When asking yourself about something to do near me in Atlanta with a group of friends or family, consider
Mary Mac's Tea Room
Why Mary Mac's Tea Room is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Mary Mac's Tea Room, established in 1945 by Mary MacKenzie, stands as one of Atlanta’s most distinguished and historic restaurants, renowned for its authentic Southern cuisine and warm hospitality. As the last remaining "tea room" from Atlanta's original sixteen, Mary Mac's offers a unique cultural and culinary experience deeply rooted in Southern tradition. The restaurant's ambiance reflects a warm, family-style atmosphere, making it an ideal place to meet up with friends or family for a comforting meal. Guests often describe feeling treated like family, with a focus on welcoming service that enhances the dining experience. Mary Mac's spans a spacious 13,000 square feet with multiple dining rooms and a full bar, providing rooms suitable for intimate gatherings or larger groups. Its location in Midtown, near the Fox Theatre, situates it conveniently for locals and visitors alike. Signature dishes such as fried chicken, pot liquor, mac & cheese, and peach cobbler highlight classic Southern flavors, prepared using recipes that have remained unchanged through multiple generations of ownership. Live music, including violin performances, occasionally complements the dining experience, contributing to the warm, authentic Southern ambiance. The restaurant’s commitment to preserving tradition while welcoming all patrons has cemented Mary Mac’s status as “Atlanta’s Dining Room,” officially recognized by the Georgia House of Representatives in 2011.
Here's what people think of Mary Mac's Tea Room
As of recent, Mary Mac's Tea Room holds a 4.4-star rating based on 14232 reviews.
Reviews of Mary Mac’s Tea Room reveal a generally positive sentiment, with an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 from over 14,000 reviews. Patrons consistently praise the restaurant for its authentic Southern cuisine, particularly highlighting the fried chicken’s crispiness and flavorful nature, and the rich, traditional dishes such as pot liquor and mac & cheese. The welcoming and attentive service is also frequently applauded, alongside the warm atmosphere that evokes a sense of Southern hospitality and tradition. Positive reviews emphasize the restaurant’s historical significance, family-style environment, and consistent quality of food and service across decades. Many reviewers appreciate the unchanged recipes and atmosphere, contributing to a reliable and comforting dining experience. However, some critiques address the food’s flavor as being more basic or lacking a distinctive special touch despite the historic reputation. A few reviews mention the ambient music setup, suggesting improvements to better highlight live performances without distraction. Some diners feel that while the ambiance is pleasant and the fried chicken excellent, the dining experience may not meet expectations for a standout culinary experience in Atlanta’s diverse food scene. In summary, Mary Mac's Tea Room is highly regarded for its tradition, hospitality, and beloved Southern dishes, even if individual tastes vary regarding culinary complexity. The enduring family atmosphere and consistent service remain key draws for visitors seeking classic Southern fare with historical significance.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Pamela Harper
Mary Mac’s delivers a true Southern dining experience that feels like stepping back in time. From the start, we were treated to a small bowl of pot likker (the flavorful broth from boiled greens) served with cornbread and rolls. It was rich, comforting, and a delicious way to begin the meal. For appetizers, we tried the fried livers, which were perfectly seasoned and cooked—absolutely excellent. My husband ordered the chicken and dumplings with sweet potatoes. While the flavor was spot on, the dish could have used a bit more chicken. I had the fried chicken wings with collard greens and fried green tomatoes, and everything was tasty, especially the greens. Portions were very generous, leaving us with plenty for leftovers that night. The atmosphere is warm, nostalgic, and full of Southern charm, making the experience just as memorable as the food. Service was friendly and efficient, adding to the welcoming feel. Overall, Mary Mac’s is a must-visit for anyone craving hearty Southern comfort food. We’ll definitely return the next time we’re in Atlanta!
Jena LeAnn
This was such a charming gem in Atlanta. I don't know how many seats can possibly be in the facility, but we did not have to wait at all to be sat. Beings it was a Sunday evening around the supper rush, we were shocked by there not being a wait. My son and I really enjoyed our dinner date. He is a bit of a foodie, so it was neat to get his take as we dined. He pointed out that the establishment is clear about what they serve, and they take pride in doing so. They aren't trying to be something they aren't. They serve literal southern food and do it well. In all honesty, our total was $80, including tip, which we both felt was reasonable. This was a recommendation from some of our state representatives, and it is one we were gold we tried.
