Emory University is located in the heart of Atlanta, which means one thing: a wide-variety of great food. With about 7,000 undergrads, it can be tough to find the right place to eat. Luckily, most restaurants at Emory are located just a short car ride away from campus, so any delicious cuisine you might desire is easily accessible in a city known for its amazing food.
Caffeine Fix
Kaldi’s Coffee
If you go to Emory, you go to Kaldi’s about once a day. Whether it’s to grab a quick coffee before class, a snack in between meals, or a midnight meal, Kaldi’s is a daily part of Emory life. If you’re an athlete, musician, pre-med, or anything in between, you can be found at Kaldi’s. Students study here at all times of the day, as they love the rustic vibe and comfortable seating. I highly recommend the cheese flatbread and veggie hash as late-night meals with friends after a day full of class and studying.
Blue Donkey at Cox Hall
Located in the heart of campus inside Cox Hall, Blue Donkey coffee is a quaint coffee shop with its famous Blue Donkey Original coffee. With great tasting and generous sizes, Blue Donkey is a great place to pop in quickly in between classes.
Breakfast & Brunch
Rise-n-Dine
Located in Emory Village (about a five minute walk from the main campus), Rise-n-Dine is Emory’s preeminent brunch spot. Catch students waiting out the door on weekend mornings to get some homemade omelettes and pancakes in a feel-good, happy environment with always excellent service. Grab a coffee or latte to go and say hi to fellow classmates you will undoubtedly see on your way out the door.
The General Muir
The General Muir is an Emory student’s go-to delicious deli with comfortable indoor and outdoor seating. It’s located in Emory Point, a popular off-campus apartment complex for upperclassmen, but freshman and sophomores are often there trying to get an “off-campus vibe.” Whether you want a full sit-down meal or a place to grab a delicious bagel or tasty pastry, The General Muir is your place. A widespread selection of great coffee is available too.
Lunch & Dinner
Bartaco
Bartaco is located about 10 minutes away from campus in Inman Park, a popping area for young people with walking strips of all sorts of restaurants. Known for their tasteful tacos and the best street corn in Atlanta, Bartaco will amaze your taste buds like never before. On weekends, Bartaco can get quite crowded and they don’t take reservations, so make sure to get there early and add your name to the list. In the meantime, walk around the beautiful area that is Inman Park!
Barcelona Wine Bar and Restaurant
Located across the street from Bartaco, Barcelona is also located in beautiful Inman Park. This cashless tapas restaurant has a wide variety of foods including veggies, meat, seafood, potatoes, and more. Your food is delivered as soon as it is ready and you can easily order additional tapas during the meal. Highly recommended tapas include: hanger steak, patatas fritas, and crispy calamari. Also, Barcelona has large plates of food in the more traditional sense with great meat and seafood options. Barcelona has a cool, hip vibe, and is always filled with young people and great music.
Wagaya
Looking for great sushi without going far off campus? Wagaya is your place. Located in Emory Village, pop in whenever you want to grab some sushi at a fair price that tastes more expensive than it is. Choose from a variety of bowls and sushi rolls with classic Japanese flavor or a selection of unique food that will pleasantly surprise you.
If Someone Else is Buying
Bones Restaurant
Want the best steakhouse in Atlanta for a special occasion? Bones is your place. It’s got a wide selection of starters, like the delicious jumbo crabmeat cocktail. Elegant dining and a dress code make you feel like you’re secluded from the busy Atlanta streets and transported to a calm, sophisticated place. You might even sit next to a celebrity, as many celebrities have been sighted enjoying the amazing steaks.
Bar
Maggie’s Neighborhood Bar and Grill
There’s one bar where every student at Emory goes: Mag’s. Every weekend without fail you can find some of your fellow classmates there. Located in Toco Hills Shopping Center, about 5 minutes from campus, going to Mag’s is a right of passage for an Emory student. It’s got a lovable and local feel to it and lifelong friendships are made here.
Night Scene
Steak ‘n Shake
Located directly across the street from Mag’s, Steak ‘n Shake is the place to go after a night out or a long night studying. Waves of students can be seen making the journey across the street from Mag’s to Steak ‘n Shake as they walk towards late-night burgers and shakes. Dozens of Emory students file into the doors way past midnight on weekends as many end their night with the famous Steakburger.
Dessert
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt
Located in Toco Hills about five minutes away from campus, Menchie’s has a nice selection of frozen yogurt and customizable frozen yogurt cakes. Flavors range from regular, nonfat, lowfat, sorbet, gluten free, and more. Whatever your ice cream desires are, Menchie’s delivers. I highly recommend the milk chocolate caramel made with Ghirardelli flavored ice cream!
Ali’s Cookies
Located in Emory Village, walk to Ali’s Cookies to grab a few cookies for you and your friends as you head to the library to study. With dozens of flavors, Ali’s Cookies has every type of cookie plus some you’ve never imagined. Also, delicious cookie cakes can be customized for a birthday or other event. A small selection of ice cream is available too, and the ice cream-cookie combinations are endless.
