BEST OF ATLANTA!!! When will you re-open???? Un break my heart!
(5)
Pamelar H.
YOU WILL KEEP THE CONFEDERATE FLAG on display when you re-open? As much as I like your fried chicken and squash casserole, I won't be returning when you reopen. Can you really be that insensitive to all of your Black workers (BTW--who is cooking that great southern food in your kitchen) and the many Black customers. Really? Really? Leave the flag at your home--not in your business to offend.
(2)
Orin T.
It's been a long time since I sat in a restaurant, had dinner, and spent most of my time saying to myself (and my dinner partner) " I can't wait to get home and write a review about this!!" I was taken here as an impromptu surprise dinner. We pulled up and I was wondering why I had never heard of this place. We got to the door and I could see that it was about an hour before closing time for them so I was a little nervous about what the service and food would be like. The atmosphere is very 50s/60s Diner (don't quote me on the time frame. History is not my strongest subject). The hostess with was friendly and immediately seated us and let us know who the waitress would be. I perused the menu and there were so many good things to choose from! Sandwiches, burgers, meatloaf, mac and cheese. Everything my stomach could ever ask for. There was a lot to choose from but the menu wasn't overwhelming like say... Cheesecake Factory. It was only like 2 pages. My dinner date raved about the fried jalapeno cheese grits so we had to indulge. Those were sooo delicious. Almost like mozzarella sticks but with grits. They came with a cheesy dipping sauce that really enhanced the flavor. Great appetizer choice and a large portion as you can see from my picture. No complaints. I decided to order the Fried Catfish. It was the special of the day. It comes with 2 hush puppies and 2 sides. It was recommended that I try the mac and cheese and the mashed potatoes with "brown gravy". BOY OH BOY!!! This was quite a starchy, delicious combination!! I was in Heaven with each bite. I think the waitress thought I was crazy because my eyes rolled into the back of my head with each bite as if it was the first. The catfish melted in my mouth. The mac and cheese... quite possibly some of the best I've had in Atlanta!! The mashed potatoes were a little salty but they were so flavorful and delicious. I tried some of my dates chicken pot pie and that was mmmm mmm good! Where have you been all my life OK Cafe?! Now that we've united, I will never let you go!! Please check them out. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Lauren M.
I cannot tell a lie-- up until last weekend, the OK Cafe was my new favorite place. My husband and I had just become weekend brunch regulars after moving to the neighborhood. The service is friendly and attentive and every dish we've tried is fresh and tastes home-cooked. However, on our most recent visit as we waited to be seated, we were "greeted" by a large chalkboard in the waiting area extolling (what I assume to be the owners') racially charged political views on a recent event. This is especially disappointing for a place that prominently points out the fact that it is named for the restaurant in Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird," and even has a framed signature by Ms. Lee on the wall. Aside from the fact that I was offended by the sentiments of their statement, I just have no idea why it was necessary to accost a waiting area full of customers with such a thing. We really just wanted to eat our breakfast in peace. Suffice it to say, my breakfast was ruined and we will take our weekly brunch business to somewhere that feels more welcoming to all types of people and all manners of politics.
(1)
Tanya C.
Everything is A-OK at OK Cafe. People really seem to like this place. I actually prefer the takeaway portion over the sit down portion of the restaurant. The restaurant sometimes has a long wait to grab a table. I've been lucky enough to come at times when the place hasn't been too busy. They have a sign outside the door letting you know the current wait times. This place has a kind of diner-ish feel to it. I used to only come here in the middle of the night, but they stopped being open 24 hours many years ago. This always hit the spot after a night of drinking and fun. Unfortunately, it's not quite as enjoyable during normal eating hours (or maybe not quite as enjoyable when you're sober?). The food is generally average and service is about average as well. I've never eaten the country fried steak, but people seem to really dig it here. It's the size of a huge oval platter. I've never seen anyone finish the entire thing themselves. I usually stick with the sandwiches when I eat at the restaurant. The takeaway portion is way better than the restaurant. They have a boneless fried chicken that is so freaking good. I used to stop by and pick up this chicken at least once or twice a week. The mac and cheese, corn, and squash casserole are my favorite sides there. It's a big package your own food and pay by the weight. Make sure you grab a handful of tootsie rolls on your way out!
(3)
Stacey J.
OK Cafe is an Atlanta institution. If you're gonna check off stops on your "food nation" tour and want authentic southern comfort, just hop off 75 and pop in. The veggie plate is the best option with a big glass of sweet tea. Get one to go too! My husband and I go every time we come home!
(5)
Carla J.
An authentic Southern cafe:) I had the chicken salad platter which came w/ a potato salad, cucumber salad, & a mixed green salad. The cucumber salad had a nice sweet taste. The chicken & potato salad had more of a tangy flavor. The green salad definitely had vinegar in it. The service was right on. Southern hospitality at its best:) surprisingly their seats are very comfortable. While I was there I used the restroom & it was kept very clean & organized:) very satisfied!
(5)
Brian K.
OK Cafe has been around since 1987 and not much has changed since. I've heard people rave about this place for years, but after my inaugural visit for Sunday lunch, I'm not quite sure what the hype is about. Although some have lauded the menu as classic southern comfort food, I found it closer to something you'd expect to be served at a geriatric home to those seeking a bland, uninspiring offering to avoid a gastrointestinal reaction and trip to the emergency department. This - coupled with schizophrenic decor, exorbitant wait times, and waitresses donned in dated and unflattering uniforms - tempers my enthusiasm for returning anytime in the foreseeable future. However, judging by the massive post-church crowd that rolled in as I was departing, I don't think they're going to miss me - well, except perhaps for my non-post-church crowd tip. Food: OK Cafe is a casual diner concept with a menu consisting of simple, non-stylized southern American fare. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served, with menu offerings ranging from fried cheese grits and meatloaf sandwiches to pot roast and country fried steak. The portions are massive and the food is bland to appeal to the masses. During my visit, I opted for the bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich, which was accompanied by chips. As promised in the name of the restaurant, it was 'OK', but nothing particularly memorable. My dining partner and I also ordered some pickle chips as an appetizer, which tasted as if they had been fried in oil that the kitchen had been reusing since the restaurant first opened its doors in '87. Service: The staff are all quite friendly and accommodating, but it's overtly non-genuine. There will almost certainly be a wait for a table on weekends - we waited for approximately 20 minutes on a Sunday afternoon around 12:30PM for a table for two. Fortunately, there's a fairly expansive entry area with a decent amount of seating to accommodate those waiting for seating. Atmosphere: The interior of this place would give any respectable interior designer heart palpitations upon entry. The decor is primarily based on a 1950s/60s diner schtick, complete with vinyl red booths and checkerboard floors. There's also a random tree in the center of the dining room with fake paper money hanging from its branches, which I'm assuming was a play on the proverbial "money tree". The clientele ran the gamut from families with children to elderly couples who had clearly been dining there for decades. Dress is casual, but some of the church crowd was dressed to the nines - or ones depending on your sartorial taste level. Cost: Surprisingly inexpensive for the area, which is known for housing some of Atlanta's wealthiest residents, many of whom even dine at OK Cafe. Breakfast and lunch entrees are around $8-$10, while diner entrees are approximately $10-$16. Blue plate specials are also available for lunch and dinner ($12-$16), which come with your choice of two vegetables and a corn muffin. Other: OK Cafe is located in the plaza at the corner of West Paces Ferry Rd. and Northside Highway. Both dine-in and take-out are available - the latter can be accessed via a separate door on the opposite side of the building as the main entrance (11AM-10PM). There is ample and free parking in the plaza's lot. The restaurant is open daily and closed only on New Year's, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Reservations are accepted. Alcohol is served, but beer and wine only.
(3)
Ken P.
Excellent southern comfort food Stewed okra and tomatoes fried green tomatoes Mac and cheese black eyed peas corn bread turkey pork pecan pie the list goes on Quality fresh ingredients fast friendly service comfortable down home environment A must In atlanta
(5)
Jonathan B.
We were in town for the weekend and decided to get dinner here on one of the nights. Atmosphere: The entire restaurant gave off a fast pace style. Waitresses were dressed up in what you would imagine 50 - 60's waitresses diners would be wearing. It was fairly noisy but it was expected with the dinner crowd coming in. Service: I saw a few reviews about the wait times here but we were seated within 5 - 10minutes. My only downside in terms of service was with our waitress. She just seemed like she wanted to get us our food and get us out. I felt a bit rushed; notable but not overly. Food: The food itself was outstanding. I had a pimento cheeseburger and the meat was juicy, the cheese was plentiful, and the prices were just right. Overall: I would definitely come back here on future trips and try out some of the other dishes.
(3)
Maggie K.
This place is the BEST! I'm currently visiting Atlanta, and I'm so bummed that we can't go eat here. This is normally our first stop, sometimes before we even check into our hotel. Open soon, OK cafe! We were so sad to hear about the fire. Well wishes from big fans of yours from TX! Oh and the fried cheese grits are TO DIE FOR! Everything really is two thumbs up, perfection.
(5)
Maurice D.
Ok Cafe is my favorite diner-style type restaurant in Atlanta. This is a very popular establishment in the West Paces Ferry neighborhood in Northwest Atlanta, so a minimal wait is to be expected, especially on the weekends. I have dined here on different occasions for breakfast and lunch and both times the food has been really great. The service here is just okay, nothing spectacular. I definitely would recommend the burgers here. They use high-quality organic beef and fresh ingredients. I especially like the Pimento Cheeseburger, very tasty and satisfying. The prices here are reasonable for the quality and portion sizes of the food. Only downside to this restaurant for me is the lack of diversity, not including the wait staff.
(4)
Richard M.
Closed when I tried to go by.
(1)
Andre M.
Pretty much everything I've had here is awesome. The rotisserie chicken is great. The Mac n cheese is some of the best. I just want to order a pan and take it home lol
OK Cafe, as the name suggests, is just ok. Went for dinner with my gf and her family and I must say, I would never have picked this place myself. Wait was long for a party of our size (11 adults), especially when they refuse to seat until everyone is present. And in the end? everyone was still sat at 2 different tables, not even next to each other. The best advice the manager had to offer was: "I've seen 12 ppl squeezed into this table (the larger one) but they weren't real comfortable". Like seriously, wtf? Service past that point was ok, friendly for the most part and helpful, although I did have to ask for a refill. The food was brought out by other staff who didn't know who ordered what. The food itself was passable, with the sides possibly being better than the main entrees. My turkey avocado BLT was pretty good, but the gf's turkey and dressing only looked so-so. Overall tab came out to over $30 before tax & tip, which for comfort food is way high in my book. Add to it the super weird and tacky "money tree" in the middle of where we were sitting, and the uniforms of the wait staff (can't tell if old school waitresses or nurses), yeah I won't be coming back.
(2)
Adrienne T.
I visited. My server, Stephanie, was very, very, very nice. The food was ok. It was overpriced. The atmosphere was quite Buckhead Bettye. I saw the Money Tree. It was all OK.
(2)
MD M.
This is a must stop place in the ATL. If you are driving up or down 75 this is your old school diner. Great southern food. The Flo style waitress outfits, the decor and the FOOD rock!
(5)
Kirk L.
Started to go 3 stars, but then I realized that whenever wifey suggest we go here my reaction is not positive. It's not bad "for what it is" but it's not a place I'd recommend. 2 stars it is. I do like the convenience of the "OK Take Away" side, though - if you haven't been, it's basically a serve yourself selection of meats, veggies, and salads. Service on the sit-down side can be slow, but it's always friendly. Specifics (A few of these I've only had from the Take Away side - I assume most of it is available in the restaurant, but not positive): -Fried Chicken - Probably the best thing I've had. As you'd expect in a Southern restaurant. -Meatloaf - your results may vary. I've had it from bland to very good. -Pot Roast - Wifey is a fan. I've only tried a bite of hers once, and I thought it was pretty bland. -Squash Casserole - Wifey loves this, but it's not really my thing. -Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Apples - tastes like it has soy sauce on it, which wifey didn't like. Just too sweet for me - I could only have a few bites. -Cranberry relish - I'm a fan of this - not too sweet, not too tart. -Crab and Artichoke dip - I don't taste any crab or artichoke in it. Basically tastes like melted cream cheese. -Mac and Cheese - pretty average. -Desserts - I'm not a dessert guy, but they generally do a good job on desserts.
(2)
Paula D.
We stopped for lunch here on our way through to South Carolina. Service was prompt and very friendly. I had the lightly Cajun fried grouper sandwich and my husband had the BBQ pulled pork sandwich. Both were great and just the right sized portions for lunch. We will be adding this stop to our regular list for meals!
(4)
Sherry U.
Traditional diner with a twist for premium quality ingredients - organic, farm fresh, etc. We have been here many times - breakfast, lunch, dinner and just dessert. Today is Sunday brunch time. I got traditional baked ham and eggs with grits and buttermilk biscuit. Craig went for turkey avocado sprouts BLT. Breakfast platter was good - right size portions - grits were just creamy enough, ham was tasty and cooked just right. Good biscuits that held together well when I added honey. Turkey avocado BLT was a mix of 2 wiches in one - California and BLT. Worked well together with the variety of textures. Fries are cornstarch coated and very good - nice helping provided with the meal. A good experience.
(4)
Paula S.
I've dined at OK Cafe many times, with friends and family. What can one say about a restaurant which never fails to please and remains a standard of classic Southern cuisine? If you've never dined at OK Cafe there are at least two 'Must Tries'. Number one is roasted turkey plate dinner or the sandwiches made with the excellent roasted in house daily turkey. Number 2 is the vegetable plate, selection of four. Pay attention to OK Cafe blackboard as you enter. There you'll see the special entrees, soups, or veggies in season. Does anybody know where one can buy that delicious multigrain bread OK Cafe uses? That's the bread used mainly on the killer yummy turkey avocado BLT. I saw the bread being taken from a large bakery bag but there was no label. BTW, when my sister was blown away by the sausage patty accompanying her omelet one day she begged the waitress to tell her what sausage OK uses. The sweet waitress got the OK to tell us they use top quality Rudy's Farm sausage patties. I've been buying it (mild for me, but the hot is good too) at Kroger (freezer case) ever since. Best Southern style breakfast sausage available. There is ONE thing which is NOT OK about OK Cafe. It's that this restaurant and it's menu is not copied and replicated everywhere, especially closer to where I live! *LOL*
(5)
Eric W.
This place is very awesome! I am a bit of a burger lover and I heard OK Cafe actually had one of the better burgers in GA. I went and ordered the Maytag Blue Cheeseburger with bacon and it was refreshingly delicious. Fresh beef and seasoned well. The Maytag Blue was the perfect compliment. I recommend this place to anyone who enjoys burgers. Also I'm from NJ and that's the home of the diner and OK Cafe has a real diner feel to it! Enjoy and have fun!
(4)
Melissa G.
This place makes me want a portable diving board. So I could ask my waitress for a vat of ranch dressing that I can swan dive into gracefully. I love it that much. I'm pretty sure the waitress picked up the obsessive ranch vibe I was giving off since she brought me a soup spoon to laddle it on thick with. Moving along....the wait was nil. Which is almost unheard of since the lobby is usually packed to the seams with hungry people. The waitress was super sweet as always. They has the best coca cola. Seriously. Food is always tasty and big enough to comfortably share between two people. Get the shaved onions. With ranch. :) And a Tootsie roll for dessert....be still my heart.
(4)
Joy W.
Their motto is "OK Cafe: Everything is OK" and it is. Why don't they call it "Great Cafe: Everything is Great" and make it even better? Overall, this southern comfort food joint is really fun, with okay quality food. FOOD | 3 STARS I ordered the Chicken salad with potato salad, cucumber salad, and lettuce with tomatoes. The chicken salad was rich and chunky, which paired well with the acidity from the vinaigrette dressing. Unfortunately, the dressing was beyond acidic and I almost NEEDED the chicken salad to balance it out. Overall, the salad tasted fresh, but I'd ask for the dressing on the side next time. The soup of the day was a tomato and okra stew, and I love okra so I ordered a cup of it. Unfortunately, the stew was both too salty and too sweet for my liking. It tasted like they cooked it with ketchup. ATMOSPHERE | 5 STARS This place is really fun. It has a bit of a hill billy feel to it, and there's a huge money tree in the middle of one of the dome shaped rooms with fake dollars hanging from it. The crowd skews towards the older Southern white folk population. SERVICE | 4 STARS One of my favorite things here is the outfits of the waitresses. I feel like i'm in a 50's Grease movie. The ladies are really nice and check up often to make sure you have everything. The missed star goes to them forgetting to bring me a spoon for my stew, and also the cashier at the front wasn't the best at helping new confused customers (me) get oriented. TIPS There are two entrances. The one in the back is the main entrance for dine-in. The one in the front for OK TAKE AWAY is for their mini-market where you can walk in and put together your own meals from their hot bar. The fried chicken is only available in their Take Away store. I LOVE their take away mart. [5 of 100]
(3)
Cathy K.
Just had lovely breakfast. Biscuit with sausage gravy, 3 egg omelette with avocado/tomato/sour cream. Also ordered country sausage. All was delish but was very expensive. The bill was 26.00 including tip. Think it is best if you go with someone so you can she because portions are huge. Guess I was looking for too much variety and that cause the bill challenge. Staff from hostess to waitress are pleasant and uniforms are adorable.
(4)
Katherine I.
This place is always great. I don't think I have ever had a bad or even lackluster meal here. They have crushed ice, which I love and they make cherry Coke with coke and grenadine. This is indicative of everything on the menu that is homemade and delicious. I guess the best way to describe this place is like a southern diner. They have a meat with two sides section on the menu. Then they also have sandwiches both hot and cold. I think my favorite part of this restaurant is the good folk art throughout the restaurant. Look for it in every room! Finally they have an entire take-away section where you can get food to go. It's by the pound, so I can easily spend tons of money weighing down my to go container. If I lived up I-75 and had to drive by this place every week day I would probably pop-in once a week for take-away.
(5)
Kurt N.
It's called Ok Cafe so I have to give it an A-OK. But really, it just is. The food is just diner food, but in a cool environment and marked up as such. I went with my dad on a sunday for brunch and had the omelette with coffee and bacon and it tasted exactly what you would expect it to, at least it seems they use real eggs.
(3)
Irene C.
Southern comfort food in the heart of Buckhead. When work is getting you down or your day isn't going as swimmingly as planned, head on over to Ok Cafe to be transported back to a simpler time of Southern hospitality and great food. FOOD: Quality all around food with favorites including the Salmon Burger, the Vegetable Plate, or anything they offer for breakfast. I like that there are healthier options available and a very proactive approach to allergies and food intolerances. SERVICE: Every server I've had here is friendly even if a little rushed. I know the smile is probably part of the uniform, but it is nice to feel like your waiter doesn't hate you. Attentive, polite, and responsible. DECOR: Definitely diner-inspired decor with a beautiful tree decoration in the back. You'll know it when you see it. Love the wait time estimate in the front window for those of us who don't even want to leave our cars to see how long the wait is. TAKE-OUT: Yes, you read that right. Did you know that Ok Cafe has a Take-Out section in the back? Now you can make your own meal and bring it home. The prices are a little steep (by weight), but I like the flexibility of trying different dishes.
(5)
Shon I.
Only need a few words. Always on spot. Really busy, but the staff and food are superb. I love the catfish wednesdays.. tasty Hubby loves the meatloaf. BFF loves the country fried steak **I work around the corner and we order the cakes often. 10 thumbs up. The lemon coconut is my favorite** Will always go back.. Just be prepared for a REALLY REALLY BUSY RESTAURANT
(4)
Jay N.
This restaurant is located just off I 75 on Paces Ferry Rd. in front of the Publix shopping center. It is easy to spot by the Giant neon OK on their roof. I have to say that I have fallen in love with this place over the years and we try to stop every time we are passing through the Atlanta area. It is a southern comfort food restaurant complete with waitstaff in 50's style uniforms, red pleather covered booths and checker board tile floors. The first thing you notice as you approach the door is a neon sign that tells you the approximate wait time. Inside you will find a beehive of activity at any time of the day. There are several different dining areas and a lunch counter type setup with the short order cooks working the grills just on the other side. The decor is definitely a bit odd, but fun. There is a huge "money tree" in the middle of the main dining room. Service has always been good and the servers are friendly and always willing to help you make a choice. My favorites on the menu are the blue plate specials. They change with each visit, but are basically a meat plus 2 sides. The meatloaf is probably my favorite with the triple mac and cheese and black eyed peas. They all come with cornbread. The deserts and shakes are good too. They are open for breakfast lunch and diner. They also offer "Take Away" which is many of the same items you find on the regular menu on a hot bar. You take a box and add whatever you want, when you are done, they weigh it and charge you based on the weight. What a great concept!!! It is a fun weigh (pun intended) to try a little bit of everything on the menu. You may have to wait a bit but it is worth it and the line moves quick. Bottom line: Great Food Great Atmosphere Good Service Decent Prices
(4)
Murray I.
So sad to see all the fire trucks and a big home in the roof. Very glad no one was injured. Good luck OK cafe.
(4)
R G.
I've been going to the Ok Cafe for years. The food is so good and the service is great too. If you looking for that old time Diner experience, outfits and all give ok cafe a try.
(4)
W S.
On December 8, 2014 the restaurant caught fire. Check to make sure it is open before you go.
(5)
Polar F.
First time at the famous OK Cafe, the folks had been here before and family came to visit so we stopped by. The tables were packed, as expected, but the wait was quick. Here we go: 1. Service - hit or miss. The pro was that the different waitresses helped each other so we had attention. The con was the kitchen; burgers came in quick but an omelette took forever, and the accompanying English muffin showed up dead last. Ding for kitchen service. 2. Fare: nothing impressive here. The taste was not out of this world, although the fried pickles were a nice surprise Overall, it's not five star worthy. 3. Price: in my opinion, expensive. We pretty much all decided to not make this restaurant a go-to spot. Overall, if you've never been here, go at least once to try it out. My experience may not be the same as yours but I think you'll notice that the food, while great in quality, didn't have the flavors to match.
(3)
Chaz P.
At my arrival to OK Cafe, my friend Roberto and I were greeted by a familiar voice! Traci, the manager used to be my former employer and we hugged it out!! We were greeted by our server Lessa and she made some stellar recommendations for food on my cheat day from working out and nutrition. The fried cheese grits were off the charts and my fried catfish, collard greens, baked sweet potato and corn muffin were super fire (that means exceptional)! We also had the best Arnold Palmer with fresh squeezed lemonade that I've ever partaken in. Great memory!
(5)
Cathy Z.
I went here with my bf a few weeks ago for dinner. The minute I walked in, I felt like I had traveled back in time. The wait staff were dressed in outfits from the older days and the interior was filled in things from the past. The place was hopping but we managed to get a table for two by the window right away. The atmosphere was lively and relaxed. It definitely had a homey feeling. Food was pretty good. My bf had his usual (he used to be a regular), which consisted of the country fried steak, mashed potatoes, collard greens, and a corn muffin. He loved it as per usual. I had the meatloaf topped with creole sauce, mac & cheese, collard greens, and a corn muffin. I have to say that I wasn't thrilled about the meatloaf. It was just ok to me. Nothing wrong with it but nothing special either. The mac & cheese was heavy with lots of cream and cheese..and mushy, which isn't my jam. The rest of my plate, however, was delicious. Collard greens were seasoned and cooked to perfection. The corn muffin was made perfectly too. On our way out, we also grabbed a couple of rice crispy treats for dessert. And they were gooey and yummy and perfect. I think I'll give this place another try. Mainly because my bf loves it so much, but i will definitely try a different main course.
(4)
Daniel B.
I've been to OK Cafe two times, both for dinner. Each time, I ordered their "Blue Plate" special, which is basically a "meat and two." OK Cafe is a Southern restaurant with a campy, old school, diner-type atmosphere. The servers and cooks wear retro diner uniforms (like something you'd see from the 1950s or 1960s) complete with white hats. The exterior of the building features a bright neon sign while the inside has polished checkerboard floors, red booths, and goofy decor. The restaurant is visible from I-75 North as you approach the West Paces Ferry exit. It's in the same shopping center as Publix. OK Cafe is open seven days a week and serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, but unlike a true diner, they're not open late. They close at 10pm on weeknights and 11pm on weekends. Blue Plate specials are anywhere from $12-16. This is mostly a fair price as the portion sizes are huge. At dinnertime, in addition to traditional Southern plates, they also serve salads, sandwiches, and hamburgers. I've tried the following: Meats: Meatloaf with Creole Sauce Chicken Pot Pie Veggies: Steamed Cabbage Squash Souffle Collard Greens Triple Cheese Macaroni The slab of Meatloaf was a nice big and hearty portion. Plenty of tomato-based "Creole" sauce slathered on top. I liked the sauce as it tasted like standard meatloaf sauce but with added flavors from the garlic and presumably Old Bay-esque spices. The beef was savory and easy to eat. The Chicken Pot Pie was OK. Literally. The crust of the pie had the letters "OK" embossed onto the top of it. Like the Meatloaf, there was a generous helping -- plenty of steaming hot chicken, veggies, and sauce inside. I probably wouldn't order this again, but instead would try something else. The veggies weren't bad. Both the Steamed Cabbage and Collard Greens were fresh and flavorful. Nothing too exciting, though. Squash Souffle was served piping hot. The Triple Cheese Macaroni was a step up from Kraft Macaroni & Cheese. All Blue Plate specials also come with cornbread and butter. Friendly, but not always attentive service. Orders do come out in a reasonable amount of time. Plenty of parking outside and take-out seems to be a popular option.
(3)
Tiffany Y.
I've been to OK Cafe many times and it's always been great. There are plenty of options for vegetarians, you just have to make sure you know which veggies aren't cooked with meat or just ask the server. My mother had the meatloaf with mashed potatoes and broccoli and enjoyed everything, I thought I was going to have to carry her outta there... I had the vegetable plate with macaroni and cheese, steamed cabbage, a sweet potato, and the corn... everything tasted fresh and great We left full and happy and even purchased some desserts from their Take Away area. I can't wait to go back it's one of my favorite restaurants.
(4)
Juan M.
Reliable, though expensive, standard. Right off of 75 in West Buckhead, this is "THE" place to meet and do business. I meet folks here for breakfast and lunch; yes, it's loud, but the convenience factor outweighs everything. Food-wise, it's pretty good. I have lately been gravitating to their 4 vegetables lunch plate which leaves me full for the day. Waitress-wise, they are an interesting bunch...
(3)
Trevor W.
This is how I imagine my Grandparents going out for lunch or dinner at the corner diner in the 40s and 50s. Expansive space with waitresses in that classic white dress uniform and caps. Nostalgic Blue Plate specials, expansive breakfast menu, and old school shakes and pies. Really hits home with Southern Comfort food done right. Love coming here for Brunch on the weekends, though you really can't go wrong any time of day! Service here is exceptional. The after church crowd packs this place in, but you rarely wait more than 15 minutes. Nice stroll down memory lane!
(4)
Robert U.
I've been coming to Okay Cafe for more than 20 years now. I really like it. SERVICE: - It gets busy, and the "sign yourself in" process might be off-putting to newbies. (There is a pad of paper by the check-out register. You write your own name on it and the number of folks in your party, then you sit down.) - Servers are usually friendly, often funny, and always professional (these folks hustle). FOOD: - It's a diner, so they do a little of everything. - It's all good, but I cannot really recommend any one type of food or one dish. - I do LOVE the onion rings. They are very thin and lightly battered. - Portions are fairly large, but not huge. DESSERT: - Milk shakes are great. - Strawberry shortcake is great (has ice cream as well as cake). Overall, this is a fun restaurant with good food.
(4)
Ollie B.
I've heard so many good things about this place and shame on me for not trying it sooner! I loved the old-school theme of the restaurant. The people there were friendly! I ordered the country fried steak and it's the best I've had. Mac & Cheese was seasoned very nicely. I definitely will return!!!
(4)
Doug H.
Always a pleasure to eat here except when the wait is long - which is common. But the food is great southern-style, without the heavy sugar add that many southern places add - like Mary Macs. I prefer the non-sugar veggies and cornbread. Meatloaf, roast, collards, black-eyed peas, and carrot cake are to die for. I also like the take-away buffet option if I don't want to wait one hour. Wished they were open later - especially on holidays and weekends.
(5)
Lawrence C.
This is the real deal for breakfast. Plenty of business and politico meet here...you could have a convention. Food is great and the service is friendly, professional, and not obtrusive.
(4)
Alane H.
I wanted to try the restaurant. I had driven by it many times. I was not overly impressed with the selections I made. I had the Brunswick stew. It was too sweet and seemed to be left over chicken and maybe pork in a tomato, vegetable soup base. It was not the traditional taste of smoked meat that I was expecting. I had the house salad with the vinaigrette. The vinaigrette leaned heavily to the vinegar side. It was fairly boring as well. If anyone is on a restricted diet, it is not a good choice either. The restaurant is clean, and the service is snappy. It had a good crowd that consisted of older clientele. I was not favorably impressed.
(2)
Brandy L.
Baked chicken - delicious Turkey & dressing is ok I really enjoyed the dressing! Collared greens are good Cucumber salad yum! I wanna try the fried jalapeno grits
(4)
Angela H.
I had been meaning to check out OK Cafe since one of my co-workers had told me about their great Southern comfort food a few months ago. However, I never made it a point to drive that direction specifically to eat there. So you can imagine my excitement when my supervisor told me an another co-worker that she'd treat us to lunch at OK Cafe! The three of us arrived around 1 pm on a Monday afternoon. The restaurant was bustling, but we were still seated immediately. We were seated close to the take-out area, called the "OK Take-Away" store, which apparently is separate from the restaurant so you can't order food from there to dine in. The server told me this when I had asked if they had fried chicken available for dine-in, and she said they only have it at the "Take-Away" store. Boo. After glancing at the menu, I quickly decided to get the Country Fried Steak. My co-worker, who has been to OK Cafe many times, told me that it's really good. The Country Fried Steak is one of their "Blue Plate Specials," which are served with "your choice of two vegetables and corn muffin." I chose the Triple Cheese Macaroni and Mashed Potatoes. Our server also asked me whether I wanted the white or brown gravy with my mashed potatoes, pointing out the fact that the Country Fried Steak is topped with white gravy. I chose the brown gravy to keep it interesting. =) Although the fountain drinks are pricey at $2.99 each, I was really happy to learn that they had Coke Zero! So of course, I had to order it. We didn't have to wait very long at all for our food to be served! * Country Fried Steak ($12.99) - WOW. This was truly delicious. I haven't had a whole lot of Southern food in my life, so I don't have much to compare it to, but the steak was tender, flavorful, and fried just right. I really liked the white gravy on it, too. The Triple Cheese Macaroni was AMAZING as well. It was richly cheesy and seasoned nicely. I would say that it's a *little* saltier than I'm used to. However, I had my mashed potatoes and corn muffin, which were both pretty good, to balance it out. I was very, very happy with my large meal. It was so much food that I only ate about half of it and took the rest to go. (Yay for the tasty leftovers!) Overall, OK Cafe gets 4.5 stars for their delicious Country Fried Steak and fast and friendly service! Our server was super polite and smiley, and she asked if we wanted our drinks to-go before we had the chance to ask. The only reason why I'm not giving them 5 stars now is because I want to go back and try their fried chicken and maybe some other Southern comfort foods. This way, an updated review will encompass a more well-rounded opinion. I will definitely return to OK Cafe in the near future. * Fun Fact: OK Cafe is named after the cafe in Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird." As I was leaving, I noticed a framed note from Harper addressed to the restaurant's owner and customers. Check it out before you leave! =) [Review 341 of 366]
(4)
George B.
Great atmosphere in this Atlanta staple. We came at peak dinner time and although the place was crowded, we only waited a few minutes. Service was friendly and prompt. Country vegetables were great, except the cucumber salad - bring back your previous recipe !! This salad was just cucumber and vinegar.
(3)
Dorena N.
I love Ok Cafe! Their menu of southern food is fantastic. I ordered an Egg Salad Sandwich with a Coke Float (this place actually has these!) and was not disappointed. The waitresses are very friendly and several of them stopped by to check up on us. They even have an OK Take Away option, for those in a hurry. The place has some quirky decor and just feels very comfy.
(5)
Tom W.
Great home cooking comfort for. Pot roast with mashed potatoes were awesome Finished with warm pecan pie with ice creme . Great greeters and friendly wait staff makes this place an easy choice to return
(5)
Brittany W.
The "OK Cafe" was less than, "OK". First, the layout of the restaurant is like a maze; Maybe the layout was supposed to go with the decor, quirky. When being seated to my table, I felt like I was being smuggled through the kitchen, and was about to be asked to jungle some plates around to the correct server. Too hectic, especially when I was not going through the kitchen, I was walking through the dining that was at the bar.
(1)
John C.
I have eaten at the OK Cafe twice on visits to Atlanta and highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area. It is one of the few hyped restaurants that actually lives up to the billing and is worth the effort and price.
(5)
Richard H.
It was OK. Too bad for Buckhead that restaurants with simple fare like this are so rare. I've paid much less for moderately better food. Service was good. A waitress made me cocktail sauce, which was above the call of duty. But when salmon cakes are the special of the day, don't cha think you should stock up on the right condiments? Speaking of condiments, customers like a variety of hot sauces on their collards and peas. Let's consider something more than Tabasco plain.
(3)
Damien B.
I have driven by this place for years and never stopped. It is one of those places that has been around longer than u have. The food was good and they keep it simple. It is on the same plane as applebees or chilis. But the service is better most of the time. I might eat there again but it would have to be on the way or someone really wanted to go.
I keep trying this place, hoping that it gets better...but it never does. This is usually one of those places we end up on the weekend because every other brunch place is insane. It seems that everyone else seems to LOVE this place, but I just don't get it. The breakfast / brunch menu is severely lacking and definitely not worth the price. Every time I'm here, I'm convinced that I must be missing out on something that everyone else gets, but to date, I haven't figured out what that is. I've tried a couple of the lunch / dinner options, but they don't seem to be much better. I get that this is a cool 50 diner-y type place, but I'll pass and take good food any day.
(2)
Anitra M.
My burger and fries were HOT and yummy. If you leave here hungry, it's your own fault. I'm guessing there is nothing bad on the menu and service is quick.
(5)
Sport L.
The food here is pretty darn good. Although, I think they add a good amount of sugar to the collards to sweeten them up. Breakfast time is a great choice here as well. Staff seems to be told to faced paced and to hurry customers out. Milkshakes hit the spot in a hot day. Country grid chicken will clog your arteries but will also fill your heart with joy!!
(4)
John S.
Horrible service. After being seated at a table - they told us we had to many and needed to get up from the table they originally sat us at and wait 45 additional minutes for a larger table. This was after we waited 30 mins for our first table they sat us at. The manager needs a lesson in manners and customer service.
(1)
Bob M.
Not sure who's recipe they use for the meat loaf but it looks like something out of a dog food can. STICK WITH THE VEGETABLES
(3)
Brandon R.
My son had to sleep in his truck since 3:15 Tuesday's well as others due to the storm .,OK cafe has went beyond the call of duty to provide meals, a warm place for those who can't get home. This is what's it's all about not closing your doors on others. As a parent you just pray someone offer your love one a helping hand, To the entire staff and manager on duty thank God for you all. For having a caring heart.
(5)
Veronica S.
Special thanks all the wAy from California .... Thank you for opening your door and providing my family with food and shelter yesterday during that snow storm ! God bless you all
(5)
Teresa S.
If you want good southern cooking with a true diner atmosphere, then OK Cafe is perfect for you! Great food and service with a smile! Make sure to sign in as soon as you get there! It gets very busy and the line can be long, but worth a little waiting. They give you a lot of choices, so take some time and cruise the menu.
(4)
Michael B.
The OK Cafe is OK in my book! Stopped by OK the other night as it was on my way home. I wanted something good to eat and fast food just would not cut it. It was a little early, 6:30ish, and thought for a minute that I was going to be served a blue plate special. We walked in and the hostess seated us right away with no wait. Our waitress Holly came over and took our drink orders as soon as we were seated. Holly came back with the drinks and we ordered an appetizer of the Fried Grits. They were great; grits blended with cheese and jalapenos, dusted with Japanese bread crumbs and deep fried. For our entree we split the Country Fried Steak with a side of squash casserole and triple mac and cheese. The meal was wonderful, and the portion size was so big that even splitting the meal we still had enough leftovers to take home. All in all, the food was great and the service was exceptional.
(4)
John E.
This is one of those situations I hate - basically I've been coming to OK Cafe for many years. Most of the time I've had really exceptional food and service. At one time, this was THE place to meet with any technology executive or venture capital investor (before the DotBomb). More recently, I've only been able to dine here every other year or so - the last couple of times the meals were quite good and the service exceptional. Now we come to dining here two days ago. First, I understand that seating a large party (6 adults and two children) in a place with a smallish dining room is a challenge - I worked in the biz over 10 years and I usually don't get bothered by that. I did take exception to the hostess telling us the wait was probably 20-25 minutes due to the size of our part. I took that in stride - I know they have limited seating for larger tables (big round tables under the "money tree"). It didn't get to me until we'd been there35 minutes or so and was given a story about how all the big tables had just been seated. I mean, come on, if the hostess had been walking around like she's supposed to, scoping out the tables she should have known the wait would be longer and informed us. Instead we waited with two hungry kids when we could have gone elsewhere. That situation in itself wouldn't have cost them a star - it was that combined with the poor quality of the food when delivered. Of the 6 entrees ordered, one was cold (the meatloaf) and the turkey and dressing was hammered - like it sat under a heat lamp for 15 minutes. I've never experience that at OK Cafe before, so maybe it was a fluke. As it is I think I'll wait a few years before returning. When you pay blue-plate prices of $12.99 or so you expect a certain minimum food quality standard - this just didn't cut it. Sorry OK Cafe, but as Amanda said in an earlier review, you've become "just OK"... It's funny how one bad dining experience can take away years of fondness and pleasure. The dining room has a kitschy Americana appeal and the retro waitress outfits are right out of the 50s. If you go, try a classic cheese burger and milk shake - it'll take you right back into Leave it to Beaver land....
Really great service. Above average food for a diner while still having that diner atmosphere and feel.
(3)
Jennifer S.
The very best of Southern comfort food in a cozy atmosphere. Their pot roast dinner was the perfect meal to unwind after a very busy day on a business trip in Atlanta. Friendly service, reasonably priced, and simply delicious.
(5)
Jason D.
I want to like the place more than I do, I really do. I love the feel of the place, the good Southern cooking, blue plate specials. But I just can't get past the outrageous "we're near Buckhead" prices on everything. And the food is just not worth it. Yes, the've got good veggies. Yes, they've got a traditional meat and three menu. Yes, the servers are generally nice and attentive (although ours last night was having an off night and a bout of attitude.) Last night, I had a burger sans bun, steamed cabbage and baked sweet potato. All was fine. But again, I can't help thinking about the fact that I get the same meal at Carver's, at a little better quality and it's half the price.
(3)
Joe T.
My trips to Atlanta always include a stop at the OK. And let me say it's better than ok! The food is great . Just like it came out of a Grandmas kitchen. Down home southern cooked vegetables, corned bread, country fried steak, fried green tomatoes. Don't miss it!
(5)
Megan E.
This is a great breakfast and dinner spot. The menu is pretty traditional and what you'd expect from a diner. The staff is extremely friendly and though it has always been crowded when I've gone, the food comes out pretty quickly. The portions are a great size for the price and I've definitely never left hungry. The black-eyed peas and collard greens are delicious!
(4)
Robert T.
I am giving this place an extra star for the kitch decor. KG and I went for Saturday mornning breakfast, which you know is not my favorite thing to do unless we get there super early - who wants to look at eggs past 8:00am. The menu is filled with good, quality, home cooked food items. Our server was friendly and efficient. Our food was good, and the location convenient.
(3)
Erich F.
What a cool place. A real throwback. Has a laid back old timey feel that just feels "right". Stopped in because the wife wanted an easy dinner and was looking for comfort food...this was both. She got roasted chicken with Mac n cheese and squash casserole. I got meatloaf with a creole sauce and sides of greens and Mac and cheese. Both entrees were delicious. The greens were tangy and not greasy. Squash was really good and nice with a dab of hot sauce. Mac and cheese was not too dry, not too soupy but just right! Also not greasy. We both felt full but not disgusting, as the portions were just right. This place was a hit with both of us. Just an added FYI....they have a take out side with all the menu items available. Perfect for the I wanna go home, but don't want to cook nights.
(4)
Lindsey H.
This is true southern food in a American Folk Art setting. It's so American and good. My personal favorite is the crawfish cakes with black eyed peas and slaw. Mmmmmm Causal, friendly, great food, good prices, and you're surrounded by art. Love it.
(5)
Russ M.
Really good Southern Comfort food. Nice atmosphere, cool decor, Waitresses wearing uniforms is a nice touch. My lunch was delicious. I hav Country Fried Steak which was tender and had great flavor from the steak itself, the breading and the gravy. My sides were corn and Black eyed Peas. Portions are huge. Come Hungry...leave STUFFED
(3)
Justin E.
First time here today and I enjoyed ever moment place was friendly as well as for family's or couples. Also are sever Lucy was very nice and helped me picked a entree I got a fried steak with collad greens and Mac & cheese with a chocolate milk shake . The steak was nice and tender as well as the breading was crunchy. The Mac was honestly really good had a good taste to it. The greens were ok it was my first time trying collad greens but they weren't bad , I just didn't care for them. Milk shake was also really good filled me up on a half a plate ... I walked out happy and full ! If I come back to Georgia I'm coming back here for breakfast next time.
(5)
Jade M.
People who don't give it 5 stars don't appreciate locally bought and original tasting Southern food. I come from farmers and fresh food and I highly approve OK Cafe. I don't know of one thing that isn't good. The staff are on the ball and usher tons of patrons through with an ease and pleasant nature. They have to, there's usually a wait! It's never very long though. If it is, check out the take-out section. Beware though, they weight your container and that can get very pricey, very quickly. The portions when you sit down are huge. I take some home with me every visit. The turkey and dressing is my favorite. Followed by the fried chicken. The mac and cheese has an original taste and I crave it! The green beans are awesome! Corn muffins are so sweet and to die for! The sweet potato chips with blue cheese dip...yum! When I'm on the go, I love grabbing a classic BLT (bacon, lettuce, tomato.) Go to their takeout to pickup some amazing deviled eggs, crab dip, veggie soup and carrot cake. I could go on forever! Really, it's all wonderful. A select few people have a problem with the era of dress the employees wear and the large carved 1956 Georgia flag, get over yourself. It's a neat, upbeat and fun restaurant with authentic food and friendly southern warmth. You'll surely run into some big name Atlantan. Go, decide for yourself!
(5)
Brian C.
This place doesn't have baby changing stations in any of the bathroom. Both bathrooms are small and smell bad. Mostly an older crowd here and I understand why. I talked to a manager who said she has been trying to get owners to put baby changing stations in for years but they don't want to... Guess I don't want to ever eat here again either. Don't come here if you have babies.
(1)
Hamad M.
I usually wait to review places after I've been there a few times. This limits the amount of reviews I do, but also gives a place a fair shake. I would hate for one bad experience to form a life-long opinion of a place. OK Cafe hits the spot for me except for location. Ridiculous for me to even mention that, but the fact is I don't spend a whole lot of time on that side of town. Having said that, if it were on my side of town, I would go way more often. Breakfast is my meal of choice and OK Cafe delivers. Their omelets are fantastic and I found their home fries (or potato wedges) to be wonderfully flavorful - much like Highland Bakery's standard setting offerings. The biscuits are ok - a little dry (give me some Silver Skillet biscuits and we'll be OK). The place is really cool inside and has great air conditioning - you may laugh at that, but one thing that I don't like is to be hot in a restaurant. The waitstaff is quick to please and the prices are reasonable. It's a very comfortable place to have a comfortable meal. I like it. Just wish it was closer.
(4)
Bill M.
Great food and top notch service. I was very impressed with the quality of the food.
(5)
Dao T.
Best homestyle southern food in North of Atlanta. Great taste and fast service. This is my 32nd visit over the past 20 years and they appear to have improved on their already great and friendly service because our food came out faster than previous year. Portion sizes have gotten a bit smaller and prices slightly higher over the last few years. But still substantial portions.
3 1/2 stars. OK Cafe is a quirky 50s diner that serves Southern food. It's pretty busy on the weekends and there's a large digital timer outside that let's you know how long the wait is. Despite the long lines, the restaurant is pretty efficient -seating doesn't take too long and the food comes quickly. The portions are large and very filling. I really recommend the mac'n'cheese -it's super rich and cheesy. The strawberry shortcake is yummy as well. They also serve breakfast. Solid food at a solid price.
(3)
Thomas A.
We came Sunday at noon and were able to get a booth for 4 in 15 minutes. It's amazing how fast they get you seated; there were probably 30 people ahead of us. The booth is large and comfy and the atmosphere reminds you of a cozy diner. I got the country fried steak with collard greens, mac and cheese, and corn bread. The corn bread is to die for and the collar greens had little bits of bacon in them. The mac and cheese was very good, but the pasta was a little mushy. The country fried steak was good but the gravy made the breading very soggy. My wife and I got out for $35 including two coffees; it's a great price considering the huge portions. If you're stopping through Atlanta and are looking for some good southern comfort food you could do a lot worse than the OK Cafe.
(3)
Rachel P.
Ate here for dinner while visiting family in ATL...loved it!! Cozy, comfy ambiance with interesting things to look at, friendly service, and dang good grub! I ordered the turkey with dressing, with mac n' cheese and squash casserole on the side. I cleaned my plate. Everything was riddiicccculously tasty. My husband loved his chicken fried steak, which was pretty enormous. We got a cup of the pot-likker (the liquid left behind after you cook collard greens) to share on the side...this was my first exposure to this very tasty side dish, and I for one am a fan! Great for dunking corn bread. We shared chocolate cake a chocolate malt for dessert. The malt was delicious. The chocolate cake was not my favorite- it was VERY dense- almost more like a brownie consistency? While I really, truly enjoyed OK Cafe, I have to withhold the 5th star, because this place is kind of insanely expensive. It's supposed to be a diner, right? For three adults- that's three dinner plates, 3 drinks, a piece of cake, and a malt- our check was $68 before tip. OUCH. I don't live in Atlanta, so it's not as if I will be able to eat here frequently enough for it to be an issue, but if I did live in ATL, I would have to limit my visits to the OK Cafe for this reason alone :-( Otherwise, totally enjoyable!!
(4)
Noelle S.
I went here with my coworkers for lunch after hearing good things about the food. First, we were seated pretty quickly..granted, the booth we were put into was too small for our crowd so we asked to be moved but that was ok the girl was nice. The atmosphere? Ohh the atmosphere..now, I'm a Slavic woman from NY and I had a issue walking into the place decorated with a confederate flag and old civil war type memorabilia..apparently that isn't such a issue to people around here. The waitress was nice and the food was delicious, and the portions were amazing! I did hear some guys at the table behind us talking about Hitler and how Jews somehow instigated his occupation but I don't know what I expected in a place that proudly hangs a confederate flag *shrugs*. I would order to go because the food was tasty but I don't think I will be dining in again..
(3)
Kevin H.
OK Cafe is always dependable for Diner fare. And this last trip was no exception. A good ol' backyard-type hamburger with crisp lettuce, a nice big tomato slice, onion, and deep-fried pickles - with a big handful of golden fries. What's not to love?
(4)
Jake H.
This is one of my favorite breakfast spots in Atlanta. Food has been excellent every time I've been. I'm a big fan of the OK Homemade Granola with yogurt and fresh fruit, but everything I've tried on the menu has been very good. I've taken a few groups to OK Cafe and the feedback has always been very positive.
(5)
Karim K.
I went with a pretty simple dinner selection. All veggies. Each was very enjoyable: 1. Black Eyed Peas 2. Collard Greens - with the Pot Likker sauce (a must) 3. Sweet Potato - (Would have preferred a bit more of Roasted texture on skin) 4. Tabouleh. there is a decent atmosphere at Ok Cafe - I think most people go for the comfort food factor. I hear you haven't lived if you haven't tried one of their milkshakes.......(there is even a Peanut Butter Flavor). Anyway - Never had bad food there - Good place to go if you are looking for a good southern meal.
(4)
Sophia S.
Being told this was an Atlanta institution, I decided to try it. I came here with my bf on a sunday afternoon. It wasn't super busy and we got seated right away. Our waitress was training someone so she had this other girl follow her around, which was fine. We ordered drinks and an appetizer which came out promptly. We waited another 20 minutes for our entrees, which would have been fine if I didn't see that people around us who came in after us had already gotten their food. At first I assumed it took a lot longer to prepare my pot pie. We waited some more. Then I noticed a couple who came in AFTER we had gotten our appetizer getting their food. And all this time, we never saw our waitress or the girl following her around, they just never came back. So after 45 minutes of waiting for our food, I asked another waitress to check on it for us and we were told our waitress never put our order in. How do you forget to put in someone's order? The new waitress offered to put it in but we had to be at the airport so we just ended up leaving. Never coming back.
(1)
Ruksana H.
Recently met a bunch of girlfriends here for brunch on a weekday. The place is packed - I guess the regulars and folks nearby love it. It seemed alright to me. They have the usual soups and sandwiches and burgers and salads. Nothing extraordinary. Our server was nice. If I am in the area I might be interested in stopping by but it definitely did not make it to my favorites.
(3)
Kat W.
Decent diner fare. We got here on a Sunday, wanting breakfast but by the time we were seated it was 2pm and breakfast was over. The place is huge which was a surprise as from the outside it looks average. So with the chances of breakfast being killed upon being seated we settled on the special of the day...fried chicken. Which really is a fried chicken patty, similar to chicken fried chicken. Matter of fact its the same thing minus the gravy which they charge extra for. I got that and a side of corn and mac and cheese. The corn was good, cut off the cobb fresh. Not highly seasoned but good. The mac and cheese was room temperature warm but surprisingly good. Prob would have been great if it was hot. The chicken fried chicken...was good. It was the hottest thing on the plate and fresh from the grease. It was a good meal, not great and not something I would jump up and down for when seeking something to eat next. I'll probably try breakfast, just to get the overall experience. Surprisingly the menu was rather small.
(3)
Tricia B.
This was almost a 4 or 5 star...but they just missed the mark on enough things to bump it to a 3. What was good was very good and what wasnt, well, wasnt! I did not have the opportunity to check Yelp, so didnt know to order the veggies. Went at 2pm on a Sunday, so there was no crowd and we got seated right away. The place is huge and pretty noisy...even at an off-time...I cant imagine the noise level when they are busy. The tea was excellent and served with crushed ice...but no lemon. C'mon!! Refills were prompt. I was in the mood for Brunswick stew, but everyone makes it soooo differently that I always ask for a taste to see if I like it. OK Cafe does not allow that...they said I would have to order it, send it back if I didnt like it, and order something else. That is ridiculous...a waste of their money, their food, and my time. I ordered the BLT and the basket of fries and rings. My co-foodie ordered the burger and fries. My BLT was delicious...definitely a 5 star. Toasted perfectly (if you choose to have it toasted), your choice of bread, nice salty, crunchy bacon, and a good ratio of bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. My friend said her burger was very good. Unfortunately, the fries and rings were a disaster. The batter on the rings was nice and light, they were obviously homemade, and they used amazing sweet onions. But they had been fried for such a short time, that they were just a soggy mess. The fries were also very underdone, but edible. I only eat rings out and I was so looking forward to them...but neither of us could eat them. Also asked for ranch dressing twice (I like it on fries instead on ketchup) and never got it. We would have returned the rings, but was not successful in getting our servers attention until we were almost thru eating and she brought the bill. She did not check on us while we were eating to see if everything was ok. All in all, a nice lunch, but not great.
(3)
Tim D.
Nothing to see here, move on please!
(1)
Mr. Butters ..
Best southern food in town. From the country fried steak to the French toast. A+++ Highly recommended - bring your wallet, and maybe your neighbor's wallet
(4)
Drew V.
This place is great! I went there yesterday for breakfast and dinner. For breakfast I had eggs, toast, cheese grits, turkey sausage and coffee and left stuffed. For dinner I had fried chicken, cornbread, macaroni and cheese (a must try) and the potato salad (eh). I've had the milkshakes before and they are great as well so if you want the diner feel, this is the place. All the waitresses dress in old fashion white dresses with aprons and little hats with white sneakers. There's also a huge tree in the middle of one of the rooms that is decorated with fake money that's a pleaser for kids. Don't go and not expect to wait but they are very quick to accommodate. Their desserts (esp. key lime pie) are delicious, service is prompt, and food is great. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I have been there before when I ordered food that I did not like. Not that it was bad, just not my taste. Their health score is 100 which is impressive and when you walk in the hallway is adorned with caricatures/drawings of employees that have worked their for 25+ years, which I like because it means they are treating their employees right. There's a to-go spot that could easily be missed but is definitely worth a look. Some of it you have to pay for by weighing your food so stick to the stuff that is already weighed and has a price tag on it! I'm actually glad I don't live closer because that key lime pie is dangerous.
(4)
Paul R.
First and foremost I never thought that I would be on that side of town from where I live. It just so happened that I had a doctors appointment and had to get up at zero dark thirty that morning. When I reached my destination I still had an hour to kill and found this place. I went in, though it was partially packed, service was quick. Since I'm the type of guy who loves eye candy, it was there and they were really nice. I ordered a mushroom, onion, and I forgot what else as this was like 2 days ago. Mind you, I always thought that every omelette that you order, it always comes with cheese. Fooled the hell out of me that given day. They served it with grits, and a hot biscuit so it wasn't really all that bad. If I'm on that side of town again I would try the rest of their food. It's probably my fault, I may have should have said, "With Cheese!"
(3)
Nicole G.
I just got back from here, and I think my chair is going to buckle instead of my belt. I almost was run over while walking into this building twice by cars. While walking across the parking lot made me feel like the frog in "Frogger," the food in here more than made up for it. We tried the onion rings as an appetizer, and I ordered the chicken pot pie with sides of greens and potato salad. Everything was good and very Southern, especially the greens -- it's so hard to find a place that does them right. We got our food pretty quickly, and the whole staff was very courteous. I really want to go back to try the desserts one day. I was too stuffed to even try one today.
(5)
Veronica C.
We come here every time we visit family in Atlanta. The southern veggies are amazing! The portions are generous and everything tastes homemade. On the menu A-OK shows you they use heathy ingredients only (no hormone dairy, all-fresh produce, etc). This place is a southern staple for us. Super cute venue with friendly staff and sweet tea (not too sweet) and fresh-squeezed lemonade. Yum.
(5)
Hwventure H.
I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! Good ole home cookin' in a casual setting! And a huge bonus: they use quality ingredients. Also, they bake all bread fresh daily and all of their desserts are homemade. The mac and cheese is a must have. The collards are delicious. The corn bread is scrumptious. My dad loved his meat loaf and I devoured my country fried steak - best I've had outside of my mammas kitchen! ****I've never tried the take out buffet. Better to sit down, relax and have a freshly prepared meal. :) PS: the service was great.
(5)
Carl A.
Good southern cooking with modern flair. I always try to eat here when in this part of the state.
(4)
Anne W.
Been here several times. Totally LOVE the food (fried green tomatoes! chicken pie!), but totally HATE the noise. Our party can never hear each other to have a conversation. Had to lean across the table to speak. I don't know what they can do about it, too many hard surfaces I guess, but it's really annoying. From now on, I'll get stuff from the wonderful Take Away and eat at home where I can hear and talk with my friends. As to the wait, we've never waited more than 10 minutes, and never had bad service either. It's a reliable place when we want some comfort food -- as long as we only eat and not talk ;)
(3)
Mary S.
I have always loved OK Cafe for the comfort food and 1950s vibe, but the old Georgia Confederate flag painting needs to go. While the customers and staff are diverse and in good spirits, this image is an embarrassing and shameful relic to many Georgians. Eating beneath it actually gives me indigestion. I'll return when the flag is gone for good. Ok?
(1)
Lisa K.
One of my favorite restaurants. This place does comfort food like no other! The portions are LARGE -- usually more than I can eat. The Chicken Pot Pie is just like mom used to (still does!) make, and the Meatloaf is superb. Breakfast is great there as well, with some killer omelettes and french toast. They used to be open 24 hours, but they stopped that quite a while ago. Regardless of what time I go, there's always a crowd, and often a sizeable wait. Well worth a visit or two!
(4)
Craig G.
Good southern style country cooking with a whimsical atmosphere. Service was in a confused state and our waitress was a bit blunt a couple of times. Check-out was drawn-out. I didn't see the fried pickles on the menu, but that was our appetizer and was the best I've ever had, albeit the dipping sauce was just ranch dressing (the best fried pickle sauce I've had was a remoulade). I had the country fried steak with white gravy and mashed potatoes. While the steak was generous, they were a bit stingy with the gravy. The three-cheese macaroni was excellent. The cornbread muffin had whole kernels and was moist and sweet.
This is a great place to take friends from out of state. Expect a wait as it is always busy which is typically a good sign. The atmosphere is as busy as the restaurant. Back in the day, ,my friends and I tried to get together once a week to catch up and this is one of the places we could always agree upon. The vegetables are a winner for my vegetarian friends and the grilled cheese with bacon for the non-vegetarian friends. Went there recently again and the food hasn't changed. The service was okay, nothing spectacular. Again, this is a show off place for out of towners. Out of the south out of towners.
(3)
Darryl M.
Very nice atmosphere with very little wait time around noon after Thanksgiving. Had my mouth fixed for breakfast only to discover that they don't server breakfast 24x7. Cutoff is 11am. Had the crabcakes and was disappointed with the portion size. More like appetizers although they were very good. Sweet potato fries were good. Service was outstanding and the kids meal selection was good. They brought my 3 yr a cheesburger that was good for two meals for him.
(4)
Gerald G.
Just stopped in for a sec but tried the crab & artichoke dip and had to buy some. The crawfish & crab is awesome! Great atmosphere and food, the staff is 1st rate!
(4)
Slim M.
?. ??. I am trying to figure out the madness surrounding this place. I went for the first time today and was thoroughly 100% disappointed. A friend and I waited in line for about 7 minutes to be seated. We were finally seated and our waitress took our order. It was pretty crowded at 8 A.M. for a Sunday, so I was thinking this food was going to be outta-control-good. I ordered the 3-egg omelette with green peppers, onions, and mushrooms. That comes with a choice of fries OR grits, biscuit OR toast. I opted for the biscuit and grits. She asked if I'd like cheese on my omelette; I rejected. I shouldn't have. Now, my grits- I have no complaint about. They were very creamy, a little buttery, and were good. The biscuit was nothing to go crazy about, but it didn't taste like a frozen biscuit. + for that. My omelette? Man. I wanted to personally go ask the chef, "Why did you do this? Just... why?" Why on earth would you serve raw onions, raw green peppers, and raw mushrooms in an omelette? The omelette itself had NO taste to it. No seasoning. After a couple bites, I began to wonder if it was actual eggs I was eating or egg substitute. It just did not taste good. I doused a bit of salt on the omelette to make it somewhat flavorful.That helped a little. After eating, my friend and I looked at each other, and both shook our heads and laughed. He didn't understand what the fuss was about this place, either. I dunno. Maybe we came on the wrong day, who knows. All I know is my meal was around $12, 13 and I don't see why. I notice a lot of reviewers referring to the lunch/dinner menu. Maybe I should have come later, because the breakfast was beyond disappointing. I don't know if I'd come back.
(1)
Sam B.
The O.K. Cafe is a staple as far as Atlanta restaurants go. O.K. serves some of the best Southern food in Atlanta. Their Mac n Cheese is unlike any I've ever had before, and it's delicious. You pretty much can't go wrong with any entree there. They have really good milkshakes and breakfast as well. They also have a room in the back called "OK Takeaway." It's a buffet offering many of there staple entrees/side dishes along with some other good food not included on the regular menu (the chicken wings are really good). My only complaint about OK Takeaway is that it's too expensive. You pay by weight, and most of the time it ends up being more expensive than getting a meal from the main restaurant. Verdict - great southern food, friendly service, great overall restaurant.
(4)
Mark T.
Continuing my culinary tour of all the places I have missed since leaving Atlanta, I stopped at the OK Cafe. Actually this was my third attempt - two other restaurants I placed higher on my list I discovered had closed - but OK wasn't too far from my hotel and I do miss the place. The good thing is that it is open 24 hours, so you can stop by whenever you are hungry. The interior is a retro diner and the waitresses still wear the uniforms. If you want southern comfort food, here it is. My favorite thing they used to have was the lima beans, but apparently those are gone. The Mac & Cheese is good too, as is the squash souffle. I went with the squash and a sweet potato as my sides with the meatloaf. It comes with a corn bread roll as well - and I swear, I ordered and 5 minutes later it was on my table. The portions are big and the price is affordable. I ate about half of the plate and was full. With a soda, it was about $14. Sometimes the place is packed. I was fortunate yesterday that I arrived a little before the Friday dinner crowd and didn't have a wait. Good good, good prices, good service. A must try.
(4)
Charlie F.
Overall the food was pretty good but considering the menu focuses on sustainability, I thought there would be a few more healthier options. Not a single vegan item on the menu without ordering a salad minus meat and cheese. I would have loved to see a vegan omelet option and a healthier option to the standard high fructose corn syrup condiments. I tried the veggie burger, though I am sure it is mot vegan. It fell apart, but was really tasty and looked as though it was made in house (not frozen). Another negative is that the menu didn't offer children size portions. The waitress offered a smaller portion but for the price break we would have done better ordering a regular entree and sharing or taking leftovers home. Overall: if your not worried about your fried food, fat, and meat intake you will absolutely love it, but it seems with a little more attention this place could maintain a simple menu with healthier options.
(3)
Liz V.
I normally get take out here on the side where you pay per pound. Although this service is very convenient, it is also a test of will. How can you not walk out paying well over $20 for take out? I have a weakness for their meatloaf and creamed corn, not to mention their spinach and dessert items. Every time I walk up to the smiling guy standing in front of the scale I break out in to a cold sweat. I make it in to a carnival game and I try to tease the guy by saying "guess the weight!" but he never plays my little game. Who are we kidding? Even if you sit down in the restaurant you're not walking out with a table below $20! And whoever put the Rice Krispie Treats by the register is evil! Who can resist those?
(4)
JAN k.
Very excellent. Service,food, and even the atmosphere...which normally does not mean much to me. Be sure to check out the fans on the ceiling. Anyhow back to the food. We ordered 2 dinners..meatloaf,extra sauce,collards, cabbage and pot liquor..turkey.,dressing, gravy,fresh peas(vod) and greenbeans. Every thing was yummy even the corny cornbread.With tip about 30us$. We drink water. What I really like is that the servers help everyone to make sure you have good service.
(5)
Melissa L.
A pot licker is not the same as a pot sticker. First thing you should know when going to OK Cafe. They give you Tootsie Rolls after your meal :) How can that not make you happy? Last time I was there I ordered the country fried steak. When the waitress placed the plate on the table in front of me, I wanted to go hog wild. I wanted to shove my entire face in the plate and devour it like a wild animal! I controlled myself though. I ate like a polite homo sapien. I used my opposable thumbs and everything! I have never had anything bad at this place, and that is saying something. I am picky, sensitive, and sometimes a bit snobbish.
(5)
Daniela P.
So good! This place is great! The quality of the food was excellent. Everything was so fresh and had so much flavor. The shakes were amazing!
(5)
RIKETA C.
I heart OK-cafe's Mac and Cheese.....I could eat it everyday. I never really eat in the main dining room, but I have eaten from the to-go buffet several times. Everything is so good, but I think it's something like $6.99/lb (I may be wrong). I never really paid attention to how much a pound of food really was until I had to measure it and let me tell you -one slice of meatloaf and a few spoonfuls of mashed potatoes reaches 16 ozs pretty quickly...so as a result you end up paying like $14-16 for a regular plate of food....I never feel good about that when I leave so as a result I dont eat here very often... I shouldn't have to save up to eat at the to-go area of OK Cafe, and that is why it only gets three stars... But that mac and cheese seriously rivals my gravy addiction.....
(3)
Mick D.
A worthy Atlanta tradition. Solid, Southern diner fare. With milkshakes. And get this: The staff sings while they work. And not the "hey it's your birthday" kind of singing, but the genuine kind of carefree & happy singing going to and from tables, and back in the kitchen. To me, that's an sign of true working happiness. Staff here is a big family. They like each other, and enjoy working with each other. Any restaurant that can put their staff into that happy frame of mind is going to turn out food made with the same fun-loving spirit. And that's why I am a fan. That's probably also why they say they serve more people than any full-service restaurant in Atlanta. The food is fantastic. Organic beef. Healthy creations next to diner-crowd-pleasers. Service is friendly. And I am always happy to go there, even if there's a wait. Did I mention they have milkshakes?
(5)
Tracey A.
Been eating at OK Cafe for years and years and have never (ever!) had a disappointing or bad meal. From the 'retro' diner uniforms the waitresses wear to the melt-in-your-mouth mac & cheese, everything is Spot On. Everytime. Some of my personal favorites: their meatloaf (sooo good), the aforementioned mac&cheese (this stuff should win the Nobel Peace Prize... seriously, you can FEEL the love when you eat it..), the corn (don't ask me why, but it's the BEST corn ever..), and the home-made chocolate milkshakes. Prepare to wait if you come during the lunch rush... but it's SOO worth it. Total Southern Comfort Food!
(5)
Michael K.
Pay with cash!!! Do NOT use credit/debit cards. They have processing issues. My $55 dinner charge was run FOUR times on my account. According to manager Aaron, this happens a lot. Do not appreciate all the time I had to invest to straighten this out with my bank. Will not eat here again. FAIL UPDATE. Raised from 1 to 4 stars. Got a personal note from owner as well as a correction to my account. Still took a week and a phone call to sort out and still not happy about a restaurant that steals money from me. But, I will give them the 4 stars for southern comfort food.
(4)
Skillet P.
Generous portions and great service. We went on a Sunday morning and they were packed. After a 10 - 15 minute wait we were seated. Our waitress was fast and efficient. I got the turkey and dressing with mashed potatoes and mac and cheese (don't judge me) and everything was delicious. I was a little on the pricey side for my budget but worth it.
(4)
Becky E.
Such a fun place. The waitresses dress in straight-up legit diner uniforms. Reminds me of the old diners I used to go to with my great-grandparents growing up. Seriously a blast from the past, in a good way. My husband and I went for breakfast and shared fresh-squeezed OJ, blueberry pancakes, turkey sausage, cheese grits, biscuits, and a friend egg (hey, we wanted to taste it all). It was very, very good. I would definitely recommend this place for breakfast when you are in the area. Interesting fact: the diner is named after the "OK Cafe" in "To Kill A Mockingbird," and there is a note from Harper Lee framed and posted on the wall, written to the owners of the diner. Very cool!
(5)
Maria S.
Until recently, my only dining experience at OK Cafe was for breakfast with clients or colleagues - the so-called "power breakfast." The food was decent, the service efficient, and business was transacted over coffee, eggs and grits. Power breakfasts aside, the OK Cafe is also a fine place for lunch or dinner, if you're looking for some old-fashioned southern comfort food. Stick with the southern specialties and come hungry; the portions are plentiful. If you're feeding a crowd, start with an order of the fried pickles. Not too greasy or salty, these tart little morsels burst with flavor. Next, opt for a bowl of the vegetable soup. It's loaded with fresh veggies--always a good thing in my book. I'm partial to the veggie plate as well. (Sense a trend?) Be sure to get the stewed okra if it's available as a special. Delicious!
(3)
Greg J.
Our friends from Atlanta took us here the day we arrived for a visit. Little did we know we were in store for some true Southern good eats. And speaking of good eats, we heard that Alton Brown eats here. That's a very good sign. And after our experience here it's not a surprise... It's excellent food and terrific service. You can't judge a book from it's cover. At first go glance you'd think this was just a humdrum place - it's in a strip mall and the neon sign makes you think it's more a of a burger and fries joint. But it's not. The only bad thing is that we didn't leave room for dessert. Next time I want to try some pecan pie!
(4)
Antwanika S.
I don't know, the take out section here (separate from dine-in) is a hit or miss. The first few times I had it (years ago) it was very good. The last few times (recently), it is very mediocre food that I end up trashing most of. What makes it worse is that the takeout is super expensive. The charge by the pound I assume. But I always average $12-$16 and usually can't even make "seconds" out it. The fried chicken on that side is excellent, not sure about the other meat. It does not look appetizing to me. The corn muffins are excellent, but they charge you 50 cents for one. I say stick with the dine-in side. I only ate there once. It was very good. I hope it's no a hit or miss. I will say that I've always encountered VERY friendly staff there.
(2)
Neriyah J.
the mac and cheese is very delicious- on a good day so is the cornbread dressing..the service here is delightful-and i have never had a problem with long wait times .my kids enjoy the grilled cheese its got all the ooey gooeyness that they crave
(4)
Corey P.
The Okay Cafe is one of my favorite places to eat. Last week I had their meatloaf sandwich on sour dough bread. It was excellent! I also love their chicken fried chicken with white gravy.
(4)
Meg C.
The OK Cafe is, well, OK. I thought it was really pricey and overrated, much like the lovely Kathleen M did. I was dragged in here on a Sunday lunch by some friends who swore up and down it would be the best breakfast ever... I'm from Decatur where we have a history of good breakfast, from the long defunct Southern Star to the currently running Pastries A Go Go, so I'm always skeptical when someone raves about breakfast. Since we were a bigger party, we managed to land a table pretty quickly, but if we'd only been two or three I can tell the wait would have been longer. I ordered sweet tea, which to the server's credit never went dry, and then started going through half the items on the menu to find something that I could eat/afford that they still had in stock. All I really wanted was a biscuit, grits, and bacon and they were out of grits (which I've NEVER heard of) and the bacon arrived completely charred. The server was VERY nice and offered to get me replacements or substitutions, but when you're not really hungry and you have something in mind it's hard to get replacements... a friend suggested I try the fried grits since they have to do those ahead of time, so I went for it and they were pretty good. Not great since I was trying not to eat fried things, but I'd definitely have them again. They brought out more bacon after the server noticed I'd pawned mine off on someone else (after it scratched the crap out of my gums) but it was still surprisingly crunchy. They ended up comping most of my bill without me requesting the courtesy (I'd expected to just pay the original bill cost) so all I paid for was the tea, and the biscuit was good, but I'd just as soon go to Pastries, Flying Biscuit, J Christopher's... any other number of places before I come back here. I just wasn't impressed enough with the food to pay the price they're asking.
(2)
Ed W.
I like this place. Even though I don't live in Atlanta, when I travel there I usually stay in Buckhead and am usually driving past the OK Cafe at some point. It is a consistent, delicious breakfast. Talk about a mound of food. After a few cocktails the night before, I devoured bacon, eggs, potatoes and a biscuit. The bacon was thick, which is a plus. The eggs had a nice buttery taste to them. While the biscuit was not as delicious as at the Flying Biscuit, it was still hot and tasted fresh. Maybe it's a frozen special but it didn't taste like it. The potatoes were some of the best I've had in awhile. My wife was craving bacon and eggs but the French toast, as well. So she got both. A half order of French toast was gigantic. We nearly needed to be carted out of the restaurant. My wife, a former Atlanta native, forgot to order a chocolate shake to go, which she claims are suburb. And the service? A+. We got everything we needed before we even asked for it. Drink refill? Done. Dropped a fork? Here's another. Ready for the check? It's already on the table. Solid.
(4)
Thomas M.
So I got "Steven Wright-ed" last night. For those of you who don't know him, Steven Wright is a really funny, very dry comedian. Just Google him. Anyway, after going all the way up to Buford to watch a high school football game last night we were starving by the time we got back ITP. I suggested we stop by OK cafe as it was just past 11:00 PM, they're open 24 hours and Allison had never been but has had to listen to me talk about it for some time. Well, we walk up to the door and it was locked. I stood back and looked up at the neon sign that says "Open All Day." I looked back at the door and noticed a sign which had their operating hours on it (closes at 11:00 PM on Saturday night). So I looked back at the giant red neon sign that says "Open All Day" and then back at the hours on the door. After quickly doing some math in my head (which is tough by the way) I came to the conclusion that their "All Day" no longer means 24 hours at OK Cafe. Fail. Oh, how did I get Steven Wright-ed you ask? Well, he has a joke about something similar: I went down the street to the 24-hour grocery. When I got there, the guy was locking the front door. I said, 'Hey, the sign says you're open 24 hours.' He said, 'Yes, but not in a row.' - Steven Wright
(1)
Jim L.
This place survives by its undeserved reputation. Some locals think it's great ... it's not. Average food prepared in an average fashion. Most boring burger I have ever experienced. Biscuits and gravy horrible (biscuits cold and hard; gravy tasteless). Chicken Pot Pie is a joke! It was a bowl of chicken soup with a pastry crust crouton floating on top ... I kid you not! Has been open 25 years to my amazement. Certainly does not deserve above two stars. OK Cafe proves that Southerners will eat almost anything.
(2)
Annabel T.
I'm a California girl who wanted nothing but Southern food in Atlanta. My friend brought me here and I'm so glad she did! Parking is plentiful in the shopping center. Service was fantastic. I tend to like "veggies" more than the entrees. For non-southerners "veggies" are side dishes. I recommend: Arnold Palmer - perfect balance of bitter and tangy sweet. Unlimited refills! Mac and Cheese Squash Souffle Pot Likker (soup from collard greens) Key Lime Pie Some of their items are available in frozen entree packages so you can take it to go. I can't wait to come back again!
(4)
Wanda J.
