This Tiny Georgia Diner Serves Grits So Creamy, They’re Almost Addictive

If you’re planning a trip to Atlanta, Georgia, one culinary stop is non-negotiable: The Flying Biscuit Café. From its creamy, dreamy grits to oversized biscuits, this tiny neighborhood diner has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re a breakfast enthusiast or just looking for authentic Southern comfort food, this colorful eatery delivers an unforgettable dining experience that keeps people coming back for more.

A Humble Beginning in Candler Park

Back in 1993, Delia Champion and Keith Finger opened a tiny breakfast spot in Atlanta’s Candler Park neighborhood with a simple goal: serve hearty, flavorful food that made people smile. The original location was small, funky, and filled with vibrant colors that reflected the creative spirit of the neighborhood.

What started as a cozy corner eatery quickly became a local sensation. Word spread about the incredible food, and soon lines stretched out the door every weekend.

Today, The Flying Biscuit Café has grown into a beloved franchise with over 35 locations across the Southeast. Despite its expansion, each restaurant maintains that original eclectic, welcoming vibe that made the first location so special, making every visit feel like discovering a hidden neighborhood gem.

Creamy, Dreamy White Cheddar Grits

Ask any regular at The Flying Biscuit what dish they can’t live without, and most will immediately mention the grits. These aren’t your average grits – they’re made with real cream and sharp white cheddar cheese, creating a silky-smooth texture that melts in your mouth.

The secret lies in the cooking technique. Slow-cooked to perfection, these grits achieve a consistency that’s neither too thick nor too runny, striking that perfect balance that earns them their “addictive” reputation.

Visitors often order them as a side dish with breakfast, but many locals know the truth: these grits deserve to be the main event. One taste explains why people drive across town just to get their fix of this creamy Southern comfort.

Signature Flying Biscuits with Cranberry Apple Butter

The restaurant’s namesake dish lives up to its billing in every possible way. Each morning, bakers prepare enormous biscuits from scratch, ensuring that every customer gets a fresh, warm biscuit straight from the oven. These aren’t dainty pastries – they’re substantial, fluffy creations with perfectly crisp exteriors and soft, tender centers.

What really sets them apart is the housemade cranberry apple butter served alongside. The sweet-tart spread complements the buttery biscuit beautifully, creating a flavor combination that feels both traditional and innovative.

First-time visitors often underestimate the size of these biscuits. Many locals recommend sharing one if you’re planning to order other dishes, though some regulars insist on having their own because they’re just that good.

Shrimp and Grits Done Right

When Southern restaurants serve shrimp and grits, they’re making a bold statement about their cooking skills. The Flying Biscuit’s version features perfectly blackened shrimp with just the right amount of spice, served atop their famous white cheddar grits.

The roasted red pepper tomato sauce adds a bright, slightly smoky flavor that ties everything together. Fresh basil leaves scattered on top provide a pop of color and a hint of herbaceous freshness that cuts through the richness.

This dish represents everything great about Southern fusion cooking: traditional ingredients prepared with modern techniques and thoughtful flavor combinations. It’s hearty enough to fuel you through a day of sightseeing, yet refined enough to feel special rather than heavy.

Southern Scramble with Collard Greens

For travelers seeking an authentic taste of Southern breakfast traditions, the Southern Scramble delivers on every level. Fluffy scrambled eggs get mixed with turkey bacon, spicy collard greens, onions, and sharp cheddar cheese, creating a protein-packed dish that’s bursting with flavor.

The inclusion of collard greens might surprise visitors unfamiliar with Southern cuisine, but they add an earthy, slightly bitter note that balances the richness of the eggs and cheese. Of course, it comes with a generous side of those addictive creamy grits.

This dish showcases the restaurant’s commitment to using turkey products instead of pork, making it accessible to more diners while maintaining authentic Southern flavors. It’s comfort food that doesn’t compromise on taste or tradition.

Moon-Dusted Potatoes Worth the Trip

While grits steal most of the spotlight, regulars know that the Moon-Dusted Potatoes deserve equal attention. These oven-roasted rosemary potatoes arrive at your table golden brown and perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside.

The “moon dust” seasoning blend remains a closely guarded secret, but the result is unmistakable: savory, herbaceous potatoes with just enough salt to make them incredibly satisfying. The rosemary adds an aromatic quality that makes the entire table smell amazing.

Many travelers order these as a side to share, and they pair beautifully with virtually every breakfast item on the menu. They’re especially good for visitors who want something familiar alongside more adventurous Southern dishes, providing a comforting anchor to your meal.

Dirty Bird Chicken and Waffles

Sometimes called the “Dirty Bird,” this indulgent creation represents Southern comfort food at its finest and most unapologetic. Crispy Nashville hot chicken tenders sit atop a fluffy golden waffle, covered in savory chicken sage sausage gravy and crowned with a perfectly fried egg.

The combination of sweet waffle, spicy chicken, rich gravy, and runny egg yolk creates layers of flavor and texture that somehow work together beautifully. It’s messy, decadent, and absolutely worth any calories consumed.

This dish isn’t for the faint of heart or light eaters. Travelers looking to experience bold Southern flavors should definitely give it a try, though you might want to plan a lighter dinner afterward or share with a friend.

Dietary-Friendly Southern Comfort

One remarkable aspect of The Flying Biscuit is how it honors Southern traditions while accommodating modern dietary needs. The entire menu is pork-free, using turkey bacon and chicken sage sausage instead, which makes the restaurant more accessible to various dietary restrictions.

Vegetarians and vegans don’t have to settle for boring options here. The tofu scramble rivals the regular scrambles in flavor and satisfaction, while the black bean cornmeal “Love Cakes” have earned their own devoted following.

The vegan BBQ burrito proves that plant-based Southern food can be just as hearty and flavorful as traditional dishes. This inclusive approach means groups with different dietary preferences can all find something delicious, making it perfect for travelers dining together with varying needs.