When you hit the doors of The Beautiful in Cascade Heights, please peep the person-shaped sign that instructs you to pull up your pants before you walk inside the dining room. That's the kind of old-school wisdom the soul food institution has carried since long before Goodie Mob sat in a booth and prayed on the cover of their 1995 album Soul Food. So this is a must-hit stop if you want a good, affordable meal while experiencing one of the few true-to-itself vestiges of Old Atlanta.

Daily rotating specials (which have remained consistent for decades) reflect an era when you could fill up for less than $10 on staples like crispy fried chicken drummettes, steamed cabbage, and tender yams. And the cafeteria-style restaurant still attracts a crowd of neighborhood regulars, seniors, and anyone looking for a feel-good breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Take your foam container to go or carry your tray to find a booth in the always immaculate dining room. The homey, untouched decor is a big part of The Beautiful’s comforting appeal.

video credit: Tabia S. Lisenbee-Parker

photo credit: Tabia Lisenbee-Parker

photo credit: Tabia S. Lisenbee-Parker

Inside The Beautiful

The Beautifulphoto credit: Mhandy Gerard

Food Rundown

photo credit: Mhandy Gerard

Banana Pudding

The pudding is creamy, sweet, and has a banana-to-waffer crust ratio that pudding purists should love.

Fried Chicken Drummettes

These are great—often the best thing on the menu. Crunchy, well-seasoned, and juicy inside.

Beef Ribs

Coated in a tangy-sweet sauce, the beef ribs are tender. They won’t replace your go-to BBQ spot, but they’re solid for oven-cooked ribs.

photo credit: Mhandy Gerard

Yams

Sweet but not drowning in syrup, so the potato still shines. It's a strong choice for a classic meat-and-two combo.