Fresh off the runway or just looking to escape the terminal? Here are nine local Black-owned restaurants in Atlanta’s Airport District that will make your first (or last) bite in the city one to remember.
Welcome to the Airport District, where Hartsfield-Jackson may be the world’s busiest airport, but the food just outside it is what travelers really should be talking about.
Whether you’re waiting on your Uber, picking up luggage, or trying to get one more good meal in before takeoff, ATL’s surrounding neighborhoods of College Park and Hapeville are full of flavor, soul, and unforgettable Black-owned gems. We’re talking tacos that hit like home, biscuits better than your auntie’s, jerk shrimp that leave a lasting impression—and yes, desserts so good you’ll start searching for a second stomach.
Below are nine of our top picks, all participants in this year’s Black Restaurant Week, serving up everything from soulful brunch to Caribbean heat.
2051 Godby Road, College Park, GA 30349
Website | Instagram | Facebook | (404) 635-6495
Wrap-A-Lot is a fast-casual gem that brings bold flavors and healthy options to College Park. This family-owned spot specializes in gourmet wraps, rice bowls, and salads, all made to order with fresh ingredients. Their menu features a variety of options, including jerk salmon wraps, honey garlic chicken wraps, and shrimp rice bowls. For those seeking lighter fare, they offer veggie vegan wraps and salads. Don’t miss their signature alkaline lemonade, a refreshing complement to any meal. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or catering an event, Wrap-A-Lot provides delicious and nutritious meals that satisfy.
1634 Virginia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337
Website | Instagram | Facebook | (404) 941-7328
Buttermilk Biscuit is a cozy breakfast and brunch spot that feels like a warm hug. Set in a modern farmhouse-style space, it welcomes families, friends, and solo travelers to enjoy Southern classics like chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and catfish and eggs. Signature dishes include the Buttermilk Chicken Biscuit with a crispy chicken breast and egg inside a garlic cheddar biscuit, and the Biscuit Trio with blueberry lemon zest, garlic cheddar, and classic biscuits served with house-made jam. For a lighter choice, try the gluten-free Buttermilk Parfait with mixed berries and granola. The drink menu features handcrafted cocktails like the Easy Like Sunday Morning and the Hennessy Espresso Martini. Whether starting your day or winding down, this spot offers a truly satisfying experience.
615 North Central Avenue, Hapeville, GA 30354
Black Restaurant Week Listing | Website | Instagram | Facebook | (404) 201-5123
Icey Chicks brings sunshine in a bowl to Hapeville’s food scene. This family-run cafe turned storefront serves fresh açaí and pitaya bowls topped with tropical fruits like kiwi, mango, coconut, and granola. The Happy Bowl with peanut butter drizzle tastes like summer, while the Island Bowl features Nutella and berries. The blue spirulina cream bowl feels like holding a tropical sunrise. Friendly staff make you feel at home, and every bite leaves you refreshed and energized. Whether you’ve just landed or need a light meal before your flight, Icey Chicks is the perfect clean and soulful pick-me-up.
3755 College Street, College Park, GA 30337
Website | Instagram | Facebook | (404) 600-5272
Aye Tea Elle feels like an elegant secret just minutes from the airport. The dimly lit dining room with coastal art and two patios sets a relaxed, stylish vibe. The menu features elevated small plates like fried green tomatoes with house remoulade and crispy wings in Caribbean jerk, sweet chili, or sour patch flavors. Lamb lollipops and salmon croquettes come with flavorful sauces and sides like plantains or mac and cheese. Don’t miss the lemon drop cocktails, available in strawberry, blueberry, or peach, that bring brunch vibes to a new level. The attentive staff make every visit memorable, whether you’re unwinding after travel or savoring one last taste of Atlanta.
