The Ultimate Southern Foodie Road Trip: Atlanta to New Orleans with Sonesta

Winding through the heart of the American South, the road from Atlanta to New Orleans is as rich with flavor as it is with history.

Each stop along the way serves up a taste of local tradition, whether it’s smoky barbecue, golden fried chicken, soulful sides, or iconic sweets. This journey is for travelers who believe the soul of a place is best discovered one bite at a time.

In this guide, we’ll map your route, share top food stops from Georgia to Louisiana, and highlight Sonesta stays that offer the perfect blend of comfort and convenience between culinary stops.

🛎️ Start Your Adventure with Sonesta International Hotels

Planning the Path: Tips for a Flavor-Filled Southern Journey

If you’re looking to savor every region’s best bites without feeling rushed, a five- to six-day itinerary is the sweet spot.

The drive from Atlanta to New Orleans covers approximately 470 miles and can be comfortably broken into short legs, between 1.5 to 3.5 hours each, allowing plenty of time to explore, taste, and unwind.

Pacing the Drive

Total driving time comes in at around 7 to 9 hours without stops, but foodies will want to take it slow.

Consider detours to small towns or hidden food gems for local specialties and unexpected flavors.

When to Go

Spring and fall offer ideal road-tripping weather, especially March to May and September to November.

Expect cooler temps, seasonal dishes, stunning sunrises and sunsets, and lively food festivals across the South.

Avoid major event weekends in New Orleans or Atlanta to dodge crowds.

Fall in Louisiana bayou

What to Bring

Pack a cooler for leftovers or local finds, a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, and a notebook for jotting down your favorite bites.

Don’t forget comfortable shoes for market strolls and extra storage for food souvenirs.

What It Might Cost

Budget around $120–180 for gas and tolls, depending on your route and car.

Dining varies from $5 street eats to well over $50 per person for restaurants.

For hotels, Sonesta properties typically range from $85–$250 per night, depending on brand and location. A 5-night stay may cost $500–1,200 total, especially with Sonesta Travel Pass perks.

Total: $700 – $1,700 per person

(Based on a 5–6-day trip with moderate dining choices)

Handy Tools for the Road

Use apps like Yelp and Roadtrippers to find local favorites and hidden gems.

Google Maps‘ offline mode and a podcast playlist, especially food-themed shows, also come in handy.

Must-Try Foodie Stops Along the Route

Each city mentioned below brings its own twist on Southern cuisine, from hearty soul food in Georgia to bold bayou bites in Louisiana. This curated list of foodie stops celebrates the best of the South, one delicious dish at a time.

Let’s explore where to eat, stay, and savor on this epic road trip.

1. Start in Atlanta, GA: Soul Food and Southern Staples

Before heading out on your road trip, Atlanta sets a high bar for what’s to come.

It’s a city where fried chicken is a craft, biscuits are near-sacred, and culinary creativity lives along side to long-standing traditions.

Atlanta’s food scene is as diverse as its neighborhoods, blending international flavors with down-home Southern charm.

Must-Try Bites

In Atlanta, every bite tells a story, from timeless soul food traditions to inventive takes on global flavors. These local favorites showcase the city’s culinary depth, blending comfort, culture, and creativity on every plate.

• Busy Bee Cafe: Since 1947, this soul food institution has served fried chicken, oxtails, collard greens, and cornbread that tastes like a Southern grandma made it.
• Mary Mac’s Tea Room: A city landmark serving peach cobbler, potlikker, and meatloaf that feels like a warm hug.
• Ponce City Market: An upscale food hall where you can sample everything from Southern ramen to fried catfish sandwiches plus artisanal pastries, coffee, and craft cocktails.
• The Varsity: Iconic and kitschy, this fast-food joint near Georgia Tech is known for chili dogs, fried pies, and its famous “What’ll ya have?” greeting.
• Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours: Award-winning chef Deborah VanTrece serves up global soul food with a modern twist, such as jerk lamb chops and bourbon peach shortcake.

Downtown Atlanta skyline at sunset, Georgia, USA

Where to Stay

Whether you’re exploring historic neighborhoods or hopping between foodie hotspots, Sonesta offers a variety of stays across Atlanta, from modern hotels in Midtown to spacious, apartment-style suites in Perimeter Center ideal for relaxing after a day of indulgence.

