If you’ve been searching for a soul food experience that genuinely feels like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house — but with cocktails, candlelit ambiance, and plates big enough to feed your whole spirit — Southern Fire Kitchen is exactly where you need to be. This Atlanta-born gem has built a loyal following not just for the food, but for the entire experience it delivers every single time.
What Is Southern Fire Kitchen?
Southern Fire Kitchen is a Black-owned soul food and Southern American restaurant with two Georgia locations: Brookhaven (Atlanta) and Fayetteville. Founded by two cousins who both left corporate careers to pursue their love of cooking, Southern Fire Kitchen was born from something deeply personal — a shared passion for feeding people well.
As the founders put it, “good quality food made with love helps to feed your mind, body and soul.” That philosophy shows up on every plate. Southern Fire Kitchen isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a culinary statement about what Southern food can be when it’s taken seriously.
Where Is Southern Fire Kitchen Located?
Southern Fire Kitchen operates two locations in Georgia:
Brookhaven (Atlanta): 3375 Buford Hwy NE, Suite 1050, Atlanta, GA 30329 — Phone: (404) 963-7594
Fayetteville: 185 New Hope Road, Fayetteville, GA 30214 — Phone: (678) 586-5492
Both locations are dinner-only spots, which adds to the upscale-casual atmosphere. The Brookhaven location sits in a busy commercial corridor with valet parking sometimes available on busy nights.
Southern Fire Kitchen Hours
Brookhaven hours: Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM; Sunday from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Fayetteville hours: Thursday through Saturday 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM; Sunday 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Since Southern Fire Kitchen frequently hits capacity, especially on weekends, reservations through Yelp or joining the waitlist on Google Maps is strongly recommended before you make the trip.
The Menu at Southern Fire Kitchen: A Deep Dive
The Southern Fire Kitchen menu covers all the classics while adding touches that elevate it above the typical soul food restaurant. Every entree comes with two sides, making even individual plates a generous, shareable spread.
Starters Worth Ordering
Start with the Buffalo Shrimp ($15) or the Lobster Bites ($20) for something elevated, or keep it simple with the classic SFK Wings ($7 for 3). The wings come in three signature flavors — SFK Hot, Zesty Lemon Pepper, and Honey Garlic — and have become a crowd favorite.
Entrees at Southern Fire Kitchen
This is where Southern Fire Kitchen truly shines. The star dishes include:
- Krispy Fried Chicken (breast or 4 whole wings, $27) — the crispy coating is well-seasoned without being overwhelming.
- Baked Turkey Wing ($32) — marinated in SFK’s house blend and cooked until fall-off-the-bone tender.
- BBQ Beef Short Ribs ($38) — braised and finished with SFK’s original BBQ sauce.
- Grilled New Zealand Lamb Chops ($43 for 4) — marinated in the SFK signature blend, this is a premium option that regulars rave about.
- Famous Fire Salmon ($30) — available fried or grilled with wild-caught fish.
- Jumbo Lobster Tail ($45) — for when the occasion calls for it.
The Soul Sides
The sides at Southern Fire Kitchen deserve their own spotlight. Mac n Cheese ($10), Yummy Yams ($8), Collard Greens ($6), Fresh Fried Okra ($6), and Black-Eyed Peas ($7) are among the most loved. Multiple diners in reviews single out the baked mac and cheese as a standout. The greens have a vinegary Southern tang that traditionalists love, though it’s worth knowing going in.
Desserts
Southern Fire Kitchen rounds out the experience with Georgia Peach Cobbler ($10), Fire Red Velvet Cake ($12), and Not Your Average Pound Cake ($7). The peach cobbler and red velvet cake have drawn particular praise from guests, with the cobbler described as having a near-perfect peach-to-crust ratio.
Cocktails at Southern Fire Kitchen
The cocktail program at Southern Fire Kitchen is more creative than most soul food restaurants dare to be. Signature drinks like “Fire & Desire,” “Georgia On My Mind,” “Thug Passion,” and “Made With Love” ($20) round out an experience that’s as much about the atmosphere as the food. Frozen Margaritas ($14) and a Classic Lemon Drop ($15) cover the crowd favorites.
The Atmosphere and Vibe
Southern Fire Kitchen has a distinctly upscale soul food feel — think dim lighting, a full bar, lively music, and decor that makes it suitable for date nights, birthday dinners, or family celebrations. Multiple reviewers note that the space is beautifully designed and the bathroom is well-maintained, which says a lot about the attention to detail.
