Atlanta's Best Family-Friendly Dining 2008

Americanized noodle shop hits it big in Morningside with affordable, large portions.

Reviews:

• “Yummy! The BEST!”
• “Award-winning, Best Noodles, Affordable”
• “Not Good”
• “I used to love this restaurant”
• “Adequate”

Tips: Doc Chey’s sells T-shirts with the slogan “Peace Love Noodles” in English and Chinese characters.

Doc Chey’s Noodle House

North Avenue landmark serves up throwback fast food and neon-drenched, old-Atlanta nostalgia.

Reviews:

• “Best Historical Landmark for Good Eats”
• “Gross”
• “WHAT CAN YOU SAY……”
• “Yummy…in the tummy”
• “All American Drive-In———Great For The Kids "

Tips: Study the menu before getting in line—the Varsity has its own menu shorthand. A “naked dog” is a Varsity signature hot dog without chili; a “bag of rags” is a bag of potato chips and an “FO” is an orange-flavored, slushy milk shake.

The Varsity

Top-notch pizzas and pasta dishes make this cozy Italian eatery a neighborhood favorite.

Reviews:

• “Casual quality.”
• “Best Pasta!”
• “Great prices, great food and free parking!”
• “my new “Go-To” pizza and pasta place!"
• “Best Affordable Italian Grub”

Tips: The large lot behind the restaurant is free for customers—a welcome option in bustling Virginia Highlands.

Osteria 832

Old-school Midtown restaurant specializes in Southern food.

Reviews:

• “The best of the best in comfort food”
• “Great Southern Food With A Hoot!”
• ""
• “Old School Style”
• “Delightful”

Tips: The Colonnade does not accept credit cards of any kind. Bring cash or use the ATM in the lobby.

The Colonnade

A neon-lit trip back to the Eisenhower era comes with burgers, shakes and fries.

Reviews:

• “The BEST Shakes, ANYWHERE!”
• “Great Chili Fries”
• “Some locations OK, not this one!”
• “The Diner”
• “YAY! Johnny Rockets!!”

Johnny Rockets

Updated old-school diner draws both the business crowd and Buckhead partiers.

Reviews:

• “um… let me see!”
• “Great Diner atmospher, great, no fabulous food”
• “Great food, great service, awesome carryout”
• “Delicious Southern Cuisine! The way Grandma used to make Sunday lunch!”
• “Best Burgers and shakes in town”

Tips: OK Cafe is extremely popular during peak dining hours. Expect to wait before being seating.

OK Cafe or email OK Cafe

Spanakopita, baked stuffed calamari, and chicken al Sugo are some of the traditional dishes offered in this comfortable, casual Duluth restaurant.

Reviews:

• “It was either really awesome or wtf”
• “Best Service Ive EVER had!!!!”
• “All around spectacular spot”
• “Best Italian food I’ve ever had.”
• “Cool Food, Environmentally Sound”

Sugo or email Sugo

Unpretentious, this Japanese steakhouse is a best-kept secret among intown sushi buffs.

Reviews:

• “Best sushi rolls AND hibachi ANYWHERE!”
• “Best Sushi in Atlanta”
• “great customer service”
• “Awesome Hibachi Chefs and Great Sushi!”
• “Probably The Most Authentic Japanese Dining Experience in Atlanta.”

Tips: Opt for one of the Tatami rooms for an authentic Japanese dinner experience.

Nakato Japanese Restaurant or email Nakato Japanese Restaurant

Family-friendly steakhouse chain boasts a hearty selection and generous portions.

Reviews:

• “Good food”
• “Slow service”
• “A favorite – exceptional owner and/or management at this location”
• “Slow service”
• “Just OK Steakhouse”

Tips: Save precious minutes by calling ahead to put your name on the waiting list.

Bugaboo Creek Steak House

A charming house lures in Decatur neighbors with cheap Mexican fare and a lot of tequila.

Reviews:

• “Great Food—Excellent Service”
• “El Tesoro es Pooro”
• “HORRIBLE SERVICE AND STAFF”
• “Phenomenal food, great service”
• “Great Mexican food—not your usual fare”

Tips: The 95-deep tequila bar has something for all pallets, plus the charismatic prickly pear margarita is a fire-y take on the original.

Cantina El Tesoro or email Cantina El Tesoro

Low-key intown pizzeria features thin-crust pies, quality ingredients and top patio real estate.

Reviews:

• “I Love this place!!!!!”
• “Best Pizza in the South”
• “Service with a sneer, cheap beer, decently -priced pizza with a flavor above all said”
• “Good pizza outside of Chicago or NY”
• “Yum!”

Tips: Check the signs before pulling into the parking lot behind Fellini’s. Not all spaces are designated for restaurant patrons.

Fellini’s Pizza

Creative American cuisine—from cornmeal-encrusted tilapia to lobster and crab ravioli—shines in a family-friendly environment.

Reviews:

• “Wow, not what I expected!!!”
• “Best Place I Have Been To In A LONG Time!”
• “Noughtabees!”
• “There Oughtabee More Oughtabee’s”
• “Wish I knew they were there sooner.”

Tips: Oughtabee’s offers cooking classes for adults and tots.

OughtaBee’s

Like it’s sister restaurant, Osteria 832, Grant Park’s baby Italian eatery offers a simple, affordable menu in a cute setting off Memorial Drive.

Reviews:

• “Avoid this overhyped place with less than average food. There are better pizza and pasta places in Atlanta.”
• “Gotta try this new restaurant in Grant Park!”
• “Pretty good italian”
• “Cozy, Affordable Grant Park Trattoria, Yum-O!”

Tips: Sporting a patio overlooking historic Oakland Cemetery is a perfect spot to unwind during the good weather season.

Stella Neighborhood Trattoria

Health-food consciousness blends with gourmet aspirations at this groovy intown pizza parlor.

Reviews:

• “Best Pizza Place in Atlanta”
• “Great pizza fast”
• “Expensive Pizza, Average Quallity”
• “Do Not Miss the Pizza Sandwich”
• “Superb!!”

Tips: Live in the neighborhood? Call for speedy delivery.

Everybody’s Pizza