2. Montgomery, AL: Heritage and Hearty Plates

About 160 miles southwest of Atlanta, Montgomery brings history and hospitality together.

It’s a place where the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement meets soul-warming Southern fare.

Explore museums and monuments during the day, then dig into comforting classics at night.

Must-Try Bites

Montgomery’s culinary scene serves up comforting classics and regional surprises rooted in deep Southern tradition. From century-old favorites to elevated dining, these local gems bring bold flavor and heartfelt hospitality to the table.

• Filet & Vine: A wine shop, deli, and meat-and-three all in one; try the fried pork chop with squash casserole and cornbread.
• Chris’ Hot Dogs: A century-old spot known for its secret sauce, historic setting, and generations of satisfied guests. A favorite of Hank Williams and FDR.
• Vintage Year: For a refined Southern dinner, this spot pairs Alabama seafood with local produce, craft cocktails, and an intimate ambiance.
• Derk’s Filet & Vine BBQ: Don’t miss their pulled pork sandwich with white sauce; a regional twist unique to Alabama.

Suggested Timing

Spend an afternoon exploring the Civil Rights Memorial, the Rosa Parks Museum, and Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church.

Enjoy a leisurely dinner before settling in for the night.

Sonesta ES Suites Montgomery

Where to Stay

After a day of exploring Montgomery’s rich history and soulful eats, Sonesta offers a convenient and comfortable place to recharge. With spacious suites, thoughtful amenities, and a warm Southern welcome, Sonesta ES Suites Montgomery is the ideal home base for your overnight stay.

3. Foley, AL: Coastal Gateway to Gulf Shores

About 190 miles south of Montgomery, Foley embraces Southern charm with easy access to the Gulf Coast. This inviting small town offers as a perfect blend of laid-back comfort and regional flavor, providing travelers with apeaceful pause before diving into the bold spices of Louisiana.

Fajitas with tortilla bread and margarita, Foley, AL.

Must-Try Bites

Small-town charm meets big Southern flavor in Foley. From Tex-Mex favorites to classic breakfast plates and indulgent brunch pop-ups, these local spots serve up comfort and character in every bite.

• Cactus Cantina: Mouthwatering Tex-Mex dishes and margaritas, just steps from your stay-, ideal for a lively evening.
• Old Towne Café: A cozy local spot known for hearty Southern breakfasts, homemade biscuits, and scratch-made gravy.
• The Ruby Slipper (seasonal pop-up): Famous for stuffed French toast and indulgent brunch cocktails, a local favorite on weekends.

Things to Do

Foley is a charming Southern town with a coastal flair. Whether you’re into antiques, local arts, or a quick beach escape, these laid-back activities add flavor and fun to your time off the road.

• Stroll through the Foley Antique District for vintage finds and boutique shops.
• Catch live music or browse artisan stalls at the Gulf Coast’s indoor/outdoor market.
• Take a short drive to Gulf Shores to sink your toes in the sand and enjoy fresh seafood with a view.

Americas Best Value Inn & Suites Foley Gulf Shores

Where to Stay

If your road trip brings you through Foley, Sonesta offers a comfortable, budget-friendly stay just minutes from local bites and Gulf Coast charm at Americas Best Value Inn & Suites Foley Gulf Shores.

4. Baton Rouge, LA: Bayou Boldness

Two hours west of Foley lies Baton Rouge, where Cajun and Creole cuisines come together in bold, unforgettable ways. This capital city offers a taste of Louisiana tradition with university town energy.

Southern-style shrimp and grits, a classic Baton Rouge dish.

Must-Try Bites

In Baton Rouge, bold flavors meet deep-rooted traditions. From boudin to bread pudding, these local favorites showcase the city’s rich Cajun and Creole influences, each dish offering a true taste of Louisiana’s capital.

