Photograph courtesy of Pancake Social
Mother’s Day, in theory, is supposed to be for relaxing—a day of pampering, good food, and time spent with loved ones. But if you have little kids, that idea can seem more like a pipe dream than reality. That’s why this year, we wanted to get real with our Mother’s Day restaurant recommendations. The following 12 spots serve fresh, flavorful food while offering something special for the little ones who made you a mother. (And when your kid has a full-on meltdown at brunch, you’ll hopefully get more sympathetic glances than glares.)
57th Fighter Group Restaurant
Indulge with an extravagant buffet featuring everything from omelets and carving stations to pastries. All ages will enjoy watching the planes take off and land at Peachtree DeKalb Airport, and there’s a playground outside for little ones. 3829 Clairmont Road, 770-234-0057
Highland Bakery Old Fourth Ward
You can walk or ride down the BeltLine Eastside Trail to the original location of this Atlanta standby. Here, families with kids are aplenty, and the servers know good coffee and pastries go a long way. Sweet potato pancakes, lemon ricotta pancakes, Benedicts, or French toast the size of your head—take your pick. 655 Highland Avenue, 404-586-0772
Joy Cafe
The move from Buckhead to Midtown added a more modern aesthetic to this quaint mom-and-pop shop, but the warm, friendly staffers haven’t changed a bit. Share the Chocolate Decadence french toast with the family, or order the truffle eggs and wild mushrooms for a savory treat. 1100 Peachtree Street, 404-996-1377
Julianna’s Crepes
A hidden gem minutes East from the Eastside Trail entrance in Inman Park and Krog Street Market, Julianna’s is quick and easy with a pleasing menu of both sweet and savory crepes. (Nutella goes a long way with a tantrum-prone toddler.) 775 Lake Avenue, 404-436-1825
Le Petit Marche
Order at counter of this Kirkwood cafe and enjoy delicacies like pan-seared ahi tuna salad, decadent oatmeal, and egg-and-cheese scrambles with rosemary potatoes. Kids will love the banana dessert cups that come with every entree. 1984 Hosea L. Williams Drive, 404-371-9888
Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails
If you’re in the northern suburbs, Milton’s is the place for a classy brunch. If the weather cooperates, sit outside and enjoy garden views. Bonus: the kids can run around in the grass while you wait for your food. 800 Mayfield Road, Milton, 770-817-0161
Pancake Social
This Ponce City Market hotspot almost always has a wait, but it also has the benefit of being right across from Historic Fourth Ward Park (hello, swings) and serves breakfast all day. Once seated, children can play “I Spy” with the thematically appropriate floor tiles, while adults peruse proprietor Anne Quatrano’s menu of buttermilk, sourdough, and Dutch pancakes. 675 Ponce de Leon Ave., 678-609-8696
Ray’s on the River
Highlights of Ray’s Sunday brunch include waterfront views and a buffet with more than 50 different items. Plus, there’s a lush area behind the restaurant, ideal for strolling before or after your meal. 6700 Powers Ferry Road, Sandy Springs, 770-955-1187
Ria’s Bluebird
No need to dress up—Ria’s laid-back vibe makes for a casual scene, but the food is top-notch. Sit on the patio where your little ones have more space to explore, and if there’s a wait, head across the street to Oakland Cemetery to stretch those legs. Ria’s doesn’t offer a children’s menu, but the pancakes never fail to please little lips. 421 Memorial Drive, 404-521-3737
Souper Jenny Buckhead
Fresh and healthy is the name of the game at this thriving lunch spot inside the Atlanta History Center. Before it moved to the History Center, the original Souper Jenny had a whole room designed for young’uns. Now, there’s a toy kitchen where children can use their imaginations to bake a special Mother’s Day treat while you eat in peace. 130 West Paces Ferry Road, 404-295-6761
Sun in My Belly
The simple farmhouse decor can be soothing for stressed-out moms, and the menu of sandwiches, salads, and spins on breakfast staples makes Sun in My Belly an easy choice for any type of eater. Bonus: All kids menu items come with Goldfish crackers. If that doesn’t keep your child happy, we wish you all the luck. 2161 College Avenue, 404-370-1088
Upbeet
With a menu full of yogurt, smoothies, and toasts, no child will go hungry here. Health nuts will love the build-your-own green and grain bowls, and there’s superfood lattes for those who need an extra boost. 1071 Howell Mill Road, 404-347-1071
