Majestic serves up diner food, eclectic crowd
By Gray Chapman
There may not a local landmark restaurant in Atlanta as beloved as the retro, no-frills Majestic Diner. The diner is open 24 hours a day and located at 1031 Ponce de Leon Ave. Ponce is home to some of the most interesting characters in the city. Take a seat at The Majestic on any given day at any time, and you’re bound to see (and meet) some fascinating individuals. People from all walks of life roam into The Majestic at night, from the young, fratty Virginia Highlands crowd, fresh from a night of bar-hopping to some sulky, lanky hipsters waiting to catch the latest indie flick at the nearby artsy Plaza Theater.
Though The Majestic is an unquestionable institution in Atlanta, the food is an oft-debated topic. I rarely see such passionate arguments as the ones that stem from this discussion. Just grab a native Atlantan and ask them how they feel about The Majestic, and you can be sure of two things: they will know what you’re talking about, and they will have a very ardent opinion about the food there.
I love the place. There’s just something innately American about sitting in a booth at a local “greasy spoon” and ordering a big waffle and black coffee. It is truly a dining experience, especially if you go at night. If you are adventurous to brave the carnival-like crowds of people who wander Ponce by night, take a seat at the bar. You’ll probably end up conversing with someone who is movie-character quality. You’ll also make friends with the waiters (The Majestic is loved for its friendly waitstaff) and spend roughly $1.50 on infinite cups of coffee.
As for the food, I suggest sticking to breakfast or burgers. The Majestic offers other diner-like staples, but the greasy bacon, butter-loaded toast, and omelettes are the fan favorites. Then again, most of the people who head to The Majestic after a “late night” will probably be jubilant at the sight of any food — extra grease and salt being a big plus.
Though it might be counterintuitive, The Majestic is actually a great study spot. Think about it! Rather than a $5 soy latte, you get a cup of coffee that is magically refilled as soon as you set it down (and no matter how many times they refill it, it still costs less than $2). The environment is relatively quiet before it gets too late, and you can spread out your books in a booth all to yourself. There are no pretentious Starbuckistas judging you for using a PC instead of a Mac, and you’ll most likely be the most normal-looking person in the joint.
The quality of food at The Majestic is up for debate, but its status as Ponce’s best dive is not. The Majestic attracts a crowd of all walks of life — stick around for a few hours at night and you’ll see every caricature you’ve ever thought possible (and some you could never imagine).
Whether you like the food or not, dining at this dive is mandatory for anyone who says they live in Atlanta. The Majestic is what it is — no frills, no nonsense, just diner food and an atmosphere unlike any other place in Atlanta.
Photo by Andy Pruett
