December 17, 2021
Food & Drink, Feature,
An Atlanta fixture since 1987, Buckhead Diner closes its doors after years of attracting both local and celebrity guests alike. Here, we take a look back on what made this icon so beloved.
The interior of Buckhead Diner was designed by Pat Kuleto
Perhaps one of the most iconic parts about Buckhead Diner was the electric signage on the exterior, also designed by Kuleto
It will forever be remembered as one of the—if not the— greatest American restaurants in the country.”–Niko Karatassos, President, Buckhead Life Restaurant Group
Atlantans will never forget the first time they saw a celebrity in the city. Although Atlanta is more low-key than star-studded places like New York and L.A., thanks to a growing movie industry, seeing a celeb has become more and more of a daily occurrence. And for the past 34 years, if you wanted to guarantee a big name, Buckhead Diner on Peachtree Road was the place to go. Whether it was the ritzy atmosphere, the perfected classic American menu or the electrifying neon lights on the facade, Buckhead Diner had the secret to attracting a fabulous guest list that included the likes of rock stars like Mick Jagger, Elton John and Jimmy Buffett; actors like Robert Downey Jr., Ben Stiller, Jeff Foxworthy and Sylvester Stallone; athletes like Herschel Walker; and many more. “For nearly 35 years this was the spot to be and be seen,” says Niko Karatassos, president of Buckhead Life Restaurant Group (buckheadrestaurants.com), Buckhead Diner’s parent company. “It will forever be remembered as one of the—if not the—greatest American restaurants in the country. We are happy to have hosted many celebrities and loyal locals over the decades.” The scene wasn’t the only enticing thing about the restaurant—the menu had a cult following. In fact, Buckhead Diner was considered the first spot for chefs who went on to make a major impact on Atlanta with their own restaurants, including Kevin Rathbun, Gerry Klaskala and Joey Riley. The most popular dishes ran the gamut: the staple warm blue cheese chips; “sweet-heat” Thai chili calamari; the quarter-pound jumbo lump crabcake; veal and wild mushroom meatloaf; and, of course, their award-winning white chocolate banana cream pie. The great news is that these beloved dishes will be appearing on the menus at Buckhead Life’s other famous restos like Atlanta Fish Market, Chops Lobster Bar, Pano’s Retail Market and Corner Cafe. They say all good things must come to an end, and it’s true—Buckhead Diner was and will always remain a part of Atlanta culture, if not in practice, then in memory.
Famous white chocolate banana cream pie.
Photography by: