Soul Food King: Collard Green Café - Georgia's Best

Soul Food and Southern Cooking have a new home in Metro Atlanta’s dynamic Tucker and Stone Mountain. These communities are neighbors where good dining is a source of pride. For many years, James Paige has served the area with goodfood that compliments Matthew’s, the highly popular and well-established cafeteria in downtown Tucker.

A Billboard facing US 78 leads hungry diners to Metro Atlanta's legendary Collard Green Café and wonderful soul food.Photo byDown South Today

Operating under the name of Collard Green Café, Mr. Paige has earned praise for serving the best Soul Food not only in Tucker/Stone Mountain, but the entire Metro Atlanta region. Any fan of such delights as fried chicken, meatloaf, pork chops, barbecued baby back ribs along with sides like macaroni and cheese, blackeyed peas, mashed potatoes, rice, sweet potatoes and, of course, collard greens, will join in a chorus of praise: you won’t find better food. Anywhere.

“The portions are really big,” observed Rev. Henry Swain, a retired Decatur minister and stalwart diner who regularly eats out with his family, particularly on Sundays after church service. “Mr. Paige is a nice person who really understands food and flavor. You can’t find a better bargain anywhere. I really love the location, ample parking, cleanliness and cheerful staff.”

CGC's Delicious Fried Chicken, a local favorite, is even better with so many vegetables to choose from.Photo byDown South Today

James Paige, a native of Savannah, learned the business of food service in the Marine Corps and stints at legendary restaurants. His recipe for legendary collard greens “is from my mother,” he told me, adding that he’s keeping it a secret.

Catering is a specialty Mr. Paige has mastered. Among his catering client customers are the Georgia Bulldogs football team. Satisfying the appetites of these champion giants is a rare and prestigious claim to culinary fame.

The menu’s variety is impressive and even includes Red Snapper, Trout, Georgia Catfish, Shrimp and genuine grits.

Chef James Paige (left) with Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Falcons executive, the late Frank Spence.Photo byDown South Today

Family friendly Collard Green Café is located at 1727 Mountain Industrial Blvd. near the highly popular Stars and Strikes Bowling and the Dekalb School Headquarters. There’s ample free parking with easy access to US 78, with popular Stone Mountain Park a short drive away. A full menu is on Facebook and collardgreencafega.com .

When you visit to dine, say hello to Mr. James Paige, my choice as Georgia’s Soul Food King. Tell him Doc sent you. You won’t leave hungry. And that's a guarantee!

Fried Georgia Catfish, Georgia Cheese Grits, Collard Greens are CGC specialties.Photo byDown South Today