Not bad for southern/comfort food. My sister and I shared the chicken pot pie, mac n cheese, and collards. The chicken pot pie was a tad runnier than I would've liked it, but the flavor was there. It also had enough chicken chunks to feed a small army. I liked the puffed pastry on top, I kind of wish there was more of it. The mac n cheese was creamy, cheesy, and buttery. It was all that mac n cheese is supposed to be. Yum! The collards were very good too. They were perfectly cooked with the right texture, not soggy. We also shared the brownie sundae and oreo milkshake, which were excellent. One milkshake fed 4 people. It kind of reminded me of the time Jesus fed the crowd with just a couple of fish and few loaves of bread. We split the milkshake by 4 and still had some leftover! Amazing! OK Cafe is definitely a decent place for comfort food, however, be prepared to spend some money. I would say that everything is about $2-4 more than it really should be.
(4)
Steven H.
I am NOT a morning guy, but I happily roll out of bed when I get the chance to trek to the OK Cafe on a Sunday morning for breakfast. Friendly waitresses and outstanding food keep me looking forward to my next visit. I'll be succinct: I love this place.
(5)
Marcus G.
Great diner atmosphere with great southern comfort food. A little on the pricey side, but well worth the price when compared to other southern food establishments in Atlanta (most of them are greatly over-rated). Ok Cafe fits the bill and is a staple of Atlanta......I would recommend it 1000 times!!!
(4)
Nekiba M.
I've gone pass this place for years and I finally decided to try the place out last year. I'm now addicted to this place for my southern food fix away from home. My favorites are the turkey and dressing, chicken-fried steak, and I can't forget their awesome mac and cheese. It is is also here they serve the BEST COCONUT CAKE EVER!!!!!
(5)
Stacey F.
I have to confess that I am not a huge fan of OK Cafe's breakfast menu. They pretty much stick to eggs/omelets, pancakes, with a couple of healthy choices thrown in. However, I let my OH pick and had to go along with him. He LOVES the atmosphere. We arrived around 10am on a Tuesday, so no wait and the place was only 1/3 full. Water, coffee, and skim milk (for me to use as creamer) came to the table quite quickly. Nothing was exciting me, so I ordered the 'Powerhouse Scrambled Eggs' with grits and a biscuit. OH chose the grilled cheese (on wheat) and we split one pancake. We waited quite a long time to get our food. Luckily, the coffee refills kept coming. But, I did not understand the wait since (as I mentioned) the restaurant was not very full. Finally, our food arrived and it was clear that my eggs had been sitting under a heat lamp. They were hot, but looked kind of congealed. His grilled cheese looked and tasted fresh, so I wonder if my eggs waited endlessly for his sandwich to be ready. The grits and biscuit were good, but the less said about the eggs, the better. And, the pancake was absolutely nothing special. I only had 1-2 bites before sending it across the table for him to eat. Maybe I'm spoiled by the delicious oatmeal pancakes at Flying Biscuit, but the OK Cafe pancake was kind of grim--flat and without much flavor--even with butter and syrup. The total for breakfast was $24 which seems about average for us, but I felt a bit ripped off when we left since my food was not satisfying. At least the servers keep the coffee coming, though. Pet peeve: OK Cafe only offers sugar and Sweet n' Low. Kind of annoying that you have to remember to bring Equal or Splenda if that's what you prefer.
(3)
Qanelle J.
Nice Southern comfort food. It's not upscale or a dive, and it reminds me of a smaller Claim Jumpers but without the stupid theme I ordered the roasted turkey with gravy and cornbread. Delicious! Our group enjoyed some sweet potato fries with melted blue cheese and that was delicious too. I really wish they had fried chicken and fried catfish but unfortunately they weren't on the menu. Southern food is soooo good but it's bad for the waistline.
(4)
Kathy H.
For the longest time I thought, eh, OK Cafe is just OK. Went back for a second go round. So glad I did. Every mouth watering morsel of my so very fresh to order Turkey Avacado sandwich was so good. Things I love. The timer when you alk in that tells you your approximate wait time. The decor, the uniforms, the service. So cute, and such southern hospitality.
(4)
Lisa B.
I have been to OK Cafe twice - once for breakfast and once for dinner. My first experience here was at dinner and overall I was less than impressed. It was just way over priced and the food wasn't even good. I was so unimpressed that I didn't come back for several years - until yesterday. A friend and I decided to meet up for breakfast and she suggested OK Cafe. I was really hesitant but decided to go with it since it was centrally located for both of us. We arrived around 9:30 and to my surprise there was no wait. In fact there were so few cars in the parking lot I was unsure if they were even open. By the time we left at 11 it was jam packed though. Anyway, the service was decent and the food was actually way better than I had predicted. I ordered scrambled eggs and crispy bacon served with potatoes and a biscuit. It was all REALLY good. The eggs weren't over cooked, the bacon was the perfectly prepared to my liking and the potatoes were great. I would definitely come back for breakfast...I vote they start serving breakfast all day long so that I can come back with my friends for dinner and get something I know I will enjoy.
(3)
Carrie Neal W.
One of my top, oh, three, comfort foods ever?? OK Cafe's mac and cheese!!! Perfect combination of cheese and noodle, just enough breading . . . ahhhh. The only caveat to mention is that they charge you by the ounce if you get it from the to-go/deli area - and it is soo easy to spend a lot more than you'd think on this mac and cheese!!!
(5)
Jinny Y.
3.5 stars Quick Overview: Chicken pot pie: good stuff Mac n cheese side: again very good Collard green side: good greens, not too wilty, good texture, not too salty Cornbread muffin: so yummy! I like the bits of real corn Overall loved it, probably not good for the waist, but it was yummy either way I went to OK Cafe last week with Wanda J. and Co. It was my first time there and I liked it. The food seemed a bit overpriced for diner food, but the food was good so you can't complain. I shared the chicken pot pie, mac n cheese, collard greens, and cornbread muffin with Wanda J. Plenty of food for the two of us. The chicken pot pie was yummy. I like the touch of the "OK" on the puff pastry. Mac n cheese was super cheesy, a little oily, but good. Wanda J. really liked the collard greens. We also shared desserts. Brownie sundae = meh just an average, nothing special, brownie with ice cream Oreo milkshake. I can't give a good review on this because we ate the brownie sundae first and it tainted our taste buds. I think this would've been a lot better if we didn't have the extra sweet taste of brownie left in our mouths.
(3)
Juichia C.
The food was very comforting and good, hearty large portions. The service was fast and friendly. Chicken nuggets - nicely fried, tender, not too dry, great sweet and sour sauce on the side Fries - nothing special Pot Roast - extremely tender chunk of meat with tendon cooked till it's falling apart, very very flavorful and delicious Collard greens - nice, not too mushy Waldorf salad - very nicely seasoned, great fresh ingredients Country fried steak - nice flavor, thin batter, very good Corn bread - moist, soft, delicious Overall, this place serves great comfort food, definitely the place to go if you're in the mood to just dig in and enjoy some familiar flavors.
(3)
Cindy A.
Awesome veggies! Southern food done right. Best cornbread ever! Yum! Must try the banana bread pudding!!!
(5)
Krystal M.
After nearly three years in Atlanta, I experienced my very first visit to Ok Cafe for a Friday work lunch. First, I would advise don't go for lunch if you have to go back to work, because you will want to take a long nap after such a hefty and delicious meal! I ended up ordering the Grilled Grouper sandwich on a wheat bun and got mac n' cheese on the side (anytime I visit a restaurant that serves mac n' cheese, it's a must that I try it) . Anyway, the food came out pretty quickly and it was delicious, my favorite part of the meal was the mac n' cheese -- the texture was perfect and had some type of herb mixed in with it, which was a nice touch. Also, their sweet tea is fabulous -- be sure to try it mixed with their lemonade -- so refreshing! Overall, the service was prompt and straightforward, I loved the waitresses' outfits (but I'm sure they hate them) and I will definitely be back. I will have to try their breakfast and write an update to my review based on that experience. Happy eating!
(4)
Leanne B.
Wow, I loved this place more than I expected. The quality of the food was much higher than you usually get at diners and cafes--I love that the beef is organic, and the eggs actually have flavor and are not greasy. We really enjoyed all the food and the service was great. As we were leaving around noon on a Sunday there were probably 50 people in line waiting for tables--no joke! We loved it and will definitely be back.
(4)
Rick F.
POWER BREAKFAST! This is the place where business gets done PERIOD! It is amazing to sit on the bench wait for your table and watch the action, people watching and glad handing that is going on all morning. Many Buckhead politicos and power brokers are holding court here. I love it! This is to be my regular spot for power breakfasts moving forward. Plus the food and service are great! Place is spotless, I love the design, atmosphere and the bathrooms are clean. Whats not love here!
(4)
Byron W.
Drove past OK Cafe many a time before stopping and I'm glad I finally stopped. I've never ordered anything other than pot roast. Why? Order it and you'll understand (just like grandma used to make). Homemade mashed potatoes are great, too. Too bad they are no longer open 24hrs... Everyone I have ever taken there has enjoyed what they ordered. Service is good...not perfect, but whose is these days? If you're in ATL and you liked southern food, this is a must!
(4)
Jamie H.
Want great, old fashioned food the way mom used to make it? This is the place for you! The restaurant itself reminds me of my great grandmothers' eat in kitchen. The kitschy decor, sixties style window treatments, the brightly colored knick-knacks and lamps, and if that isn't enough to bring me back-the menu surely does it every time! Most of the menu entrees are between $10-15, and are basically a meat and two vegetables served with a corn muffin. The menu also boasts several sandwiches and salads to choose from if you want for something lighter. The menu items that make me feel like home include: pot roast, country fried steak, meatloaf, chicken pot-pie, salmon, trout almondine, turkey and dressing, and roasted chicken. The servings are huge and the corn muffins are melt in your mouth awesome. If you happen to have room after all of that, then please make sure to order the strawberry shortcake! You will not be disappointed (and neither will the other 3 people at your table because it's big enough for everyone to enjoy, haha). If you would like something a bit less heavy, they do offer malts, shakes, and rootbeer floats. The icing on the cake? When they bring you the check, they deliver it with some yummy tootsie rolls to take with you on your way. Separate portion of the restaurant is for To-Go orders so you don't have to wait in a long line. Okay Cafe is open late and has plenty of parking making this a place you've got to visit! One final tip? If you hate having to call or go in to find out what the wait is, they have a large sign right outside the door that tells you the wait time down to the minute. :)
(4)
Josh B.
Atmosphere and service were good. The food was bland and uninspired. Overall this place is just blah. Way better options in this town. Also why offer high chairs and booster seats and stuff for kids, but then not have a children's menu??
(1)
Dionne A.
Service good. Food good.
(3)
Draft M.
Standard breakfast fare. Clean facility with prompt and courteous service. I've enjoyed better...but I've seen far worse. First visit, but seems like the place is consistent, given the large number of regulars in attendance the morning we were here.
(3)
Kristin B.
The food almost didn't matter. The signed copy of "To Kill A Mockingbird" by the hostess stand made this English major's heart go pitter patter. How could you not love a restaurant named after one of Scout and Jem's haunts? It was full on Thursday morning for breakfast, and the wait for the food reflected that. But the cheery waitresses kept the coffee flowing, and really, who cares if you have to wait as long as you're fully caffeinated? The orange juice was truly fresh squeezed, and all the breakfast items had that great homemade fullness to them. You don't get pancakes like these at IHOP, that's for sure. OK Cafe's location right next to 75 means that I won't have an excuse to stay away for long.
(4)
Ben O.
Nobody told me OK Cafe is beloved, so when my lemon wedge was rotten (not dried out, not wilted, but rotten -- see the photo I uploaded), I wasn't constrained by tradition. I'm not a fan of any restaurant that neither notices nor cares that it's serving rotting food.
(1)
Jacob P.
We went in today to get breakfast at around 11:30, because I thought this was one of those places that served breakfast like all day. .......They stopped serving breakfast at 11! lol. we slept late, not really, we just wanted breakfast ok!! Well after we readjusted our stomach's to accept lunch now (and I had a pregnant woman with me), it was all good. My wife ordered a BLT. I ordered the Trout, fries, and mac and cheese. Melissa was our server and she was awesome!!!! I would totally love to have her be our server every time. We saw they had specialty "non-alcoholic" drinks on their menu. One was a "Black Cow"- root beer float! mmmmmmhm. So good. They had another called the "Pink Lady", it had homemade pink lemonade with cherry grenadine, soooooo good. Also before I knew they weren't serving breakfast, I had ordered some fresh squeezed O.J. It was so good and yummy. Our main dishes came out and they were good not excellent but good. It was hot, it was tasty, but it wasn't "smack my mama good!" Good enough to go back and try other items on the menu though. I will go back and get one of their homemade lemon-ginger cookies from the counter top/register area. Soooo good. Made me want to sit back down and order some of their other homemade desserts. Next time!! I will definitely go back. Hopefully I will be able to bump this up to 4 stars instead of 3. The decor in this place was fun. The service was top notch. The main meals I think are what are going to bring this up a star.
(3)
Don W.
I don't know what the hype is about. Sure, the decor is diner-cute, but the food is standard at best. Sit-down service was very slow the one time I've come for lunch. I've tried the take-away food bar a few times and the food was OK, but dang is it overpriced! I paid $14 for an average-sized plate of side dishes. I won't be back.
(2)
Shawn M.
The OK Cafe is alright, ya'll! We rolled up the the O-K-C at about 9:45pm, got seated right away, greeted by our sweet-as-fresh-peach-pie server who brought us our diet cokes (with lemon!) and almost immediately after that, our pickle chips (seriously, get the pickle chips... delish!) I've only ever ordered the BLT, which is incredible... I was also eyeballing Shawn R's Grilled cheese... if he'd have turned his head, that baby woulda been mine (insert diabolical laughter here). I generally grab one of those brownies by the register on the way out... Brownies for almost a week, yo! Overall, the OK Cafe is more than just OK, it's snack-tacular.
(4)
Wayne J.
This has been one of my favorite places to eat for years. The food is very good. No matter what I order, I always have the baked sweet potato with brown sugar, butter and pecans, the waldorf salad and the macaroni and cheese. I love their corn bread. The take out section is great if you don't want to cook, but be careful, it can get quite expensive (it is charged by weight).
(4)
Patrick s.
For the love of Christ I can't understand why people rate this restaurant 2 or even 3 stars. It is NOTHING like I.H.O.P or Denny's or any other generic crap you dim-witted morons might put near your weak little palates. You don't come to this establishment for eggs and coffee...(meh, it was O.K....get it? O.K.) You eat good southern comfort food. Next time you're there you might try the Turkey dinner with the wonderful rich gravy and the walnut, cranberry, apple sauce which adds a splendid contrast to the richness of the stuffing and turkey. The mac and Cheese, the squash casserole. OR you could try the Brunswick stew with all of it's hearty tomato goodness. Or how about the Wonderful hot bowl of chunky vegetable soup with a flavorful broth loaded with veggies. Morons. Please. Pros: Good southern comfort food with eclectic decor, friendly staff and quality ingredients. Cons: Almost always busy. Tell ya something?
(5)
Christine P.
My co-worker and I had lunch at the OK Cafe this week for her birthday. I had never eaten hear before but she said it was great. Our booth overlooked the to go section of the restaurant, which was kind of neat. I ordered the chicken (baked or rotisserie) chicken, collard greens and sweet potato. I was pleasantly surprised that the sweet stuff for the sweet potato was on the side because I prefer to eat them plain. The collards were very tasty and not too soggy. My chicken was good but kind of dry. I will probably choose some other meat on my next visit. My co-worker ordered the turkey and dressing with collards and mac-n-cheese. Instead of mac-n-cheese, she got the squash casserole. She didn't complain because - 1) the waitress was gone and 2) she said it was good. I could have used a little more tea, but our waitress did not reappear until she dropped off the check. The food was for the most part very good and I would eat there again. I would probably also bring out-of-town guests here if this was the type of food they were in the mood for. The restaurant is very busy, so be prepared to wait - the bigger your party, the longer the wait. You may have to park in one of the grocery store spots and walk over instead of waiting for a closer spot.
(4)
J L.
Aw, I just want to give the OK Cafe a kiss on the cheek. They can't help it that they're just not that amazing anymore. I consider this place an Atlanta road-stop. I've been going here forever, and ev-er, and evvvv errrr. It gets old because the food doesn't "really" change. They have tasty desserts, a good hamburger, and a hearty vegetable plate. I recommend: Fried Okra (peppery&delicious), chocolate cake, burgers, and crab cakes and the mac n' cheese. I had a "first" here. It was the sweet potato chips with bleu cheese. Get the cheese grits appetizer, it's really tasty. In other greasy news, SOMETHING worth talking about is their OK-To Go, take out section. They've gotten so much better, and it's a good place to pick up dinner for a few days. They have a wider selection, and sometimes it's actually better than dining in, in my opinion. You can get things there that they don't even serve for dine-in. The waitresses need new outfits. Sorry. :/
(3)
C C.
Loved this place! We sat at the counter and could watch the line cooks preparing the food. They were amazing and incredibly efficient! Just had a burger and it was terrific. Loved the fried pickle too. Vanilla shake and fries were good too. After watching them prep the food, I'd like to go back and try some more dishes.
(4)
Ian R.
I'm glad our waitress forgot I ordered a milkshake, because I was already stuffed! Great service, great food (can't say I'm a fan of seeing a female only waitstaff and male only kitchen staff, but I guess that's part of their olde-tyme motif). From the outside, I was half expecting this place to serve breakfast all day, but that didn't matter once I heard about the specials. I ordered the fried chicken breast with two sides. Chicken was crispy on the outside, juicy on this inside with great spices that reminded my girlfriend of Pofolks. My sides were great, and I was especially surprised to find a diner that pulls off tabouli so well. And to top it off I had the best cornbread muffin I've had since moving to Atlanta (to which I need to say that the entire south has really disappointed me with its dry cornbread). Overall, this place was a flavor explosion, and by appearance and taste alone I am convinced that they must have great coffee and breakfast. I'll need to return to find out for myself. Just be careful in the parking lot - the locals only fail to run you over if they think the blood will soil their benz.
(4)
Rani C.
We tried it for breakfast. Go in from entrance facing the Publix. Some food was cold like the turkey sausage. I tested DH's plate and his was cold too, so I don't think that was a fluke. Service was good. Brightly lit. Seems a bit more awake than Flying Biscuit at 7 a.m. We might try it again but this time for Southern fare dinner.
(2)
Jennifer J.
Five stars it is. I went today with a group from work for my annual Thanksgiving lunch and it was fantastic. The service was perfect and the food was spot on. Yes, I am still a sucker for the turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, green beans and corn muffins. Yes, I said muffins because they're that tasty. Their sweet tea may leave you with diabetes but hey it's the south, so suck it up and deal with it, because it's damn good.
(5)
Elaina T.
My love and I just came home from breakfast. I had a ham & cheese omelet w/mushies, onions, & pepps. He had griddle cakes, bacon, & home fries. I was pleased from the decor & friendly greeting to the polite & efficient waitress Michelle, to the food. Fluffy omelet, nicely stuffed w/cubes of ham & sauteed (yet still firm) veggies. My love was pleased with his meal as well. We both enjoyed the apple butter (love that stuff!). Halfway into the meal, the place was PACKED full of hungry suits (& loafers)on their way to work. I say the suits know their breakfast, because we'll definitely return...and next time I'll wear my loafers.
(4)
Scott K.
It's been awhile since I have eaten here, but a very memorable meal. The mac and cheese is absolutely the best I have ever eaten. I ate the blueplate special (roasted turkey w/ gravy) and it was excellent. It was pretty crowded and I think we waited five minutes at the most to be seated. Seemed kinda hectic, but the waitress handled it pretty well. Overall, pleased with the service....neat place to eat
I've only been here for breakfast, but I've been a few times and have never been impressed. This place is seriously overrated, frequented by a very particular clientele. The menu is boring, the food itself is "fine", but not worth the wait that it so often has. The place is comfortable and the service is good though. Goldberg's is a much better value right across the parking lot.
(2)
Tracy J.
My last stop in Atlanta was Ok Cafe, Thank you people of yelp for making this great selection. I got there at 2:00pm and there was about a 10 minute wait, which was a good sign. My waitress was friendly and recommended I go with the chicken fried steak, mac and cheese and collard greens. What a great combo, I believe it was about 12$ and there was no way I was gonna finish all this food. The mac and cheese was above average, something i would order again. The collard greens were good but I don't have alot to compare them to. The gravy on the chicken fried steak was extremely good, the gravy took it from an good dish to an awesome one. Next time in Atlanta I will be stopping at Ok Cafe.
(4)
Lindsay C.
The OK Cafe isn't exactly the talk of the town or the latest foodie hot spot, but they have two things that the newer ATL establishments don't have. Consistency and tenure! I've been coming here for almost 15 years. First as my first "ITP" dinner in high school, on to delicious group dinners in college, and now I do the business breakfast here with the occasional OK Takeaway. In 15 years, I have never been disappointed. Definitely get the sweet tea. Enjoy a corn muffin slathered in butter. I typically go for the 'veggie' plate that involves far too much salt, carbs, and fat. In case you aren't from around these parts... that's a good thing! :) The service is always speedy, sweet, and solid. So glad I can count on the OK Cafe for a good meal, good company, reasonable prices, and big portions. Like! Oh... and who doesn't love a restaurant with an actual money tree in it?
(4)
John G.
I will give 3 stars but thats a strectch...I have had breakfast lunch and dinner here and I cant say anything is that great, its OK as the name implies..If I had to have a favorite meal it would be breakfast, they do a pretty decent pancake with bacon, the pancake is huge I could never eat it all a generous portion of bacon, coffee is weak, and they always give you a tootsie roll with the bill. It is not cheap to eat here plan on around $10 pp
(3)
Vincent K.
******3.5 Stars******* So on a cloudy sunday morning the gf and I awoke from our slumber and immediately a craving for breakfast food hit me. I contemplated whether i should spend the $15 dollars at publix and grind away at the kitchen for 30-40 min for a meal that altho would be quite tasty I would not feel like eating anymore or if i should take the time to go out and eat. Around my area there was a waffle house (aka grease trap) and a few other misc. selections... not really feeling it from these places i decided to venture out to OK Cafe since I had seen some reviews for the restaurant scattered around the internets. After getting directions via google the drive was short and quaint on west paces ferry passing the governor's mansion etc... coming up to an intersection i saw the unique building that was OK Cafe (Hard to miss since the name is plastered all over the building). As i pulled into the parking lot there seemed to be a lack of spaces to park, but seeing the hour (12 pm or so) on a Sunday i wasn't suprised. We circled a few times around and parked. When we walked in the parking lot was a good indication of the wait (LOOOOONG). Being a party of two and not wanting to wait to eat since we were hungry already my gf and i decided to sit at the counter which was quite interesting. Our waitress got us our menus and waters and we looked over the menu. We had gone in for breakfast and surprisingly at the OK Cafe their breakfast menu wasn't nearly laid out as well as the other selections. We asked the waitress for some help and we finally settled on a combo plate of eggs, breakfast potatoes, sausage and pancakes that my gf and i would split. After watching the hustle and bustle of the kitchen, i knew i had ordered the wrong thing. The skillets they were cooking looked amazing as did the omelets, not to mention the sandwiches. Since the order was already put in i didn't do much to change and instead opted to see how our food would turn out. When it finally came the eggs were cooked to our liking and everything else tasted as expected. The one highlight were the pancakes which were sweet unto themselves and required little syrup. the batter cooked up fluffy and the fruit in the pancakes were actually fruit. Overall don't go to OK Cafe for your usual breakfast foods... go more for their skillets and omelets and southern cooking and you shouldn't be disappointed... we ended up leaving the CAFE after roughly $14 with tip (remember we split the breakfast)... not bad, not great... would be open to trying it again if i was in the area... would i make a trip out there again? maybe not... OK Cafe was a little better than OK but not Good, but i guess that doesn't make such a great name 'Not quite good, but good Cafe'
(3)
Kitty C.
After a long international flight, we came here for take out. We've eaten in the restaurant before and the food is solid for the price. Good southern cooking and a hot full meal. Take out was a surprisingly expensive though in comparison. At 7.99 per lb, they were more expensive than whole foods (5.99/lb)! I took home a half slice of meatloaf, some collard greens, a little bit of mashed potatoes and sausage. My friend took home almost the same plus a chicken leg and the total price was $28. It was a small-ish meal in comparison to the dine in and it cost almost as much. My recommendation? eat in. :)
(3)
Ryan C.
The name says it all...just OK The really weird thing....you cant get something to go off of regular menu, I wanted a burger to go, was told I couldnt get one unless I sat down and ate it...had to go to their take away counter, which didnt offer a burger. Stick with breakfast food if eating here.
Located in the back of the OK Cafe. yelp.com/biz/-6T_kAD0dRw… I parked and entered through this entrance and had to walk through the restaurant to get seated for the main area but glad I came by this area to check out what I wanted when I left. There is a case for prepared foods, then hot food area and a cold case and salad bar. Then prewrapped cookies and sweets. Love the idea of home cooking to go.
(5)
B P.
This place was exactly as the star rating says "Meh. I've experienced better." Their servings are all right but could be a bit bigger. I had fried eggs, a biscuit and potatoes. It was just ok.
(2)
Quincy S.
I have never had a bad meal at Ok Cafe and everyone I take there loves it as well. The food is as southern as the decor and staff and I never leave hungry. I usually opt for the Country Fried Steak or one of the burgers, but they do offer a veggie plate for the more health conscious. Ok prides themselves on their daily fresh preparation and natural ingredients and it shows in the end result. Dont forget to try the 'take away' side if youre in a rush, they have most menu items available to go and priced by the pound.
(4)
David H.
OK Cafe is somewhat of an Atlanta institution. They used to be open 24 hours and their menu has changed a bit over the years (they used to make a good cheesesteak I'd order regularly), but their core food has stayed the same. Their main attraction is good Southern "comfort" food -- it's basically a midrange priced "meat and three" (well two in their case) place in a diner setting. They also make a pretty good southern breakfast. For their dinner menu, they have the "Blue Plate Specials" and some sandwiches and relatively pricey burgers. The burgers are all right, but that's not why you come here. You can get a good burger at a bunch of places. You come here for the Southern food plates. I tend to order either the Meatloaf or the Salmon most of the time. Their Crab and Crawfish Cakes are good too as is their Pot Roast and Chicken Pot Pie. I also liked their Roasted Turkey, Gravy and Cornbread Dressing the one time I had it. They also have a rotating daily special -- I've tried the Fried Chicken and it was very good. In sandwiches, I'm partial to their Grilled Chicken Breast, BLT or Egg Salad. As far as the sides go, their Triple Cheese Macaroni really stands out. OK Cafe makes one of the best versions of that dish. I also like their Baked Sweet Potatoes, which they top with butter, cinnamon and pecans. Their vegetables are usually good too: the collards, green beans, corn, broccoli, etc. and they have a rotating "veggie of the day." If you're getting a sandwich or burger, their fries are usually excellent (thinner and just the right level of crispy) and they also make good and greasy Shaved Fried Onions. You can get a half & half basket (half fries, half onions), too. As far as appetizers go, I like their Cheese Grits and their Sweet Potato Chips. I usually don't have room for dessert because their food is so heavy, but OK Cafe makes some tasty desserts. Their pies are very good, and I used to get their Chocolate Icebox Pie or an ice cream dish (sundae, split, etc.) Their milkshakes are really good as well; some people order them with their meal. In addition to their dine-in area, they have the takeaway store, where you can get a lot of their vegetables, breads, entree portions, etc. by weight in plastic containers. You can grab a pound of their Triple Cheese Macaroni for the road. The takeaway section also has a sandwich counter where they'll make you a sandwich to go; they also have various cake and pie slices in a cooled side section. Anyway, they don't have much in the way of group seating usually, and they can get pretty crowded during regular business hours (you may have to wait or eat at the counter). But, overall, the service is usually pretty good. If you go for the good Southern food Blue Plates, you'll probably be satisfied.
(4)
Robert C.
The OK Cafe is more about convenience and location than the food or price. Its located at the corner of Northside and West Paces and is the spot for a business breakfast in Atlanta. I've never been amazed by the food, but its typically quick to sit down and you don't have to deal with valet parking.
(3)
Mike B.
People's love for this place is a total mystery to me. Having lived here for several years, and being dragged here by friends and family when visiting. This place never seems to impress me. The service is attentive and friendly, but the food is "OK' at best, hence the name, I guess.
(3)
Julie R.
This place is a lot better than just OK. Waaaay back in the late 90's when I was a college student (Yes, dear children. I am *that* old. Someone pass me an Ensure, please!), this place was actually open 24-7. It was an awesome place to pull an all-nighter with a gigantic glass of milkshake (one of the best in town, and enough for 2), alone or with your buddies. You walk in, write down your name & the # of people in your party on their notepad, and wait for them to call your name. If you have a sense of humor, you can do what my friend did when we walked in here for the first time: sign in as "communist" as your name and indicated how many of you there are. Then they'll yell, "Communist, party of 4!" Since I have a very juvenile sense of humor, I still find that hi to the larious. Anyway, besides awesome milkshakes, OK Cafe has great chicken fried steak, vegetable plate (collard greens, mac n cheese, loaded baked sweet potato, oh, my!!), and.... FANTASTIC chicken nuggets, which come with equally fantastic french fries. I'm also a huge fan of their sweet tea, which comes with my favorite kind of ice - restaurant owners, please take note.... It's nugget ice, or bust!! Read the sales figures from said ice machine owners, and you'll see that I speak the truth here. Oh, yeah... Some people get kind of freaked out by the gigantic confederate flag on their wall... While I'm not a huge fan, I have yet to receive ill-treatment or get dirty looks from any of their patrons or staff, so I'm willing to overlook it because of the food. This is kind of a touchy subject for some, so I'll just leave it at that. Bottom line, if you're into southern comfort food, skip Mary Mac and give this place a whirl. p.s. Their coconut cake is also awesome. My favorite thus far in Atlanta.
(4)
Greg R.
Good Food, Bad Management On a busy schedule, requested a lunch menu at 1047am but were told mo because they don't start serving lunch until 11am. The manager refused to provide the menus and told us we would have to wait until 11am. They have too much business to treat customers so aggressively. Either get a new manager or change your policies to focus on customer service, not being arrogant
(1)
Chris R.
I love OK Cafe. It's on my way back from dropping my daughter off at school on the way to work, more importantly, I founded my company in the middle booth on the left when you walk in. Great fried breakfasts, I have been eating more of the granola with yogurt lately as I try and drop a few lbs. Takeout if off the hook for a quick dinner.
(5)
Michael K.
Great location for the every now and again "home made style" meal. They have great main dishes as well as excellent sides that will leave you satisfied each and every time. It is a little pricy for what you get and the wait staff can be slow but for the most part it is very reliable time and time again.
(3)
MoMo J.
I haven't been here in awhile. I forgot how delicious their pot pie was!! I like their sweet tea as well. Mac and cheese is good too! Good ole southern food.
(5)
Christian B.
It's not Mom's cooking. And it will never be. But if you want some comfort food and Mom's a good 322 miles away, this'll do. I've been coming here since I moved to Atlanta in '03 and my wife's been a customer even longer, since her high school days when the slogan was "everything's OK 24 hours a day." What enticed me my first visit--and what keeps me coming back--are the fried cheese grits. They are exactly what they sound like. Specifically, cheese grits that have been coated in Panko breadcrumbs and fried. Served with a jalapeno white gravy, they're cholesterolicious. Obviously, it's not something I get every visit. If I did, I'd probably have had a heart attack by now. Over the years, however, there are many other things I've found that I've enjoyed. Like the grilled cheese sandwich with bacon, and the griddle cakes with apple butter and pecans. The burgers--topped with fried pickle slices--are pretty good, even great depending who's on the line that night. And the fried chicken, available only on Sundays, is a pretty reliable choice. Just this past weekend I had a nicely breaded chicken breast with white gravy and two sides, which in my case were creamy (and peppery) mashed potatoes and a triple-cheese mac 'n cheese. I've made some missteps in ordering though. The plain pancakes taste like they're made from a mix (I've seen the box of Aunt Jemima to prove it). And I've never really cared for the chicken salad. It's fresher than the norm, but I prefer a traditional chicken salad to their "lighter" version. I do, however, have to give the folks at OK some credit for working in more natural and organic ingredients (see the back of the menu for details). It's not expected at a place like this, but I think it's great they've chosen to do so. Atmosphere-wise, there's a certain whimsy to the place and it's filled with folk art. But what I like most is the signed cover of Harper Lee's "To Kill A Mockingbird" (OK Cafe is named after the cafe in the book). If you've never been, this is a great spot to bring visiting family or people with kids. The latter will love the giant money tree in the back dining room. Worth perusing on your way out is the large to-go operation in the rear. It features a giant steam table, a deli case and a whole host of scratch-made desserts. Speaking of which, I'd be remiss if I didn't tell you to get a shake here just once. They're delicious, especially the chocolate malt, a nostalgic favorite of mine. So like I said, if you're like me and have a Mom who's a great cook, OK Cafe will fall just a little short. But if you're looking to put some South in your mouth, this is one of Atlanta's better meat-and-two joints.
(3)
Chef Invisible T.
O.K Cafe is A-OK. Now, it is not the best Southern restaurant I have ever been to, but it is a solid go to place when in the area. It is also a no frills option to take out of town guest that want to get a taste of anything Southern. It is like Cracker Barrel on steroids, and a beloved institution in the Atl. The Rose Guy sits on the corner outside the OKC just in case you need some brownie points with the loved ones for your drunken outraged the day before. This resto is a cross between a neighborhood chain and a local diner. Why, because it looks like a TGIF but makes you feel like a regular. The best place in Vinings for a hang over or affordable large portion grub. Get what you want my opinion should not matter.
(3)
Joel C.
I've been living in Atlanta for almost 7 years now and I am surprised that I have never been here! Since I was in the area and starving, I decided to finally check this place out. My first impression upon walking through the doors is that it was a bit themey but after trying the food, I am in love! Since it was our first time there, i was open to trying as much food as possible. We started off with the fried pickles and fried cheese grits...both were awesome! I ordered the Avocado, Tomato and Sprouts Omelet and David ordered the Ham and Cheese Omelet. The portions were huge and we were only able to eat half of what we ordered! Oh, one more thing...the sweet tea was GOOD! Not just good, but rot your teeth good! The customer service is fantastic and everyone was so nice! I truly appreciate that they use a lot of organic produce and that everything is made fresh daily. I'll definitely have to check out their desserts next time as well as grab some food to go in their OK Take-Out area. I will be back soon although I'll have to up my gym workouts!
(4)
Scott S.
Was pleasantly surprised. I have wondered what this place was all about, however each time I would pass by it, it was always packed or I never wanted to wait forever to get inside to dine. So when I had the chance to dine here, I was looking forward to a decent experience and I certainly wasn't disappointed. After about 15 minutes or so of waiting we finally were escorted to our seats. The thing which strikes me was how big this place was. It seemed to take a little longer than expected to get to our table, not that I am complaining. I was just merely pointing out how large the place is. The decr and environment had a very diner-like feel but not to the level of cheese factor like other joints. Once seated, I ordered a coffee and water. Our server was nice and pleasant. I was in the brunch mood and decided to order the Ham & Cheddar Omelet. I was a little disappointed by the lack of omelets on the menu. It would have been nice to see an omelet with chicken or beef included somewhere in the recipe. However the omelet I had was surprisingly tasty and the portion filling. OK Cafe has a decent carry-out section as well which I would like to check out sometime. It looks like the idea to bring home food after a day at work and/or if you're just tired of cooking. Pricing is about in line with establishments of this caliber.
(3)
Amanda W.
I'd have to say OK Cafe is really just OK. It's definitely not the worse food I've ever had. But it's definitely better than IHOP and the like. However, the OK Take-away is where it's at. It's a bit pricier than let's say Boston Market, but the quality is a bazillion times better. Plus it beats having to cook after a long day at work. I also personally dig the retro uniforms the waitresses wear.
(3)
chris k.
Usually quick and friendly service, along with a great breakfast to get your day going. Popular place have to your morning breakfast business meetings here. Additionally, they have a side-store, where you can shop and get all the dishes to go, in the back area. Many people don't know about this, but provides a quick way to get some Southern Cooking in a pinch for dinner.
(4)
Enoch C.
i've been here about 3 times now. the first two visits were very impressive. sadly, the last time i went, not so great. i think this place definitely depends on what you order. they hit some stuff out of the park and fall short on other things. i went with 3 other friends, most of us left semi-satisfied wishing we had ordered something different. here's what we had: me: rotisserie chicken with lemon pepper tamari (it's like a soy sauce as i learned from our server) with mac and cheese and fried green tomatoes. friend 1: veggie plate friend 2: pot roast friend 3: meat loaf my rotisserie chicken was pretty dry and not tender at all. the tamari made it pretty salty too. i would recommend they just make it a lemon pepper rotisserie chicken, cook it a little better and it'd be alright. no need for the tamari. the mac and cheese was great. it was the one side we all ordered. the fried green tomatoes came out burning hot (which is good). my only beef with the tomatoes were that they only give you 3. my friend with the veggie plate loved it. i had ordered that before and was not disappointed. probably the safest meal to get here cause their veggies are just superb. the pot roast i heard was disappointing. we both wished we had went with our gut and ordered the chicken pot pie. the meat loaf was ok. i don't know good meatloaf so i can't really tell you if this was exceptional or not. i just had a bite but i thought it was ok. some recommendations i've received for this place are the chicken pot pie and the rocket burger. i also heard the chicken nuggets are good too. we ordered the fried onion shavings and pickle chips. onions were good, and i think i'm just not a fan of pickle chips. but compared to other pickle chips, they tasted about the same. so if that's what pickle chips are supposed to taste like, then you won't be disappointed here although the breading on the chips were abnormally crunchy. i've had the fried cheese grits - those are freaking awesome. i'd definitely recommend those. the cornbread was super moist (friend 1 hates that word). bits of real corn. and i don't normally like cornbread. if you're planning on getting here for lunch, plan on coming early or waiting in line. and for goodness sake, order the right thing!!
(3)
Jennifer W.
The OK Cafe is one of the most consistent establishments I've been to. No matter when I've gone, the food has always been good. The atmosphere is that of artsy-Southern-comfort-food-diner. This evening, I chose a veggie plate of green beans, corn, squash casserole and three cheese macaroni. I have to save the best for last, I'm kinda weird that way, so the beans and corn go first, followed by the squash and macaroni. The entire plate was Southern yummy goodness. And when I do happen to leave some food on my plate because I gobbled up a corn muffin or three, I have it boxed up for lunch the next day. The only thing that I don't care for is the see-through take out containers. I don't really like seeing all of those food juices swishing around. But I digress. The service is fairly consistent and well-balanced between attentiveness and space. I've only had lackluster service once. But once out of all the times I've been there is negligible.
(4)
Dean S.
It's okay.
(2)
Sean K.
True to it's name this place is o.k. I was put off by dirty silverware. Nothing like unwrapping your silverware to find chunks of food from the last persons meal. I agree with every other "dim-witted moron with a weak palate" (according to Patirck S) who says this place is only meh.
(2)
Stacy S.
OK Cafe is a good place to go when you're hungry and don't want to bother with something fancy or expensive. I had the veggie plate and the stand-out was DEFINITELY the Mac&Cheese. It was fantastic!!! The corn was good too, it was cut right off the cob.. very fresh. The green beans were okay & so was the cucumber salad. My friend had a cheeseburger which looked good. The onion rings that she ordered were pretty good. The fried green tomatoes were fair - not the best I've had but certainly not the worst. I definitely want to go back to see if they have fried catfish - my favorite! Overall this restaurant is definitely a step-up from a diner, Denny's, Cracker Barrel, TGI Fridays, etc. The servers are really nice, and the sweet tea is great too!
(3)
Jeff M.
At least all the places in Atlanta are named correctly. Thumbs Up is just that (out of two thumbs). This place is OK. It's good even. If they were called The Greatest Cafe This Side of the Solar System. then I might have a problem with that. I go here if I have a diner craving. And when I go to diners, I'm never looking for life-changing experiences. I'm looking for what I need: good, greasy diner food. This place is quirky and I like it.
(3)
Jean G.
The atmospere was old school. The guys with me thought most of the servers looked cute in the 50's style outfits. I enjoyed my chicken pot pie. My husband was dissapointed fried chicked was only on Sunday. The fries were cold even after asking for new ones.
(3)
Renee B.
Holy crap. They have the BEST strawberry shortcake i have ever eaten. 1st time, we ordered the vanilla milkshake, strawberry shortcake and steamed cabbage. I tasted the shortcake and immediately moved the plate to my side so i could devour as fast as possible. The cabbage was fresh and the shake was a great way to wash it down. lol. I went back the next day for more and will keep going cos its on my way to work and the bf's place. Im never going back to DQ shortcakes again.
(5)
Scott S.
The old school atmosphere from the 50's outfits the servers wear to the red leather chair decor is awesome. The atmosphere gets 5 stars all the way. Everything else is 'OK' at best. The service is slow. Their grits and Waldorf salad are actually quite good. Everything else was average at best. OK Cafe offers a lot of healthier alternatives and organic options which is fairly unusual for the area but they loose any health benefits on some heavily over salted foods. They do have a seperate take out section of the restuarant with a full bar of take out items. Overall, OK Cafe totally lives up to its name.. OK
(2)
Kate B.
Delicious southern cooking! The food is great but it is a little pricey for what it is. You kind of pay for the novelty of the 50's style diner. You must try to squash souffle - its fantastic. It's also cool that there is a OK Take Away section but be careful because you pay by weight and it's almost impossible to leave without spending at least $12 a meal. I'd give it 4 or 5 stars if it were not so pricey for what it is.
(3)
Andrew L.
Originally from New Jersey, I can get enough of OK Cafe. I have found over the years with the cafe, that something that people need to know about. You need to go at the right time. For example, going at 12 on a Sunday will result in a 2 hour wait. Going at 4 on Sunday results in no wait. The food has always been right on target. I usually get the pot roast with collards and mac and cheese. Imagine that, a Yankee eating collards. Believe me they are that good, and the Mac and cheese cannot be passed. On Sundays, they have a fried chicken special, but it is a boneless chicken breast that my wife swears by. I have been back to Atlanta since Jan, and I have been there 3 times already...I can't wait to go back
(5)
Shawn W.
There I was, a white guy in the waiting area at OK Cafe' on a Tuesday morning, awake an hour early on five hours' sleep, wearing a tieless blazer, slacks and freshly-shined loafers. My table would be ready in [mumble, mumble] minutes. I was late for my breakfast meeting with a client whom I wanted to impress because he gives me a lot of business. Still, I wasn't fitting in. One, though I was a white guy amongst many white guys waiting for his table at OK Cafe' that morning, I didn't have a golf handicap. I don't even own a set of clubs! Two, I didn't graduate from a Southeast Conference university 35 years ago. Finally, my "people" aren't from the South. Nor am I. What the hell am I doing here?? OK Cafe' has a reputation as being the "white guy power breakfast" place, so I checked it out. As I grasped how well this reputation is deserved, my client showed up and my name was called. Luckily he was even further behind schedule. Breakfast food at OK Cafe' is great, service is efficient and friendly, though not chatty, and waitresses wear early-1950's uniforms. Portions are average-sized. Decor is classic, fresh and very clean. Some waitresses remind me of 1950's pinup types that emulate Bettie Page. OK Cafe' is very presentable for family, out of towners or people you don't know well. It does have sufficient "date" ambience, though the atmosphere is conservative given the location. It's a good place to take your in-laws or meet boyfriend/girlfriend's parents.
(5)
Sarah P.
OH EMMM GEEE! Mac and cheese...enough said.
(5)
Donnie H.
I have been a patron of the OK Cafe for more years than I would like to admit. The food is always good as well as the service. It is what it is good southern comfort food. The only negative is the wait, they can get very busy. I guess it's a good problem to have if your the owner. Keep up the good work OK.
(4)
Bill S.
I thought the OK cafe was actually pretty good. Compared to other Southern cooking restaurants, the food was better than, say, Agnes & Muriels, but not as good as Carver's Grocery. We went on a Saturday night at dinner time. Given this place is almost always packed, we were shocked that there was no wait for a table. The service was good, and the prices were reasonable, though maybe $6 for a shake was pushing it. In short, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the OK cafe, and would definitely return.
(4)
Jennifer B.
Great Atlanta staple! Fun spot to take a date or friends. I hear the meatloaf is delish & I think a milkshake is a definite must-go-for. ; )
(4)
Ally M.
Went to the OK cafe a Sunday for breakfast. Got in just before the rush which appeared to start around 10.30 am. Great atmosphere with a good selection for breakfast. You will not leave hungry. There's a small store attached where you can buy bread, cookies and hot food items to go. Wish we lived in Atlanta to visit this place more often.
(4)
Casey S.
I tell my sister that the reason I like to visit ATL is for her, but secretly, it's for OK Cafe. Please don't tell her our little secret. THE best mac n cheese I have ever ingested. Honestly. If I could give this place 10 stars based on that dish alone, I would. I'm craving it all the way in Chi-town right this very moment. Perhaps another visit is in order....
(5)
Erin W.
What a perfect name for a cafe that is very hospitable and better than okay. I've been several times for dessert, pancakes, burgers and fries and the food is always well cooked, seasoned and worth the visit. Of course the prices are very reasonable. OK Cafe has a to go section which houses already prepared buffet style foods. Additionally, similar to Honey Baked Ham, they sell takeaway ready to cook refrigerated meals, perfect for a potluck or a regular meal at home. OK Cafe is located off I-75 and West Paces Ferry. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch menus are available round the clock and I especially love the malt shakes and desserts. For details and directions visit okcafe.com Okay!
(4)
Shannon C.
Man! The food is GOOD. Service is good too. Me looooooves it. Good 'ol all American food. Tastes like your mama made it!
(5)
J D.
Melikes Ok Cafe some, and me don't likes it for other reasons. I like the kind of faux-diner artsy vibe, and the food is pretty good overall. But like most Atlanta breakfast spots, they not only couldn't make iced coffee to save their life, they pour hot coffee over ice and provide a tall glass of watery yuck to their customers. I'm begging you restaurant owners and managers-just say no when I ask if you serve iced coffee, AND when I ask "it's not just hot coffee poured over ice is it?" Because I'm happy (honestly) to go in another beverage direction. Don't say yes and then give me exactly what I asked you not to bring. Pretty please even.
(3)
Shawn J.
The food was awesome, I drove pass this place all the time, I can't believe I missed it.
(5)
Elaine B.
Team work is key here. We were welcomed and serviced by multiple waitresses. The food was classic home cooking. Loved the lower level market. Took home some bread home...it was delish! Economical and friendly! What more could you ask for? To sit by the tree! If you go there, ask to sit by in-door tree. My nephew loved it!
(4)
Susan T.
LOVE THIS PLACE! Pro tip: instead of standing in lengthy line, sit at the counter. You'll never have to wait and it's fun to watch the friendly (go a few times and they'll remember you) chefs buzzing around. You may wind up next to a APD officer, a Buckhead Betty, a super cool rapper, a posh and genteel older gentleman. If you dine alone, as I frequently do, it's a pleasant, nurturing bubble. My favorites are the strawberry shortcake (please ask to have the shortcake warmed up, takes this dessert to another level), the turkey dinner with collards and mac n cheese as sides (extra gravy, don't know what they put in it, but it rocks), chicken fried steak, really I like it all. The waitresses are out of another era, will definitely call you honey and on my birthday, while attacking a mountainous brownie sundae, my waitress brought me a beautiful slice of chocolate cake with a wee lit candle in it. For later, she said. Did I tell you I really love OK Cafe? ;-)
(5)
Janet G.
Okay, so I haven't been here in YEARS. One thing that's changed? The hours! It used to be 24 hours, which was awesome back in the late-late 90s when you needed to kill time with your friends. They used to have one of the top five grilled cheeses I've ever had in my LIFE. (And I eat lots of grilled cheese sandwiches, and I really did contemplate writing a book listing the best ones, so I'm a valid source. Unfortunately, things may've changed in the last decade.)
(4)
Tressi J.
The name says it all-- the OK Cafe is just ok. That's all.
(3)
Shonda K.
I am with my girl Tressi, the name sums it up.
(2)
Alexa G.
Okay let me preface this review: After we went to ikea I HAD to try out mi barrio.. but after getting lost for about 30 minutes downtown ( yes I'm OTP!!!! lol)....imputing the wrong address in my GPS . and my boyfriend having to well.. ahhh go from drinking to much h20 post workout...we finally found mi barro!!!!! BUT they were closed!!! *tear runs from eye* we decided to go home ... but ahhh had to make a pit stop on the way back... sooooo..We stopped at OK cafe....Ohh the three cheese mac and cheese! very yum!!! The burgers ( with fried pickles to boot on the side) they serve are "organic" and hormone free which I guess why the $10 price for the burger applies... I was a lil shocked at $33 bucks for 2 burgers.. the dinner menu was a little limited.. but if you like comfort food and middle aged women in little white uniforms this is the place to go :) Perhaps next time I'll try their breakfast!
(3)
Jen D.
Stopped by this place randomly on my way to Buckhead and I'm so glad I did. This is as close to home cooking that you can get without making mommy dearest come over and whip up a feast for you. The veggies are fresh, not from the can and all the ingredients are top notch. I love the white mac and cheese. So cheesy! Desserts and shakes are delicious as well. And this place stays open late. Living in Cobb County and going to or coming back from Buckhead? Take a little detour down Paces Ferry and come to this place. You'll get to see all the lovely mansions along the way.
(5)
Tony P.
We love this place....the strawberry shortcake a must have!!!
(4)
Blake B.
OK Cafe? Yeah, it's OK. How's that for setting your sights high? "Hey man, I got this great idea for a restaurant... it's gonna be called I Guess That'll Do Grill. Or what do you think of Ehh, Just Serve It Diner? You in?" I am so not in. OK Cafe used to be nice when they ran it 24-7 and you could go there after a show and eat the Southern fixin's that make you big big. But now they don't stay open past 10 as far as I know. Their food quality is once again better than an IHOP, but really not that much better, and the service is usually pretty rushed because they tend to get packed in here. They actually use fresh ingredients and you feel like your meal was made when you ordered it. So props for being better than an in-n-out style place. They do have Fried Green Tomatoes. I like Fried Green Tomatoes. I don't know anyone that ever goes here. Just looking at it reminds me of a Golden Corral, or some other half-cocked all-you-can-eat jam. And they don't even let you get all you can eat. Pretty much everything here is heavy on the tummy so maybe that's a good thing.
(3)
Jaye B.
As much time as I've spent in the ATL, I'm surprised I'd never been here before. It's pretty well known and has decent food. Lunch time on a Monday and we had a little bit of a wait, which to me is annoying, but also a good sign. The place was loud. There was so much action as the waitresses ran back and forth taking orders and slingin' hash. OK, so they weren't quite slingin' hash, but you get the idea. The level of activity was enough to drive any one with ADD to lose their mind. This means that I had to concentrate real hard and pretty much not talk at all or I might have flipped out. We started with the sweet potato chips which were really good. I'm giving one point for those alone. They were served with a Maytag Blue Cheese dip which I didn't think went well at all. I preferred mine plain and served up OCD style in a single layer on my plate, doused with salt. The rest of the group liked the dip though...freaks. My mom had the crawfish salad which looked like it had way too much dressing on it. In fact, she really only ate the crawfish and a bit of the lettuce as it was soaked in dressing. Still, she said it was good but this is coming from a woman who considers mayonnaise a food group. My uncle wanted a club sandwich that he said they used to have, but it wasn't on the menu so he opted for a smoked turkey that had bacon and avocado. It looked pretty good with thick turkey breast slices rather than thin deli meat. It came with chips but he sent them back in favor of fries. He ate half the sandwich and we brought the other half to my Nana, who will never, ever, ever waste food. She didn't seem to understand this sandwich, but she ate it (she doesn't like a hot lunch so this was a good choice for her). I was going to be eating light that night so I had a bigger lunch with the crab and crawfish cakes, mac and cheese and collard greens. My greens were pretty good but they didn't have any sauce hot enough for my tastes (this is what living in Texas does to a girl). They were, of course, cooked with bacon, the only acceptable way to cook greens. The mac and cheese was really good. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that was some of the best mac and cheese I've ever had. I might have dreams about that when I'm PMSing. The crab/crawfish cakes weren't that great. They had way too much breading on them to be anything worth eating, so, um, I didn't! I didn't really need them with all that other food. In the end, OK Cafe was just that, OK. I wouldn't go back by choice, but if a group wanted to go, I'd be able to find something and be OK with it. So that must be where they got the name? Oh yeah, Tootsie Rolls at the end of the meal were a nice addition.
(3)
Marie P.
No worries...everything IS OK at OK Cafe! Let me preface this by saying I hate grits and I'm not a Southern gal. But I crave their fried cheese grits like there is no tomorrow. And I love this place! I always get the turkey sandwich with avocado, sprouts, bacon, lettuce and tomato because it's just so good! Everything else I've seen looks equally as good, if not better. Actually, take that back. Their burger is nothing special and a little expensive, too. I've never had their mac and cheese but with all the other rave reviews about it, I think I have a reason to go back. The servers are always sweet and very attentive and the food is always impeccable prepared. Just watch out for snobby and pretentious West Paces Ferry/Northside/Buckhead people especially on Sundays after church... I've never done the OK Take Away, but I've walked through it and everything looks just as good as the food served in the restaurant. Get here early for lunch because it gets packed. I went at 11AM and had to wait a little while for a table. And they get pretty busy at night, too. I went at 10PM and there were so many people!
(4)
Laura M.
The blue plate specials are soooo good, but so huge. You can get two meals out of one easily. Especially if you want to save room for a dessert! Check out the strawberry shortcake--layers of thick pound cake sandwich vanilla icecream--all coated with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. You all know that I try mac & cheese every chance I get. Ok's mac & cheese is really good. Big shells and gooey cheese tossed with flavorful spices---not mustardy or hot---just good!
(4)
Julie M.
The sweet potato chips are delicious! So yummy. My only complaint was that my meal was a bit on the lukewarm side. Other than that, very good comfort food!
(4)
Kathleen M.
Blah. OK Cafe is so overrated and overpriced! We could walk to OK Cafe from my high school so I went there... a lot. The food is so-so and definitely not worth what they charge. Service is slow and I hate the crushed ice they put in the soft drinks. Even though my friends usually wanted to go here since it was the "hangout," I was usually able to talk them into Gorin's (where Willy's is now), Goldberg's, Chik-fil-A, or Steak N Shake. All more fast-foody places, but I still liked them better! Maybe I'll have to check this place out again as an adult with an income, but it definitely won't be in my top 10 places for a good meal. 1 star for being open late. 1 star for the tootsie rolls.
(2)
Deb Y.
This place never disappoints. The food is good home cooking, the atmosphere is like a big diner, but with more service. The service is fast and friendly. Great place to take a family!
(4)
Chriss F.
An excellent place for comfort food (meatloaf etc.) Service is above average and they try to seat you asap. They used to stay open really late but its OK. They also offer healthy food and a powershake. A classic dining spot.
(3)
Jennifer B.
The best go-to restaurant when you just want good "home cooked" food without any fuss. All of the wait staff is so friendly. The squash casserole is to die for--I want that recipe! Small entree list to choose from, but all are sure to please. Last time I was there the wait for our meal seemed a little longer than usual, but nothing to make me complain. Then all of a sudden the manager comes over with our food and says the entire meal is on the house because we had to wait so long! We hadn't even said anything or showed any signs of annoyance! WOW, talk about customer service. I always love this place, but after that I HAD to write a review. The food always tastes so fresh, like they have a whole army of grandmas in the back cooking! Although I'm usually not a fan of mac 'n cheese, I have to agree with everyone else...theirs is the best around! I've never eaten here for breakfast, but I imagine that to be wonderful as well!
(5)
Cory F.
At lunch time, this place is always packed. And the really nice thing is their sign outside the door that tells you how long you could expect to wait be fore getting a table, before wasting time to wait in line, see a waitress, and finally just put your name in. The food here is pretty good, certainly better than old Shoneys or IHOP, but no where near as good as Greenwoods in Roswell. The service is quite nice and they are always on their toes there waiting hand and foot at lunch time! Like Lauren S. was saying, if you are on a diet, this is one place you do not want to be! Their white gravy is excellent and makes the fried pork or chicken just that much better. If you are in the area, you should check the place out.
(4)
Foster B.
Can not be beaten - best ever . Do not miss this place. Milkshakes are to die for.
(5)
Dave L.
Awesome southern food! I had chicken fried steak with collared greens and sweet yams...feel much fatter afterwards but I have to say they have the best southern cooking I've ever had. Take a bar seat and you can watch the chefs double fry your meal to come! On the down side some of the items are a bit pricey. Twice I went there the air indoors smelled musty. Also get there early for brunch on weekends - there seems to be always a wait...but it's worth it!
(4)
Scott M.
Breakfast is great, lunch and dinner are just OK, and the service is EXCELLENT. Prices are a little high and the wait (on weekend mornings) can sometimes be a little long.
(3)
Loretta L.
Love the atmosphere. I don't recommend the veggie burger (it falls apart as you eat it) but the rest of the food was delicious!
(5)
Kelsey H.
Since moving to Altanta the OK Cafe has quickly found a place at the top of my list of favorites. Their breakfasts are to die for - huge pancakes loaded with blueberries and big omelets. If only they served breakfast all day long. Their dinners are huge southern food feats. The chicken pot pie is super creamy and rich, the baked sweet potato with brown sugar and pecans is enough to justify the visit. The meatloaf was lacking flavor and I wasn't a fan of the tomato sauce they serve with it and the chicken fried steak was good but a bit tougher than I would like. If you are there I definitely recommend getting a milkshake - try a chocolate peanut butter one.
(5)
John S.
I had never been here, although my wife wanted to take me here several times, we just never made it. My son had a wrestling match at a school nearby so we decided to eat here. It was interesting to say the least. I didn't know what to expect. We walked in, I wrote my own name down and how many people were in my party. We waited maybe 5 minutes and the "hostess" called 2 Johns...one a party of 4 and one a party of 3 (that would be us). Both parties got up there and she got confused because she only had one table. She wanted to know who wanted to be seated first (I asked her which party was first on the list) she just turned around and told the other party that she would seat them. So, I went back and sat down. Not even 30 seconds later, they called us back up to go to our table. The same hostess took us all around the dining room to a table that she could have taken us to on a shorter route. She set our silverware and menus down and said "Your server will be with you" and took off...no questions no enjoy your meal...nothing. I looked around and noticed the decor on the walls and then I really noticed the servers and cooks. I felt like I was on an episode of "Alice"!! Our server was an older blonde woman, who looked similar to Flo. She came and asked what we wanted to drink, if we wanted any appetizers and if we were ready to order (all in the first visit). We weren't ready but gave our drink orders and then she rushed off. She came back with the drinks after a few minutes and set them down, took our order (kinda of in a rushed way), and was off again. She would bop around to other tables to see how they were doing and would stay longer at them than she did ours, for whatever reason. Our food came and it was just okay. My wife said her meatloaf was better than the one she had on on her plate, which she didn't finish. My burger and fries were warm at best. My son didn't care about what his food was like because he was starved. Our server began to clear the table and took my wife and son's plates, while I was finishing up my meal, she asked if I was done and if she could take my plate. I politely told her that I wasn't finished but thank you. I finally finished and then she brought the check for us to pay, "You can pay up front or at the TakeAway Store" she said as she ran off again. I looked at our check and saw that it actually wasn't our check, it was the table across from us. Another server came over and asked if there was something wrong and we politely pointed out the mistake and she got us the correct check. We went to pay and the cashier did not ask "How was the food, service, evening?" She merely told us the total and we paid and left. This place was just okay for me. Probably not somewhere I would go back to if I was hungry.
(2)
Whitney B.
Good consistent food. Breakfast is excellent. Pancakes are huge...two people (or more) could share them. Omlet's are really good...huge and fluffy goodness. The lunch/dinner fare is southern. Good but not great. The atmosphere is cool. It's always busy so there will defnitely be a wait. The staff is friendly but can be slow when it's busy. Milkshakes are to die for!
(3)
Vincent V.
Whenever I see the name of this place, I can't help but wonder if there's a Mediocre Cafe or Average Cafe somewhere in the world. But I digress... OK Cafe is definitely not average or mediocre, or even simply OK. It's much better. The menu has lots of diner staples with a Southern twist. Give the sweet potato chips with Maytag blue cheese a try if you're there for lunch. I could eat those things every day of the week until my heart explodes... Also, make sure you save room for dessert. They have some awesome pies to choose from. Mmmmmm, pie.
(4)
Terrisa H.
So, big surprise, the OK Cafe was umm, just OK. Takes forever to get in and I was expecting great things....the service was great, but the food was just alright. Bacon burger was good - what you would expect for a diner burger, and the sweet potato fries with blue cheese ranked as the highlight of the visit. The meatloaf was not great and the sides were blah. Really fun atmosphere and it was a fun time, but for us, the food is just not the big highlight here.
(3)
Stephen S.
Such good food and consistent quality. Named for the cafe adjacent to the courthouse in "To Kill a Mockingbird," and beset with an autographed copy of Harper Lee's book, OK Cafe's best dishes are traditional Southern fare. I've been eating here off and on for over 20 years; I still go back for my Southern food fix even though I no longer live in Atlanta. Nowdays I order the country fried steak with collards and squash souffle. Heavenly. Always correctly and simply prepared. Went back 3 weeks ago and it was as good as it's ever been.
(4)
Mellie P.
Great service, awesome food, quaint atmosphere. I like it. I like it a lot.
(4)
Nancy L.
God I love this place! Where else can you go to get real Cherry Coke! Sitting down at a table can be difficult due to the long wait time, especially at lunch. That is why I love the Take Away bar. It is loaded with everything! There are fresh salads, delicious casseroles, steaming soups, and fantastic desserts! All ready and waiting for you to grab it and go! No lines, no crowds, just fantastic food! Try it today!
(4)
Jennifer P.
I tried this place with a friend of mine after we went to Castleberry Hill. We were on 75 and this place is right off the exit and we were starving... I ordered the Blue Plate special with country fried steak with a side of squash casserole and a baked sweet potato. The steak was merely okay... it was a little tough, and the squash casserole was decent but I could have sworn there was chicken in it so that kind of disturbed me. The baked sweet potato was my favorite part of that meal... you can't go wrong with a hot sweet potato with butter and brown sugar... mmm. One thing that really bothered me is they have this big painting of the Confederate flag on the wall... which really is f*cked up!
(3)
Rilindo F.
It's a bit overrated, but for breakfast, it's quite good - you will get a breakfast that will fill you up. As a side note, during the evening time, you can get food to go as well (mostly Southern style cooking).
(4)
Marion C.
Visited a friend in Atlanta was at the cafe Nov 8. Loved the food, great southern food, seasoned well. Cleaned my plate had the turkey and stuffing, collard greens, sweet potato and black eye peas. Loved the corn muffins. Had the lemon coconut cake for dessert. Loved the cake so much on my way to the airport returning to Dallas I stopped at the cafe and purchased muffins, lemon cake so my husband could experience this tasty cuisine. Will definitely return on my next visit to Atlanta.
(4)
D M.
ok when i went the place was crowded. I went wanting a blue plate special. I wanted it till I saw the price. they start at 11.50 up to 14.00. I finally settled on a meatloaf sandwitch. i payed 1 dollar more cause i wanted onion straws instead of potato chips. the sandwitch and onion straws was good. I just think the place is quite expensive. I payed over 13 for that and sweet tea. I think you could go across the street and eat at steak n shake get the same quality of food at a waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper price the wait staff did a good job keeping my glass full. the wait time wasnt long either. this isnt a bad place just VERRRRRRY expensive!!!!
(3)
Christopher H.
Definately overrated. It was voted by the AJC as one of the top power-breakfasting destinations in Atlanta, but I fail to see why other than the location. Every breakfast dish I've had here has been adequate, but nothing more. The granola pancakes are too dry, and the portions too large. Among the few perks would be the milkshakes, rich and thick enough that students from Westminster will come here and order only this. Lunch and dinner are good, but not great. Atmosphere is kooky and fun. The highlight is the dollar tree in the middle of the restaurant. But for the aforementioned Atlanta power players, there are several intimate booths located within the confines of the building to conduct their business dealings. I suppose I don't need to mention that the prices are a bit steep consdiering the quality of the food.
(3)
John W.
Retro diner in Buckhead w/ home cooking, new southern style. The chicken-pot-pie is the bomb, and so's the pnut butter milkshake. Try the lady peas, and zipper peas when they're available, and the pancake-batter shrimp special.
(5)
Montie G.
This Is probably The place I eat out the most I love the food and Cherry Coke there I I wish that it was a bit cheaper since i eat there a lot but I love the Breakfast and Dinner menu.
(4)
David J.
Great place, pretty good food from a time before people were concerned about their health... but you don't go there to eat healthy... you go there to be bad. That is the premise of the place. From an era long past right down to the outfits the waitresses wear. I think I saw Flo from Alice there... Pretty good cafe food and brunch is not too bad either but get there early before the church crowd with misbehaved children in tow hits or you'll be sorry and hungry while you wait!
(4)
Christy A.
This place is awesome and always busy. I think ii is best to stick with the breakfast and it is all about the homefries. They are great. The service is friendly and good. Great place.
(4)
Aimee G.
This place was really good. I didn't really know what to expect since I'd never been before. Came here for Sunday afternoon lunch date. I had the crawfish & crabcakes with collard greens and mac & cheese. Totally delish. I couldn't even finish it but what I did manage to gobble down satisfied my craving. Will definitely be back here again.
(4)
Eric P.
Only had a milkshake, on the restaurant side of things ("Ok Cafe"). Superb.
(4)
Nicole G.
It probably wasn't the best idea to hit this place for a regular dinner before a concert. The pickle chips were a little bit on the greasy side. I got the chicken pot pie, which was pretty good, but very heavy. So, it lives up to its name - that is to say, it was OK. I don't know if I would go again.
(3)
Rebecca O.
You're missing out if you haven't yet dined at OK Cafe. It's comfort food and a whole lot more. The interior is designed with all sorts of flair, and the entire place evokes some kind of "remember when" images. I never really stray far from the veggie plate, but blue plate specials and the fried cheese grits with jalapeno and cheese dip aim to please.
(4)
omar b.
My brother is being lazy, so i will represent for the ATL. I was heading back to SF from visiting his Peachtree ass and he was cool enough to bring me to this amazing southern comfort spot. My of my, I couldn't believe how stuffed we were from grinding on the ono sweet-potato fries, huge chicken-pot pie, and as you guessed collard greens...oh yes they had a soda fountain. The best cherry coke ever and i guess that's something being i don't really drink soda. Gottta check this place out ^ ^
(4)
Josh V.
Best blue plate and comfort food in Atlanta...hands down!!!!!
(5)
Gina C.
I've been here several times and again tonight with a friend. I think the prices are a little high for the quality of food. However, I guess they can get away with it because of the area and it being so packed all the time. I ordered the pot roast with mashed potatoes and fried okra. The pot roast was a little dry for my taste. The mashed potatoes were really good! Just like the kind your momma makes. The okra was also yummy. It was breaded perfectly and it wasn't too slimy. The cornbread was tasty as well. The food is still sitting in my stomach. My friend ordered crab and craw fish cakes. They were okay, but a little too breaded for me. He also ordered the mac and cheese which he loved and black eyed peas. When we put our order in we looked at the desserts and decided on the chocolate fudge cake. It looked so good bc we were sitting right next to all of the cakes. However, we decided to skip the cake bc we were so full. I'll have to get that next time I'm here. We were also distracted by a guy who complained about his food taking too long to come out. He asked the waitress what time she put the order in and then asked to speak to the manager. My friend and I just rolled our eyes. We didn't think it took too long. We thought he was being a little dramatic. Come on, just bc your food takes a little longer to come out is it really something to whine and complain about? Everything should be OK at OK Cafe. Overall, Ok Cafe is A-OK in my book. OK enough with the OKs. If I'm in the area, I'll stop by.
(3)
Margo R.
I almost want to sneak into the kitchen and see what the chefs are doing...the food is so good! The menu is filled with hearty southern dishes, so dieters should probably steer clear. Otherwise check out this more-than-ok cafe.... my first experience with sweet potato fries. How sweet it was :)
(4)
Alison L.
One of the best things at OK Cafe is the Mac and Chesse. It is absolutely THE BEST Southern Mac and Cheese. The Pancake Batter Fried Shrimp is the bomb! It puts any other fried shrimp to shame and I've had a lot of fried shrimp during my lifetime. It's only avail on Saturdays though. Ummm Ummmm Good! The Collards are pretty good but it varies. Black eyed peas are good as are the sweet potatos. Don't really like any of the other veggies. The fruit salad is made with mayo - not a fan at all. Those corn bread muffins are yummy! The Crab Cakes are good. Overall prices are high and the "blue plates" are overpriced. Nice atmosphere though and pleasant servers.
(3)
Tom M.
The food is excellent but this place is almost always crowded and loud. Expect a wait at peak times of day and on weekends. Not exactly kid friendly or accomodating for large groups. Perfect for couples or a pair of couples. Atmosphere could be called "Mel's Funky Stylized Diner" but with well above average food.
(4)
Shon I.
Only need a few words. Always on spot. Really busy, but the staff and food are superb. I love the catfish wednesdays.. tasty Hubby loves the meatloaf. BFF loves the country fried steak **I work around the corner and we order the cakes often. 10 thumbs up. The lemon coconut is my favorite** Will always go back.. Just be prepared for a REALLY REALLY BUSY RESTAURANT
(4)
Jay N.
This restaurant is located just off I 75 on Paces Ferry Rd. in front of the Publix shopping center. It is easy to spot by the Giant neon OK on their roof. I have to say that I have fallen in love with this place over the years and we try to stop every time we are passing through the Atlanta area. It is a southern comfort food restaurant complete with waitstaff in 50's style uniforms, red pleather covered booths and checker board tile floors. The first thing you notice as you approach the door is a neon sign that tells you the approximate wait time. Inside you will find a beehive of activity at any time of the day. There are several different dining areas and a lunch counter type setup with the short order cooks working the grills just on the other side. The decor is definitely a bit odd, but fun. There is a huge "money tree" in the middle of the main dining room. Service has always been good and the servers are friendly and always willing to help you make a choice. My favorites on the menu are the blue plate specials. They change with each visit, but are basically a meat plus 2 sides. The meatloaf is probably my favorite with the triple mac and cheese and black eyed peas. They all come with cornbread. The deserts and shakes are good too. They are open for breakfast lunch and diner. They also offer "Take Away" which is many of the same items you find on the regular menu on a hot bar. You take a box and add whatever you want, when you are done, they weigh it and charge you based on the weight. What a great concept!!! It is a fun weigh (pun intended) to try a little bit of everything on the menu. You may have to wait a bit but it is worth it and the line moves quick. Bottom line: Great Food Great Atmosphere Good Service Decent Prices
(4)
Murray I.
So sad to see all the fire trucks and a big home in the roof. Very glad no one was injured. Good luck OK cafe.
(4)
R G.
I've been going to the Ok Cafe for years. The food is so good and the service is great too. If you looking for that old time Diner experience, outfits and all give ok cafe a try.
(4)
W S.
On December 8, 2014 the restaurant caught fire. Check to make sure it is open before you go.
(5)
Polar F.
First time at the famous OK Cafe, the folks had been here before and family came to visit so we stopped by. The tables were packed, as expected, but the wait was quick. Here we go: 1. Service - hit or miss. The pro was that the different waitresses helped each other so we had attention. The con was the kitchen; burgers came in quick but an omelette took forever, and the accompanying English muffin showed up dead last. Ding for kitchen service. 2. Fare: nothing impressive here. The taste was not out of this world, although the fried pickles were a nice surprise Overall, it's not five star worthy. 3. Price: in my opinion, expensive. We pretty much all decided to not make this restaurant a go-to spot. Overall, if you've never been here, go at least once to try it out. My experience may not be the same as yours but I think you'll notice that the food, while great in quality, didn't have the flavors to match.
(3)
Chaz P.
At my arrival to OK Cafe, my friend Roberto and I were greeted by a familiar voice! Traci, the manager used to be my former employer and we hugged it out!! We were greeted by our server Lessa and she made some stellar recommendations for food on my cheat day from working out and nutrition. The fried cheese grits were off the charts and my fried catfish, collard greens, baked sweet potato and corn muffin were super fire (that means exceptional)! We also had the best Arnold Palmer with fresh squeezed lemonade that I've ever partaken in. Great memory!
(5)
Cathy Z.
I went here with my bf a few weeks ago for dinner. The minute I walked in, I felt like I had traveled back in time. The wait staff were dressed in outfits from the older days and the interior was filled in things from the past. The place was hopping but we managed to get a table for two by the window right away. The atmosphere was lively and relaxed. It definitely had a homey feeling. Food was pretty good. My bf had his usual (he used to be a regular), which consisted of the country fried steak, mashed potatoes, collard greens, and a corn muffin. He loved it as per usual. I had the meatloaf topped with creole sauce, mac & cheese, collard greens, and a corn muffin. I have to say that I wasn't thrilled about the meatloaf. It was just ok to me. Nothing wrong with it but nothing special either. The mac & cheese was heavy with lots of cream and cheese..and mushy, which isn't my jam. The rest of my plate, however, was delicious. Collard greens were seasoned and cooked to perfection. The corn muffin was made perfectly too. On our way out, we also grabbed a couple of rice crispy treats for dessert. And they were gooey and yummy and perfect. I think I'll give this place another try. Mainly because my bf loves it so much, but i will definitely try a different main course.
(4)
Trevor W.
This is how I imagine my Grandparents going out for lunch or dinner at the corner diner in the 40s and 50s. Expansive space with waitresses in that classic white dress uniform and caps. Nostalgic Blue Plate specials, expansive breakfast menu, and old school shakes and pies. Really hits home with Southern Comfort food done right. Love coming here for Brunch on the weekends, though you really can't go wrong any time of day! Service here is exceptional. The after church crowd packs this place in, but you rarely wait more than 15 minutes. Nice stroll down memory lane!
