Mary Mac's Tea Room

I was told they had some great food and I was told wrong. I had collards and I could taste dirt in them. I couldn't enjoy anything else on my plate after eating the dirty collars. I was very dissatisfied with the service and the food and I will not visit this place ever again.

My husband says Mary Mac's just isn't what it used to be and although this was my first time at the tea room, I'd wager he's probably right. The eats were average at best. Flavorless collard greens (how is that even possible?), nasty coagulated mac & cheese full of chunky egg whites, and the greasiest broccoli souffle I've ever seen in my life. The whole fried catfish were up to snuff, as were the chicken and dumplings. So it wasn't entirely awful, just disappointing overall. A southern restaurant as seasoned as Mary Mac's has no excuse for serving less-than-stellar classic sides like the ones mentioned above. I can't speak for what Mary Mac's used to be like, but it must have been better than it is now at some point. Gone are the days when you can see a line of people wrapped around the building as you drive up Ponce. This place needs a revival and better air conditioning to boot.

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The Cliffs' Notes: Great authentic Southern food in an authentic classical Southern restaurant. One of the required eateries to become a local Atlantan. TIPS: Park behind the Tearoom; it's not fast food so don't go if you are on a schedule; engage the waitstaff on suggestions as most have worked at MMTR for years and are devoted to customer experiences.I ORDERED: Hoppin John (first time since I left home in rural GA), Chicken & Dumplings, Fried Green Tomatoes w/ ranch, Pot Licker (for true Southerners only), some sides dishes I can't remember. PRICE/VALUE: The prices are a little higher than Po Folks and Cracker Barrel because the food is more authentic and tastier. The staff is devoted to the restaurant's image and seem to enjoy their unique environment. PROS: Great historical place with accompanying atmosphere (Google its history in order to fully appreciate your meal). A wide variety including hard to find Ol' South vitals to more popular regional dishes. The wait staff is hospitable and engaging. A great experience for out of town guest and it may even surprise seasoned Atlantans/Southerners. Real Sweet tea (not sugar water, not tea with artificial sweetener, but great tea which has a strong "tea" taste with a great balance of sugar).CONS: Don't even think about splitting a meal or sharing without paying. Don't arrive the hour before they close as the wait staff as a lot of task to complete before going home and you will not receive their best service. DON"T TAKE YOU KIDS (under 12) HERE, ESPECIALLY IF THEY OR YOU ARE LOUD! When the loyal customers complain, the staff/management will make them happy.

My family when o mary mac's and we were not dissapointed! First the rolls,the pot lickers soup, and did I mention the cinnamin rolls all were great. My children were so filled that they did not want dessert. Great food good price and great service all at a fair price. I will reccommend his place to all, but come hungry!...

This place must be living off it's former glory and heyday from the 40's and 50's. Wonder if it has switched owners and how many times? I'm from the deep south and I've never had "SOUTHERN FOOD" like this before. Please don't think this is the way southern people eat. I was with an extremely large group as part of a cultural exchange. I was humiliated and consistently apologized so that people didn't think southerners really eat this way. I didn't pick this place and never would. I mean the chicken was dry, the corn bread dressing bland, the cinnamon rolls--I've had better out of a grocery store can. The mashed potatoes looked runny and instant, I didn't even bother, then they bring out more fried food-green tomatoes fried and then more starchy food. What happened to hearty vegetables? Does everything need to be FRIED??? And then a peach cobbler that was fattening as all daylights, but halfway decent. And YET, they had a room full of people, how? I don't know. No wonder the U.S. if full of colon, ulcer, stomach digestive problems. Next time I want more traditional southern food I'll go to COLONNADE RESTAURANT ON CHESHIRE BRIDGE ROAD or just save a few bucks and go to Kentucky Fried Chicken. One person said the dinner rolls were good. That was the only compliment I heard throughout the meal.