If you’re a fan of Dine’s, Drive-Ins, and Dives, then it’s possible that you’re familiar with one of Atlanta’s favorite southern cuisine location.

Or perhaps, you know if it simply because it has been around for almost 84 years. The Colonnade, located on Cheshire Bridge Road is one of Atlanta’s favorites for Southern Cooking.

As you pull into the parking lot, this little hut of a restaurant doesn’t look like it could fit more than 20 or so tables, but as you walk in and look to the left, the dining room is massive, fitting just under 200 people! There was not an empty seat in the entire house. And as you turn the right, a full service bar. I liked this bar because they offered complimentary chex mix as you wait. And since it was busy, it was nice to have the “bonus” snack to much on prior to ordering drinks.

As for food, think of you favorite Southern classic - they have it. Fried chicken, Pot Roast, Short Ribs, Pork Loin, Prime Rib, BBQ Salmon - the list could go on and on. And talk about the sides. Okra and Collard Greens. Baby Lima Beans and Cucumber Salad. It would be enough to just order sides for dinner - and someone in our party did just that. The portions are huge, and you’ll be happy to be taking home food for lunch the following day.

And yet, I wouldn’t put this in our “good places to eat” category just yet. The food came out between luke warm and cold. And when you order Fried Chicken and Short Ribs, you want to believe that they just came out of the fryer or oven. Also, the crowd. There is not much for diversity at this place. Even at 7:30 in the evening. It could have been due to the Cinco de Mayo parties all over the city, but this place definitely had an elder crowd to it.

I will say this - go for the rolls, stay for the Southern Classics. You won’t be disappointed.