(4)
Robert U.
I've been coming to Okay Cafe for more than 20 years now. I really like it. SERVICE: - It gets busy, and the "sign yourself in" process might be off-putting to newbies. (There is a pad of paper by the check-out register. You write your own name on it and the number of folks in your party, then you sit down.) - Servers are usually friendly, often funny, and always professional (these folks hustle). FOOD: - It's a diner, so they do a little of everything. - It's all good, but I cannot really recommend any one type of food or one dish. - I do LOVE the onion rings. They are very thin and lightly battered. - Portions are fairly large, but not huge. DESSERT: - Milk shakes are great. - Strawberry shortcake is great (has ice cream as well as cake). Overall, this is a fun restaurant with good food.
(4)
Daniel B.
I've been to OK Cafe two times, both for dinner. Each time, I ordered their "Blue Plate" special, which is basically a "meat and two." OK Cafe is a Southern restaurant with a campy, old school, diner-type atmosphere. The servers and cooks wear retro diner uniforms (like something you'd see from the 1950s or 1960s) complete with white hats. The exterior of the building features a bright neon sign while the inside has polished checkerboard floors, red booths, and goofy decor. The restaurant is visible from I-75 North as you approach the West Paces Ferry exit. It's in the same shopping center as Publix. OK Cafe is open seven days a week and serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, but unlike a true diner, they're not open late. They close at 10pm on weeknights and 11pm on weekends. Blue Plate specials are anywhere from $12-16. This is mostly a fair price as the portion sizes are huge. At dinnertime, in addition to traditional Southern plates, they also serve salads, sandwiches, and hamburgers. I've tried the following: Meats: Meatloaf with Creole Sauce Chicken Pot Pie Veggies: Steamed Cabbage Squash Souffle Collard Greens Triple Cheese Macaroni The slab of Meatloaf was a nice big and hearty portion. Plenty of tomato-based "Creole" sauce slathered on top. I liked the sauce as it tasted like standard meatloaf sauce but with added flavors from the garlic and presumably Old Bay-esque spices. The beef was savory and easy to eat. The Chicken Pot Pie was OK. Literally. The crust of the pie had the letters "OK" embossed onto the top of it. Like the Meatloaf, there was a generous helping -- plenty of steaming hot chicken, veggies, and sauce inside. I probably wouldn't order this again, but instead would try something else. The veggies weren't bad. Both the Steamed Cabbage and Collard Greens were fresh and flavorful. Nothing too exciting, though. Squash Souffle was served piping hot. The Triple Cheese Macaroni was a step up from Kraft Macaroni & Cheese. All Blue Plate specials also come with cornbread and butter. Friendly, but not always attentive service. Orders do come out in a reasonable amount of time. Plenty of parking outside and take-out seems to be a popular option.
(3)
Tiffany Y.
I've been to OK Cafe many times and it's always been great. There are plenty of options for vegetarians, you just have to make sure you know which veggies aren't cooked with meat or just ask the server. My mother had the meatloaf with mashed potatoes and broccoli and enjoyed everything, I thought I was going to have to carry her outta there... I had the vegetable plate with macaroni and cheese, steamed cabbage, a sweet potato, and the corn... everything tasted fresh and great We left full and happy and even purchased some desserts from their Take Away area. I can't wait to go back it's one of my favorite restaurants.
(4)
Juan M.
Reliable, though expensive, standard. Right off of 75 in West Buckhead, this is "THE" place to meet and do business. I meet folks here for breakfast and lunch; yes, it's loud, but the convenience factor outweighs everything. Food-wise, it's pretty good. I have lately been gravitating to their 4 vegetables lunch plate which leaves me full for the day. Waitress-wise, they are an interesting bunch...
(3)
Ollie B.
I've heard so many good things about this place and shame on me for not trying it sooner! I loved the old-school theme of the restaurant. The people there were friendly! I ordered the country fried steak and it's the best I've had. Mac & Cheese was seasoned very nicely. I definitely will return!!!
(4)
Angela H.
I had been meaning to check out OK Cafe since one of my co-workers had told me about their great Southern comfort food a few months ago. However, I never made it a point to drive that direction specifically to eat there. So you can imagine my excitement when my supervisor told me an another co-worker that she'd treat us to lunch at OK Cafe! The three of us arrived around 1 pm on a Monday afternoon. The restaurant was bustling, but we were still seated immediately. We were seated close to the take-out area, called the "OK Take-Away" store, which apparently is separate from the restaurant so you can't order food from there to dine in. The server told me this when I had asked if they had fried chicken available for dine-in, and she said they only have it at the "Take-Away" store. Boo. After glancing at the menu, I quickly decided to get the Country Fried Steak. My co-worker, who has been to OK Cafe many times, told me that it's really good. The Country Fried Steak is one of their "Blue Plate Specials," which are served with "your choice of two vegetables and corn muffin." I chose the Triple Cheese Macaroni and Mashed Potatoes. Our server also asked me whether I wanted the white or brown gravy with my mashed potatoes, pointing out the fact that the Country Fried Steak is topped with white gravy. I chose the brown gravy to keep it interesting. =) Although the fountain drinks are pricey at $2.99 each, I was really happy to learn that they had Coke Zero! So of course, I had to order it. We didn't have to wait very long at all for our food to be served! * Country Fried Steak ($12.99) - WOW. This was truly delicious. I haven't had a whole lot of Southern food in my life, so I don't have much to compare it to, but the steak was tender, flavorful, and fried just right. I really liked the white gravy on it, too. The Triple Cheese Macaroni was AMAZING as well. It was richly cheesy and seasoned nicely. I would say that it's a *little* saltier than I'm used to. However, I had my mashed potatoes and corn muffin, which were both pretty good, to balance it out. I was very, very happy with my large meal. It was so much food that I only ate about half of it and took the rest to go. (Yay for the tasty leftovers!) Overall, OK Cafe gets 4.5 stars for their delicious Country Fried Steak and fast and friendly service! Our server was super polite and smiley, and she asked if we wanted our drinks to-go before we had the chance to ask. The only reason why I'm not giving them 5 stars now is because I want to go back and try their fried chicken and maybe some other Southern comfort foods. This way, an updated review will encompass a more well-rounded opinion. I will definitely return to OK Cafe in the near future. * Fun Fact: OK Cafe is named after the cafe in Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird." As I was leaving, I noticed a framed note from Harper addressed to the restaurant's owner and customers. Check it out before you leave! =) [Review 341 of 366]
(4)
George B.
Great atmosphere in this Atlanta staple. We came at peak dinner time and although the place was crowded, we only waited a few minutes. Service was friendly and prompt. Country vegetables were great, except the cucumber salad - bring back your previous recipe !! This salad was just cucumber and vinegar.
(3)
Dorena N.
I love Ok Cafe! Their menu of southern food is fantastic. I ordered an Egg Salad Sandwich with a Coke Float (this place actually has these!) and was not disappointed. The waitresses are very friendly and several of them stopped by to check up on us. They even have an OK Take Away option, for those in a hurry. The place has some quirky decor and just feels very comfy.
(5)
Doug H.
Always a pleasure to eat here except when the wait is long - which is common. But the food is great southern-style, without the heavy sugar add that many southern places add - like Mary Macs. I prefer the non-sugar veggies and cornbread. Meatloaf, roast, collards, black-eyed peas, and carrot cake are to die for. I also like the take-away buffet option if I don't want to wait one hour. Wished they were open later - especially on holidays and weekends.
(5)
Lawrence C.
This is the real deal for breakfast. Plenty of business and politico meet here...you could have a convention. Food is great and the service is friendly, professional, and not obtrusive.
(4)
Alane H.
I wanted to try the restaurant. I had driven by it many times. I was not overly impressed with the selections I made. I had the Brunswick stew. It was too sweet and seemed to be left over chicken and maybe pork in a tomato, vegetable soup base. It was not the traditional taste of smoked meat that I was expecting. I had the house salad with the vinaigrette. The vinaigrette leaned heavily to the vinegar side. It was fairly boring as well. If anyone is on a restricted diet, it is not a good choice either. The restaurant is clean, and the service is snappy. It had a good crowd that consisted of older clientele. I was not favorably impressed.
(2)
Brandy L.
Baked chicken - delicious Turkey & dressing is ok I really enjoyed the dressing! Collared greens are good Cucumber salad yum! I wanna try the fried jalapeno grits
(4)
Tom W.
Great home cooking comfort for. Pot roast with mashed potatoes were awesome Finished with warm pecan pie with ice creme . Great greeters and friendly wait staff makes this place an easy choice to return
(5)
Brittany W.
The "OK Cafe" was less than, "OK". First, the layout of the restaurant is like a maze; Maybe the layout was supposed to go with the decor, quirky. When being seated to my table, I felt like I was being smuggled through the kitchen, and was about to be asked to jungle some plates around to the correct server. Too hectic, especially when I was not going through the kitchen, I was walking through the dining that was at the bar.
(1)
John C.
I have eaten at the OK Cafe twice on visits to Atlanta and highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area. It is one of the few hyped restaurants that actually lives up to the billing and is worth the effort and price.
(5)
Richard H.
It was OK. Too bad for Buckhead that restaurants with simple fare like this are so rare. I've paid much less for moderately better food. Service was good. A waitress made me cocktail sauce, which was above the call of duty. But when salmon cakes are the special of the day, don't cha think you should stock up on the right condiments? Speaking of condiments, customers like a variety of hot sauces on their collards and peas. Let's consider something more than Tabasco plain.
(3)
Damien B.
I have driven by this place for years and never stopped. It is one of those places that has been around longer than u have. The food was good and they keep it simple. It is on the same plane as applebees or chilis. But the service is better most of the time. I might eat there again but it would have to be on the way or someone really wanted to go.
I keep trying this place, hoping that it gets better...but it never does. This is usually one of those places we end up on the weekend because every other brunch place is insane. It seems that everyone else seems to LOVE this place, but I just don't get it. The breakfast / brunch menu is severely lacking and definitely not worth the price. Every time I'm here, I'm convinced that I must be missing out on something that everyone else gets, but to date, I haven't figured out what that is. I've tried a couple of the lunch / dinner options, but they don't seem to be much better. I get that this is a cool 50 diner-y type place, but I'll pass and take good food any day.
(2)
Anitra M.
My burger and fries were HOT and yummy. If you leave here hungry, it's your own fault. I'm guessing there is nothing bad on the menu and service is quick.
(5)
Sport L.
The food here is pretty darn good. Although, I think they add a good amount of sugar to the collards to sweeten them up. Breakfast time is a great choice here as well. Staff seems to be told to faced paced and to hurry customers out. Milkshakes hit the spot in a hot day. Country grid chicken will clog your arteries but will also fill your heart with joy!!
(4)
John S.
Horrible service. After being seated at a table - they told us we had to many and needed to get up from the table they originally sat us at and wait 45 additional minutes for a larger table. This was after we waited 30 mins for our first table they sat us at. The manager needs a lesson in manners and customer service.
(1)
Bob M.
Not sure who's recipe they use for the meat loaf but it looks like something out of a dog food can. STICK WITH THE VEGETABLES
(3)
Brandon R.
My son had to sleep in his truck since 3:15 Tuesday's well as others due to the storm .,OK cafe has went beyond the call of duty to provide meals, a warm place for those who can't get home. This is what's it's all about not closing your doors on others. As a parent you just pray someone offer your love one a helping hand, To the entire staff and manager on duty thank God for you all. For having a caring heart.
(5)
Veronica S.
Special thanks all the wAy from California .... Thank you for opening your door and providing my family with food and shelter yesterday during that snow storm ! God bless you all
(5)
Teresa S.
If you want good southern cooking with a true diner atmosphere, then OK Cafe is perfect for you! Great food and service with a smile! Make sure to sign in as soon as you get there! It gets very busy and the line can be long, but worth a little waiting. They give you a lot of choices, so take some time and cruise the menu.
(4)
Michael B.
The OK Cafe is OK in my book! Stopped by OK the other night as it was on my way home. I wanted something good to eat and fast food just would not cut it. It was a little early, 6:30ish, and thought for a minute that I was going to be served a blue plate special. We walked in and the hostess seated us right away with no wait. Our waitress Holly came over and took our drink orders as soon as we were seated. Holly came back with the drinks and we ordered an appetizer of the Fried Grits. They were great; grits blended with cheese and jalapenos, dusted with Japanese bread crumbs and deep fried. For our entree we split the Country Fried Steak with a side of squash casserole and triple mac and cheese. The meal was wonderful, and the portion size was so big that even splitting the meal we still had enough leftovers to take home. All in all, the food was great and the service was exceptional.
(4)
Joe T.
My trips to Atlanta always include a stop at the OK. And let me say it's better than ok! The food is great . Just like it came out of a Grandmas kitchen. Down home southern cooked vegetables, corned bread, country fried steak, fried green tomatoes. Don't miss it!
(5)
Megan E.
This is a great breakfast and dinner spot. The menu is pretty traditional and what you'd expect from a diner. The staff is extremely friendly and though it has always been crowded when I've gone, the food comes out pretty quickly. The portions are a great size for the price and I've definitely never left hungry. The black-eyed peas and collard greens are delicious!
(4)
Robert T.
I am giving this place an extra star for the kitch decor. KG and I went for Saturday mornning breakfast, which you know is not my favorite thing to do unless we get there super early - who wants to look at eggs past 8:00am. The menu is filled with good, quality, home cooked food items. Our server was friendly and efficient. Our food was good, and the location convenient.
(3)
John E.
This is one of those situations I hate - basically I've been coming to OK Cafe for many years. Most of the time I've had really exceptional food and service. At one time, this was THE place to meet with any technology executive or venture capital investor (before the DotBomb). More recently, I've only been able to dine here every other year or so - the last couple of times the meals were quite good and the service exceptional. Now we come to dining here two days ago. First, I understand that seating a large party (6 adults and two children) in a place with a smallish dining room is a challenge - I worked in the biz over 10 years and I usually don't get bothered by that. I did take exception to the hostess telling us the wait was probably 20-25 minutes due to the size of our part. I took that in stride - I know they have limited seating for larger tables (big round tables under the "money tree"). It didn't get to me until we'd been there35 minutes or so and was given a story about how all the big tables had just been seated. I mean, come on, if the hostess had been walking around like she's supposed to, scoping out the tables she should have known the wait would be longer and informed us. Instead we waited with two hungry kids when we could have gone elsewhere. That situation in itself wouldn't have cost them a star - it was that combined with the poor quality of the food when delivered. Of the 6 entrees ordered, one was cold (the meatloaf) and the turkey and dressing was hammered - like it sat under a heat lamp for 15 minutes. I've never experience that at OK Cafe before, so maybe it was a fluke. As it is I think I'll wait a few years before returning. When you pay blue-plate prices of $12.99 or so you expect a certain minimum food quality standard - this just didn't cut it. Sorry OK Cafe, but as Amanda said in an earlier review, you've become "just OK"... It's funny how one bad dining experience can take away years of fondness and pleasure. The dining room has a kitschy Americana appeal and the retro waitress outfits are right out of the 50s. If you go, try a classic cheese burger and milk shake - it'll take you right back into Leave it to Beaver land....
Really great service. Above average food for a diner while still having that diner atmosphere and feel.
(3)
Jennifer S.
The very best of Southern comfort food in a cozy atmosphere. Their pot roast dinner was the perfect meal to unwind after a very busy day on a business trip in Atlanta. Friendly service, reasonably priced, and simply delicious.
(5)
Jason D.
I want to like the place more than I do, I really do. I love the feel of the place, the good Southern cooking, blue plate specials. But I just can't get past the outrageous "we're near Buckhead" prices on everything. And the food is just not worth it. Yes, the've got good veggies. Yes, they've got a traditional meat and three menu. Yes, the servers are generally nice and attentive (although ours last night was having an off night and a bout of attitude.) Last night, I had a burger sans bun, steamed cabbage and baked sweet potato. All was fine. But again, I can't help thinking about the fact that I get the same meal at Carver's, at a little better quality and it's half the price.
(3)
Erich F.
What a cool place. A real throwback. Has a laid back old timey feel that just feels "right". Stopped in because the wife wanted an easy dinner and was looking for comfort food...this was both. She got roasted chicken with Mac n cheese and squash casserole. I got meatloaf with a creole sauce and sides of greens and Mac and cheese. Both entrees were delicious. The greens were tangy and not greasy. Squash was really good and nice with a dab of hot sauce. Mac and cheese was not too dry, not too soupy but just right! Also not greasy. We both felt full but not disgusting, as the portions were just right. This place was a hit with both of us. Just an added FYI....they have a take out side with all the menu items available. Perfect for the I wanna go home, but don't want to cook nights.
(4)
Lindsey H.
This is true southern food in a American Folk Art setting. It's so American and good. My personal favorite is the crawfish cakes with black eyed peas and slaw. Mmmmmm Causal, friendly, great food, good prices, and you're surrounded by art. Love it.
(5)
Russ M.
Really good Southern Comfort food. Nice atmosphere, cool decor, Waitresses wearing uniforms is a nice touch. My lunch was delicious. I hav Country Fried Steak which was tender and had great flavor from the steak itself, the breading and the gravy. My sides were corn and Black eyed Peas. Portions are huge. Come Hungry...leave STUFFED
(3)
Jade M.
People who don't give it 5 stars don't appreciate locally bought and original tasting Southern food. I come from farmers and fresh food and I highly approve OK Cafe. I don't know of one thing that isn't good. The staff are on the ball and usher tons of patrons through with an ease and pleasant nature. They have to, there's usually a wait! It's never very long though. If it is, check out the take-out section. Beware though, they weight your container and that can get very pricey, very quickly. The portions when you sit down are huge. I take some home with me every visit. The turkey and dressing is my favorite. Followed by the fried chicken. The mac and cheese has an original taste and I crave it! The green beans are awesome! Corn muffins are so sweet and to die for! The sweet potato chips with blue cheese dip...yum! When I'm on the go, I love grabbing a classic BLT (bacon, lettuce, tomato.) Go to their takeout to pickup some amazing deviled eggs, crab dip, veggie soup and carrot cake. I could go on forever! Really, it's all wonderful. A select few people have a problem with the era of dress the employees wear and the large carved 1956 Georgia flag, get over yourself. It's a neat, upbeat and fun restaurant with authentic food and friendly southern warmth. You'll surely run into some big name Atlantan. Go, decide for yourself!
(5)
Brian C.
This place doesn't have baby changing stations in any of the bathroom. Both bathrooms are small and smell bad. Mostly an older crowd here and I understand why. I talked to a manager who said she has been trying to get owners to put baby changing stations in for years but they don't want to... Guess I don't want to ever eat here again either. Don't come here if you have babies.
(1)
Hamad M.
I usually wait to review places after I've been there a few times. This limits the amount of reviews I do, but also gives a place a fair shake. I would hate for one bad experience to form a life-long opinion of a place. OK Cafe hits the spot for me except for location. Ridiculous for me to even mention that, but the fact is I don't spend a whole lot of time on that side of town. Having said that, if it were on my side of town, I would go way more often. Breakfast is my meal of choice and OK Cafe delivers. Their omelets are fantastic and I found their home fries (or potato wedges) to be wonderfully flavorful - much like Highland Bakery's standard setting offerings. The biscuits are ok - a little dry (give me some Silver Skillet biscuits and we'll be OK). The place is really cool inside and has great air conditioning - you may laugh at that, but one thing that I don't like is to be hot in a restaurant. The waitstaff is quick to please and the prices are reasonable. It's a very comfortable place to have a comfortable meal. I like it. Just wish it was closer.
(4)
Bill M.
Great food and top notch service. I was very impressed with the quality of the food.
(5)
Dao T.
Best homestyle southern food in North of Atlanta. Great taste and fast service. This is my 32nd visit over the past 20 years and they appear to have improved on their already great and friendly service because our food came out faster than previous year. Portion sizes have gotten a bit smaller and prices slightly higher over the last few years. But still substantial portions.
3 1/2 stars. OK Cafe is a quirky 50s diner that serves Southern food. It's pretty busy on the weekends and there's a large digital timer outside that let's you know how long the wait is. Despite the long lines, the restaurant is pretty efficient -seating doesn't take too long and the food comes quickly. The portions are large and very filling. I really recommend the mac'n'cheese -it's super rich and cheesy. The strawberry shortcake is yummy as well. They also serve breakfast. Solid food at a solid price.
(3)
Thomas A.
We came Sunday at noon and were able to get a booth for 4 in 15 minutes. It's amazing how fast they get you seated; there were probably 30 people ahead of us. The booth is large and comfy and the atmosphere reminds you of a cozy diner. I got the country fried steak with collard greens, mac and cheese, and corn bread. The corn bread is to die for and the collar greens had little bits of bacon in them. The mac and cheese was very good, but the pasta was a little mushy. The country fried steak was good but the gravy made the breading very soggy. My wife and I got out for $35 including two coffees; it's a great price considering the huge portions. If you're stopping through Atlanta and are looking for some good southern comfort food you could do a lot worse than the OK Cafe.
(3)
Rachel P.
Ate here for dinner while visiting family in ATL...loved it!! Cozy, comfy ambiance with interesting things to look at, friendly service, and dang good grub! I ordered the turkey with dressing, with mac n' cheese and squash casserole on the side. I cleaned my plate. Everything was riddiicccculously tasty. My husband loved his chicken fried steak, which was pretty enormous. We got a cup of the pot-likker (the liquid left behind after you cook collard greens) to share on the side...this was my first exposure to this very tasty side dish, and I for one am a fan! Great for dunking corn bread. We shared chocolate cake a chocolate malt for dessert. The malt was delicious. The chocolate cake was not my favorite- it was VERY dense- almost more like a brownie consistency? While I really, truly enjoyed OK Cafe, I have to withhold the 5th star, because this place is kind of insanely expensive. It's supposed to be a diner, right? For three adults- that's three dinner plates, 3 drinks, a piece of cake, and a malt- our check was $68 before tip. OUCH. I don't live in Atlanta, so it's not as if I will be able to eat here frequently enough for it to be an issue, but if I did live in ATL, I would have to limit my visits to the OK Cafe for this reason alone :-( Otherwise, totally enjoyable!!
(4)
Justin E.
First time here today and I enjoyed ever moment place was friendly as well as for family's or couples. Also are sever Lucy was very nice and helped me picked a entree I got a fried steak with collad greens and Mac & cheese with a chocolate milk shake . The steak was nice and tender as well as the breading was crunchy. The Mac was honestly really good had a good taste to it. The greens were ok it was my first time trying collad greens but they weren't bad , I just didn't care for them. Milk shake was also really good filled me up on a half a plate ... I walked out happy and full ! If I come back to Georgia I'm coming back here for breakfast next time.
(5)
Ruksana H.
Recently met a bunch of girlfriends here for brunch on a weekday. The place is packed - I guess the regulars and folks nearby love it. It seemed alright to me. They have the usual soups and sandwiches and burgers and salads. Nothing extraordinary. Our server was nice. If I am in the area I might be interested in stopping by but it definitely did not make it to my favorites.
(3)
Noelle S.
I went here with my coworkers for lunch after hearing good things about the food. First, we were seated pretty quickly..granted, the booth we were put into was too small for our crowd so we asked to be moved but that was ok the girl was nice. The atmosphere? Ohh the atmosphere..now, I'm a Slavic woman from NY and I had a issue walking into the place decorated with a confederate flag and old civil war type memorabilia..apparently that isn't such a issue to people around here. The waitress was nice and the food was delicious, and the portions were amazing! I did hear some guys at the table behind us talking about Hitler and how Jews somehow instigated his occupation but I don't know what I expected in a place that proudly hangs a confederate flag *shrugs*. I would order to go because the food was tasty but I don't think I will be dining in again..
(3)
Kevin H.
OK Cafe is always dependable for Diner fare. And this last trip was no exception. A good ol' backyard-type hamburger with crisp lettuce, a nice big tomato slice, onion, and deep-fried pickles - with a big handful of golden fries. What's not to love?
(4)
Jake H.
This is one of my favorite breakfast spots in Atlanta. Food has been excellent every time I've been. I'm a big fan of the OK Homemade Granola with yogurt and fresh fruit, but everything I've tried on the menu has been very good. I've taken a few groups to OK Cafe and the feedback has always been very positive.
(5)
Karim K.
I went with a pretty simple dinner selection. All veggies. Each was very enjoyable: 1. Black Eyed Peas 2. Collard Greens - with the Pot Likker sauce (a must) 3. Sweet Potato - (Would have preferred a bit more of Roasted texture on skin) 4. Tabouleh. there is a decent atmosphere at Ok Cafe - I think most people go for the comfort food factor. I hear you haven't lived if you haven't tried one of their milkshakes.......(there is even a Peanut Butter Flavor). Anyway - Never had bad food there - Good place to go if you are looking for a good southern meal.
(4)
Sophia S.
Being told this was an Atlanta institution, I decided to try it. I came here with my bf on a sunday afternoon. It wasn't super busy and we got seated right away. Our waitress was training someone so she had this other girl follow her around, which was fine. We ordered drinks and an appetizer which came out promptly. We waited another 20 minutes for our entrees, which would have been fine if I didn't see that people around us who came in after us had already gotten their food. At first I assumed it took a lot longer to prepare my pot pie. We waited some more. Then I noticed a couple who came in AFTER we had gotten our appetizer getting their food. And all this time, we never saw our waitress or the girl following her around, they just never came back. So after 45 minutes of waiting for our food, I asked another waitress to check on it for us and we were told our waitress never put our order in. How do you forget to put in someone's order? The new waitress offered to put it in but we had to be at the airport so we just ended up leaving. Never coming back.
(1)
Kat W.
Decent diner fare. We got here on a Sunday, wanting breakfast but by the time we were seated it was 2pm and breakfast was over. The place is huge which was a surprise as from the outside it looks average. So with the chances of breakfast being killed upon being seated we settled on the special of the day...fried chicken. Which really is a fried chicken patty, similar to chicken fried chicken. Matter of fact its the same thing minus the gravy which they charge extra for. I got that and a side of corn and mac and cheese. The corn was good, cut off the cobb fresh. Not highly seasoned but good. The mac and cheese was room temperature warm but surprisingly good. Prob would have been great if it was hot. The chicken fried chicken...was good. It was the hottest thing on the plate and fresh from the grease. It was a good meal, not great and not something I would jump up and down for when seeking something to eat next. I'll probably try breakfast, just to get the overall experience. Surprisingly the menu was rather small.
(3)
Tricia B.
This was almost a 4 or 5 star...but they just missed the mark on enough things to bump it to a 3. What was good was very good and what wasnt, well, wasnt! I did not have the opportunity to check Yelp, so didnt know to order the veggies. Went at 2pm on a Sunday, so there was no crowd and we got seated right away. The place is huge and pretty noisy...even at an off-time...I cant imagine the noise level when they are busy. The tea was excellent and served with crushed ice...but no lemon. C'mon!! Refills were prompt. I was in the mood for Brunswick stew, but everyone makes it soooo differently that I always ask for a taste to see if I like it. OK Cafe does not allow that...they said I would have to order it, send it back if I didnt like it, and order something else. That is ridiculous...a waste of their money, their food, and my time. I ordered the BLT and the basket of fries and rings. My co-foodie ordered the burger and fries. My BLT was delicious...definitely a 5 star. Toasted perfectly (if you choose to have it toasted), your choice of bread, nice salty, crunchy bacon, and a good ratio of bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. My friend said her burger was very good. Unfortunately, the fries and rings were a disaster. The batter on the rings was nice and light, they were obviously homemade, and they used amazing sweet onions. But they had been fried for such a short time, that they were just a soggy mess. The fries were also very underdone, but edible. I only eat rings out and I was so looking forward to them...but neither of us could eat them. Also asked for ranch dressing twice (I like it on fries instead on ketchup) and never got it. We would have returned the rings, but was not successful in getting our servers attention until we were almost thru eating and she brought the bill. She did not check on us while we were eating to see if everything was ok. All in all, a nice lunch, but not great.
(3)
Tim D.
Nothing to see here, move on please!
(1)
Mr. Butters ..
Best southern food in town. From the country fried steak to the French toast. A+++ Highly recommended - bring your wallet, and maybe your neighbor's wallet
(4)
Drew V.
This place is great! I went there yesterday for breakfast and dinner. For breakfast I had eggs, toast, cheese grits, turkey sausage and coffee and left stuffed. For dinner I had fried chicken, cornbread, macaroni and cheese (a must try) and the potato salad (eh). I've had the milkshakes before and they are great as well so if you want the diner feel, this is the place. All the waitresses dress in old fashion white dresses with aprons and little hats with white sneakers. There's also a huge tree in the middle of one of the rooms that is decorated with fake money that's a pleaser for kids. Don't go and not expect to wait but they are very quick to accommodate. Their desserts (esp. key lime pie) are delicious, service is prompt, and food is great. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I have been there before when I ordered food that I did not like. Not that it was bad, just not my taste. Their health score is 100 which is impressive and when you walk in the hallway is adorned with caricatures/drawings of employees that have worked their for 25+ years, which I like because it means they are treating their employees right. There's a to-go spot that could easily be missed but is definitely worth a look. Some of it you have to pay for by weighing your food so stick to the stuff that is already weighed and has a price tag on it! I'm actually glad I don't live closer because that key lime pie is dangerous.
(4)
Paul R.
First and foremost I never thought that I would be on that side of town from where I live. It just so happened that I had a doctors appointment and had to get up at zero dark thirty that morning. When I reached my destination I still had an hour to kill and found this place. I went in, though it was partially packed, service was quick. Since I'm the type of guy who loves eye candy, it was there and they were really nice. I ordered a mushroom, onion, and I forgot what else as this was like 2 days ago. Mind you, I always thought that every omelette that you order, it always comes with cheese. Fooled the hell out of me that given day. They served it with grits, and a hot biscuit so it wasn't really all that bad. If I'm on that side of town again I would try the rest of their food. It's probably my fault, I may have should have said, "With Cheese!"
(3)
Nicole G.
I just got back from here, and I think my chair is going to buckle instead of my belt. I almost was run over while walking into this building twice by cars. While walking across the parking lot made me feel like the frog in "Frogger," the food in here more than made up for it. We tried the onion rings as an appetizer, and I ordered the chicken pot pie with sides of greens and potato salad. Everything was good and very Southern, especially the greens -- it's so hard to find a place that does them right. We got our food pretty quickly, and the whole staff was very courteous. I really want to go back to try the desserts one day. I was too stuffed to even try one today.
(5)
Veronica C.
We come here every time we visit family in Atlanta. The southern veggies are amazing! The portions are generous and everything tastes homemade. On the menu A-OK shows you they use heathy ingredients only (no hormone dairy, all-fresh produce, etc). This place is a southern staple for us. Super cute venue with friendly staff and sweet tea (not too sweet) and fresh-squeezed lemonade. Yum.
(5)
Hwventure H.
I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! Good ole home cookin' in a casual setting! And a huge bonus: they use quality ingredients. Also, they bake all bread fresh daily and all of their desserts are homemade. The mac and cheese is a must have. The collards are delicious. The corn bread is scrumptious. My dad loved his meat loaf and I devoured my country fried steak - best I've had outside of my mammas kitchen! ****I've never tried the take out buffet. Better to sit down, relax and have a freshly prepared meal. :) PS: the service was great.
(5)
Carl A.
Good southern cooking with modern flair. I always try to eat here when in this part of the state.
(4)
Anne W.
Been here several times. Totally LOVE the food (fried green tomatoes! chicken pie!), but totally HATE the noise. Our party can never hear each other to have a conversation. Had to lean across the table to speak. I don't know what they can do about it, too many hard surfaces I guess, but it's really annoying. From now on, I'll get stuff from the wonderful Take Away and eat at home where I can hear and talk with my friends. As to the wait, we've never waited more than 10 minutes, and never had bad service either. It's a reliable place when we want some comfort food -- as long as we only eat and not talk ;)
(3)
Mary S.
I have always loved OK Cafe for the comfort food and 1950s vibe, but the old Georgia Confederate flag painting needs to go. While the customers and staff are diverse and in good spirits, this image is an embarrassing and shameful relic to many Georgians. Eating beneath it actually gives me indigestion. I'll return when the flag is gone for good. Ok?
(1)
Lisa K.
One of my favorite restaurants. This place does comfort food like no other! The portions are LARGE -- usually more than I can eat. The Chicken Pot Pie is just like mom used to (still does!) make, and the Meatloaf is superb. Breakfast is great there as well, with some killer omelettes and french toast. They used to be open 24 hours, but they stopped that quite a while ago. Regardless of what time I go, there's always a crowd, and often a sizeable wait. Well worth a visit or two!
(4)
Craig G.
Good southern style country cooking with a whimsical atmosphere. Service was in a confused state and our waitress was a bit blunt a couple of times. Check-out was drawn-out. I didn't see the fried pickles on the menu, but that was our appetizer and was the best I've ever had, albeit the dipping sauce was just ranch dressing (the best fried pickle sauce I've had was a remoulade). I had the country fried steak with white gravy and mashed potatoes. While the steak was generous, they were a bit stingy with the gravy. The three-cheese macaroni was excellent. The cornbread muffin had whole kernels and was moist and sweet.
This is a great place to take friends from out of state. Expect a wait as it is always busy which is typically a good sign. The atmosphere is as busy as the restaurant. Back in the day, ,my friends and I tried to get together once a week to catch up and this is one of the places we could always agree upon. The vegetables are a winner for my vegetarian friends and the grilled cheese with bacon for the non-vegetarian friends. Went there recently again and the food hasn't changed. The service was okay, nothing spectacular. Again, this is a show off place for out of towners. Out of the south out of towners.
(3)
Darryl M.
Very nice atmosphere with very little wait time around noon after Thanksgiving. Had my mouth fixed for breakfast only to discover that they don't server breakfast 24x7. Cutoff is 11am. Had the crabcakes and was disappointed with the portion size. More like appetizers although they were very good. Sweet potato fries were good. Service was outstanding and the kids meal selection was good. They brought my 3 yr a cheesburger that was good for two meals for him.
(4)
Gerald G.
Just stopped in for a sec but tried the crab & artichoke dip and had to buy some. The crawfish & crab is awesome! Great atmosphere and food, the staff is 1st rate!
(4)
Slim M.
?. ??. I am trying to figure out the madness surrounding this place. I went for the first time today and was thoroughly 100% disappointed. A friend and I waited in line for about 7 minutes to be seated. We were finally seated and our waitress took our order. It was pretty crowded at 8 A.M. for a Sunday, so I was thinking this food was going to be outta-control-good. I ordered the 3-egg omelette with green peppers, onions, and mushrooms. That comes with a choice of fries OR grits, biscuit OR toast. I opted for the biscuit and grits. She asked if I'd like cheese on my omelette; I rejected. I shouldn't have. Now, my grits- I have no complaint about. They were very creamy, a little buttery, and were good. The biscuit was nothing to go crazy about, but it didn't taste like a frozen biscuit. + for that. My omelette? Man. I wanted to personally go ask the chef, "Why did you do this? Just... why?" Why on earth would you serve raw onions, raw green peppers, and raw mushrooms in an omelette? The omelette itself had NO taste to it. No seasoning. After a couple bites, I began to wonder if it was actual eggs I was eating or egg substitute. It just did not taste good. I doused a bit of salt on the omelette to make it somewhat flavorful.That helped a little. After eating, my friend and I looked at each other, and both shook our heads and laughed. He didn't understand what the fuss was about this place, either. I dunno. Maybe we came on the wrong day, who knows. All I know is my meal was around $12, 13 and I don't see why. I notice a lot of reviewers referring to the lunch/dinner menu. Maybe I should have come later, because the breakfast was beyond disappointing. I don't know if I'd come back.
(1)
Sam B.
The O.K. Cafe is a staple as far as Atlanta restaurants go. O.K. serves some of the best Southern food in Atlanta. Their Mac n Cheese is unlike any I've ever had before, and it's delicious. You pretty much can't go wrong with any entree there. They have really good milkshakes and breakfast as well. They also have a room in the back called "OK Takeaway." It's a buffet offering many of there staple entrees/side dishes along with some other good food not included on the regular menu (the chicken wings are really good). My only complaint about OK Takeaway is that it's too expensive. You pay by weight, and most of the time it ends up being more expensive than getting a meal from the main restaurant. Verdict - great southern food, friendly service, great overall restaurant.
(4)
Mark T.
Continuing my culinary tour of all the places I have missed since leaving Atlanta, I stopped at the OK Cafe. Actually this was my third attempt - two other restaurants I placed higher on my list I discovered had closed - but OK wasn't too far from my hotel and I do miss the place. The good thing is that it is open 24 hours, so you can stop by whenever you are hungry. The interior is a retro diner and the waitresses still wear the uniforms. If you want southern comfort food, here it is. My favorite thing they used to have was the lima beans, but apparently those are gone. The Mac & Cheese is good too, as is the squash souffle. I went with the squash and a sweet potato as my sides with the meatloaf. It comes with a corn bread roll as well - and I swear, I ordered and 5 minutes later it was on my table. The portions are big and the price is affordable. I ate about half of the plate and was full. With a soda, it was about $14. Sometimes the place is packed. I was fortunate yesterday that I arrived a little before the Friday dinner crowd and didn't have a wait. Good good, good prices, good service. A must try.
(4)
Charlie F.
Overall the food was pretty good but considering the menu focuses on sustainability, I thought there would be a few more healthier options. Not a single vegan item on the menu without ordering a salad minus meat and cheese. I would have loved to see a vegan omelet option and a healthier option to the standard high fructose corn syrup condiments. I tried the veggie burger, though I am sure it is mot vegan. It fell apart, but was really tasty and looked as though it was made in house (not frozen). Another negative is that the menu didn't offer children size portions. The waitress offered a smaller portion but for the price break we would have done better ordering a regular entree and sharing or taking leftovers home. Overall: if your not worried about your fried food, fat, and meat intake you will absolutely love it, but it seems with a little more attention this place could maintain a simple menu with healthier options.
(3)
Liz V.
I normally get take out here on the side where you pay per pound. Although this service is very convenient, it is also a test of will. How can you not walk out paying well over $20 for take out? I have a weakness for their meatloaf and creamed corn, not to mention their spinach and dessert items. Every time I walk up to the smiling guy standing in front of the scale I break out in to a cold sweat. I make it in to a carnival game and I try to tease the guy by saying "guess the weight!" but he never plays my little game. Who are we kidding? Even if you sit down in the restaurant you're not walking out with a table below $20! And whoever put the Rice Krispie Treats by the register is evil! Who can resist those?
(4)
JAN k.
Very excellent. Service,food, and even the atmosphere...which normally does not mean much to me. Be sure to check out the fans on the ceiling. Anyhow back to the food. We ordered 2 dinners..meatloaf,extra sauce,collards, cabbage and pot liquor..turkey.,dressing, gravy,fresh peas(vod) and greenbeans. Every thing was yummy even the corny cornbread.With tip about 30us$. We drink water. What I really like is that the servers help everyone to make sure you have good service.
(5)
Melissa L.
A pot licker is not the same as a pot sticker. First thing you should know when going to OK Cafe. They give you Tootsie Rolls after your meal :) How can that not make you happy? Last time I was there I ordered the country fried steak. When the waitress placed the plate on the table in front of me, I wanted to go hog wild. I wanted to shove my entire face in the plate and devour it like a wild animal! I controlled myself though. I ate like a polite homo sapien. I used my opposable thumbs and everything! I have never had anything bad at this place, and that is saying something. I am picky, sensitive, and sometimes a bit snobbish.
(5)
RIKETA C.
I heart OK-cafe's Mac and Cheese.....I could eat it everyday. I never really eat in the main dining room, but I have eaten from the to-go buffet several times. Everything is so good, but I think it's something like $6.99/lb (I may be wrong). I never really paid attention to how much a pound of food really was until I had to measure it and let me tell you -one slice of meatloaf and a few spoonfuls of mashed potatoes reaches 16 ozs pretty quickly...so as a result you end up paying like $14-16 for a regular plate of food....I never feel good about that when I leave so as a result I dont eat here very often... I shouldn't have to save up to eat at the to-go area of OK Cafe, and that is why it only gets three stars... But that mac and cheese seriously rivals my gravy addiction.....
(3)
Mick D.
A worthy Atlanta tradition. Solid, Southern diner fare. With milkshakes. And get this: The staff sings while they work. And not the "hey it's your birthday" kind of singing, but the genuine kind of carefree & happy singing going to and from tables, and back in the kitchen. To me, that's an sign of true working happiness. Staff here is a big family. They like each other, and enjoy working with each other. Any restaurant that can put their staff into that happy frame of mind is going to turn out food made with the same fun-loving spirit. And that's why I am a fan. That's probably also why they say they serve more people than any full-service restaurant in Atlanta. The food is fantastic. Organic beef. Healthy creations next to diner-crowd-pleasers. Service is friendly. And I am always happy to go there, even if there's a wait. Did I mention they have milkshakes?
(5)
Patrick s.
For the love of Christ I can't understand why people rate this restaurant 2 or even 3 stars. It is NOTHING like I.H.O.P or Denny's or any other generic crap you dim-witted morons might put near your weak little palates. You don't come to this establishment for eggs and coffee...(meh, it was O.K....get it? O.K.) You eat good southern comfort food. Next time you're there you might try the Turkey dinner with the wonderful rich gravy and the walnut, cranberry, apple sauce which adds a splendid contrast to the richness of the stuffing and turkey. The mac and Cheese, the squash casserole. OR you could try the Brunswick stew with all of it's hearty tomato goodness. Or how about the Wonderful hot bowl of chunky vegetable soup with a flavorful broth loaded with veggies. Morons. Please. Pros: Good southern comfort food with eclectic decor, friendly staff and quality ingredients. Cons: Almost always busy. Tell ya something?
(5)
Robert C.
The OK Cafe is more about convenience and location than the food or price. Its located at the corner of Northside and West Paces and is the spot for a business breakfast in Atlanta. I've never been amazed by the food, but its typically quick to sit down and you don't have to deal with valet parking.
(3)
Mike B.
People's love for this place is a total mystery to me. Having lived here for several years, and being dragged here by friends and family when visiting. This place never seems to impress me. The service is attentive and friendly, but the food is "OK' at best, hence the name, I guess.
(3)
Christine P.
My co-worker and I had lunch at the OK Cafe this week for her birthday. I had never eaten hear before but she said it was great. Our booth overlooked the to go section of the restaurant, which was kind of neat. I ordered the chicken (baked or rotisserie) chicken, collard greens and sweet potato. I was pleasantly surprised that the sweet stuff for the sweet potato was on the side because I prefer to eat them plain. The collards were very tasty and not too soggy. My chicken was good but kind of dry. I will probably choose some other meat on my next visit. My co-worker ordered the turkey and dressing with collards and mac-n-cheese. Instead of mac-n-cheese, she got the squash casserole. She didn't complain because - 1) the waitress was gone and 2) she said it was good. I could have used a little more tea, but our waitress did not reappear until she dropped off the check. The food was for the most part very good and I would eat there again. I would probably also bring out-of-town guests here if this was the type of food they were in the mood for. The restaurant is very busy, so be prepared to wait - the bigger your party, the longer the wait. You may have to park in one of the grocery store spots and walk over instead of waiting for a closer spot.
(4)
J L.
Aw, I just want to give the OK Cafe a kiss on the cheek. They can't help it that they're just not that amazing anymore. I consider this place an Atlanta road-stop. I've been going here forever, and ev-er, and evvvv errrr. It gets old because the food doesn't "really" change. They have tasty desserts, a good hamburger, and a hearty vegetable plate. I recommend: Fried Okra (peppery&delicious), chocolate cake, burgers, and crab cakes and the mac n' cheese. I had a "first" here. It was the sweet potato chips with bleu cheese. Get the cheese grits appetizer, it's really tasty. In other greasy news, SOMETHING worth talking about is their OK-To Go, take out section. They've gotten so much better, and it's a good place to pick up dinner for a few days. They have a wider selection, and sometimes it's actually better than dining in, in my opinion. You can get things there that they don't even serve for dine-in. The waitresses need new outfits. Sorry. :/
(3)
C C.
Loved this place! We sat at the counter and could watch the line cooks preparing the food. They were amazing and incredibly efficient! Just had a burger and it was terrific. Loved the fried pickle too. Vanilla shake and fries were good too. After watching them prep the food, I'd like to go back and try some more dishes.
(4)
Wayne J.
This has been one of my favorite places to eat for years. The food is very good. No matter what I order, I always have the baked sweet potato with brown sugar, butter and pecans, the waldorf salad and the macaroni and cheese. I love their corn bread. The take out section is great if you don't want to cook, but be careful, it can get quite expensive (it is charged by weight).
(4)
Ian R.
I'm glad our waitress forgot I ordered a milkshake, because I was already stuffed! Great service, great food (can't say I'm a fan of seeing a female only waitstaff and male only kitchen staff, but I guess that's part of their olde-tyme motif). From the outside, I was half expecting this place to serve breakfast all day, but that didn't matter once I heard about the specials. I ordered the fried chicken breast with two sides. Chicken was crispy on the outside, juicy on this inside with great spices that reminded my girlfriend of Pofolks. My sides were great, and I was especially surprised to find a diner that pulls off tabouli so well. And to top it off I had the best cornbread muffin I've had since moving to Atlanta (to which I need to say that the entire south has really disappointed me with its dry cornbread). Overall, this place was a flavor explosion, and by appearance and taste alone I am convinced that they must have great coffee and breakfast. I'll need to return to find out for myself. Just be careful in the parking lot - the locals only fail to run you over if they think the blood will soil their benz.
(4)
Rani C.
We tried it for breakfast. Go in from entrance facing the Publix. Some food was cold like the turkey sausage. I tested DH's plate and his was cold too, so I don't think that was a fluke. Service was good. Brightly lit. Seems a bit more awake than Flying Biscuit at 7 a.m. We might try it again but this time for Southern fare dinner.
(2)
Jennifer J.
Five stars it is. I went today with a group from work for my annual Thanksgiving lunch and it was fantastic. The service was perfect and the food was spot on. Yes, I am still a sucker for the turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, green beans and corn muffins. Yes, I said muffins because they're that tasty. Their sweet tea may leave you with diabetes but hey it's the south, so suck it up and deal with it, because it's damn good.
(5)
Elaina T.
My love and I just came home from breakfast. I had a ham & cheese omelet w/mushies, onions, & pepps. He had griddle cakes, bacon, & home fries. I was pleased from the decor & friendly greeting to the polite & efficient waitress Michelle, to the food. Fluffy omelet, nicely stuffed w/cubes of ham & sauteed (yet still firm) veggies. My love was pleased with his meal as well. We both enjoyed the apple butter (love that stuff!). Halfway into the meal, the place was PACKED full of hungry suits (& loafers)on their way to work. I say the suits know their breakfast, because we'll definitely return...and next time I'll wear my loafers.
(4)
Scott K.
It's been awhile since I have eaten here, but a very memorable meal. The mac and cheese is absolutely the best I have ever eaten. I ate the blueplate special (roasted turkey w/ gravy) and it was excellent. It was pretty crowded and I think we waited five minutes at the most to be seated. Seemed kinda hectic, but the waitress handled it pretty well. Overall, pleased with the service....neat place to eat
I've only been here for breakfast, but I've been a few times and have never been impressed. This place is seriously overrated, frequented by a very particular clientele. The menu is boring, the food itself is "fine", but not worth the wait that it so often has. The place is comfortable and the service is good though. Goldberg's is a much better value right across the parking lot.
(2)
Tracy J.
My last stop in Atlanta was Ok Cafe, Thank you people of yelp for making this great selection. I got there at 2:00pm and there was about a 10 minute wait, which was a good sign. My waitress was friendly and recommended I go with the chicken fried steak, mac and cheese and collard greens. What a great combo, I believe it was about 12$ and there was no way I was gonna finish all this food. The mac and cheese was above average, something i would order again. The collard greens were good but I don't have alot to compare them to. The gravy on the chicken fried steak was extremely good, the gravy took it from an good dish to an awesome one. Next time in Atlanta I will be stopping at Ok Cafe.
(4)
Lindsay C.
The OK Cafe isn't exactly the talk of the town or the latest foodie hot spot, but they have two things that the newer ATL establishments don't have. Consistency and tenure! I've been coming here for almost 15 years. First as my first "ITP" dinner in high school, on to delicious group dinners in college, and now I do the business breakfast here with the occasional OK Takeaway. In 15 years, I have never been disappointed. Definitely get the sweet tea. Enjoy a corn muffin slathered in butter. I typically go for the 'veggie' plate that involves far too much salt, carbs, and fat. In case you aren't from around these parts... that's a good thing! :) The service is always speedy, sweet, and solid. So glad I can count on the OK Cafe for a good meal, good company, reasonable prices, and big portions. Like! Oh... and who doesn't love a restaurant with an actual money tree in it?
(4)
Michael K.
Great location for the every now and again "home made style" meal. They have great main dishes as well as excellent sides that will leave you satisfied each and every time. It is a little pricy for what you get and the wait staff can be slow but for the most part it is very reliable time and time again.
(3)
MoMo J.
I haven't been here in awhile. I forgot how delicious their pot pie was!! I like their sweet tea as well. Mac and cheese is good too! Good ole southern food.
(5)
Vincent K.
******3.5 Stars******* So on a cloudy sunday morning the gf and I awoke from our slumber and immediately a craving for breakfast food hit me. I contemplated whether i should spend the $15 dollars at publix and grind away at the kitchen for 30-40 min for a meal that altho would be quite tasty I would not feel like eating anymore or if i should take the time to go out and eat. Around my area there was a waffle house (aka grease trap) and a few other misc. selections... not really feeling it from these places i decided to venture out to OK Cafe since I had seen some reviews for the restaurant scattered around the internets. After getting directions via google the drive was short and quaint on west paces ferry passing the governor's mansion etc... coming up to an intersection i saw the unique building that was OK Cafe (Hard to miss since the name is plastered all over the building). As i pulled into the parking lot there seemed to be a lack of spaces to park, but seeing the hour (12 pm or so) on a Sunday i wasn't suprised. We circled a few times around and parked. When we walked in the parking lot was a good indication of the wait (LOOOOONG). Being a party of two and not wanting to wait to eat since we were hungry already my gf and i decided to sit at the counter which was quite interesting. Our waitress got us our menus and waters and we looked over the menu. We had gone in for breakfast and surprisingly at the OK Cafe their breakfast menu wasn't nearly laid out as well as the other selections. We asked the waitress for some help and we finally settled on a combo plate of eggs, breakfast potatoes, sausage and pancakes that my gf and i would split. After watching the hustle and bustle of the kitchen, i knew i had ordered the wrong thing. The skillets they were cooking looked amazing as did the omelets, not to mention the sandwiches. Since the order was already put in i didn't do much to change and instead opted to see how our food would turn out. When it finally came the eggs were cooked to our liking and everything else tasted as expected. The one highlight were the pancakes which were sweet unto themselves and required little syrup. the batter cooked up fluffy and the fruit in the pancakes were actually fruit. Overall don't go to OK Cafe for your usual breakfast foods... go more for their skillets and omelets and southern cooking and you shouldn't be disappointed... we ended up leaving the CAFE after roughly $14 with tip (remember we split the breakfast)... not bad, not great... would be open to trying it again if i was in the area... would i make a trip out there again? maybe not... OK Cafe was a little better than OK but not Good, but i guess that doesn't make such a great name 'Not quite good, but good Cafe'
(3)
Kitty C.
After a long international flight, we came here for take out. We've eaten in the restaurant before and the food is solid for the price. Good southern cooking and a hot full meal. Take out was a surprisingly expensive though in comparison. At 7.99 per lb, they were more expensive than whole foods (5.99/lb)! I took home a half slice of meatloaf, some collard greens, a little bit of mashed potatoes and sausage. My friend took home almost the same plus a chicken leg and the total price was $28. It was a small-ish meal in comparison to the dine in and it cost almost as much. My recommendation? eat in. :)
(3)
Ryan C.
The name says it all...just OK The really weird thing....you cant get something to go off of regular menu, I wanted a burger to go, was told I couldnt get one unless I sat down and ate it...had to go to their take away counter, which didnt offer a burger. Stick with breakfast food if eating here.
Located in the back of the OK Cafe. yelp.com/biz/-6T_kAD0dRw… I parked and entered through this entrance and had to walk through the restaurant to get seated for the main area but glad I came by this area to check out what I wanted when I left. There is a case for prepared foods, then hot food area and a cold case and salad bar. Then prewrapped cookies and sweets. Love the idea of home cooking to go.
(5)
B P.
This place was exactly as the star rating says "Meh. I've experienced better." Their servings are all right but could be a bit bigger. I had fried eggs, a biscuit and potatoes. It was just ok.
(2)
Quincy S.
I have never had a bad meal at Ok Cafe and everyone I take there loves it as well. The food is as southern as the decor and staff and I never leave hungry. I usually opt for the Country Fried Steak or one of the burgers, but they do offer a veggie plate for the more health conscious. Ok prides themselves on their daily fresh preparation and natural ingredients and it shows in the end result. Dont forget to try the 'take away' side if youre in a rush, they have most menu items available to go and priced by the pound.
(4)
David H.
OK Cafe is somewhat of an Atlanta institution. They used to be open 24 hours and their menu has changed a bit over the years (they used to make a good cheesesteak I'd order regularly), but their core food has stayed the same. Their main attraction is good Southern "comfort" food -- it's basically a midrange priced "meat and three" (well two in their case) place in a diner setting. They also make a pretty good southern breakfast. For their dinner menu, they have the "Blue Plate Specials" and some sandwiches and relatively pricey burgers. The burgers are all right, but that's not why you come here. You can get a good burger at a bunch of places. You come here for the Southern food plates. I tend to order either the Meatloaf or the Salmon most of the time. Their Crab and Crawfish Cakes are good too as is their Pot Roast and Chicken Pot Pie. I also liked their Roasted Turkey, Gravy and Cornbread Dressing the one time I had it. They also have a rotating daily special -- I've tried the Fried Chicken and it was very good. In sandwiches, I'm partial to their Grilled Chicken Breast, BLT or Egg Salad. As far as the sides go, their Triple Cheese Macaroni really stands out. OK Cafe makes one of the best versions of that dish. I also like their Baked Sweet Potatoes, which they top with butter, cinnamon and pecans. Their vegetables are usually good too: the collards, green beans, corn, broccoli, etc. and they have a rotating "veggie of the day." If you're getting a sandwich or burger, their fries are usually excellent (thinner and just the right level of crispy) and they also make good and greasy Shaved Fried Onions. You can get a half & half basket (half fries, half onions), too. As far as appetizers go, I like their Cheese Grits and their Sweet Potato Chips. I usually don't have room for dessert because their food is so heavy, but OK Cafe makes some tasty desserts. Their pies are very good, and I used to get their Chocolate Icebox Pie or an ice cream dish (sundae, split, etc.) Their milkshakes are really good as well; some people order them with their meal. In addition to their dine-in area, they have the takeaway store, where you can get a lot of their vegetables, breads, entree portions, etc. by weight in plastic containers. You can grab a pound of their Triple Cheese Macaroni for the road. The takeaway section also has a sandwich counter where they'll make you a sandwich to go; they also have various cake and pie slices in a cooled side section. Anyway, they don't have much in the way of group seating usually, and they can get pretty crowded during regular business hours (you may have to wait or eat at the counter). But, overall, the service is usually pretty good. If you go for the good Southern food Blue Plates, you'll probably be satisfied.
(4)
Ally M.
Went to the OK cafe a Sunday for breakfast. Got in just before the rush which appeared to start around 10.30 am. Great atmosphere with a good selection for breakfast. You will not leave hungry. There's a small store attached where you can buy bread, cookies and hot food items to go. Wish we lived in Atlanta to visit this place more often.
(4)
Casey S.
I tell my sister that the reason I like to visit ATL is for her, but secretly, it's for OK Cafe. Please don't tell her our little secret. THE best mac n cheese I have ever ingested. Honestly. If I could give this place 10 stars based on that dish alone, I would. I'm craving it all the way in Chi-town right this very moment. Perhaps another visit is in order....
(5)
Julie R.
This place is a lot better than just OK. Waaaay back in the late 90's when I was a college student (Yes, dear children. I am *that* old. Someone pass me an Ensure, please!), this place was actually open 24-7. It was an awesome place to pull an all-nighter with a gigantic glass of milkshake (one of the best in town, and enough for 2), alone or with your buddies. You walk in, write down your name & the # of people in your party on their notepad, and wait for them to call your name. If you have a sense of humor, you can do what my friend did when we walked in here for the first time: sign in as "communist" as your name and indicated how many of you there are. Then they'll yell, "Communist, party of 4!" Since I have a very juvenile sense of humor, I still find that hi to the larious. Anyway, besides awesome milkshakes, OK Cafe has great chicken fried steak, vegetable plate (collard greens, mac n cheese, loaded baked sweet potato, oh, my!!), and.... FANTASTIC chicken nuggets, which come with equally fantastic french fries. I'm also a huge fan of their sweet tea, which comes with my favorite kind of ice - restaurant owners, please take note.... It's nugget ice, or bust!! Read the sales figures from said ice machine owners, and you'll see that I speak the truth here. Oh, yeah... Some people get kind of freaked out by the gigantic confederate flag on their wall... While I'm not a huge fan, I have yet to receive ill-treatment or get dirty looks from any of their patrons or staff, so I'm willing to overlook it because of the food. This is kind of a touchy subject for some, so I'll just leave it at that. Bottom line, if you're into southern comfort food, skip Mary Mac and give this place a whirl. p.s. Their coconut cake is also awesome. My favorite thus far in Atlanta.
(4)
Greg R.
Good Food, Bad Management On a busy schedule, requested a lunch menu at 1047am but were told mo because they don't start serving lunch until 11am. The manager refused to provide the menus and told us we would have to wait until 11am. They have too much business to treat customers so aggressively. Either get a new manager or change your policies to focus on customer service, not being arrogant
(1)
Chris R.
I love OK Cafe. It's on my way back from dropping my daughter off at school on the way to work, more importantly, I founded my company in the middle booth on the left when you walk in. Great fried breakfasts, I have been eating more of the granola with yogurt lately as I try and drop a few lbs. Takeout if off the hook for a quick dinner.
(5)
John G.
I will give 3 stars but thats a strectch...I have had breakfast lunch and dinner here and I cant say anything is that great, its OK as the name implies..If I had to have a favorite meal it would be breakfast, they do a pretty decent pancake with bacon, the pancake is huge I could never eat it all a generous portion of bacon, coffee is weak, and they always give you a tootsie roll with the bill. It is not cheap to eat here plan on around $10 pp
(3)
Christian B.
It's not Mom's cooking. And it will never be. But if you want some comfort food and Mom's a good 322 miles away, this'll do. I've been coming here since I moved to Atlanta in '03 and my wife's been a customer even longer, since her high school days when the slogan was "everything's OK 24 hours a day." What enticed me my first visit--and what keeps me coming back--are the fried cheese grits. They are exactly what they sound like. Specifically, cheese grits that have been coated in Panko breadcrumbs and fried. Served with a jalapeno white gravy, they're cholesterolicious. Obviously, it's not something I get every visit. If I did, I'd probably have had a heart attack by now. Over the years, however, there are many other things I've found that I've enjoyed. Like the grilled cheese sandwich with bacon, and the griddle cakes with apple butter and pecans. The burgers--topped with fried pickle slices--are pretty good, even great depending who's on the line that night. And the fried chicken, available only on Sundays, is a pretty reliable choice. Just this past weekend I had a nicely breaded chicken breast with white gravy and two sides, which in my case were creamy (and peppery) mashed potatoes and a triple-cheese mac 'n cheese. I've made some missteps in ordering though. The plain pancakes taste like they're made from a mix (I've seen the box of Aunt Jemima to prove it). And I've never really cared for the chicken salad. It's fresher than the norm, but I prefer a traditional chicken salad to their "lighter" version. I do, however, have to give the folks at OK some credit for working in more natural and organic ingredients (see the back of the menu for details). It's not expected at a place like this, but I think it's great they've chosen to do so. Atmosphere-wise, there's a certain whimsy to the place and it's filled with folk art. But what I like most is the signed cover of Harper Lee's "To Kill A Mockingbird" (OK Cafe is named after the cafe in the book). If you've never been, this is a great spot to bring visiting family or people with kids. The latter will love the giant money tree in the back dining room. Worth perusing on your way out is the large to-go operation in the rear. It features a giant steam table, a deli case and a whole host of scratch-made desserts. Speaking of which, I'd be remiss if I didn't tell you to get a shake here just once. They're delicious, especially the chocolate malt, a nostalgic favorite of mine. So like I said, if you're like me and have a Mom who's a great cook, OK Cafe will fall just a little short. But if you're looking to put some South in your mouth, this is one of Atlanta's better meat-and-two joints.
(3)
Chef Invisible T.
O.K Cafe is A-OK. Now, it is not the best Southern restaurant I have ever been to, but it is a solid go to place when in the area. It is also a no frills option to take out of town guest that want to get a taste of anything Southern. It is like Cracker Barrel on steroids, and a beloved institution in the Atl. The Rose Guy sits on the corner outside the OKC just in case you need some brownie points with the loved ones for your drunken outraged the day before. This resto is a cross between a neighborhood chain and a local diner. Why, because it looks like a TGIF but makes you feel like a regular. The best place in Vinings for a hang over or affordable large portion grub. Get what you want my opinion should not matter.
(3)
Joel C.
I've been living in Atlanta for almost 7 years now and I am surprised that I have never been here! Since I was in the area and starving, I decided to finally check this place out. My first impression upon walking through the doors is that it was a bit themey but after trying the food, I am in love! Since it was our first time there, i was open to trying as much food as possible. We started off with the fried pickles and fried cheese grits...both were awesome! I ordered the Avocado, Tomato and Sprouts Omelet and David ordered the Ham and Cheese Omelet. The portions were huge and we were only able to eat half of what we ordered! Oh, one more thing...the sweet tea was GOOD! Not just good, but rot your teeth good! The customer service is fantastic and everyone was so nice! I truly appreciate that they use a lot of organic produce and that everything is made fresh daily. I'll definitely have to check out their desserts next time as well as grab some food to go in their OK Take-Out area. I will be back soon although I'll have to up my gym workouts!
(4)
Scott S.
Was pleasantly surprised. I have wondered what this place was all about, however each time I would pass by it, it was always packed or I never wanted to wait forever to get inside to dine. So when I had the chance to dine here, I was looking forward to a decent experience and I certainly wasn't disappointed. After about 15 minutes or so of waiting we finally were escorted to our seats. The thing which strikes me was how big this place was. It seemed to take a little longer than expected to get to our table, not that I am complaining. I was just merely pointing out how large the place is. The decr and environment had a very diner-like feel but not to the level of cheese factor like other joints. Once seated, I ordered a coffee and water. Our server was nice and pleasant. I was in the brunch mood and decided to order the Ham & Cheddar Omelet. I was a little disappointed by the lack of omelets on the menu. It would have been nice to see an omelet with chicken or beef included somewhere in the recipe. However the omelet I had was surprisingly tasty and the portion filling. OK Cafe has a decent carry-out section as well which I would like to check out sometime. It looks like the idea to bring home food after a day at work and/or if you're just tired of cooking. Pricing is about in line with establishments of this caliber.
(3)
Amanda W.
I'd have to say OK Cafe is really just OK. It's definitely not the worse food I've ever had. But it's definitely better than IHOP and the like. However, the OK Take-away is where it's at. It's a bit pricier than let's say Boston Market, but the quality is a bazillion times better. Plus it beats having to cook after a long day at work. I also personally dig the retro uniforms the waitresses wear.
(3)
chris k.
Usually quick and friendly service, along with a great breakfast to get your day going. Popular place have to your morning breakfast business meetings here. Additionally, they have a side-store, where you can shop and get all the dishes to go, in the back area. Many people don't know about this, but provides a quick way to get some Southern Cooking in a pinch for dinner.
(4)
Enoch C.
i've been here about 3 times now. the first two visits were very impressive. sadly, the last time i went, not so great. i think this place definitely depends on what you order. they hit some stuff out of the park and fall short on other things. i went with 3 other friends, most of us left semi-satisfied wishing we had ordered something different. here's what we had: me: rotisserie chicken with lemon pepper tamari (it's like a soy sauce as i learned from our server) with mac and cheese and fried green tomatoes. friend 1: veggie plate friend 2: pot roast friend 3: meat loaf my rotisserie chicken was pretty dry and not tender at all. the tamari made it pretty salty too. i would recommend they just make it a lemon pepper rotisserie chicken, cook it a little better and it'd be alright. no need for the tamari. the mac and cheese was great. it was the one side we all ordered. the fried green tomatoes came out burning hot (which is good). my only beef with the tomatoes were that they only give you 3. my friend with the veggie plate loved it. i had ordered that before and was not disappointed. probably the safest meal to get here cause their veggies are just superb. the pot roast i heard was disappointing. we both wished we had went with our gut and ordered the chicken pot pie. the meat loaf was ok. i don't know good meatloaf so i can't really tell you if this was exceptional or not. i just had a bite but i thought it was ok. some recommendations i've received for this place are the chicken pot pie and the rocket burger. i also heard the chicken nuggets are good too. we ordered the fried onion shavings and pickle chips. onions were good, and i think i'm just not a fan of pickle chips. but compared to other pickle chips, they tasted about the same. so if that's what pickle chips are supposed to taste like, then you won't be disappointed here although the breading on the chips were abnormally crunchy. i've had the fried cheese grits - those are freaking awesome. i'd definitely recommend those. the cornbread was super moist (friend 1 hates that word). bits of real corn. and i don't normally like cornbread. if you're planning on getting here for lunch, plan on coming early or waiting in line. and for goodness sake, order the right thing!!
(3)
Jennifer W.
The OK Cafe is one of the most consistent establishments I've been to. No matter when I've gone, the food has always been good. The atmosphere is that of artsy-Southern-comfort-food-diner. This evening, I chose a veggie plate of green beans, corn, squash casserole and three cheese macaroni. I have to save the best for last, I'm kinda weird that way, so the beans and corn go first, followed by the squash and macaroni. The entire plate was Southern yummy goodness. And when I do happen to leave some food on my plate because I gobbled up a corn muffin or three, I have it boxed up for lunch the next day. The only thing that I don't care for is the see-through take out containers. I don't really like seeing all of those food juices swishing around. But I digress. The service is fairly consistent and well-balanced between attentiveness and space. I've only had lackluster service once. But once out of all the times I've been there is negligible.
(4)
Dean S.
It's okay.
(2)
Sean K.
True to it's name this place is o.k. I was put off by dirty silverware. Nothing like unwrapping your silverware to find chunks of food from the last persons meal. I agree with every other "dim-witted moron with a weak palate" (according to Patirck S) who says this place is only meh.
(2)
Stacy S.
OK Cafe is a good place to go when you're hungry and don't want to bother with something fancy or expensive. I had the veggie plate and the stand-out was DEFINITELY the Mac&Cheese. It was fantastic!!! The corn was good too, it was cut right off the cob.. very fresh. The green beans were okay & so was the cucumber salad. My friend had a cheeseburger which looked good. The onion rings that she ordered were pretty good. The fried green tomatoes were fair - not the best I've had but certainly not the worst. I definitely want to go back to see if they have fried catfish - my favorite! Overall this restaurant is definitely a step-up from a diner, Denny's, Cracker Barrel, TGI Fridays, etc. The servers are really nice, and the sweet tea is great too!
(3)
Jeff M.
At least all the places in Atlanta are named correctly. Thumbs Up is just that (out of two thumbs). This place is OK. It's good even. If they were called The Greatest Cafe This Side of the Solar System. then I might have a problem with that. I go here if I have a diner craving. And when I go to diners, I'm never looking for life-changing experiences. I'm looking for what I need: good, greasy diner food. This place is quirky and I like it.
(3)
Jean G.
The atmospere was old school. The guys with me thought most of the servers looked cute in the 50's style outfits. I enjoyed my chicken pot pie. My husband was dissapointed fried chicked was only on Sunday. The fries were cold even after asking for new ones.
(3)
Renee B.
Holy crap. They have the BEST strawberry shortcake i have ever eaten. 1st time, we ordered the vanilla milkshake, strawberry shortcake and steamed cabbage. I tasted the shortcake and immediately moved the plate to my side so i could devour as fast as possible. The cabbage was fresh and the shake was a great way to wash it down. lol. I went back the next day for more and will keep going cos its on my way to work and the bf's place. Im never going back to DQ shortcakes again.
(5)
Scott S.
The old school atmosphere from the 50's outfits the servers wear to the red leather chair decor is awesome. The atmosphere gets 5 stars all the way. Everything else is 'OK' at best. The service is slow. Their grits and Waldorf salad are actually quite good. Everything else was average at best. OK Cafe offers a lot of healthier alternatives and organic options which is fairly unusual for the area but they loose any health benefits on some heavily over salted foods. They do have a seperate take out section of the restuarant with a full bar of take out items. Overall, OK Cafe totally lives up to its name.. OK
(2)
Kate B.
Delicious southern cooking! The food is great but it is a little pricey for what it is. You kind of pay for the novelty of the 50's style diner. You must try to squash souffle - its fantastic. It's also cool that there is a OK Take Away section but be careful because you pay by weight and it's almost impossible to leave without spending at least $12 a meal. I'd give it 4 or 5 stars if it were not so pricey for what it is.
(3)
Andrew L.
Originally from New Jersey, I can get enough of OK Cafe. I have found over the years with the cafe, that something that people need to know about. You need to go at the right time. For example, going at 12 on a Sunday will result in a 2 hour wait. Going at 4 on Sunday results in no wait. The food has always been right on target. I usually get the pot roast with collards and mac and cheese. Imagine that, a Yankee eating collards. Believe me they are that good, and the Mac and cheese cannot be passed. On Sundays, they have a fried chicken special, but it is a boneless chicken breast that my wife swears by. I have been back to Atlanta since Jan, and I have been there 3 times already...I can't wait to go back
(5)
Shawn W.
There I was, a white guy in the waiting area at OK Cafe' on a Tuesday morning, awake an hour early on five hours' sleep, wearing a tieless blazer, slacks and freshly-shined loafers. My table would be ready in [mumble, mumble] minutes. I was late for my breakfast meeting with a client whom I wanted to impress because he gives me a lot of business. Still, I wasn't fitting in. One, though I was a white guy amongst many white guys waiting for his table at OK Cafe' that morning, I didn't have a golf handicap. I don't even own a set of clubs! Two, I didn't graduate from a Southeast Conference university 35 years ago. Finally, my "people" aren't from the South. Nor am I. What the hell am I doing here?? OK Cafe' has a reputation as being the "white guy power breakfast" place, so I checked it out. As I grasped how well this reputation is deserved, my client showed up and my name was called. Luckily he was even further behind schedule. Breakfast food at OK Cafe' is great, service is efficient and friendly, though not chatty, and waitresses wear early-1950's uniforms. Portions are average-sized. Decor is classic, fresh and very clean. Some waitresses remind me of 1950's pinup types that emulate Bettie Page. OK Cafe' is very presentable for family, out of towners or people you don't know well. It does have sufficient "date" ambience, though the atmosphere is conservative given the location. It's a good place to take your in-laws or meet boyfriend/girlfriend's parents.
(5)
Sarah P.
OH EMMM GEEE! Mac and cheese...enough said.
(5)
Donnie H.
I have been a patron of the OK Cafe for more years than I would like to admit. The food is always good as well as the service. It is what it is good southern comfort food. The only negative is the wait, they can get very busy. I guess it's a good problem to have if your the owner. Keep up the good work OK.
(4)
Bill S.
I thought the OK cafe was actually pretty good. Compared to other Southern cooking restaurants, the food was better than, say, Agnes & Muriels, but not as good as Carver's Grocery. We went on a Saturday night at dinner time. Given this place is almost always packed, we were shocked that there was no wait for a table. The service was good, and the prices were reasonable, though maybe $6 for a shake was pushing it. In short, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the OK cafe, and would definitely return.
(4)
Jennifer B.
Great Atlanta staple! Fun spot to take a date or friends. I hear the meatloaf is delish & I think a milkshake is a definite must-go-for. ; )
(4)
Erin W.
What a perfect name for a cafe that is very hospitable and better than okay. I've been several times for dessert, pancakes, burgers and fries and the food is always well cooked, seasoned and worth the visit. Of course the prices are very reasonable. OK Cafe has a to go section which houses already prepared buffet style foods. Additionally, similar to Honey Baked Ham, they sell takeaway ready to cook refrigerated meals, perfect for a potluck or a regular meal at home. OK Cafe is located off I-75 and West Paces Ferry. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch menus are available round the clock and I especially love the malt shakes and desserts. For details and directions visit okcafe.com Okay!
(4)
Shannon C.
Man! The food is GOOD. Service is good too. Me looooooves it. Good 'ol all American food. Tastes like your mama made it!
(5)
J D.
Melikes Ok Cafe some, and me don't likes it for other reasons. I like the kind of faux-diner artsy vibe, and the food is pretty good overall. But like most Atlanta breakfast spots, they not only couldn't make iced coffee to save their life, they pour hot coffee over ice and provide a tall glass of watery yuck to their customers. I'm begging you restaurant owners and managers-just say no when I ask if you serve iced coffee, AND when I ask "it's not just hot coffee poured over ice is it?" Because I'm happy (honestly) to go in another beverage direction. Don't say yes and then give me exactly what I asked you not to bring. Pretty please even.
(3)
Shawn J.
The food was awesome, I drove pass this place all the time, I can't believe I missed it.
(5)
Elaine B.
