Paschal's Restaurant & Bar

"Back in the day, Paschal’s was like the Avengers headquarters, a gathering spot for civil rights activists like MLK, John Lewis, and Andrew Young. It’s still a great venue for big groups, but these days, you’ll see locals, corporate types rocking the latest in lanyard fashion, and families hanging out at the large two-level restaurant. Join them in appreciating massive photos of the aforementioned icons on the restaurant’s walls while you dig into your savory greens, cinnamony candied yams, buttery mashed potatoes, and sweet cornbread that could double as dessert." - nina reeder, juli horsford, jacinta howard

"Paschal’s, a one-time gathering place for Civil Rights legends like MLK and Ralph David Abernathy, has a lot in common with its West End neighbor, Busy Bee. With a rich history here too, they're often frequented by politicians looking for photo opps and visitors looking to pay their respects. But Paschal’s is where you can go for a sit-down, soul food dinner. The polished duplex is huge (they moved to this location in 2002), so clusters of colleagues often file in for lunch and large families pack the place on Sunday afternoons. And nearly every tabletop will have Paschal’s signature dish—chicken fried in a light but very well-seasoned batter. And sides like perfectly cooked collard greens and hearty black-eyed peas round out an elite combo." - jacinta howard

"Black-and-white images of Coretta Scott King, John Lewis, and other Civil Rights pillars who frequented Paschal’s tower over the tables. And with Motown tunes coming through the speakers, you might think you know what’s coming at this West End landmark—a soul-soothing scene and blue-ribbon-worthy plates of catfish, candied yams, and cornbread. And that’s mostly what you get. But then a new hip-hop artist plays and you'll see a robot waiter dropping off a platter of golden fried chicken, and it’s clear that this 1947-established community fixture is with the times, too." - demarco williams, nina reeder, juli horsford, jacinta howard

"During the Civil Rights movement, Paschal's was known as a safe space. Many strategy sessions (that included names like Martin Luther King, Jr., John Lewis, Hosea Williams, Ralph David Abernathy, and Aretha Franklin) were fueled by plates of crispy fried chicken and slices of moist cornbread. And it’s still a major stop for community activists, visiting politicians, and celebrities. But these days, you’re more likely to see tourists popping in for brunch, AUC folks gathering for lunch, or families settling in for a hearty dinner. They're all here because this 1947-established West End legend still serves soul food that hits just right, every time. photo credit: Mhandy Gerard video credit: Mhandy Gerard photo credit: Mhandy Gerard photo credit: Amy Sinclair video credit: Mhandy Gerard There's an extensive menu full of solid staples, like their legendary juicy fried chicken with a crispy batter (it made our best fried chicken guide), and candied yams that could double as dessert. And when you're tired of eating mac and cheese that taste like it came from a drive-thru, Paschal's will give you a taste of Sunday dinner, anytime—with platters of cheesy oven-baked mac, tender catfish, and garlicky greens. The kitchen isn't with experiments and shortcuts here, so you'll always get the familiar comforts of good, old-school cooking. But it's not a complete time capsule experience. Paschal's relocated to an updated two-story space on Northside, where you'll hear Lil Baby songs mixed with Motown classics on the speakers. And don’t be surprised when a beeping robot zigzags through the massive dining room to drop off your fried shrimp and tooth-achingly sweet tea. Food Rundown photo credit: Mhandy Gerard 1947 Fried Chicken This dish has been a steady comfort for the OGs who have been visiting Paschals for decades. So this plate—three big pieces of crispy battered, well-seasoned chicken, two sides, and a piece of sweet cornbread—should be on your table. Fried Chicken Sandwich Ignore the sandwich part, this is really just meat on bread. The bone-in fried chicken breast has salty, snappy skin, but the sandwich itself is dry. Baked Salmon This is a decent order if you don't want the fried chicken. The grilled salmon is thick and garlicky with a touch of sweetness. Greens Bland greens can take an otherwise good soul food spot from "I want you to meet my family" to "this just isn't going to work out." These greens are marriage material—they're slow-simmered with the right balance of richness and tang. Voodoo Shrimp This is a good order if you like spice. You get six big pieces of plump shrimp that are coated in a spicy breading and tossed in a hot buffalo-y sauce. The chili spice is mixed in the breading, so the heat builds up with every bite, in the best way. photo credit: MhandyGerard Catfish The catfish comes grilled or fried. But go for the fried since the fish is tender inside, the coating crunches with every bite, and the breading gives you that enjoyable salty-to-tangy contrast when you spread on a little tartar sauce." - Jacinta Howard

"The historic Paschal’s restaurant served as a meeting place for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his lieutenants during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. But long before MLK put Paschal’s on the map nationwide, the restaurant was already known in Atlanta for its delicious fried chicken. And, it still is today." - Missy Frederick, Beth McKibben