That aroma of fried chicken and collard greens. It’s intoxicating isn’t it? You’re standing right in front of Mary Mac’s Tea Room. This isn’t just any restaurant. This is an Atlanta institution.
Mary Mac’s opened its doors in 1945. It was one of sixteen tea rooms in the city. Now it’s the only one left. Mary MacKenzie a resourceful woman started it just after World War II. Many women widowed by the war were opening restaurants. Calling them tea rooms made them sound more refined.
Mary Mac’s became one of Atlanta’s first integrated restaurants in 1962. This was during the Civil Rights Movement. That’s a testament to its spirit of inclusivity. It’s a place where everyone felt welcome. From the Dalai Lama to Jimmy Carter who loved it so much they named a dessert after him the Carter Custard. Beyonce John Lewis and Hillary Clinton have all dined here. It’s a place where history and delicious food meet.
The recipes are still largely the same as when Mary MacKenzie and Margaret Lupo ran the place. Margaret Lupo owned Mary Mac’s from 1962 until 1994. They kept the traditions alive. Even the pencils and order forms at each table remain unchanged. Every first-time diner receives a complimentary cup of pot likker and cornbread.
Sadly in March 2024 the roof collapsed due to storms. The community rallied around Mary Mac’s. It reopened in May after extensive repairs. The spirit of Mary Mac’s remains unbroken. It’s a symbol of Atlanta’s resilience and culinary heritage.
So step inside. Experience Southern hospitality at its finest. Enjoy the legacy of Mary Mac’s Tea Room. Taste the history savor the flavors. You won’t be disappointed.