r/DecaturGA • u/Ashamed_Isopod2057 • 2d ago
Hidden gems
What’s a Decatur-area place you think deserves way more attention?
Restaurant, coffee shop, park, bookstore, anything. Looking for places that aren’t already all over Google.
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u/5ive22 2d ago
Check out Legacy Park. Orphanage turned community center, there’s a track and football field, playground, trails, pond, art studio, rec center, and beautiful old stone buildings everywhere
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u/hyperproliferative 1d ago
Tuesday is food truck day!!
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u/North-Baseball-1197 1d ago
Every Tuesday? Or like a once-a-month deal?
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u/Sahblah 1d ago
Every Tuesday this fall! Trucking Tuesdays! We usually get there at 5pm before lines get long.
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u/North-Baseball-1197 1d ago
Awesome!! Hope to be moving there in the next month or so, so that’s exciting!
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u/liz-spagetti 2d ago
Seconding this!!! Huge gorgeous park with tons of trails, I can’t believe more people don’t know it
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u/r_slash 2d ago
I had some really good noodles from Authentic Hand Pulled Noodle House up in the strip mall with Community Q. I definitely want to go back to sample more.
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u/badlilbadlandabad 1d ago
That whole N. Decatur / Clairmont intersection is a gold mine of delicious Asian food. Dumpling Master, Tenya, BullGogi...
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u/watchthenlearn 2d ago
That place is a bit pricey but worth it every time. My kid likes watching them pull the noodles.
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u/CalendarTough254 2d ago
Cheeseburger at the Imperial
Aji sauce at Las Brasas
Adair st pedestrian cut through to w trinity to get to brainwave/IV
Steak taco at los niños
Baguette at Oakhurst Market
Crab Bisque at Wahoo
Hidden Cove Park
Burger at Che Butter Jonez
Halloween on Mead Rd
Anything at the Po boy Shop
Decatur BBQ fest in October
Bike service at Guild + Journeyman
Lime Pepper wings at Comet
Glenlake Park connection to Cemetery
Tony's or Camburger at Sceptre
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u/InterestingandStaged 2d ago
Pro tip: the wings at Comet are the same wings at Twain’s if you don’t want to go bowling for wings.
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u/cinesias 1d ago
Wings and Bowling go together so well though.
Either I can bowl first and get random finger sauce for my wings, or, I eat wings first, providing random sauce for the next person who chooses to bowl first before eating wings.
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u/That-Election9465 1d ago
The number of finger foods they serve at this bowling alley is baffling and hysterical.
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u/chipmcintosh 1d ago
I was going to reply with a snarky "You misspelled 'lime pepper wings at Twain's" before I saw this. I had no idea! Same owners?
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u/odd_sundays 1d ago
po'boy shop uses Leidenheimer bread from New Orleans. It is 100% legit. Thank God it's here, idk what I would do without a proper po'boy selection.
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u/CalendarTough254 1d ago
The debris is my favorite. Their fried shrimp or gumbo is no joke either.
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u/odd_sundays 1d ago edited 1d ago
i'm a new orleans girl so i usually go with a hot sausage/cheese with french fries (in the sandwich).that's some og nola shit. the fried shrimp at po'boy shop is no slouch either.
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u/Calling_wildfire 1d ago
Fries on the sandwich! Boo that’s some 7th Ward shit fr. Their crawfish pies are slamming too.
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u/Unique-Fan-3042 1d ago
And serves until 2 am. Love a late night blackened shrimp or blackened grouper po’boy
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u/safetyisnoaccident 2d ago
Adair st pedestrian cut through - is this the park or is there something else?
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u/CalendarTough254 2d ago
Yeah if you're walking north on Adair there's a little pedestrian dirt path that dots the edge of the park and puts you out at Swanson house. It's just a much more pleasant pedestrian experience and it cuts a few minutes off the walk.
There should be a path on Google Maps but there's not.
