“Uteruses before duderuses…Ovaries before brovaries.” – Leslie Knope
Welcome to Galentine’s Day ladies! Make your plans for Monday, February 13 – it’s our day to honor our girlfriends and lift each other up!
It all began with Amy Poehler’s character, Leslie Knope, from the TV show Parks & Recreation. She created the holiday to “just come and kick it, breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies. It’s like Lilith Fair, minus the angst. Plus, frittatas.”
What better way to celebrate Galentine’s Day than with a meal at a woman-owned restaurant, right here in Atlanta? Grab your besties and try one of these 13 delicious women-owned restaurants or adventures.
Atlanta Area Women-Owned Restaurants
(Note: There are many, many more women-owned restaurants and food businesses in town than are listed below – they just aren’t open on Mondays!)
- 26thai – SA-WAD-DEE-KA (Welcome) to authentic Thai food with four locations in Atlanta. It’s named thusly because that’s how old owner Niki Pattharakositkul was when she opened it. I’m definitely going to try the shrimp donut and Thai deviled eggs!
- Batter Cookie Dough – If you love unique desserts, check out Atlanta native Julie Abes’ creations at Breadwinner-Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, also with female owners. You can even order cookie dough shots for your next party!
- Chai Yo Modern Thai – Chef/Owner DeeDee Niyomkul finds inspiration in her visits to rural Thailand and childhood memories of working in the kitchen alongside her grandmother, an original street food vendor in Bangkok, Thailand. Her family has several successful eateries through their Tamarind Restaurant Group.
- Dash and Chutney – Located in Chattahoochee Food Works, this is the first, full flavor plant-based Indian street food restaurant in Atlanta. It is helmed by Chef Palak Patel, winner of both Food Network’s famed shows Chopped and Beat Bobby Flay.
- Firepit Pizza Tavern – The brainchild of another local celebrity, Chef Leslie Cohen, an Atlanta native and winner of the Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen. They have gluten-free dough and homemade vegan ricotta cheese.
- Gocha’s Breakfast Bar – Famous people must know food! Celebrity hairstylist Gocha Hawkins opened this venture in both Fayetteville and the Cascade area. I have my eye on the Impossible Sweet Potato Nachos and the Breakfast Pizza.
- Mary Mac’s Tea Room – Truly a “can’t miss” because of its historical significance. Mary Mac’s was opened by Mary MacKenzie in 1945, one of many “tearooms” run by women in town because they couldn’t open restaurants. Mary’s successor, Margaret Lupo, stayed true to the kitchen’s commitment to freshness, and they have employees who have worked there for over 45 years. You’ll likely spot local VIPs as well!
- Oliva Group – Tal Baum, Proprietor, runs Atrium, Aziza, (as well as Bellina Alimentari and Rina – not open on Mondays). This is one of only three women-led restaurant groups in Atlanta, and the food ranges from modern American to Italian to Middle Eastern.
- Souper Jenny – Founder Jenny Levison has five locations where you can get – you guessed it – soup! Also on the menu are sandwiches, salads, and special “to-go” items, varying by location. If you love what you eat there, you can sign up for a private cooking class, or a garden tutorial with Jenny.
- Tassi’s Raw Reality – A unique vegan experience led by Master Raw Food Alchemist Tassili Ma’at, based on the core principles of Truth, Justice, Harmony, Balance, Order, Reciprocity, and Propriety. This is a take-out-only restaurant, and very popular, so be sure to order ahead and find a fun place to picnic.
BONUS – Need more than a sit-down meal? Here are some women-owned adventures in Atlanta
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- Unexpected Atlanta – Try Founder/Historian Akila McConnell’s Martin Luther King Jr. Atlanta History Tour led by storytellers from her all-female team. There is also a Grant Park Past and Present Food Tour, which includes local businesses with female ownership – The Little Tart Bake Shop, Firepit Pizza Tavern (see listing above), and Six Feet Under Pub and Fish House.
- Living Walls – Hop in the car and soak in stunning and impactful murals by artists from all walks of life. The team, comprised of Monica Campana, Kristen Consuegra, Tatiana Bell, and Ash McNamara, “envision a world where public art acts as a social and economic engine, providing an artistic workforce that commits to healthy, sustainable spaces for the communities we serve.” Their website gives great detail about each piece and artist.
- AR Workshop – From designers, Maureen Anders and Adria Ruff come to a female-run DIY workshop company. Find your closest location and book a workshop to create your own decorative signs, trays, textured art, knit items, and more.
Feel like staying in and hosting Galentine’s Day? Check out this post on Atlanta Mom!