Team work is key here. We were welcomed and serviced by multiple waitresses. The food was classic home cooking. Loved the lower level market. Took home some bread home...it was delish! Economical and friendly! What more could you ask for? To sit by the tree! If you go there, ask to sit by in-door tree. My nephew loved it!
(4)
Susan T.
LOVE THIS PLACE! Pro tip: instead of standing in lengthy line, sit at the counter. You'll never have to wait and it's fun to watch the friendly (go a few times and they'll remember you) chefs buzzing around. You may wind up next to a APD officer, a Buckhead Betty, a super cool rapper, a posh and genteel older gentleman. If you dine alone, as I frequently do, it's a pleasant, nurturing bubble. My favorites are the strawberry shortcake (please ask to have the shortcake warmed up, takes this dessert to another level), the turkey dinner with collards and mac n cheese as sides (extra gravy, don't know what they put in it, but it rocks), chicken fried steak, really I like it all. The waitresses are out of another era, will definitely call you honey and on my birthday, while attacking a mountainous brownie sundae, my waitress brought me a beautiful slice of chocolate cake with a wee lit candle in it. For later, she said. Did I tell you I really love OK Cafe? ;-)
(5)
Janet G.
Okay, so I haven't been here in YEARS. One thing that's changed? The hours! It used to be 24 hours, which was awesome back in the late-late 90s when you needed to kill time with your friends. They used to have one of the top five grilled cheeses I've ever had in my LIFE. (And I eat lots of grilled cheese sandwiches, and I really did contemplate writing a book listing the best ones, so I'm a valid source. Unfortunately, things may've changed in the last decade.)
(4)
Tressi J.
The name says it all-- the OK Cafe is just ok. That's all.
(3)
Shonda K.
I am with my girl Tressi, the name sums it up.
(2)
Alexa G.
Okay let me preface this review: After we went to ikea I HAD to try out mi barrio.. but after getting lost for about 30 minutes downtown ( yes I'm OTP!!!! lol)....imputing the wrong address in my GPS . and my boyfriend having to well.. ahhh go from drinking to much h20 post workout...we finally found mi barro!!!!! BUT they were closed!!! *tear runs from eye* we decided to go home ... but ahhh had to make a pit stop on the way back... sooooo..We stopped at OK cafe....Ohh the three cheese mac and cheese! very yum!!! The burgers ( with fried pickles to boot on the side) they serve are "organic" and hormone free which I guess why the $10 price for the burger applies... I was a lil shocked at $33 bucks for 2 burgers.. the dinner menu was a little limited.. but if you like comfort food and middle aged women in little white uniforms this is the place to go :) Perhaps next time I'll try their breakfast!
(3)
Blake B.
OK Cafe? Yeah, it's OK. How's that for setting your sights high? "Hey man, I got this great idea for a restaurant... it's gonna be called I Guess That'll Do Grill. Or what do you think of Ehh, Just Serve It Diner? You in?" I am so not in. OK Cafe used to be nice when they ran it 24-7 and you could go there after a show and eat the Southern fixin's that make you big big. But now they don't stay open past 10 as far as I know. Their food quality is once again better than an IHOP, but really not that much better, and the service is usually pretty rushed because they tend to get packed in here. They actually use fresh ingredients and you feel like your meal was made when you ordered it. So props for being better than an in-n-out style place. They do have Fried Green Tomatoes. I like Fried Green Tomatoes. I don't know anyone that ever goes here. Just looking at it reminds me of a Golden Corral, or some other half-cocked all-you-can-eat jam. And they don't even let you get all you can eat. Pretty much everything here is heavy on the tummy so maybe that's a good thing.
(3)
Laura M.
The blue plate specials are soooo good, but so huge. You can get two meals out of one easily. Especially if you want to save room for a dessert! Check out the strawberry shortcake--layers of thick pound cake sandwich vanilla icecream--all coated with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. You all know that I try mac & cheese every chance I get. Ok's mac & cheese is really good. Big shells and gooey cheese tossed with flavorful spices---not mustardy or hot---just good!
(4)
Julie M.
The sweet potato chips are delicious! So yummy. My only complaint was that my meal was a bit on the lukewarm side. Other than that, very good comfort food!
(4)
Rebecca O.
You're missing out if you haven't yet dined at OK Cafe. It's comfort food and a whole lot more. The interior is designed with all sorts of flair, and the entire place evokes some kind of "remember when" images. I never really stray far from the veggie plate, but blue plate specials and the fried cheese grits with jalapeno and cheese dip aim to please.
(4)
omar b.
My brother is being lazy, so i will represent for the ATL. I was heading back to SF from visiting his Peachtree ass and he was cool enough to bring me to this amazing southern comfort spot. My of my, I couldn't believe how stuffed we were from grinding on the ono sweet-potato fries, huge chicken-pot pie, and as you guessed collard greens...oh yes they had a soda fountain. The best cherry coke ever and i guess that's something being i don't really drink soda. Gottta check this place out ^ ^
(4)
Josh V.
Best blue plate and comfort food in Atlanta...hands down!!!!!
(5)
Gina C.
I've been here several times and again tonight with a friend. I think the prices are a little high for the quality of food. However, I guess they can get away with it because of the area and it being so packed all the time. I ordered the pot roast with mashed potatoes and fried okra. The pot roast was a little dry for my taste. The mashed potatoes were really good! Just like the kind your momma makes. The okra was also yummy. It was breaded perfectly and it wasn't too slimy. The cornbread was tasty as well. The food is still sitting in my stomach. My friend ordered crab and craw fish cakes. They were okay, but a little too breaded for me. He also ordered the mac and cheese which he loved and black eyed peas. When we put our order in we looked at the desserts and decided on the chocolate fudge cake. It looked so good bc we were sitting right next to all of the cakes. However, we decided to skip the cake bc we were so full. I'll have to get that next time I'm here. We were also distracted by a guy who complained about his food taking too long to come out. He asked the waitress what time she put the order in and then asked to speak to the manager. My friend and I just rolled our eyes. We didn't think it took too long. We thought he was being a little dramatic. Come on, just bc your food takes a little longer to come out is it really something to whine and complain about? Everything should be OK at OK Cafe. Overall, Ok Cafe is A-OK in my book. OK enough with the OKs. If I'm in the area, I'll stop by.
(3)
Margo R.
I almost want to sneak into the kitchen and see what the chefs are doing...the food is so good! The menu is filled with hearty southern dishes, so dieters should probably steer clear. Otherwise check out this more-than-ok cafe.... my first experience with sweet potato fries. How sweet it was :)
(4)
Alison L.
One of the best things at OK Cafe is the Mac and Chesse. It is absolutely THE BEST Southern Mac and Cheese. The Pancake Batter Fried Shrimp is the bomb! It puts any other fried shrimp to shame and I've had a lot of fried shrimp during my lifetime. It's only avail on Saturdays though. Ummm Ummmm Good! The Collards are pretty good but it varies. Black eyed peas are good as are the sweet potatos. Don't really like any of the other veggies. The fruit salad is made with mayo - not a fan at all. Those corn bread muffins are yummy! The Crab Cakes are good. Overall prices are high and the "blue plates" are overpriced. Nice atmosphere though and pleasant servers.
(3)
Tom M.
The food is excellent but this place is almost always crowded and loud. Expect a wait at peak times of day and on weekends. Not exactly kid friendly or accomodating for large groups. Perfect for couples or a pair of couples. Atmosphere could be called "Mel's Funky Stylized Diner" but with well above average food.
(4)
Tracey A.
Been eating at OK Cafe for years and years and have never (ever!) had a disappointing or bad meal. From the 'retro' diner uniforms the waitresses wear to the melt-in-your-mouth mac & cheese, everything is Spot On. Everytime. Some of my personal favorites: their meatloaf (sooo good), the aforementioned mac&cheese (this stuff should win the Nobel Peace Prize... seriously, you can FEEL the love when you eat it..), the corn (don't ask me why, but it's the BEST corn ever..), and the home-made chocolate milkshakes. Prepare to wait if you come during the lunch rush... but it's SOO worth it. Total Southern Comfort Food!
(5)
Michael K.
Pay with cash!!! Do NOT use credit/debit cards. They have processing issues. My $55 dinner charge was run FOUR times on my account. According to manager Aaron, this happens a lot. Do not appreciate all the time I had to invest to straighten this out with my bank. Will not eat here again. FAIL UPDATE. Raised from 1 to 4 stars. Got a personal note from owner as well as a correction to my account. Still took a week and a phone call to sort out and still not happy about a restaurant that steals money from me. But, I will give them the 4 stars for southern comfort food.
(4)
Skillet P.
Generous portions and great service. We went on a Sunday morning and they were packed. After a 10 - 15 minute wait we were seated. Our waitress was fast and efficient. I got the turkey and dressing with mashed potatoes and mac and cheese (don't judge me) and everything was delicious. I was a little on the pricey side for my budget but worth it.
(4)
Daniela P.
So good! This place is great! The quality of the food was excellent. Everything was so fresh and had so much flavor. The shakes were amazing!
(5)
Becky E.
Such a fun place. The waitresses dress in straight-up legit diner uniforms. Reminds me of the old diners I used to go to with my great-grandparents growing up. Seriously a blast from the past, in a good way. My husband and I went for breakfast and shared fresh-squeezed OJ, blueberry pancakes, turkey sausage, cheese grits, biscuits, and a friend egg (hey, we wanted to taste it all). It was very, very good. I would definitely recommend this place for breakfast when you are in the area. Interesting fact: the diner is named after the "OK Cafe" in "To Kill A Mockingbird," and there is a note from Harper Lee framed and posted on the wall, written to the owners of the diner. Very cool!
(5)
Maria S.
Until recently, my only dining experience at OK Cafe was for breakfast with clients or colleagues - the so-called "power breakfast." The food was decent, the service efficient, and business was transacted over coffee, eggs and grits. Power breakfasts aside, the OK Cafe is also a fine place for lunch or dinner, if you're looking for some old-fashioned southern comfort food. Stick with the southern specialties and come hungry; the portions are plentiful. If you're feeding a crowd, start with an order of the fried pickles. Not too greasy or salty, these tart little morsels burst with flavor. Next, opt for a bowl of the vegetable soup. It's loaded with fresh veggies--always a good thing in my book. I'm partial to the veggie plate as well. (Sense a trend?) Be sure to get the stewed okra if it's available as a special. Delicious!
(3)
Greg J.
Our friends from Atlanta took us here the day we arrived for a visit. Little did we know we were in store for some true Southern good eats. And speaking of good eats, we heard that Alton Brown eats here. That's a very good sign. And after our experience here it's not a surprise... It's excellent food and terrific service. You can't judge a book from it's cover. At first go glance you'd think this was just a humdrum place - it's in a strip mall and the neon sign makes you think it's more a of a burger and fries joint. But it's not. The only bad thing is that we didn't leave room for dessert. Next time I want to try some pecan pie!
(4)
Antwanika S.
I don't know, the take out section here (separate from dine-in) is a hit or miss. The first few times I had it (years ago) it was very good. The last few times (recently), it is very mediocre food that I end up trashing most of. What makes it worse is that the takeout is super expensive. The charge by the pound I assume. But I always average $12-$16 and usually can't even make "seconds" out it. The fried chicken on that side is excellent, not sure about the other meat. It does not look appetizing to me. The corn muffins are excellent, but they charge you 50 cents for one. I say stick with the dine-in side. I only ate there once. It was very good. I hope it's no a hit or miss. I will say that I've always encountered VERY friendly staff there.
(2)
Neriyah J.
the mac and cheese is very delicious- on a good day so is the cornbread dressing..the service here is delightful-and i have never had a problem with long wait times .my kids enjoy the grilled cheese its got all the ooey gooeyness that they crave
(4)
Corey P.
The Okay Cafe is one of my favorite places to eat. Last week I had their meatloaf sandwich on sour dough bread. It was excellent! I also love their chicken fried chicken with white gravy.
(4)
Meg C.
The OK Cafe is, well, OK. I thought it was really pricey and overrated, much like the lovely Kathleen M did. I was dragged in here on a Sunday lunch by some friends who swore up and down it would be the best breakfast ever... I'm from Decatur where we have a history of good breakfast, from the long defunct Southern Star to the currently running Pastries A Go Go, so I'm always skeptical when someone raves about breakfast. Since we were a bigger party, we managed to land a table pretty quickly, but if we'd only been two or three I can tell the wait would have been longer. I ordered sweet tea, which to the server's credit never went dry, and then started going through half the items on the menu to find something that I could eat/afford that they still had in stock. All I really wanted was a biscuit, grits, and bacon and they were out of grits (which I've NEVER heard of) and the bacon arrived completely charred. The server was VERY nice and offered to get me replacements or substitutions, but when you're not really hungry and you have something in mind it's hard to get replacements... a friend suggested I try the fried grits since they have to do those ahead of time, so I went for it and they were pretty good. Not great since I was trying not to eat fried things, but I'd definitely have them again. They brought out more bacon after the server noticed I'd pawned mine off on someone else (after it scratched the crap out of my gums) but it was still surprisingly crunchy. They ended up comping most of my bill without me requesting the courtesy (I'd expected to just pay the original bill cost) so all I paid for was the tea, and the biscuit was good, but I'd just as soon go to Pastries, Flying Biscuit, J Christopher's... any other number of places before I come back here. I just wasn't impressed enough with the food to pay the price they're asking.
(2)
Ed W.
I like this place. Even though I don't live in Atlanta, when I travel there I usually stay in Buckhead and am usually driving past the OK Cafe at some point. It is a consistent, delicious breakfast. Talk about a mound of food. After a few cocktails the night before, I devoured bacon, eggs, potatoes and a biscuit. The bacon was thick, which is a plus. The eggs had a nice buttery taste to them. While the biscuit was not as delicious as at the Flying Biscuit, it was still hot and tasted fresh. Maybe it's a frozen special but it didn't taste like it. The potatoes were some of the best I've had in awhile. My wife was craving bacon and eggs but the French toast, as well. So she got both. A half order of French toast was gigantic. We nearly needed to be carted out of the restaurant. My wife, a former Atlanta native, forgot to order a chocolate shake to go, which she claims are suburb. And the service? A+. We got everything we needed before we even asked for it. Drink refill? Done. Dropped a fork? Here's another. Ready for the check? It's already on the table. Solid.
(4)
Thomas M.
So I got "Steven Wright-ed" last night. For those of you who don't know him, Steven Wright is a really funny, very dry comedian. Just Google him. Anyway, after going all the way up to Buford to watch a high school football game last night we were starving by the time we got back ITP. I suggested we stop by OK cafe as it was just past 11:00 PM, they're open 24 hours and Allison had never been but has had to listen to me talk about it for some time. Well, we walk up to the door and it was locked. I stood back and looked up at the neon sign that says "Open All Day." I looked back at the door and noticed a sign which had their operating hours on it (closes at 11:00 PM on Saturday night). So I looked back at the giant red neon sign that says "Open All Day" and then back at the hours on the door. After quickly doing some math in my head (which is tough by the way) I came to the conclusion that their "All Day" no longer means 24 hours at OK Cafe. Fail. Oh, how did I get Steven Wright-ed you ask? Well, he has a joke about something similar: I went down the street to the 24-hour grocery. When I got there, the guy was locking the front door. I said, 'Hey, the sign says you're open 24 hours.' He said, 'Yes, but not in a row.' - Steven Wright
(1)
Jim L.
This place survives by its undeserved reputation. Some locals think it's great ... it's not. Average food prepared in an average fashion. Most boring burger I have ever experienced. Biscuits and gravy horrible (biscuits cold and hard; gravy tasteless). Chicken Pot Pie is a joke! It was a bowl of chicken soup with a pastry crust crouton floating on top ... I kid you not! Has been open 25 years to my amazement. Certainly does not deserve above two stars. OK Cafe proves that Southerners will eat almost anything.
(2)
Annabel T.
I'm a California girl who wanted nothing but Southern food in Atlanta. My friend brought me here and I'm so glad she did! Parking is plentiful in the shopping center. Service was fantastic. I tend to like "veggies" more than the entrees. For non-southerners "veggies" are side dishes. I recommend: Arnold Palmer - perfect balance of bitter and tangy sweet. Unlimited refills! Mac and Cheese Squash Souffle Pot Likker (soup from collard greens) Key Lime Pie Some of their items are available in frozen entree packages so you can take it to go. I can't wait to come back again!
(4)
Wanda J.
Not bad for southern/comfort food. My sister and I shared the chicken pot pie, mac n cheese, and collards. The chicken pot pie was a tad runnier than I would've liked it, but the flavor was there. It also had enough chicken chunks to feed a small army. I liked the puffed pastry on top, I kind of wish there was more of it. The mac n cheese was creamy, cheesy, and buttery. It was all that mac n cheese is supposed to be. Yum! The collards were very good too. They were perfectly cooked with the right texture, not soggy. We also shared the brownie sundae and oreo milkshake, which were excellent. One milkshake fed 4 people. It kind of reminded me of the time Jesus fed the crowd with just a couple of fish and few loaves of bread. We split the milkshake by 4 and still had some leftover! Amazing! OK Cafe is definitely a decent place for comfort food, however, be prepared to spend some money. I would say that everything is about $2-4 more than it really should be.
(4)
Steven H.
I am NOT a morning guy, but I happily roll out of bed when I get the chance to trek to the OK Cafe on a Sunday morning for breakfast. Friendly waitresses and outstanding food keep me looking forward to my next visit. I'll be succinct: I love this place.
(5)
Marcus G.
Great diner atmosphere with great southern comfort food. A little on the pricey side, but well worth the price when compared to other southern food establishments in Atlanta (most of them are greatly over-rated). Ok Cafe fits the bill and is a staple of Atlanta......I would recommend it 1000 times!!!
(4)
Nekiba M.
I've gone pass this place for years and I finally decided to try the place out last year. I'm now addicted to this place for my southern food fix away from home. My favorites are the turkey and dressing, chicken-fried steak, and I can't forget their awesome mac and cheese. It is is also here they serve the BEST COCONUT CAKE EVER!!!!!
(5)
Stacey F.
I have to confess that I am not a huge fan of OK Cafe's breakfast menu. They pretty much stick to eggs/omelets, pancakes, with a couple of healthy choices thrown in. However, I let my OH pick and had to go along with him. He LOVES the atmosphere. We arrived around 10am on a Tuesday, so no wait and the place was only 1/3 full. Water, coffee, and skim milk (for me to use as creamer) came to the table quite quickly. Nothing was exciting me, so I ordered the 'Powerhouse Scrambled Eggs' with grits and a biscuit. OH chose the grilled cheese (on wheat) and we split one pancake. We waited quite a long time to get our food. Luckily, the coffee refills kept coming. But, I did not understand the wait since (as I mentioned) the restaurant was not very full. Finally, our food arrived and it was clear that my eggs had been sitting under a heat lamp. They were hot, but looked kind of congealed. His grilled cheese looked and tasted fresh, so I wonder if my eggs waited endlessly for his sandwich to be ready. The grits and biscuit were good, but the less said about the eggs, the better. And, the pancake was absolutely nothing special. I only had 1-2 bites before sending it across the table for him to eat. Maybe I'm spoiled by the delicious oatmeal pancakes at Flying Biscuit, but the OK Cafe pancake was kind of grim--flat and without much flavor--even with butter and syrup. The total for breakfast was $24 which seems about average for us, but I felt a bit ripped off when we left since my food was not satisfying. At least the servers keep the coffee coming, though. Pet peeve: OK Cafe only offers sugar and Sweet n' Low. Kind of annoying that you have to remember to bring Equal or Splenda if that's what you prefer.
(3)
Qanelle J.
Nice Southern comfort food. It's not upscale or a dive, and it reminds me of a smaller Claim Jumpers but without the stupid theme I ordered the roasted turkey with gravy and cornbread. Delicious! Our group enjoyed some sweet potato fries with melted blue cheese and that was delicious too. I really wish they had fried chicken and fried catfish but unfortunately they weren't on the menu. Southern food is soooo good but it's bad for the waistline.
(4)
Kathy H.
For the longest time I thought, eh, OK Cafe is just OK. Went back for a second go round. So glad I did. Every mouth watering morsel of my so very fresh to order Turkey Avacado sandwich was so good. Things I love. The timer when you alk in that tells you your approximate wait time. The decor, the uniforms, the service. So cute, and such southern hospitality.
(4)
Lisa B.
I have been to OK Cafe twice - once for breakfast and once for dinner. My first experience here was at dinner and overall I was less than impressed. It was just way over priced and the food wasn't even good. I was so unimpressed that I didn't come back for several years - until yesterday. A friend and I decided to meet up for breakfast and she suggested OK Cafe. I was really hesitant but decided to go with it since it was centrally located for both of us. We arrived around 9:30 and to my surprise there was no wait. In fact there were so few cars in the parking lot I was unsure if they were even open. By the time we left at 11 it was jam packed though. Anyway, the service was decent and the food was actually way better than I had predicted. I ordered scrambled eggs and crispy bacon served with potatoes and a biscuit. It was all REALLY good. The eggs weren't over cooked, the bacon was the perfectly prepared to my liking and the potatoes were great. I would definitely come back for breakfast...I vote they start serving breakfast all day long so that I can come back with my friends for dinner and get something I know I will enjoy.
(3)
Carrie Neal W.
One of my top, oh, three, comfort foods ever?? OK Cafe's mac and cheese!!! Perfect combination of cheese and noodle, just enough breading . . . ahhhh. The only caveat to mention is that they charge you by the ounce if you get it from the to-go/deli area - and it is soo easy to spend a lot more than you'd think on this mac and cheese!!!
(5)
Jinny Y.
3.5 stars Quick Overview: Chicken pot pie: good stuff Mac n cheese side: again very good Collard green side: good greens, not too wilty, good texture, not too salty Cornbread muffin: so yummy! I like the bits of real corn Overall loved it, probably not good for the waist, but it was yummy either way I went to OK Cafe last week with Wanda J. and Co. It was my first time there and I liked it. The food seemed a bit overpriced for diner food, but the food was good so you can't complain. I shared the chicken pot pie, mac n cheese, collard greens, and cornbread muffin with Wanda J. Plenty of food for the two of us. The chicken pot pie was yummy. I like the touch of the "OK" on the puff pastry. Mac n cheese was super cheesy, a little oily, but good. Wanda J. really liked the collard greens. We also shared desserts. Brownie sundae = meh just an average, nothing special, brownie with ice cream Oreo milkshake. I can't give a good review on this because we ate the brownie sundae first and it tainted our taste buds. I think this would've been a lot better if we didn't have the extra sweet taste of brownie left in our mouths.
(3)
Juichia C.
The food was very comforting and good, hearty large portions. The service was fast and friendly. Chicken nuggets - nicely fried, tender, not too dry, great sweet and sour sauce on the side Fries - nothing special Pot Roast - extremely tender chunk of meat with tendon cooked till it's falling apart, very very flavorful and delicious Collard greens - nice, not too mushy Waldorf salad - very nicely seasoned, great fresh ingredients Country fried steak - nice flavor, thin batter, very good Corn bread - moist, soft, delicious Overall, this place serves great comfort food, definitely the place to go if you're in the mood to just dig in and enjoy some familiar flavors.
(3)
Cindy A.
Awesome veggies! Southern food done right. Best cornbread ever! Yum! Must try the banana bread pudding!!!
(5)
Krystal M.
After nearly three years in Atlanta, I experienced my very first visit to Ok Cafe for a Friday work lunch. First, I would advise don't go for lunch if you have to go back to work, because you will want to take a long nap after such a hefty and delicious meal! I ended up ordering the Grilled Grouper sandwich on a wheat bun and got mac n' cheese on the side (anytime I visit a restaurant that serves mac n' cheese, it's a must that I try it) . Anyway, the food came out pretty quickly and it was delicious, my favorite part of the meal was the mac n' cheese -- the texture was perfect and had some type of herb mixed in with it, which was a nice touch. Also, their sweet tea is fabulous -- be sure to try it mixed with their lemonade -- so refreshing! Overall, the service was prompt and straightforward, I loved the waitresses' outfits (but I'm sure they hate them) and I will definitely be back. I will have to try their breakfast and write an update to my review based on that experience. Happy eating!
(4)
Leanne B.
Wow, I loved this place more than I expected. The quality of the food was much higher than you usually get at diners and cafes--I love that the beef is organic, and the eggs actually have flavor and are not greasy. We really enjoyed all the food and the service was great. As we were leaving around noon on a Sunday there were probably 50 people in line waiting for tables--no joke! We loved it and will definitely be back.
(4)
Rick F.
POWER BREAKFAST! This is the place where business gets done PERIOD! It is amazing to sit on the bench wait for your table and watch the action, people watching and glad handing that is going on all morning. Many Buckhead politicos and power brokers are holding court here. I love it! This is to be my regular spot for power breakfasts moving forward. Plus the food and service are great! Place is spotless, I love the design, atmosphere and the bathrooms are clean. Whats not love here!
(4)
Byron W.
Drove past OK Cafe many a time before stopping and I'm glad I finally stopped. I've never ordered anything other than pot roast. Why? Order it and you'll understand (just like grandma used to make). Homemade mashed potatoes are great, too. Too bad they are no longer open 24hrs... Everyone I have ever taken there has enjoyed what they ordered. Service is good...not perfect, but whose is these days? If you're in ATL and you liked southern food, this is a must!
(4)
Jamie H.
Want great, old fashioned food the way mom used to make it? This is the place for you! The restaurant itself reminds me of my great grandmothers' eat in kitchen. The kitschy decor, sixties style window treatments, the brightly colored knick-knacks and lamps, and if that isn't enough to bring me back-the menu surely does it every time! Most of the menu entrees are between $10-15, and are basically a meat and two vegetables served with a corn muffin. The menu also boasts several sandwiches and salads to choose from if you want for something lighter. The menu items that make me feel like home include: pot roast, country fried steak, meatloaf, chicken pot-pie, salmon, trout almondine, turkey and dressing, and roasted chicken. The servings are huge and the corn muffins are melt in your mouth awesome. If you happen to have room after all of that, then please make sure to order the strawberry shortcake! You will not be disappointed (and neither will the other 3 people at your table because it's big enough for everyone to enjoy, haha). If you would like something a bit less heavy, they do offer malts, shakes, and rootbeer floats. The icing on the cake? When they bring you the check, they deliver it with some yummy tootsie rolls to take with you on your way. Separate portion of the restaurant is for To-Go orders so you don't have to wait in a long line. Okay Cafe is open late and has plenty of parking making this a place you've got to visit! One final tip? If you hate having to call or go in to find out what the wait is, they have a large sign right outside the door that tells you the wait time down to the minute. :)
(4)
Josh B.
Atmosphere and service were good. The food was bland and uninspired. Overall this place is just blah. Way better options in this town. Also why offer high chairs and booster seats and stuff for kids, but then not have a children's menu??
(1)
Dionne A.
Service good. Food good.
(3)
Draft M.
Standard breakfast fare. Clean facility with prompt and courteous service. I've enjoyed better...but I've seen far worse. First visit, but seems like the place is consistent, given the large number of regulars in attendance the morning we were here.
(3)
Kristin B.
The food almost didn't matter. The signed copy of "To Kill A Mockingbird" by the hostess stand made this English major's heart go pitter patter. How could you not love a restaurant named after one of Scout and Jem's haunts? It was full on Thursday morning for breakfast, and the wait for the food reflected that. But the cheery waitresses kept the coffee flowing, and really, who cares if you have to wait as long as you're fully caffeinated? The orange juice was truly fresh squeezed, and all the breakfast items had that great homemade fullness to them. You don't get pancakes like these at IHOP, that's for sure. OK Cafe's location right next to 75 means that I won't have an excuse to stay away for long.
(4)
Ben O.
Nobody told me OK Cafe is beloved, so when my lemon wedge was rotten (not dried out, not wilted, but rotten -- see the photo I uploaded), I wasn't constrained by tradition. I'm not a fan of any restaurant that neither notices nor cares that it's serving rotting food.
(1)
Jacob P.
We went in today to get breakfast at around 11:30, because I thought this was one of those places that served breakfast like all day. .......They stopped serving breakfast at 11! lol. we slept late, not really, we just wanted breakfast ok!! Well after we readjusted our stomach's to accept lunch now (and I had a pregnant woman with me), it was all good. My wife ordered a BLT. I ordered the Trout, fries, and mac and cheese. Melissa was our server and she was awesome!!!! I would totally love to have her be our server every time. We saw they had specialty "non-alcoholic" drinks on their menu. One was a "Black Cow"- root beer float! mmmmmmhm. So good. They had another called the "Pink Lady", it had homemade pink lemonade with cherry grenadine, soooooo good. Also before I knew they weren't serving breakfast, I had ordered some fresh squeezed O.J. It was so good and yummy. Our main dishes came out and they were good not excellent but good. It was hot, it was tasty, but it wasn't "smack my mama good!" Good enough to go back and try other items on the menu though. I will go back and get one of their homemade lemon-ginger cookies from the counter top/register area. Soooo good. Made me want to sit back down and order some of their other homemade desserts. Next time!! I will definitely go back. Hopefully I will be able to bump this up to 4 stars instead of 3. The decor in this place was fun. The service was top notch. The main meals I think are what are going to bring this up a star.
(3)
Don W.
I don't know what the hype is about. Sure, the decor is diner-cute, but the food is standard at best. Sit-down service was very slow the one time I've come for lunch. I've tried the take-away food bar a few times and the food was OK, but dang is it overpriced! I paid $14 for an average-sized plate of side dishes. I won't be back.
(2)
Shawn M.
The OK Cafe is alright, ya'll! We rolled up the the O-K-C at about 9:45pm, got seated right away, greeted by our sweet-as-fresh-peach-pie server who brought us our diet cokes (with lemon!) and almost immediately after that, our pickle chips (seriously, get the pickle chips... delish!) I've only ever ordered the BLT, which is incredible... I was also eyeballing Shawn R's Grilled cheese... if he'd have turned his head, that baby woulda been mine (insert diabolical laughter here). I generally grab one of those brownies by the register on the way out... Brownies for almost a week, yo! Overall, the OK Cafe is more than just OK, it's snack-tacular.
(4)
Jaye B.
As much time as I've spent in the ATL, I'm surprised I'd never been here before. It's pretty well known and has decent food. Lunch time on a Monday and we had a little bit of a wait, which to me is annoying, but also a good sign. The place was loud. There was so much action as the waitresses ran back and forth taking orders and slingin' hash. OK, so they weren't quite slingin' hash, but you get the idea. The level of activity was enough to drive any one with ADD to lose their mind. This means that I had to concentrate real hard and pretty much not talk at all or I might have flipped out. We started with the sweet potato chips which were really good. I'm giving one point for those alone. They were served with a Maytag Blue Cheese dip which I didn't think went well at all. I preferred mine plain and served up OCD style in a single layer on my plate, doused with salt. The rest of the group liked the dip though...freaks. My mom had the crawfish salad which looked like it had way too much dressing on it. In fact, she really only ate the crawfish and a bit of the lettuce as it was soaked in dressing. Still, she said it was good but this is coming from a woman who considers mayonnaise a food group. My uncle wanted a club sandwich that he said they used to have, but it wasn't on the menu so he opted for a smoked turkey that had bacon and avocado. It looked pretty good with thick turkey breast slices rather than thin deli meat. It came with chips but he sent them back in favor of fries. He ate half the sandwich and we brought the other half to my Nana, who will never, ever, ever waste food. She didn't seem to understand this sandwich, but she ate it (she doesn't like a hot lunch so this was a good choice for her). I was going to be eating light that night so I had a bigger lunch with the crab and crawfish cakes, mac and cheese and collard greens. My greens were pretty good but they didn't have any sauce hot enough for my tastes (this is what living in Texas does to a girl). They were, of course, cooked with bacon, the only acceptable way to cook greens. The mac and cheese was really good. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that was some of the best mac and cheese I've ever had. I might have dreams about that when I'm PMSing. The crab/crawfish cakes weren't that great. They had way too much breading on them to be anything worth eating, so, um, I didn't! I didn't really need them with all that other food. In the end, OK Cafe was just that, OK. I wouldn't go back by choice, but if a group wanted to go, I'd be able to find something and be OK with it. So that must be where they got the name? Oh yeah, Tootsie Rolls at the end of the meal were a nice addition.
(3)
Marie P.
No worries...everything IS OK at OK Cafe! Let me preface this by saying I hate grits and I'm not a Southern gal. But I crave their fried cheese grits like there is no tomorrow. And I love this place! I always get the turkey sandwich with avocado, sprouts, bacon, lettuce and tomato because it's just so good! Everything else I've seen looks equally as good, if not better. Actually, take that back. Their burger is nothing special and a little expensive, too. I've never had their mac and cheese but with all the other rave reviews about it, I think I have a reason to go back. The servers are always sweet and very attentive and the food is always impeccable prepared. Just watch out for snobby and pretentious West Paces Ferry/Northside/Buckhead people especially on Sundays after church... I've never done the OK Take Away, but I've walked through it and everything looks just as good as the food served in the restaurant. Get here early for lunch because it gets packed. I went at 11AM and had to wait a little while for a table. And they get pretty busy at night, too. I went at 10PM and there were so many people!
(4)
Kathleen M.
Blah. OK Cafe is so overrated and overpriced! We could walk to OK Cafe from my high school so I went there... a lot. The food is so-so and definitely not worth what they charge. Service is slow and I hate the crushed ice they put in the soft drinks. Even though my friends usually wanted to go here since it was the "hangout," I was usually able to talk them into Gorin's (where Willy's is now), Goldberg's, Chik-fil-A, or Steak N Shake. All more fast-foody places, but I still liked them better! Maybe I'll have to check this place out again as an adult with an income, but it definitely won't be in my top 10 places for a good meal. 1 star for being open late. 1 star for the tootsie rolls.
(2)
Deb Y.
This place never disappoints. The food is good home cooking, the atmosphere is like a big diner, but with more service. The service is fast and friendly. Great place to take a family!
(4)
Chriss F.
An excellent place for comfort food (meatloaf etc.) Service is above average and they try to seat you asap. They used to stay open really late but its OK. They also offer healthy food and a powershake. A classic dining spot.
(3)
Jen D.
Stopped by this place randomly on my way to Buckhead and I'm so glad I did. This is as close to home cooking that you can get without making mommy dearest come over and whip up a feast for you. The veggies are fresh, not from the can and all the ingredients are top notch. I love the white mac and cheese. So cheesy! Desserts and shakes are delicious as well. And this place stays open late. Living in Cobb County and going to or coming back from Buckhead? Take a little detour down Paces Ferry and come to this place. You'll get to see all the lovely mansions along the way.
(5)
Tony P.
We love this place....the strawberry shortcake a must have!!!
(4)
Jennifer B.
The best go-to restaurant when you just want good "home cooked" food without any fuss. All of the wait staff is so friendly. The squash casserole is to die for--I want that recipe! Small entree list to choose from, but all are sure to please. Last time I was there the wait for our meal seemed a little longer than usual, but nothing to make me complain. Then all of a sudden the manager comes over with our food and says the entire meal is on the house because we had to wait so long! We hadn't even said anything or showed any signs of annoyance! WOW, talk about customer service. I always love this place, but after that I HAD to write a review. The food always tastes so fresh, like they have a whole army of grandmas in the back cooking! Although I'm usually not a fan of mac 'n cheese, I have to agree with everyone else...theirs is the best around! I've never eaten here for breakfast, but I imagine that to be wonderful as well!
(5)
Cory F.
At lunch time, this place is always packed. And the really nice thing is their sign outside the door that tells you how long you could expect to wait be fore getting a table, before wasting time to wait in line, see a waitress, and finally just put your name in. The food here is pretty good, certainly better than old Shoneys or IHOP, but no where near as good as Greenwoods in Roswell. The service is quite nice and they are always on their toes there waiting hand and foot at lunch time! Like Lauren S. was saying, if you are on a diet, this is one place you do not want to be! Their white gravy is excellent and makes the fried pork or chicken just that much better. If you are in the area, you should check the place out.
(4)
Foster B.
Can not be beaten - best ever . Do not miss this place. Milkshakes are to die for.
(5)
Dave L.
Awesome southern food! I had chicken fried steak with collared greens and sweet yams...feel much fatter afterwards but I have to say they have the best southern cooking I've ever had. Take a bar seat and you can watch the chefs double fry your meal to come! On the down side some of the items are a bit pricey. Twice I went there the air indoors smelled musty. Also get there early for brunch on weekends - there seems to be always a wait...but it's worth it!
(4)
Scott M.
Breakfast is great, lunch and dinner are just OK, and the service is EXCELLENT. Prices are a little high and the wait (on weekend mornings) can sometimes be a little long.
(3)
Loretta L.
Love the atmosphere. I don't recommend the veggie burger (it falls apart as you eat it) but the rest of the food was delicious!
(5)
Kelsey H.
Since moving to Altanta the OK Cafe has quickly found a place at the top of my list of favorites. Their breakfasts are to die for - huge pancakes loaded with blueberries and big omelets. If only they served breakfast all day long. Their dinners are huge southern food feats. The chicken pot pie is super creamy and rich, the baked sweet potato with brown sugar and pecans is enough to justify the visit. The meatloaf was lacking flavor and I wasn't a fan of the tomato sauce they serve with it and the chicken fried steak was good but a bit tougher than I would like. If you are there I definitely recommend getting a milkshake - try a chocolate peanut butter one.
(5)
Vincent V.
Whenever I see the name of this place, I can't help but wonder if there's a Mediocre Cafe or Average Cafe somewhere in the world. But I digress... OK Cafe is definitely not average or mediocre, or even simply OK. It's much better. The menu has lots of diner staples with a Southern twist. Give the sweet potato chips with Maytag blue cheese a try if you're there for lunch. I could eat those things every day of the week until my heart explodes... Also, make sure you save room for dessert. They have some awesome pies to choose from. Mmmmmm, pie.
(4)
John S.
I had never been here, although my wife wanted to take me here several times, we just never made it. My son had a wrestling match at a school nearby so we decided to eat here. It was interesting to say the least. I didn't know what to expect. We walked in, I wrote my own name down and how many people were in my party. We waited maybe 5 minutes and the "hostess" called 2 Johns...one a party of 4 and one a party of 3 (that would be us). Both parties got up there and she got confused because she only had one table. She wanted to know who wanted to be seated first (I asked her which party was first on the list) she just turned around and told the other party that she would seat them. So, I went back and sat down. Not even 30 seconds later, they called us back up to go to our table. The same hostess took us all around the dining room to a table that she could have taken us to on a shorter route. She set our silverware and menus down and said "Your server will be with you" and took off...no questions no enjoy your meal...nothing. I looked around and noticed the decor on the walls and then I really noticed the servers and cooks. I felt like I was on an episode of "Alice"!! Our server was an older blonde woman, who looked similar to Flo. She came and asked what we wanted to drink, if we wanted any appetizers and if we were ready to order (all in the first visit). We weren't ready but gave our drink orders and then she rushed off. She came back with the drinks after a few minutes and set them down, took our order (kinda of in a rushed way), and was off again. She would bop around to other tables to see how they were doing and would stay longer at them than she did ours, for whatever reason. Our food came and it was just okay. My wife said her meatloaf was better than the one she had on on her plate, which she didn't finish. My burger and fries were warm at best. My son didn't care about what his food was like because he was starved. Our server began to clear the table and took my wife and son's plates, while I was finishing up my meal, she asked if I was done and if she could take my plate. I politely told her that I wasn't finished but thank you. I finally finished and then she brought the check for us to pay, "You can pay up front or at the TakeAway Store" she said as she ran off again. I looked at our check and saw that it actually wasn't our check, it was the table across from us. Another server came over and asked if there was something wrong and we politely pointed out the mistake and she got us the correct check. We went to pay and the cashier did not ask "How was the food, service, evening?" She merely told us the total and we paid and left. This place was just okay for me. Probably not somewhere I would go back to if I was hungry.
(2)
Whitney B.
Good consistent food. Breakfast is excellent. Pancakes are huge...two people (or more) could share them. Omlet's are really good...huge and fluffy goodness. The lunch/dinner fare is southern. Good but not great. The atmosphere is cool. It's always busy so there will defnitely be a wait. The staff is friendly but can be slow when it's busy. Milkshakes are to die for!
(3)
Terrisa H.
So, big surprise, the OK Cafe was umm, just OK. Takes forever to get in and I was expecting great things....the service was great, but the food was just alright. Bacon burger was good - what you would expect for a diner burger, and the sweet potato fries with blue cheese ranked as the highlight of the visit. The meatloaf was not great and the sides were blah. Really fun atmosphere and it was a fun time, but for us, the food is just not the big highlight here.
(3)
Stephen S.
Such good food and consistent quality. Named for the cafe adjacent to the courthouse in "To Kill a Mockingbird," and beset with an autographed copy of Harper Lee's book, OK Cafe's best dishes are traditional Southern fare. I've been eating here off and on for over 20 years; I still go back for my Southern food fix even though I no longer live in Atlanta. Nowdays I order the country fried steak with collards and squash souffle. Heavenly. Always correctly and simply prepared. Went back 3 weeks ago and it was as good as it's ever been.
(4)
Mellie P.
Great service, awesome food, quaint atmosphere. I like it. I like it a lot.
(4)
Nancy L.
God I love this place! Where else can you go to get real Cherry Coke! Sitting down at a table can be difficult due to the long wait time, especially at lunch. That is why I love the Take Away bar. It is loaded with everything! There are fresh salads, delicious casseroles, steaming soups, and fantastic desserts! All ready and waiting for you to grab it and go! No lines, no crowds, just fantastic food! Try it today!
(4)
Jennifer P.
I tried this place with a friend of mine after we went to Castleberry Hill. We were on 75 and this place is right off the exit and we were starving... I ordered the Blue Plate special with country fried steak with a side of squash casserole and a baked sweet potato. The steak was merely okay... it was a little tough, and the squash casserole was decent but I could have sworn there was chicken in it so that kind of disturbed me. The baked sweet potato was my favorite part of that meal... you can't go wrong with a hot sweet potato with butter and brown sugar... mmm. One thing that really bothered me is they have this big painting of the Confederate flag on the wall... which really is f*cked up!
(3)
Rilindo F.
It's a bit overrated, but for breakfast, it's quite good - you will get a breakfast that will fill you up. As a side note, during the evening time, you can get food to go as well (mostly Southern style cooking).
(4)
Marion C.
Visited a friend in Atlanta was at the cafe Nov 8. Loved the food, great southern food, seasoned well. Cleaned my plate had the turkey and stuffing, collard greens, sweet potato and black eye peas. Loved the corn muffins. Had the lemon coconut cake for dessert. Loved the cake so much on my way to the airport returning to Dallas I stopped at the cafe and purchased muffins, lemon cake so my husband could experience this tasty cuisine. Will definitely return on my next visit to Atlanta.
(4)
D M.
ok when i went the place was crowded. I went wanting a blue plate special. I wanted it till I saw the price. they start at 11.50 up to 14.00. I finally settled on a meatloaf sandwitch. i payed 1 dollar more cause i wanted onion straws instead of potato chips. the sandwitch and onion straws was good. I just think the place is quite expensive. I payed over 13 for that and sweet tea. I think you could go across the street and eat at steak n shake get the same quality of food at a waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper price the wait staff did a good job keeping my glass full. the wait time wasnt long either. this isnt a bad place just VERRRRRRY expensive!!!!
(3)
Christopher H.
Definately overrated. It was voted by the AJC as one of the top power-breakfasting destinations in Atlanta, but I fail to see why other than the location. Every breakfast dish I've had here has been adequate, but nothing more. The granola pancakes are too dry, and the portions too large. Among the few perks would be the milkshakes, rich and thick enough that students from Westminster will come here and order only this. Lunch and dinner are good, but not great. Atmosphere is kooky and fun. The highlight is the dollar tree in the middle of the restaurant. But for the aforementioned Atlanta power players, there are several intimate booths located within the confines of the building to conduct their business dealings. I suppose I don't need to mention that the prices are a bit steep consdiering the quality of the food.
(3)
John W.
Retro diner in Buckhead w/ home cooking, new southern style. The chicken-pot-pie is the bomb, and so's the pnut butter milkshake. Try the lady peas, and zipper peas when they're available, and the pancake-batter shrimp special.
(5)
Montie G.
This Is probably The place I eat out the most I love the food and Cherry Coke there I I wish that it was a bit cheaper since i eat there a lot but I love the Breakfast and Dinner menu.
(4)
David J.
Great place, pretty good food from a time before people were concerned about their health... but you don't go there to eat healthy... you go there to be bad. That is the premise of the place. From an era long past right down to the outfits the waitresses wear. I think I saw Flo from Alice there... Pretty good cafe food and brunch is not too bad either but get there early before the church crowd with misbehaved children in tow hits or you'll be sorry and hungry while you wait!
(4)
Christy A.
This place is awesome and always busy. I think ii is best to stick with the breakfast and it is all about the homefries. They are great. The service is friendly and good. Great place.
(4)
Aimee G.
This place was really good. I didn't really know what to expect since I'd never been before. Came here for Sunday afternoon lunch date. I had the crawfish & crabcakes with collard greens and mac & cheese. Totally delish. I couldn't even finish it but what I did manage to gobble down satisfied my craving. Will definitely be back here again.
(4)
Eric P.
Only had a milkshake, on the restaurant side of things ("Ok Cafe"). Superb.
(4)
Nicole G.
It probably wasn't the best idea to hit this place for a regular dinner before a concert. The pickle chips were a little bit on the greasy side. I got the chicken pot pie, which was pretty good, but very heavy. So, it lives up to its name - that is to say, it was OK. I don't know if I would go again.
(3)
ivey j.
BEST OF ATLANTA!!! When will you re-open???? Un break my heart!
(5)
Pamelar H.
YOU WILL KEEP THE CONFEDERATE FLAG on display when you re-open? As much as I like your fried chicken and squash casserole, I won't be returning when you reopen. Can you really be that insensitive to all of your Black workers (BTW--who is cooking that great southern food in your kitchen) and the many Black customers. Really? Really? Leave the flag at your home--not in your business to offend.
(2)
Orin T.
It's been a long time since I sat in a restaurant, had dinner, and spent most of my time saying to myself (and my dinner partner) " I can't wait to get home and write a review about this!!" I was taken here as an impromptu surprise dinner. We pulled up and I was wondering why I had never heard of this place. We got to the door and I could see that it was about an hour before closing time for them so I was a little nervous about what the service and food would be like. The atmosphere is very 50s/60s Diner (don't quote me on the time frame. History is not my strongest subject). The hostess with was friendly and immediately seated us and let us know who the waitress would be. I perused the menu and there were so many good things to choose from! Sandwiches, burgers, meatloaf, mac and cheese. Everything my stomach could ever ask for. There was a lot to choose from but the menu wasn't overwhelming like say... Cheesecake Factory. It was only like 2 pages. My dinner date raved about the fried jalapeno cheese grits so we had to indulge. Those were sooo delicious. Almost like mozzarella sticks but with grits. They came with a cheesy dipping sauce that really enhanced the flavor. Great appetizer choice and a large portion as you can see from my picture. No complaints. I decided to order the Fried Catfish. It was the special of the day. It comes with 2 hush puppies and 2 sides. It was recommended that I try the mac and cheese and the mashed potatoes with "brown gravy". BOY OH BOY!!! This was quite a starchy, delicious combination!! I was in Heaven with each bite. I think the waitress thought I was crazy because my eyes rolled into the back of my head with each bite as if it was the first. The catfish melted in my mouth. The mac and cheese... quite possibly some of the best I've had in Atlanta!! The mashed potatoes were a little salty but they were so flavorful and delicious. I tried some of my dates chicken pot pie and that was mmmm mmm good! Where have you been all my life OK Cafe?! Now that we've united, I will never let you go!! Please check them out. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Lauren M.
I cannot tell a lie-- up until last weekend, the OK Cafe was my new favorite place. My husband and I had just become weekend brunch regulars after moving to the neighborhood. The service is friendly and attentive and every dish we've tried is fresh and tastes home-cooked. However, on our most recent visit as we waited to be seated, we were "greeted" by a large chalkboard in the waiting area extolling (what I assume to be the owners') racially charged political views on a recent event. This is especially disappointing for a place that prominently points out the fact that it is named for the restaurant in Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird," and even has a framed signature by Ms. Lee on the wall. Aside from the fact that I was offended by the sentiments of their statement, I just have no idea why it was necessary to accost a waiting area full of customers with such a thing. We really just wanted to eat our breakfast in peace. Suffice it to say, my breakfast was ruined and we will take our weekly brunch business to somewhere that feels more welcoming to all types of people and all manners of politics.
(1)
Brian K.
OK Cafe has been around since 1987 and not much has changed since. I've heard people rave about this place for years, but after my inaugural visit for Sunday lunch, I'm not quite sure what the hype is about. Although some have lauded the menu as classic southern comfort food, I found it closer to something you'd expect to be served at a geriatric home to those seeking a bland, uninspiring offering to avoid a gastrointestinal reaction and trip to the emergency department. This - coupled with schizophrenic decor, exorbitant wait times, and waitresses donned in dated and unflattering uniforms - tempers my enthusiasm for returning anytime in the foreseeable future. However, judging by the massive post-church crowd that rolled in as I was departing, I don't think they're going to miss me - well, except perhaps for my non-post-church crowd tip. Food: OK Cafe is a casual diner concept with a menu consisting of simple, non-stylized southern American fare. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served, with menu offerings ranging from fried cheese grits and meatloaf sandwiches to pot roast and country fried steak. The portions are massive and the food is bland to appeal to the masses. During my visit, I opted for the bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich, which was accompanied by chips. As promised in the name of the restaurant, it was 'OK', but nothing particularly memorable. My dining partner and I also ordered some pickle chips as an appetizer, which tasted as if they had been fried in oil that the kitchen had been reusing since the restaurant first opened its doors in '87. Service: The staff are all quite friendly and accommodating, but it's overtly non-genuine. There will almost certainly be a wait for a table on weekends - we waited for approximately 20 minutes on a Sunday afternoon around 12:30PM for a table for two. Fortunately, there's a fairly expansive entry area with a decent amount of seating to accommodate those waiting for seating. Atmosphere: The interior of this place would give any respectable interior designer heart palpitations upon entry. The decor is primarily based on a 1950s/60s diner schtick, complete with vinyl red booths and checkerboard floors. There's also a random tree in the center of the dining room with fake paper money hanging from its branches, which I'm assuming was a play on the proverbial "money tree". The clientele ran the gamut from families with children to elderly couples who had clearly been dining there for decades. Dress is casual, but some of the church crowd was dressed to the nines - or ones depending on your sartorial taste level. Cost: Surprisingly inexpensive for the area, which is known for housing some of Atlanta's wealthiest residents, many of whom even dine at OK Cafe. Breakfast and lunch entrees are around $8-$10, while diner entrees are approximately $10-$16. Blue plate specials are also available for lunch and dinner ($12-$16), which come with your choice of two vegetables and a corn muffin. Other: OK Cafe is located in the plaza at the corner of West Paces Ferry Rd. and Northside Highway. Both dine-in and take-out are available - the latter can be accessed via a separate door on the opposite side of the building as the main entrance (11AM-10PM). There is ample and free parking in the plaza's lot. The restaurant is open daily and closed only on New Year's, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Reservations are accepted. Alcohol is served, but beer and wine only.
(3)
Ken P.
Excellent southern comfort food Stewed okra and tomatoes fried green tomatoes Mac and cheese black eyed peas corn bread turkey pork pecan pie the list goes on Quality fresh ingredients fast friendly service comfortable down home environment A must In atlanta
(5)
Tanya C.
Everything is A-OK at OK Cafe. People really seem to like this place. I actually prefer the takeaway portion over the sit down portion of the restaurant. The restaurant sometimes has a long wait to grab a table. I've been lucky enough to come at times when the place hasn't been too busy. They have a sign outside the door letting you know the current wait times. This place has a kind of diner-ish feel to it. I used to only come here in the middle of the night, but they stopped being open 24 hours many years ago. This always hit the spot after a night of drinking and fun. Unfortunately, it's not quite as enjoyable during normal eating hours (or maybe not quite as enjoyable when you're sober?). The food is generally average and service is about average as well. I've never eaten the country fried steak, but people seem to really dig it here. It's the size of a huge oval platter. I've never seen anyone finish the entire thing themselves. I usually stick with the sandwiches when I eat at the restaurant. The takeaway portion is way better than the restaurant. They have a boneless fried chicken that is so freaking good. I used to stop by and pick up this chicken at least once or twice a week. The mac and cheese, corn, and squash casserole are my favorite sides there. It's a big package your own food and pay by the weight. Make sure you grab a handful of tootsie rolls on your way out!
(3)
Stacey J.
OK Cafe is an Atlanta institution. If you're gonna check off stops on your "food nation" tour and want authentic southern comfort, just hop off 75 and pop in. The veggie plate is the best option with a big glass of sweet tea. Get one to go too! My husband and I go every time we come home!
(5)
Carla J.
An authentic Southern cafe:) I had the chicken salad platter which came w/ a potato salad, cucumber salad, & a mixed green salad. The cucumber salad had a nice sweet taste. The chicken & potato salad had more of a tangy flavor. The green salad definitely had vinegar in it. The service was right on. Southern hospitality at its best:) surprisingly their seats are very comfortable. While I was there I used the restroom & it was kept very clean & organized:) very satisfied!
(5)
Jonathan B.
We were in town for the weekend and decided to get dinner here on one of the nights. Atmosphere: The entire restaurant gave off a fast pace style. Waitresses were dressed up in what you would imagine 50 - 60's waitresses diners would be wearing. It was fairly noisy but it was expected with the dinner crowd coming in. Service: I saw a few reviews about the wait times here but we were seated within 5 - 10minutes. My only downside in terms of service was with our waitress. She just seemed like she wanted to get us our food and get us out. I felt a bit rushed; notable but not overly. Food: The food itself was outstanding. I had a pimento cheeseburger and the meat was juicy, the cheese was plentiful, and the prices were just right. Overall: I would definitely come back here on future trips and try out some of the other dishes.
(3)
Maggie K.
This place is the BEST! I'm currently visiting Atlanta, and I'm so bummed that we can't go eat here. This is normally our first stop, sometimes before we even check into our hotel. Open soon, OK cafe! We were so sad to hear about the fire. Well wishes from big fans of yours from TX! Oh and the fried cheese grits are TO DIE FOR! Everything really is two thumbs up, perfection.
(5)
Maurice D.
Ok Cafe is my favorite diner-style type restaurant in Atlanta. This is a very popular establishment in the West Paces Ferry neighborhood in Northwest Atlanta, so a minimal wait is to be expected, especially on the weekends. I have dined here on different occasions for breakfast and lunch and both times the food has been really great. The service here is just okay, nothing spectacular. I definitely would recommend the burgers here. They use high-quality organic beef and fresh ingredients. I especially like the Pimento Cheeseburger, very tasty and satisfying. The prices here are reasonable for the quality and portion sizes of the food. Only downside to this restaurant for me is the lack of diversity, not including the wait staff.
(4)
Richard M.
Closed when I tried to go by.
(1)
Andre M.
Pretty much everything I've had here is awesome. The rotisserie chicken is great. The Mac n cheese is some of the best. I just want to order a pan and take it home lol
OK Cafe, as the name suggests, is just ok. Went for dinner with my gf and her family and I must say, I would never have picked this place myself. Wait was long for a party of our size (11 adults), especially when they refuse to seat until everyone is present. And in the end? everyone was still sat at 2 different tables, not even next to each other. The best advice the manager had to offer was: "I've seen 12 ppl squeezed into this table (the larger one) but they weren't real comfortable". Like seriously, wtf? Service past that point was ok, friendly for the most part and helpful, although I did have to ask for a refill. The food was brought out by other staff who didn't know who ordered what. The food itself was passable, with the sides possibly being better than the main entrees. My turkey avocado BLT was pretty good, but the gf's turkey and dressing only looked so-so. Overall tab came out to over $30 before tax & tip, which for comfort food is way high in my book. Add to it the super weird and tacky "money tree" in the middle of where we were sitting, and the uniforms of the wait staff (can't tell if old school waitresses or nurses), yeah I won't be coming back.
(2)
Adrienne T.
I visited. My server, Stephanie, was very, very, very nice. The food was ok. It was overpriced. The atmosphere was quite Buckhead Bettye. I saw the Money Tree. It was all OK.
(2)
MD M.
This is a must stop place in the ATL. If you are driving up or down 75 this is your old school diner. Great southern food. The Flo style waitress outfits, the decor and the FOOD rock!
(5)
Kirk L.
Started to go 3 stars, but then I realized that whenever wifey suggest we go here my reaction is not positive. It's not bad "for what it is" but it's not a place I'd recommend. 2 stars it is. I do like the convenience of the "OK Take Away" side, though - if you haven't been, it's basically a serve yourself selection of meats, veggies, and salads. Service on the sit-down side can be slow, but it's always friendly. Specifics (A few of these I've only had from the Take Away side - I assume most of it is available in the restaurant, but not positive): -Fried Chicken - Probably the best thing I've had. As you'd expect in a Southern restaurant. -Meatloaf - your results may vary. I've had it from bland to very good. -Pot Roast - Wifey is a fan. I've only tried a bite of hers once, and I thought it was pretty bland. -Squash Casserole - Wifey loves this, but it's not really my thing. -Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Apples - tastes like it has soy sauce on it, which wifey didn't like. Just too sweet for me - I could only have a few bites. -Cranberry relish - I'm a fan of this - not too sweet, not too tart. -Crab and Artichoke dip - I don't taste any crab or artichoke in it. Basically tastes like melted cream cheese. -Mac and Cheese - pretty average. -Desserts - I'm not a dessert guy, but they generally do a good job on desserts.
(2)
Paula D.
We stopped for lunch here on our way through to South Carolina. Service was prompt and very friendly. I had the lightly Cajun fried grouper sandwich and my husband had the BBQ pulled pork sandwich. Both were great and just the right sized portions for lunch. We will be adding this stop to our regular list for meals!
(4)
Sherry U.
Traditional diner with a twist for premium quality ingredients - organic, farm fresh, etc. We have been here many times - breakfast, lunch, dinner and just dessert. Today is Sunday brunch time. I got traditional baked ham and eggs with grits and buttermilk biscuit. Craig went for turkey avocado sprouts BLT. Breakfast platter was good - right size portions - grits were just creamy enough, ham was tasty and cooked just right. Good biscuits that held together well when I added honey. Turkey avocado BLT was a mix of 2 wiches in one - California and BLT. Worked well together with the variety of textures. Fries are cornstarch coated and very good - nice helping provided with the meal. A good experience.
(4)
Cathy K.
Just had lovely breakfast. Biscuit with sausage gravy, 3 egg omelette with avocado/tomato/sour cream. Also ordered country sausage. All was delish but was very expensive. The bill was 26.00 including tip. Think it is best if you go with someone so you can she because portions are huge. Guess I was looking for too much variety and that cause the bill challenge. Staff from hostess to waitress are pleasant and uniforms are adorable.
(4)
Paula S.
I've dined at OK Cafe many times, with friends and family. What can one say about a restaurant which never fails to please and remains a standard of classic Southern cuisine? If you've never dined at OK Cafe there are at least two 'Must Tries'. Number one is roasted turkey plate dinner or the sandwiches made with the excellent roasted in house daily turkey. Number 2 is the vegetable plate, selection of four. Pay attention to OK Cafe blackboard as you enter. There you'll see the special entrees, soups, or veggies in season. Does anybody know where one can buy that delicious multigrain bread OK Cafe uses? That's the bread used mainly on the killer yummy turkey avocado BLT. I saw the bread being taken from a large bakery bag but there was no label. BTW, when my sister was blown away by the sausage patty accompanying her omelet one day she begged the waitress to tell her what sausage OK uses. The sweet waitress got the OK to tell us they use top quality Rudy's Farm sausage patties. I've been buying it (mild for me, but the hot is good too) at Kroger (freezer case) ever since. Best Southern style breakfast sausage available. There is ONE thing which is NOT OK about OK Cafe. It's that this restaurant and it's menu is not copied and replicated everywhere, especially closer to where I live! *LOL*
(5)
Eric W.
This place is very awesome! I am a bit of a burger lover and I heard OK Cafe actually had one of the better burgers in GA. I went and ordered the Maytag Blue Cheeseburger with bacon and it was refreshingly delicious. Fresh beef and seasoned well. The Maytag Blue was the perfect compliment. I recommend this place to anyone who enjoys burgers. Also I'm from NJ and that's the home of the diner and OK Cafe has a real diner feel to it! Enjoy and have fun!
(4)
Joy W.
Their motto is "OK Cafe: Everything is OK" and it is. Why don't they call it "Great Cafe: Everything is Great" and make it even better? Overall, this southern comfort food joint is really fun, with okay quality food. FOOD | 3 STARS I ordered the Chicken salad with potato salad, cucumber salad, and lettuce with tomatoes. The chicken salad was rich and chunky, which paired well with the acidity from the vinaigrette dressing. Unfortunately, the dressing was beyond acidic and I almost NEEDED the chicken salad to balance it out. Overall, the salad tasted fresh, but I'd ask for the dressing on the side next time. The soup of the day was a tomato and okra stew, and I love okra so I ordered a cup of it. Unfortunately, the stew was both too salty and too sweet for my liking. It tasted like they cooked it with ketchup. ATMOSPHERE | 5 STARS This place is really fun. It has a bit of a hill billy feel to it, and there's a huge money tree in the middle of one of the dome shaped rooms with fake dollars hanging from it. The crowd skews towards the older Southern white folk population. SERVICE | 4 STARS One of my favorite things here is the outfits of the waitresses. I feel like i'm in a 50's Grease movie. The ladies are really nice and check up often to make sure you have everything. The missed star goes to them forgetting to bring me a spoon for my stew, and also the cashier at the front wasn't the best at helping new confused customers (me) get oriented. TIPS There are two entrances. The one in the back is the main entrance for dine-in. The one in the front for OK TAKE AWAY is for their mini-market where you can walk in and put together your own meals from their hot bar. The fried chicken is only available in their Take Away store. I LOVE their take away mart. [5 of 100]
(3)
Katherine I.
This place is always great. I don't think I have ever had a bad or even lackluster meal here. They have crushed ice, which I love and they make cherry Coke with coke and grenadine. This is indicative of everything on the menu that is homemade and delicious. I guess the best way to describe this place is like a southern diner. They have a meat with two sides section on the menu. Then they also have sandwiches both hot and cold. I think my favorite part of this restaurant is the good folk art throughout the restaurant. Look for it in every room! Finally they have an entire take-away section where you can get food to go. It's by the pound, so I can easily spend tons of money weighing down my to go container. If I lived up I-75 and had to drive by this place every week day I would probably pop-in once a week for take-away.
(5)
Kurt N.
It's called Ok Cafe so I have to give it an A-OK. But really, it just is. The food is just diner food, but in a cool environment and marked up as such. I went with my dad on a sunday for brunch and had the omelette with coffee and bacon and it tasted exactly what you would expect it to, at least it seems they use real eggs.
(3)
Melissa G.
This place makes me want a portable diving board. So I could ask my waitress for a vat of ranch dressing that I can swan dive into gracefully. I love it that much. I'm pretty sure the waitress picked up the obsessive ranch vibe I was giving off since she brought me a soup spoon to laddle it on thick with. Moving along....the wait was nil. Which is almost unheard of since the lobby is usually packed to the seams with hungry people. The waitress was super sweet as always. They has the best coca cola. Seriously. Food is always tasty and big enough to comfortably share between two people. Get the shaved onions. With ranch. :) And a Tootsie roll for dessert....be still my heart.
(4)
Irene C.
Southern comfort food in the heart of Buckhead. When work is getting you down or your day isn't going as swimmingly as planned, head on over to Ok Cafe to be transported back to a simpler time of Southern hospitality and great food. FOOD: Quality all around food with favorites including the Salmon Burger, the Vegetable Plate, or anything they offer for breakfast. I like that there are healthier options available and a very proactive approach to allergies and food intolerances. SERVICE: Every server I've had here is friendly even if a little rushed. I know the smile is probably part of the uniform, but it is nice to feel like your waiter doesn't hate you. Attentive, polite, and responsible. DECOR: Definitely diner-inspired decor with a beautiful tree decoration in the back. You'll know it when you see it. Love the wait time estimate in the front window for those of us who don't even want to leave our cars to see how long the wait is. TAKE-OUT: Yes, you read that right. Did you know that Ok Cafe has a Take-Out section in the back? Now you can make your own meal and bring it home. The prices are a little steep (by weight), but I like the flexibility of trying different dishes.
(5)
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Address :1284 W Paces Ferry Rd NW
Atlanta, GA, 30327
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
ivey j.
BEST OF ATLANTA!!! When will you re-open???? Un break my heart!
(5)Pamelar H.
YOU WILL KEEP THE CONFEDERATE FLAG on display when you re-open? As much as I like your fried chicken and squash casserole, I won't be returning when you reopen. Can you really be that insensitive to all of your Black workers (BTW--who is cooking that great southern food in your kitchen) and the many Black customers. Really? Really? Leave the flag at your home--not in your business to offend.
(2)Orin T.
It's been a long time since I sat in a restaurant, had dinner, and spent most of my time saying to myself (and my dinner partner) " I can't wait to get home and write a review about this!!" I was taken here as an impromptu surprise dinner. We pulled up and I was wondering why I had never heard of this place. We got to the door and I could see that it was about an hour before closing time for them so I was a little nervous about what the service and food would be like. The atmosphere is very 50s/60s Diner (don't quote me on the time frame. History is not my strongest subject). The hostess with was friendly and immediately seated us and let us know who the waitress would be. I perused the menu and there were so many good things to choose from! Sandwiches, burgers, meatloaf, mac and cheese. Everything my stomach could ever ask for. There was a lot to choose from but the menu wasn't overwhelming like say... Cheesecake Factory. It was only like 2 pages. My dinner date raved about the fried jalapeno cheese grits so we had to indulge. Those were sooo delicious. Almost like mozzarella sticks but with grits. They came with a cheesy dipping sauce that really enhanced the flavor. Great appetizer choice and a large portion as you can see from my picture. No complaints. I decided to order the Fried Catfish. It was the special of the day. It comes with 2 hush puppies and 2 sides. It was recommended that I try the mac and cheese and the mashed potatoes with "brown gravy". BOY OH BOY!!! This was quite a starchy, delicious combination!! I was in Heaven with each bite. I think the waitress thought I was crazy because my eyes rolled into the back of my head with each bite as if it was the first. The catfish melted in my mouth. The mac and cheese... quite possibly some of the best I've had in Atlanta!! The mashed potatoes were a little salty but they were so flavorful and delicious. I tried some of my dates chicken pot pie and that was mmmm mmm good! Where have you been all my life OK Cafe?! Now that we've united, I will never let you go!! Please check them out. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Lauren M.
I cannot tell a lie-- up until last weekend, the OK Cafe was my new favorite place. My husband and I had just become weekend brunch regulars after moving to the neighborhood. The service is friendly and attentive and every dish we've tried is fresh and tastes home-cooked. However, on our most recent visit as we waited to be seated, we were "greeted" by a large chalkboard in the waiting area extolling (what I assume to be the owners') racially charged political views on a recent event. This is especially disappointing for a place that prominently points out the fact that it is named for the restaurant in Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird," and even has a framed signature by Ms. Lee on the wall. Aside from the fact that I was offended by the sentiments of their statement, I just have no idea why it was necessary to accost a waiting area full of customers with such a thing. We really just wanted to eat our breakfast in peace. Suffice it to say, my breakfast was ruined and we will take our weekly brunch business to somewhere that feels more welcoming to all types of people and all manners of politics.
(1)Tanya C.
Everything is A-OK at OK Cafe. People really seem to like this place. I actually prefer the takeaway portion over the sit down portion of the restaurant. The restaurant sometimes has a long wait to grab a table. I've been lucky enough to come at times when the place hasn't been too busy. They have a sign outside the door letting you know the current wait times. This place has a kind of diner-ish feel to it. I used to only come here in the middle of the night, but they stopped being open 24 hours many years ago. This always hit the spot after a night of drinking and fun. Unfortunately, it's not quite as enjoyable during normal eating hours (or maybe not quite as enjoyable when you're sober?). The food is generally average and service is about average as well. I've never eaten the country fried steak, but people seem to really dig it here. It's the size of a huge oval platter. I've never seen anyone finish the entire thing themselves. I usually stick with the sandwiches when I eat at the restaurant. The takeaway portion is way better than the restaurant. They have a boneless fried chicken that is so freaking good. I used to stop by and pick up this chicken at least once or twice a week. The mac and cheese, corn, and squash casserole are my favorite sides there. It's a big package your own food and pay by the weight. Make sure you grab a handful of tootsie rolls on your way out!
(3)Stacey J.
OK Cafe is an Atlanta institution. If you're gonna check off stops on your "food nation" tour and want authentic southern comfort, just hop off 75 and pop in. The veggie plate is the best option with a big glass of sweet tea. Get one to go too! My husband and I go every time we come home!
(5)Carla J.
An authentic Southern cafe:) I had the chicken salad platter which came w/ a potato salad, cucumber salad, & a mixed green salad. The cucumber salad had a nice sweet taste. The chicken & potato salad had more of a tangy flavor. The green salad definitely had vinegar in it. The service was right on. Southern hospitality at its best:) surprisingly their seats are very comfortable. While I was there I used the restroom & it was kept very clean & organized:) very satisfied!
(5)Brian K.
OK Cafe has been around since 1987 and not much has changed since. I've heard people rave about this place for years, but after my inaugural visit for Sunday lunch, I'm not quite sure what the hype is about. Although some have lauded the menu as classic southern comfort food, I found it closer to something you'd expect to be served at a geriatric home to those seeking a bland, uninspiring offering to avoid a gastrointestinal reaction and trip to the emergency department. This - coupled with schizophrenic decor, exorbitant wait times, and waitresses donned in dated and unflattering uniforms - tempers my enthusiasm for returning anytime in the foreseeable future. However, judging by the massive post-church crowd that rolled in as I was departing, I don't think they're going to miss me - well, except perhaps for my non-post-church crowd tip. Food: OK Cafe is a casual diner concept with a menu consisting of simple, non-stylized southern American fare. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served, with menu offerings ranging from fried cheese grits and meatloaf sandwiches to pot roast and country fried steak. The portions are massive and the food is bland to appeal to the masses. During my visit, I opted for the bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich, which was accompanied by chips. As promised in the name of the restaurant, it was 'OK', but nothing particularly memorable. My dining partner and I also ordered some pickle chips as an appetizer, which tasted as if they had been fried in oil that the kitchen had been reusing since the restaurant first opened its doors in '87. Service: The staff are all quite friendly and accommodating, but it's overtly non-genuine. There will almost certainly be a wait for a table on weekends - we waited for approximately 20 minutes on a Sunday afternoon around 12:30PM for a table for two. Fortunately, there's a fairly expansive entry area with a decent amount of seating to accommodate those waiting for seating. Atmosphere: The interior of this place would give any respectable interior designer heart palpitations upon entry. The decor is primarily based on a 1950s/60s diner schtick, complete with vinyl red booths and checkerboard floors. There's also a random tree in the center of the dining room with fake paper money hanging from its branches, which I'm assuming was a play on the proverbial "money tree". The clientele ran the gamut from families with children to elderly couples who had clearly been dining there for decades. Dress is casual, but some of the church crowd was dressed to the nines - or ones depending on your sartorial taste level. Cost: Surprisingly inexpensive for the area, which is known for housing some of Atlanta's wealthiest residents, many of whom even dine at OK Cafe. Breakfast and lunch entrees are around $8-$10, while diner entrees are approximately $10-$16. Blue plate specials are also available for lunch and dinner ($12-$16), which come with your choice of two vegetables and a corn muffin. Other: OK Cafe is located in the plaza at the corner of West Paces Ferry Rd. and Northside Highway. Both dine-in and take-out are available - the latter can be accessed via a separate door on the opposite side of the building as the main entrance (11AM-10PM). There is ample and free parking in the plaza's lot. The restaurant is open daily and closed only on New Year's, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Reservations are accepted. Alcohol is served, but beer and wine only.
(3)Ken P.
Excellent southern comfort food Stewed okra and tomatoes fried green tomatoes Mac and cheese black eyed peas corn bread turkey pork pecan pie the list goes on Quality fresh ingredients fast friendly service comfortable down home environment A must In atlanta
(5)Jonathan B.
We were in town for the weekend and decided to get dinner here on one of the nights. Atmosphere: The entire restaurant gave off a fast pace style. Waitresses were dressed up in what you would imagine 50 - 60's waitresses diners would be wearing. It was fairly noisy but it was expected with the dinner crowd coming in. Service: I saw a few reviews about the wait times here but we were seated within 5 - 10minutes. My only downside in terms of service was with our waitress. She just seemed like she wanted to get us our food and get us out. I felt a bit rushed; notable but not overly. Food: The food itself was outstanding. I had a pimento cheeseburger and the meat was juicy, the cheese was plentiful, and the prices were just right. Overall: I would definitely come back here on future trips and try out some of the other dishes.
(3)Maggie K.
This place is the BEST! I'm currently visiting Atlanta, and I'm so bummed that we can't go eat here. This is normally our first stop, sometimes before we even check into our hotel. Open soon, OK cafe! We were so sad to hear about the fire. Well wishes from big fans of yours from TX! Oh and the fried cheese grits are TO DIE FOR! Everything really is two thumbs up, perfection.
(5)Maurice D.
Ok Cafe is my favorite diner-style type restaurant in Atlanta. This is a very popular establishment in the West Paces Ferry neighborhood in Northwest Atlanta, so a minimal wait is to be expected, especially on the weekends. I have dined here on different occasions for breakfast and lunch and both times the food has been really great. The service here is just okay, nothing spectacular. I definitely would recommend the burgers here. They use high-quality organic beef and fresh ingredients. I especially like the Pimento Cheeseburger, very tasty and satisfying. The prices here are reasonable for the quality and portion sizes of the food. Only downside to this restaurant for me is the lack of diversity, not including the wait staff.
