Collard Green Café-Metro Atlanta's Soul Food Headquarters

By Doc Lawrence

Soul Food and Southern Cooking have a new home in Metro Atlanta’s 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 in a style that compliments Matthew’s, the highly popular and well-established cafeteria in downtown Tucker.

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. As a life-long resident and a confirmed fan of such delights as fried chicken, meatloaf, pork chops, barbecued ribs along with sides like macaroni and cheese, blackeyed peas, mashed potatoes, rice, sweet potatoes and, of course, collard greens, you won’t find better food.

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

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 as 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.

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 Stone Mountain Park a short drive away. A full menu is on Facebook and collardgreencafega.com .

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