Let us start by saying, we LOVE Waffle House. This Atlanta-born, Norcross-based institution of late night eating can serve us scattered, smothered, covered, chunked and topped hash browns any time. But every good Southerner knows there’s a Waffle House on every corner open ‘round the clock. Read on for five awesome nocturnal options for that rare occasion when you’re not craving a waffle.
Fellini’s Pizza
Multiple Locations throughout Metro Atlanta
You can’t talk late night eating and not have a fantastic pizza joint on the list, and the most famous name in pizza in Atlanta is Fellini’s. For a mere $3.95, you’ll be handed a floppy, foldable, perfect piece of New York-style pizza, generously covered with whatever toppings your sleepy heart desires. All seven locations are open until midnight; four stay open until 2am. Check FellinisAtalnta.com for locations and hours.
The Dwarf House
461 N. Central Avenue | Hapeville
You still can’t get a Chick-fil-A sandwich on Sunday (even at Mercedes-Benz Stadium), but any other day and time is fair game. The Dwarf House in Hapeville – the original Chick-fil-A, founded in 1946 – is open all day, every day, except for 11:45pm Saturday until 6am Monday morning. Offerings include everything from the Chick-fil A menu, plus Dwarf House specialties such as grilled cheese sandwiches, a hot brown (chicken is drenched in gravy, mashed potatoes, cheese and bacon, served on toast), and – GASP – HAMBURGERS (don’t tell the cowz).
Dantanna’s Buckhead
3400 Around Lenox Drive | Atlanta
Arguably, there is no better place to go into overtime than Dantanna’s. Open until 2:30am, Dantanna’s serves their famous upscale, five-star cuisine until closing, including high quality steaks and fresh seafood flown in twice a day. Sports purists can request headphones and tap into any of the games playing on the big screens throughout the restaurant. If you’ve had quite a night already and need to soak up already-consumed libations, try the aptly named Heart Attack burger: topped with a sunny-side-up egg, thick-sliced hickory-smoked bacon, fried onions and served between two grilled cheese sandwiches.
The Grill
171 College Avenue | Athens
Most people head toward the ATL, but who better understands late night noshing than a college student? Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, eating at The Grill is practically a requirement for graduation from the University of Georgia. A true 1950s diner (except that it opened in 1981), The Grill is almost always packed, but the line out the door generally moves fast (the service inside, however…). If you come hungry, opt for a giant burger and a chocolate malt, but whatever you do, DO NOT skip the feta fries. You’re welcome.
Ormsby’s
1170 Howell Mill Road | Atlanta
While entrees come off the menu at 1pm, hearty snacks like hand-cut fries covered in creamy bleu cheese, hand-dipped corn dogs, and pimento cheese and corn fritters are available until 3:00am. Keep the party going with their extensive craft beer and cocktails selection, or take the party downstairs for a round of bocce ball, shuffleboard, darts, foosball, backgammon or pool. Perfect for those of us who fall asleep in the wee hours if we stop moving.