Tialauna Says: YES! Grits & Eggs on Windy Hill Is Southern Comfort with a Gourmet Twist
When you step into Grits & Eggs on Windy Hill, you’re greeted with more than just the aroma of Southern classics—you’re met with warmth, charm, and top-tier service. My server, Johnnie, went above and beyond, offering personable, friendly, and knowledgeable care that made the dining experience truly unforgettable.
The star of my meal was the pork chops: thin, crispy, and bursting with flavor. They struck the perfect balance of seasoning and crunch, though slightly firmer than expected. While the accompanying gravy doesn’t elevate the dish on its own, it serves as a great option for those who prefer a slightly toned-down salt profile.
If you lean toward sweeter dishes, the biscuits and gravy are a game-changer. These fluffy biscuits are halved and topped with a unique, sweet sausage gravy—a delightful twist on the traditional savory version. Expect small chunks of sausage that add texture and depth to this comforting dish.
For greens lovers, the collard greens were a savory masterpiece—marinated to perfection without the sweetness often found in other recipes. The absence of meat didn’t detract at all; they stood on their own as a flavorful, well-seasoned side.
The mac and cheese was an absolute highlight, made with real, high-quality cheese that delivered on flavor and creaminess without the processed aftertaste. And for those with a sweet tooth, the yams offered a bold hit of cinnamon—rich and delicious, though perhaps a bit intense for anyone who’s not a cinnamon fan.
Now, let’s talk about the beignets. These bite-sized delights are a nod to New Orleans but with their own unique spin. Light, fluffy, and dusted with powdered sugar, they pair beautifully with the house cream sauce—a sweet, silky topping that stole the show. While they don’t quite surpass traditional NOLA-style beignets, they’re an incredible treat in their own right.
Johnnie’s creativity shined through when she crafted a custom drink just for me: a pineapple-ginger spiced concoction with a Tajín-rimmed glass. Refreshing, healthy, and expertly balanced, it was the perfect complement to the meal.
Finally, the cornbread deserves its moment in the spotlight—sweet, soft, and buttery on the inside, it’s a dessert masquerading as a side dish.
Every bite at Grits & Eggs is a flavorful journey that blends traditional Southern comfort with surprising, gourmet twists. Whether it’s the inventive menu, the vibrant ambiance, or the stellar service from staff like Johnnie, this spot is a must-visit for foodies and casual diners alike. I can’t wait to return to explore even more of their menu.
If you’re in Marietta and looking for a meal that feels like home with a dash of indulgence, Grits & Eggs on Windy Hill should be your next stop. Come hungry, leave happy!
Yours truly, Tialauna! Follow me everywhere for more: @tialauna...
Read moreI am not sure who I'm more disappointed in. The entire staff at the Windy Hill location or myself! Yes, I am including myself because despite giving this establishment another opportunity to correct their errors from my first visit (3 weeks ago), I clearly did not contribute to the solution. Nonetheless, I cannot fathom how and why this establishment continues to fail in more facets than one! I would love to highlight Andrea and her capacity to maintain professionalism during what was obvious a very short staffed lunch hour, but even she was impacted by the lack of preparation. I will NEVER understand how any restaurant in the south isn't fully staffed during a Sunday lunch hour when most families predetermined eating out after church. But... here we are! So when orders are placed with simple items including buscuits, eggs with cheese, bacon, and lemonade and not fulfilled you can understand how a table can be filled with frustration! Now, IF that was the only thing we had to deal with during our experience I could chuck it up as a loss and call it a day! Where I am completely floored and truly embarrassed is after an hour while waiting on drinks to be refilled and the second half of appetizers to arrive you realize that two hours before closing the kitchen is staffed with only one cook! Question for the group, what breakfast and brunch spot in ATLANTA survives with one cook?! Clearly at this point, you would think a conversation with the manager is in order... Welp, for the grand finale... no manager on duty! So, after 2 and half hour lunch where two orders were comp'd bc the meals never arrived we left acknowledging this was by far the worst dining experience we have had to date! Honorable mention: The cook came out toward the end and starting taking the "on the fly" (re-orders) himself! We appreciate your efforts sir. But overall, your...
Read moreI was so excited to dine here because of all the social media chatter about their food. 🤔 (Hmmm, I think I chose the wrong location.) Upon entering there was no greeter. I waited about 30 seconds. Ms Johnnie approached the greeter stand with a smile and asked where would I like to sit. I chose the bar. Several people walked by the bar with no eye contact to acknowledge a patron in their restaurant. Even the guy with a royal blue chef shirt on didn’t speak. At this point I’m thinking “Maybe my expectations were too high for this establishment.” Anywho let’s get to the GOOD part of my experience. JOHNNIE’S SERVICE: 5 stars were ONLY for Johnnie, not the rest of the staff. ATMOSPHERE: 4 Nice old school music. Sone old favorites took me wayyy back. I was super impressed by the large pictures on the walls of Atlanta’s important dignitaries. Very nostalgic! FOOD ORDER: 5 Arnold Palmer, amazing! Fried Catfish and grits, a total HIT. Spicy Parmesan cream sauce on the grits. (very lite spice, quite tasty). Omg, such amazing flavor. The fish was crispy and perfectly seasoned. My taste buds were shouting and dancing down Windy Hill. Savory, well-seasoned, perfectly cooked, smooth grits. Very flavortul. I wish I could have given 5 stars but customer service is what brings me and my credit card back. They were DEFINITELY lacking...
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