If your sweet tooth is tingling and your belly is rumbling in the Atlanta Airport District, get ready to embark on a delicious adventure. The Airport Area is packed with bakeries and dessert spots that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. Grab your fork (or spoon, or both) and explore the sweetest spots!
Hapeville Dwarf House
Step into Hapeville’s Dwarf House, and you’ll find more than just a cozy atmosphere and friendly service. Known for its charming, old-fashioned vibe, this gem is a classic spot that has been serving up delightful treats since 1946. Famous for their fried chicken and burgers but don’t overlook their baked goods. Their homemade pies, particularly the pecan & sweet potato varieties, are pure Southern comfort on a plate.
Icey Chicks
Next on our sweet adventure is Icey Chicks, an acai bar that brings a tropical taste to Georgia. Their acai bowls are mini masterpieces, each with a unique flavor profile that changes with the seasons. From apple harvest bowls in the fall to coconut cream bases in the summer, there’s always something delightful to look forward to. The wide variety of acai bowl bases are all made in house. In addition to their delicious acai bowls, they also have a churro cart perfect for catering special events!
Buttersweet Bakery
For those who prefer a traditional favorite, Buttersweet Bakery in Hapeville offers a treasure trove of American style desserts. Their American style cream cheese pound cake is nothing short of a masterpiece. They also have a delightful array of brownies, cupcakes and other pastries. In addition to their baked goods, Buttersweet Bakery offers baking camps and classes in the summer and fall. Visit their website for their fall class schedule.
Tia Rosie’s Kitchen
Tia Rosie’s Kitchen is known for its great food, but also has a penchant for decadent desserts. Their pastel de tres leches and strawberry shortcake make every visit a mini celebration. The tres leches cakes are towering confections that come in a variety of flavors like strawberry and oreo–a mix of vanilla and chocolate. Whether you’re ending a meal or just indulging in a slice of cake, Tia Rosie’s Kitchen delivers a sweet experience that’s just as memorable as their savory offerings.
Jake’s Ice Cream
On Virginia Avenue in Hapeville, Jake’s Ice Cream is serving up over two hundred ice cream flavors-hand-crafted and filled with love; they even have a variety of sorbets, gelatos, sherberts and frozen yogurts (flavors can change daily so call ahead for a line up). Open Tuesday thru Sunday, you can enjoy your treat there or take it home. They can deliver to limited areas or host your event; they even sponsor cooking classes for kids and adults.
Restaurant 356
Located in the Porsche Experience Center, Restaurant 356 is a contemporary restaurant with a view and menu to excite the senses. Don’t miss their artisan desserts—they come in various flavors and are perfect for an elegant afternoon snack or a special occasion. Desserts like their Watermelon Lime Pie delight the palate with unexpected flavors like a hazelnut crust and caramelized cacao nibs. Race over to Restaurant 356–your taste buds will thank you.
Volare Wine & Bistro
Volare Wine & Bistro’s meticulously crafted menu showcases farm-to-table ingredients for a great dining experience. Their desserts are just the icing on the cake. Desserts are handcrafted every day using locally sourced ingredients. The Chef’s inventive creations span the gamut including anything from strawberry cobbler to bread pudding. Treat your palette to a delicious surprise after your meal.
The Green Manor
If you’re looking for a little bit of everything, The Green Manor in Union City should be your destination. They offer a delightful mix of sweet and savory, with an emphasis on Southern comfort foods. But let’s not forget the sweets—The Green Manor boasts an impressive array of desserts each crafted with care and bursting with flavor. Make sure to sample their strawberry shortcake, peach cobbler and more!
The Breakfast Boys
The Breakfast Boys in College Park is a “fancy little breakfast place” with an array of savory and sweet offerings. Their red velvet pancakes are rich and decadent and their french toast will put some pep in your step. Don’t miss their cakery which offers lemon lime pound cake, hummingbird layer cake and red velvet cake. Their selection will have you contemplating a second slice before you even finish the first.
Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen
After you enjoy Gullah and Lowcountry dishes at Virgil’s in College Park, try one of their delectable desserts: Chucktown Chewie Sundae (Brown Sugar Blondie with Salted Caramel Ice Cream, Fudge Drizzle & Candied Pecans), Unc’s Bread Puddin, Banana Puddin Cheesecake (Bananas in Graham Cracker Crust Vanilla Cheesecake & Banana Puddin’ Toppin’) or Sweet Potatuh Pie. All are “melt in your mouth” good!
Nolan’s Taste of NOLA
At Nolan’s Taste of NOLA, the name says it all! Have a little taste of New Orleans without leaving the Atlanta Airport District. With a vast selection of over forty flavors, Nolan’s New Orleans style snoballs will have you coming back over and over again. In addition to their snoballs, Nolan’s offers a wide array of other desserts like milkshakes, banana pudding and even candy grapes!
The Peach Cobbler Factory Fairburn
Recently opened in Fairburn, The Peach Cobbler Factory offers a wide variety of desserts that make you feel like you are in grandma’s kitchen once again: fruit cobblers, banana puddings, cinnamon rolls, brownies, cookies, Pudd-N Shakes and more. Enjoy your special treat with a Sweet Peachy Tea, Cold Rush coffee, soft drink, whole milk or flavored milk. Stop by to satisfy your sweet tooth, order online or let them cater your next event.
A Sweet Conclusion
Whether you’re a fan of classic pies, inventive pastries or indulgent cupcakes, the Atlanta Airport District has a sweet spot just waiting for you. Others deserving a mention: Aye Tea Elle, Frozen Lush, Party of 5, Noveau Bar & Grill-all offer a delightful array of options for satisfying any dessert craving. So next time you find yourself in the Atlanta Airport District, be sure to indulge in the local treats—your taste buds will thank you!
Remember, life is short, so eat dessert first—or at least make sure to save room for it.
By Kristel Rodriguez Peacock