3823 Main St, Atlanta, GA 30337
Website | Instagram | Facebook | (404) 767-1135
If you want Southern comfort with polish but no pretense, this is your spot. Housed in a renovated church, the warm lighting and mellow soundtrack create a welcoming atmosphere. The menu blends classic American dishes with Cajun flair, all made from scratch. Creamy shrimp and grits with Andouille sausage and a rich parmesan sauce shine, while the Po‑Boy sandwich stacks crispy shrimp or catfish with remoulade and slaw on soft French bread. Weekend brunch features hot beignets dusted with powdered sugar and house-made cocktails like the French 75. Locals, couples, and travelers all come here for a satisfying meal before or after a flight.
6. Zubi’s Taco Kitchen & Bar
1509 Virginia Avenue, Suite C, College Park, GA 30337
Instagram | Facebook | (678) 948-7634
Zubi’s feels like a neighborhood hangout built for good food and good conversation. From the moment you step inside you sense a warm energy that pairs perfectly with their Afro-Caribbean-Fusion tacos and upbeat soundtrack. Their jerk chicken tacos come stacked with punchy spice and fresh salsa while the plantain nachos offer crunchy, sweet-savory layers you keep coming back for. The trio dip appetizer served with soft fried tortillas is the kind of snack you could share with a stranger at the bar and leave as friends. The cocktails are strong and vibrant and the bartenders greet you like someone they know. Zubi’s is ideal for traveling solo or in a group because you’ll walk away full and glad you stopped for more than just fuel.
3259 Dogwood Drive, Hapeville, GA 30354
Website | Instagram | Facebook | (770) 740-5311
Convo brings dinner, drinks, and good energy into one dynamic experience. Picture plush lounge seating and bold plates that blend Southern and Caribbean influences. Shrimp and grits come creamy and rich, paired with sausage and just the right amount of heat. Oxtail egg rolls are crispy, tender, and unforgettable. The Convo Punch cocktail hits with layers of fruit and just the right kick. Whether you’re landing in ATL or getting ready to leave, this is the kind of spot that gives you a taste of the city’s style, flavor, and community.
3775 Main St, College Park, GA 30337
Website | Instagram | Facebook | (404) 343-6785
Nouveau is the spot where vibes, volume, and vibrant plates come together. Known for hosting some of the liveliest brunches in College Park, this Black-owned gem is equal parts day party and Southern comfort kitchen. The atmosphere is bold with music always in the mix and energy that makes it feel like a celebration every time you walk through the door. From fried lobster tails to creamy shrimp and grits, their menu is stacked with soul food classics turned up a notch. Whether you’re just getting into town or need one last great memory before heading out, this place never misses.
1860 Harvard Ave, College Park, GA 30337
Website | Instagram | Facebook | (404) 941-5657
This isn’t your average corner bakery. Bakes by Drae is known for decadent, over-the-top desserts that feel like a celebration in every bite. The banana pudding cheesecake is rich, layered, and somehow still light enough to make you reach for a second slice. Red velvet cupcakes are fluffy with just the right touch of tang, and cookie butter bars melt in your mouth with a nostalgic sweetness. The storefront is cozy and unpretentious but the desserts are bold and camera-ready. If you’re someone who believes in dessert before dinner or just want to leave Atlanta with something sweet on your mind, this is the stop to make.
All of these spots are located just 5 to 15 minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. In College Park, you’ll find many clustered along Main Street and Godby Road, while Hapeville options are centered near Central Avenue and Dogwood Drive. Uber and Lyft are quick and affordable, and parking is typically free. MARTA can get you close in some cases, but driving or ridesharing is usually the most convenient way to make a quick stop.
You’ve just landed. Maybe you’ve got a car, a hotel shuttle, or a free hour before your flight. Skip the airport pretzels. Instead, head into College Park or Hapeville and explore the local ATL flavor. These Black-owned restaurants offer more than just meals—they bring culture, community, and unforgettable bites. Let your first or last taste of the city be bold, local, and worth remembering.
Author: Paige Andrade
Black Restaurant Week Marketing Team