Gene K
Ordered the 4 piece fried chicken with sides. Chicken was okay, nothing special. Wife got the peach cobbler, which was warm and also just okay. Came with corn bread and muffins.Really good service, huge restaurant with several dining rooms. Free parking in the back.
Jody B.
Enjoyed our dinner here. Food server was great, offered recommendations, and stayed attentive throughout. Had chicken fried chicken with smothered gravy, fried okra, cornbread dressing (not very good), and sweet potato with brown sugar. Topped it off with a peach cobbler ala mode. Delicious.
Nam Tran
Maybe I’m not as into Fried Chicken as I thought. The food is good, and they give you large portions, but the taste doesn’t quite live up to the hype. I would still recommend it to anyone who wants to try southern cooking, but temper your expectations. If I came here again I would get the Roast Turkey. The fried chicken wings are better than the 4 piece fried chicken. 🐓Fried Chicken Wings ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Better than the 4 piece fried chicken 🍗 4 Piece Fried Chicken ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Eating this just made me wish I had more wings instead. 🍃Pot Likkers ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Basically their leftover liquid from making Collard Greens. Potentially the best tasting thing I had here 🌽 Corn Chowder ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ As a corn chowder hater, this one was pretty good 🫛 Green Beans ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Decent at best 🌱Fried Okra ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Decent but lost its crisp very quickly 🥔Whipped Potatoes ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 🥖Cornbread and rolls ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 🍋Lemonade ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Decently good Lemonade. You get one free refill here which is more than enough. 🍵Sweet Iced Tea ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Quite good and unlimited refills Price and Portion size ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
How to reach Mary Mac's Tea Room
None
Website: None
Why Mary Mac's Tea Room may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Mary Mac’s Tea Room with your friends? Because this historic Atlanta landmark is much more than a restaurant—it’s a genuine Southern experience that invites you and your group into a warm, welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of a cherished family gathering. Since 1945, Mary Mac’s Tea Room has been serving classic Southern comfort food crafted from time-honored recipes and fresh, hand-prepared ingredients. When you gather here, you’re not just sharing a meal, you’re making memories in a space where everyone feels like family, supported by attentive staff who treat guests as if they were their own relatives. The inviting environment paired with expertly prepared dishes, such as cornbread with pot likker and traditional peach cobbler, creates the perfect setting for reconnecting with friends or celebrating special occasions. With an outstanding 4.4-star rating from over 14,000 reviews, Mary Mac’s consistently delivers a memorable experience that goes beyond food—it’s a cultural touchstone in Atlanta that offers a comfortable, elegant, and uniquely Southern rallying point for friends and family alike.
What types of activities and experiences can you enjoy with a group at Mary Mac’s Tea Room?
Mary Mac’s Tea Room caters beautifully to group activities ranging from casual get-togethers to milestone celebrations. The restaurant provides six completely private dining rooms, accommodating intimate groups of 20 to grand parties of up to 200 guests. Whether you’re planning a birthday, graduation, a family reunion, or even a corporate event, the venue is tailored for socializing and shared enjoyment. Each room offers personalized volume control, making it ideal for speeches, toasts, or simply engaging conversations without interruption. Beyond dining, Mary Mac’s offers delivery services and full-scale catering for off-site gatherings, ensuring flexibility for your group's needs. The staff’s extensive experience in event planning removes the common stresses associated with coordinating larger groups, so hosts can relax and truly enjoy their time together. The blend of private room options and southern charm ensures every gathering, whether large or small, feels personalized, relaxed, and special.
Why is Mary Mac’s Tea Room ideal for hosting group meetups and celebrations?
Mary Mac’s Tea Room is perfectly suited for group meetups due to its rich heritage, inviting ambiance, and dedicated event support. The restaurant prides itself on its long-standing tradition of Southern hospitality—guests report feeling welcomed as if by family members rather than just restaurant patrons. This atmosphere fosters a sense of closeness and community that resonates well with groups wanting to bond beyond just sharing a meal. Additionally, the venue offers a variety of amenities crucial for large or formal events: a private bar, audiovisual equipment for presentations or music, linen services, and customizable menus featuring authentic Southern cuisine. The ability to host breakfast, lunch, or dinner gatherings provides scheduling flexibility for all types of events. Moreover, Mary Mac’s meticulous attention to detail—from shucking fresh corn to baking homemade breads and desserts—enhances the experience, making celebrations not just enjoyable but also authentically Southern in spirit and flavor.
