"You don’t even have to notice the very prominent “since 1927” signs around the place. You can feel the "old-school" the moment you step into the massive dining room at the Colonnade, Atlanta’s second-oldest restaurant. The dreary wood-trimmed walls and oddly patterned carpet look like they haven’t changed since the days when Hank Aaron first donned a Braves jersey. And the Cheshire Bridge institution is usually buzzing with neighborhood locals who probably remember seeing Hank Aaron play. But nobody’s coming here just for the nostalgic decor. They come for well-seasoned Southern meals. That includes family-style servings of tender roast beef, savory collard greens, lunchtime martinis in old-school thick glasses, and, most importantly, the crackly Southern-fried chicken plate (it even made our guide). This is the kind of place where time slows down, and the food takes center stage. photo credit: Connor Franklin Leland photo credit: Connor Franklin Leland photo credit: Connor Franklin Leland photo credit: Connor Franklin Leland photo credit: Connor Franklin Leland Food Rundown photo credit: Connor Franklin Leland Fried Chicken This is quintessential Southern fried chicken with thick, well-seasoned crackly breading and juicy meat. You get four big pieces of chicken with this order. Roast Beef One of the must-orders on the menu, the roast beef is hearty and melt-in-your-mouth tender. Black Eyed Peas Skip these. They're bland—like they are boiled in salt water with little else to flavor them. Collard Greens Savory and smoky, the greens pair well with your crispy chicken. Sweet Potatoes These get the job done—sweet and creamy without overdoing it with sugar or spices." - Jacinta Howard
