Big-Restaurant Quality
In a city where dinner bills can spiral quickly, The Colonnade feels refreshingly honest about its pricing. The menu is marked as mid-range, but the portion sizes and food quality make every dollar feel well spent.
Reviewers often describe the price point as a throwback to earlier decades, almost surprising given how much food arrives at the table.
Cocktails run around ten dollars each, which is fair for Atlanta. Entrees are priced in a way that allows a full meal with sides and drinks without breaking the bank.
Several guests mentioned bringing large parties and being pleasantly surprised by the final bill.
Value at a restaurant is not just about cheap food. It is about feeling like you got more than you paid for.
At The Colonnade, that feeling is consistent. From the bread basket to the last bite of dessert, the experience here delivers honest Southern hospitality at a price that respects your wallet.