• Parrain’s Seafood: Shrimp and grits, crawfish etouffee, and fried alligator all under one roof. Don’t skip the bread pudding.
• Elsie’s Plate & Pie: Get the crawfish mac, boudin egg rolls, and finish with a slice of bourbon pecan or sweet potato pie.
• The Chimes: A lively spot near LSU, ideal for a plate of red beans and rice, hush puppies, or a boudin burger with a local brew.
• Mason’s Grill: Known for their signature Bloody Mason (a Bloody Mary loaded with fried shrimp, sliders, and more) and Southern brunches.

Suggested Timing

Arrive for lunch, then stroll along the Mississippi Riverfront or visit the Louisiana State Capitol and Old Governor’s Mansion. Wrap up your day with a slow-paced dinner and live music.

Where to Stay

Located across from LSU, Sonesta ES Suites Baton Rouge University at Southgate offers spacious, apartment-style suites with fully equipped kitchens, a fitness center, and complimentary breakfast.

Whether you’re diving into Cajun cuisine or visiting nearby landmarks, you’ll find comfort and convenience close to the area’s top restaurants and cultural sites.

5. Final Stop: New Orleans, LA, Culinary Capital of the South

No Southern foodie trip is complete without a stop in New Orleans a city where every meal tells a story.

Café du Monde is an iconic stop for anyone visiting New Orleans

Must-Try Bites

From iconic restaurants to bold newcomers, New Orleans serves flavors as rich as its culture. Here are the essential stops every foodie should savor before leaving Crescent City.

• Café du Monde: Start with beignets and chicory coffee. It’s a rite of passage.
• Willie Mae’s Scotch House: Nationally acclaimed fried chicken–, crispy and juicy—, served with sides like butter beans and cornbread.
• Commander’s Palace: A fine-dining icon known for turtle soup, pecan-crusted fish, and 25-cent martinis at weekday lunch.
• Cochon: Modern Cajun classics like smoked pork ribs, rabbit & dumplings, and fried catfish.
• French Market Snacks: Sample pralines, muffulettas, po’boys, and hot sauce flights as you wander.
• Bacchanal Wine: An outdoor backyard bistro with live jazz, shareable plates, and a charmingly casual vibe.

Things to Do

Beyond the plate, New Orleans invites you to dive into its vibrant culture, music, and neighborhoods. These experiences pair perfectly with the city’s culinary scene and add depth to every delicious stop.

• Ride the streetcar to the Garden District.
• Explore the history of jazz in the French Quarter and at Preservation Hall.
• Take a food walking tour or cooking class to bring the flavors home.
• Visit the New Orleans Museum of Art or stroll in City Park.
• Catch the sunset from the Crescent Park walking trail for skyline views and fresh air.

Where to Stay

Whether you’re soaking up Bourbon Street’s buzz or seeking a quiet retreat in the city’s arts district, Sonesta offers a range of accommodations in New Orleans, from upscale hotels to residence-style suites ideal for longer visits.

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Stay Smarter with Sonesta Travel Pass

With Sonesta hotels at key stops along the route, the Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program adds extra value to your stay.

Members earn points toward free nights and enjoy exclusive rates, room upgrades, and other tier-based perks like late checkout and bonus point multipliers. It’s free to join and worth considering if you’re planning more than just one trip.

 Foodie Tips for the Road

To make the most of your Southern flavor tour, a little preparation goes a long way.

From smart packing to palate-stretching strategies, these simple tips will help you taste more, stress less, and make the most of every delicious mile from Atlanta to New Orleans.

• Pack Smart: Bring a cooler for leftovers, market finds, and sweet treats.
• Share Plates: Splitting dishes lets you sample more without overloading.
• Travel Pass Perks: Sign up for Sonesta Travel Pass to earn points, enjoy member rates, and get perks like late checkout.
• Follow the Locals: From food trucks to diners, trust where the locals go.
• Stay Hydrated: Sweet tea, cocktails, and rich foods call for extra water between stops.
• Keep a Food Journal: Document your favorite bites, new ingredients, and standout meals to revisit and recommend.
• Support Local: Choose independent restaurants, bakeries, and markets when possible—each meal supports the community.

Wrapping Up the Route

From comfort classics to inventive twists, each stop serves up a little more flavor, hospitality, and history.

With comforable Sonesta accomations at each stopyou can focus on what matters most: savoring the South’s incredible flavors, one unforgettable bite at a time.

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