Really without planning to, I ended up visiting 2 longtime Atlanta favorites for comfort food (see OK Cafe). Mary Mac’s, open since 1945, specializes more in Southern and Soul food. Yeeee-haw!
Let me set this up by saying that there is a Southern food spot in Athens called Peaches. This is probably one of my all-time favorite restaurants. I would go there 2-3 times a week sometimes when I was at UGA (GO DAWGS!). I can’t name another restaurant I have ever done that with. There are some I would if I could afford it.
So, when visiting similar restaurants, I always compare them to Peaches. In this case, I ordered my old standby: fried chicken, macaroni-and-cheese, and green beans. Peaches, Peaches, and Peaches! Sorry to all ya’ll Mary Mac lovers; maybe you can point me in the direction of some other dishes. I love Southern food. The chicken was moist and crispy, but really had no flavor. I like a little seasoning! The green beans and mac-and-cheese were good, but as I said earlier, it’s hard to make a green bean stand out and theirs didn’t. I don’t think a mac-and-cheese exists that is better than Peaches. When I was done with Mary’s, there was at least 2 tablespoons of oil/grease left at the cup.
I’d also like to mention that the space is a little rundown and could use some renovating. I thought it smelled like pee when I walked in, but it wasn’t as bad in the dining area. Also, there was a woman going around talking to tables and rubbing people’s backs. I am so glad she didn’t come to mine!
As you can tell, I was not impressed. I’ll probably still go back unless I can find something better, but man I hope this isn’t the best Soul food Atlanta has to offer. Mary Mac’s is located at 224 Ponce De Leon Ave, Atlanta. They are open 7 days a week, 11am-9pm. Most entrees are under $10 and include 2 sides and bread.
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From my experience, Mary Mac’s is WAY overrated. I have the following on my list to try for Southern food: Son’s Place, Carver’s Country Cooking & Busy Bee Cafe. I’ve heard great things about all of these.
Comment by Amy April 20, 2009 @ 10:10 amyou need to try the collard greens at Mary Mac’s. They may change your mind about the green stuff there.
Comment by gloria April 21, 2009 @ 12:22 pmEveryone I know love Agnes and Muriel’s – it’s just moved here’s the link to their website
http://www.mominthekitchen.com/
Comment by Jo April 21, 2009 @ 3:24 pm