Food and Football in Atlanta

Whether you're cheering for your team, exploring the city's cultural landmarks, or savoring Southern delicacies, Atlanta has something special for everyone.

We spent our first night dining at Paschal's. When it comes to experiencing the rich history and delicious cuisine of Atlanta, few places encapsulate the essence of the city like Paschal's. Nestled in the heart of downtown Atlanta, Paschal's is not just a restaurant; it's a cultural landmark that has been serving up Southern comfort food and playing a pivotal role in the civil rights movement for decades. In fact, it's where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his colleagues would frequently gather to discuss the ongoing struggle for civil rights.

While the fried chicken is the star of the show, Paschal's offers a full menu of classic Southern soul food dishes. From succulent pork chops to buttery cornbread, collard greens, mac 'n' cheese, and sweet potato pie, every item on the menu pays homage to the culinary traditions of the South.

On game day, we headed to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for a tailgate. It was a treat to meet former Chargers (and Falcons) player Kynan Forney.

One of the standout features of Mercedes-Benz Stadium is loved the "Fan First" pricing which meant cheap eats like $5 beers, $3 nachos, and $2 hot dogs and Coke.

After the game, we stepped back in time to savor a taste of classic Americana at The Varsity. This legendary drive-in restaurant, located in the heart of Atlanta, has been serving up mouthwatering chili dogs, crispy onion rings, and frosted orange shakes for over 90 years. Whether you're a local or a visitor, a trip to The Varsity is a must for a dose of nostalgia and a delicious bite of Atlanta's culinary history.

We spent our last day embarking on a fizzy journey through the history and magic of the world's most iconic beverage at the World of Coca-Cola. This immersive attraction offers visitors a chance to explore the Coca-Cola legacy, taste over 100 Coca-Cola products from around the globe, and meet the legendary Coca-Cola Polar Bear.

Our last meal in Atlanta was at Mary Mac's Tea Room. Tom, our waiter, explained that the resturant was founded by Mary McKenzie and was one of the first integrated restaurants in Atlanta, breaking down racial barriers and playing a unique role in the civil rights movement. It was one of 16 tea rooms in Atlanta and the only one that still remains today. One of my favorite things to order was "Table Wine of the South", more commonly known as sweet tea!

Atlanta is the ultimate destination for food and football. We came for the game, stayed for the feast, and can't wait to return to this dynamic city again.