In Atlanta, it can be hard to find that fabled Southern Hospitality and down-home cooking that you hear about. On a daily basis, you’re much more likely to see the way Dale Earnhardt, Sr., used to drive than genteel Southern ways. There is one notable exception: the OK Cafe in Buckhead at the corner of US 41 and Paces Ferry Road. At the OK Cafe, the waitresses and staff wear crisp white uniforms and greet patrons in a friendly manner. The atmosphere is casual, but long lost words like please, thank you, and y’all float in air. But, the staff moves with quick, competent, efficiency. Most importantly, the food is always more than just O.K.!
The OK Cafe serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. My wife and I typically go for dinner and have one of the Blue Plate Specials. Unlike many restaurants, the Blue Plate Specials are the best meals on the menu at OK Cafe. They have reliable standards like meatloaf with creole sauce, rotisserie chicken with lemon pepper tamari, crab and crawfish cakes; roasted turkey, gravy, and cornbread dressing; country fried steak; chicken pot pie, and broiled salmon. I love their rotisserie chicken. My wife loves their crab and crawfish cakes. They have a generous amount of crab meat and several crawfish per cake. If you just want to grab a burger, sandwich, or shake, they are all available and reasonably priced.
Each Blue Plate Special comes with two side items. Choosing sides at OK Cafe can be tough. There are so many excellent selections, but as I’m watching my carbohydrate intake, I like collard greens, broccoli, and green beans. If I wasn’t watching my weight, I’d indulge in their wonderful mashed potatoes, baked sweet potato, or kernal corn. But, I can’t talk. On our last visit, I succumbed to a special offering of fried green tomatoes. There are plenty of appetizers on the menu, but we have a weak spot for fried cheese grits with jalapeno and cheese dip. They have a lot of great desserts as well. But, I’m trying to forget that they have two of my favorites: pecan pie and key lime pie. They also have excellent ice cream.
Even though the OK Cafe has plenty of traditional Southern food, if you are on a health kick, the OK Cafe has a number of healthier options. The back of the menu has an outline of the OK Cafe’s commitment to healthy living. If hormone and antibiotic free is the way to be, the restaurant has you covered. If you want to avoid meat, you can get a four veggie plate for $9.99. I find that the best approach is to choose side items carefully and skip either the appetizer or the dessert.
If you want to take a meal home or eat in your vehicle, the backside of the restaurant is called OK Take Away and it features many restaurant favorites refrigerated, packed, and ready to cook. Many are also available in a buffet for you to build your own take-out feast. OK Take-Away is a good alternative if you don’t have time for a proper sit-down meal. It’s also a great place to get food for a great picnic.
The OK Cafe is moderately priced. My wife and I can have an appetizer, eat a Blue Plate Special, and get tea for less than $50 including a nice tip. As much as I love IHOP and Waffle House, the OK Cafe is definitely a step up. I heartily recommend the restaurant for any meal. As their motto says, “No worries . . .everything’s ok everday!” It’s cool to have a neighborhood restaurant with high standards for service, great food, and plenty of healthy choices on the menu. Just make sure you arrive early on the weekends, the OK Cafe is a popular breakfast spot!
Other articles by this contributor:
“Y’all” Should Be Considered Proper English
Restaurant Review of the Owens Boarding House in Warner-Robins, Georgia Fast Food Restaurant Review: Fazoli’s Restaurant in Valdosta, Georgia
