Sundays on the Beltline: Brunching at McCray’s

There’s a certain magic to Sunday mornings in Atlanta, when the city slows down just enough to make space for good food, long conversations, and a little fresh air. Nowhere is that vibe more alive than along the Beltline, and no spot embraces it quite like McCray’s Tavern.

Located right on the busy Eastside Trail, McCray’s is part neighborhood favorite, part brunch hub, and part people-watching paradise. It’s the kind of place you stumble upon during a morning walk and end up staying until well after your second mimosa. With a menu that mixes classic comfort and creative twists, a relaxed urban patio, and a location that couldn’t be more perfect, McCray’s on the Beltline delivers everything you want from a Sunday in the city.

A Brunch Worth Waking Up For

Let’s start with the food, because let’s be honest, that’s why you’re here. McCray’s brunch menu manages to hit all the high notes: fluffy French toast, shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, and an always-popular breakfast burger that satisfies both morning and afternoon cravings in a single bite.

Prefer something a little lighter? Try the avocado toast with soft-poached eggs or the Southwest egg scramble with just enough kick to get you moving. And if you’re feeling a little extra? The cinnamon roll pancakes are indulgent in all the right ways.

Everything is made to order, served with just the right balance of speed and ease. You’ll never feel rushed here, because brunch, especially on the Beltline, should be a slow burn.

The Cocktails? Let’s Talk About Them.

McCray’s doesn’t just pour brunch drinks; they do them right. You’ve got your brunch staples: mimosas, Bloody Mary's, and bellinis. But you’ll also find seasonal cocktails crafted with care, think strawberry bourbon lemonade, jalapeño grapefruit margaritas, and house-infused vodka creations that add a twist to your Sunday sipping.

Don’t want to choose? The bottomless mimosa option takes away the pressure and lets you settle in. Pair it with a shaded patio seat, and suddenly it feels like vacation, even if you’re only ten minutes from home.

The Patio Scene: Pure Atlanta Energy

There’s something special about the Beltline on a sunny morning. Joggers pass by, dogs tug their leashes toward food smells, bikes cruise past strollers, and a forkful of something delicious.

The patio at McCray’s sits just above it all, offering a front-row seat to Atlanta’s weekend theater. Whether you come with a group of friends or roll solo with a book and sunglasses, it’s the kind of place that feels alive without being overwhelming.

And when brunch ends? You’re already perfectly positioned for a post-meal walk along the trail. Maybe stop for a mural photo, browse Krog Street Market, or grab a gelato. McCray’s becomes the launchpad for a full-day adventure.

The Vibe That Keeps You Coming Back

There are plenty of brunch spots in Atlanta, but McCray’s has that rare combination of great food, reasonable prices, solid service, and an atmosphere that invites you to stay a little longer.

The staff is friendly but chill, quick with a drink refill or a food rec, but never hovering. The crowd is a healthy mix of locals, dog walkers, young couples, and Beltline regulars. You might not know anyone when you arrive, but it still feels like you’re among your people.

McCray’s isn’t trying to be a scene. It’s not all selfies and bottomless brunch clichés. It’s just a really solid place to spend your Sunday, and in a city like Atlanta, that’s saying something.

What To Know Before You Go

• Brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday, typically starting around 11 a.m. and running into mid-afternoon.
  
  
• Seating is first come, first served, though you can call ahead if you’ve got a larger group.
  
  
• Parking is nearby but can be limited; walking or biking from another part of the Beltline is often your best bet.
  
  

Dogs are welcome on the patio, and you’ll find water bowls for the four-legged guests, too.