(4)Richard M.
Closed when I tried to go by.
(1)Andre M.
Pretty much everything I've had here is awesome. The rotisserie chicken is great. The Mac n cheese is some of the best. I just want to order a pan and take it home lol
(5)Will T.
Going to the OK Café is like going to grandma's house, being pulled into her bosom and catching the scent of lavender and gardenia - comforting and reassuring. Big servings of comfort food make you think of a time gone by. Even the waitress uniforms have little retro hats. Healthy cravings and the thought of vegetables drew me to OK Café, but I settled for the chicken salad platter. It was a good choice and impressive. Half the plate was covered with dressed greens and sliced tomatoes, while the rest was covered by a trio of salads - a scoop of chicken salad, a scoop of potato salad and a scoop of cucumber salad. Plates of meat and vegetables passing by to other tables were equally large and impressive. Good food dished up in a fun atmosphere has been satisfying Atlantans for years. Check it out.
(3)Wayne Z.
OK Cafe, as the name suggests, is just ok. Went for dinner with my gf and her family and I must say, I would never have picked this place myself. Wait was long for a party of our size (11 adults), especially when they refuse to seat until everyone is present. And in the end? everyone was still sat at 2 different tables, not even next to each other. The best advice the manager had to offer was: "I've seen 12 ppl squeezed into this table (the larger one) but they weren't real comfortable". Like seriously, wtf? Service past that point was ok, friendly for the most part and helpful, although I did have to ask for a refill. The food was brought out by other staff who didn't know who ordered what. The food itself was passable, with the sides possibly being better than the main entrees. My turkey avocado BLT was pretty good, but the gf's turkey and dressing only looked so-so. Overall tab came out to over $30 before tax & tip, which for comfort food is way high in my book. Add to it the super weird and tacky "money tree" in the middle of where we were sitting, and the uniforms of the wait staff (can't tell if old school waitresses or nurses), yeah I won't be coming back.
(2)Adrienne T.
I visited. My server, Stephanie, was very, very, very nice. The food was ok. It was overpriced. The atmosphere was quite Buckhead Bettye. I saw the Money Tree. It was all OK.
(2)MD M.
This is a must stop place in the ATL. If you are driving up or down 75 this is your old school diner. Great southern food. The Flo style waitress outfits, the decor and the FOOD rock!
(5)Kirk L.
Started to go 3 stars, but then I realized that whenever wifey suggest we go here my reaction is not positive. It's not bad "for what it is" but it's not a place I'd recommend. 2 stars it is. I do like the convenience of the "OK Take Away" side, though - if you haven't been, it's basically a serve yourself selection of meats, veggies, and salads. Service on the sit-down side can be slow, but it's always friendly. Specifics (A few of these I've only had from the Take Away side - I assume most of it is available in the restaurant, but not positive): -Fried Chicken - Probably the best thing I've had. As you'd expect in a Southern restaurant. -Meatloaf - your results may vary. I've had it from bland to very good. -Pot Roast - Wifey is a fan. I've only tried a bite of hers once, and I thought it was pretty bland. -Squash Casserole - Wifey loves this, but it's not really my thing. -Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Apples - tastes like it has soy sauce on it, which wifey didn't like. Just too sweet for me - I could only have a few bites. -Cranberry relish - I'm a fan of this - not too sweet, not too tart. -Crab and Artichoke dip - I don't taste any crab or artichoke in it. Basically tastes like melted cream cheese. -Mac and Cheese - pretty average. -Desserts - I'm not a dessert guy, but they generally do a good job on desserts.
(2)Paula D.
We stopped for lunch here on our way through to South Carolina. Service was prompt and very friendly. I had the lightly Cajun fried grouper sandwich and my husband had the BBQ pulled pork sandwich. Both were great and just the right sized portions for lunch. We will be adding this stop to our regular list for meals!
(4)Sherry U.
Traditional diner with a twist for premium quality ingredients - organic, farm fresh, etc. We have been here many times - breakfast, lunch, dinner and just dessert. Today is Sunday brunch time. I got traditional baked ham and eggs with grits and buttermilk biscuit. Craig went for turkey avocado sprouts BLT. Breakfast platter was good - right size portions - grits were just creamy enough, ham was tasty and cooked just right. Good biscuits that held together well when I added honey. Turkey avocado BLT was a mix of 2 wiches in one - California and BLT. Worked well together with the variety of textures. Fries are cornstarch coated and very good - nice helping provided with the meal. A good experience.
(4)Paula S.
I've dined at OK Cafe many times, with friends and family. What can one say about a restaurant which never fails to please and remains a standard of classic Southern cuisine? If you've never dined at OK Cafe there are at least two 'Must Tries'. Number one is roasted turkey plate dinner or the sandwiches made with the excellent roasted in house daily turkey. Number 2 is the vegetable plate, selection of four. Pay attention to OK Cafe blackboard as you enter. There you'll see the special entrees, soups, or veggies in season. Does anybody know where one can buy that delicious multigrain bread OK Cafe uses? That's the bread used mainly on the killer yummy turkey avocado BLT. I saw the bread being taken from a large bakery bag but there was no label. BTW, when my sister was blown away by the sausage patty accompanying her omelet one day she begged the waitress to tell her what sausage OK uses. The sweet waitress got the OK to tell us they use top quality Rudy's Farm sausage patties. I've been buying it (mild for me, but the hot is good too) at Kroger (freezer case) ever since. Best Southern style breakfast sausage available. There is ONE thing which is NOT OK about OK Cafe. It's that this restaurant and it's menu is not copied and replicated everywhere, especially closer to where I live! *LOL*
(5)Eric W.
This place is very awesome! I am a bit of a burger lover and I heard OK Cafe actually had one of the better burgers in GA. I went and ordered the Maytag Blue Cheeseburger with bacon and it was refreshingly delicious. Fresh beef and seasoned well. The Maytag Blue was the perfect compliment. I recommend this place to anyone who enjoys burgers. Also I'm from NJ and that's the home of the diner and OK Cafe has a real diner feel to it! Enjoy and have fun!
(4)Melissa G.
This place makes me want a portable diving board. So I could ask my waitress for a vat of ranch dressing that I can swan dive into gracefully. I love it that much. I'm pretty sure the waitress picked up the obsessive ranch vibe I was giving off since she brought me a soup spoon to laddle it on thick with. Moving along....the wait was nil. Which is almost unheard of since the lobby is usually packed to the seams with hungry people. The waitress was super sweet as always. They has the best coca cola. Seriously. Food is always tasty and big enough to comfortably share between two people. Get the shaved onions. With ranch. :) And a Tootsie roll for dessert....be still my heart.
(4)Joy W.
Their motto is "OK Cafe: Everything is OK" and it is. Why don't they call it "Great Cafe: Everything is Great" and make it even better? Overall, this southern comfort food joint is really fun, with okay quality food. FOOD | 3 STARS I ordered the Chicken salad with potato salad, cucumber salad, and lettuce with tomatoes. The chicken salad was rich and chunky, which paired well with the acidity from the vinaigrette dressing. Unfortunately, the dressing was beyond acidic and I almost NEEDED the chicken salad to balance it out. Overall, the salad tasted fresh, but I'd ask for the dressing on the side next time. The soup of the day was a tomato and okra stew, and I love okra so I ordered a cup of it. Unfortunately, the stew was both too salty and too sweet for my liking. It tasted like they cooked it with ketchup. ATMOSPHERE | 5 STARS This place is really fun. It has a bit of a hill billy feel to it, and there's a huge money tree in the middle of one of the dome shaped rooms with fake dollars hanging from it. The crowd skews towards the older Southern white folk population. SERVICE | 4 STARS One of my favorite things here is the outfits of the waitresses. I feel like i'm in a 50's Grease movie. The ladies are really nice and check up often to make sure you have everything. The missed star goes to them forgetting to bring me a spoon for my stew, and also the cashier at the front wasn't the best at helping new confused customers (me) get oriented. TIPS There are two entrances. The one in the back is the main entrance for dine-in. The one in the front for OK TAKE AWAY is for their mini-market where you can walk in and put together your own meals from their hot bar. The fried chicken is only available in their Take Away store. I LOVE their take away mart. [5 of 100]
(3)Cathy K.
Just had lovely breakfast. Biscuit with sausage gravy, 3 egg omelette with avocado/tomato/sour cream. Also ordered country sausage. All was delish but was very expensive. The bill was 26.00 including tip. Think it is best if you go with someone so you can she because portions are huge. Guess I was looking for too much variety and that cause the bill challenge. Staff from hostess to waitress are pleasant and uniforms are adorable.
(4)Katherine I.
This place is always great. I don't think I have ever had a bad or even lackluster meal here. They have crushed ice, which I love and they make cherry Coke with coke and grenadine. This is indicative of everything on the menu that is homemade and delicious. I guess the best way to describe this place is like a southern diner. They have a meat with two sides section on the menu. Then they also have sandwiches both hot and cold. I think my favorite part of this restaurant is the good folk art throughout the restaurant. Look for it in every room! Finally they have an entire take-away section where you can get food to go. It's by the pound, so I can easily spend tons of money weighing down my to go container. If I lived up I-75 and had to drive by this place every week day I would probably pop-in once a week for take-away.
(5)Kurt N.
It's called Ok Cafe so I have to give it an A-OK. But really, it just is. The food is just diner food, but in a cool environment and marked up as such. I went with my dad on a sunday for brunch and had the omelette with coffee and bacon and it tasted exactly what you would expect it to, at least it seems they use real eggs.
(3)Irene C.
Southern comfort food in the heart of Buckhead. When work is getting you down or your day isn't going as swimmingly as planned, head on over to Ok Cafe to be transported back to a simpler time of Southern hospitality and great food. FOOD: Quality all around food with favorites including the Salmon Burger, the Vegetable Plate, or anything they offer for breakfast. I like that there are healthier options available and a very proactive approach to allergies and food intolerances. SERVICE: Every server I've had here is friendly even if a little rushed. I know the smile is probably part of the uniform, but it is nice to feel like your waiter doesn't hate you. Attentive, polite, and responsible. DECOR: Definitely diner-inspired decor with a beautiful tree decoration in the back. You'll know it when you see it. Love the wait time estimate in the front window for those of us who don't even want to leave our cars to see how long the wait is. TAKE-OUT: Yes, you read that right. Did you know that Ok Cafe has a Take-Out section in the back? Now you can make your own meal and bring it home. The prices are a little steep (by weight), but I like the flexibility of trying different dishes.
(5)Shon I.
Only need a few words. Always on spot. Really busy, but the staff and food are superb. I love the catfish wednesdays.. tasty Hubby loves the meatloaf. BFF loves the country fried steak **I work around the corner and we order the cakes often. 10 thumbs up. The lemon coconut is my favorite** Will always go back.. Just be prepared for a REALLY REALLY BUSY RESTAURANT
(4)Jay N.
This restaurant is located just off I 75 on Paces Ferry Rd. in front of the Publix shopping center. It is easy to spot by the Giant neon OK on their roof. I have to say that I have fallen in love with this place over the years and we try to stop every time we are passing through the Atlanta area. It is a southern comfort food restaurant complete with waitstaff in 50's style uniforms, red pleather covered booths and checker board tile floors. The first thing you notice as you approach the door is a neon sign that tells you the approximate wait time. Inside you will find a beehive of activity at any time of the day. There are several different dining areas and a lunch counter type setup with the short order cooks working the grills just on the other side. The decor is definitely a bit odd, but fun. There is a huge "money tree" in the middle of the main dining room. Service has always been good and the servers are friendly and always willing to help you make a choice. My favorites on the menu are the blue plate specials. They change with each visit, but are basically a meat plus 2 sides. The meatloaf is probably my favorite with the triple mac and cheese and black eyed peas. They all come with cornbread. The deserts and shakes are good too. They are open for breakfast lunch and diner. They also offer "Take Away" which is many of the same items you find on the regular menu on a hot bar. You take a box and add whatever you want, when you are done, they weigh it and charge you based on the weight. What a great concept!!! It is a fun weigh (pun intended) to try a little bit of everything on the menu. You may have to wait a bit but it is worth it and the line moves quick. Bottom line: Great Food Great Atmosphere Good Service Decent Prices
(4)Murray I.
So sad to see all the fire trucks and a big home in the roof. Very glad no one was injured. Good luck OK cafe.
(4)R G.
I've been going to the Ok Cafe for years. The food is so good and the service is great too. If you looking for that old time Diner experience, outfits and all give ok cafe a try.
(4)W S.
On December 8, 2014 the restaurant caught fire. Check to make sure it is open before you go.
(5)Polar F.
First time at the famous OK Cafe, the folks had been here before and family came to visit so we stopped by. The tables were packed, as expected, but the wait was quick. Here we go: 1. Service - hit or miss. The pro was that the different waitresses helped each other so we had attention. The con was the kitchen; burgers came in quick but an omelette took forever, and the accompanying English muffin showed up dead last. Ding for kitchen service. 2. Fare: nothing impressive here. The taste was not out of this world, although the fried pickles were a nice surprise Overall, it's not five star worthy. 3. Price: in my opinion, expensive. We pretty much all decided to not make this restaurant a go-to spot. Overall, if you've never been here, go at least once to try it out. My experience may not be the same as yours but I think you'll notice that the food, while great in quality, didn't have the flavors to match.
(3)Chaz P.
At my arrival to OK Cafe, my friend Roberto and I were greeted by a familiar voice! Traci, the manager used to be my former employer and we hugged it out!! We were greeted by our server Lessa and she made some stellar recommendations for food on my cheat day from working out and nutrition. The fried cheese grits were off the charts and my fried catfish, collard greens, baked sweet potato and corn muffin were super fire (that means exceptional)! We also had the best Arnold Palmer with fresh squeezed lemonade that I've ever partaken in. Great memory!
(5)Cathy Z.
I went here with my bf a few weeks ago for dinner. The minute I walked in, I felt like I had traveled back in time. The wait staff were dressed in outfits from the older days and the interior was filled in things from the past. The place was hopping but we managed to get a table for two by the window right away. The atmosphere was lively and relaxed. It definitely had a homey feeling. Food was pretty good. My bf had his usual (he used to be a regular), which consisted of the country fried steak, mashed potatoes, collard greens, and a corn muffin. He loved it as per usual. I had the meatloaf topped with creole sauce, mac & cheese, collard greens, and a corn muffin. I have to say that I wasn't thrilled about the meatloaf. It was just ok to me. Nothing wrong with it but nothing special either. The mac & cheese was heavy with lots of cream and cheese..and mushy, which isn't my jam. The rest of my plate, however, was delicious. Collard greens were seasoned and cooked to perfection. The corn muffin was made perfectly too. On our way out, we also grabbed a couple of rice crispy treats for dessert. And they were gooey and yummy and perfect. I think I'll give this place another try. Mainly because my bf loves it so much, but i will definitely try a different main course.
(4)Daniel B.
I've been to OK Cafe two times, both for dinner. Each time, I ordered their "Blue Plate" special, which is basically a "meat and two." OK Cafe is a Southern restaurant with a campy, old school, diner-type atmosphere. The servers and cooks wear retro diner uniforms (like something you'd see from the 1950s or 1960s) complete with white hats. The exterior of the building features a bright neon sign while the inside has polished checkerboard floors, red booths, and goofy decor. The restaurant is visible from I-75 North as you approach the West Paces Ferry exit. It's in the same shopping center as Publix. OK Cafe is open seven days a week and serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, but unlike a true diner, they're not open late. They close at 10pm on weeknights and 11pm on weekends. Blue Plate specials are anywhere from $12-16. This is mostly a fair price as the portion sizes are huge. At dinnertime, in addition to traditional Southern plates, they also serve salads, sandwiches, and hamburgers. I've tried the following: Meats: Meatloaf with Creole Sauce Chicken Pot Pie Veggies: Steamed Cabbage Squash Souffle Collard Greens Triple Cheese Macaroni The slab of Meatloaf was a nice big and hearty portion. Plenty of tomato-based "Creole" sauce slathered on top. I liked the sauce as it tasted like standard meatloaf sauce but with added flavors from the garlic and presumably Old Bay-esque spices. The beef was savory and easy to eat. The Chicken Pot Pie was OK. Literally. The crust of the pie had the letters "OK" embossed onto the top of it. Like the Meatloaf, there was a generous helping -- plenty of steaming hot chicken, veggies, and sauce inside. I probably wouldn't order this again, but instead would try something else. The veggies weren't bad. Both the Steamed Cabbage and Collard Greens were fresh and flavorful. Nothing too exciting, though. Squash Souffle was served piping hot. The Triple Cheese Macaroni was a step up from Kraft Macaroni & Cheese. All Blue Plate specials also come with cornbread and butter. Friendly, but not always attentive service. Orders do come out in a reasonable amount of time. Plenty of parking outside and take-out seems to be a popular option.
(3)Tiffany Y.
I've been to OK Cafe many times and it's always been great. There are plenty of options for vegetarians, you just have to make sure you know which veggies aren't cooked with meat or just ask the server. My mother had the meatloaf with mashed potatoes and broccoli and enjoyed everything, I thought I was going to have to carry her outta there... I had the vegetable plate with macaroni and cheese, steamed cabbage, a sweet potato, and the corn... everything tasted fresh and great We left full and happy and even purchased some desserts from their Take Away area. I can't wait to go back it's one of my favorite restaurants.
(4)Juan M.
Reliable, though expensive, standard. Right off of 75 in West Buckhead, this is "THE" place to meet and do business. I meet folks here for breakfast and lunch; yes, it's loud, but the convenience factor outweighs everything. Food-wise, it's pretty good. I have lately been gravitating to their 4 vegetables lunch plate which leaves me full for the day. Waitress-wise, they are an interesting bunch...
(3)Trevor W.
This is how I imagine my Grandparents going out for lunch or dinner at the corner diner in the 40s and 50s. Expansive space with waitresses in that classic white dress uniform and caps. Nostalgic Blue Plate specials, expansive breakfast menu, and old school shakes and pies. Really hits home with Southern Comfort food done right. Love coming here for Brunch on the weekends, though you really can't go wrong any time of day! Service here is exceptional. The after church crowd packs this place in, but you rarely wait more than 15 minutes. Nice stroll down memory lane!
(4)Robert U.
I've been coming to Okay Cafe for more than 20 years now. I really like it. SERVICE: - It gets busy, and the "sign yourself in" process might be off-putting to newbies. (There is a pad of paper by the check-out register. You write your own name on it and the number of folks in your party, then you sit down.) - Servers are usually friendly, often funny, and always professional (these folks hustle). FOOD: - It's a diner, so they do a little of everything. - It's all good, but I cannot really recommend any one type of food or one dish. - I do LOVE the onion rings. They are very thin and lightly battered. - Portions are fairly large, but not huge. DESSERT: - Milk shakes are great. - Strawberry shortcake is great (has ice cream as well as cake). Overall, this is a fun restaurant with good food.
(4)Ollie B.
I've heard so many good things about this place and shame on me for not trying it sooner! I loved the old-school theme of the restaurant. The people there were friendly! I ordered the country fried steak and it's the best I've had. Mac & Cheese was seasoned very nicely. I definitely will return!!!
(4)Doug H.
Always a pleasure to eat here except when the wait is long - which is common. But the food is great southern-style, without the heavy sugar add that many southern places add - like Mary Macs. I prefer the non-sugar veggies and cornbread. Meatloaf, roast, collards, black-eyed peas, and carrot cake are to die for. I also like the take-away buffet option if I don't want to wait one hour. Wished they were open later - especially on holidays and weekends.
(5)Lawrence C.
This is the real deal for breakfast. Plenty of business and politico meet here...you could have a convention. Food is great and the service is friendly, professional, and not obtrusive.
(4)Alane H.
I wanted to try the restaurant. I had driven by it many times. I was not overly impressed with the selections I made. I had the Brunswick stew. It was too sweet and seemed to be left over chicken and maybe pork in a tomato, vegetable soup base. It was not the traditional taste of smoked meat that I was expecting. I had the house salad with the vinaigrette. The vinaigrette leaned heavily to the vinegar side. It was fairly boring as well. If anyone is on a restricted diet, it is not a good choice either. The restaurant is clean, and the service is snappy. It had a good crowd that consisted of older clientele. I was not favorably impressed.
(2)Brandy L.
Baked chicken - delicious Turkey & dressing is ok I really enjoyed the dressing! Collared greens are good Cucumber salad yum! I wanna try the fried jalapeno grits
(4)Angela H.
I had been meaning to check out OK Cafe since one of my co-workers had told me about their great Southern comfort food a few months ago. However, I never made it a point to drive that direction specifically to eat there. So you can imagine my excitement when my supervisor told me an another co-worker that she'd treat us to lunch at OK Cafe! The three of us arrived around 1 pm on a Monday afternoon. The restaurant was bustling, but we were still seated immediately. We were seated close to the take-out area, called the "OK Take-Away" store, which apparently is separate from the restaurant so you can't order food from there to dine in. The server told me this when I had asked if they had fried chicken available for dine-in, and she said they only have it at the "Take-Away" store. Boo. After glancing at the menu, I quickly decided to get the Country Fried Steak. My co-worker, who has been to OK Cafe many times, told me that it's really good. The Country Fried Steak is one of their "Blue Plate Specials," which are served with "your choice of two vegetables and corn muffin." I chose the Triple Cheese Macaroni and Mashed Potatoes. Our server also asked me whether I wanted the white or brown gravy with my mashed potatoes, pointing out the fact that the Country Fried Steak is topped with white gravy. I chose the brown gravy to keep it interesting. =) Although the fountain drinks are pricey at $2.99 each, I was really happy to learn that they had Coke Zero! So of course, I had to order it. We didn't have to wait very long at all for our food to be served! * Country Fried Steak ($12.99) - WOW. This was truly delicious. I haven't had a whole lot of Southern food in my life, so I don't have much to compare it to, but the steak was tender, flavorful, and fried just right. I really liked the white gravy on it, too. The Triple Cheese Macaroni was AMAZING as well. It was richly cheesy and seasoned nicely. I would say that it's a *little* saltier than I'm used to. However, I had my mashed potatoes and corn muffin, which were both pretty good, to balance it out. I was very, very happy with my large meal. It was so much food that I only ate about half of it and took the rest to go. (Yay for the tasty leftovers!) Overall, OK Cafe gets 4.5 stars for their delicious Country Fried Steak and fast and friendly service! Our server was super polite and smiley, and she asked if we wanted our drinks to-go before we had the chance to ask. The only reason why I'm not giving them 5 stars now is because I want to go back and try their fried chicken and maybe some other Southern comfort foods. This way, an updated review will encompass a more well-rounded opinion. I will definitely return to OK Cafe in the near future. * Fun Fact: OK Cafe is named after the cafe in Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird." As I was leaving, I noticed a framed note from Harper addressed to the restaurant's owner and customers. Check it out before you leave! =) [Review 341 of 366]
(4)George B.
Great atmosphere in this Atlanta staple. We came at peak dinner time and although the place was crowded, we only waited a few minutes. Service was friendly and prompt. Country vegetables were great, except the cucumber salad - bring back your previous recipe !! This salad was just cucumber and vinegar.
(3)Dorena N.
I love Ok Cafe! Their menu of southern food is fantastic. I ordered an Egg Salad Sandwich with a Coke Float (this place actually has these!) and was not disappointed. The waitresses are very friendly and several of them stopped by to check up on us. They even have an OK Take Away option, for those in a hurry. The place has some quirky decor and just feels very comfy.
(5)Tom W.
Great home cooking comfort for. Pot roast with mashed potatoes were awesome Finished with warm pecan pie with ice creme . Great greeters and friendly wait staff makes this place an easy choice to return
(5)Brittany W.
The "OK Cafe" was less than, "OK". First, the layout of the restaurant is like a maze; Maybe the layout was supposed to go with the decor, quirky. When being seated to my table, I felt like I was being smuggled through the kitchen, and was about to be asked to jungle some plates around to the correct server. Too hectic, especially when I was not going through the kitchen, I was walking through the dining that was at the bar.
(1)John C.
I have eaten at the OK Cafe twice on visits to Atlanta and highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area. It is one of the few hyped restaurants that actually lives up to the billing and is worth the effort and price.
(5)Richard H.
It was OK. Too bad for Buckhead that restaurants with simple fare like this are so rare. I've paid much less for moderately better food. Service was good. A waitress made me cocktail sauce, which was above the call of duty. But when salmon cakes are the special of the day, don't cha think you should stock up on the right condiments? Speaking of condiments, customers like a variety of hot sauces on their collards and peas. Let's consider something more than Tabasco plain.
(3)Damien B.
I have driven by this place for years and never stopped. It is one of those places that has been around longer than u have. The food was good and they keep it simple. It is on the same plane as applebees or chilis. But the service is better most of the time. I might eat there again but it would have to be on the way or someone really wanted to go.
(3)Tiffany S.
This place is AWESOME! We went later on a weekday night to avoid any of the crowds we've read about & were seated right away. Our server, Wendy, was helpful, fun, & attentive. There is definitely a vintage diner/restaurant theme with leather "U" booths & counter service. All the servers wear those cute dresses like from the TV show Mel's Diner. The food was on point southern comfort. I can't wait to go back for dessert sometime! p.s. The squash soufflé is a delicious surprise.
(5)Andria C.
I keep trying this place, hoping that it gets better...but it never does. This is usually one of those places we end up on the weekend because every other brunch place is insane. It seems that everyone else seems to LOVE this place, but I just don't get it. The breakfast / brunch menu is severely lacking and definitely not worth the price. Every time I'm here, I'm convinced that I must be missing out on something that everyone else gets, but to date, I haven't figured out what that is. I've tried a couple of the lunch / dinner options, but they don't seem to be much better. I get that this is a cool 50 diner-y type place, but I'll pass and take good food any day.
(2)Anitra M.
My burger and fries were HOT and yummy. If you leave here hungry, it's your own fault. I'm guessing there is nothing bad on the menu and service is quick.
(5)Sport L.
The food here is pretty darn good. Although, I think they add a good amount of sugar to the collards to sweeten them up. Breakfast time is a great choice here as well. Staff seems to be told to faced paced and to hurry customers out. Milkshakes hit the spot in a hot day. Country grid chicken will clog your arteries but will also fill your heart with joy!!
(4)John S.
Horrible service. After being seated at a table - they told us we had to many and needed to get up from the table they originally sat us at and wait 45 additional minutes for a larger table. This was after we waited 30 mins for our first table they sat us at. The manager needs a lesson in manners and customer service.
(1)Bob M.
Not sure who's recipe they use for the meat loaf but it looks like something out of a dog food can. STICK WITH THE VEGETABLES
(3)Brandon R.
My son had to sleep in his truck since 3:15 Tuesday's well as others due to the storm .,OK cafe has went beyond the call of duty to provide meals, a warm place for those who can't get home. This is what's it's all about not closing your doors on others. As a parent you just pray someone offer your love one a helping hand, To the entire staff and manager on duty thank God for you all. For having a caring heart.
(5)Veronica S.
Special thanks all the wAy from California .... Thank you for opening your door and providing my family with food and shelter yesterday during that snow storm ! God bless you all
(5)Teresa S.
If you want good southern cooking with a true diner atmosphere, then OK Cafe is perfect for you! Great food and service with a smile! Make sure to sign in as soon as you get there! It gets very busy and the line can be long, but worth a little waiting. They give you a lot of choices, so take some time and cruise the menu.
(4)Michael B.
The OK Cafe is OK in my book! Stopped by OK the other night as it was on my way home. I wanted something good to eat and fast food just would not cut it. It was a little early, 6:30ish, and thought for a minute that I was going to be served a blue plate special. We walked in and the hostess seated us right away with no wait. Our waitress Holly came over and took our drink orders as soon as we were seated. Holly came back with the drinks and we ordered an appetizer of the Fried Grits. They were great; grits blended with cheese and jalapenos, dusted with Japanese bread crumbs and deep fried. For our entree we split the Country Fried Steak with a side of squash casserole and triple mac and cheese. The meal was wonderful, and the portion size was so big that even splitting the meal we still had enough leftovers to take home. All in all, the food was great and the service was exceptional.
(4)John E.
This is one of those situations I hate - basically I've been coming to OK Cafe for many years. Most of the time I've had really exceptional food and service. At one time, this was THE place to meet with any technology executive or venture capital investor (before the DotBomb). More recently, I've only been able to dine here every other year or so - the last couple of times the meals were quite good and the service exceptional. Now we come to dining here two days ago. First, I understand that seating a large party (6 adults and two children) in a place with a smallish dining room is a challenge - I worked in the biz over 10 years and I usually don't get bothered by that. I did take exception to the hostess telling us the wait was probably 20-25 minutes due to the size of our part. I took that in stride - I know they have limited seating for larger tables (big round tables under the "money tree"). It didn't get to me until we'd been there35 minutes or so and was given a story about how all the big tables had just been seated. I mean, come on, if the hostess had been walking around like she's supposed to, scoping out the tables she should have known the wait would be longer and informed us. Instead we waited with two hungry kids when we could have gone elsewhere. That situation in itself wouldn't have cost them a star - it was that combined with the poor quality of the food when delivered. Of the 6 entrees ordered, one was cold (the meatloaf) and the turkey and dressing was hammered - like it sat under a heat lamp for 15 minutes. I've never experience that at OK Cafe before, so maybe it was a fluke. As it is I think I'll wait a few years before returning. When you pay blue-plate prices of $12.99 or so you expect a certain minimum food quality standard - this just didn't cut it. Sorry OK Cafe, but as Amanda said in an earlier review, you've become "just OK"... It's funny how one bad dining experience can take away years of fondness and pleasure. The dining room has a kitschy Americana appeal and the retro waitress outfits are right out of the 50s. If you go, try a classic cheese burger and milk shake - it'll take you right back into Leave it to Beaver land....
(3)Dynomutt F.
A blustery Sunday eve on the cusp of another year (according to whatever arbitrary calendar I found myself following after my faith in the Mayans had been recently shattered), I was homeward bound but the sounds from my belly demanded I stop. As Josh Homme wailed over my stereo - speakers pushed to limit - and my fevered brain ticked through a list of known nearby restaurants while my hands attempted against the steering wheel (occasionally succeeding) to keep time with Josh Freese's drumming, there appeared around the bend one of the largest churches I've ever seen, glowing in spotlight, beckoning me to exit the Interstate. "OK, Jesus," I thought. "OK." I remembered then that OK Cafe lay ahead, and knowing nothing of the place, I was under the impression that it was a diner and I might be able to grab a decent brinner or burger, not to mention learn whether Scout did eventually fulfill her destiny of working there. As I approached the door, I noted the rubicund neon sign - "Wait Time 5 SHORT minutes" - and felt more at ease, having also earlier noticed the large number of parked vehicles circling the building. Those initial worries resumed upon entering and noticing more than two dozen people seated along the wall. I walked to the counter where a hostess had called a family's name from the list and I stood there. A minute later, she gave me a smile as she returned and called another name from the roster. This group didn't appear so she moved on to the next ("Dufresne - Search party of four"). She left again to seat that family. I waited. A man came by and read the list for the next name and as we made eye contact I said, "Just one," and he replied, "OK," but then called the next name and took another group to be seated. I recalled the sign out front - "5 SHORT minutes." As much time had nearly elapsed already, and my name was not even on the list yet. I glanced at it and saw more than ten names remained to be struck through. I continued to wait. The young woman at the nearby register acknowledged my presence and asked whether I was eating in, and when I affirmed she said, "Write your name on the list." Really? I decided to keep this in mind, so as not to wait so patiently after being seated without asking my waitress whether I would also be responsible for cooking my own meal. I took a seat near the door, where arctic gusts chilled me with each guest's entry. An elderly woman beside me asked whether I'd been there before, and then explained to me that she and her husband had come in search of breakfast but were told that breakfast was not served all day at OK. They left a moment later to continue their waffle walkabout. After another 15 minutes my name was called and I explored the restaurant's interior on the way to my table. Blandly kitschy. Not really a diner at all, despite outward appearances; in fact there are only about 4-5 counter seats near the entrance. It was packed with more people than I've ever seen in a restaurant at 8 on a Sunday night, and most were families. Lighting is abundant but dim. I was led to my spot, beneath the dead eyes of a papier maché hound, and my waitress arrived shortly thereafter. She stood beside me, and lights' reflection from my table formed eerie shadows against her face, as though she were telling ghost stories with the aid of a flashlight. She spoke as though on pain pills, and as with many waitresses of her age cohort, she couldn't keep her hands off of me, to the extent that it almost became uncomfortable. Almost. She talked me out of the burger and steered me toward the blue-plate specials - a better value (in theory). I opted for the roast turkey. It arrived in about 10 minutes, and I was shocked by its diminutive portion of turkey. I had ordered dark meat, and in total may have received the equivalent of a thigh. I cried a little. Flavor, however, was great. The turkey was exquisitely roasted, and the stuffing an interestingly tasty recipe more similar to a seafood imperial (without the seafood). The cornbread muffin was OK, but I'd prefer no whole corn kernels in it. The sweet potato was perfectly baked and served with pecans and brown sugar. A red concoction of fruit and pecans (cranberry sauce?) accompanied in a plastic cup and also wasn't bad. An old woman led past me with her family to their table suddenly pointed at me and yelled, "SWEET POTATO!" without stopping. Bizarre. The mac & cheese is OUTSTANDING. I asked for a slice of lemon coconut cake for dessert; totally let down by this offering. Dry and dense, and more like lemon pound cake with a coconut & cream cheese frosting. I did not order it a la mode. You should. With my check - the words "To live is to serve, to serve is to live" printed on it (Spartacus?) - I received a Tootsie Roll. The meal hadn't made me feel a "WHOOP" coming on, but it was great, though not a good value at $24. The portion was so tiny that I didn't have enough left for another full meal. MARTA: Bus 12 Overall, 6/10.
(3)David M.
Really great service. Above average food for a diner while still having that diner atmosphere and feel.
(3)Jennifer S.
The very best of Southern comfort food in a cozy atmosphere. Their pot roast dinner was the perfect meal to unwind after a very busy day on a business trip in Atlanta. Friendly service, reasonably priced, and simply delicious.
(5)Jason D.
I want to like the place more than I do, I really do. I love the feel of the place, the good Southern cooking, blue plate specials. But I just can't get past the outrageous "we're near Buckhead" prices on everything. And the food is just not worth it. Yes, the've got good veggies. Yes, they've got a traditional meat and three menu. Yes, the servers are generally nice and attentive (although ours last night was having an off night and a bout of attitude.) Last night, I had a burger sans bun, steamed cabbage and baked sweet potato. All was fine. But again, I can't help thinking about the fact that I get the same meal at Carver's, at a little better quality and it's half the price.
(3)Joe T.
My trips to Atlanta always include a stop at the OK. And let me say it's better than ok! The food is great . Just like it came out of a Grandmas kitchen. Down home southern cooked vegetables, corned bread, country fried steak, fried green tomatoes. Don't miss it!
(5)Megan E.
This is a great breakfast and dinner spot. The menu is pretty traditional and what you'd expect from a diner. The staff is extremely friendly and though it has always been crowded when I've gone, the food comes out pretty quickly. The portions are a great size for the price and I've definitely never left hungry. The black-eyed peas and collard greens are delicious!
(4)Robert T.
I am giving this place an extra star for the kitch decor. KG and I went for Saturday mornning breakfast, which you know is not my favorite thing to do unless we get there super early - who wants to look at eggs past 8:00am. The menu is filled with good, quality, home cooked food items. Our server was friendly and efficient. Our food was good, and the location convenient.
(3)Erich F.
What a cool place. A real throwback. Has a laid back old timey feel that just feels "right". Stopped in because the wife wanted an easy dinner and was looking for comfort food...this was both. She got roasted chicken with Mac n cheese and squash casserole. I got meatloaf with a creole sauce and sides of greens and Mac and cheese. Both entrees were delicious. The greens were tangy and not greasy. Squash was really good and nice with a dab of hot sauce. Mac and cheese was not too dry, not too soupy but just right! Also not greasy. We both felt full but not disgusting, as the portions were just right. This place was a hit with both of us. Just an added FYI....they have a take out side with all the menu items available. Perfect for the I wanna go home, but don't want to cook nights.
(4)Lindsey H.
This is true southern food in a American Folk Art setting. It's so American and good. My personal favorite is the crawfish cakes with black eyed peas and slaw. Mmmmmm Causal, friendly, great food, good prices, and you're surrounded by art. Love it.
(5)Russ M.
Really good Southern Comfort food. Nice atmosphere, cool decor, Waitresses wearing uniforms is a nice touch. My lunch was delicious. I hav Country Fried Steak which was tender and had great flavor from the steak itself, the breading and the gravy. My sides were corn and Black eyed Peas. Portions are huge. Come Hungry...leave STUFFED
(3)Justin E.
First time here today and I enjoyed ever moment place was friendly as well as for family's or couples. Also are sever Lucy was very nice and helped me picked a entree I got a fried steak with collad greens and Mac & cheese with a chocolate milk shake . The steak was nice and tender as well as the breading was crunchy. The Mac was honestly really good had a good taste to it. The greens were ok it was my first time trying collad greens but they weren't bad , I just didn't care for them. Milk shake was also really good filled me up on a half a plate ... I walked out happy and full ! If I come back to Georgia I'm coming back here for breakfast next time.
(5)Jade M.
People who don't give it 5 stars don't appreciate locally bought and original tasting Southern food. I come from farmers and fresh food and I highly approve OK Cafe. I don't know of one thing that isn't good. The staff are on the ball and usher tons of patrons through with an ease and pleasant nature. They have to, there's usually a wait! It's never very long though. If it is, check out the take-out section. Beware though, they weight your container and that can get very pricey, very quickly. The portions when you sit down are huge. I take some home with me every visit. The turkey and dressing is my favorite. Followed by the fried chicken. The mac and cheese has an original taste and I crave it! The green beans are awesome! Corn muffins are so sweet and to die for! The sweet potato chips with blue cheese dip...yum! When I'm on the go, I love grabbing a classic BLT (bacon, lettuce, tomato.) Go to their takeout to pickup some amazing deviled eggs, crab dip, veggie soup and carrot cake. I could go on forever! Really, it's all wonderful. A select few people have a problem with the era of dress the employees wear and the large carved 1956 Georgia flag, get over yourself. It's a neat, upbeat and fun restaurant with authentic food and friendly southern warmth. You'll surely run into some big name Atlantan. Go, decide for yourself!
(5)Brian C.
This place doesn't have baby changing stations in any of the bathroom. Both bathrooms are small and smell bad. Mostly an older crowd here and I understand why. I talked to a manager who said she has been trying to get owners to put baby changing stations in for years but they don't want to... Guess I don't want to ever eat here again either. Don't come here if you have babies.
(1)Hamad M.
I usually wait to review places after I've been there a few times. This limits the amount of reviews I do, but also gives a place a fair shake. I would hate for one bad experience to form a life-long opinion of a place. OK Cafe hits the spot for me except for location. Ridiculous for me to even mention that, but the fact is I don't spend a whole lot of time on that side of town. Having said that, if it were on my side of town, I would go way more often. Breakfast is my meal of choice and OK Cafe delivers. Their omelets are fantastic and I found their home fries (or potato wedges) to be wonderfully flavorful - much like Highland Bakery's standard setting offerings. The biscuits are ok - a little dry (give me some Silver Skillet biscuits and we'll be OK). The place is really cool inside and has great air conditioning - you may laugh at that, but one thing that I don't like is to be hot in a restaurant. The waitstaff is quick to please and the prices are reasonable. It's a very comfortable place to have a comfortable meal. I like it. Just wish it was closer.
(4)Bill M.
Great food and top notch service. I was very impressed with the quality of the food.
(5)Dao T.
Best homestyle southern food in North of Atlanta. Great taste and fast service. This is my 32nd visit over the past 20 years and they appear to have improved on their already great and friendly service because our food came out faster than previous year. Portion sizes have gotten a bit smaller and prices slightly higher over the last few years. But still substantial portions.
(5)Russ U.
After a long vacation I was looking forward to some vegetables. The Ok Café hit the spot. I had the chicken pot pie with side orders of squash soufflé and collard greens. It was all very good. My wife had the half of a rotisserie chicken and collard greens and macaroni and cheese. She's a fan of macaroni and cheese and she said it was very good. This was my first time at the restaurant but it was not her first time and she said she should always look at what they're having for the special. I hope to become a regular here. I would recommend it if you're in the area. In fact, I would say if you were looking for vegetables or an excellent home style meal it's worth going out of your way to come here.
(4)Holly C.
Triple cheese macaroni, my fave!
(5)Sherry W.
3 1/2 stars. OK Cafe is a quirky 50s diner that serves Southern food. It's pretty busy on the weekends and there's a large digital timer outside that let's you know how long the wait is. Despite the long lines, the restaurant is pretty efficient -seating doesn't take too long and the food comes quickly. The portions are large and very filling. I really recommend the mac'n'cheese -it's super rich and cheesy. The strawberry shortcake is yummy as well. They also serve breakfast. Solid food at a solid price.
(3)Thomas A.
We came Sunday at noon and were able to get a booth for 4 in 15 minutes. It's amazing how fast they get you seated; there were probably 30 people ahead of us. The booth is large and comfy and the atmosphere reminds you of a cozy diner. I got the country fried steak with collard greens, mac and cheese, and corn bread. The corn bread is to die for and the collar greens had little bits of bacon in them. The mac and cheese was very good, but the pasta was a little mushy. The country fried steak was good but the gravy made the breading very soggy. My wife and I got out for $35 including two coffees; it's a great price considering the huge portions. If you're stopping through Atlanta and are looking for some good southern comfort food you could do a lot worse than the OK Cafe.
(3)Rachel P.
Ate here for dinner while visiting family in ATL...loved it!! Cozy, comfy ambiance with interesting things to look at, friendly service, and dang good grub! I ordered the turkey with dressing, with mac n' cheese and squash casserole on the side. I cleaned my plate. Everything was riddiicccculously tasty. My husband loved his chicken fried steak, which was pretty enormous. We got a cup of the pot-likker (the liquid left behind after you cook collard greens) to share on the side...this was my first exposure to this very tasty side dish, and I for one am a fan! Great for dunking corn bread. We shared chocolate cake a chocolate malt for dessert. The malt was delicious. The chocolate cake was not my favorite- it was VERY dense- almost more like a brownie consistency? While I really, truly enjoyed OK Cafe, I have to withhold the 5th star, because this place is kind of insanely expensive. It's supposed to be a diner, right? For three adults- that's three dinner plates, 3 drinks, a piece of cake, and a malt- our check was $68 before tip. OUCH. I don't live in Atlanta, so it's not as if I will be able to eat here frequently enough for it to be an issue, but if I did live in ATL, I would have to limit my visits to the OK Cafe for this reason alone :-( Otherwise, totally enjoyable!!
(4)Noelle S.
I went here with my coworkers for lunch after hearing good things about the food. First, we were seated pretty quickly..granted, the booth we were put into was too small for our crowd so we asked to be moved but that was ok the girl was nice. The atmosphere? Ohh the atmosphere..now, I'm a Slavic woman from NY and I had a issue walking into the place decorated with a confederate flag and old civil war type memorabilia..apparently that isn't such a issue to people around here. The waitress was nice and the food was delicious, and the portions were amazing! I did hear some guys at the table behind us talking about Hitler and how Jews somehow instigated his occupation but I don't know what I expected in a place that proudly hangs a confederate flag *shrugs*. I would order to go because the food was tasty but I don't think I will be dining in again..
(3)Kevin H.
OK Cafe is always dependable for Diner fare. And this last trip was no exception. A good ol' backyard-type hamburger with crisp lettuce, a nice big tomato slice, onion, and deep-fried pickles - with a big handful of golden fries. What's not to love?
(4)Jake H.
This is one of my favorite breakfast spots in Atlanta. Food has been excellent every time I've been. I'm a big fan of the OK Homemade Granola with yogurt and fresh fruit, but everything I've tried on the menu has been very good. I've taken a few groups to OK Cafe and the feedback has always been very positive.
(5)Karim K.
I went with a pretty simple dinner selection. All veggies. Each was very enjoyable: 1. Black Eyed Peas 2. Collard Greens - with the Pot Likker sauce (a must) 3. Sweet Potato - (Would have preferred a bit more of Roasted texture on skin) 4. Tabouleh. there is a decent atmosphere at Ok Cafe - I think most people go for the comfort food factor. I hear you haven't lived if you haven't tried one of their milkshakes.......(there is even a Peanut Butter Flavor). Anyway - Never had bad food there - Good place to go if you are looking for a good southern meal.
(4)Sophia S.
Being told this was an Atlanta institution, I decided to try it. I came here with my bf on a sunday afternoon. It wasn't super busy and we got seated right away. Our waitress was training someone so she had this other girl follow her around, which was fine. We ordered drinks and an appetizer which came out promptly. We waited another 20 minutes for our entrees, which would have been fine if I didn't see that people around us who came in after us had already gotten their food. At first I assumed it took a lot longer to prepare my pot pie. We waited some more. Then I noticed a couple who came in AFTER we had gotten our appetizer getting their food. And all this time, we never saw our waitress or the girl following her around, they just never came back. So after 45 minutes of waiting for our food, I asked another waitress to check on it for us and we were told our waitress never put our order in. How do you forget to put in someone's order? The new waitress offered to put it in but we had to be at the airport so we just ended up leaving. Never coming back.
(1)Ruksana H.
Recently met a bunch of girlfriends here for brunch on a weekday. The place is packed - I guess the regulars and folks nearby love it. It seemed alright to me. They have the usual soups and sandwiches and burgers and salads. Nothing extraordinary. Our server was nice. If I am in the area I might be interested in stopping by but it definitely did not make it to my favorites.
(3)Kat W.
Decent diner fare. We got here on a Sunday, wanting breakfast but by the time we were seated it was 2pm and breakfast was over. The place is huge which was a surprise as from the outside it looks average. So with the chances of breakfast being killed upon being seated we settled on the special of the day...fried chicken. Which really is a fried chicken patty, similar to chicken fried chicken. Matter of fact its the same thing minus the gravy which they charge extra for. I got that and a side of corn and mac and cheese. The corn was good, cut off the cobb fresh. Not highly seasoned but good. The mac and cheese was room temperature warm but surprisingly good. Prob would have been great if it was hot. The chicken fried chicken...was good. It was the hottest thing on the plate and fresh from the grease. It was a good meal, not great and not something I would jump up and down for when seeking something to eat next. I'll probably try breakfast, just to get the overall experience. Surprisingly the menu was rather small.
(3)Tricia B.
This was almost a 4 or 5 star...but they just missed the mark on enough things to bump it to a 3. What was good was very good and what wasnt, well, wasnt! I did not have the opportunity to check Yelp, so didnt know to order the veggies. Went at 2pm on a Sunday, so there was no crowd and we got seated right away. The place is huge and pretty noisy...even at an off-time...I cant imagine the noise level when they are busy. The tea was excellent and served with crushed ice...but no lemon. C'mon!! Refills were prompt. I was in the mood for Brunswick stew, but everyone makes it soooo differently that I always ask for a taste to see if I like it. OK Cafe does not allow that...they said I would have to order it, send it back if I didnt like it, and order something else. That is ridiculous...a waste of their money, their food, and my time. I ordered the BLT and the basket of fries and rings. My co-foodie ordered the burger and fries. My BLT was delicious...definitely a 5 star. Toasted perfectly (if you choose to have it toasted), your choice of bread, nice salty, crunchy bacon, and a good ratio of bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. My friend said her burger was very good. Unfortunately, the fries and rings were a disaster. The batter on the rings was nice and light, they were obviously homemade, and they used amazing sweet onions. But they had been fried for such a short time, that they were just a soggy mess. The fries were also very underdone, but edible. I only eat rings out and I was so looking forward to them...but neither of us could eat them. Also asked for ranch dressing twice (I like it on fries instead on ketchup) and never got it. We would have returned the rings, but was not successful in getting our servers attention until we were almost thru eating and she brought the bill. She did not check on us while we were eating to see if everything was ok. All in all, a nice lunch, but not great.
(3)Tim D.
Nothing to see here, move on please!
(1)Mr. Butters ..
Best southern food in town. From the country fried steak to the French toast. A+++ Highly recommended - bring your wallet, and maybe your neighbor's wallet
(4)Drew V.
This place is great! I went there yesterday for breakfast and dinner. For breakfast I had eggs, toast, cheese grits, turkey sausage and coffee and left stuffed. For dinner I had fried chicken, cornbread, macaroni and cheese (a must try) and the potato salad (eh). I've had the milkshakes before and they are great as well so if you want the diner feel, this is the place. All the waitresses dress in old fashion white dresses with aprons and little hats with white sneakers. There's also a huge tree in the middle of one of the rooms that is decorated with fake money that's a pleaser for kids. Don't go and not expect to wait but they are very quick to accommodate. Their desserts (esp. key lime pie) are delicious, service is prompt, and food is great. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I have been there before when I ordered food that I did not like. Not that it was bad, just not my taste. Their health score is 100 which is impressive and when you walk in the hallway is adorned with caricatures/drawings of employees that have worked their for 25+ years, which I like because it means they are treating their employees right. There's a to-go spot that could easily be missed but is definitely worth a look. Some of it you have to pay for by weighing your food so stick to the stuff that is already weighed and has a price tag on it! I'm actually glad I don't live closer because that key lime pie is dangerous.
(4)Paul R.
First and foremost I never thought that I would be on that side of town from where I live. It just so happened that I had a doctors appointment and had to get up at zero dark thirty that morning. When I reached my destination I still had an hour to kill and found this place. I went in, though it was partially packed, service was quick. Since I'm the type of guy who loves eye candy, it was there and they were really nice. I ordered a mushroom, onion, and I forgot what else as this was like 2 days ago. Mind you, I always thought that every omelette that you order, it always comes with cheese. Fooled the hell out of me that given day. They served it with grits, and a hot biscuit so it wasn't really all that bad. If I'm on that side of town again I would try the rest of their food. It's probably my fault, I may have should have said, "With Cheese!"
(3)Nicole G.
I just got back from here, and I think my chair is going to buckle instead of my belt. I almost was run over while walking into this building twice by cars. While walking across the parking lot made me feel like the frog in "Frogger," the food in here more than made up for it. We tried the onion rings as an appetizer, and I ordered the chicken pot pie with sides of greens and potato salad. Everything was good and very Southern, especially the greens -- it's so hard to find a place that does them right. We got our food pretty quickly, and the whole staff was very courteous. I really want to go back to try the desserts one day. I was too stuffed to even try one today.
(5)Veronica C.
We come here every time we visit family in Atlanta. The southern veggies are amazing! The portions are generous and everything tastes homemade. On the menu A-OK shows you they use heathy ingredients only (no hormone dairy, all-fresh produce, etc). This place is a southern staple for us. Super cute venue with friendly staff and sweet tea (not too sweet) and fresh-squeezed lemonade. Yum.
(5)Hwventure H.
I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! Good ole home cookin' in a casual setting! And a huge bonus: they use quality ingredients. Also, they bake all bread fresh daily and all of their desserts are homemade. The mac and cheese is a must have. The collards are delicious. The corn bread is scrumptious. My dad loved his meat loaf and I devoured my country fried steak - best I've had outside of my mammas kitchen! ****I've never tried the take out buffet. Better to sit down, relax and have a freshly prepared meal. :) PS: the service was great.
(5)Carl A.
Good southern cooking with modern flair. I always try to eat here when in this part of the state.
(4)Anne W.
Been here several times. Totally LOVE the food (fried green tomatoes! chicken pie!), but totally HATE the noise. Our party can never hear each other to have a conversation. Had to lean across the table to speak. I don't know what they can do about it, too many hard surfaces I guess, but it's really annoying. From now on, I'll get stuff from the wonderful Take Away and eat at home where I can hear and talk with my friends. As to the wait, we've never waited more than 10 minutes, and never had bad service either. It's a reliable place when we want some comfort food -- as long as we only eat and not talk ;)
(3)Mary S.
I have always loved OK Cafe for the comfort food and 1950s vibe, but the old Georgia Confederate flag painting needs to go. While the customers and staff are diverse and in good spirits, this image is an embarrassing and shameful relic to many Georgians. Eating beneath it actually gives me indigestion. I'll return when the flag is gone for good. Ok?
(1)Lisa K.
One of my favorite restaurants. This place does comfort food like no other! The portions are LARGE -- usually more than I can eat. The Chicken Pot Pie is just like mom used to (still does!) make, and the Meatloaf is superb. Breakfast is great there as well, with some killer omelettes and french toast. They used to be open 24 hours, but they stopped that quite a while ago. Regardless of what time I go, there's always a crowd, and often a sizeable wait. Well worth a visit or two!
(4)Craig G.
Good southern style country cooking with a whimsical atmosphere. Service was in a confused state and our waitress was a bit blunt a couple of times. Check-out was drawn-out. I didn't see the fried pickles on the menu, but that was our appetizer and was the best I've ever had, albeit the dipping sauce was just ranch dressing (the best fried pickle sauce I've had was a remoulade). I had the country fried steak with white gravy and mashed potatoes. While the steak was generous, they were a bit stingy with the gravy. The three-cheese macaroni was excellent. The cornbread muffin had whole kernels and was moist and sweet.
(3)Thomas L.
The OK Café is a 50s styled diner located on West Paces Ferry and Northside Drive. Writing a review for the restaurant is a bit more difficult than average due to the variety of food available. I've been there four to five times and there is still much on the menu I'd like to sample. Eating at the OK Café can be a somewhat hectic experience because it's always busy. My last visit was on a Tuesday afternoon at 3:00 PM and the place was virtually packed. That's to be expected with food this good, though. The Fried Pickle Chips are a must when visiting the restaurant. They are outstanding, especially with a side of ranch. I personally have not had better fried pickles in Atlanta. I also want to try fried jalapeno and cheese grits and homemade potato chips. Generally when I go to the OK Café I have the burgers. I have had their chicken fried chicken with white gravy which good, but not great. It wasn't much better than what one would get at the Cracker Barrel. The meatloaf is similarly good, but not great. The burgers, however, are among my favorite in Atlanta, along with The Vortex, US Café and 5 Guys. This and the appetizers are why I gave the OK Café four stars. One of their most popular burgers is the Rocket Burger, served with mozzarella cheese and fresh jalapenos. The fresh jalapenos actually have some heat and bite them and compliment the burger perfectly. However, my favorite item is their good, old fashioned bacon cheeseburger. It comes with either Cheddar, American, Pepper Jack, Mozzarella or Blue Cheese. I prefer mine cooked medium rare with blue cheese with a side of mayo. The fries are also outstanding. They're thinly cut and extra crispy. No soggy or half-cooked fries here. Finally, there are a number of desert items that look delicious but after eating an appetizer and gigantic burger I'm always too full. There is also an "OK Takeway" where one can get various items to go. Beware though, at $7.99/lb it can get pricey quickly. Pros: One of my favorite burgers in all of Atlanta. Awesome appetizers. Cons: Always busy. A short wait is nearly always required. Somewhat pricey considering it's a diner. Lunch for two cost $40 the last time I went. Verdict: Recommended.
(4)Christina W.
This is a great place to take friends from out of state. Expect a wait as it is always busy which is typically a good sign. The atmosphere is as busy as the restaurant. Back in the day, ,my friends and I tried to get together once a week to catch up and this is one of the places we could always agree upon. The vegetables are a winner for my vegetarian friends and the grilled cheese with bacon for the non-vegetarian friends. Went there recently again and the food hasn't changed. The service was okay, nothing spectacular. Again, this is a show off place for out of towners. Out of the south out of towners.
(3)Darryl M.
Very nice atmosphere with very little wait time around noon after Thanksgiving. Had my mouth fixed for breakfast only to discover that they don't server breakfast 24x7. Cutoff is 11am. Had the crabcakes and was disappointed with the portion size. More like appetizers although they were very good. Sweet potato fries were good. Service was outstanding and the kids meal selection was good. They brought my 3 yr a cheesburger that was good for two meals for him.
(4)Gerald G.
Just stopped in for a sec but tried the crab & artichoke dip and had to buy some. The crawfish & crab is awesome! Great atmosphere and food, the staff is 1st rate!
(4)Slim M.
?. ??. I am trying to figure out the madness surrounding this place. I went for the first time today and was thoroughly 100% disappointed. A friend and I waited in line for about 7 minutes to be seated. We were finally seated and our waitress took our order. It was pretty crowded at 8 A.M. for a Sunday, so I was thinking this food was going to be outta-control-good. I ordered the 3-egg omelette with green peppers, onions, and mushrooms. That comes with a choice of fries OR grits, biscuit OR toast. I opted for the biscuit and grits. She asked if I'd like cheese on my omelette; I rejected. I shouldn't have. Now, my grits- I have no complaint about. They were very creamy, a little buttery, and were good. The biscuit was nothing to go crazy about, but it didn't taste like a frozen biscuit. + for that. My omelette? Man. I wanted to personally go ask the chef, "Why did you do this? Just... why?" Why on earth would you serve raw onions, raw green peppers, and raw mushrooms in an omelette? The omelette itself had NO taste to it. No seasoning. After a couple bites, I began to wonder if it was actual eggs I was eating or egg substitute. It just did not taste good. I doused a bit of salt on the omelette to make it somewhat flavorful.That helped a little. After eating, my friend and I looked at each other, and both shook our heads and laughed. He didn't understand what the fuss was about this place, either. I dunno. Maybe we came on the wrong day, who knows. All I know is my meal was around $12, 13 and I don't see why. I notice a lot of reviewers referring to the lunch/dinner menu. Maybe I should have come later, because the breakfast was beyond disappointing. I don't know if I'd come back.
(1)Sam B.
The O.K. Cafe is a staple as far as Atlanta restaurants go. O.K. serves some of the best Southern food in Atlanta. Their Mac n Cheese is unlike any I've ever had before, and it's delicious. You pretty much can't go wrong with any entree there. They have really good milkshakes and breakfast as well. They also have a room in the back called "OK Takeaway." It's a buffet offering many of there staple entrees/side dishes along with some other good food not included on the regular menu (the chicken wings are really good). My only complaint about OK Takeaway is that it's too expensive. You pay by weight, and most of the time it ends up being more expensive than getting a meal from the main restaurant. Verdict - great southern food, friendly service, great overall restaurant.
(4)Mark T.
Continuing my culinary tour of all the places I have missed since leaving Atlanta, I stopped at the OK Cafe. Actually this was my third attempt - two other restaurants I placed higher on my list I discovered had closed - but OK wasn't too far from my hotel and I do miss the place. The good thing is that it is open 24 hours, so you can stop by whenever you are hungry. The interior is a retro diner and the waitresses still wear the uniforms. If you want southern comfort food, here it is. My favorite thing they used to have was the lima beans, but apparently those are gone. The Mac & Cheese is good too, as is the squash souffle. I went with the squash and a sweet potato as my sides with the meatloaf. It comes with a corn bread roll as well - and I swear, I ordered and 5 minutes later it was on my table. The portions are big and the price is affordable. I ate about half of the plate and was full. With a soda, it was about $14. Sometimes the place is packed. I was fortunate yesterday that I arrived a little before the Friday dinner crowd and didn't have a wait. Good good, good prices, good service. A must try.
(4)Charlie F.
Overall the food was pretty good but considering the menu focuses on sustainability, I thought there would be a few more healthier options. Not a single vegan item on the menu without ordering a salad minus meat and cheese. I would have loved to see a vegan omelet option and a healthier option to the standard high fructose corn syrup condiments. I tried the veggie burger, though I am sure it is mot vegan. It fell apart, but was really tasty and looked as though it was made in house (not frozen). Another negative is that the menu didn't offer children size portions. The waitress offered a smaller portion but for the price break we would have done better ordering a regular entree and sharing or taking leftovers home. Overall: if your not worried about your fried food, fat, and meat intake you will absolutely love it, but it seems with a little more attention this place could maintain a simple menu with healthier options.
(3)Liz V.
I normally get take out here on the side where you pay per pound. Although this service is very convenient, it is also a test of will. How can you not walk out paying well over $20 for take out? I have a weakness for their meatloaf and creamed corn, not to mention their spinach and dessert items. Every time I walk up to the smiling guy standing in front of the scale I break out in to a cold sweat. I make it in to a carnival game and I try to tease the guy by saying "guess the weight!" but he never plays my little game. Who are we kidding? Even if you sit down in the restaurant you're not walking out with a table below $20! And whoever put the Rice Krispie Treats by the register is evil! Who can resist those?
(4)JAN k.
Very excellent. Service,food, and even the atmosphere...which normally does not mean much to me. Be sure to check out the fans on the ceiling. Anyhow back to the food. We ordered 2 dinners..meatloaf,extra sauce,collards, cabbage and pot liquor..turkey.,dressing, gravy,fresh peas(vod) and greenbeans. Every thing was yummy even the corny cornbread.With tip about 30us$. We drink water. What I really like is that the servers help everyone to make sure you have good service.
(5)Melissa L.
A pot licker is not the same as a pot sticker. First thing you should know when going to OK Cafe. They give you Tootsie Rolls after your meal :) How can that not make you happy? Last time I was there I ordered the country fried steak. When the waitress placed the plate on the table in front of me, I wanted to go hog wild. I wanted to shove my entire face in the plate and devour it like a wild animal! I controlled myself though. I ate like a polite homo sapien. I used my opposable thumbs and everything! I have never had anything bad at this place, and that is saying something. I am picky, sensitive, and sometimes a bit snobbish.
(5)Daniela P.
So good! This place is great! The quality of the food was excellent. Everything was so fresh and had so much flavor. The shakes were amazing!
(5)RIKETA C.
I heart OK-cafe's Mac and Cheese.....I could eat it everyday. I never really eat in the main dining room, but I have eaten from the to-go buffet several times. Everything is so good, but I think it's something like $6.99/lb (I may be wrong). I never really paid attention to how much a pound of food really was until I had to measure it and let me tell you -one slice of meatloaf and a few spoonfuls of mashed potatoes reaches 16 ozs pretty quickly...so as a result you end up paying like $14-16 for a regular plate of food....I never feel good about that when I leave so as a result I dont eat here very often... I shouldn't have to save up to eat at the to-go area of OK Cafe, and that is why it only gets three stars... But that mac and cheese seriously rivals my gravy addiction.....
(3)Mick D.
A worthy Atlanta tradition. Solid, Southern diner fare. With milkshakes. And get this: The staff sings while they work. And not the "hey it's your birthday" kind of singing, but the genuine kind of carefree & happy singing going to and from tables, and back in the kitchen. To me, that's an sign of true working happiness. Staff here is a big family. They like each other, and enjoy working with each other. Any restaurant that can put their staff into that happy frame of mind is going to turn out food made with the same fun-loving spirit. And that's why I am a fan. That's probably also why they say they serve more people than any full-service restaurant in Atlanta. The food is fantastic. Organic beef. Healthy creations next to diner-crowd-pleasers. Service is friendly. And I am always happy to go there, even if there's a wait. Did I mention they have milkshakes?
(5)Tracey A.
Been eating at OK Cafe for years and years and have never (ever!) had a disappointing or bad meal. From the 'retro' diner uniforms the waitresses wear to the melt-in-your-mouth mac & cheese, everything is Spot On. Everytime. Some of my personal favorites: their meatloaf (sooo good), the aforementioned mac&cheese (this stuff should win the Nobel Peace Prize... seriously, you can FEEL the love when you eat it..), the corn (don't ask me why, but it's the BEST corn ever..), and the home-made chocolate milkshakes. Prepare to wait if you come during the lunch rush... but it's SOO worth it. Total Southern Comfort Food!
(5)Michael K.
Pay with cash!!! Do NOT use credit/debit cards. They have processing issues. My $55 dinner charge was run FOUR times on my account. According to manager Aaron, this happens a lot. Do not appreciate all the time I had to invest to straighten this out with my bank. Will not eat here again. FAIL UPDATE. Raised from 1 to 4 stars. Got a personal note from owner as well as a correction to my account. Still took a week and a phone call to sort out and still not happy about a restaurant that steals money from me. But, I will give them the 4 stars for southern comfort food.
(4)Skillet P.
Generous portions and great service. We went on a Sunday morning and they were packed. After a 10 - 15 minute wait we were seated. Our waitress was fast and efficient. I got the turkey and dressing with mashed potatoes and mac and cheese (don't judge me) and everything was delicious. I was a little on the pricey side for my budget but worth it.
(4)Becky E.
Such a fun place. The waitresses dress in straight-up legit diner uniforms. Reminds me of the old diners I used to go to with my great-grandparents growing up. Seriously a blast from the past, in a good way. My husband and I went for breakfast and shared fresh-squeezed OJ, blueberry pancakes, turkey sausage, cheese grits, biscuits, and a friend egg (hey, we wanted to taste it all). It was very, very good. I would definitely recommend this place for breakfast when you are in the area. Interesting fact: the diner is named after the "OK Cafe" in "To Kill A Mockingbird," and there is a note from Harper Lee framed and posted on the wall, written to the owners of the diner. Very cool!
(5)Maria S.
Until recently, my only dining experience at OK Cafe was for breakfast with clients or colleagues - the so-called "power breakfast." The food was decent, the service efficient, and business was transacted over coffee, eggs and grits. Power breakfasts aside, the OK Cafe is also a fine place for lunch or dinner, if you're looking for some old-fashioned southern comfort food. Stick with the southern specialties and come hungry; the portions are plentiful. If you're feeding a crowd, start with an order of the fried pickles. Not too greasy or salty, these tart little morsels burst with flavor. Next, opt for a bowl of the vegetable soup. It's loaded with fresh veggies--always a good thing in my book. I'm partial to the veggie plate as well. (Sense a trend?) Be sure to get the stewed okra if it's available as a special. Delicious!
(3)Greg J.
Our friends from Atlanta took us here the day we arrived for a visit. Little did we know we were in store for some true Southern good eats. And speaking of good eats, we heard that Alton Brown eats here. That's a very good sign. And after our experience here it's not a surprise... It's excellent food and terrific service. You can't judge a book from it's cover. At first go glance you'd think this was just a humdrum place - it's in a strip mall and the neon sign makes you think it's more a of a burger and fries joint. But it's not. The only bad thing is that we didn't leave room for dessert. Next time I want to try some pecan pie!
(4)Antwanika S.
I don't know, the take out section here (separate from dine-in) is a hit or miss. The first few times I had it (years ago) it was very good. The last few times (recently), it is very mediocre food that I end up trashing most of. What makes it worse is that the takeout is super expensive. The charge by the pound I assume. But I always average $12-$16 and usually can't even make "seconds" out it. The fried chicken on that side is excellent, not sure about the other meat. It does not look appetizing to me. The corn muffins are excellent, but they charge you 50 cents for one. I say stick with the dine-in side. I only ate there once. It was very good. I hope it's no a hit or miss. I will say that I've always encountered VERY friendly staff there.
(2)Neriyah J.
the mac and cheese is very delicious- on a good day so is the cornbread dressing..the service here is delightful-and i have never had a problem with long wait times .my kids enjoy the grilled cheese its got all the ooey gooeyness that they crave
(4)Corey P.
The Okay Cafe is one of my favorite places to eat. Last week I had their meatloaf sandwich on sour dough bread. It was excellent! I also love their chicken fried chicken with white gravy.
(4)Meg C.
The OK Cafe is, well, OK. I thought it was really pricey and overrated, much like the lovely Kathleen M did. I was dragged in here on a Sunday lunch by some friends who swore up and down it would be the best breakfast ever... I'm from Decatur where we have a history of good breakfast, from the long defunct Southern Star to the currently running Pastries A Go Go, so I'm always skeptical when someone raves about breakfast. Since we were a bigger party, we managed to land a table pretty quickly, but if we'd only been two or three I can tell the wait would have been longer. I ordered sweet tea, which to the server's credit never went dry, and then started going through half the items on the menu to find something that I could eat/afford that they still had in stock. All I really wanted was a biscuit, grits, and bacon and they were out of grits (which I've NEVER heard of) and the bacon arrived completely charred. The server was VERY nice and offered to get me replacements or substitutions, but when you're not really hungry and you have something in mind it's hard to get replacements... a friend suggested I try the fried grits since they have to do those ahead of time, so I went for it and they were pretty good. Not great since I was trying not to eat fried things, but I'd definitely have them again. They brought out more bacon after the server noticed I'd pawned mine off on someone else (after it scratched the crap out of my gums) but it was still surprisingly crunchy. They ended up comping most of my bill without me requesting the courtesy (I'd expected to just pay the original bill cost) so all I paid for was the tea, and the biscuit was good, but I'd just as soon go to Pastries, Flying Biscuit, J Christopher's... any other number of places before I come back here. I just wasn't impressed enough with the food to pay the price they're asking.
(2)Ed W.
I like this place. Even though I don't live in Atlanta, when I travel there I usually stay in Buckhead and am usually driving past the OK Cafe at some point. It is a consistent, delicious breakfast. Talk about a mound of food. After a few cocktails the night before, I devoured bacon, eggs, potatoes and a biscuit. The bacon was thick, which is a plus. The eggs had a nice buttery taste to them. While the biscuit was not as delicious as at the Flying Biscuit, it was still hot and tasted fresh. Maybe it's a frozen special but it didn't taste like it. The potatoes were some of the best I've had in awhile. My wife was craving bacon and eggs but the French toast, as well. So she got both. A half order of French toast was gigantic. We nearly needed to be carted out of the restaurant. My wife, a former Atlanta native, forgot to order a chocolate shake to go, which she claims are suburb. And the service? A+. We got everything we needed before we even asked for it. Drink refill? Done. Dropped a fork? Here's another. Ready for the check? It's already on the table. Solid.
(4)Thomas M.
So I got "Steven Wright-ed" last night. For those of you who don't know him, Steven Wright is a really funny, very dry comedian. Just Google him. Anyway, after going all the way up to Buford to watch a high school football game last night we were starving by the time we got back ITP. I suggested we stop by OK cafe as it was just past 11:00 PM, they're open 24 hours and Allison had never been but has had to listen to me talk about it for some time. Well, we walk up to the door and it was locked. I stood back and looked up at the neon sign that says "Open All Day." I looked back at the door and noticed a sign which had their operating hours on it (closes at 11:00 PM on Saturday night). So I looked back at the giant red neon sign that says "Open All Day" and then back at the hours on the door. After quickly doing some math in my head (which is tough by the way) I came to the conclusion that their "All Day" no longer means 24 hours at OK Cafe. Fail. Oh, how did I get Steven Wright-ed you ask? Well, he has a joke about something similar: I went down the street to the 24-hour grocery. When I got there, the guy was locking the front door. I said, 'Hey, the sign says you're open 24 hours.' He said, 'Yes, but not in a row.' - Steven Wright
(1)Jim L.
This place survives by its undeserved reputation. Some locals think it's great ... it's not. Average food prepared in an average fashion. Most boring burger I have ever experienced. Biscuits and gravy horrible (biscuits cold and hard; gravy tasteless). Chicken Pot Pie is a joke! It was a bowl of chicken soup with a pastry crust crouton floating on top ... I kid you not! Has been open 25 years to my amazement. Certainly does not deserve above two stars. OK Cafe proves that Southerners will eat almost anything.
(2)Annabel T.
I'm a California girl who wanted nothing but Southern food in Atlanta. My friend brought me here and I'm so glad she did! Parking is plentiful in the shopping center. Service was fantastic. I tend to like "veggies" more than the entrees. For non-southerners "veggies" are side dishes. I recommend: Arnold Palmer - perfect balance of bitter and tangy sweet. Unlimited refills! Mac and Cheese Squash Souffle Pot Likker (soup from collard greens) Key Lime Pie Some of their items are available in frozen entree packages so you can take it to go. I can't wait to come back again!
(4)Wanda J.
Not bad for southern/comfort food. My sister and I shared the chicken pot pie, mac n cheese, and collards. The chicken pot pie was a tad runnier than I would've liked it, but the flavor was there. It also had enough chicken chunks to feed a small army. I liked the puffed pastry on top, I kind of wish there was more of it. The mac n cheese was creamy, cheesy, and buttery. It was all that mac n cheese is supposed to be. Yum! The collards were very good too. They were perfectly cooked with the right texture, not soggy. We also shared the brownie sundae and oreo milkshake, which were excellent. One milkshake fed 4 people. It kind of reminded me of the time Jesus fed the crowd with just a couple of fish and few loaves of bread. We split the milkshake by 4 and still had some leftover! Amazing! OK Cafe is definitely a decent place for comfort food, however, be prepared to spend some money. I would say that everything is about $2-4 more than it really should be.
(4)Steven H.
I am NOT a morning guy, but I happily roll out of bed when I get the chance to trek to the OK Cafe on a Sunday morning for breakfast. Friendly waitresses and outstanding food keep me looking forward to my next visit. I'll be succinct: I love this place.
(5)Marcus G.
Great diner atmosphere with great southern comfort food. A little on the pricey side, but well worth the price when compared to other southern food establishments in Atlanta (most of them are greatly over-rated). Ok Cafe fits the bill and is a staple of Atlanta......I would recommend it 1000 times!!!
(4)Nekiba M.
I've gone pass this place for years and I finally decided to try the place out last year. I'm now addicted to this place for my southern food fix away from home. My favorites are the turkey and dressing, chicken-fried steak, and I can't forget their awesome mac and cheese. It is is also here they serve the BEST COCONUT CAKE EVER!!!!!
(5)Stacey F.