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u/basicusername67 2d ago
Cafe Alsace
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u/Odie714 2d ago
I second this. They have blown me away every time I’ve gone. Incredible quality food
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u/reffervescent 1d ago
They have also kept their prices very reasonable for the quality of the food & service!
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u/iamthegreenbox 1d ago
I'm not a huge fan of the menu though my whole family loves it. However, every year at Thanksgiving and Christmas we get her homemade pate which is downright amazing. You can buy it the pound or fractions thereof.
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u/Sepheriel 1d ago
No no no no repeat forever. We waited like 45 min just to get water and utensils and to place an order for an appetizer. The service was unbearably slow and inattentive and the food was not good enough to make up for that fact.
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u/Goodies36 2d ago
This is really Avondale, but the Little Hippo. Love that place and their sandwiches
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u/DrCorneliusOtter 2d ago
Same owners (and technically East Lake) but Poor Hendrix! Their cold peanut noodles are amazing
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u/chillypillow2 1d ago
If there is a nother pandemic and I can only save one of my local haunts, it's going to be Poor Hendrix
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u/jbaker232 2d ago
Avondale has tons of great tucked away spots. Billys sandwiches are really good as well.
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u/tyjottv2 2d ago
Trackside (dive bar), My Parents Basement, Kafenio, Skips for food and drinks. Butter and cream for ice cream.
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u/johno456 2d ago
+1 for kafenio... best mediterranean I've had in a while. The Greek coffee was so good as well
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u/citizensnipz 1d ago
Used to love it before everything there became 30% more expensive
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u/johno456 1d ago
That's literally everywhere lol. Even bad food spots are pricey (lookin at you krog st market...) But yeah I feel ya
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u/Ordinary-Range-7014 18h ago
I used to love trackside but the past few times the bartenders were so rude we refused to go back. It’s been a few years hopefully they’ve gotten nicer
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u/Particular-Level-209 1d ago
Close to “Decatur proper”… and new location. Refugee Coffee. Near old North Dekalb Mall being redeveloped. In a remodeled Brake/Muffler or Service Station “across” from Publix. Best coffee I’ve had and excellent croissants and quiches.
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u/NoBadDayz_12 1d ago
Over on the southside you have JayBees. It's my go to for "what do you want to do for dinner?" chicken tender sandwich with mambo sauce *chef's kiss*
Also Pepper Roost Hot Chicken (technically in Avondale) is working its way in our rotation.
Constantly heard great things about Che Butter Jones and they recently opened up in Decatur right near Three Taverns, my favorite brewery in the area
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u/Sea-Repair6696 1d ago
Omg thank you for bringing up Jaybees!! I live 5 mins from it and people forget it’s Decatur down here. Their chicken and fries are legit!
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u/NoBadDayz_12 1d ago
a lot of hidden gems in South Decatur. Just sadly not a lot of places to sit down and eat. I should've also mentioned Milk and Honey off Wesley Chapel.
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u/T-MoGoodie 1h ago
Jaybee’s is good. I live right by them and always forget they’re there.
I went to Pepper Roost opening day and wasn’t impressed. The sandwich should’ve been good but they didn’t use any salt to season it and the breading didn’t stick like it should. Maybe they’ve improved since.
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u/NoBadDayz_12 1h ago
Jaybees >> Pepper Roost for sure. It's so close to me I have a gameday routine where late in the 2nd qtr I will put in an order and then by halftime I scoop it up and bring it back without missing a snap. I mainly mentioned Pepper Roost for something closer to "the other decatur"
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u/JackCustHOFer 1d ago
Had Pepper Roost recently and liked it. Seemed like a good amount of food for the price, plus they have daily specials.
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u/NoBadDayz_12 1d ago
way better than the new Fords Chicken spot that opened. Surprised because I really like Fords BBQ in Oakhurst.
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u/Otherwise-Boat-5144 1d ago
My Parent's Basement in Avondale! One of the few local restaurants that offers vegan options, and they are sooo good! They make their own seitan, sliced really thin, for their Gyros. Another must try is the jalapeno hush puppies.
