Eating out is a treat at any age, but it’s especially nice when you’re a senior and may not have the desire to cook for yourself anymore. A restaurant meal is also a good chance to socialize with your friends. For seniors who live in or near Decatur, Georgia, here are 12 senior-friendly restaurants to check out.
Try Something Different
1. Your Dekalb Farmers Market, 3000 E. Ponce de Leon Ave.
This one-of-a-kind international market is a great place to enjoy a meal. The buffet offers international dishes such as goat stew and chicken tandoori, and American favorites such as baked chicken, lasagna, and mac and cheese. There’s also a full salad bar.
Stop by the bakery counter and try a freshly baked pastry for dessert.
Open daily, 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Cash and debit cards only. No credit cards.
Stroll Downtown
If the weather is nice, walk through downtown Decatur and check out the shops before or after your meal at one of these popular senior-friendly restaurants.
2. Sweet Melissa's, 127 E. Court Square
This family-owned restaurant has been serving Decatur seniors since 1989. Menu favorites include the “Dani Banani” a banana-walnut pancake with Nutella and whipped cream.
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m
Live bluegrass music Sundays at 11 a.m.
3. Café Alsace, 121 E. Ponce de Leon Ave.
This casual French bistro is another local favorite. Owner Bénédicte Cooper, a native of the Alsace region of France, has been serving cuisine from her homeland here since 1997. For dessert, try the homemade honey-lavender ice cream.
Lunch: Tuesday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-2:15 p.m.
Dinner: Tuesday-Saturday, 6-10 p.m.
Brunch: Sunday, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
4. Pastries A Go Go, 235 Ponce de Leon Place
Come for all-day breakfast, lunch, or dessert. This restaurant/bakery is famous for its cat-head biscuits and chocolate chip cookies.
Breakfast: Monday, Wednesday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Lunch: Monday, Wednesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dessert: Monday, Wednesday-Friday, 2:30-4 p.m. Brunch: Saturday-Sunday, 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
5. Folk Art, 174 W. Ponce de Leon Ave.
Southern-style foods with an upscale twist. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Old Favorites
When you are looking for a place to dine with senior citizens, remember that they may prefer their tried and true favorites. Here are several popular senior-friendly chain restaurants with Decatur locations.
6. Piccadilly, 2801 Candler Road
Known for its fried chicken, this cafeteria chain has been serving seniors since 1932.
Open daily, 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Seniors 55 and older receive a 10 percent discount Monday-Saturday, 2-5 p.m.
7. Golden Corral, 2136 Lawrenceville Hwy.
With 150 choices, this popular buffet will have something that appeals to everyone, no matter what they’re in the mood to eat.
Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Friday-Sunday, 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Breakfast served until 11 a.m.
8. Applebee’s, 4705 Memorial Drive
Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-1 a.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
9. IHOP, 2741 Clairmont Road, Atlanta
More than just pancakes, IHOP serves breakfast, lunch and, dinner and offers a special 55+ menu for seniors.
Open 24 hours.
10. J. Christopher's 250 E. Ponce de Leon Ave.
This Southern chain opened in Marietta in 1997 and now has nearly two dozen locations. It serves breakfast and lunch favorites in a comfortable atmosphere.
Open daily, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
A Special Night Out
Birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations may call for a senior-friendly restaurant that’s a little fancier.
11. Parker's on Ponce, 116 E. Ponce de Leon Ave.
Upscale steakhouse in the heart of downtown Decatur.
Opens daily at 5 p.m.
12. Wahoo! Grill, 1042 W. College Ave.
This popular bistro is known for its shrimp and grits.
Monday-Thursday 5-10 p.m.,
Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.,
Sunday, brunch 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., dinner 5-9 p.m.
Residents of Arbor Terrace of Decatur frequently dine together at area restaurants as part of planned community wide outings. To find out more about these outings, or to schedule a tour to see if this community is right for you or a loved one, call 404-292-5910.