I have to confess that I am not a huge fan of OK Cafe's breakfast menu. They pretty much stick to eggs/omelets, pancakes, with a couple of healthy choices thrown in. However, I let my OH pick and had to go along with him. He LOVES the atmosphere. We arrived around 10am on a Tuesday, so no wait and the place was only 1/3 full. Water, coffee, and skim milk (for me to use as creamer) came to the table quite quickly. Nothing was exciting me, so I ordered the 'Powerhouse Scrambled Eggs' with grits and a biscuit. OH chose the grilled cheese (on wheat) and we split one pancake. We waited quite a long time to get our food. Luckily, the coffee refills kept coming. But, I did not understand the wait since (as I mentioned) the restaurant was not very full. Finally, our food arrived and it was clear that my eggs had been sitting under a heat lamp. They were hot, but looked kind of congealed. His grilled cheese looked and tasted fresh, so I wonder if my eggs waited endlessly for his sandwich to be ready. The grits and biscuit were good, but the less said about the eggs, the better. And, the pancake was absolutely nothing special. I only had 1-2 bites before sending it across the table for him to eat. Maybe I'm spoiled by the delicious oatmeal pancakes at Flying Biscuit, but the OK Cafe pancake was kind of grim--flat and without much flavor--even with butter and syrup. The total for breakfast was $24 which seems about average for us, but I felt a bit ripped off when we left since my food was not satisfying. At least the servers keep the coffee coming, though. Pet peeve: OK Cafe only offers sugar and Sweet n' Low. Kind of annoying that you have to remember to bring Equal or Splenda if that's what you prefer.
(3)Qanelle J.
Nice Southern comfort food. It's not upscale or a dive, and it reminds me of a smaller Claim Jumpers but without the stupid theme I ordered the roasted turkey with gravy and cornbread. Delicious! Our group enjoyed some sweet potato fries with melted blue cheese and that was delicious too. I really wish they had fried chicken and fried catfish but unfortunately they weren't on the menu. Southern food is soooo good but it's bad for the waistline.
(4)Kathy H.
For the longest time I thought, eh, OK Cafe is just OK. Went back for a second go round. So glad I did. Every mouth watering morsel of my so very fresh to order Turkey Avacado sandwich was so good. Things I love. The timer when you alk in that tells you your approximate wait time. The decor, the uniforms, the service. So cute, and such southern hospitality.
(4)Lisa B.
I have been to OK Cafe twice - once for breakfast and once for dinner. My first experience here was at dinner and overall I was less than impressed. It was just way over priced and the food wasn't even good. I was so unimpressed that I didn't come back for several years - until yesterday. A friend and I decided to meet up for breakfast and she suggested OK Cafe. I was really hesitant but decided to go with it since it was centrally located for both of us. We arrived around 9:30 and to my surprise there was no wait. In fact there were so few cars in the parking lot I was unsure if they were even open. By the time we left at 11 it was jam packed though. Anyway, the service was decent and the food was actually way better than I had predicted. I ordered scrambled eggs and crispy bacon served with potatoes and a biscuit. It was all REALLY good. The eggs weren't over cooked, the bacon was the perfectly prepared to my liking and the potatoes were great. I would definitely come back for breakfast...I vote they start serving breakfast all day long so that I can come back with my friends for dinner and get something I know I will enjoy.
(3)Carrie Neal W.
One of my top, oh, three, comfort foods ever?? OK Cafe's mac and cheese!!! Perfect combination of cheese and noodle, just enough breading . . . ahhhh. The only caveat to mention is that they charge you by the ounce if you get it from the to-go/deli area - and it is soo easy to spend a lot more than you'd think on this mac and cheese!!!
(5)Jinny Y.
3.5 stars Quick Overview: Chicken pot pie: good stuff Mac n cheese side: again very good Collard green side: good greens, not too wilty, good texture, not too salty Cornbread muffin: so yummy! I like the bits of real corn Overall loved it, probably not good for the waist, but it was yummy either way I went to OK Cafe last week with Wanda J. and Co. It was my first time there and I liked it. The food seemed a bit overpriced for diner food, but the food was good so you can't complain. I shared the chicken pot pie, mac n cheese, collard greens, and cornbread muffin with Wanda J. Plenty of food for the two of us. The chicken pot pie was yummy. I like the touch of the "OK" on the puff pastry. Mac n cheese was super cheesy, a little oily, but good. Wanda J. really liked the collard greens. We also shared desserts. Brownie sundae = meh just an average, nothing special, brownie with ice cream Oreo milkshake. I can't give a good review on this because we ate the brownie sundae first and it tainted our taste buds. I think this would've been a lot better if we didn't have the extra sweet taste of brownie left in our mouths.
(3)Juichia C.
The food was very comforting and good, hearty large portions. The service was fast and friendly. Chicken nuggets - nicely fried, tender, not too dry, great sweet and sour sauce on the side Fries - nothing special Pot Roast - extremely tender chunk of meat with tendon cooked till it's falling apart, very very flavorful and delicious Collard greens - nice, not too mushy Waldorf salad - very nicely seasoned, great fresh ingredients Country fried steak - nice flavor, thin batter, very good Corn bread - moist, soft, delicious Overall, this place serves great comfort food, definitely the place to go if you're in the mood to just dig in and enjoy some familiar flavors.
(3)Cindy A.
Awesome veggies! Southern food done right. Best cornbread ever! Yum! Must try the banana bread pudding!!!
(5)Krystal M.
After nearly three years in Atlanta, I experienced my very first visit to Ok Cafe for a Friday work lunch. First, I would advise don't go for lunch if you have to go back to work, because you will want to take a long nap after such a hefty and delicious meal! I ended up ordering the Grilled Grouper sandwich on a wheat bun and got mac n' cheese on the side (anytime I visit a restaurant that serves mac n' cheese, it's a must that I try it) . Anyway, the food came out pretty quickly and it was delicious, my favorite part of the meal was the mac n' cheese -- the texture was perfect and had some type of herb mixed in with it, which was a nice touch. Also, their sweet tea is fabulous -- be sure to try it mixed with their lemonade -- so refreshing! Overall, the service was prompt and straightforward, I loved the waitresses' outfits (but I'm sure they hate them) and I will definitely be back. I will have to try their breakfast and write an update to my review based on that experience. Happy eating!
(4)Leanne B.
Wow, I loved this place more than I expected. The quality of the food was much higher than you usually get at diners and cafes--I love that the beef is organic, and the eggs actually have flavor and are not greasy. We really enjoyed all the food and the service was great. As we were leaving around noon on a Sunday there were probably 50 people in line waiting for tables--no joke! We loved it and will definitely be back.
(4)Rick F.
POWER BREAKFAST! This is the place where business gets done PERIOD! It is amazing to sit on the bench wait for your table and watch the action, people watching and glad handing that is going on all morning. Many Buckhead politicos and power brokers are holding court here. I love it! This is to be my regular spot for power breakfasts moving forward. Plus the food and service are great! Place is spotless, I love the design, atmosphere and the bathrooms are clean. Whats not love here!
(4)Byron W.
Drove past OK Cafe many a time before stopping and I'm glad I finally stopped. I've never ordered anything other than pot roast. Why? Order it and you'll understand (just like grandma used to make). Homemade mashed potatoes are great, too. Too bad they are no longer open 24hrs... Everyone I have ever taken there has enjoyed what they ordered. Service is good...not perfect, but whose is these days? If you're in ATL and you liked southern food, this is a must!
(4)Jamie H.
Want great, old fashioned food the way mom used to make it? This is the place for you! The restaurant itself reminds me of my great grandmothers' eat in kitchen. The kitschy decor, sixties style window treatments, the brightly colored knick-knacks and lamps, and if that isn't enough to bring me back-the menu surely does it every time! Most of the menu entrees are between $10-15, and are basically a meat and two vegetables served with a corn muffin. The menu also boasts several sandwiches and salads to choose from if you want for something lighter. The menu items that make me feel like home include: pot roast, country fried steak, meatloaf, chicken pot-pie, salmon, trout almondine, turkey and dressing, and roasted chicken. The servings are huge and the corn muffins are melt in your mouth awesome. If you happen to have room after all of that, then please make sure to order the strawberry shortcake! You will not be disappointed (and neither will the other 3 people at your table because it's big enough for everyone to enjoy, haha). If you would like something a bit less heavy, they do offer malts, shakes, and rootbeer floats. The icing on the cake? When they bring you the check, they deliver it with some yummy tootsie rolls to take with you on your way. Separate portion of the restaurant is for To-Go orders so you don't have to wait in a long line. Okay Cafe is open late and has plenty of parking making this a place you've got to visit! One final tip? If you hate having to call or go in to find out what the wait is, they have a large sign right outside the door that tells you the wait time down to the minute. :)
(4)Josh B.
Atmosphere and service were good. The food was bland and uninspired. Overall this place is just blah. Way better options in this town. Also why offer high chairs and booster seats and stuff for kids, but then not have a children's menu??
(1)Dionne A.
Service good. Food good.
(3)Draft M.
Standard breakfast fare. Clean facility with prompt and courteous service. I've enjoyed better...but I've seen far worse. First visit, but seems like the place is consistent, given the large number of regulars in attendance the morning we were here.
(3)Kristin B.
The food almost didn't matter. The signed copy of "To Kill A Mockingbird" by the hostess stand made this English major's heart go pitter patter. How could you not love a restaurant named after one of Scout and Jem's haunts? It was full on Thursday morning for breakfast, and the wait for the food reflected that. But the cheery waitresses kept the coffee flowing, and really, who cares if you have to wait as long as you're fully caffeinated? The orange juice was truly fresh squeezed, and all the breakfast items had that great homemade fullness to them. You don't get pancakes like these at IHOP, that's for sure. OK Cafe's location right next to 75 means that I won't have an excuse to stay away for long.
(4)Ben O.
Nobody told me OK Cafe is beloved, so when my lemon wedge was rotten (not dried out, not wilted, but rotten -- see the photo I uploaded), I wasn't constrained by tradition. I'm not a fan of any restaurant that neither notices nor cares that it's serving rotting food.
(1)Jacob P.
We went in today to get breakfast at around 11:30, because I thought this was one of those places that served breakfast like all day. .......They stopped serving breakfast at 11! lol. we slept late, not really, we just wanted breakfast ok!! Well after we readjusted our stomach's to accept lunch now (and I had a pregnant woman with me), it was all good. My wife ordered a BLT. I ordered the Trout, fries, and mac and cheese. Melissa was our server and she was awesome!!!! I would totally love to have her be our server every time. We saw they had specialty "non-alcoholic" drinks on their menu. One was a "Black Cow"- root beer float! mmmmmmhm. So good. They had another called the "Pink Lady", it had homemade pink lemonade with cherry grenadine, soooooo good. Also before I knew they weren't serving breakfast, I had ordered some fresh squeezed O.J. It was so good and yummy. Our main dishes came out and they were good not excellent but good. It was hot, it was tasty, but it wasn't "smack my mama good!" Good enough to go back and try other items on the menu though. I will go back and get one of their homemade lemon-ginger cookies from the counter top/register area. Soooo good. Made me want to sit back down and order some of their other homemade desserts. Next time!! I will definitely go back. Hopefully I will be able to bump this up to 4 stars instead of 3. The decor in this place was fun. The service was top notch. The main meals I think are what are going to bring this up a star.
(3)Don W.
I don't know what the hype is about. Sure, the decor is diner-cute, but the food is standard at best. Sit-down service was very slow the one time I've come for lunch. I've tried the take-away food bar a few times and the food was OK, but dang is it overpriced! I paid $14 for an average-sized plate of side dishes. I won't be back.
(2)Shawn M.
The OK Cafe is alright, ya'll! We rolled up the the O-K-C at about 9:45pm, got seated right away, greeted by our sweet-as-fresh-peach-pie server who brought us our diet cokes (with lemon!) and almost immediately after that, our pickle chips (seriously, get the pickle chips... delish!) I've only ever ordered the BLT, which is incredible... I was also eyeballing Shawn R's Grilled cheese... if he'd have turned his head, that baby woulda been mine (insert diabolical laughter here). I generally grab one of those brownies by the register on the way out... Brownies for almost a week, yo! Overall, the OK Cafe is more than just OK, it's snack-tacular.
(4)Wayne J.
This has been one of my favorite places to eat for years. The food is very good. No matter what I order, I always have the baked sweet potato with brown sugar, butter and pecans, the waldorf salad and the macaroni and cheese. I love their corn bread. The take out section is great if you don't want to cook, but be careful, it can get quite expensive (it is charged by weight).
(4)Patrick s.
For the love of Christ I can't understand why people rate this restaurant 2 or even 3 stars. It is NOTHING like I.H.O.P or Denny's or any other generic crap you dim-witted morons might put near your weak little palates. You don't come to this establishment for eggs and coffee...(meh, it was O.K....get it? O.K.) You eat good southern comfort food. Next time you're there you might try the Turkey dinner with the wonderful rich gravy and the walnut, cranberry, apple sauce which adds a splendid contrast to the richness of the stuffing and turkey. The mac and Cheese, the squash casserole. OR you could try the Brunswick stew with all of it's hearty tomato goodness. Or how about the Wonderful hot bowl of chunky vegetable soup with a flavorful broth loaded with veggies. Morons. Please. Pros: Good southern comfort food with eclectic decor, friendly staff and quality ingredients. Cons: Almost always busy. Tell ya something?
(5)Christine P.
My co-worker and I had lunch at the OK Cafe this week for her birthday. I had never eaten hear before but she said it was great. Our booth overlooked the to go section of the restaurant, which was kind of neat. I ordered the chicken (baked or rotisserie) chicken, collard greens and sweet potato. I was pleasantly surprised that the sweet stuff for the sweet potato was on the side because I prefer to eat them plain. The collards were very tasty and not too soggy. My chicken was good but kind of dry. I will probably choose some other meat on my next visit. My co-worker ordered the turkey and dressing with collards and mac-n-cheese. Instead of mac-n-cheese, she got the squash casserole. She didn't complain because - 1) the waitress was gone and 2) she said it was good. I could have used a little more tea, but our waitress did not reappear until she dropped off the check. The food was for the most part very good and I would eat there again. I would probably also bring out-of-town guests here if this was the type of food they were in the mood for. The restaurant is very busy, so be prepared to wait - the bigger your party, the longer the wait. You may have to park in one of the grocery store spots and walk over instead of waiting for a closer spot.
(4)J L.
Aw, I just want to give the OK Cafe a kiss on the cheek. They can't help it that they're just not that amazing anymore. I consider this place an Atlanta road-stop. I've been going here forever, and ev-er, and evvvv errrr. It gets old because the food doesn't "really" change. They have tasty desserts, a good hamburger, and a hearty vegetable plate. I recommend: Fried Okra (peppery&delicious), chocolate cake, burgers, and crab cakes and the mac n' cheese. I had a "first" here. It was the sweet potato chips with bleu cheese. Get the cheese grits appetizer, it's really tasty. In other greasy news, SOMETHING worth talking about is their OK-To Go, take out section. They've gotten so much better, and it's a good place to pick up dinner for a few days. They have a wider selection, and sometimes it's actually better than dining in, in my opinion. You can get things there that they don't even serve for dine-in. The waitresses need new outfits. Sorry. :/
(3)C C.
Loved this place! We sat at the counter and could watch the line cooks preparing the food. They were amazing and incredibly efficient! Just had a burger and it was terrific. Loved the fried pickle too. Vanilla shake and fries were good too. After watching them prep the food, I'd like to go back and try some more dishes.
(4)Ian R.
I'm glad our waitress forgot I ordered a milkshake, because I was already stuffed! Great service, great food (can't say I'm a fan of seeing a female only waitstaff and male only kitchen staff, but I guess that's part of their olde-tyme motif). From the outside, I was half expecting this place to serve breakfast all day, but that didn't matter once I heard about the specials. I ordered the fried chicken breast with two sides. Chicken was crispy on the outside, juicy on this inside with great spices that reminded my girlfriend of Pofolks. My sides were great, and I was especially surprised to find a diner that pulls off tabouli so well. And to top it off I had the best cornbread muffin I've had since moving to Atlanta (to which I need to say that the entire south has really disappointed me with its dry cornbread). Overall, this place was a flavor explosion, and by appearance and taste alone I am convinced that they must have great coffee and breakfast. I'll need to return to find out for myself. Just be careful in the parking lot - the locals only fail to run you over if they think the blood will soil their benz.
(4)Rani C.
We tried it for breakfast. Go in from entrance facing the Publix. Some food was cold like the turkey sausage. I tested DH's plate and his was cold too, so I don't think that was a fluke. Service was good. Brightly lit. Seems a bit more awake than Flying Biscuit at 7 a.m. We might try it again but this time for Southern fare dinner.
(2)Jennifer J.
Five stars it is. I went today with a group from work for my annual Thanksgiving lunch and it was fantastic. The service was perfect and the food was spot on. Yes, I am still a sucker for the turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, green beans and corn muffins. Yes, I said muffins because they're that tasty. Their sweet tea may leave you with diabetes but hey it's the south, so suck it up and deal with it, because it's damn good.
(5)Elaina T.
My love and I just came home from breakfast. I had a ham & cheese omelet w/mushies, onions, & pepps. He had griddle cakes, bacon, & home fries. I was pleased from the decor & friendly greeting to the polite & efficient waitress Michelle, to the food. Fluffy omelet, nicely stuffed w/cubes of ham & sauteed (yet still firm) veggies. My love was pleased with his meal as well. We both enjoyed the apple butter (love that stuff!). Halfway into the meal, the place was PACKED full of hungry suits (& loafers)on their way to work. I say the suits know their breakfast, because we'll definitely return...and next time I'll wear my loafers.
(4)Scott K.
It's been awhile since I have eaten here, but a very memorable meal. The mac and cheese is absolutely the best I have ever eaten. I ate the blueplate special (roasted turkey w/ gravy) and it was excellent. It was pretty crowded and I think we waited five minutes at the most to be seated. Seemed kinda hectic, but the waitress handled it pretty well. Overall, pleased with the service....neat place to eat
(4)Max J.
OK Café is not. Oh my I ate way too much food. It's a great option if you want to get away from the downtown city center for some good ole' country cooking. Think of this a independent cracker barrel. I had a fried chicken breast, collard greens, green beans and sweet tea. The food was massive and I felt my arteries slowing after the meal. Interestingly enough I went to dinner where I was the only southerner used to this kind of food. All my friends seemed right at home. I've never seen a latino put so much while gravy on turkey meat and be so happy before. Two stars to OK café, the food was good, but anything dripping in that much gravy would be. Make sure to stop by here if you have a big night of drinking planned and need something to soak up all that misadventure.
(2)jimmy s.
I've only been here for breakfast, but I've been a few times and have never been impressed. This place is seriously overrated, frequented by a very particular clientele. The menu is boring, the food itself is "fine", but not worth the wait that it so often has. The place is comfortable and the service is good though. Goldberg's is a much better value right across the parking lot.
(2)Tracy J.
My last stop in Atlanta was Ok Cafe, Thank you people of yelp for making this great selection. I got there at 2:00pm and there was about a 10 minute wait, which was a good sign. My waitress was friendly and recommended I go with the chicken fried steak, mac and cheese and collard greens. What a great combo, I believe it was about 12$ and there was no way I was gonna finish all this food. The mac and cheese was above average, something i would order again. The collard greens were good but I don't have alot to compare them to. The gravy on the chicken fried steak was extremely good, the gravy took it from an good dish to an awesome one. Next time in Atlanta I will be stopping at Ok Cafe.
(4)Lindsay C.
The OK Cafe isn't exactly the talk of the town or the latest foodie hot spot, but they have two things that the newer ATL establishments don't have. Consistency and tenure! I've been coming here for almost 15 years. First as my first "ITP" dinner in high school, on to delicious group dinners in college, and now I do the business breakfast here with the occasional OK Takeaway. In 15 years, I have never been disappointed. Definitely get the sweet tea. Enjoy a corn muffin slathered in butter. I typically go for the 'veggie' plate that involves far too much salt, carbs, and fat. In case you aren't from around these parts... that's a good thing! :) The service is always speedy, sweet, and solid. So glad I can count on the OK Cafe for a good meal, good company, reasonable prices, and big portions. Like! Oh... and who doesn't love a restaurant with an actual money tree in it?
(4)John G.
I will give 3 stars but thats a strectch...I have had breakfast lunch and dinner here and I cant say anything is that great, its OK as the name implies..If I had to have a favorite meal it would be breakfast, they do a pretty decent pancake with bacon, the pancake is huge I could never eat it all a generous portion of bacon, coffee is weak, and they always give you a tootsie roll with the bill. It is not cheap to eat here plan on around $10 pp
(3)Vincent K.
******3.5 Stars******* So on a cloudy sunday morning the gf and I awoke from our slumber and immediately a craving for breakfast food hit me. I contemplated whether i should spend the $15 dollars at publix and grind away at the kitchen for 30-40 min for a meal that altho would be quite tasty I would not feel like eating anymore or if i should take the time to go out and eat. Around my area there was a waffle house (aka grease trap) and a few other misc. selections... not really feeling it from these places i decided to venture out to OK Cafe since I had seen some reviews for the restaurant scattered around the internets. After getting directions via google the drive was short and quaint on west paces ferry passing the governor's mansion etc... coming up to an intersection i saw the unique building that was OK Cafe (Hard to miss since the name is plastered all over the building). As i pulled into the parking lot there seemed to be a lack of spaces to park, but seeing the hour (12 pm or so) on a Sunday i wasn't suprised. We circled a few times around and parked. When we walked in the parking lot was a good indication of the wait (LOOOOONG). Being a party of two and not wanting to wait to eat since we were hungry already my gf and i decided to sit at the counter which was quite interesting. Our waitress got us our menus and waters and we looked over the menu. We had gone in for breakfast and surprisingly at the OK Cafe their breakfast menu wasn't nearly laid out as well as the other selections. We asked the waitress for some help and we finally settled on a combo plate of eggs, breakfast potatoes, sausage and pancakes that my gf and i would split. After watching the hustle and bustle of the kitchen, i knew i had ordered the wrong thing. The skillets they were cooking looked amazing as did the omelets, not to mention the sandwiches. Since the order was already put in i didn't do much to change and instead opted to see how our food would turn out. When it finally came the eggs were cooked to our liking and everything else tasted as expected. The one highlight were the pancakes which were sweet unto themselves and required little syrup. the batter cooked up fluffy and the fruit in the pancakes were actually fruit. Overall don't go to OK Cafe for your usual breakfast foods... go more for their skillets and omelets and southern cooking and you shouldn't be disappointed... we ended up leaving the CAFE after roughly $14 with tip (remember we split the breakfast)... not bad, not great... would be open to trying it again if i was in the area... would i make a trip out there again? maybe not... OK Cafe was a little better than OK but not Good, but i guess that doesn't make such a great name 'Not quite good, but good Cafe'
(3)Kitty C.
After a long international flight, we came here for take out. We've eaten in the restaurant before and the food is solid for the price. Good southern cooking and a hot full meal. Take out was a surprisingly expensive though in comparison. At 7.99 per lb, they were more expensive than whole foods (5.99/lb)! I took home a half slice of meatloaf, some collard greens, a little bit of mashed potatoes and sausage. My friend took home almost the same plus a chicken leg and the total price was $28. It was a small-ish meal in comparison to the dine in and it cost almost as much. My recommendation? eat in. :)
(3)Ryan C.
The name says it all...just OK The really weird thing....you cant get something to go off of regular menu, I wanted a burger to go, was told I couldnt get one unless I sat down and ate it...had to go to their take away counter, which didnt offer a burger. Stick with breakfast food if eating here.
(2)Calvin P.
I was in town for Labor Day weekend and my fiancé's friend took us out for breakfast at the OK Cafe. While we were driving there, she half apologized for taking us to someplace that was "just a diner." I told her, fear not, half my reviews on Yelp are for diners. I love them. I'm a connoisseur of diners. And I was not disappointed by OK Cafe. At all. So in theory diners are northern creations full of shiny chrome, glass, and neon. But we're in the deep south, full of down home architecture and waitresses instead of wait staff. OK Cafe, amazingly, gives you some of both. Lots of neon on the outside, including a very cool neon sign that will tell you how long your wait is going to be which you can read from approximately a mile away. But the building is wooden and painted barn red. Inside there's lots of polished wood, wrought iron, and starched aprons. So yeah, it's a diner for the south. The service was unbelievable. The waitresses acted like keeping our coffee cups full was a team sport. They were great about giving us all the time we needed to choose our food and never hinted at rushing us to leave despite the place getting busier busier. Compared to many other diners I've been to, the menu has a fairly limited set of selections. But all the basics were there. All three of us ordered pancakes. My fiancé's and her friend had buttermilk pancakes with blueberries, but I had the whole grain pancakes with apple butter, granny smith apples, and pecans. We also ordered various sides of eggs and sausage. The pancakes were both beautiful in that golden carby way and delicious. It's quite an art getting a pancake just the right thickness to be cakey on the inside and yet gently crisply golden brown on the outside. But these were perfection on a plate. Prices seemed reasonable. Our bill averaged $12 per person for pancakes, a side, and coffee.
(4)Deb N.
Located in the back of the OK Cafe. yelp.com/biz/-6T_kAD0dRw… I parked and entered through this entrance and had to walk through the restaurant to get seated for the main area but glad I came by this area to check out what I wanted when I left. There is a case for prepared foods, then hot food area and a cold case and salad bar. Then prewrapped cookies and sweets. Love the idea of home cooking to go.
(5)B P.
This place was exactly as the star rating says "Meh. I've experienced better." Their servings are all right but could be a bit bigger. I had fried eggs, a biscuit and potatoes. It was just ok.
(2)Quincy S.
I have never had a bad meal at Ok Cafe and everyone I take there loves it as well. The food is as southern as the decor and staff and I never leave hungry. I usually opt for the Country Fried Steak or one of the burgers, but they do offer a veggie plate for the more health conscious. Ok prides themselves on their daily fresh preparation and natural ingredients and it shows in the end result. Dont forget to try the 'take away' side if youre in a rush, they have most menu items available to go and priced by the pound.
(4)David H.
OK Cafe is somewhat of an Atlanta institution. They used to be open 24 hours and their menu has changed a bit over the years (they used to make a good cheesesteak I'd order regularly), but their core food has stayed the same. Their main attraction is good Southern "comfort" food -- it's basically a midrange priced "meat and three" (well two in their case) place in a diner setting. They also make a pretty good southern breakfast. For their dinner menu, they have the "Blue Plate Specials" and some sandwiches and relatively pricey burgers. The burgers are all right, but that's not why you come here. You can get a good burger at a bunch of places. You come here for the Southern food plates. I tend to order either the Meatloaf or the Salmon most of the time. Their Crab and Crawfish Cakes are good too as is their Pot Roast and Chicken Pot Pie. I also liked their Roasted Turkey, Gravy and Cornbread Dressing the one time I had it. They also have a rotating daily special -- I've tried the Fried Chicken and it was very good. In sandwiches, I'm partial to their Grilled Chicken Breast, BLT or Egg Salad. As far as the sides go, their Triple Cheese Macaroni really stands out. OK Cafe makes one of the best versions of that dish. I also like their Baked Sweet Potatoes, which they top with butter, cinnamon and pecans. Their vegetables are usually good too: the collards, green beans, corn, broccoli, etc. and they have a rotating "veggie of the day." If you're getting a sandwich or burger, their fries are usually excellent (thinner and just the right level of crispy) and they also make good and greasy Shaved Fried Onions. You can get a half & half basket (half fries, half onions), too. As far as appetizers go, I like their Cheese Grits and their Sweet Potato Chips. I usually don't have room for dessert because their food is so heavy, but OK Cafe makes some tasty desserts. Their pies are very good, and I used to get their Chocolate Icebox Pie or an ice cream dish (sundae, split, etc.) Their milkshakes are really good as well; some people order them with their meal. In addition to their dine-in area, they have the takeaway store, where you can get a lot of their vegetables, breads, entree portions, etc. by weight in plastic containers. You can grab a pound of their Triple Cheese Macaroni for the road. The takeaway section also has a sandwich counter where they'll make you a sandwich to go; they also have various cake and pie slices in a cooled side section. Anyway, they don't have much in the way of group seating usually, and they can get pretty crowded during regular business hours (you may have to wait or eat at the counter). But, overall, the service is usually pretty good. If you go for the good Southern food Blue Plates, you'll probably be satisfied.
(4)Robert C.
The OK Cafe is more about convenience and location than the food or price. Its located at the corner of Northside and West Paces and is the spot for a business breakfast in Atlanta. I've never been amazed by the food, but its typically quick to sit down and you don't have to deal with valet parking.
(3)Mike B.
People's love for this place is a total mystery to me. Having lived here for several years, and being dragged here by friends and family when visiting. This place never seems to impress me. The service is attentive and friendly, but the food is "OK' at best, hence the name, I guess.
(3)Julie R.
This place is a lot better than just OK. Waaaay back in the late 90's when I was a college student (Yes, dear children. I am *that* old. Someone pass me an Ensure, please!), this place was actually open 24-7. It was an awesome place to pull an all-nighter with a gigantic glass of milkshake (one of the best in town, and enough for 2), alone or with your buddies. You walk in, write down your name & the # of people in your party on their notepad, and wait for them to call your name. If you have a sense of humor, you can do what my friend did when we walked in here for the first time: sign in as "communist" as your name and indicated how many of you there are. Then they'll yell, "Communist, party of 4!" Since I have a very juvenile sense of humor, I still find that hi to the larious. Anyway, besides awesome milkshakes, OK Cafe has great chicken fried steak, vegetable plate (collard greens, mac n cheese, loaded baked sweet potato, oh, my!!), and.... FANTASTIC chicken nuggets, which come with equally fantastic french fries. I'm also a huge fan of their sweet tea, which comes with my favorite kind of ice - restaurant owners, please take note.... It's nugget ice, or bust!! Read the sales figures from said ice machine owners, and you'll see that I speak the truth here. Oh, yeah... Some people get kind of freaked out by the gigantic confederate flag on their wall... While I'm not a huge fan, I have yet to receive ill-treatment or get dirty looks from any of their patrons or staff, so I'm willing to overlook it because of the food. This is kind of a touchy subject for some, so I'll just leave it at that. Bottom line, if you're into southern comfort food, skip Mary Mac and give this place a whirl. p.s. Their coconut cake is also awesome. My favorite thus far in Atlanta.
(4)Greg R.
Good Food, Bad Management On a busy schedule, requested a lunch menu at 1047am but were told mo because they don't start serving lunch until 11am. The manager refused to provide the menus and told us we would have to wait until 11am. They have too much business to treat customers so aggressively. Either get a new manager or change your policies to focus on customer service, not being arrogant
(1)Chris R.
I love OK Cafe. It's on my way back from dropping my daughter off at school on the way to work, more importantly, I founded my company in the middle booth on the left when you walk in. Great fried breakfasts, I have been eating more of the granola with yogurt lately as I try and drop a few lbs. Takeout if off the hook for a quick dinner.
(5)Michael K.
Great location for the every now and again "home made style" meal. They have great main dishes as well as excellent sides that will leave you satisfied each and every time. It is a little pricy for what you get and the wait staff can be slow but for the most part it is very reliable time and time again.
(3)MoMo J.
I haven't been here in awhile. I forgot how delicious their pot pie was!! I like their sweet tea as well. Mac and cheese is good too! Good ole southern food.
(5)Christian B.
It's not Mom's cooking. And it will never be. But if you want some comfort food and Mom's a good 322 miles away, this'll do. I've been coming here since I moved to Atlanta in '03 and my wife's been a customer even longer, since her high school days when the slogan was "everything's OK 24 hours a day." What enticed me my first visit--and what keeps me coming back--are the fried cheese grits. They are exactly what they sound like. Specifically, cheese grits that have been coated in Panko breadcrumbs and fried. Served with a jalapeno white gravy, they're cholesterolicious. Obviously, it's not something I get every visit. If I did, I'd probably have had a heart attack by now. Over the years, however, there are many other things I've found that I've enjoyed. Like the grilled cheese sandwich with bacon, and the griddle cakes with apple butter and pecans. The burgers--topped with fried pickle slices--are pretty good, even great depending who's on the line that night. And the fried chicken, available only on Sundays, is a pretty reliable choice. Just this past weekend I had a nicely breaded chicken breast with white gravy and two sides, which in my case were creamy (and peppery) mashed potatoes and a triple-cheese mac 'n cheese. I've made some missteps in ordering though. The plain pancakes taste like they're made from a mix (I've seen the box of Aunt Jemima to prove it). And I've never really cared for the chicken salad. It's fresher than the norm, but I prefer a traditional chicken salad to their "lighter" version. I do, however, have to give the folks at OK some credit for working in more natural and organic ingredients (see the back of the menu for details). It's not expected at a place like this, but I think it's great they've chosen to do so. Atmosphere-wise, there's a certain whimsy to the place and it's filled with folk art. But what I like most is the signed cover of Harper Lee's "To Kill A Mockingbird" (OK Cafe is named after the cafe in the book). If you've never been, this is a great spot to bring visiting family or people with kids. The latter will love the giant money tree in the back dining room. Worth perusing on your way out is the large to-go operation in the rear. It features a giant steam table, a deli case and a whole host of scratch-made desserts. Speaking of which, I'd be remiss if I didn't tell you to get a shake here just once. They're delicious, especially the chocolate malt, a nostalgic favorite of mine. So like I said, if you're like me and have a Mom who's a great cook, OK Cafe will fall just a little short. But if you're looking to put some South in your mouth, this is one of Atlanta's better meat-and-two joints.
(3)Chef Invisible T.
O.K Cafe is A-OK. Now, it is not the best Southern restaurant I have ever been to, but it is a solid go to place when in the area. It is also a no frills option to take out of town guest that want to get a taste of anything Southern. It is like Cracker Barrel on steroids, and a beloved institution in the Atl. The Rose Guy sits on the corner outside the OKC just in case you need some brownie points with the loved ones for your drunken outraged the day before. This resto is a cross between a neighborhood chain and a local diner. Why, because it looks like a TGIF but makes you feel like a regular. The best place in Vinings for a hang over or affordable large portion grub. Get what you want my opinion should not matter.
(3)Joel C.
I've been living in Atlanta for almost 7 years now and I am surprised that I have never been here! Since I was in the area and starving, I decided to finally check this place out. My first impression upon walking through the doors is that it was a bit themey but after trying the food, I am in love! Since it was our first time there, i was open to trying as much food as possible. We started off with the fried pickles and fried cheese grits...both were awesome! I ordered the Avocado, Tomato and Sprouts Omelet and David ordered the Ham and Cheese Omelet. The portions were huge and we were only able to eat half of what we ordered! Oh, one more thing...the sweet tea was GOOD! Not just good, but rot your teeth good! The customer service is fantastic and everyone was so nice! I truly appreciate that they use a lot of organic produce and that everything is made fresh daily. I'll definitely have to check out their desserts next time as well as grab some food to go in their OK Take-Out area. I will be back soon although I'll have to up my gym workouts!
(4)Scott S.
Was pleasantly surprised. I have wondered what this place was all about, however each time I would pass by it, it was always packed or I never wanted to wait forever to get inside to dine. So when I had the chance to dine here, I was looking forward to a decent experience and I certainly wasn't disappointed. After about 15 minutes or so of waiting we finally were escorted to our seats. The thing which strikes me was how big this place was. It seemed to take a little longer than expected to get to our table, not that I am complaining. I was just merely pointing out how large the place is. The decr and environment had a very diner-like feel but not to the level of cheese factor like other joints. Once seated, I ordered a coffee and water. Our server was nice and pleasant. I was in the brunch mood and decided to order the Ham & Cheddar Omelet. I was a little disappointed by the lack of omelets on the menu. It would have been nice to see an omelet with chicken or beef included somewhere in the recipe. However the omelet I had was surprisingly tasty and the portion filling. OK Cafe has a decent carry-out section as well which I would like to check out sometime. It looks like the idea to bring home food after a day at work and/or if you're just tired of cooking. Pricing is about in line with establishments of this caliber.
(3)Amanda W.
I'd have to say OK Cafe is really just OK. It's definitely not the worse food I've ever had. But it's definitely better than IHOP and the like. However, the OK Take-away is where it's at. It's a bit pricier than let's say Boston Market, but the quality is a bazillion times better. Plus it beats having to cook after a long day at work. I also personally dig the retro uniforms the waitresses wear.
(3)chris k.
Usually quick and friendly service, along with a great breakfast to get your day going. Popular place have to your morning breakfast business meetings here. Additionally, they have a side-store, where you can shop and get all the dishes to go, in the back area. Many people don't know about this, but provides a quick way to get some Southern Cooking in a pinch for dinner.
(4)Enoch C.
i've been here about 3 times now. the first two visits were very impressive. sadly, the last time i went, not so great. i think this place definitely depends on what you order. they hit some stuff out of the park and fall short on other things. i went with 3 other friends, most of us left semi-satisfied wishing we had ordered something different. here's what we had: me: rotisserie chicken with lemon pepper tamari (it's like a soy sauce as i learned from our server) with mac and cheese and fried green tomatoes. friend 1: veggie plate friend 2: pot roast friend 3: meat loaf my rotisserie chicken was pretty dry and not tender at all. the tamari made it pretty salty too. i would recommend they just make it a lemon pepper rotisserie chicken, cook it a little better and it'd be alright. no need for the tamari. the mac and cheese was great. it was the one side we all ordered. the fried green tomatoes came out burning hot (which is good). my only beef with the tomatoes were that they only give you 3. my friend with the veggie plate loved it. i had ordered that before and was not disappointed. probably the safest meal to get here cause their veggies are just superb. the pot roast i heard was disappointing. we both wished we had went with our gut and ordered the chicken pot pie. the meat loaf was ok. i don't know good meatloaf so i can't really tell you if this was exceptional or not. i just had a bite but i thought it was ok. some recommendations i've received for this place are the chicken pot pie and the rocket burger. i also heard the chicken nuggets are good too. we ordered the fried onion shavings and pickle chips. onions were good, and i think i'm just not a fan of pickle chips. but compared to other pickle chips, they tasted about the same. so if that's what pickle chips are supposed to taste like, then you won't be disappointed here although the breading on the chips were abnormally crunchy. i've had the fried cheese grits - those are freaking awesome. i'd definitely recommend those. the cornbread was super moist (friend 1 hates that word). bits of real corn. and i don't normally like cornbread. if you're planning on getting here for lunch, plan on coming early or waiting in line. and for goodness sake, order the right thing!!
(3)Jennifer W.
The OK Cafe is one of the most consistent establishments I've been to. No matter when I've gone, the food has always been good. The atmosphere is that of artsy-Southern-comfort-food-diner. This evening, I chose a veggie plate of green beans, corn, squash casserole and three cheese macaroni. I have to save the best for last, I'm kinda weird that way, so the beans and corn go first, followed by the squash and macaroni. The entire plate was Southern yummy goodness. And when I do happen to leave some food on my plate because I gobbled up a corn muffin or three, I have it boxed up for lunch the next day. The only thing that I don't care for is the see-through take out containers. I don't really like seeing all of those food juices swishing around. But I digress. The service is fairly consistent and well-balanced between attentiveness and space. I've only had lackluster service once. But once out of all the times I've been there is negligible.
(4)Dean S.
It's okay.
(2)Sean K.
True to it's name this place is o.k. I was put off by dirty silverware. Nothing like unwrapping your silverware to find chunks of food from the last persons meal. I agree with every other "dim-witted moron with a weak palate" (according to Patirck S) who says this place is only meh.
(2)Stacy S.
OK Cafe is a good place to go when you're hungry and don't want to bother with something fancy or expensive. I had the veggie plate and the stand-out was DEFINITELY the Mac&Cheese. It was fantastic!!! The corn was good too, it was cut right off the cob.. very fresh. The green beans were okay & so was the cucumber salad. My friend had a cheeseburger which looked good. The onion rings that she ordered were pretty good. The fried green tomatoes were fair - not the best I've had but certainly not the worst. I definitely want to go back to see if they have fried catfish - my favorite! Overall this restaurant is definitely a step-up from a diner, Denny's, Cracker Barrel, TGI Fridays, etc. The servers are really nice, and the sweet tea is great too!
(3)Jeff M.
At least all the places in Atlanta are named correctly. Thumbs Up is just that (out of two thumbs). This place is OK. It's good even. If they were called The Greatest Cafe This Side of the Solar System. then I might have a problem with that. I go here if I have a diner craving. And when I go to diners, I'm never looking for life-changing experiences. I'm looking for what I need: good, greasy diner food. This place is quirky and I like it.
(3)Jean G.
The atmospere was old school. The guys with me thought most of the servers looked cute in the 50's style outfits. I enjoyed my chicken pot pie. My husband was dissapointed fried chicked was only on Sunday. The fries were cold even after asking for new ones.
(3)Renee B.
Holy crap. They have the BEST strawberry shortcake i have ever eaten. 1st time, we ordered the vanilla milkshake, strawberry shortcake and steamed cabbage. I tasted the shortcake and immediately moved the plate to my side so i could devour as fast as possible. The cabbage was fresh and the shake was a great way to wash it down. lol. I went back the next day for more and will keep going cos its on my way to work and the bf's place. Im never going back to DQ shortcakes again.
(5)Scott S.
The old school atmosphere from the 50's outfits the servers wear to the red leather chair decor is awesome. The atmosphere gets 5 stars all the way. Everything else is 'OK' at best. The service is slow. Their grits and Waldorf salad are actually quite good. Everything else was average at best. OK Cafe offers a lot of healthier alternatives and organic options which is fairly unusual for the area but they loose any health benefits on some heavily over salted foods. They do have a seperate take out section of the restuarant with a full bar of take out items. Overall, OK Cafe totally lives up to its name.. OK
(2)Kate B.
Delicious southern cooking! The food is great but it is a little pricey for what it is. You kind of pay for the novelty of the 50's style diner. You must try to squash souffle - its fantastic. It's also cool that there is a OK Take Away section but be careful because you pay by weight and it's almost impossible to leave without spending at least $12 a meal. I'd give it 4 or 5 stars if it were not so pricey for what it is.
(3)Andrew L.
Originally from New Jersey, I can get enough of OK Cafe. I have found over the years with the cafe, that something that people need to know about. You need to go at the right time. For example, going at 12 on a Sunday will result in a 2 hour wait. Going at 4 on Sunday results in no wait. The food has always been right on target. I usually get the pot roast with collards and mac and cheese. Imagine that, a Yankee eating collards. Believe me they are that good, and the Mac and cheese cannot be passed. On Sundays, they have a fried chicken special, but it is a boneless chicken breast that my wife swears by. I have been back to Atlanta since Jan, and I have been there 3 times already...I can't wait to go back
(5)Shawn W.
There I was, a white guy in the waiting area at OK Cafe' on a Tuesday morning, awake an hour early on five hours' sleep, wearing a tieless blazer, slacks and freshly-shined loafers. My table would be ready in [mumble, mumble] minutes. I was late for my breakfast meeting with a client whom I wanted to impress because he gives me a lot of business. Still, I wasn't fitting in. One, though I was a white guy amongst many white guys waiting for his table at OK Cafe' that morning, I didn't have a golf handicap. I don't even own a set of clubs! Two, I didn't graduate from a Southeast Conference university 35 years ago. Finally, my "people" aren't from the South. Nor am I. What the hell am I doing here?? OK Cafe' has a reputation as being the "white guy power breakfast" place, so I checked it out. As I grasped how well this reputation is deserved, my client showed up and my name was called. Luckily he was even further behind schedule. Breakfast food at OK Cafe' is great, service is efficient and friendly, though not chatty, and waitresses wear early-1950's uniforms. Portions are average-sized. Decor is classic, fresh and very clean. Some waitresses remind me of 1950's pinup types that emulate Bettie Page. OK Cafe' is very presentable for family, out of towners or people you don't know well. It does have sufficient "date" ambience, though the atmosphere is conservative given the location. It's a good place to take your in-laws or meet boyfriend/girlfriend's parents.
(5)Sarah P.
OH EMMM GEEE! Mac and cheese...enough said.
(5)Donnie H.
I have been a patron of the OK Cafe for more years than I would like to admit. The food is always good as well as the service. It is what it is good southern comfort food. The only negative is the wait, they can get very busy. I guess it's a good problem to have if your the owner. Keep up the good work OK.
(4)Bill S.
I thought the OK cafe was actually pretty good. Compared to other Southern cooking restaurants, the food was better than, say, Agnes & Muriels, but not as good as Carver's Grocery. We went on a Saturday night at dinner time. Given this place is almost always packed, we were shocked that there was no wait for a table. The service was good, and the prices were reasonable, though maybe $6 for a shake was pushing it. In short, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the OK cafe, and would definitely return.
(4)Jennifer B.
Great Atlanta staple! Fun spot to take a date or friends. I hear the meatloaf is delish & I think a milkshake is a definite must-go-for. ; )
(4)Ally M.
Went to the OK cafe a Sunday for breakfast. Got in just before the rush which appeared to start around 10.30 am. Great atmosphere with a good selection for breakfast. You will not leave hungry. There's a small store attached where you can buy bread, cookies and hot food items to go. Wish we lived in Atlanta to visit this place more often.
(4)Casey S.
I tell my sister that the reason I like to visit ATL is for her, but secretly, it's for OK Cafe. Please don't tell her our little secret. THE best mac n cheese I have ever ingested. Honestly. If I could give this place 10 stars based on that dish alone, I would. I'm craving it all the way in Chi-town right this very moment. Perhaps another visit is in order....
(5)Erin W.
What a perfect name for a cafe that is very hospitable and better than okay. I've been several times for dessert, pancakes, burgers and fries and the food is always well cooked, seasoned and worth the visit. Of course the prices are very reasonable. OK Cafe has a to go section which houses already prepared buffet style foods. Additionally, similar to Honey Baked Ham, they sell takeaway ready to cook refrigerated meals, perfect for a potluck or a regular meal at home. OK Cafe is located off I-75 and West Paces Ferry. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch menus are available round the clock and I especially love the malt shakes and desserts. For details and directions visit okcafe.com Okay!
(4)Shannon C.
Man! The food is GOOD. Service is good too. Me looooooves it. Good 'ol all American food. Tastes like your mama made it!
(5)J D.
Melikes Ok Cafe some, and me don't likes it for other reasons. I like the kind of faux-diner artsy vibe, and the food is pretty good overall. But like most Atlanta breakfast spots, they not only couldn't make iced coffee to save their life, they pour hot coffee over ice and provide a tall glass of watery yuck to their customers. I'm begging you restaurant owners and managers-just say no when I ask if you serve iced coffee, AND when I ask "it's not just hot coffee poured over ice is it?" Because I'm happy (honestly) to go in another beverage direction. Don't say yes and then give me exactly what I asked you not to bring. Pretty please even.
(3)Shawn J.
The food was awesome, I drove pass this place all the time, I can't believe I missed it.
(5)Elaine B.
Team work is key here. We were welcomed and serviced by multiple waitresses. The food was classic home cooking. Loved the lower level market. Took home some bread home...it was delish! Economical and friendly! What more could you ask for? To sit by the tree! If you go there, ask to sit by in-door tree. My nephew loved it!
(4)Susan T.
LOVE THIS PLACE! Pro tip: instead of standing in lengthy line, sit at the counter. You'll never have to wait and it's fun to watch the friendly (go a few times and they'll remember you) chefs buzzing around. You may wind up next to a APD officer, a Buckhead Betty, a super cool rapper, a posh and genteel older gentleman. If you dine alone, as I frequently do, it's a pleasant, nurturing bubble. My favorites are the strawberry shortcake (please ask to have the shortcake warmed up, takes this dessert to another level), the turkey dinner with collards and mac n cheese as sides (extra gravy, don't know what they put in it, but it rocks), chicken fried steak, really I like it all. The waitresses are out of another era, will definitely call you honey and on my birthday, while attacking a mountainous brownie sundae, my waitress brought me a beautiful slice of chocolate cake with a wee lit candle in it. For later, she said. Did I tell you I really love OK Cafe? ;-)
(5)Janet G.
Okay, so I haven't been here in YEARS. One thing that's changed? The hours! It used to be 24 hours, which was awesome back in the late-late 90s when you needed to kill time with your friends. They used to have one of the top five grilled cheeses I've ever had in my LIFE. (And I eat lots of grilled cheese sandwiches, and I really did contemplate writing a book listing the best ones, so I'm a valid source. Unfortunately, things may've changed in the last decade.)
(4)Tressi J.
The name says it all-- the OK Cafe is just ok. That's all.
(3)Shonda K.
I am with my girl Tressi, the name sums it up.
(2)Alexa G.
Okay let me preface this review: After we went to ikea I HAD to try out mi barrio.. but after getting lost for about 30 minutes downtown ( yes I'm OTP!!!! lol)....imputing the wrong address in my GPS . and my boyfriend having to well.. ahhh go from drinking to much h20 post workout...we finally found mi barro!!!!! BUT they were closed!!! *tear runs from eye* we decided to go home ... but ahhh had to make a pit stop on the way back... sooooo..We stopped at OK cafe....Ohh the three cheese mac and cheese! very yum!!! The burgers ( with fried pickles to boot on the side) they serve are "organic" and hormone free which I guess why the $10 price for the burger applies... I was a lil shocked at $33 bucks for 2 burgers.. the dinner menu was a little limited.. but if you like comfort food and middle aged women in little white uniforms this is the place to go :) Perhaps next time I'll try their breakfast!
(3)Jen D.
Stopped by this place randomly on my way to Buckhead and I'm so glad I did. This is as close to home cooking that you can get without making mommy dearest come over and whip up a feast for you. The veggies are fresh, not from the can and all the ingredients are top notch. I love the white mac and cheese. So cheesy! Desserts and shakes are delicious as well. And this place stays open late. Living in Cobb County and going to or coming back from Buckhead? Take a little detour down Paces Ferry and come to this place. You'll get to see all the lovely mansions along the way.
(5)Tony P.
We love this place....the strawberry shortcake a must have!!!
(4)Blake B.
OK Cafe? Yeah, it's OK. How's that for setting your sights high? "Hey man, I got this great idea for a restaurant... it's gonna be called I Guess That'll Do Grill. Or what do you think of Ehh, Just Serve It Diner? You in?" I am so not in. OK Cafe used to be nice when they ran it 24-7 and you could go there after a show and eat the Southern fixin's that make you big big. But now they don't stay open past 10 as far as I know. Their food quality is once again better than an IHOP, but really not that much better, and the service is usually pretty rushed because they tend to get packed in here. They actually use fresh ingredients and you feel like your meal was made when you ordered it. So props for being better than an in-n-out style place. They do have Fried Green Tomatoes. I like Fried Green Tomatoes. I don't know anyone that ever goes here. Just looking at it reminds me of a Golden Corral, or some other half-cocked all-you-can-eat jam. And they don't even let you get all you can eat. Pretty much everything here is heavy on the tummy so maybe that's a good thing.
(3)Jaye B.
As much time as I've spent in the ATL, I'm surprised I'd never been here before. It's pretty well known and has decent food. Lunch time on a Monday and we had a little bit of a wait, which to me is annoying, but also a good sign. The place was loud. There was so much action as the waitresses ran back and forth taking orders and slingin' hash. OK, so they weren't quite slingin' hash, but you get the idea. The level of activity was enough to drive any one with ADD to lose their mind. This means that I had to concentrate real hard and pretty much not talk at all or I might have flipped out. We started with the sweet potato chips which were really good. I'm giving one point for those alone. They were served with a Maytag Blue Cheese dip which I didn't think went well at all. I preferred mine plain and served up OCD style in a single layer on my plate, doused with salt. The rest of the group liked the dip though...freaks. My mom had the crawfish salad which looked like it had way too much dressing on it. In fact, she really only ate the crawfish and a bit of the lettuce as it was soaked in dressing. Still, she said it was good but this is coming from a woman who considers mayonnaise a food group. My uncle wanted a club sandwich that he said they used to have, but it wasn't on the menu so he opted for a smoked turkey that had bacon and avocado. It looked pretty good with thick turkey breast slices rather than thin deli meat. It came with chips but he sent them back in favor of fries. He ate half the sandwich and we brought the other half to my Nana, who will never, ever, ever waste food. She didn't seem to understand this sandwich, but she ate it (she doesn't like a hot lunch so this was a good choice for her). I was going to be eating light that night so I had a bigger lunch with the crab and crawfish cakes, mac and cheese and collard greens. My greens were pretty good but they didn't have any sauce hot enough for my tastes (this is what living in Texas does to a girl). They were, of course, cooked with bacon, the only acceptable way to cook greens. The mac and cheese was really good. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that was some of the best mac and cheese I've ever had. I might have dreams about that when I'm PMSing. The crab/crawfish cakes weren't that great. They had way too much breading on them to be anything worth eating, so, um, I didn't! I didn't really need them with all that other food. In the end, OK Cafe was just that, OK. I wouldn't go back by choice, but if a group wanted to go, I'd be able to find something and be OK with it. So that must be where they got the name? Oh yeah, Tootsie Rolls at the end of the meal were a nice addition.
(3)Marie P.
No worries...everything IS OK at OK Cafe! Let me preface this by saying I hate grits and I'm not a Southern gal. But I crave their fried cheese grits like there is no tomorrow. And I love this place! I always get the turkey sandwich with avocado, sprouts, bacon, lettuce and tomato because it's just so good! Everything else I've seen looks equally as good, if not better. Actually, take that back. Their burger is nothing special and a little expensive, too. I've never had their mac and cheese but with all the other rave reviews about it, I think I have a reason to go back. The servers are always sweet and very attentive and the food is always impeccable prepared. Just watch out for snobby and pretentious West Paces Ferry/Northside/Buckhead people especially on Sundays after church... I've never done the OK Take Away, but I've walked through it and everything looks just as good as the food served in the restaurant. Get here early for lunch because it gets packed. I went at 11AM and had to wait a little while for a table. And they get pretty busy at night, too. I went at 10PM and there were so many people!
(4)Laura M.
The blue plate specials are soooo good, but so huge. You can get two meals out of one easily. Especially if you want to save room for a dessert! Check out the strawberry shortcake--layers of thick pound cake sandwich vanilla icecream--all coated with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. You all know that I try mac & cheese every chance I get. Ok's mac & cheese is really good. Big shells and gooey cheese tossed with flavorful spices---not mustardy or hot---just good!
(4)Julie M.
The sweet potato chips are delicious! So yummy. My only complaint was that my meal was a bit on the lukewarm side. Other than that, very good comfort food!
(4)Kathleen M.
Blah. OK Cafe is so overrated and overpriced! We could walk to OK Cafe from my high school so I went there... a lot. The food is so-so and definitely not worth what they charge. Service is slow and I hate the crushed ice they put in the soft drinks. Even though my friends usually wanted to go here since it was the "hangout," I was usually able to talk them into Gorin's (where Willy's is now), Goldberg's, Chik-fil-A, or Steak N Shake. All more fast-foody places, but I still liked them better! Maybe I'll have to check this place out again as an adult with an income, but it definitely won't be in my top 10 places for a good meal. 1 star for being open late. 1 star for the tootsie rolls.
(2)Deb Y.
This place never disappoints. The food is good home cooking, the atmosphere is like a big diner, but with more service. The service is fast and friendly. Great place to take a family!
(4)Chriss F.
An excellent place for comfort food (meatloaf etc.) Service is above average and they try to seat you asap. They used to stay open really late but its OK. They also offer healthy food and a powershake. A classic dining spot.
(3)Jennifer B.
The best go-to restaurant when you just want good "home cooked" food without any fuss. All of the wait staff is so friendly. The squash casserole is to die for--I want that recipe! Small entree list to choose from, but all are sure to please. Last time I was there the wait for our meal seemed a little longer than usual, but nothing to make me complain. Then all of a sudden the manager comes over with our food and says the entire meal is on the house because we had to wait so long! We hadn't even said anything or showed any signs of annoyance! WOW, talk about customer service. I always love this place, but after that I HAD to write a review. The food always tastes so fresh, like they have a whole army of grandmas in the back cooking! Although I'm usually not a fan of mac 'n cheese, I have to agree with everyone else...theirs is the best around! I've never eaten here for breakfast, but I imagine that to be wonderful as well!
(5)Cory F.
At lunch time, this place is always packed. And the really nice thing is their sign outside the door that tells you how long you could expect to wait be fore getting a table, before wasting time to wait in line, see a waitress, and finally just put your name in. The food here is pretty good, certainly better than old Shoneys or IHOP, but no where near as good as Greenwoods in Roswell. The service is quite nice and they are always on their toes there waiting hand and foot at lunch time! Like Lauren S. was saying, if you are on a diet, this is one place you do not want to be! Their white gravy is excellent and makes the fried pork or chicken just that much better. If you are in the area, you should check the place out.
(4)Foster B.
Can not be beaten - best ever . Do not miss this place. Milkshakes are to die for.
(5)Dave L.
Awesome southern food! I had chicken fried steak with collared greens and sweet yams...feel much fatter afterwards but I have to say they have the best southern cooking I've ever had. Take a bar seat and you can watch the chefs double fry your meal to come! On the down side some of the items are a bit pricey. Twice I went there the air indoors smelled musty. Also get there early for brunch on weekends - there seems to be always a wait...but it's worth it!
(4)Scott M.
Breakfast is great, lunch and dinner are just OK, and the service is EXCELLENT. Prices are a little high and the wait (on weekend mornings) can sometimes be a little long.
(3)Loretta L.
Love the atmosphere. I don't recommend the veggie burger (it falls apart as you eat it) but the rest of the food was delicious!
(5)Kelsey H.
Since moving to Altanta the OK Cafe has quickly found a place at the top of my list of favorites. Their breakfasts are to die for - huge pancakes loaded with blueberries and big omelets. If only they served breakfast all day long. Their dinners are huge southern food feats. The chicken pot pie is super creamy and rich, the baked sweet potato with brown sugar and pecans is enough to justify the visit. The meatloaf was lacking flavor and I wasn't a fan of the tomato sauce they serve with it and the chicken fried steak was good but a bit tougher than I would like. If you are there I definitely recommend getting a milkshake - try a chocolate peanut butter one.
(5)John S.
I had never been here, although my wife wanted to take me here several times, we just never made it. My son had a wrestling match at a school nearby so we decided to eat here. It was interesting to say the least. I didn't know what to expect. We walked in, I wrote my own name down and how many people were in my party. We waited maybe 5 minutes and the "hostess" called 2 Johns...one a party of 4 and one a party of 3 (that would be us). Both parties got up there and she got confused because she only had one table. She wanted to know who wanted to be seated first (I asked her which party was first on the list) she just turned around and told the other party that she would seat them. So, I went back and sat down. Not even 30 seconds later, they called us back up to go to our table. The same hostess took us all around the dining room to a table that she could have taken us to on a shorter route. She set our silverware and menus down and said "Your server will be with you" and took off...no questions no enjoy your meal...nothing. I looked around and noticed the decor on the walls and then I really noticed the servers and cooks. I felt like I was on an episode of "Alice"!! Our server was an older blonde woman, who looked similar to Flo. She came and asked what we wanted to drink, if we wanted any appetizers and if we were ready to order (all in the first visit). We weren't ready but gave our drink orders and then she rushed off. She came back with the drinks after a few minutes and set them down, took our order (kinda of in a rushed way), and was off again. She would bop around to other tables to see how they were doing and would stay longer at them than she did ours, for whatever reason. Our food came and it was just okay. My wife said her meatloaf was better than the one she had on on her plate, which she didn't finish. My burger and fries were warm at best. My son didn't care about what his food was like because he was starved. Our server began to clear the table and took my wife and son's plates, while I was finishing up my meal, she asked if I was done and if she could take my plate. I politely told her that I wasn't finished but thank you. I finally finished and then she brought the check for us to pay, "You can pay up front or at the TakeAway Store" she said as she ran off again. I looked at our check and saw that it actually wasn't our check, it was the table across from us. Another server came over and asked if there was something wrong and we politely pointed out the mistake and she got us the correct check. We went to pay and the cashier did not ask "How was the food, service, evening?" She merely told us the total and we paid and left. This place was just okay for me. Probably not somewhere I would go back to if I was hungry.
(2)Whitney B.
Good consistent food. Breakfast is excellent. Pancakes are huge...two people (or more) could share them. Omlet's are really good...huge and fluffy goodness. The lunch/dinner fare is southern. Good but not great. The atmosphere is cool. It's always busy so there will defnitely be a wait. The staff is friendly but can be slow when it's busy. Milkshakes are to die for!
(3)Vincent V.
Whenever I see the name of this place, I can't help but wonder if there's a Mediocre Cafe or Average Cafe somewhere in the world. But I digress... OK Cafe is definitely not average or mediocre, or even simply OK. It's much better. The menu has lots of diner staples with a Southern twist. Give the sweet potato chips with Maytag blue cheese a try if you're there for lunch. I could eat those things every day of the week until my heart explodes... Also, make sure you save room for dessert. They have some awesome pies to choose from. Mmmmmm, pie.
(4)Terrisa H.
So, big surprise, the OK Cafe was umm, just OK. Takes forever to get in and I was expecting great things....the service was great, but the food was just alright. Bacon burger was good - what you would expect for a diner burger, and the sweet potato fries with blue cheese ranked as the highlight of the visit. The meatloaf was not great and the sides were blah. Really fun atmosphere and it was a fun time, but for us, the food is just not the big highlight here.
(3)Stephen S.
Such good food and consistent quality. Named for the cafe adjacent to the courthouse in "To Kill a Mockingbird," and beset with an autographed copy of Harper Lee's book, OK Cafe's best dishes are traditional Southern fare. I've been eating here off and on for over 20 years; I still go back for my Southern food fix even though I no longer live in Atlanta. Nowdays I order the country fried steak with collards and squash souffle. Heavenly. Always correctly and simply prepared. Went back 3 weeks ago and it was as good as it's ever been.
(4)Mellie P.
Great service, awesome food, quaint atmosphere. I like it. I like it a lot.
(4)Nancy L.
God I love this place! Where else can you go to get real Cherry Coke! Sitting down at a table can be difficult due to the long wait time, especially at lunch. That is why I love the Take Away bar. It is loaded with everything! There are fresh salads, delicious casseroles, steaming soups, and fantastic desserts! All ready and waiting for you to grab it and go! No lines, no crowds, just fantastic food! Try it today!
(4)Jennifer P.
I tried this place with a friend of mine after we went to Castleberry Hill. We were on 75 and this place is right off the exit and we were starving... I ordered the Blue Plate special with country fried steak with a side of squash casserole and a baked sweet potato. The steak was merely okay... it was a little tough, and the squash casserole was decent but I could have sworn there was chicken in it so that kind of disturbed me. The baked sweet potato was my favorite part of that meal... you can't go wrong with a hot sweet potato with butter and brown sugar... mmm. One thing that really bothered me is they have this big painting of the Confederate flag on the wall... which really is f*cked up!
(3)Rilindo F.
It's a bit overrated, but for breakfast, it's quite good - you will get a breakfast that will fill you up. As a side note, during the evening time, you can get food to go as well (mostly Southern style cooking).
(4)Marion C.
Visited a friend in Atlanta was at the cafe Nov 8. Loved the food, great southern food, seasoned well. Cleaned my plate had the turkey and stuffing, collard greens, sweet potato and black eye peas. Loved the corn muffins. Had the lemon coconut cake for dessert. Loved the cake so much on my way to the airport returning to Dallas I stopped at the cafe and purchased muffins, lemon cake so my husband could experience this tasty cuisine. Will definitely return on my next visit to Atlanta.
(4)D M.
ok when i went the place was crowded. I went wanting a blue plate special. I wanted it till I saw the price. they start at 11.50 up to 14.00. I finally settled on a meatloaf sandwitch. i payed 1 dollar more cause i wanted onion straws instead of potato chips. the sandwitch and onion straws was good. I just think the place is quite expensive. I payed over 13 for that and sweet tea. I think you could go across the street and eat at steak n shake get the same quality of food at a waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper price the wait staff did a good job keeping my glass full. the wait time wasnt long either. this isnt a bad place just VERRRRRRY expensive!!!!
(3)Christopher H.
Definately overrated. It was voted by the AJC as one of the top power-breakfasting destinations in Atlanta, but I fail to see why other than the location. Every breakfast dish I've had here has been adequate, but nothing more. The granola pancakes are too dry, and the portions too large. Among the few perks would be the milkshakes, rich and thick enough that students from Westminster will come here and order only this. Lunch and dinner are good, but not great. Atmosphere is kooky and fun. The highlight is the dollar tree in the middle of the restaurant. But for the aforementioned Atlanta power players, there are several intimate booths located within the confines of the building to conduct their business dealings. I suppose I don't need to mention that the prices are a bit steep consdiering the quality of the food.
(3)John W.
Retro diner in Buckhead w/ home cooking, new southern style. The chicken-pot-pie is the bomb, and so's the pnut butter milkshake. Try the lady peas, and zipper peas when they're available, and the pancake-batter shrimp special.
(5)Montie G.
This Is probably The place I eat out the most I love the food and Cherry Coke there I I wish that it was a bit cheaper since i eat there a lot but I love the Breakfast and Dinner menu.
(4)David J.
Great place, pretty good food from a time before people were concerned about their health... but you don't go there to eat healthy... you go there to be bad. That is the premise of the place. From an era long past right down to the outfits the waitresses wear. I think I saw Flo from Alice there... Pretty good cafe food and brunch is not too bad either but get there early before the church crowd with misbehaved children in tow hits or you'll be sorry and hungry while you wait!
(4)Christy A.
This place is awesome and always busy. I think ii is best to stick with the breakfast and it is all about the homefries. They are great. The service is friendly and good. Great place.
(4)Aimee G.
This place was really good. I didn't really know what to expect since I'd never been before. Came here for Sunday afternoon lunch date. I had the crawfish & crabcakes with collard greens and mac & cheese. Totally delish. I couldn't even finish it but what I did manage to gobble down satisfied my craving. Will definitely be back here again.
(4)Eric P.
Only had a milkshake, on the restaurant side of things ("Ok Cafe"). Superb.
(4)Nicole G.
It probably wasn't the best idea to hit this place for a regular dinner before a concert. The pickle chips were a little bit on the greasy side. I got the chicken pot pie, which was pretty good, but very heavy. So, it lives up to its name - that is to say, it was OK. I don't know if I would go again.
(3)Rebecca O.
You're missing out if you haven't yet dined at OK Cafe. It's comfort food and a whole lot more. The interior is designed with all sorts of flair, and the entire place evokes some kind of "remember when" images. I never really stray far from the veggie plate, but blue plate specials and the fried cheese grits with jalapeno and cheese dip aim to please.
(4)omar b.
My brother is being lazy, so i will represent for the ATL. I was heading back to SF from visiting his Peachtree ass and he was cool enough to bring me to this amazing southern comfort spot. My of my, I couldn't believe how stuffed we were from grinding on the ono sweet-potato fries, huge chicken-pot pie, and as you guessed collard greens...oh yes they had a soda fountain. The best cherry coke ever and i guess that's something being i don't really drink soda. Gottta check this place out ^ ^
(4)Josh V.
Best blue plate and comfort food in Atlanta...hands down!!!!!
(5)Gina C.
I've been here several times and again tonight with a friend. I think the prices are a little high for the quality of food. However, I guess they can get away with it because of the area and it being so packed all the time. I ordered the pot roast with mashed potatoes and fried okra. The pot roast was a little dry for my taste. The mashed potatoes were really good! Just like the kind your momma makes. The okra was also yummy. It was breaded perfectly and it wasn't too slimy. The cornbread was tasty as well. The food is still sitting in my stomach. My friend ordered crab and craw fish cakes. They were okay, but a little too breaded for me. He also ordered the mac and cheese which he loved and black eyed peas. When we put our order in we looked at the desserts and decided on the chocolate fudge cake. It looked so good bc we were sitting right next to all of the cakes. However, we decided to skip the cake bc we were so full. I'll have to get that next time I'm here. We were also distracted by a guy who complained about his food taking too long to come out. He asked the waitress what time she put the order in and then asked to speak to the manager. My friend and I just rolled our eyes. We didn't think it took too long. We thought he was being a little dramatic. Come on, just bc your food takes a little longer to come out is it really something to whine and complain about? Everything should be OK at OK Cafe. Overall, Ok Cafe is A-OK in my book. OK enough with the OKs. If I'm in the area, I'll stop by.
(3)Margo R.
I almost want to sneak into the kitchen and see what the chefs are doing...the food is so good! The menu is filled with hearty southern dishes, so dieters should probably steer clear. Otherwise check out this more-than-ok cafe.... my first experience with sweet potato fries. How sweet it was :)
(4)Alison L.
One of the best things at OK Cafe is the Mac and Chesse. It is absolutely THE BEST Southern Mac and Cheese. The Pancake Batter Fried Shrimp is the bomb! It puts any other fried shrimp to shame and I've had a lot of fried shrimp during my lifetime. It's only avail on Saturdays though. Ummm Ummmm Good! The Collards are pretty good but it varies. Black eyed peas are good as are the sweet potatos. Don't really like any of the other veggies. The fruit salad is made with mayo - not a fan at all. Those corn bread muffins are yummy! The Crab Cakes are good. Overall prices are high and the "blue plates" are overpriced. Nice atmosphere though and pleasant servers.
(3)Tom M.
The food is excellent but this place is almost always crowded and loud. Expect a wait at peak times of day and on weekends. Not exactly kid friendly or accomodating for large groups. Perfect for couples or a pair of couples. Atmosphere could be called "Mel's Funky Stylized Diner" but with well above average food.
(4)Shon I.
Only need a few words. Always on spot. Really busy, but the staff and food are superb. I love the catfish wednesdays.. tasty Hubby loves the meatloaf. BFF loves the country fried steak **I work around the corner and we order the cakes often. 10 thumbs up. The lemon coconut is my favorite** Will always go back.. Just be prepared for a REALLY REALLY BUSY RESTAURANT
(4)Jay N.
This restaurant is located just off I 75 on Paces Ferry Rd. in front of the Publix shopping center. It is easy to spot by the Giant neon OK on their roof. I have to say that I have fallen in love with this place over the years and we try to stop every time we are passing through the Atlanta area. It is a southern comfort food restaurant complete with waitstaff in 50's style uniforms, red pleather covered booths and checker board tile floors. The first thing you notice as you approach the door is a neon sign that tells you the approximate wait time. Inside you will find a beehive of activity at any time of the day. There are several different dining areas and a lunch counter type setup with the short order cooks working the grills just on the other side. The decor is definitely a bit odd, but fun. There is a huge "money tree" in the middle of the main dining room. Service has always been good and the servers are friendly and always willing to help you make a choice. My favorites on the menu are the blue plate specials. They change with each visit, but are basically a meat plus 2 sides. The meatloaf is probably my favorite with the triple mac and cheese and black eyed peas. They all come with cornbread. The deserts and shakes are good too. They are open for breakfast lunch and diner. They also offer "Take Away" which is many of the same items you find on the regular menu on a hot bar. You take a box and add whatever you want, when you are done, they weigh it and charge you based on the weight. What a great concept!!! It is a fun weigh (pun intended) to try a little bit of everything on the menu. You may have to wait a bit but it is worth it and the line moves quick. Bottom line: Great Food Great Atmosphere Good Service Decent Prices
(4)Murray I.
So sad to see all the fire trucks and a big home in the roof. Very glad no one was injured. Good luck OK cafe.
(4)R G.
I've been going to the Ok Cafe for years. The food is so good and the service is great too. If you looking for that old time Diner experience, outfits and all give ok cafe a try.
(4)W S.
On December 8, 2014 the restaurant caught fire. Check to make sure it is open before you go.
(5)Polar F.
First time at the famous OK Cafe, the folks had been here before and family came to visit so we stopped by. The tables were packed, as expected, but the wait was quick. Here we go: 1. Service - hit or miss. The pro was that the different waitresses helped each other so we had attention. The con was the kitchen; burgers came in quick but an omelette took forever, and the accompanying English muffin showed up dead last. Ding for kitchen service. 2. Fare: nothing impressive here. The taste was not out of this world, although the fried pickles were a nice surprise Overall, it's not five star worthy. 3. Price: in my opinion, expensive. We pretty much all decided to not make this restaurant a go-to spot. Overall, if you've never been here, go at least once to try it out. My experience may not be the same as yours but I think you'll notice that the food, while great in quality, didn't have the flavors to match.
(3)Chaz P.
At my arrival to OK Cafe, my friend Roberto and I were greeted by a familiar voice! Traci, the manager used to be my former employer and we hugged it out!! We were greeted by our server Lessa and she made some stellar recommendations for food on my cheat day from working out and nutrition. The fried cheese grits were off the charts and my fried catfish, collard greens, baked sweet potato and corn muffin were super fire (that means exceptional)! We also had the best Arnold Palmer with fresh squeezed lemonade that I've ever partaken in. Great memory!
(5)Cathy Z.
I went here with my bf a few weeks ago for dinner. The minute I walked in, I felt like I had traveled back in time. The wait staff were dressed in outfits from the older days and the interior was filled in things from the past. The place was hopping but we managed to get a table for two by the window right away. The atmosphere was lively and relaxed. It definitely had a homey feeling. Food was pretty good. My bf had his usual (he used to be a regular), which consisted of the country fried steak, mashed potatoes, collard greens, and a corn muffin. He loved it as per usual. I had the meatloaf topped with creole sauce, mac & cheese, collard greens, and a corn muffin. I have to say that I wasn't thrilled about the meatloaf. It was just ok to me. Nothing wrong with it but nothing special either. The mac & cheese was heavy with lots of cream and cheese..and mushy, which isn't my jam. The rest of my plate, however, was delicious. Collard greens were seasoned and cooked to perfection. The corn muffin was made perfectly too. On our way out, we also grabbed a couple of rice crispy treats for dessert. And they were gooey and yummy and perfect. I think I'll give this place another try. Mainly because my bf loves it so much, but i will definitely try a different main course.
(4)Trevor W.