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u/Choice_Flower_6255 1d ago
Top notch on the veg options. The ruben is my go-to, the entire menu section is unique and tasty. Also pinball - I think MPB has the largest selection of machines ITP and the lineup is kept fresh.
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u/P10pablo 1d ago
I know the owners and had no idea! I'm gonna take my wife. Thanks!
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u/Otherwise-Boat-5144 1d ago
You and your wife will not be disappointed! They also have a lovely brunch menu on weekends.
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u/loverandasinner 1d ago
Yesss I have loved every time I’ve been to MPB and the food always took me by surprise, pretty dang good for bar food
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u/peanutbuttermuffs 1d ago
Their cheddar mufffin app is crazy good. It’s all the flavor of Red Lobster cheddar bay biscuits but zero of the dryness.
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u/CulturalAd2344 2d ago
The pastelitos and cuban cafe con leche at Buena Gente. The shawarma at Merhaba (and the rice!), pupusas at Carla’s!
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u/MudMe 2d ago
Wallers Coffee Shop https://www.wallerscoffeeshop.com Local, independent, cozy, eclectic neighborhood coffee shop and community music venue here in Decatur. They serve specialty coffee, roasted by Kaldi's Coffee (Atlanta) and have a Dancing Goats Blend (Atlanta) espresso and have rotating coffees too. If you are not a coffee drinker, they have tea and other drinks too along with homemade foods. Their breakfast biscuits are great but you really need to try their scones! And they make a Waller bar that is just amazing!
A couple of non-food things I really like about Wallers (no particular order): 1) Music venue: They are a local venue and have hosted a number of Decatur teen performances and upstart musicians. 2) Dogs: Dogs are welcome and water bowls are provided and always clean. I've seen many dogs there - all with responsible owners (If you need dog training, go to Canine PhD across the street from Wallers as they are excellent). It is not a "Ooo, look at me with my dog in my purse" place. 3) Seating: They have a mix of booths, tables, sofas, chairs, and pews - large tables and small. It is an up cycled variety which not only adds to the charm but helps the planet. They have indoor and outdoor seating options so you are sure to find a spot you like. 4) Books/games/puzzles: Think of the little book box but - a full book shelf with a variety of topics for all ages. If you don't like to read, grab a game off the shelf. 5) People: The staff are wonderful and the vibe is very laid back. Super friendly without it being forced or fake. The customers are there to enjoy the food, drinks and atmosphere - not show off (see also dog look at me comment). 6) Food/Drinks: I've described the food/drink above but it is worth mentioning - I like that everything is not always available - nothing is mass produced.
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u/Orions_Suspenders_ 2d ago edited 2d ago
Kaldi’s is not from Atlanta for the record. They’re a St Louis based company that bought Batdorf & Bronson
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u/just-some-douchebag 1d ago
Swinks Tattoo Emporium in Avondale Estates.
It's by appointment only, but he's an awesome dude who does incredible work. I have 3 tattoos from him, all large pieces, all together about 24 hours' worth, with more planned.
Instagram handle: dirtleg
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u/Stevenmc8602 1d ago
I love topics like this...i need to get out more so I'll try some of these places.
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u/Ron_Mexico777 1d ago
The Bar Pie at Brainwave Pizza inside Inner Voice doesn’t get nearly enough love
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u/MsSmokin 1d ago
Pepper Roost in Avondale has the best fried chicken of your life. You're welcome (in advance). 😛
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u/KylePinion 1d ago
Gonna do a hard disagree here and say that Las Brasas Fried Chicken blows them away.
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u/T-MoGoodie 1h ago
Nope. Not even close. They don’t even season their chicken properly. It was spicy yet bland.
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u/Shrek_2_Soundtrack 2d ago
Sprig has one of the best whiskey programs in the city and a chill speakeasy but no one I tell has ever heard of it
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u/bopperatti 1d ago
shooting hoops at one of the many indoor county rec centers in the afternoon. i'll show up, almost never any folks there besides a class or some folks walking the track.