The restaurant gets packed, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights. Wait times of 30–45 minutes for walk-ins are not uncommon, so planning ahead is the smarter move. The energy, however, is part of what makes Southern Fire Kitchen special. It’s the kind of place where you feel the warmth the moment you walk in.
Ordering Online from Southern Fire Kitchen
For those who can’t make it in for a sit-down dinner, Southern Fire Kitchen accepts online orders through DoorDash and Uber Eats. The restaurant does not take phone orders — all delivery and pickup orders must be placed through one of their online platforms. You can order directly through their website or via the Toast online ordering system.
What Sets Southern Fire Kitchen Apart from Other Atlanta Soul Food Spots
- A lot of restaurants claim to serve authentic Southern cooking. Southern Fire Kitchen actually delivers on that promise consistently. Here’s what elevates it above the competition:
- Ownership and story matter here. Two cousins walked away from corporate careers because they believed in their cooking. That passion translates directly into the food.
- The menu crosses between traditional soul food and contemporary American cooking without losing its identity. Lobster tails and lamb chops sit alongside collard greens and candied yams — and neither feels out of place.
- The cocktail menu is a genuine highlight, not an afterthought. This isn’t a restaurant where you order a sweet tea and call it a night.
- Portions are large. Guests consistently mention taking food home, which is always a good sign.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Make a reservation through Yelp or join the Google waitlist before you go — especially on weekends.
- Arrive hungry. Portions are genuinely large, and the sides are rich.
- Try at least one signature cocktail. The bar program at Southern Fire Kitchen is crafted with the same care as the food menu.
- If you’re visiting for a special occasion, consider the lamb chops or lobster tail. These premium dishes represent Southern Fire Kitchen at its most indulgent best.
- Don’t skip dessert. The peach cobbler and red velvet cake are worth saving room for.
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Fire Kitchen
1. Where is Southern Fire Kitchen located?
Southern Fire Kitchen has two Georgia locations: 3375 Buford Hwy NE, Suite 1050 in Brookhaven (Atlanta), and 185 New Hope Road in Fayetteville.
2. What are Southern Fire Kitchen’s hours?
The Brookhaven location is open Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 4:00 PM to midnight, and Sunday from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The Fayetteville location is open Thursday through Saturday from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM and Sunday from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Both locations are closed on Tuesday.
3. Does Southern Fire Kitchen take reservations?
Yes. You can make reservations through Yelp or join the waitlist through Google Maps for both locations. Walk-ins are accepted but wait times can be 30–45 minutes on busy nights.
4. What is Southern Fire Kitchen’s best dish?
Popular choices include the Famous Fire Salmon, Baked Turkey Wing, and Grilled New Zealand Lamb Chops. The baked mac and cheese and Georgia Peach Cobbler are consistently praised as standout sides and desserts.
5. Does Southern Fire Kitchen offer delivery?
Yes. Southern Fire Kitchen offers delivery through DoorDash and Uber Eats. The restaurant does not accept phone orders — all orders must be placed online.
6. Is Southern Fire Kitchen Black-owned?
Yes. Southern Fire Kitchen was founded by two cousins who left their corporate careers to open the restaurant based on their shared passion for cooking and Southern hospitality.
7. How much does it cost to eat at Southern Fire Kitchen?
Entrees range from $27 to $45, with sides priced between $4 and $10. Starters range from $7 to $20, and cocktails are priced between $13 and $20. Expect to spend $40–$70 per person including drinks.
8. Is Southern Fire Kitchen good for special occasions?
Absolutely. The upscale atmosphere, full cocktail bar, and elevated menu items like lobster tail and lamb chops make it well-suited for birthdays, date nights, and celebrations.
9. Does Southern Fire Kitchen have parking?
Parking is available at both locations, though the Brookhaven location can get crowded. Valet parking is occasionally offered on busy weekend nights.
10. What kind of cuisine does Southern Fire Kitchen serve?
Southern Fire Kitchen serves Southern American and soul food cuisine, including fried chicken, BBQ short ribs, lamb chops, catfish, lobster, and an extensive lineup of traditional soul food sides.
Final Thoughts
Southern Fire Kitchen is the kind of restaurant that gets into your memory and stays there. From the soulful menu packed with bold flavors to the vibrant cocktail list and the genuinely warm atmosphere, every element of this place feels intentional. Whether you’re visiting the Brookhaven location on Buford Highway or heading to the Fayetteville spot for a quieter evening, the quality and heart behind Southern Fire Kitchen remain consistent. It’s not just good soul food — it’s the kind of food that reminds you why eating well matters. If you’re in Atlanta and you haven’t been yet, Southern Fire Kitchen belongs at the top of your list.
