151. Blue Willow Inn Restaurant
City: Atlanta, GA
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (770) 464-2131, (800) 552-8813
Address: 294 North Cherokee Rd.
Description: On five acres of land, the Blue Willow is housed in a 1907 Greek Revival mansion, where diners linger after dinner in the rocking chairs on the wide porch or in the gift shop. The fare, served buffet style, is authentic Southern cooking, including fried chicken, fried green tomatoes, and bread pudding. There’s none of that low-cholesterol, big-city stuff here, thank you. Four to five meats and 10 to 12 vegetables are generally offered. In warm weather you may choose to dine outside by the pool. Reservations are accepted. Due to local regulations, sweet tea and lemonade are the most potent drinks; however, patrons are welcome to bring their own wine or champagne. Credit cards are not accepted. Social Circle is 45 minutes east of Atlanta; take I-20 to exit 47.
152. Doug’s Place
City: Atlanta, GA
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (770) 382-9063
Address: 696 Georgia Hwy. 293
Description: Doug’s Place is loaded with Southern staples, from country-fried steak and gravy or chicken livers to fried okra, butter beans, and creamed corn. But the regulars go for the catfish. Open for lunch Monday through Friday until 2 p.m. and for dinner Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 4:30 to 9 p.m. No alcohol is served.
153. Dreamland Barbecue
City: Atlanta, GA
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (770) 446-6969
Address: 5250 Peachtree Pkwy.
Description: The first branch of the famed Tuscaloosa, Alabama, institution, Dreamland is a mecca for fans of Georgia/Alabama style ’cue, characterized by pulled pork covered liberally with a spicy, vinegary tomato-based sauce. The slow-cooked meat (chicken is also available) is done with loving care and is wonderful for eating without any sauce at all. Go very hungry, or be prepared to sack home several lunches, as the portions are huge. One “sign” that you are dining in an establishment of unusual refinement and breeding: the 10-foot-long, neon-lit advisement hanging over the lobby, no farting. Open daily for lunch and supper.
154. Puckett’s Restaurant
City: Atlanta, GA
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (770) 945-6031
Address: 4840 South Lee St.
Description: Puckett’s fixes breakfast, lunch, and dinner on weekdays only, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. A typical day begins at 4:30 a.m., when the homemade pies are baked. Other specialties include fried chicken and country-fried steak; seven or so vegetables are available. Friendly, down-home family-owned Puckett’s has been in business since 1953. No alcohol is served, and credit cards are not accepted.
155. Williamson Brothers Bar-B-Q
City: Atlanta, GA
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (770) 971-3201
Address: 1425 Roswell Rd.
Description: Williamson Brothers is a Marietta institution. Folks rave about the crusty, meaty ribs. Pork is shredded, not sliced. The sauce, also sold separately, is Alabama-style. Reservations accepted. Open every day for lunch and dinner.
156. Royal Thai Cuisine
City: Atlanta, GA
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (770) 449-7796
Description: Take your seat in the cozy upholstered booths surrounded by wood paneling and deep-green fabric panels, or dine on the outdoor deck of this small place known for good food. House specialties include soft-shell crab with curry, boneless crispy duck in a basil sauce, and lamb with tea rose dumplings. Royal Thai serves Thai beer. You’ll find efficient, friendly service at lunch Monday through Friday. Dinner is served nightly.
157. Thai Restaurant of Norcross
City: Atlanta, GA
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (770) 938-3883
Address: 605 South Norcross-Tucker Rd.
Description: Small and always crowded with Asians and Anglos, Thai Restaurant of Norcross is one of the best of Gwinnett County’s myriad Thai restaurants. It’s hard to go wrong with pad Thai, Panang curry, seafood pancake, or any of the other menu selections. Service is friendly and helpful. Parking in the small shopping center lot can be a problem on weekends. Lunch and dinner are served daily.
158. Cafe Sunflower
City: Atlanta, GA
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (404) 256-1675
Address: 5975 Roswell Rd. NE
Description: Just a half-mile outside the Perimeter in Hammond Springs Shopping Center, Cafe Sunflower is a comfortable restaurant that specializes in imaginative and well-prepared wholesome food. The cuisine is a combo of Asian, Mediterranean, and Southwestern influences. Try the fresh vegetables over fluffy brown rice or the wild mushroom fettuccine. No alcohol is served, nor is smoking allowed. Cafe Sunflower welcomes reservations for lunch and dinner during the week and on Saturdays. Both locations are closed on Sunday.