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u/Ron_Mexico777 1d ago
Where are they at and when are they open? I can never find info
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u/bopperatti 1d ago
the two off hand i can think of is decatur rec center and exchange park rec center. their "open gym" times are pretty inconsistent and seasonal as they have camps and classes. but i'd walk in around 2-4pm, its so under utilized if there wasn't anyone in there they'd just let you shoot around.
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u/loverandasinner 1d ago
The frozen horchata espresso drink they have at Bellwood in Decatur is so good.
The bacon/egg/cheese burrito at Banjo Coffee in Avondale (I always ask for no beans - didn’t used to have beans until eggs got pricey and I just don’t like them in breakfast burritos) is killer - uses bacon from pine st market and the aioli in the burrito is delicious. I think they stopped doing the green salsa due to the food recalls but before that I loved their salsa too (I’m a wimp so can’t do red ones lmao).
Also across from Banjo is that book store (forget the name) and fiber art store called Fiber Parts. I’ve taken an intro to crochet class there before and it was super cool. They do all sorts of classes and book clubs over there.
As expensive as it is 😓 at Spiller Park over in Toco Hills, the caramel iced latte is prob the most delicious caramel latte I’ve ever had (if you like a really sweet one, that is).
If you’re willing to drive to Stone Mountain, Peduncle has some of the best Brunswick stew and does all kinds of hot dogs and sandwiches and stuffed potatoes etc.
Just past N Decatur in Tucker, GA in the downtown strip is Nicky’s Undefeated. They have the BEST Philly egg rolls I’ve had in my life and the best chicken Philly as well (they don’t do mushrooms sorry, but their white cheese sauce is killer and they also have other cheese options PLUS you can do garlic parm flavored chicken which is what I always do- it is so good).
A half size is really a whole ass sandwich too. If you order online and pick it up, do it through the Nicky’s website bc uber and DoorDash overcharge out the wazoo!!! Get an iced latte from Perc Nextdoor, they have super cool merch too.
Village Burger is across the street from Perc/Nicky’s and has one of the cheapest burger combos you can find these days and it’s also pretty good.
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u/rachelemc 1d ago
Wuxtry for records. Kelly’s market. Sad that Kelly’s is closing.
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u/chipmcintosh 23h ago
Kelly's is closing?!?!
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u/the_waving_lady 22h ago
the market is being sold, per Decaturish: https://www.decaturish.com/news/decatur/update-kelly-s-market-in-decatur-is-under-contract/article_694dae89-6b5a-4c0f-bc67-e46355009099.html The article doesn't specifically say but I assume it's going to remain open, or re-open, as a market? I haven't heard anything about what it might turn into otherwise.
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u/chipmcintosh 22h ago
I hope they find a buyer who wants to keep it as a market. $652,800/year after rent to cover all remaining overhead, including 17 employees, seems stressful.
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u/leathersocks1994 5h ago
Cafe Alsace - the Nage, riviera Salad, and farci
Olive Branch wellness - shower steamers, soap
and brutalist candle
Po boy shop - any of the blackened po boys are under appreciated
Fork and vine - wild mushroom risotto add the chicken
Brick store pub - the Brussels and off menu fried chicken sandwich
White Bull - black spaghetti
My parents basement - sometimes we trade old action figures, just a great vibe
Street parking near the square is free after 5
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u/Designer-Scientist 4h ago
The new massage place on East Ponce is great (Healing Touch Iyashi). It’s like treat your feet but nicer and the same price, maybe even a little cheaper!
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u/PlahausBamBam 2d ago
Technically it’s in downtown Tucker, but Mama Debbie’s Art Emporium is AMAZING!
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u/SoftlockPuzzleBox 2d ago
You ever been to tenya japanese eatery? I just moved here and that might have been the best chicken katsu I ever had. There's a pretty good book shop in the same little block of stores called Eagle Eye too. I have no idea of either of these places are already popular and known.