Now I’m morally conflicted about whether or not I should even write this entry. It’s not that the material is controversial or that I’m being paid under the table for it, but when you find a neighbor gem of a restaurant, I am conflicted about telling everyone I know about how good it is with keeping it to myself.
Café Agora is the kind of small hole in the wall authentic Turkish café that is beginning to get tougher and tougher to find with all the new trendy Atlanta dining.
I guess I have chosen the nobler route, and well, let me tell you about the wonderland that is Café Agora. Located on East Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead (about a block east of Peachtree Rd), Café Agora is the kind of small hole in the wall authentic Turkish café that is beginning to get tougher and tougher to find with all the new trendy Atlanta dining. You will stroll up to the front door underneath vulgar neon lights, and once in, are immediately transported to a place more like Istanbul (or is it Constantinople?) than a place situated in the heart of the tony Buckhead Village.
You then will be greeted by Al, the owner and counterman, and my advice is to talk to him and make sure he knows it is your first time there. He’ll give you suggestions of what to order, and whatever you do, listen to him. He’s a quirky man, but has an old world charm that feels right at home for a place like this. All the Mediterranean staples are there: hummus, gyros, bobba ghjoush, and the place has a full bar with a nice selection of Turkish beer and raki. Go with with raki for an authentic experience.
My advice is to take it all in stride and just enjoy the experience.
I first found out about Café Agora while strolling home at 3am after a night on the town. It was the best thing I have ever eaten, and I returned the next day at more reasonable hours. Still the best thing I had ever eaten. So I’ve been going about once every other week since then. There aren’t any prices posted, and honestly, I was charged different prices for the same thing on multiple occasions, but I didn’t mind because the food was that good. My advice is to take it all in stride and just enjoy the experience. It could very well turn into your next favorite place.
Cafe agora is the #1 secret favorite in Atlanta NOT to share with people you don’t want to be sitting next to while drunk at 2am on a Saturday. It’s always good, no matter what time of day!
You’re right, Clane! It’s always good, whether it’s 2am, 1pm, or 7pm. Thanks for droppin’ a line with us!
This place is legit. The Soup Nazi of Buckhead. The guy who runs this place is a character, but knows how to make some damn good food. A well kept secret.
I have lived in Turkey 2 times and loved the food….!!!!! This place is truly authenic, upon entering the door I thought I was in Eskisehir, Konya, or some smaller cities…..The atmosphere is truly the REAL DEAL, the food is delicious and not Americanized…!!!! I’m from Alabama, but have gone back twice in a months….and I will be going there again real soon….!!!!!
It is definitely amazing! Thanks for the comment!