This is how I imagine my Grandparents going out for lunch or dinner at the corner diner in the 40s and 50s. Expansive space with waitresses in that classic white dress uniform and caps. Nostalgic Blue Plate specials, expansive breakfast menu, and old school shakes and pies. Really hits home with Southern Comfort food done right. Love coming here for Brunch on the weekends, though you really can't go wrong any time of day! Service here is exceptional. The after church crowd packs this place in, but you rarely wait more than 15 minutes. Nice stroll down memory lane!
(4)Robert U.
I've been coming to Okay Cafe for more than 20 years now. I really like it. SERVICE: - It gets busy, and the "sign yourself in" process might be off-putting to newbies. (There is a pad of paper by the check-out register. You write your own name on it and the number of folks in your party, then you sit down.) - Servers are usually friendly, often funny, and always professional (these folks hustle). FOOD: - It's a diner, so they do a little of everything. - It's all good, but I cannot really recommend any one type of food or one dish. - I do LOVE the onion rings. They are very thin and lightly battered. - Portions are fairly large, but not huge. DESSERT: - Milk shakes are great. - Strawberry shortcake is great (has ice cream as well as cake). Overall, this is a fun restaurant with good food.
(4)Daniel B.
I've been to OK Cafe two times, both for dinner. Each time, I ordered their "Blue Plate" special, which is basically a "meat and two." OK Cafe is a Southern restaurant with a campy, old school, diner-type atmosphere. The servers and cooks wear retro diner uniforms (like something you'd see from the 1950s or 1960s) complete with white hats. The exterior of the building features a bright neon sign while the inside has polished checkerboard floors, red booths, and goofy decor. The restaurant is visible from I-75 North as you approach the West Paces Ferry exit. It's in the same shopping center as Publix. OK Cafe is open seven days a week and serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, but unlike a true diner, they're not open late. They close at 10pm on weeknights and 11pm on weekends. Blue Plate specials are anywhere from $12-16. This is mostly a fair price as the portion sizes are huge. At dinnertime, in addition to traditional Southern plates, they also serve salads, sandwiches, and hamburgers. I've tried the following: Meats: Meatloaf with Creole Sauce Chicken Pot Pie Veggies: Steamed Cabbage Squash Souffle Collard Greens Triple Cheese Macaroni The slab of Meatloaf was a nice big and hearty portion. Plenty of tomato-based "Creole" sauce slathered on top. I liked the sauce as it tasted like standard meatloaf sauce but with added flavors from the garlic and presumably Old Bay-esque spices. The beef was savory and easy to eat. The Chicken Pot Pie was OK. Literally. The crust of the pie had the letters "OK" embossed onto the top of it. Like the Meatloaf, there was a generous helping -- plenty of steaming hot chicken, veggies, and sauce inside. I probably wouldn't order this again, but instead would try something else. The veggies weren't bad. Both the Steamed Cabbage and Collard Greens were fresh and flavorful. Nothing too exciting, though. Squash Souffle was served piping hot. The Triple Cheese Macaroni was a step up from Kraft Macaroni & Cheese. All Blue Plate specials also come with cornbread and butter. Friendly, but not always attentive service. Orders do come out in a reasonable amount of time. Plenty of parking outside and take-out seems to be a popular option.
(3)Tiffany Y.
I've been to OK Cafe many times and it's always been great. There are plenty of options for vegetarians, you just have to make sure you know which veggies aren't cooked with meat or just ask the server. My mother had the meatloaf with mashed potatoes and broccoli and enjoyed everything, I thought I was going to have to carry her outta there... I had the vegetable plate with macaroni and cheese, steamed cabbage, a sweet potato, and the corn... everything tasted fresh and great We left full and happy and even purchased some desserts from their Take Away area. I can't wait to go back it's one of my favorite restaurants.
(4)Juan M.
Reliable, though expensive, standard. Right off of 75 in West Buckhead, this is "THE" place to meet and do business. I meet folks here for breakfast and lunch; yes, it's loud, but the convenience factor outweighs everything. Food-wise, it's pretty good. I have lately been gravitating to their 4 vegetables lunch plate which leaves me full for the day. Waitress-wise, they are an interesting bunch...
(3)Ollie B.
I've heard so many good things about this place and shame on me for not trying it sooner! I loved the old-school theme of the restaurant. The people there were friendly! I ordered the country fried steak and it's the best I've had. Mac & Cheese was seasoned very nicely. I definitely will return!!!
(4)Angela H.
I had been meaning to check out OK Cafe since one of my co-workers had told me about their great Southern comfort food a few months ago. However, I never made it a point to drive that direction specifically to eat there. So you can imagine my excitement when my supervisor told me an another co-worker that she'd treat us to lunch at OK Cafe! The three of us arrived around 1 pm on a Monday afternoon. The restaurant was bustling, but we were still seated immediately. We were seated close to the take-out area, called the "OK Take-Away" store, which apparently is separate from the restaurant so you can't order food from there to dine in. The server told me this when I had asked if they had fried chicken available for dine-in, and she said they only have it at the "Take-Away" store. Boo. After glancing at the menu, I quickly decided to get the Country Fried Steak. My co-worker, who has been to OK Cafe many times, told me that it's really good. The Country Fried Steak is one of their "Blue Plate Specials," which are served with "your choice of two vegetables and corn muffin." I chose the Triple Cheese Macaroni and Mashed Potatoes. Our server also asked me whether I wanted the white or brown gravy with my mashed potatoes, pointing out the fact that the Country Fried Steak is topped with white gravy. I chose the brown gravy to keep it interesting. =) Although the fountain drinks are pricey at $2.99 each, I was really happy to learn that they had Coke Zero! So of course, I had to order it. We didn't have to wait very long at all for our food to be served! * Country Fried Steak ($12.99) - WOW. This was truly delicious. I haven't had a whole lot of Southern food in my life, so I don't have much to compare it to, but the steak was tender, flavorful, and fried just right. I really liked the white gravy on it, too. The Triple Cheese Macaroni was AMAZING as well. It was richly cheesy and seasoned nicely. I would say that it's a *little* saltier than I'm used to. However, I had my mashed potatoes and corn muffin, which were both pretty good, to balance it out. I was very, very happy with my large meal. It was so much food that I only ate about half of it and took the rest to go. (Yay for the tasty leftovers!) Overall, OK Cafe gets 4.5 stars for their delicious Country Fried Steak and fast and friendly service! Our server was super polite and smiley, and she asked if we wanted our drinks to-go before we had the chance to ask. The only reason why I'm not giving them 5 stars now is because I want to go back and try their fried chicken and maybe some other Southern comfort foods. This way, an updated review will encompass a more well-rounded opinion. I will definitely return to OK Cafe in the near future. * Fun Fact: OK Cafe is named after the cafe in Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird." As I was leaving, I noticed a framed note from Harper addressed to the restaurant's owner and customers. Check it out before you leave! =) [Review 341 of 366]
(4)George B.
Great atmosphere in this Atlanta staple. We came at peak dinner time and although the place was crowded, we only waited a few minutes. Service was friendly and prompt. Country vegetables were great, except the cucumber salad - bring back your previous recipe !! This salad was just cucumber and vinegar.
(3)Dorena N.
I love Ok Cafe! Their menu of southern food is fantastic. I ordered an Egg Salad Sandwich with a Coke Float (this place actually has these!) and was not disappointed. The waitresses are very friendly and several of them stopped by to check up on us. They even have an OK Take Away option, for those in a hurry. The place has some quirky decor and just feels very comfy.
(5)Doug H.
Always a pleasure to eat here except when the wait is long - which is common. But the food is great southern-style, without the heavy sugar add that many southern places add - like Mary Macs. I prefer the non-sugar veggies and cornbread. Meatloaf, roast, collards, black-eyed peas, and carrot cake are to die for. I also like the take-away buffet option if I don't want to wait one hour. Wished they were open later - especially on holidays and weekends.
(5)Lawrence C.
This is the real deal for breakfast. Plenty of business and politico meet here...you could have a convention. Food is great and the service is friendly, professional, and not obtrusive.
(4)Alane H.
I wanted to try the restaurant. I had driven by it many times. I was not overly impressed with the selections I made. I had the Brunswick stew. It was too sweet and seemed to be left over chicken and maybe pork in a tomato, vegetable soup base. It was not the traditional taste of smoked meat that I was expecting. I had the house salad with the vinaigrette. The vinaigrette leaned heavily to the vinegar side. It was fairly boring as well. If anyone is on a restricted diet, it is not a good choice either. The restaurant is clean, and the service is snappy. It had a good crowd that consisted of older clientele. I was not favorably impressed.
(2)Brandy L.
Baked chicken - delicious Turkey & dressing is ok I really enjoyed the dressing! Collared greens are good Cucumber salad yum! I wanna try the fried jalapeno grits
(4)Tom W.
Great home cooking comfort for. Pot roast with mashed potatoes were awesome Finished with warm pecan pie with ice creme . Great greeters and friendly wait staff makes this place an easy choice to return
(5)Brittany W.
The "OK Cafe" was less than, "OK". First, the layout of the restaurant is like a maze; Maybe the layout was supposed to go with the decor, quirky. When being seated to my table, I felt like I was being smuggled through the kitchen, and was about to be asked to jungle some plates around to the correct server. Too hectic, especially when I was not going through the kitchen, I was walking through the dining that was at the bar.
(1)John C.
I have eaten at the OK Cafe twice on visits to Atlanta and highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area. It is one of the few hyped restaurants that actually lives up to the billing and is worth the effort and price.
(5)Richard H.
It was OK. Too bad for Buckhead that restaurants with simple fare like this are so rare. I've paid much less for moderately better food. Service was good. A waitress made me cocktail sauce, which was above the call of duty. But when salmon cakes are the special of the day, don't cha think you should stock up on the right condiments? Speaking of condiments, customers like a variety of hot sauces on their collards and peas. Let's consider something more than Tabasco plain.
(3)Damien B.
I have driven by this place for years and never stopped. It is one of those places that has been around longer than u have. The food was good and they keep it simple. It is on the same plane as applebees or chilis. But the service is better most of the time. I might eat there again but it would have to be on the way or someone really wanted to go.
(3)Tiffany S.
This place is AWESOME! We went later on a weekday night to avoid any of the crowds we've read about & were seated right away. Our server, Wendy, was helpful, fun, & attentive. There is definitely a vintage diner/restaurant theme with leather "U" booths & counter service. All the servers wear those cute dresses like from the TV show Mel's Diner. The food was on point southern comfort. I can't wait to go back for dessert sometime! p.s. The squash soufflé is a delicious surprise.
(5)Andria C.
I keep trying this place, hoping that it gets better...but it never does. This is usually one of those places we end up on the weekend because every other brunch place is insane. It seems that everyone else seems to LOVE this place, but I just don't get it. The breakfast / brunch menu is severely lacking and definitely not worth the price. Every time I'm here, I'm convinced that I must be missing out on something that everyone else gets, but to date, I haven't figured out what that is. I've tried a couple of the lunch / dinner options, but they don't seem to be much better. I get that this is a cool 50 diner-y type place, but I'll pass and take good food any day.
(2)Anitra M.
My burger and fries were HOT and yummy. If you leave here hungry, it's your own fault. I'm guessing there is nothing bad on the menu and service is quick.
(5)Sport L.
The food here is pretty darn good. Although, I think they add a good amount of sugar to the collards to sweeten them up. Breakfast time is a great choice here as well. Staff seems to be told to faced paced and to hurry customers out. Milkshakes hit the spot in a hot day. Country grid chicken will clog your arteries but will also fill your heart with joy!!
(4)John S.
Horrible service. After being seated at a table - they told us we had to many and needed to get up from the table they originally sat us at and wait 45 additional minutes for a larger table. This was after we waited 30 mins for our first table they sat us at. The manager needs a lesson in manners and customer service.
(1)Bob M.
Not sure who's recipe they use for the meat loaf but it looks like something out of a dog food can. STICK WITH THE VEGETABLES
(3)Brandon R.
My son had to sleep in his truck since 3:15 Tuesday's well as others due to the storm .,OK cafe has went beyond the call of duty to provide meals, a warm place for those who can't get home. This is what's it's all about not closing your doors on others. As a parent you just pray someone offer your love one a helping hand, To the entire staff and manager on duty thank God for you all. For having a caring heart.
(5)Veronica S.
Special thanks all the wAy from California .... Thank you for opening your door and providing my family with food and shelter yesterday during that snow storm ! God bless you all
(5)Teresa S.
If you want good southern cooking with a true diner atmosphere, then OK Cafe is perfect for you! Great food and service with a smile! Make sure to sign in as soon as you get there! It gets very busy and the line can be long, but worth a little waiting. They give you a lot of choices, so take some time and cruise the menu.
(4)Michael B.
The OK Cafe is OK in my book! Stopped by OK the other night as it was on my way home. I wanted something good to eat and fast food just would not cut it. It was a little early, 6:30ish, and thought for a minute that I was going to be served a blue plate special. We walked in and the hostess seated us right away with no wait. Our waitress Holly came over and took our drink orders as soon as we were seated. Holly came back with the drinks and we ordered an appetizer of the Fried Grits. They were great; grits blended with cheese and jalapenos, dusted with Japanese bread crumbs and deep fried. For our entree we split the Country Fried Steak with a side of squash casserole and triple mac and cheese. The meal was wonderful, and the portion size was so big that even splitting the meal we still had enough leftovers to take home. All in all, the food was great and the service was exceptional.
(4)Joe T.
My trips to Atlanta always include a stop at the OK. And let me say it's better than ok! The food is great . Just like it came out of a Grandmas kitchen. Down home southern cooked vegetables, corned bread, country fried steak, fried green tomatoes. Don't miss it!
(5)Megan E.
This is a great breakfast and dinner spot. The menu is pretty traditional and what you'd expect from a diner. The staff is extremely friendly and though it has always been crowded when I've gone, the food comes out pretty quickly. The portions are a great size for the price and I've definitely never left hungry. The black-eyed peas and collard greens are delicious!
(4)Robert T.
I am giving this place an extra star for the kitch decor. KG and I went for Saturday mornning breakfast, which you know is not my favorite thing to do unless we get there super early - who wants to look at eggs past 8:00am. The menu is filled with good, quality, home cooked food items. Our server was friendly and efficient. Our food was good, and the location convenient.
(3)John E.
This is one of those situations I hate - basically I've been coming to OK Cafe for many years. Most of the time I've had really exceptional food and service. At one time, this was THE place to meet with any technology executive or venture capital investor (before the DotBomb). More recently, I've only been able to dine here every other year or so - the last couple of times the meals were quite good and the service exceptional. Now we come to dining here two days ago. First, I understand that seating a large party (6 adults and two children) in a place with a smallish dining room is a challenge - I worked in the biz over 10 years and I usually don't get bothered by that. I did take exception to the hostess telling us the wait was probably 20-25 minutes due to the size of our part. I took that in stride - I know they have limited seating for larger tables (big round tables under the "money tree"). It didn't get to me until we'd been there35 minutes or so and was given a story about how all the big tables had just been seated. I mean, come on, if the hostess had been walking around like she's supposed to, scoping out the tables she should have known the wait would be longer and informed us. Instead we waited with two hungry kids when we could have gone elsewhere. That situation in itself wouldn't have cost them a star - it was that combined with the poor quality of the food when delivered. Of the 6 entrees ordered, one was cold (the meatloaf) and the turkey and dressing was hammered - like it sat under a heat lamp for 15 minutes. I've never experience that at OK Cafe before, so maybe it was a fluke. As it is I think I'll wait a few years before returning. When you pay blue-plate prices of $12.99 or so you expect a certain minimum food quality standard - this just didn't cut it. Sorry OK Cafe, but as Amanda said in an earlier review, you've become "just OK"... It's funny how one bad dining experience can take away years of fondness and pleasure. The dining room has a kitschy Americana appeal and the retro waitress outfits are right out of the 50s. If you go, try a classic cheese burger and milk shake - it'll take you right back into Leave it to Beaver land....
(3)Dynomutt F.
A blustery Sunday eve on the cusp of another year (according to whatever arbitrary calendar I found myself following after my faith in the Mayans had been recently shattered), I was homeward bound but the sounds from my belly demanded I stop. As Josh Homme wailed over my stereo - speakers pushed to limit - and my fevered brain ticked through a list of known nearby restaurants while my hands attempted against the steering wheel (occasionally succeeding) to keep time with Josh Freese's drumming, there appeared around the bend one of the largest churches I've ever seen, glowing in spotlight, beckoning me to exit the Interstate. "OK, Jesus," I thought. "OK." I remembered then that OK Cafe lay ahead, and knowing nothing of the place, I was under the impression that it was a diner and I might be able to grab a decent brinner or burger, not to mention learn whether Scout did eventually fulfill her destiny of working there. As I approached the door, I noted the rubicund neon sign - "Wait Time 5 SHORT minutes" - and felt more at ease, having also earlier noticed the large number of parked vehicles circling the building. Those initial worries resumed upon entering and noticing more than two dozen people seated along the wall. I walked to the counter where a hostess had called a family's name from the list and I stood there. A minute later, she gave me a smile as she returned and called another name from the roster. This group didn't appear so she moved on to the next ("Dufresne - Search party of four"). She left again to seat that family. I waited. A man came by and read the list for the next name and as we made eye contact I said, "Just one," and he replied, "OK," but then called the next name and took another group to be seated. I recalled the sign out front - "5 SHORT minutes." As much time had nearly elapsed already, and my name was not even on the list yet. I glanced at it and saw more than ten names remained to be struck through. I continued to wait. The young woman at the nearby register acknowledged my presence and asked whether I was eating in, and when I affirmed she said, "Write your name on the list." Really? I decided to keep this in mind, so as not to wait so patiently after being seated without asking my waitress whether I would also be responsible for cooking my own meal. I took a seat near the door, where arctic gusts chilled me with each guest's entry. An elderly woman beside me asked whether I'd been there before, and then explained to me that she and her husband had come in search of breakfast but were told that breakfast was not served all day at OK. They left a moment later to continue their waffle walkabout. After another 15 minutes my name was called and I explored the restaurant's interior on the way to my table. Blandly kitschy. Not really a diner at all, despite outward appearances; in fact there are only about 4-5 counter seats near the entrance. It was packed with more people than I've ever seen in a restaurant at 8 on a Sunday night, and most were families. Lighting is abundant but dim. I was led to my spot, beneath the dead eyes of a papier maché hound, and my waitress arrived shortly thereafter. She stood beside me, and lights' reflection from my table formed eerie shadows against her face, as though she were telling ghost stories with the aid of a flashlight. She spoke as though on pain pills, and as with many waitresses of her age cohort, she couldn't keep her hands off of me, to the extent that it almost became uncomfortable. Almost. She talked me out of the burger and steered me toward the blue-plate specials - a better value (in theory). I opted for the roast turkey. It arrived in about 10 minutes, and I was shocked by its diminutive portion of turkey. I had ordered dark meat, and in total may have received the equivalent of a thigh. I cried a little. Flavor, however, was great. The turkey was exquisitely roasted, and the stuffing an interestingly tasty recipe more similar to a seafood imperial (without the seafood). The cornbread muffin was OK, but I'd prefer no whole corn kernels in it. The sweet potato was perfectly baked and served with pecans and brown sugar. A red concoction of fruit and pecans (cranberry sauce?) accompanied in a plastic cup and also wasn't bad. An old woman led past me with her family to their table suddenly pointed at me and yelled, "SWEET POTATO!" without stopping. Bizarre. The mac & cheese is OUTSTANDING. I asked for a slice of lemon coconut cake for dessert; totally let down by this offering. Dry and dense, and more like lemon pound cake with a coconut & cream cheese frosting. I did not order it a la mode. You should. With my check - the words "To live is to serve, to serve is to live" printed on it (Spartacus?) - I received a Tootsie Roll. The meal hadn't made me feel a "WHOOP" coming on, but it was great, though not a good value at $24. The portion was so tiny that I didn't have enough left for another full meal. MARTA: Bus 12 Overall, 6/10.
(3)David M.
Really great service. Above average food for a diner while still having that diner atmosphere and feel.
(3)Jennifer S.
The very best of Southern comfort food in a cozy atmosphere. Their pot roast dinner was the perfect meal to unwind after a very busy day on a business trip in Atlanta. Friendly service, reasonably priced, and simply delicious.
(5)Jason D.
I want to like the place more than I do, I really do. I love the feel of the place, the good Southern cooking, blue plate specials. But I just can't get past the outrageous "we're near Buckhead" prices on everything. And the food is just not worth it. Yes, the've got good veggies. Yes, they've got a traditional meat and three menu. Yes, the servers are generally nice and attentive (although ours last night was having an off night and a bout of attitude.) Last night, I had a burger sans bun, steamed cabbage and baked sweet potato. All was fine. But again, I can't help thinking about the fact that I get the same meal at Carver's, at a little better quality and it's half the price.
(3)Erich F.
What a cool place. A real throwback. Has a laid back old timey feel that just feels "right". Stopped in because the wife wanted an easy dinner and was looking for comfort food...this was both. She got roasted chicken with Mac n cheese and squash casserole. I got meatloaf with a creole sauce and sides of greens and Mac and cheese. Both entrees were delicious. The greens were tangy and not greasy. Squash was really good and nice with a dab of hot sauce. Mac and cheese was not too dry, not too soupy but just right! Also not greasy. We both felt full but not disgusting, as the portions were just right. This place was a hit with both of us. Just an added FYI....they have a take out side with all the menu items available. Perfect for the I wanna go home, but don't want to cook nights.
(4)Lindsey H.
This is true southern food in a American Folk Art setting. It's so American and good. My personal favorite is the crawfish cakes with black eyed peas and slaw. Mmmmmm Causal, friendly, great food, good prices, and you're surrounded by art. Love it.
(5)Russ M.
Really good Southern Comfort food. Nice atmosphere, cool decor, Waitresses wearing uniforms is a nice touch. My lunch was delicious. I hav Country Fried Steak which was tender and had great flavor from the steak itself, the breading and the gravy. My sides were corn and Black eyed Peas. Portions are huge. Come Hungry...leave STUFFED
(3)Jade M.
People who don't give it 5 stars don't appreciate locally bought and original tasting Southern food. I come from farmers and fresh food and I highly approve OK Cafe. I don't know of one thing that isn't good. The staff are on the ball and usher tons of patrons through with an ease and pleasant nature. They have to, there's usually a wait! It's never very long though. If it is, check out the take-out section. Beware though, they weight your container and that can get very pricey, very quickly. The portions when you sit down are huge. I take some home with me every visit. The turkey and dressing is my favorite. Followed by the fried chicken. The mac and cheese has an original taste and I crave it! The green beans are awesome! Corn muffins are so sweet and to die for! The sweet potato chips with blue cheese dip...yum! When I'm on the go, I love grabbing a classic BLT (bacon, lettuce, tomato.) Go to their takeout to pickup some amazing deviled eggs, crab dip, veggie soup and carrot cake. I could go on forever! Really, it's all wonderful. A select few people have a problem with the era of dress the employees wear and the large carved 1956 Georgia flag, get over yourself. It's a neat, upbeat and fun restaurant with authentic food and friendly southern warmth. You'll surely run into some big name Atlantan. Go, decide for yourself!
(5)Brian C.
This place doesn't have baby changing stations in any of the bathroom. Both bathrooms are small and smell bad. Mostly an older crowd here and I understand why. I talked to a manager who said she has been trying to get owners to put baby changing stations in for years but they don't want to... Guess I don't want to ever eat here again either. Don't come here if you have babies.
(1)Hamad M.
I usually wait to review places after I've been there a few times. This limits the amount of reviews I do, but also gives a place a fair shake. I would hate for one bad experience to form a life-long opinion of a place. OK Cafe hits the spot for me except for location. Ridiculous for me to even mention that, but the fact is I don't spend a whole lot of time on that side of town. Having said that, if it were on my side of town, I would go way more often. Breakfast is my meal of choice and OK Cafe delivers. Their omelets are fantastic and I found their home fries (or potato wedges) to be wonderfully flavorful - much like Highland Bakery's standard setting offerings. The biscuits are ok - a little dry (give me some Silver Skillet biscuits and we'll be OK). The place is really cool inside and has great air conditioning - you may laugh at that, but one thing that I don't like is to be hot in a restaurant. The waitstaff is quick to please and the prices are reasonable. It's a very comfortable place to have a comfortable meal. I like it. Just wish it was closer.
(4)Bill M.
Great food and top notch service. I was very impressed with the quality of the food.
(5)Dao T.
Best homestyle southern food in North of Atlanta. Great taste and fast service. This is my 32nd visit over the past 20 years and they appear to have improved on their already great and friendly service because our food came out faster than previous year. Portion sizes have gotten a bit smaller and prices slightly higher over the last few years. But still substantial portions.
(5)Russ U.
After a long vacation I was looking forward to some vegetables. The Ok Café hit the spot. I had the chicken pot pie with side orders of squash soufflé and collard greens. It was all very good. My wife had the half of a rotisserie chicken and collard greens and macaroni and cheese. She's a fan of macaroni and cheese and she said it was very good. This was my first time at the restaurant but it was not her first time and she said she should always look at what they're having for the special. I hope to become a regular here. I would recommend it if you're in the area. In fact, I would say if you were looking for vegetables or an excellent home style meal it's worth going out of your way to come here.
(4)Holly C.
Triple cheese macaroni, my fave!
(5)Sherry W.
3 1/2 stars. OK Cafe is a quirky 50s diner that serves Southern food. It's pretty busy on the weekends and there's a large digital timer outside that let's you know how long the wait is. Despite the long lines, the restaurant is pretty efficient -seating doesn't take too long and the food comes quickly. The portions are large and very filling. I really recommend the mac'n'cheese -it's super rich and cheesy. The strawberry shortcake is yummy as well. They also serve breakfast. Solid food at a solid price.
(3)Thomas A.
We came Sunday at noon and were able to get a booth for 4 in 15 minutes. It's amazing how fast they get you seated; there were probably 30 people ahead of us. The booth is large and comfy and the atmosphere reminds you of a cozy diner. I got the country fried steak with collard greens, mac and cheese, and corn bread. The corn bread is to die for and the collar greens had little bits of bacon in them. The mac and cheese was very good, but the pasta was a little mushy. The country fried steak was good but the gravy made the breading very soggy. My wife and I got out for $35 including two coffees; it's a great price considering the huge portions. If you're stopping through Atlanta and are looking for some good southern comfort food you could do a lot worse than the OK Cafe.
(3)Rachel P.
Ate here for dinner while visiting family in ATL...loved it!! Cozy, comfy ambiance with interesting things to look at, friendly service, and dang good grub! I ordered the turkey with dressing, with mac n' cheese and squash casserole on the side. I cleaned my plate. Everything was riddiicccculously tasty. My husband loved his chicken fried steak, which was pretty enormous. We got a cup of the pot-likker (the liquid left behind after you cook collard greens) to share on the side...this was my first exposure to this very tasty side dish, and I for one am a fan! Great for dunking corn bread. We shared chocolate cake a chocolate malt for dessert. The malt was delicious. The chocolate cake was not my favorite- it was VERY dense- almost more like a brownie consistency? While I really, truly enjoyed OK Cafe, I have to withhold the 5th star, because this place is kind of insanely expensive. It's supposed to be a diner, right? For three adults- that's three dinner plates, 3 drinks, a piece of cake, and a malt- our check was $68 before tip. OUCH. I don't live in Atlanta, so it's not as if I will be able to eat here frequently enough for it to be an issue, but if I did live in ATL, I would have to limit my visits to the OK Cafe for this reason alone :-( Otherwise, totally enjoyable!!
(4)Justin E.
First time here today and I enjoyed ever moment place was friendly as well as for family's or couples. Also are sever Lucy was very nice and helped me picked a entree I got a fried steak with collad greens and Mac & cheese with a chocolate milk shake . The steak was nice and tender as well as the breading was crunchy. The Mac was honestly really good had a good taste to it. The greens were ok it was my first time trying collad greens but they weren't bad , I just didn't care for them. Milk shake was also really good filled me up on a half a plate ... I walked out happy and full ! If I come back to Georgia I'm coming back here for breakfast next time.
(5)Ruksana H.
Recently met a bunch of girlfriends here for brunch on a weekday. The place is packed - I guess the regulars and folks nearby love it. It seemed alright to me. They have the usual soups and sandwiches and burgers and salads. Nothing extraordinary. Our server was nice. If I am in the area I might be interested in stopping by but it definitely did not make it to my favorites.
(3)Noelle S.
I went here with my coworkers for lunch after hearing good things about the food. First, we were seated pretty quickly..granted, the booth we were put into was too small for our crowd so we asked to be moved but that was ok the girl was nice. The atmosphere? Ohh the atmosphere..now, I'm a Slavic woman from NY and I had a issue walking into the place decorated with a confederate flag and old civil war type memorabilia..apparently that isn't such a issue to people around here. The waitress was nice and the food was delicious, and the portions were amazing! I did hear some guys at the table behind us talking about Hitler and how Jews somehow instigated his occupation but I don't know what I expected in a place that proudly hangs a confederate flag *shrugs*. I would order to go because the food was tasty but I don't think I will be dining in again..
(3)Kevin H.
OK Cafe is always dependable for Diner fare. And this last trip was no exception. A good ol' backyard-type hamburger with crisp lettuce, a nice big tomato slice, onion, and deep-fried pickles - with a big handful of golden fries. What's not to love?
(4)Jake H.
This is one of my favorite breakfast spots in Atlanta. Food has been excellent every time I've been. I'm a big fan of the OK Homemade Granola with yogurt and fresh fruit, but everything I've tried on the menu has been very good. I've taken a few groups to OK Cafe and the feedback has always been very positive.
(5)Karim K.
I went with a pretty simple dinner selection. All veggies. Each was very enjoyable: 1. Black Eyed Peas 2. Collard Greens - with the Pot Likker sauce (a must) 3. Sweet Potato - (Would have preferred a bit more of Roasted texture on skin) 4. Tabouleh. there is a decent atmosphere at Ok Cafe - I think most people go for the comfort food factor. I hear you haven't lived if you haven't tried one of their milkshakes.......(there is even a Peanut Butter Flavor). Anyway - Never had bad food there - Good place to go if you are looking for a good southern meal.
(4)Sophia S.
Being told this was an Atlanta institution, I decided to try it. I came here with my bf on a sunday afternoon. It wasn't super busy and we got seated right away. Our waitress was training someone so she had this other girl follow her around, which was fine. We ordered drinks and an appetizer which came out promptly. We waited another 20 minutes for our entrees, which would have been fine if I didn't see that people around us who came in after us had already gotten their food. At first I assumed it took a lot longer to prepare my pot pie. We waited some more. Then I noticed a couple who came in AFTER we had gotten our appetizer getting their food. And all this time, we never saw our waitress or the girl following her around, they just never came back. So after 45 minutes of waiting for our food, I asked another waitress to check on it for us and we were told our waitress never put our order in. How do you forget to put in someone's order? The new waitress offered to put it in but we had to be at the airport so we just ended up leaving. Never coming back.
(1)Kat W.
Decent diner fare. We got here on a Sunday, wanting breakfast but by the time we were seated it was 2pm and breakfast was over. The place is huge which was a surprise as from the outside it looks average. So with the chances of breakfast being killed upon being seated we settled on the special of the day...fried chicken. Which really is a fried chicken patty, similar to chicken fried chicken. Matter of fact its the same thing minus the gravy which they charge extra for. I got that and a side of corn and mac and cheese. The corn was good, cut off the cobb fresh. Not highly seasoned but good. The mac and cheese was room temperature warm but surprisingly good. Prob would have been great if it was hot. The chicken fried chicken...was good. It was the hottest thing on the plate and fresh from the grease. It was a good meal, not great and not something I would jump up and down for when seeking something to eat next. I'll probably try breakfast, just to get the overall experience. Surprisingly the menu was rather small.
(3)Tricia B.
This was almost a 4 or 5 star...but they just missed the mark on enough things to bump it to a 3. What was good was very good and what wasnt, well, wasnt! I did not have the opportunity to check Yelp, so didnt know to order the veggies. Went at 2pm on a Sunday, so there was no crowd and we got seated right away. The place is huge and pretty noisy...even at an off-time...I cant imagine the noise level when they are busy. The tea was excellent and served with crushed ice...but no lemon. C'mon!! Refills were prompt. I was in the mood for Brunswick stew, but everyone makes it soooo differently that I always ask for a taste to see if I like it. OK Cafe does not allow that...they said I would have to order it, send it back if I didnt like it, and order something else. That is ridiculous...a waste of their money, their food, and my time. I ordered the BLT and the basket of fries and rings. My co-foodie ordered the burger and fries. My BLT was delicious...definitely a 5 star. Toasted perfectly (if you choose to have it toasted), your choice of bread, nice salty, crunchy bacon, and a good ratio of bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. My friend said her burger was very good. Unfortunately, the fries and rings were a disaster. The batter on the rings was nice and light, they were obviously homemade, and they used amazing sweet onions. But they had been fried for such a short time, that they were just a soggy mess. The fries were also very underdone, but edible. I only eat rings out and I was so looking forward to them...but neither of us could eat them. Also asked for ranch dressing twice (I like it on fries instead on ketchup) and never got it. We would have returned the rings, but was not successful in getting our servers attention until we were almost thru eating and she brought the bill. She did not check on us while we were eating to see if everything was ok. All in all, a nice lunch, but not great.
(3)Tim D.
Nothing to see here, move on please!
(1)Mr. Butters ..
Best southern food in town. From the country fried steak to the French toast. A+++ Highly recommended - bring your wallet, and maybe your neighbor's wallet
(4)Drew V.
This place is great! I went there yesterday for breakfast and dinner. For breakfast I had eggs, toast, cheese grits, turkey sausage and coffee and left stuffed. For dinner I had fried chicken, cornbread, macaroni and cheese (a must try) and the potato salad (eh). I've had the milkshakes before and they are great as well so if you want the diner feel, this is the place. All the waitresses dress in old fashion white dresses with aprons and little hats with white sneakers. There's also a huge tree in the middle of one of the rooms that is decorated with fake money that's a pleaser for kids. Don't go and not expect to wait but they are very quick to accommodate. Their desserts (esp. key lime pie) are delicious, service is prompt, and food is great. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I have been there before when I ordered food that I did not like. Not that it was bad, just not my taste. Their health score is 100 which is impressive and when you walk in the hallway is adorned with caricatures/drawings of employees that have worked their for 25+ years, which I like because it means they are treating their employees right. There's a to-go spot that could easily be missed but is definitely worth a look. Some of it you have to pay for by weighing your food so stick to the stuff that is already weighed and has a price tag on it! I'm actually glad I don't live closer because that key lime pie is dangerous.
(4)Paul R.
First and foremost I never thought that I would be on that side of town from where I live. It just so happened that I had a doctors appointment and had to get up at zero dark thirty that morning. When I reached my destination I still had an hour to kill and found this place. I went in, though it was partially packed, service was quick. Since I'm the type of guy who loves eye candy, it was there and they were really nice. I ordered a mushroom, onion, and I forgot what else as this was like 2 days ago. Mind you, I always thought that every omelette that you order, it always comes with cheese. Fooled the hell out of me that given day. They served it with grits, and a hot biscuit so it wasn't really all that bad. If I'm on that side of town again I would try the rest of their food. It's probably my fault, I may have should have said, "With Cheese!"
(3)Nicole G.
I just got back from here, and I think my chair is going to buckle instead of my belt. I almost was run over while walking into this building twice by cars. While walking across the parking lot made me feel like the frog in "Frogger," the food in here more than made up for it. We tried the onion rings as an appetizer, and I ordered the chicken pot pie with sides of greens and potato salad. Everything was good and very Southern, especially the greens -- it's so hard to find a place that does them right. We got our food pretty quickly, and the whole staff was very courteous. I really want to go back to try the desserts one day. I was too stuffed to even try one today.
(5)Veronica C.
We come here every time we visit family in Atlanta. The southern veggies are amazing! The portions are generous and everything tastes homemade. On the menu A-OK shows you they use heathy ingredients only (no hormone dairy, all-fresh produce, etc). This place is a southern staple for us. Super cute venue with friendly staff and sweet tea (not too sweet) and fresh-squeezed lemonade. Yum.
(5)Hwventure H.
I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! Good ole home cookin' in a casual setting! And a huge bonus: they use quality ingredients. Also, they bake all bread fresh daily and all of their desserts are homemade. The mac and cheese is a must have. The collards are delicious. The corn bread is scrumptious. My dad loved his meat loaf and I devoured my country fried steak - best I've had outside of my mammas kitchen! ****I've never tried the take out buffet. Better to sit down, relax and have a freshly prepared meal. :) PS: the service was great.
(5)Carl A.
Good southern cooking with modern flair. I always try to eat here when in this part of the state.
(4)Anne W.
Been here several times. Totally LOVE the food (fried green tomatoes! chicken pie!), but totally HATE the noise. Our party can never hear each other to have a conversation. Had to lean across the table to speak. I don't know what they can do about it, too many hard surfaces I guess, but it's really annoying. From now on, I'll get stuff from the wonderful Take Away and eat at home where I can hear and talk with my friends. As to the wait, we've never waited more than 10 minutes, and never had bad service either. It's a reliable place when we want some comfort food -- as long as we only eat and not talk ;)
(3)Mary S.
I have always loved OK Cafe for the comfort food and 1950s vibe, but the old Georgia Confederate flag painting needs to go. While the customers and staff are diverse and in good spirits, this image is an embarrassing and shameful relic to many Georgians. Eating beneath it actually gives me indigestion. I'll return when the flag is gone for good. Ok?
(1)Lisa K.
One of my favorite restaurants. This place does comfort food like no other! The portions are LARGE -- usually more than I can eat. The Chicken Pot Pie is just like mom used to (still does!) make, and the Meatloaf is superb. Breakfast is great there as well, with some killer omelettes and french toast. They used to be open 24 hours, but they stopped that quite a while ago. Regardless of what time I go, there's always a crowd, and often a sizeable wait. Well worth a visit or two!
(4)Craig G.
Good southern style country cooking with a whimsical atmosphere. Service was in a confused state and our waitress was a bit blunt a couple of times. Check-out was drawn-out. I didn't see the fried pickles on the menu, but that was our appetizer and was the best I've ever had, albeit the dipping sauce was just ranch dressing (the best fried pickle sauce I've had was a remoulade). I had the country fried steak with white gravy and mashed potatoes. While the steak was generous, they were a bit stingy with the gravy. The three-cheese macaroni was excellent. The cornbread muffin had whole kernels and was moist and sweet.
(3)Thomas L.
The OK Café is a 50s styled diner located on West Paces Ferry and Northside Drive. Writing a review for the restaurant is a bit more difficult than average due to the variety of food available. I've been there four to five times and there is still much on the menu I'd like to sample. Eating at the OK Café can be a somewhat hectic experience because it's always busy. My last visit was on a Tuesday afternoon at 3:00 PM and the place was virtually packed. That's to be expected with food this good, though. The Fried Pickle Chips are a must when visiting the restaurant. They are outstanding, especially with a side of ranch. I personally have not had better fried pickles in Atlanta. I also want to try fried jalapeno and cheese grits and homemade potato chips. Generally when I go to the OK Café I have the burgers. I have had their chicken fried chicken with white gravy which good, but not great. It wasn't much better than what one would get at the Cracker Barrel. The meatloaf is similarly good, but not great. The burgers, however, are among my favorite in Atlanta, along with The Vortex, US Café and 5 Guys. This and the appetizers are why I gave the OK Café four stars. One of their most popular burgers is the Rocket Burger, served with mozzarella cheese and fresh jalapenos. The fresh jalapenos actually have some heat and bite them and compliment the burger perfectly. However, my favorite item is their good, old fashioned bacon cheeseburger. It comes with either Cheddar, American, Pepper Jack, Mozzarella or Blue Cheese. I prefer mine cooked medium rare with blue cheese with a side of mayo. The fries are also outstanding. They're thinly cut and extra crispy. No soggy or half-cooked fries here. Finally, there are a number of desert items that look delicious but after eating an appetizer and gigantic burger I'm always too full. There is also an "OK Takeway" where one can get various items to go. Beware though, at $7.99/lb it can get pricey quickly. Pros: One of my favorite burgers in all of Atlanta. Awesome appetizers. Cons: Always busy. A short wait is nearly always required. Somewhat pricey considering it's a diner. Lunch for two cost $40 the last time I went. Verdict: Recommended.
(4)Christina W.
This is a great place to take friends from out of state. Expect a wait as it is always busy which is typically a good sign. The atmosphere is as busy as the restaurant. Back in the day, ,my friends and I tried to get together once a week to catch up and this is one of the places we could always agree upon. The vegetables are a winner for my vegetarian friends and the grilled cheese with bacon for the non-vegetarian friends. Went there recently again and the food hasn't changed. The service was okay, nothing spectacular. Again, this is a show off place for out of towners. Out of the south out of towners.
(3)Darryl M.
Very nice atmosphere with very little wait time around noon after Thanksgiving. Had my mouth fixed for breakfast only to discover that they don't server breakfast 24x7. Cutoff is 11am. Had the crabcakes and was disappointed with the portion size. More like appetizers although they were very good. Sweet potato fries were good. Service was outstanding and the kids meal selection was good. They brought my 3 yr a cheesburger that was good for two meals for him.
(4)Gerald G.
Just stopped in for a sec but tried the crab & artichoke dip and had to buy some. The crawfish & crab is awesome! Great atmosphere and food, the staff is 1st rate!
(4)Slim M.
?. ??. I am trying to figure out the madness surrounding this place. I went for the first time today and was thoroughly 100% disappointed. A friend and I waited in line for about 7 minutes to be seated. We were finally seated and our waitress took our order. It was pretty crowded at 8 A.M. for a Sunday, so I was thinking this food was going to be outta-control-good. I ordered the 3-egg omelette with green peppers, onions, and mushrooms. That comes with a choice of fries OR grits, biscuit OR toast. I opted for the biscuit and grits. She asked if I'd like cheese on my omelette; I rejected. I shouldn't have. Now, my grits- I have no complaint about. They were very creamy, a little buttery, and were good. The biscuit was nothing to go crazy about, but it didn't taste like a frozen biscuit. + for that. My omelette? Man. I wanted to personally go ask the chef, "Why did you do this? Just... why?" Why on earth would you serve raw onions, raw green peppers, and raw mushrooms in an omelette? The omelette itself had NO taste to it. No seasoning. After a couple bites, I began to wonder if it was actual eggs I was eating or egg substitute. It just did not taste good. I doused a bit of salt on the omelette to make it somewhat flavorful.That helped a little. After eating, my friend and I looked at each other, and both shook our heads and laughed. He didn't understand what the fuss was about this place, either. I dunno. Maybe we came on the wrong day, who knows. All I know is my meal was around $12, 13 and I don't see why. I notice a lot of reviewers referring to the lunch/dinner menu. Maybe I should have come later, because the breakfast was beyond disappointing. I don't know if I'd come back.
(1)Sam B.
The O.K. Cafe is a staple as far as Atlanta restaurants go. O.K. serves some of the best Southern food in Atlanta. Their Mac n Cheese is unlike any I've ever had before, and it's delicious. You pretty much can't go wrong with any entree there. They have really good milkshakes and breakfast as well. They also have a room in the back called "OK Takeaway." It's a buffet offering many of there staple entrees/side dishes along with some other good food not included on the regular menu (the chicken wings are really good). My only complaint about OK Takeaway is that it's too expensive. You pay by weight, and most of the time it ends up being more expensive than getting a meal from the main restaurant. Verdict - great southern food, friendly service, great overall restaurant.
(4)Mark T.
Continuing my culinary tour of all the places I have missed since leaving Atlanta, I stopped at the OK Cafe. Actually this was my third attempt - two other restaurants I placed higher on my list I discovered had closed - but OK wasn't too far from my hotel and I do miss the place. The good thing is that it is open 24 hours, so you can stop by whenever you are hungry. The interior is a retro diner and the waitresses still wear the uniforms. If you want southern comfort food, here it is. My favorite thing they used to have was the lima beans, but apparently those are gone. The Mac & Cheese is good too, as is the squash souffle. I went with the squash and a sweet potato as my sides with the meatloaf. It comes with a corn bread roll as well - and I swear, I ordered and 5 minutes later it was on my table. The portions are big and the price is affordable. I ate about half of the plate and was full. With a soda, it was about $14. Sometimes the place is packed. I was fortunate yesterday that I arrived a little before the Friday dinner crowd and didn't have a wait. Good good, good prices, good service. A must try.
(4)Charlie F.
Overall the food was pretty good but considering the menu focuses on sustainability, I thought there would be a few more healthier options. Not a single vegan item on the menu without ordering a salad minus meat and cheese. I would have loved to see a vegan omelet option and a healthier option to the standard high fructose corn syrup condiments. I tried the veggie burger, though I am sure it is mot vegan. It fell apart, but was really tasty and looked as though it was made in house (not frozen). Another negative is that the menu didn't offer children size portions. The waitress offered a smaller portion but for the price break we would have done better ordering a regular entree and sharing or taking leftovers home. Overall: if your not worried about your fried food, fat, and meat intake you will absolutely love it, but it seems with a little more attention this place could maintain a simple menu with healthier options.
(3)Liz V.
I normally get take out here on the side where you pay per pound. Although this service is very convenient, it is also a test of will. How can you not walk out paying well over $20 for take out? I have a weakness for their meatloaf and creamed corn, not to mention their spinach and dessert items. Every time I walk up to the smiling guy standing in front of the scale I break out in to a cold sweat. I make it in to a carnival game and I try to tease the guy by saying "guess the weight!" but he never plays my little game. Who are we kidding? Even if you sit down in the restaurant you're not walking out with a table below $20! And whoever put the Rice Krispie Treats by the register is evil! Who can resist those?
(4)JAN k.
Very excellent. Service,food, and even the atmosphere...which normally does not mean much to me. Be sure to check out the fans on the ceiling. Anyhow back to the food. We ordered 2 dinners..meatloaf,extra sauce,collards, cabbage and pot liquor..turkey.,dressing, gravy,fresh peas(vod) and greenbeans. Every thing was yummy even the corny cornbread.With tip about 30us$. We drink water. What I really like is that the servers help everyone to make sure you have good service.
(5)Melissa L.
A pot licker is not the same as a pot sticker. First thing you should know when going to OK Cafe. They give you Tootsie Rolls after your meal :) How can that not make you happy? Last time I was there I ordered the country fried steak. When the waitress placed the plate on the table in front of me, I wanted to go hog wild. I wanted to shove my entire face in the plate and devour it like a wild animal! I controlled myself though. I ate like a polite homo sapien. I used my opposable thumbs and everything! I have never had anything bad at this place, and that is saying something. I am picky, sensitive, and sometimes a bit snobbish.
(5)RIKETA C.
I heart OK-cafe's Mac and Cheese.....I could eat it everyday. I never really eat in the main dining room, but I have eaten from the to-go buffet several times. Everything is so good, but I think it's something like $6.99/lb (I may be wrong). I never really paid attention to how much a pound of food really was until I had to measure it and let me tell you -one slice of meatloaf and a few spoonfuls of mashed potatoes reaches 16 ozs pretty quickly...so as a result you end up paying like $14-16 for a regular plate of food....I never feel good about that when I leave so as a result I dont eat here very often... I shouldn't have to save up to eat at the to-go area of OK Cafe, and that is why it only gets three stars... But that mac and cheese seriously rivals my gravy addiction.....
(3)Mick D.
A worthy Atlanta tradition. Solid, Southern diner fare. With milkshakes. And get this: The staff sings while they work. And not the "hey it's your birthday" kind of singing, but the genuine kind of carefree & happy singing going to and from tables, and back in the kitchen. To me, that's an sign of true working happiness. Staff here is a big family. They like each other, and enjoy working with each other. Any restaurant that can put their staff into that happy frame of mind is going to turn out food made with the same fun-loving spirit. And that's why I am a fan. That's probably also why they say they serve more people than any full-service restaurant in Atlanta. The food is fantastic. Organic beef. Healthy creations next to diner-crowd-pleasers. Service is friendly. And I am always happy to go there, even if there's a wait. Did I mention they have milkshakes?
(5)Patrick s.
For the love of Christ I can't understand why people rate this restaurant 2 or even 3 stars. It is NOTHING like I.H.O.P or Denny's or any other generic crap you dim-witted morons might put near your weak little palates. You don't come to this establishment for eggs and coffee...(meh, it was O.K....get it? O.K.) You eat good southern comfort food. Next time you're there you might try the Turkey dinner with the wonderful rich gravy and the walnut, cranberry, apple sauce which adds a splendid contrast to the richness of the stuffing and turkey. The mac and Cheese, the squash casserole. OR you could try the Brunswick stew with all of it's hearty tomato goodness. Or how about the Wonderful hot bowl of chunky vegetable soup with a flavorful broth loaded with veggies. Morons. Please. Pros: Good southern comfort food with eclectic decor, friendly staff and quality ingredients. Cons: Almost always busy. Tell ya something?
(5)Robert C.
The OK Cafe is more about convenience and location than the food or price. Its located at the corner of Northside and West Paces and is the spot for a business breakfast in Atlanta. I've never been amazed by the food, but its typically quick to sit down and you don't have to deal with valet parking.
(3)Mike B.
People's love for this place is a total mystery to me. Having lived here for several years, and being dragged here by friends and family when visiting. This place never seems to impress me. The service is attentive and friendly, but the food is "OK' at best, hence the name, I guess.
(3)Christine P.
My co-worker and I had lunch at the OK Cafe this week for her birthday. I had never eaten hear before but she said it was great. Our booth overlooked the to go section of the restaurant, which was kind of neat. I ordered the chicken (baked or rotisserie) chicken, collard greens and sweet potato. I was pleasantly surprised that the sweet stuff for the sweet potato was on the side because I prefer to eat them plain. The collards were very tasty and not too soggy. My chicken was good but kind of dry. I will probably choose some other meat on my next visit. My co-worker ordered the turkey and dressing with collards and mac-n-cheese. Instead of mac-n-cheese, she got the squash casserole. She didn't complain because - 1) the waitress was gone and 2) she said it was good. I could have used a little more tea, but our waitress did not reappear until she dropped off the check. The food was for the most part very good and I would eat there again. I would probably also bring out-of-town guests here if this was the type of food they were in the mood for. The restaurant is very busy, so be prepared to wait - the bigger your party, the longer the wait. You may have to park in one of the grocery store spots and walk over instead of waiting for a closer spot.
(4)J L.
Aw, I just want to give the OK Cafe a kiss on the cheek. They can't help it that they're just not that amazing anymore. I consider this place an Atlanta road-stop. I've been going here forever, and ev-er, and evvvv errrr. It gets old because the food doesn't "really" change. They have tasty desserts, a good hamburger, and a hearty vegetable plate. I recommend: Fried Okra (peppery&delicious), chocolate cake, burgers, and crab cakes and the mac n' cheese. I had a "first" here. It was the sweet potato chips with bleu cheese. Get the cheese grits appetizer, it's really tasty. In other greasy news, SOMETHING worth talking about is their OK-To Go, take out section. They've gotten so much better, and it's a good place to pick up dinner for a few days. They have a wider selection, and sometimes it's actually better than dining in, in my opinion. You can get things there that they don't even serve for dine-in. The waitresses need new outfits. Sorry. :/
(3)C C.
Loved this place! We sat at the counter and could watch the line cooks preparing the food. They were amazing and incredibly efficient! Just had a burger and it was terrific. Loved the fried pickle too. Vanilla shake and fries were good too. After watching them prep the food, I'd like to go back and try some more dishes.
(4)Wayne J.
This has been one of my favorite places to eat for years. The food is very good. No matter what I order, I always have the baked sweet potato with brown sugar, butter and pecans, the waldorf salad and the macaroni and cheese. I love their corn bread. The take out section is great if you don't want to cook, but be careful, it can get quite expensive (it is charged by weight).
(4)Ian R.
I'm glad our waitress forgot I ordered a milkshake, because I was already stuffed! Great service, great food (can't say I'm a fan of seeing a female only waitstaff and male only kitchen staff, but I guess that's part of their olde-tyme motif). From the outside, I was half expecting this place to serve breakfast all day, but that didn't matter once I heard about the specials. I ordered the fried chicken breast with two sides. Chicken was crispy on the outside, juicy on this inside with great spices that reminded my girlfriend of Pofolks. My sides were great, and I was especially surprised to find a diner that pulls off tabouli so well. And to top it off I had the best cornbread muffin I've had since moving to Atlanta (to which I need to say that the entire south has really disappointed me with its dry cornbread). Overall, this place was a flavor explosion, and by appearance and taste alone I am convinced that they must have great coffee and breakfast. I'll need to return to find out for myself. Just be careful in the parking lot - the locals only fail to run you over if they think the blood will soil their benz.
(4)Rani C.
We tried it for breakfast. Go in from entrance facing the Publix. Some food was cold like the turkey sausage. I tested DH's plate and his was cold too, so I don't think that was a fluke. Service was good. Brightly lit. Seems a bit more awake than Flying Biscuit at 7 a.m. We might try it again but this time for Southern fare dinner.
(2)Jennifer J.
Five stars it is. I went today with a group from work for my annual Thanksgiving lunch and it was fantastic. The service was perfect and the food was spot on. Yes, I am still a sucker for the turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, green beans and corn muffins. Yes, I said muffins because they're that tasty. Their sweet tea may leave you with diabetes but hey it's the south, so suck it up and deal with it, because it's damn good.
(5)Elaina T.
My love and I just came home from breakfast. I had a ham & cheese omelet w/mushies, onions, & pepps. He had griddle cakes, bacon, & home fries. I was pleased from the decor & friendly greeting to the polite & efficient waitress Michelle, to the food. Fluffy omelet, nicely stuffed w/cubes of ham & sauteed (yet still firm) veggies. My love was pleased with his meal as well. We both enjoyed the apple butter (love that stuff!). Halfway into the meal, the place was PACKED full of hungry suits (& loafers)on their way to work. I say the suits know their breakfast, because we'll definitely return...and next time I'll wear my loafers.
(4)Scott K.
It's been awhile since I have eaten here, but a very memorable meal. The mac and cheese is absolutely the best I have ever eaten. I ate the blueplate special (roasted turkey w/ gravy) and it was excellent. It was pretty crowded and I think we waited five minutes at the most to be seated. Seemed kinda hectic, but the waitress handled it pretty well. Overall, pleased with the service....neat place to eat
(4)Max J.
OK Café is not. Oh my I ate way too much food. It's a great option if you want to get away from the downtown city center for some good ole' country cooking. Think of this a independent cracker barrel. I had a fried chicken breast, collard greens, green beans and sweet tea. The food was massive and I felt my arteries slowing after the meal. Interestingly enough I went to dinner where I was the only southerner used to this kind of food. All my friends seemed right at home. I've never seen a latino put so much while gravy on turkey meat and be so happy before. Two stars to OK café, the food was good, but anything dripping in that much gravy would be. Make sure to stop by here if you have a big night of drinking planned and need something to soak up all that misadventure.
(2)jimmy s.
I've only been here for breakfast, but I've been a few times and have never been impressed. This place is seriously overrated, frequented by a very particular clientele. The menu is boring, the food itself is "fine", but not worth the wait that it so often has. The place is comfortable and the service is good though. Goldberg's is a much better value right across the parking lot.
(2)Tracy J.
My last stop in Atlanta was Ok Cafe, Thank you people of yelp for making this great selection. I got there at 2:00pm and there was about a 10 minute wait, which was a good sign. My waitress was friendly and recommended I go with the chicken fried steak, mac and cheese and collard greens. What a great combo, I believe it was about 12$ and there was no way I was gonna finish all this food. The mac and cheese was above average, something i would order again. The collard greens were good but I don't have alot to compare them to. The gravy on the chicken fried steak was extremely good, the gravy took it from an good dish to an awesome one. Next time in Atlanta I will be stopping at Ok Cafe.
(4)Lindsay C.
The OK Cafe isn't exactly the talk of the town or the latest foodie hot spot, but they have two things that the newer ATL establishments don't have. Consistency and tenure! I've been coming here for almost 15 years. First as my first "ITP" dinner in high school, on to delicious group dinners in college, and now I do the business breakfast here with the occasional OK Takeaway. In 15 years, I have never been disappointed. Definitely get the sweet tea. Enjoy a corn muffin slathered in butter. I typically go for the 'veggie' plate that involves far too much salt, carbs, and fat. In case you aren't from around these parts... that's a good thing! :) The service is always speedy, sweet, and solid. So glad I can count on the OK Cafe for a good meal, good company, reasonable prices, and big portions. Like! Oh... and who doesn't love a restaurant with an actual money tree in it?
(4)Michael K.
Great location for the every now and again "home made style" meal. They have great main dishes as well as excellent sides that will leave you satisfied each and every time. It is a little pricy for what you get and the wait staff can be slow but for the most part it is very reliable time and time again.
(3)MoMo J.
I haven't been here in awhile. I forgot how delicious their pot pie was!! I like their sweet tea as well. Mac and cheese is good too! Good ole southern food.
(5)Vincent K.
******3.5 Stars******* So on a cloudy sunday morning the gf and I awoke from our slumber and immediately a craving for breakfast food hit me. I contemplated whether i should spend the $15 dollars at publix and grind away at the kitchen for 30-40 min for a meal that altho would be quite tasty I would not feel like eating anymore or if i should take the time to go out and eat. Around my area there was a waffle house (aka grease trap) and a few other misc. selections... not really feeling it from these places i decided to venture out to OK Cafe since I had seen some reviews for the restaurant scattered around the internets. After getting directions via google the drive was short and quaint on west paces ferry passing the governor's mansion etc... coming up to an intersection i saw the unique building that was OK Cafe (Hard to miss since the name is plastered all over the building). As i pulled into the parking lot there seemed to be a lack of spaces to park, but seeing the hour (12 pm or so) on a Sunday i wasn't suprised. We circled a few times around and parked. When we walked in the parking lot was a good indication of the wait (LOOOOONG). Being a party of two and not wanting to wait to eat since we were hungry already my gf and i decided to sit at the counter which was quite interesting. Our waitress got us our menus and waters and we looked over the menu. We had gone in for breakfast and surprisingly at the OK Cafe their breakfast menu wasn't nearly laid out as well as the other selections. We asked the waitress for some help and we finally settled on a combo plate of eggs, breakfast potatoes, sausage and pancakes that my gf and i would split. After watching the hustle and bustle of the kitchen, i knew i had ordered the wrong thing. The skillets they were cooking looked amazing as did the omelets, not to mention the sandwiches. Since the order was already put in i didn't do much to change and instead opted to see how our food would turn out. When it finally came the eggs were cooked to our liking and everything else tasted as expected. The one highlight were the pancakes which were sweet unto themselves and required little syrup. the batter cooked up fluffy and the fruit in the pancakes were actually fruit. Overall don't go to OK Cafe for your usual breakfast foods... go more for their skillets and omelets and southern cooking and you shouldn't be disappointed... we ended up leaving the CAFE after roughly $14 with tip (remember we split the breakfast)... not bad, not great... would be open to trying it again if i was in the area... would i make a trip out there again? maybe not... OK Cafe was a little better than OK but not Good, but i guess that doesn't make such a great name 'Not quite good, but good Cafe'
(3)Kitty C.
After a long international flight, we came here for take out. We've eaten in the restaurant before and the food is solid for the price. Good southern cooking and a hot full meal. Take out was a surprisingly expensive though in comparison. At 7.99 per lb, they were more expensive than whole foods (5.99/lb)! I took home a half slice of meatloaf, some collard greens, a little bit of mashed potatoes and sausage. My friend took home almost the same plus a chicken leg and the total price was $28. It was a small-ish meal in comparison to the dine in and it cost almost as much. My recommendation? eat in. :)
(3)Ryan C.
The name says it all...just OK The really weird thing....you cant get something to go off of regular menu, I wanted a burger to go, was told I couldnt get one unless I sat down and ate it...had to go to their take away counter, which didnt offer a burger. Stick with breakfast food if eating here.
(2)Calvin P.
I was in town for Labor Day weekend and my fiancé's friend took us out for breakfast at the OK Cafe. While we were driving there, she half apologized for taking us to someplace that was "just a diner." I told her, fear not, half my reviews on Yelp are for diners. I love them. I'm a connoisseur of diners. And I was not disappointed by OK Cafe. At all. So in theory diners are northern creations full of shiny chrome, glass, and neon. But we're in the deep south, full of down home architecture and waitresses instead of wait staff. OK Cafe, amazingly, gives you some of both. Lots of neon on the outside, including a very cool neon sign that will tell you how long your wait is going to be which you can read from approximately a mile away. But the building is wooden and painted barn red. Inside there's lots of polished wood, wrought iron, and starched aprons. So yeah, it's a diner for the south. The service was unbelievable. The waitresses acted like keeping our coffee cups full was a team sport. They were great about giving us all the time we needed to choose our food and never hinted at rushing us to leave despite the place getting busier busier. Compared to many other diners I've been to, the menu has a fairly limited set of selections. But all the basics were there. All three of us ordered pancakes. My fiancé's and her friend had buttermilk pancakes with blueberries, but I had the whole grain pancakes with apple butter, granny smith apples, and pecans. We also ordered various sides of eggs and sausage. The pancakes were both beautiful in that golden carby way and delicious. It's quite an art getting a pancake just the right thickness to be cakey on the inside and yet gently crisply golden brown on the outside. But these were perfection on a plate. Prices seemed reasonable. Our bill averaged $12 per person for pancakes, a side, and coffee.
(4)Deb N.
Located in the back of the OK Cafe. yelp.com/biz/-6T_kAD0dRw… I parked and entered through this entrance and had to walk through the restaurant to get seated for the main area but glad I came by this area to check out what I wanted when I left. There is a case for prepared foods, then hot food area and a cold case and salad bar. Then prewrapped cookies and sweets. Love the idea of home cooking to go.
(5)B P.
This place was exactly as the star rating says "Meh. I've experienced better." Their servings are all right but could be a bit bigger. I had fried eggs, a biscuit and potatoes. It was just ok.
(2)Quincy S.
I have never had a bad meal at Ok Cafe and everyone I take there loves it as well. The food is as southern as the decor and staff and I never leave hungry. I usually opt for the Country Fried Steak or one of the burgers, but they do offer a veggie plate for the more health conscious. Ok prides themselves on their daily fresh preparation and natural ingredients and it shows in the end result. Dont forget to try the 'take away' side if youre in a rush, they have most menu items available to go and priced by the pound.
(4)David H.
OK Cafe is somewhat of an Atlanta institution. They used to be open 24 hours and their menu has changed a bit over the years (they used to make a good cheesesteak I'd order regularly), but their core food has stayed the same. Their main attraction is good Southern "comfort" food -- it's basically a midrange priced "meat and three" (well two in their case) place in a diner setting. They also make a pretty good southern breakfast. For their dinner menu, they have the "Blue Plate Specials" and some sandwiches and relatively pricey burgers. The burgers are all right, but that's not why you come here. You can get a good burger at a bunch of places. You come here for the Southern food plates. I tend to order either the Meatloaf or the Salmon most of the time. Their Crab and Crawfish Cakes are good too as is their Pot Roast and Chicken Pot Pie. I also liked their Roasted Turkey, Gravy and Cornbread Dressing the one time I had it. They also have a rotating daily special -- I've tried the Fried Chicken and it was very good. In sandwiches, I'm partial to their Grilled Chicken Breast, BLT or Egg Salad. As far as the sides go, their Triple Cheese Macaroni really stands out. OK Cafe makes one of the best versions of that dish. I also like their Baked Sweet Potatoes, which they top with butter, cinnamon and pecans. Their vegetables are usually good too: the collards, green beans, corn, broccoli, etc. and they have a rotating "veggie of the day." If you're getting a sandwich or burger, their fries are usually excellent (thinner and just the right level of crispy) and they also make good and greasy Shaved Fried Onions. You can get a half & half basket (half fries, half onions), too. As far as appetizers go, I like their Cheese Grits and their Sweet Potato Chips. I usually don't have room for dessert because their food is so heavy, but OK Cafe makes some tasty desserts. Their pies are very good, and I used to get their Chocolate Icebox Pie or an ice cream dish (sundae, split, etc.) Their milkshakes are really good as well; some people order them with their meal. In addition to their dine-in area, they have the takeaway store, where you can get a lot of their vegetables, breads, entree portions, etc. by weight in plastic containers. You can grab a pound of their Triple Cheese Macaroni for the road. The takeaway section also has a sandwich counter where they'll make you a sandwich to go; they also have various cake and pie slices in a cooled side section. Anyway, they don't have much in the way of group seating usually, and they can get pretty crowded during regular business hours (you may have to wait or eat at the counter). But, overall, the service is usually pretty good. If you go for the good Southern food Blue Plates, you'll probably be satisfied.
(4)Ally M.
Went to the OK cafe a Sunday for breakfast. Got in just before the rush which appeared to start around 10.30 am. Great atmosphere with a good selection for breakfast. You will not leave hungry. There's a small store attached where you can buy bread, cookies and hot food items to go. Wish we lived in Atlanta to visit this place more often.
(4)Casey S.
I tell my sister that the reason I like to visit ATL is for her, but secretly, it's for OK Cafe. Please don't tell her our little secret. THE best mac n cheese I have ever ingested. Honestly. If I could give this place 10 stars based on that dish alone, I would. I'm craving it all the way in Chi-town right this very moment. Perhaps another visit is in order....
(5)Julie R.
This place is a lot better than just OK. Waaaay back in the late 90's when I was a college student (Yes, dear children. I am *that* old. Someone pass me an Ensure, please!), this place was actually open 24-7. It was an awesome place to pull an all-nighter with a gigantic glass of milkshake (one of the best in town, and enough for 2), alone or with your buddies. You walk in, write down your name & the # of people in your party on their notepad, and wait for them to call your name. If you have a sense of humor, you can do what my friend did when we walked in here for the first time: sign in as "communist" as your name and indicated how many of you there are. Then they'll yell, "Communist, party of 4!" Since I have a very juvenile sense of humor, I still find that hi to the larious. Anyway, besides awesome milkshakes, OK Cafe has great chicken fried steak, vegetable plate (collard greens, mac n cheese, loaded baked sweet potato, oh, my!!), and.... FANTASTIC chicken nuggets, which come with equally fantastic french fries. I'm also a huge fan of their sweet tea, which comes with my favorite kind of ice - restaurant owners, please take note.... It's nugget ice, or bust!! Read the sales figures from said ice machine owners, and you'll see that I speak the truth here. Oh, yeah... Some people get kind of freaked out by the gigantic confederate flag on their wall... While I'm not a huge fan, I have yet to receive ill-treatment or get dirty looks from any of their patrons or staff, so I'm willing to overlook it because of the food. This is kind of a touchy subject for some, so I'll just leave it at that. Bottom line, if you're into southern comfort food, skip Mary Mac and give this place a whirl. p.s. Their coconut cake is also awesome. My favorite thus far in Atlanta.
(4)Greg R.
Good Food, Bad Management On a busy schedule, requested a lunch menu at 1047am but were told mo because they don't start serving lunch until 11am. The manager refused to provide the menus and told us we would have to wait until 11am. They have too much business to treat customers so aggressively. Either get a new manager or change your policies to focus on customer service, not being arrogant
(1)Chris R.
I love OK Cafe. It's on my way back from dropping my daughter off at school on the way to work, more importantly, I founded my company in the middle booth on the left when you walk in. Great fried breakfasts, I have been eating more of the granola with yogurt lately as I try and drop a few lbs. Takeout if off the hook for a quick dinner.
(5)John G.
I will give 3 stars but thats a strectch...I have had breakfast lunch and dinner here and I cant say anything is that great, its OK as the name implies..If I had to have a favorite meal it would be breakfast, they do a pretty decent pancake with bacon, the pancake is huge I could never eat it all a generous portion of bacon, coffee is weak, and they always give you a tootsie roll with the bill. It is not cheap to eat here plan on around $10 pp
(3)Christian B.
It's not Mom's cooking. And it will never be. But if you want some comfort food and Mom's a good 322 miles away, this'll do. I've been coming here since I moved to Atlanta in '03 and my wife's been a customer even longer, since her high school days when the slogan was "everything's OK 24 hours a day." What enticed me my first visit--and what keeps me coming back--are the fried cheese grits. They are exactly what they sound like. Specifically, cheese grits that have been coated in Panko breadcrumbs and fried. Served with a jalapeno white gravy, they're cholesterolicious. Obviously, it's not something I get every visit. If I did, I'd probably have had a heart attack by now. Over the years, however, there are many other things I've found that I've enjoyed. Like the grilled cheese sandwich with bacon, and the griddle cakes with apple butter and pecans. The burgers--topped with fried pickle slices--are pretty good, even great depending who's on the line that night. And the fried chicken, available only on Sundays, is a pretty reliable choice. Just this past weekend I had a nicely breaded chicken breast with white gravy and two sides, which in my case were creamy (and peppery) mashed potatoes and a triple-cheese mac 'n cheese. I've made some missteps in ordering though. The plain pancakes taste like they're made from a mix (I've seen the box of Aunt Jemima to prove it). And I've never really cared for the chicken salad. It's fresher than the norm, but I prefer a traditional chicken salad to their "lighter" version. I do, however, have to give the folks at OK some credit for working in more natural and organic ingredients (see the back of the menu for details). It's not expected at a place like this, but I think it's great they've chosen to do so. Atmosphere-wise, there's a certain whimsy to the place and it's filled with folk art. But what I like most is the signed cover of Harper Lee's "To Kill A Mockingbird" (OK Cafe is named after the cafe in the book). If you've never been, this is a great spot to bring visiting family or people with kids. The latter will love the giant money tree in the back dining room. Worth perusing on your way out is the large to-go operation in the rear. It features a giant steam table, a deli case and a whole host of scratch-made desserts. Speaking of which, I'd be remiss if I didn't tell you to get a shake here just once. They're delicious, especially the chocolate malt, a nostalgic favorite of mine. So like I said, if you're like me and have a Mom who's a great cook, OK Cafe will fall just a little short. But if you're looking to put some South in your mouth, this is one of Atlanta's better meat-and-two joints.
(3)Chef Invisible T.
O.K Cafe is A-OK. Now, it is not the best Southern restaurant I have ever been to, but it is a solid go to place when in the area. It is also a no frills option to take out of town guest that want to get a taste of anything Southern. It is like Cracker Barrel on steroids, and a beloved institution in the Atl. The Rose Guy sits on the corner outside the OKC just in case you need some brownie points with the loved ones for your drunken outraged the day before. This resto is a cross between a neighborhood chain and a local diner. Why, because it looks like a TGIF but makes you feel like a regular. The best place in Vinings for a hang over or affordable large portion grub. Get what you want my opinion should not matter.
(3)Joel C.
I've been living in Atlanta for almost 7 years now and I am surprised that I have never been here! Since I was in the area and starving, I decided to finally check this place out. My first impression upon walking through the doors is that it was a bit themey but after trying the food, I am in love! Since it was our first time there, i was open to trying as much food as possible. We started off with the fried pickles and fried cheese grits...both were awesome! I ordered the Avocado, Tomato and Sprouts Omelet and David ordered the Ham and Cheese Omelet. The portions were huge and we were only able to eat half of what we ordered! Oh, one more thing...the sweet tea was GOOD! Not just good, but rot your teeth good! The customer service is fantastic and everyone was so nice! I truly appreciate that they use a lot of organic produce and that everything is made fresh daily. I'll definitely have to check out their desserts next time as well as grab some food to go in their OK Take-Out area. I will be back soon although I'll have to up my gym workouts!
(4)Scott S.
Was pleasantly surprised. I have wondered what this place was all about, however each time I would pass by it, it was always packed or I never wanted to wait forever to get inside to dine. So when I had the chance to dine here, I was looking forward to a decent experience and I certainly wasn't disappointed. After about 15 minutes or so of waiting we finally were escorted to our seats. The thing which strikes me was how big this place was. It seemed to take a little longer than expected to get to our table, not that I am complaining. I was just merely pointing out how large the place is. The decr and environment had a very diner-like feel but not to the level of cheese factor like other joints. Once seated, I ordered a coffee and water. Our server was nice and pleasant. I was in the brunch mood and decided to order the Ham & Cheddar Omelet. I was a little disappointed by the lack of omelets on the menu. It would have been nice to see an omelet with chicken or beef included somewhere in the recipe. However the omelet I had was surprisingly tasty and the portion filling. OK Cafe has a decent carry-out section as well which I would like to check out sometime. It looks like the idea to bring home food after a day at work and/or if you're just tired of cooking. Pricing is about in line with establishments of this caliber.
(3)Amanda W.
I'd have to say OK Cafe is really just OK. It's definitely not the worse food I've ever had. But it's definitely better than IHOP and the like. However, the OK Take-away is where it's at. It's a bit pricier than let's say Boston Market, but the quality is a bazillion times better. Plus it beats having to cook after a long day at work. I also personally dig the retro uniforms the waitresses wear.
(3)chris k.
Usually quick and friendly service, along with a great breakfast to get your day going. Popular place have to your morning breakfast business meetings here. Additionally, they have a side-store, where you can shop and get all the dishes to go, in the back area. Many people don't know about this, but provides a quick way to get some Southern Cooking in a pinch for dinner.