What makes the food at Mary Mac’s Tea Room stand out for group dining?
The culinary offerings at Mary Mac’s Tea Room are central to its appeal for groups, showcasing the best of Southern cooking with a commitment to quality and tradition. Each dish is made with fresh, carefully selected ingredients, often prepared by hand or in-house, ensuring a taste that is both comforting and memorable. Guests are encouraged to try classic Southern staples like banana pudding, coconut cake, peach cobbler, and the signature pot likker served with cornbread. The menu is crafted to appeal broadly with a variety of options spanning casual comfort food to more refined Southern fare such as Cajun and Creole influences. The family-style portions and diverse menu selections mean groups can share and savor a variety of dishes together, fostering a communal dining experience. This emphasis on traditional, hand-crafted food has helped Mary Mac’s maintain its reputation for high-quality Southern cuisine that perfectly complements the social and celebratory nature of group events.
How does Mary Mac’s Tea Room accommodate private events and create a seamless experience?
Mary Mac’s Tea Room takes pride in its experienced event staff who work closely with guests to ensure every detail of a private event is handled smoothly. From initial planning through to execution, their team offers expert guidance, whether you’re booking one of their six private dining rooms or arranging full catering for larger off-site functions. These staff members help customize menus, coordinate AV needs, and manage room layouts to suit the specific nature of your event, all while allowing hosts to focus on enjoying the occasion instead of the logistics. The facility’s accessibility features, including wheelchair access and complimentary parking options, further ensure attendees’ convenience and comfort. With decades of experience welcoming business professionals, families, and celebrities alike, Mary Mac’s provides an event environment that is flexible, professional, and deeply rooted in hospitality, making it one of Atlanta’s premier destinations for private group celebrations.
Can Mary Mac’s Tea Room handle both casual meetups and formal gatherings?
Yes, Mary Mac’s Tea Room is uniquely equipped to host everything from informal meetups to elegant formal celebrations. Their six private dining rooms vary in size and ambiance, allowing guests to choose a space that fits the tone and scale of their event. From the cozy Ms. Ellen’s Room ideal for smaller groups of 20-30, to the larger Atlanta Room which accommodates up to 160 guests and can combine with the Ferrell Room to host 200 people, options are varied. The presence of AV capabilities and private bars enhances the experience for formal occasions involving speeches or performances, while the warm, inviting décor maintains a relaxed vibe suitable for casual gatherings. With flexible dining options available across breakfast, lunch, and dinner, groups can plan their visit according to convenience and desired atmosphere. This versatility makes Mary Mac’s Tea Room a trusted venue for many types of social and business events.
What is the history and significance of Mary Mac’s Tea Room in Atlanta’s dining scene?
Mary Mac’s Tea Room holds a monumental place in Atlanta’s culinary and cultural history as the last surviving tea room from the city’s heyday of sixteen such establishments in the 1940s. Operating continuously since 1945, it has become a cherished institution known as "Atlanta’s Dining Room," symbolizing the best of Southern tradition and hospitality. The restaurant was founded by Mary MacKenzie and later nurtured by renowned figures like Margaret Lupo, and it has welcomed generations of Atlantans, serving families across decades. The enduring commitment to hand-prepared foods, traditional recipes, and a family-like atmosphere has helped Mary Mac’s maintain its authenticity amid the city’s evolving dining landscape. This rich heritage creates not only a dining experience but also a connection to Atlanta’s past, making it a meaningful destination for locals and visitors wanting to experience Southern food culture in its genuine form.
What should first-time visitors know before dining at Mary Mac’s Tea Room with a group?
First-time visitors planning to dine at Mary Mac’s Tea Room with a group can expect a warm welcome tailored to make everyone feel at home. Guests new to the restaurant should try the complimentary cup of pot likker with cornbread, a signature offering that reflects the restaurant's deep Southern roots. Reservations are recommended for groups to ensure private room availability and personalized service. Since Mary Mac’s is open every day from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, there is flexibility in planning your visit for lunch, dinner, or even special brunch events. The dress code is casual, so groups can relax in a comfortable setting. With complementary parking and wheelchair accessibility, Mary Mac’s is easy to access for diverse groups. Above all, visitors should prepare for a dining experience where the focus is on good food, genuine hospitality, and shared memories in a space that feels like home.
Mary Mac’s Tea Room blends Atlanta’s culinary history with exceptional group accommodations, making it an ideal venue to rally with friends or family for memorable meals, celebrations, and authentic Southern experiences.