(4)Enoch C.
i've been here about 3 times now. the first two visits were very impressive. sadly, the last time i went, not so great. i think this place definitely depends on what you order. they hit some stuff out of the park and fall short on other things. i went with 3 other friends, most of us left semi-satisfied wishing we had ordered something different. here's what we had: me: rotisserie chicken with lemon pepper tamari (it's like a soy sauce as i learned from our server) with mac and cheese and fried green tomatoes. friend 1: veggie plate friend 2: pot roast friend 3: meat loaf my rotisserie chicken was pretty dry and not tender at all. the tamari made it pretty salty too. i would recommend they just make it a lemon pepper rotisserie chicken, cook it a little better and it'd be alright. no need for the tamari. the mac and cheese was great. it was the one side we all ordered. the fried green tomatoes came out burning hot (which is good). my only beef with the tomatoes were that they only give you 3. my friend with the veggie plate loved it. i had ordered that before and was not disappointed. probably the safest meal to get here cause their veggies are just superb. the pot roast i heard was disappointing. we both wished we had went with our gut and ordered the chicken pot pie. the meat loaf was ok. i don't know good meatloaf so i can't really tell you if this was exceptional or not. i just had a bite but i thought it was ok. some recommendations i've received for this place are the chicken pot pie and the rocket burger. i also heard the chicken nuggets are good too. we ordered the fried onion shavings and pickle chips. onions were good, and i think i'm just not a fan of pickle chips. but compared to other pickle chips, they tasted about the same. so if that's what pickle chips are supposed to taste like, then you won't be disappointed here although the breading on the chips were abnormally crunchy. i've had the fried cheese grits - those are freaking awesome. i'd definitely recommend those. the cornbread was super moist (friend 1 hates that word). bits of real corn. and i don't normally like cornbread. if you're planning on getting here for lunch, plan on coming early or waiting in line. and for goodness sake, order the right thing!!
(3)Jennifer W.
The OK Cafe is one of the most consistent establishments I've been to. No matter when I've gone, the food has always been good. The atmosphere is that of artsy-Southern-comfort-food-diner. This evening, I chose a veggie plate of green beans, corn, squash casserole and three cheese macaroni. I have to save the best for last, I'm kinda weird that way, so the beans and corn go first, followed by the squash and macaroni. The entire plate was Southern yummy goodness. And when I do happen to leave some food on my plate because I gobbled up a corn muffin or three, I have it boxed up for lunch the next day. The only thing that I don't care for is the see-through take out containers. I don't really like seeing all of those food juices swishing around. But I digress. The service is fairly consistent and well-balanced between attentiveness and space. I've only had lackluster service once. But once out of all the times I've been there is negligible.
(4)Dean S.
It's okay.
(2)Sean K.
True to it's name this place is o.k. I was put off by dirty silverware. Nothing like unwrapping your silverware to find chunks of food from the last persons meal. I agree with every other "dim-witted moron with a weak palate" (according to Patirck S) who says this place is only meh.
(2)Stacy S.
OK Cafe is a good place to go when you're hungry and don't want to bother with something fancy or expensive. I had the veggie plate and the stand-out was DEFINITELY the Mac&Cheese. It was fantastic!!! The corn was good too, it was cut right off the cob.. very fresh. The green beans were okay & so was the cucumber salad. My friend had a cheeseburger which looked good. The onion rings that she ordered were pretty good. The fried green tomatoes were fair - not the best I've had but certainly not the worst. I definitely want to go back to see if they have fried catfish - my favorite! Overall this restaurant is definitely a step-up from a diner, Denny's, Cracker Barrel, TGI Fridays, etc. The servers are really nice, and the sweet tea is great too!
(3)Jeff M.
At least all the places in Atlanta are named correctly. Thumbs Up is just that (out of two thumbs). This place is OK. It's good even. If they were called The Greatest Cafe This Side of the Solar System. then I might have a problem with that. I go here if I have a diner craving. And when I go to diners, I'm never looking for life-changing experiences. I'm looking for what I need: good, greasy diner food. This place is quirky and I like it.
(3)Jean G.
The atmospere was old school. The guys with me thought most of the servers looked cute in the 50's style outfits. I enjoyed my chicken pot pie. My husband was dissapointed fried chicked was only on Sunday. The fries were cold even after asking for new ones.
(3)Renee B.
Holy crap. They have the BEST strawberry shortcake i have ever eaten. 1st time, we ordered the vanilla milkshake, strawberry shortcake and steamed cabbage. I tasted the shortcake and immediately moved the plate to my side so i could devour as fast as possible. The cabbage was fresh and the shake was a great way to wash it down. lol. I went back the next day for more and will keep going cos its on my way to work and the bf's place. Im never going back to DQ shortcakes again.
(5)Scott S.
The old school atmosphere from the 50's outfits the servers wear to the red leather chair decor is awesome. The atmosphere gets 5 stars all the way. Everything else is 'OK' at best. The service is slow. Their grits and Waldorf salad are actually quite good. Everything else was average at best. OK Cafe offers a lot of healthier alternatives and organic options which is fairly unusual for the area but they loose any health benefits on some heavily over salted foods. They do have a seperate take out section of the restuarant with a full bar of take out items. Overall, OK Cafe totally lives up to its name.. OK
(2)Kate B.
Delicious southern cooking! The food is great but it is a little pricey for what it is. You kind of pay for the novelty of the 50's style diner. You must try to squash souffle - its fantastic. It's also cool that there is a OK Take Away section but be careful because you pay by weight and it's almost impossible to leave without spending at least $12 a meal. I'd give it 4 or 5 stars if it were not so pricey for what it is.
(3)Andrew L.
Originally from New Jersey, I can get enough of OK Cafe. I have found over the years with the cafe, that something that people need to know about. You need to go at the right time. For example, going at 12 on a Sunday will result in a 2 hour wait. Going at 4 on Sunday results in no wait. The food has always been right on target. I usually get the pot roast with collards and mac and cheese. Imagine that, a Yankee eating collards. Believe me they are that good, and the Mac and cheese cannot be passed. On Sundays, they have a fried chicken special, but it is a boneless chicken breast that my wife swears by. I have been back to Atlanta since Jan, and I have been there 3 times already...I can't wait to go back
(5)Shawn W.
There I was, a white guy in the waiting area at OK Cafe' on a Tuesday morning, awake an hour early on five hours' sleep, wearing a tieless blazer, slacks and freshly-shined loafers. My table would be ready in [mumble, mumble] minutes. I was late for my breakfast meeting with a client whom I wanted to impress because he gives me a lot of business. Still, I wasn't fitting in. One, though I was a white guy amongst many white guys waiting for his table at OK Cafe' that morning, I didn't have a golf handicap. I don't even own a set of clubs! Two, I didn't graduate from a Southeast Conference university 35 years ago. Finally, my "people" aren't from the South. Nor am I. What the hell am I doing here?? OK Cafe' has a reputation as being the "white guy power breakfast" place, so I checked it out. As I grasped how well this reputation is deserved, my client showed up and my name was called. Luckily he was even further behind schedule. Breakfast food at OK Cafe' is great, service is efficient and friendly, though not chatty, and waitresses wear early-1950's uniforms. Portions are average-sized. Decor is classic, fresh and very clean. Some waitresses remind me of 1950's pinup types that emulate Bettie Page. OK Cafe' is very presentable for family, out of towners or people you don't know well. It does have sufficient "date" ambience, though the atmosphere is conservative given the location. It's a good place to take your in-laws or meet boyfriend/girlfriend's parents.
(5)Sarah P.
OH EMMM GEEE! Mac and cheese...enough said.
(5)Donnie H.
I have been a patron of the OK Cafe for more years than I would like to admit. The food is always good as well as the service. It is what it is good southern comfort food. The only negative is the wait, they can get very busy. I guess it's a good problem to have if your the owner. Keep up the good work OK.
(4)Bill S.
I thought the OK cafe was actually pretty good. Compared to other Southern cooking restaurants, the food was better than, say, Agnes & Muriels, but not as good as Carver's Grocery. We went on a Saturday night at dinner time. Given this place is almost always packed, we were shocked that there was no wait for a table. The service was good, and the prices were reasonable, though maybe $6 for a shake was pushing it. In short, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the OK cafe, and would definitely return.
(4)Jennifer B.
Great Atlanta staple! Fun spot to take a date or friends. I hear the meatloaf is delish & I think a milkshake is a definite must-go-for. ; )
(4)Erin W.
What a perfect name for a cafe that is very hospitable and better than okay. I've been several times for dessert, pancakes, burgers and fries and the food is always well cooked, seasoned and worth the visit. Of course the prices are very reasonable. OK Cafe has a to go section which houses already prepared buffet style foods. Additionally, similar to Honey Baked Ham, they sell takeaway ready to cook refrigerated meals, perfect for a potluck or a regular meal at home. OK Cafe is located off I-75 and West Paces Ferry. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch menus are available round the clock and I especially love the malt shakes and desserts. For details and directions visit okcafe.com Okay!
(4)Shannon C.
Man! The food is GOOD. Service is good too. Me looooooves it. Good 'ol all American food. Tastes like your mama made it!
(5)J D.
Melikes Ok Cafe some, and me don't likes it for other reasons. I like the kind of faux-diner artsy vibe, and the food is pretty good overall. But like most Atlanta breakfast spots, they not only couldn't make iced coffee to save their life, they pour hot coffee over ice and provide a tall glass of watery yuck to their customers. I'm begging you restaurant owners and managers-just say no when I ask if you serve iced coffee, AND when I ask "it's not just hot coffee poured over ice is it?" Because I'm happy (honestly) to go in another beverage direction. Don't say yes and then give me exactly what I asked you not to bring. Pretty please even.
(3)Shawn J.
The food was awesome, I drove pass this place all the time, I can't believe I missed it.
(5)Elaine B.
Team work is key here. We were welcomed and serviced by multiple waitresses. The food was classic home cooking. Loved the lower level market. Took home some bread home...it was delish! Economical and friendly! What more could you ask for? To sit by the tree! If you go there, ask to sit by in-door tree. My nephew loved it!
(4)Susan T.
LOVE THIS PLACE! Pro tip: instead of standing in lengthy line, sit at the counter. You'll never have to wait and it's fun to watch the friendly (go a few times and they'll remember you) chefs buzzing around. You may wind up next to a APD officer, a Buckhead Betty, a super cool rapper, a posh and genteel older gentleman. If you dine alone, as I frequently do, it's a pleasant, nurturing bubble. My favorites are the strawberry shortcake (please ask to have the shortcake warmed up, takes this dessert to another level), the turkey dinner with collards and mac n cheese as sides (extra gravy, don't know what they put in it, but it rocks), chicken fried steak, really I like it all. The waitresses are out of another era, will definitely call you honey and on my birthday, while attacking a mountainous brownie sundae, my waitress brought me a beautiful slice of chocolate cake with a wee lit candle in it. For later, she said. Did I tell you I really love OK Cafe? ;-)
(5)Janet G.
Okay, so I haven't been here in YEARS. One thing that's changed? The hours! It used to be 24 hours, which was awesome back in the late-late 90s when you needed to kill time with your friends. They used to have one of the top five grilled cheeses I've ever had in my LIFE. (And I eat lots of grilled cheese sandwiches, and I really did contemplate writing a book listing the best ones, so I'm a valid source. Unfortunately, things may've changed in the last decade.)
(4)Tressi J.
The name says it all-- the OK Cafe is just ok. That's all.
(3)Shonda K.
I am with my girl Tressi, the name sums it up.
(2)Alexa G.
Okay let me preface this review: After we went to ikea I HAD to try out mi barrio.. but after getting lost for about 30 minutes downtown ( yes I'm OTP!!!! lol)....imputing the wrong address in my GPS . and my boyfriend having to well.. ahhh go from drinking to much h20 post workout...we finally found mi barro!!!!! BUT they were closed!!! *tear runs from eye* we decided to go home ... but ahhh had to make a pit stop on the way back... sooooo..We stopped at OK cafe....Ohh the three cheese mac and cheese! very yum!!! The burgers ( with fried pickles to boot on the side) they serve are "organic" and hormone free which I guess why the $10 price for the burger applies... I was a lil shocked at $33 bucks for 2 burgers.. the dinner menu was a little limited.. but if you like comfort food and middle aged women in little white uniforms this is the place to go :) Perhaps next time I'll try their breakfast!
(3)Blake B.
OK Cafe? Yeah, it's OK. How's that for setting your sights high? "Hey man, I got this great idea for a restaurant... it's gonna be called I Guess That'll Do Grill. Or what do you think of Ehh, Just Serve It Diner? You in?" I am so not in. OK Cafe used to be nice when they ran it 24-7 and you could go there after a show and eat the Southern fixin's that make you big big. But now they don't stay open past 10 as far as I know. Their food quality is once again better than an IHOP, but really not that much better, and the service is usually pretty rushed because they tend to get packed in here. They actually use fresh ingredients and you feel like your meal was made when you ordered it. So props for being better than an in-n-out style place. They do have Fried Green Tomatoes. I like Fried Green Tomatoes. I don't know anyone that ever goes here. Just looking at it reminds me of a Golden Corral, or some other half-cocked all-you-can-eat jam. And they don't even let you get all you can eat. Pretty much everything here is heavy on the tummy so maybe that's a good thing.
(3)Laura M.
The blue plate specials are soooo good, but so huge. You can get two meals out of one easily. Especially if you want to save room for a dessert! Check out the strawberry shortcake--layers of thick pound cake sandwich vanilla icecream--all coated with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. You all know that I try mac & cheese every chance I get. Ok's mac & cheese is really good. Big shells and gooey cheese tossed with flavorful spices---not mustardy or hot---just good!
(4)Julie M.
The sweet potato chips are delicious! So yummy. My only complaint was that my meal was a bit on the lukewarm side. Other than that, very good comfort food!
(4)Rebecca O.
You're missing out if you haven't yet dined at OK Cafe. It's comfort food and a whole lot more. The interior is designed with all sorts of flair, and the entire place evokes some kind of "remember when" images. I never really stray far from the veggie plate, but blue plate specials and the fried cheese grits with jalapeno and cheese dip aim to please.
(4)omar b.
My brother is being lazy, so i will represent for the ATL. I was heading back to SF from visiting his Peachtree ass and he was cool enough to bring me to this amazing southern comfort spot. My of my, I couldn't believe how stuffed we were from grinding on the ono sweet-potato fries, huge chicken-pot pie, and as you guessed collard greens...oh yes they had a soda fountain. The best cherry coke ever and i guess that's something being i don't really drink soda. Gottta check this place out ^ ^
(4)Josh V.
Best blue plate and comfort food in Atlanta...hands down!!!!!
(5)Gina C.
I've been here several times and again tonight with a friend. I think the prices are a little high for the quality of food. However, I guess they can get away with it because of the area and it being so packed all the time. I ordered the pot roast with mashed potatoes and fried okra. The pot roast was a little dry for my taste. The mashed potatoes were really good! Just like the kind your momma makes. The okra was also yummy. It was breaded perfectly and it wasn't too slimy. The cornbread was tasty as well. The food is still sitting in my stomach. My friend ordered crab and craw fish cakes. They were okay, but a little too breaded for me. He also ordered the mac and cheese which he loved and black eyed peas. When we put our order in we looked at the desserts and decided on the chocolate fudge cake. It looked so good bc we were sitting right next to all of the cakes. However, we decided to skip the cake bc we were so full. I'll have to get that next time I'm here. We were also distracted by a guy who complained about his food taking too long to come out. He asked the waitress what time she put the order in and then asked to speak to the manager. My friend and I just rolled our eyes. We didn't think it took too long. We thought he was being a little dramatic. Come on, just bc your food takes a little longer to come out is it really something to whine and complain about? Everything should be OK at OK Cafe. Overall, Ok Cafe is A-OK in my book. OK enough with the OKs. If I'm in the area, I'll stop by.
(3)Margo R.
I almost want to sneak into the kitchen and see what the chefs are doing...the food is so good! The menu is filled with hearty southern dishes, so dieters should probably steer clear. Otherwise check out this more-than-ok cafe.... my first experience with sweet potato fries. How sweet it was :)
(4)Alison L.
One of the best things at OK Cafe is the Mac and Chesse. It is absolutely THE BEST Southern Mac and Cheese. The Pancake Batter Fried Shrimp is the bomb! It puts any other fried shrimp to shame and I've had a lot of fried shrimp during my lifetime. It's only avail on Saturdays though. Ummm Ummmm Good! The Collards are pretty good but it varies. Black eyed peas are good as are the sweet potatos. Don't really like any of the other veggies. The fruit salad is made with mayo - not a fan at all. Those corn bread muffins are yummy! The Crab Cakes are good. Overall prices are high and the "blue plates" are overpriced. Nice atmosphere though and pleasant servers.
(3)Tom M.
The food is excellent but this place is almost always crowded and loud. Expect a wait at peak times of day and on weekends. Not exactly kid friendly or accomodating for large groups. Perfect for couples or a pair of couples. Atmosphere could be called "Mel's Funky Stylized Diner" but with well above average food.
(4)Tracey A.
Been eating at OK Cafe for years and years and have never (ever!) had a disappointing or bad meal. From the 'retro' diner uniforms the waitresses wear to the melt-in-your-mouth mac & cheese, everything is Spot On. Everytime. Some of my personal favorites: their meatloaf (sooo good), the aforementioned mac&cheese (this stuff should win the Nobel Peace Prize... seriously, you can FEEL the love when you eat it..), the corn (don't ask me why, but it's the BEST corn ever..), and the home-made chocolate milkshakes. Prepare to wait if you come during the lunch rush... but it's SOO worth it. Total Southern Comfort Food!
(5)Michael K.
Pay with cash!!! Do NOT use credit/debit cards. They have processing issues. My $55 dinner charge was run FOUR times on my account. According to manager Aaron, this happens a lot. Do not appreciate all the time I had to invest to straighten this out with my bank. Will not eat here again. FAIL UPDATE. Raised from 1 to 4 stars. Got a personal note from owner as well as a correction to my account. Still took a week and a phone call to sort out and still not happy about a restaurant that steals money from me. But, I will give them the 4 stars for southern comfort food.
(4)Skillet P.
Generous portions and great service. We went on a Sunday morning and they were packed. After a 10 - 15 minute wait we were seated. Our waitress was fast and efficient. I got the turkey and dressing with mashed potatoes and mac and cheese (don't judge me) and everything was delicious. I was a little on the pricey side for my budget but worth it.
(4)Daniela P.
So good! This place is great! The quality of the food was excellent. Everything was so fresh and had so much flavor. The shakes were amazing!
(5)Becky E.
Such a fun place. The waitresses dress in straight-up legit diner uniforms. Reminds me of the old diners I used to go to with my great-grandparents growing up. Seriously a blast from the past, in a good way. My husband and I went for breakfast and shared fresh-squeezed OJ, blueberry pancakes, turkey sausage, cheese grits, biscuits, and a friend egg (hey, we wanted to taste it all). It was very, very good. I would definitely recommend this place for breakfast when you are in the area. Interesting fact: the diner is named after the "OK Cafe" in "To Kill A Mockingbird," and there is a note from Harper Lee framed and posted on the wall, written to the owners of the diner. Very cool!
(5)Maria S.
Until recently, my only dining experience at OK Cafe was for breakfast with clients or colleagues - the so-called "power breakfast." The food was decent, the service efficient, and business was transacted over coffee, eggs and grits. Power breakfasts aside, the OK Cafe is also a fine place for lunch or dinner, if you're looking for some old-fashioned southern comfort food. Stick with the southern specialties and come hungry; the portions are plentiful. If you're feeding a crowd, start with an order of the fried pickles. Not too greasy or salty, these tart little morsels burst with flavor. Next, opt for a bowl of the vegetable soup. It's loaded with fresh veggies--always a good thing in my book. I'm partial to the veggie plate as well. (Sense a trend?) Be sure to get the stewed okra if it's available as a special. Delicious!
(3)Greg J.
Our friends from Atlanta took us here the day we arrived for a visit. Little did we know we were in store for some true Southern good eats. And speaking of good eats, we heard that Alton Brown eats here. That's a very good sign. And after our experience here it's not a surprise... It's excellent food and terrific service. You can't judge a book from it's cover. At first go glance you'd think this was just a humdrum place - it's in a strip mall and the neon sign makes you think it's more a of a burger and fries joint. But it's not. The only bad thing is that we didn't leave room for dessert. Next time I want to try some pecan pie!
(4)Antwanika S.
I don't know, the take out section here (separate from dine-in) is a hit or miss. The first few times I had it (years ago) it was very good. The last few times (recently), it is very mediocre food that I end up trashing most of. What makes it worse is that the takeout is super expensive. The charge by the pound I assume. But I always average $12-$16 and usually can't even make "seconds" out it. The fried chicken on that side is excellent, not sure about the other meat. It does not look appetizing to me. The corn muffins are excellent, but they charge you 50 cents for one. I say stick with the dine-in side. I only ate there once. It was very good. I hope it's no a hit or miss. I will say that I've always encountered VERY friendly staff there.
(2)Neriyah J.
the mac and cheese is very delicious- on a good day so is the cornbread dressing..the service here is delightful-and i have never had a problem with long wait times .my kids enjoy the grilled cheese its got all the ooey gooeyness that they crave
(4)Corey P.
The Okay Cafe is one of my favorite places to eat. Last week I had their meatloaf sandwich on sour dough bread. It was excellent! I also love their chicken fried chicken with white gravy.
(4)Meg C.
The OK Cafe is, well, OK. I thought it was really pricey and overrated, much like the lovely Kathleen M did. I was dragged in here on a Sunday lunch by some friends who swore up and down it would be the best breakfast ever... I'm from Decatur where we have a history of good breakfast, from the long defunct Southern Star to the currently running Pastries A Go Go, so I'm always skeptical when someone raves about breakfast. Since we were a bigger party, we managed to land a table pretty quickly, but if we'd only been two or three I can tell the wait would have been longer. I ordered sweet tea, which to the server's credit never went dry, and then started going through half the items on the menu to find something that I could eat/afford that they still had in stock. All I really wanted was a biscuit, grits, and bacon and they were out of grits (which I've NEVER heard of) and the bacon arrived completely charred. The server was VERY nice and offered to get me replacements or substitutions, but when you're not really hungry and you have something in mind it's hard to get replacements... a friend suggested I try the fried grits since they have to do those ahead of time, so I went for it and they were pretty good. Not great since I was trying not to eat fried things, but I'd definitely have them again. They brought out more bacon after the server noticed I'd pawned mine off on someone else (after it scratched the crap out of my gums) but it was still surprisingly crunchy. They ended up comping most of my bill without me requesting the courtesy (I'd expected to just pay the original bill cost) so all I paid for was the tea, and the biscuit was good, but I'd just as soon go to Pastries, Flying Biscuit, J Christopher's... any other number of places before I come back here. I just wasn't impressed enough with the food to pay the price they're asking.
(2)Ed W.
I like this place. Even though I don't live in Atlanta, when I travel there I usually stay in Buckhead and am usually driving past the OK Cafe at some point. It is a consistent, delicious breakfast. Talk about a mound of food. After a few cocktails the night before, I devoured bacon, eggs, potatoes and a biscuit. The bacon was thick, which is a plus. The eggs had a nice buttery taste to them. While the biscuit was not as delicious as at the Flying Biscuit, it was still hot and tasted fresh. Maybe it's a frozen special but it didn't taste like it. The potatoes were some of the best I've had in awhile. My wife was craving bacon and eggs but the French toast, as well. So she got both. A half order of French toast was gigantic. We nearly needed to be carted out of the restaurant. My wife, a former Atlanta native, forgot to order a chocolate shake to go, which she claims are suburb. And the service? A+. We got everything we needed before we even asked for it. Drink refill? Done. Dropped a fork? Here's another. Ready for the check? It's already on the table. Solid.
(4)Thomas M.
So I got "Steven Wright-ed" last night. For those of you who don't know him, Steven Wright is a really funny, very dry comedian. Just Google him. Anyway, after going all the way up to Buford to watch a high school football game last night we were starving by the time we got back ITP. I suggested we stop by OK cafe as it was just past 11:00 PM, they're open 24 hours and Allison had never been but has had to listen to me talk about it for some time. Well, we walk up to the door and it was locked. I stood back and looked up at the neon sign that says "Open All Day." I looked back at the door and noticed a sign which had their operating hours on it (closes at 11:00 PM on Saturday night). So I looked back at the giant red neon sign that says "Open All Day" and then back at the hours on the door. After quickly doing some math in my head (which is tough by the way) I came to the conclusion that their "All Day" no longer means 24 hours at OK Cafe. Fail. Oh, how did I get Steven Wright-ed you ask? Well, he has a joke about something similar: I went down the street to the 24-hour grocery. When I got there, the guy was locking the front door. I said, 'Hey, the sign says you're open 24 hours.' He said, 'Yes, but not in a row.' - Steven Wright
(1)Jim L.
This place survives by its undeserved reputation. Some locals think it's great ... it's not. Average food prepared in an average fashion. Most boring burger I have ever experienced. Biscuits and gravy horrible (biscuits cold and hard; gravy tasteless). Chicken Pot Pie is a joke! It was a bowl of chicken soup with a pastry crust crouton floating on top ... I kid you not! Has been open 25 years to my amazement. Certainly does not deserve above two stars. OK Cafe proves that Southerners will eat almost anything.
(2)Annabel T.
I'm a California girl who wanted nothing but Southern food in Atlanta. My friend brought me here and I'm so glad she did! Parking is plentiful in the shopping center. Service was fantastic. I tend to like "veggies" more than the entrees. For non-southerners "veggies" are side dishes. I recommend: Arnold Palmer - perfect balance of bitter and tangy sweet. Unlimited refills! Mac and Cheese Squash Souffle Pot Likker (soup from collard greens) Key Lime Pie Some of their items are available in frozen entree packages so you can take it to go. I can't wait to come back again!
(4)Wanda J.
Not bad for southern/comfort food. My sister and I shared the chicken pot pie, mac n cheese, and collards. The chicken pot pie was a tad runnier than I would've liked it, but the flavor was there. It also had enough chicken chunks to feed a small army. I liked the puffed pastry on top, I kind of wish there was more of it. The mac n cheese was creamy, cheesy, and buttery. It was all that mac n cheese is supposed to be. Yum! The collards were very good too. They were perfectly cooked with the right texture, not soggy. We also shared the brownie sundae and oreo milkshake, which were excellent. One milkshake fed 4 people. It kind of reminded me of the time Jesus fed the crowd with just a couple of fish and few loaves of bread. We split the milkshake by 4 and still had some leftover! Amazing! OK Cafe is definitely a decent place for comfort food, however, be prepared to spend some money. I would say that everything is about $2-4 more than it really should be.
(4)Steven H.
I am NOT a morning guy, but I happily roll out of bed when I get the chance to trek to the OK Cafe on a Sunday morning for breakfast. Friendly waitresses and outstanding food keep me looking forward to my next visit. I'll be succinct: I love this place.
(5)Marcus G.
Great diner atmosphere with great southern comfort food. A little on the pricey side, but well worth the price when compared to other southern food establishments in Atlanta (most of them are greatly over-rated). Ok Cafe fits the bill and is a staple of Atlanta......I would recommend it 1000 times!!!
(4)Nekiba M.
I've gone pass this place for years and I finally decided to try the place out last year. I'm now addicted to this place for my southern food fix away from home. My favorites are the turkey and dressing, chicken-fried steak, and I can't forget their awesome mac and cheese. It is is also here they serve the BEST COCONUT CAKE EVER!!!!!
(5)Stacey F.
I have to confess that I am not a huge fan of OK Cafe's breakfast menu. They pretty much stick to eggs/omelets, pancakes, with a couple of healthy choices thrown in. However, I let my OH pick and had to go along with him. He LOVES the atmosphere. We arrived around 10am on a Tuesday, so no wait and the place was only 1/3 full. Water, coffee, and skim milk (for me to use as creamer) came to the table quite quickly. Nothing was exciting me, so I ordered the 'Powerhouse Scrambled Eggs' with grits and a biscuit. OH chose the grilled cheese (on wheat) and we split one pancake. We waited quite a long time to get our food. Luckily, the coffee refills kept coming. But, I did not understand the wait since (as I mentioned) the restaurant was not very full. Finally, our food arrived and it was clear that my eggs had been sitting under a heat lamp. They were hot, but looked kind of congealed. His grilled cheese looked and tasted fresh, so I wonder if my eggs waited endlessly for his sandwich to be ready. The grits and biscuit were good, but the less said about the eggs, the better. And, the pancake was absolutely nothing special. I only had 1-2 bites before sending it across the table for him to eat. Maybe I'm spoiled by the delicious oatmeal pancakes at Flying Biscuit, but the OK Cafe pancake was kind of grim--flat and without much flavor--even with butter and syrup. The total for breakfast was $24 which seems about average for us, but I felt a bit ripped off when we left since my food was not satisfying. At least the servers keep the coffee coming, though. Pet peeve: OK Cafe only offers sugar and Sweet n' Low. Kind of annoying that you have to remember to bring Equal or Splenda if that's what you prefer.
(3)Qanelle J.
Nice Southern comfort food. It's not upscale or a dive, and it reminds me of a smaller Claim Jumpers but without the stupid theme I ordered the roasted turkey with gravy and cornbread. Delicious! Our group enjoyed some sweet potato fries with melted blue cheese and that was delicious too. I really wish they had fried chicken and fried catfish but unfortunately they weren't on the menu. Southern food is soooo good but it's bad for the waistline.
(4)Kathy H.
For the longest time I thought, eh, OK Cafe is just OK. Went back for a second go round. So glad I did. Every mouth watering morsel of my so very fresh to order Turkey Avacado sandwich was so good. Things I love. The timer when you alk in that tells you your approximate wait time. The decor, the uniforms, the service. So cute, and such southern hospitality.
(4)Lisa B.
I have been to OK Cafe twice - once for breakfast and once for dinner. My first experience here was at dinner and overall I was less than impressed. It was just way over priced and the food wasn't even good. I was so unimpressed that I didn't come back for several years - until yesterday. A friend and I decided to meet up for breakfast and she suggested OK Cafe. I was really hesitant but decided to go with it since it was centrally located for both of us. We arrived around 9:30 and to my surprise there was no wait. In fact there were so few cars in the parking lot I was unsure if they were even open. By the time we left at 11 it was jam packed though. Anyway, the service was decent and the food was actually way better than I had predicted. I ordered scrambled eggs and crispy bacon served with potatoes and a biscuit. It was all REALLY good. The eggs weren't over cooked, the bacon was the perfectly prepared to my liking and the potatoes were great. I would definitely come back for breakfast...I vote they start serving breakfast all day long so that I can come back with my friends for dinner and get something I know I will enjoy.
(3)Carrie Neal W.
One of my top, oh, three, comfort foods ever?? OK Cafe's mac and cheese!!! Perfect combination of cheese and noodle, just enough breading . . . ahhhh. The only caveat to mention is that they charge you by the ounce if you get it from the to-go/deli area - and it is soo easy to spend a lot more than you'd think on this mac and cheese!!!
(5)Jinny Y.
3.5 stars Quick Overview: Chicken pot pie: good stuff Mac n cheese side: again very good Collard green side: good greens, not too wilty, good texture, not too salty Cornbread muffin: so yummy! I like the bits of real corn Overall loved it, probably not good for the waist, but it was yummy either way I went to OK Cafe last week with Wanda J. and Co. It was my first time there and I liked it. The food seemed a bit overpriced for diner food, but the food was good so you can't complain. I shared the chicken pot pie, mac n cheese, collard greens, and cornbread muffin with Wanda J. Plenty of food for the two of us. The chicken pot pie was yummy. I like the touch of the "OK" on the puff pastry. Mac n cheese was super cheesy, a little oily, but good. Wanda J. really liked the collard greens. We also shared desserts. Brownie sundae = meh just an average, nothing special, brownie with ice cream Oreo milkshake. I can't give a good review on this because we ate the brownie sundae first and it tainted our taste buds. I think this would've been a lot better if we didn't have the extra sweet taste of brownie left in our mouths.
(3)Juichia C.
The food was very comforting and good, hearty large portions. The service was fast and friendly. Chicken nuggets - nicely fried, tender, not too dry, great sweet and sour sauce on the side Fries - nothing special Pot Roast - extremely tender chunk of meat with tendon cooked till it's falling apart, very very flavorful and delicious Collard greens - nice, not too mushy Waldorf salad - very nicely seasoned, great fresh ingredients Country fried steak - nice flavor, thin batter, very good Corn bread - moist, soft, delicious Overall, this place serves great comfort food, definitely the place to go if you're in the mood to just dig in and enjoy some familiar flavors.
(3)Cindy A.
Awesome veggies! Southern food done right. Best cornbread ever! Yum! Must try the banana bread pudding!!!
(5)Krystal M.
After nearly three years in Atlanta, I experienced my very first visit to Ok Cafe for a Friday work lunch. First, I would advise don't go for lunch if you have to go back to work, because you will want to take a long nap after such a hefty and delicious meal! I ended up ordering the Grilled Grouper sandwich on a wheat bun and got mac n' cheese on the side (anytime I visit a restaurant that serves mac n' cheese, it's a must that I try it) . Anyway, the food came out pretty quickly and it was delicious, my favorite part of the meal was the mac n' cheese -- the texture was perfect and had some type of herb mixed in with it, which was a nice touch. Also, their sweet tea is fabulous -- be sure to try it mixed with their lemonade -- so refreshing! Overall, the service was prompt and straightforward, I loved the waitresses' outfits (but I'm sure they hate them) and I will definitely be back. I will have to try their breakfast and write an update to my review based on that experience. Happy eating!
(4)Leanne B.
Wow, I loved this place more than I expected. The quality of the food was much higher than you usually get at diners and cafes--I love that the beef is organic, and the eggs actually have flavor and are not greasy. We really enjoyed all the food and the service was great. As we were leaving around noon on a Sunday there were probably 50 people in line waiting for tables--no joke! We loved it and will definitely be back.
(4)Rick F.
POWER BREAKFAST! This is the place where business gets done PERIOD! It is amazing to sit on the bench wait for your table and watch the action, people watching and glad handing that is going on all morning. Many Buckhead politicos and power brokers are holding court here. I love it! This is to be my regular spot for power breakfasts moving forward. Plus the food and service are great! Place is spotless, I love the design, atmosphere and the bathrooms are clean. Whats not love here!
(4)Byron W.
Drove past OK Cafe many a time before stopping and I'm glad I finally stopped. I've never ordered anything other than pot roast. Why? Order it and you'll understand (just like grandma used to make). Homemade mashed potatoes are great, too. Too bad they are no longer open 24hrs... Everyone I have ever taken there has enjoyed what they ordered. Service is good...not perfect, but whose is these days? If you're in ATL and you liked southern food, this is a must!
(4)Jamie H.
Want great, old fashioned food the way mom used to make it? This is the place for you! The restaurant itself reminds me of my great grandmothers' eat in kitchen. The kitschy decor, sixties style window treatments, the brightly colored knick-knacks and lamps, and if that isn't enough to bring me back-the menu surely does it every time! Most of the menu entrees are between $10-15, and are basically a meat and two vegetables served with a corn muffin. The menu also boasts several sandwiches and salads to choose from if you want for something lighter. The menu items that make me feel like home include: pot roast, country fried steak, meatloaf, chicken pot-pie, salmon, trout almondine, turkey and dressing, and roasted chicken. The servings are huge and the corn muffins are melt in your mouth awesome. If you happen to have room after all of that, then please make sure to order the strawberry shortcake! You will not be disappointed (and neither will the other 3 people at your table because it's big enough for everyone to enjoy, haha). If you would like something a bit less heavy, they do offer malts, shakes, and rootbeer floats. The icing on the cake? When they bring you the check, they deliver it with some yummy tootsie rolls to take with you on your way. Separate portion of the restaurant is for To-Go orders so you don't have to wait in a long line. Okay Cafe is open late and has plenty of parking making this a place you've got to visit! One final tip? If you hate having to call or go in to find out what the wait is, they have a large sign right outside the door that tells you the wait time down to the minute. :)
(4)Josh B.
Atmosphere and service were good. The food was bland and uninspired. Overall this place is just blah. Way better options in this town. Also why offer high chairs and booster seats and stuff for kids, but then not have a children's menu??
(1)Dionne A.
Service good. Food good.
(3)Draft M.
Standard breakfast fare. Clean facility with prompt and courteous service. I've enjoyed better...but I've seen far worse. First visit, but seems like the place is consistent, given the large number of regulars in attendance the morning we were here.
(3)Kristin B.
The food almost didn't matter. The signed copy of "To Kill A Mockingbird" by the hostess stand made this English major's heart go pitter patter. How could you not love a restaurant named after one of Scout and Jem's haunts? It was full on Thursday morning for breakfast, and the wait for the food reflected that. But the cheery waitresses kept the coffee flowing, and really, who cares if you have to wait as long as you're fully caffeinated? The orange juice was truly fresh squeezed, and all the breakfast items had that great homemade fullness to them. You don't get pancakes like these at IHOP, that's for sure. OK Cafe's location right next to 75 means that I won't have an excuse to stay away for long.
(4)Ben O.
Nobody told me OK Cafe is beloved, so when my lemon wedge was rotten (not dried out, not wilted, but rotten -- see the photo I uploaded), I wasn't constrained by tradition. I'm not a fan of any restaurant that neither notices nor cares that it's serving rotting food.
(1)Jacob P.
We went in today to get breakfast at around 11:30, because I thought this was one of those places that served breakfast like all day. .......They stopped serving breakfast at 11! lol. we slept late, not really, we just wanted breakfast ok!! Well after we readjusted our stomach's to accept lunch now (and I had a pregnant woman with me), it was all good. My wife ordered a BLT. I ordered the Trout, fries, and mac and cheese. Melissa was our server and she was awesome!!!! I would totally love to have her be our server every time. We saw they had specialty "non-alcoholic" drinks on their menu. One was a "Black Cow"- root beer float! mmmmmmhm. So good. They had another called the "Pink Lady", it had homemade pink lemonade with cherry grenadine, soooooo good. Also before I knew they weren't serving breakfast, I had ordered some fresh squeezed O.J. It was so good and yummy. Our main dishes came out and they were good not excellent but good. It was hot, it was tasty, but it wasn't "smack my mama good!" Good enough to go back and try other items on the menu though. I will go back and get one of their homemade lemon-ginger cookies from the counter top/register area. Soooo good. Made me want to sit back down and order some of their other homemade desserts. Next time!! I will definitely go back. Hopefully I will be able to bump this up to 4 stars instead of 3. The decor in this place was fun. The service was top notch. The main meals I think are what are going to bring this up a star.
(3)Don W.
I don't know what the hype is about. Sure, the decor is diner-cute, but the food is standard at best. Sit-down service was very slow the one time I've come for lunch. I've tried the take-away food bar a few times and the food was OK, but dang is it overpriced! I paid $14 for an average-sized plate of side dishes. I won't be back.
(2)Shawn M.
The OK Cafe is alright, ya'll! We rolled up the the O-K-C at about 9:45pm, got seated right away, greeted by our sweet-as-fresh-peach-pie server who brought us our diet cokes (with lemon!) and almost immediately after that, our pickle chips (seriously, get the pickle chips... delish!) I've only ever ordered the BLT, which is incredible... I was also eyeballing Shawn R's Grilled cheese... if he'd have turned his head, that baby woulda been mine (insert diabolical laughter here). I generally grab one of those brownies by the register on the way out... Brownies for almost a week, yo! Overall, the OK Cafe is more than just OK, it's snack-tacular.
(4)Jaye B.
As much time as I've spent in the ATL, I'm surprised I'd never been here before. It's pretty well known and has decent food. Lunch time on a Monday and we had a little bit of a wait, which to me is annoying, but also a good sign. The place was loud. There was so much action as the waitresses ran back and forth taking orders and slingin' hash. OK, so they weren't quite slingin' hash, but you get the idea. The level of activity was enough to drive any one with ADD to lose their mind. This means that I had to concentrate real hard and pretty much not talk at all or I might have flipped out. We started with the sweet potato chips which were really good. I'm giving one point for those alone. They were served with a Maytag Blue Cheese dip which I didn't think went well at all. I preferred mine plain and served up OCD style in a single layer on my plate, doused with salt. The rest of the group liked the dip though...freaks. My mom had the crawfish salad which looked like it had way too much dressing on it. In fact, she really only ate the crawfish and a bit of the lettuce as it was soaked in dressing. Still, she said it was good but this is coming from a woman who considers mayonnaise a food group. My uncle wanted a club sandwich that he said they used to have, but it wasn't on the menu so he opted for a smoked turkey that had bacon and avocado. It looked pretty good with thick turkey breast slices rather than thin deli meat. It came with chips but he sent them back in favor of fries. He ate half the sandwich and we brought the other half to my Nana, who will never, ever, ever waste food. She didn't seem to understand this sandwich, but she ate it (she doesn't like a hot lunch so this was a good choice for her). I was going to be eating light that night so I had a bigger lunch with the crab and crawfish cakes, mac and cheese and collard greens. My greens were pretty good but they didn't have any sauce hot enough for my tastes (this is what living in Texas does to a girl). They were, of course, cooked with bacon, the only acceptable way to cook greens. The mac and cheese was really good. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that was some of the best mac and cheese I've ever had. I might have dreams about that when I'm PMSing. The crab/crawfish cakes weren't that great. They had way too much breading on them to be anything worth eating, so, um, I didn't! I didn't really need them with all that other food. In the end, OK Cafe was just that, OK. I wouldn't go back by choice, but if a group wanted to go, I'd be able to find something and be OK with it. So that must be where they got the name? Oh yeah, Tootsie Rolls at the end of the meal were a nice addition.
(3)Marie P.
No worries...everything IS OK at OK Cafe! Let me preface this by saying I hate grits and I'm not a Southern gal. But I crave their fried cheese grits like there is no tomorrow. And I love this place! I always get the turkey sandwich with avocado, sprouts, bacon, lettuce and tomato because it's just so good! Everything else I've seen looks equally as good, if not better. Actually, take that back. Their burger is nothing special and a little expensive, too. I've never had their mac and cheese but with all the other rave reviews about it, I think I have a reason to go back. The servers are always sweet and very attentive and the food is always impeccable prepared. Just watch out for snobby and pretentious West Paces Ferry/Northside/Buckhead people especially on Sundays after church... I've never done the OK Take Away, but I've walked through it and everything looks just as good as the food served in the restaurant. Get here early for lunch because it gets packed. I went at 11AM and had to wait a little while for a table. And they get pretty busy at night, too. I went at 10PM and there were so many people!
(4)Kathleen M.
Blah. OK Cafe is so overrated and overpriced! We could walk to OK Cafe from my high school so I went there... a lot. The food is so-so and definitely not worth what they charge. Service is slow and I hate the crushed ice they put in the soft drinks. Even though my friends usually wanted to go here since it was the "hangout," I was usually able to talk them into Gorin's (where Willy's is now), Goldberg's, Chik-fil-A, or Steak N Shake. All more fast-foody places, but I still liked them better! Maybe I'll have to check this place out again as an adult with an income, but it definitely won't be in my top 10 places for a good meal. 1 star for being open late. 1 star for the tootsie rolls.
(2)Deb Y.
This place never disappoints. The food is good home cooking, the atmosphere is like a big diner, but with more service. The service is fast and friendly. Great place to take a family!
(4)Chriss F.
An excellent place for comfort food (meatloaf etc.) Service is above average and they try to seat you asap. They used to stay open really late but its OK. They also offer healthy food and a powershake. A classic dining spot.
(3)Jen D.
Stopped by this place randomly on my way to Buckhead and I'm so glad I did. This is as close to home cooking that you can get without making mommy dearest come over and whip up a feast for you. The veggies are fresh, not from the can and all the ingredients are top notch. I love the white mac and cheese. So cheesy! Desserts and shakes are delicious as well. And this place stays open late. Living in Cobb County and going to or coming back from Buckhead? Take a little detour down Paces Ferry and come to this place. You'll get to see all the lovely mansions along the way.
(5)Tony P.
We love this place....the strawberry shortcake a must have!!!
(4)Jennifer B.
The best go-to restaurant when you just want good "home cooked" food without any fuss. All of the wait staff is so friendly. The squash casserole is to die for--I want that recipe! Small entree list to choose from, but all are sure to please. Last time I was there the wait for our meal seemed a little longer than usual, but nothing to make me complain. Then all of a sudden the manager comes over with our food and says the entire meal is on the house because we had to wait so long! We hadn't even said anything or showed any signs of annoyance! WOW, talk about customer service. I always love this place, but after that I HAD to write a review. The food always tastes so fresh, like they have a whole army of grandmas in the back cooking! Although I'm usually not a fan of mac 'n cheese, I have to agree with everyone else...theirs is the best around! I've never eaten here for breakfast, but I imagine that to be wonderful as well!
(5)Cory F.
At lunch time, this place is always packed. And the really nice thing is their sign outside the door that tells you how long you could expect to wait be fore getting a table, before wasting time to wait in line, see a waitress, and finally just put your name in. The food here is pretty good, certainly better than old Shoneys or IHOP, but no where near as good as Greenwoods in Roswell. The service is quite nice and they are always on their toes there waiting hand and foot at lunch time! Like Lauren S. was saying, if you are on a diet, this is one place you do not want to be! Their white gravy is excellent and makes the fried pork or chicken just that much better. If you are in the area, you should check the place out.
(4)Foster B.
Can not be beaten - best ever . Do not miss this place. Milkshakes are to die for.
(5)Dave L.
Awesome southern food! I had chicken fried steak with collared greens and sweet yams...feel much fatter afterwards but I have to say they have the best southern cooking I've ever had. Take a bar seat and you can watch the chefs double fry your meal to come! On the down side some of the items are a bit pricey. Twice I went there the air indoors smelled musty. Also get there early for brunch on weekends - there seems to be always a wait...but it's worth it!
(4)Scott M.
Breakfast is great, lunch and dinner are just OK, and the service is EXCELLENT. Prices are a little high and the wait (on weekend mornings) can sometimes be a little long.
(3)Loretta L.
Love the atmosphere. I don't recommend the veggie burger (it falls apart as you eat it) but the rest of the food was delicious!
(5)Kelsey H.
Since moving to Altanta the OK Cafe has quickly found a place at the top of my list of favorites. Their breakfasts are to die for - huge pancakes loaded with blueberries and big omelets. If only they served breakfast all day long. Their dinners are huge southern food feats. The chicken pot pie is super creamy and rich, the baked sweet potato with brown sugar and pecans is enough to justify the visit. The meatloaf was lacking flavor and I wasn't a fan of the tomato sauce they serve with it and the chicken fried steak was good but a bit tougher than I would like. If you are there I definitely recommend getting a milkshake - try a chocolate peanut butter one.
(5)Vincent V.
Whenever I see the name of this place, I can't help but wonder if there's a Mediocre Cafe or Average Cafe somewhere in the world. But I digress... OK Cafe is definitely not average or mediocre, or even simply OK. It's much better. The menu has lots of diner staples with a Southern twist. Give the sweet potato chips with Maytag blue cheese a try if you're there for lunch. I could eat those things every day of the week until my heart explodes... Also, make sure you save room for dessert. They have some awesome pies to choose from. Mmmmmm, pie.
(4)John S.
I had never been here, although my wife wanted to take me here several times, we just never made it. My son had a wrestling match at a school nearby so we decided to eat here. It was interesting to say the least. I didn't know what to expect. We walked in, I wrote my own name down and how many people were in my party. We waited maybe 5 minutes and the "hostess" called 2 Johns...one a party of 4 and one a party of 3 (that would be us). Both parties got up there and she got confused because she only had one table. She wanted to know who wanted to be seated first (I asked her which party was first on the list) she just turned around and told the other party that she would seat them. So, I went back and sat down. Not even 30 seconds later, they called us back up to go to our table. The same hostess took us all around the dining room to a table that she could have taken us to on a shorter route. She set our silverware and menus down and said "Your server will be with you" and took off...no questions no enjoy your meal...nothing. I looked around and noticed the decor on the walls and then I really noticed the servers and cooks. I felt like I was on an episode of "Alice"!! Our server was an older blonde woman, who looked similar to Flo. She came and asked what we wanted to drink, if we wanted any appetizers and if we were ready to order (all in the first visit). We weren't ready but gave our drink orders and then she rushed off. She came back with the drinks after a few minutes and set them down, took our order (kinda of in a rushed way), and was off again. She would bop around to other tables to see how they were doing and would stay longer at them than she did ours, for whatever reason. Our food came and it was just okay. My wife said her meatloaf was better than the one she had on on her plate, which she didn't finish. My burger and fries were warm at best. My son didn't care about what his food was like because he was starved. Our server began to clear the table and took my wife and son's plates, while I was finishing up my meal, she asked if I was done and if she could take my plate. I politely told her that I wasn't finished but thank you. I finally finished and then she brought the check for us to pay, "You can pay up front or at the TakeAway Store" she said as she ran off again. I looked at our check and saw that it actually wasn't our check, it was the table across from us. Another server came over and asked if there was something wrong and we politely pointed out the mistake and she got us the correct check. We went to pay and the cashier did not ask "How was the food, service, evening?" She merely told us the total and we paid and left. This place was just okay for me. Probably not somewhere I would go back to if I was hungry.
(2)Whitney B.
Good consistent food. Breakfast is excellent. Pancakes are huge...two people (or more) could share them. Omlet's are really good...huge and fluffy goodness. The lunch/dinner fare is southern. Good but not great. The atmosphere is cool. It's always busy so there will defnitely be a wait. The staff is friendly but can be slow when it's busy. Milkshakes are to die for!
(3)Terrisa H.
So, big surprise, the OK Cafe was umm, just OK. Takes forever to get in and I was expecting great things....the service was great, but the food was just alright. Bacon burger was good - what you would expect for a diner burger, and the sweet potato fries with blue cheese ranked as the highlight of the visit. The meatloaf was not great and the sides were blah. Really fun atmosphere and it was a fun time, but for us, the food is just not the big highlight here.
(3)Stephen S.
Such good food and consistent quality. Named for the cafe adjacent to the courthouse in "To Kill a Mockingbird," and beset with an autographed copy of Harper Lee's book, OK Cafe's best dishes are traditional Southern fare. I've been eating here off and on for over 20 years; I still go back for my Southern food fix even though I no longer live in Atlanta. Nowdays I order the country fried steak with collards and squash souffle. Heavenly. Always correctly and simply prepared. Went back 3 weeks ago and it was as good as it's ever been.
(4)Mellie P.
Great service, awesome food, quaint atmosphere. I like it. I like it a lot.
(4)Nancy L.
God I love this place! Where else can you go to get real Cherry Coke! Sitting down at a table can be difficult due to the long wait time, especially at lunch. That is why I love the Take Away bar. It is loaded with everything! There are fresh salads, delicious casseroles, steaming soups, and fantastic desserts! All ready and waiting for you to grab it and go! No lines, no crowds, just fantastic food! Try it today!
(4)Jennifer P.
I tried this place with a friend of mine after we went to Castleberry Hill. We were on 75 and this place is right off the exit and we were starving... I ordered the Blue Plate special with country fried steak with a side of squash casserole and a baked sweet potato. The steak was merely okay... it was a little tough, and the squash casserole was decent but I could have sworn there was chicken in it so that kind of disturbed me. The baked sweet potato was my favorite part of that meal... you can't go wrong with a hot sweet potato with butter and brown sugar... mmm. One thing that really bothered me is they have this big painting of the Confederate flag on the wall... which really is f*cked up!
(3)Rilindo F.
It's a bit overrated, but for breakfast, it's quite good - you will get a breakfast that will fill you up. As a side note, during the evening time, you can get food to go as well (mostly Southern style cooking).
(4)Marion C.
Visited a friend in Atlanta was at the cafe Nov 8. Loved the food, great southern food, seasoned well. Cleaned my plate had the turkey and stuffing, collard greens, sweet potato and black eye peas. Loved the corn muffins. Had the lemon coconut cake for dessert. Loved the cake so much on my way to the airport returning to Dallas I stopped at the cafe and purchased muffins, lemon cake so my husband could experience this tasty cuisine. Will definitely return on my next visit to Atlanta.
(4)D M.
ok when i went the place was crowded. I went wanting a blue plate special. I wanted it till I saw the price. they start at 11.50 up to 14.00. I finally settled on a meatloaf sandwitch. i payed 1 dollar more cause i wanted onion straws instead of potato chips. the sandwitch and onion straws was good. I just think the place is quite expensive. I payed over 13 for that and sweet tea. I think you could go across the street and eat at steak n shake get the same quality of food at a waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper price the wait staff did a good job keeping my glass full. the wait time wasnt long either. this isnt a bad place just VERRRRRRY expensive!!!!
(3)Christopher H.
Definately overrated. It was voted by the AJC as one of the top power-breakfasting destinations in Atlanta, but I fail to see why other than the location. Every breakfast dish I've had here has been adequate, but nothing more. The granola pancakes are too dry, and the portions too large. Among the few perks would be the milkshakes, rich and thick enough that students from Westminster will come here and order only this. Lunch and dinner are good, but not great. Atmosphere is kooky and fun. The highlight is the dollar tree in the middle of the restaurant. But for the aforementioned Atlanta power players, there are several intimate booths located within the confines of the building to conduct their business dealings. I suppose I don't need to mention that the prices are a bit steep consdiering the quality of the food.
(3)John W.
Retro diner in Buckhead w/ home cooking, new southern style. The chicken-pot-pie is the bomb, and so's the pnut butter milkshake. Try the lady peas, and zipper peas when they're available, and the pancake-batter shrimp special.
(5)Montie G.
This Is probably The place I eat out the most I love the food and Cherry Coke there I I wish that it was a bit cheaper since i eat there a lot but I love the Breakfast and Dinner menu.
(4)David J.
Great place, pretty good food from a time before people were concerned about their health... but you don't go there to eat healthy... you go there to be bad. That is the premise of the place. From an era long past right down to the outfits the waitresses wear. I think I saw Flo from Alice there... Pretty good cafe food and brunch is not too bad either but get there early before the church crowd with misbehaved children in tow hits or you'll be sorry and hungry while you wait!
(4)Christy A.
This place is awesome and always busy. I think ii is best to stick with the breakfast and it is all about the homefries. They are great. The service is friendly and good. Great place.
(4)Aimee G.
This place was really good. I didn't really know what to expect since I'd never been before. Came here for Sunday afternoon lunch date. I had the crawfish & crabcakes with collard greens and mac & cheese. Totally delish. I couldn't even finish it but what I did manage to gobble down satisfied my craving. Will definitely be back here again.
(4)Eric P.
Only had a milkshake, on the restaurant side of things ("Ok Cafe"). Superb.
(4)Nicole G.
It probably wasn't the best idea to hit this place for a regular dinner before a concert. The pickle chips were a little bit on the greasy side. I got the chicken pot pie, which was pretty good, but very heavy. So, it lives up to its name - that is to say, it was OK. I don't know if I would go again.
(3)ivey j.
BEST OF ATLANTA!!! When will you re-open???? Un break my heart!
(5)Pamelar H.
YOU WILL KEEP THE CONFEDERATE FLAG on display when you re-open? As much as I like your fried chicken and squash casserole, I won't be returning when you reopen. Can you really be that insensitive to all of your Black workers (BTW--who is cooking that great southern food in your kitchen) and the many Black customers. Really? Really? Leave the flag at your home--not in your business to offend.
(2)Orin T.
It's been a long time since I sat in a restaurant, had dinner, and spent most of my time saying to myself (and my dinner partner) " I can't wait to get home and write a review about this!!" I was taken here as an impromptu surprise dinner. We pulled up and I was wondering why I had never heard of this place. We got to the door and I could see that it was about an hour before closing time for them so I was a little nervous about what the service and food would be like. The atmosphere is very 50s/60s Diner (don't quote me on the time frame. History is not my strongest subject). The hostess with was friendly and immediately seated us and let us know who the waitress would be. I perused the menu and there were so many good things to choose from! Sandwiches, burgers, meatloaf, mac and cheese. Everything my stomach could ever ask for. There was a lot to choose from but the menu wasn't overwhelming like say... Cheesecake Factory. It was only like 2 pages. My dinner date raved about the fried jalapeno cheese grits so we had to indulge. Those were sooo delicious. Almost like mozzarella sticks but with grits. They came with a cheesy dipping sauce that really enhanced the flavor. Great appetizer choice and a large portion as you can see from my picture. No complaints. I decided to order the Fried Catfish. It was the special of the day. It comes with 2 hush puppies and 2 sides. It was recommended that I try the mac and cheese and the mashed potatoes with "brown gravy". BOY OH BOY!!! This was quite a starchy, delicious combination!! I was in Heaven with each bite. I think the waitress thought I was crazy because my eyes rolled into the back of my head with each bite as if it was the first. The catfish melted in my mouth. The mac and cheese... quite possibly some of the best I've had in Atlanta!! The mashed potatoes were a little salty but they were so flavorful and delicious. I tried some of my dates chicken pot pie and that was mmmm mmm good! Where have you been all my life OK Cafe?! Now that we've united, I will never let you go!! Please check them out. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Lauren M.
I cannot tell a lie-- up until last weekend, the OK Cafe was my new favorite place. My husband and I had just become weekend brunch regulars after moving to the neighborhood. The service is friendly and attentive and every dish we've tried is fresh and tastes home-cooked. However, on our most recent visit as we waited to be seated, we were "greeted" by a large chalkboard in the waiting area extolling (what I assume to be the owners') racially charged political views on a recent event. This is especially disappointing for a place that prominently points out the fact that it is named for the restaurant in Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird," and even has a framed signature by Ms. Lee on the wall. Aside from the fact that I was offended by the sentiments of their statement, I just have no idea why it was necessary to accost a waiting area full of customers with such a thing. We really just wanted to eat our breakfast in peace. Suffice it to say, my breakfast was ruined and we will take our weekly brunch business to somewhere that feels more welcoming to all types of people and all manners of politics.
(1)Brian K.
OK Cafe has been around since 1987 and not much has changed since. I've heard people rave about this place for years, but after my inaugural visit for Sunday lunch, I'm not quite sure what the hype is about. Although some have lauded the menu as classic southern comfort food, I found it closer to something you'd expect to be served at a geriatric home to those seeking a bland, uninspiring offering to avoid a gastrointestinal reaction and trip to the emergency department. This - coupled with schizophrenic decor, exorbitant wait times, and waitresses donned in dated and unflattering uniforms - tempers my enthusiasm for returning anytime in the foreseeable future. However, judging by the massive post-church crowd that rolled in as I was departing, I don't think they're going to miss me - well, except perhaps for my non-post-church crowd tip. Food: OK Cafe is a casual diner concept with a menu consisting of simple, non-stylized southern American fare. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served, with menu offerings ranging from fried cheese grits and meatloaf sandwiches to pot roast and country fried steak. The portions are massive and the food is bland to appeal to the masses. During my visit, I opted for the bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich, which was accompanied by chips. As promised in the name of the restaurant, it was 'OK', but nothing particularly memorable. My dining partner and I also ordered some pickle chips as an appetizer, which tasted as if they had been fried in oil that the kitchen had been reusing since the restaurant first opened its doors in '87. Service: The staff are all quite friendly and accommodating, but it's overtly non-genuine. There will almost certainly be a wait for a table on weekends - we waited for approximately 20 minutes on a Sunday afternoon around 12:30PM for a table for two. Fortunately, there's a fairly expansive entry area with a decent amount of seating to accommodate those waiting for seating. Atmosphere: The interior of this place would give any respectable interior designer heart palpitations upon entry. The decor is primarily based on a 1950s/60s diner schtick, complete with vinyl red booths and checkerboard floors. There's also a random tree in the center of the dining room with fake paper money hanging from its branches, which I'm assuming was a play on the proverbial "money tree". The clientele ran the gamut from families with children to elderly couples who had clearly been dining there for decades. Dress is casual, but some of the church crowd was dressed to the nines - or ones depending on your sartorial taste level. Cost: Surprisingly inexpensive for the area, which is known for housing some of Atlanta's wealthiest residents, many of whom even dine at OK Cafe. Breakfast and lunch entrees are around $8-$10, while diner entrees are approximately $10-$16. Blue plate specials are also available for lunch and dinner ($12-$16), which come with your choice of two vegetables and a corn muffin. Other: OK Cafe is located in the plaza at the corner of West Paces Ferry Rd. and Northside Highway. Both dine-in and take-out are available - the latter can be accessed via a separate door on the opposite side of the building as the main entrance (11AM-10PM). There is ample and free parking in the plaza's lot. The restaurant is open daily and closed only on New Year's, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Reservations are accepted. Alcohol is served, but beer and wine only.
(3)Ken P.
Excellent southern comfort food Stewed okra and tomatoes fried green tomatoes Mac and cheese black eyed peas corn bread turkey pork pecan pie the list goes on Quality fresh ingredients fast friendly service comfortable down home environment A must In atlanta
(5)Tanya C.
Everything is A-OK at OK Cafe. People really seem to like this place. I actually prefer the takeaway portion over the sit down portion of the restaurant. The restaurant sometimes has a long wait to grab a table. I've been lucky enough to come at times when the place hasn't been too busy. They have a sign outside the door letting you know the current wait times. This place has a kind of diner-ish feel to it. I used to only come here in the middle of the night, but they stopped being open 24 hours many years ago. This always hit the spot after a night of drinking and fun. Unfortunately, it's not quite as enjoyable during normal eating hours (or maybe not quite as enjoyable when you're sober?). The food is generally average and service is about average as well. I've never eaten the country fried steak, but people seem to really dig it here. It's the size of a huge oval platter. I've never seen anyone finish the entire thing themselves. I usually stick with the sandwiches when I eat at the restaurant. The takeaway portion is way better than the restaurant. They have a boneless fried chicken that is so freaking good. I used to stop by and pick up this chicken at least once or twice a week. The mac and cheese, corn, and squash casserole are my favorite sides there. It's a big package your own food and pay by the weight. Make sure you grab a handful of tootsie rolls on your way out!
(3)Stacey J.
OK Cafe is an Atlanta institution. If you're gonna check off stops on your "food nation" tour and want authentic southern comfort, just hop off 75 and pop in. The veggie plate is the best option with a big glass of sweet tea. Get one to go too! My husband and I go every time we come home!
(5)Carla J.
An authentic Southern cafe:) I had the chicken salad platter which came w/ a potato salad, cucumber salad, & a mixed green salad. The cucumber salad had a nice sweet taste. The chicken & potato salad had more of a tangy flavor. The green salad definitely had vinegar in it. The service was right on. Southern hospitality at its best:) surprisingly their seats are very comfortable. While I was there I used the restroom & it was kept very clean & organized:) very satisfied!
(5)Jonathan B.
We were in town for the weekend and decided to get dinner here on one of the nights. Atmosphere: The entire restaurant gave off a fast pace style. Waitresses were dressed up in what you would imagine 50 - 60's waitresses diners would be wearing. It was fairly noisy but it was expected with the dinner crowd coming in. Service: I saw a few reviews about the wait times here but we were seated within 5 - 10minutes. My only downside in terms of service was with our waitress. She just seemed like she wanted to get us our food and get us out. I felt a bit rushed; notable but not overly. Food: The food itself was outstanding. I had a pimento cheeseburger and the meat was juicy, the cheese was plentiful, and the prices were just right. Overall: I would definitely come back here on future trips and try out some of the other dishes.
(3)Maggie K.
This place is the BEST! I'm currently visiting Atlanta, and I'm so bummed that we can't go eat here. This is normally our first stop, sometimes before we even check into our hotel. Open soon, OK cafe! We were so sad to hear about the fire. Well wishes from big fans of yours from TX! Oh and the fried cheese grits are TO DIE FOR! Everything really is two thumbs up, perfection.
(5)Maurice D.
Ok Cafe is my favorite diner-style type restaurant in Atlanta. This is a very popular establishment in the West Paces Ferry neighborhood in Northwest Atlanta, so a minimal wait is to be expected, especially on the weekends. I have dined here on different occasions for breakfast and lunch and both times the food has been really great. The service here is just okay, nothing spectacular. I definitely would recommend the burgers here. They use high-quality organic beef and fresh ingredients. I especially like the Pimento Cheeseburger, very tasty and satisfying. The prices here are reasonable for the quality and portion sizes of the food. Only downside to this restaurant for me is the lack of diversity, not including the wait staff.
(4)Richard M.
Closed when I tried to go by.
(1)Andre M.
Pretty much everything I've had here is awesome. The rotisserie chicken is great. The Mac n cheese is some of the best. I just want to order a pan and take it home lol
(5)Will T.
Going to the OK Café is like going to grandma's house, being pulled into her bosom and catching the scent of lavender and gardenia - comforting and reassuring. Big servings of comfort food make you think of a time gone by. Even the waitress uniforms have little retro hats. Healthy cravings and the thought of vegetables drew me to OK Café, but I settled for the chicken salad platter. It was a good choice and impressive. Half the plate was covered with dressed greens and sliced tomatoes, while the rest was covered by a trio of salads - a scoop of chicken salad, a scoop of potato salad and a scoop of cucumber salad. Plates of meat and vegetables passing by to other tables were equally large and impressive. Good food dished up in a fun atmosphere has been satisfying Atlantans for years. Check it out.
(3)Wayne Z.
OK Cafe, as the name suggests, is just ok. Went for dinner with my gf and her family and I must say, I would never have picked this place myself. Wait was long for a party of our size (11 adults), especially when they refuse to seat until everyone is present. And in the end? everyone was still sat at 2 different tables, not even next to each other. The best advice the manager had to offer was: "I've seen 12 ppl squeezed into this table (the larger one) but they weren't real comfortable". Like seriously, wtf? Service past that point was ok, friendly for the most part and helpful, although I did have to ask for a refill. The food was brought out by other staff who didn't know who ordered what. The food itself was passable, with the sides possibly being better than the main entrees. My turkey avocado BLT was pretty good, but the gf's turkey and dressing only looked so-so. Overall tab came out to over $30 before tax & tip, which for comfort food is way high in my book. Add to it the super weird and tacky "money tree" in the middle of where we were sitting, and the uniforms of the wait staff (can't tell if old school waitresses or nurses), yeah I won't be coming back.
(2)Adrienne T.
I visited. My server, Stephanie, was very, very, very nice. The food was ok. It was overpriced. The atmosphere was quite Buckhead Bettye. I saw the Money Tree. It was all OK.
(2)MD M.
This is a must stop place in the ATL. If you are driving up or down 75 this is your old school diner. Great southern food. The Flo style waitress outfits, the decor and the FOOD rock!
(5)Kirk L.
Started to go 3 stars, but then I realized that whenever wifey suggest we go here my reaction is not positive. It's not bad "for what it is" but it's not a place I'd recommend. 2 stars it is. I do like the convenience of the "OK Take Away" side, though - if you haven't been, it's basically a serve yourself selection of meats, veggies, and salads. Service on the sit-down side can be slow, but it's always friendly. Specifics (A few of these I've only had from the Take Away side - I assume most of it is available in the restaurant, but not positive): -Fried Chicken - Probably the best thing I've had. As you'd expect in a Southern restaurant. -Meatloaf - your results may vary. I've had it from bland to very good. -Pot Roast - Wifey is a fan. I've only tried a bite of hers once, and I thought it was pretty bland. -Squash Casserole - Wifey loves this, but it's not really my thing. -Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Apples - tastes like it has soy sauce on it, which wifey didn't like. Just too sweet for me - I could only have a few bites. -Cranberry relish - I'm a fan of this - not too sweet, not too tart. -Crab and Artichoke dip - I don't taste any crab or artichoke in it. Basically tastes like melted cream cheese. -Mac and Cheese - pretty average. -Desserts - I'm not a dessert guy, but they generally do a good job on desserts.
(2)Paula D.
We stopped for lunch here on our way through to South Carolina. Service was prompt and very friendly. I had the lightly Cajun fried grouper sandwich and my husband had the BBQ pulled pork sandwich. Both were great and just the right sized portions for lunch. We will be adding this stop to our regular list for meals!
(4)Sherry U.
Traditional diner with a twist for premium quality ingredients - organic, farm fresh, etc. We have been here many times - breakfast, lunch, dinner and just dessert. Today is Sunday brunch time. I got traditional baked ham and eggs with grits and buttermilk biscuit. Craig went for turkey avocado sprouts BLT. Breakfast platter was good - right size portions - grits were just creamy enough, ham was tasty and cooked just right. Good biscuits that held together well when I added honey. Turkey avocado BLT was a mix of 2 wiches in one - California and BLT. Worked well together with the variety of textures. Fries are cornstarch coated and very good - nice helping provided with the meal. A good experience.
(4)Cathy K.
Just had lovely breakfast. Biscuit with sausage gravy, 3 egg omelette with avocado/tomato/sour cream. Also ordered country sausage. All was delish but was very expensive. The bill was 26.00 including tip. Think it is best if you go with someone so you can she because portions are huge. Guess I was looking for too much variety and that cause the bill challenge. Staff from hostess to waitress are pleasant and uniforms are adorable.
(4)Paula S.
I've dined at OK Cafe many times, with friends and family. What can one say about a restaurant which never fails to please and remains a standard of classic Southern cuisine? If you've never dined at OK Cafe there are at least two 'Must Tries'. Number one is roasted turkey plate dinner or the sandwiches made with the excellent roasted in house daily turkey. Number 2 is the vegetable plate, selection of four. Pay attention to OK Cafe blackboard as you enter. There you'll see the special entrees, soups, or veggies in season. Does anybody know where one can buy that delicious multigrain bread OK Cafe uses? That's the bread used mainly on the killer yummy turkey avocado BLT. I saw the bread being taken from a large bakery bag but there was no label. BTW, when my sister was blown away by the sausage patty accompanying her omelet one day she begged the waitress to tell her what sausage OK uses. The sweet waitress got the OK to tell us they use top quality Rudy's Farm sausage patties. I've been buying it (mild for me, but the hot is good too) at Kroger (freezer case) ever since. Best Southern style breakfast sausage available. There is ONE thing which is NOT OK about OK Cafe. It's that this restaurant and it's menu is not copied and replicated everywhere, especially closer to where I live! *LOL*
(5)Eric W.
This place is very awesome! I am a bit of a burger lover and I heard OK Cafe actually had one of the better burgers in GA. I went and ordered the Maytag Blue Cheeseburger with bacon and it was refreshingly delicious. Fresh beef and seasoned well. The Maytag Blue was the perfect compliment. I recommend this place to anyone who enjoys burgers. Also I'm from NJ and that's the home of the diner and OK Cafe has a real diner feel to it! Enjoy and have fun!
(4)Joy W.
Their motto is "OK Cafe: Everything is OK" and it is. Why don't they call it "Great Cafe: Everything is Great" and make it even better? Overall, this southern comfort food joint is really fun, with okay quality food. FOOD | 3 STARS I ordered the Chicken salad with potato salad, cucumber salad, and lettuce with tomatoes. The chicken salad was rich and chunky, which paired well with the acidity from the vinaigrette dressing. Unfortunately, the dressing was beyond acidic and I almost NEEDED the chicken salad to balance it out. Overall, the salad tasted fresh, but I'd ask for the dressing on the side next time. The soup of the day was a tomato and okra stew, and I love okra so I ordered a cup of it. Unfortunately, the stew was both too salty and too sweet for my liking. It tasted like they cooked it with ketchup. ATMOSPHERE | 5 STARS This place is really fun. It has a bit of a hill billy feel to it, and there's a huge money tree in the middle of one of the dome shaped rooms with fake dollars hanging from it. The crowd skews towards the older Southern white folk population. SERVICE | 4 STARS One of my favorite things here is the outfits of the waitresses. I feel like i'm in a 50's Grease movie. The ladies are really nice and check up often to make sure you have everything. The missed star goes to them forgetting to bring me a spoon for my stew, and also the cashier at the front wasn't the best at helping new confused customers (me) get oriented. TIPS There are two entrances. The one in the back is the main entrance for dine-in. The one in the front for OK TAKE AWAY is for their mini-market where you can walk in and put together your own meals from their hot bar. The fried chicken is only available in their Take Away store. I LOVE their take away mart. [5 of 100]
(3)Katherine I.
This place is always great. I don't think I have ever had a bad or even lackluster meal here. They have crushed ice, which I love and they make cherry Coke with coke and grenadine. This is indicative of everything on the menu that is homemade and delicious. I guess the best way to describe this place is like a southern diner. They have a meat with two sides section on the menu. Then they also have sandwiches both hot and cold. I think my favorite part of this restaurant is the good folk art throughout the restaurant. Look for it in every room! Finally they have an entire take-away section where you can get food to go. It's by the pound, so I can easily spend tons of money weighing down my to go container. If I lived up I-75 and had to drive by this place every week day I would probably pop-in once a week for take-away.
(5)Kurt N.
It's called Ok Cafe so I have to give it an A-OK. But really, it just is. The food is just diner food, but in a cool environment and marked up as such. I went with my dad on a sunday for brunch and had the omelette with coffee and bacon and it tasted exactly what you would expect it to, at least it seems they use real eggs.
(3)Melissa G.
This place makes me want a portable diving board. So I could ask my waitress for a vat of ranch dressing that I can swan dive into gracefully. I love it that much. I'm pretty sure the waitress picked up the obsessive ranch vibe I was giving off since she brought me a soup spoon to laddle it on thick with. Moving along....the wait was nil. Which is almost unheard of since the lobby is usually packed to the seams with hungry people. The waitress was super sweet as always. They has the best coca cola. Seriously. Food is always tasty and big enough to comfortably share between two people. Get the shaved onions. With ranch. :) And a Tootsie roll for dessert....be still my heart.
(4)Irene C.
Southern comfort food in the heart of Buckhead. When work is getting you down or your day isn't going as swimmingly as planned, head on over to Ok Cafe to be transported back to a simpler time of Southern hospitality and great food. FOOD: Quality all around food with favorites including the Salmon Burger, the Vegetable Plate, or anything they offer for breakfast. I like that there are healthier options available and a very proactive approach to allergies and food intolerances. SERVICE: Every server I've had here is friendly even if a little rushed. I know the smile is probably part of the uniform, but it is nice to feel like your waiter doesn't hate you. Attentive, polite, and responsible. DECOR: Definitely diner-inspired decor with a beautiful tree decoration in the back. You'll know it when you see it. Love the wait time estimate in the front window for those of us who don't even want to leave our cars to see how long the wait is. TAKE-OUT: Yes, you read that right. Did you know that Ok Cafe has a Take-Out section in the back? Now you can make your own meal and bring it home. The prices are a little steep (by weight), but I like the flexibility of trying different dishes.
(5)