Atlanta Restaurants Salute Memorial Day Weekend

Celebrate Memorial Day with ceremonies and salutes honoring our armed forces. Lighter traffic. Fewer lines. More brunch time. All-American restaurant specials, dance parties and live music abounding. Exploring Atlanta and nearby cities like Roswell over the Memorial Day weekend has its own set of perks. Remember to throw your flip-flops, sunscreen and dancing slippers in your car!

Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland serves its mouthwatering brunch menu all weekend long and on Monday featuring all-American classics such as the fried chicken pancake sandwich, short rib and eggs, fried green tomato Benedict, numerous skillets and even avocado toast from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

It’s not every Monday you can enjoy a relaxing brunch, so why not go for it? HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern will offer its regular brunch menu on Saturday, Sunday AND Monday from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. HOBNOB also is one of the closest places to catch a bite when heading to the Atlanta Jazz Festival at Piedmont Park over Memorial Day weekend.

Johnny’s Hideaway boogies into the unofficial start of summer with a pre-Memorial Day party on Sunday, May 28. Dance to the music of the Cold Draft Beer band and DJ Spin. Want to stay out late? Johnny’s hours accommodate.

Celebrate Memorial Day weekend and National Burger Day (May 28) wiping burger juice off your chin -- the result of biting into the Royale with Cheese, a classic tavern burger, available at your favorite Marlow’s Tavern locations. Wagyu beef is seared perfectly and stacked with American cheese and dill pickle on a buttery sesame brioche bun. Open on Memorial Day. Check website for location hours.

There’s a whole lotta Whole Hog Hootenanny going on at Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails from 12-2 p.m. on Monday, May 29. Pile plates with pulled pork, ribs, smoked chicken, sides and sweets at this all-you-care-to-eat shindig going hog wild on Milton’s Acre along with a cash bar, live music and games to please all ages. Tickets are $30/adult and $15 ages 12 and under. Buy tickets and read details here.

Enjoy an all-American meal of steaks, seafood and signature dishes at all three Ray’s Restaurants over the holiday weekend. On Memorial Day, May 29, Ray’s in the City, Ray’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek will offer all veterans and active military a 20 percent discount.

Roswell Remembers Memorial Day, May 29 at the Roswell City Hall complex, reminds visitors why we cherish this special day honoring those who have served our nation in the armed forces. Visit ExploreRoswell.com to find out what’s going on in the historic city then plan a Roswell staycation over the holiday weekend or on down the road.

Smokebelly BBQ tickles ribs with four days of Red, White & Q festivities over the dates of May 26-29. Drink specials span the weekend, including $5 mules, $5 Tito’s drinks and $3 Bud Light and Miller drafts. Live music plays Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m.-midnight and Sunday from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Sunday brunch kicks things up a notch with a bloody mary bar and bottomless mimosas from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Smokebelly empowers Memorial Day gatherings with to-go packages. Dog-friendly patio! Call 404-848-9100 for more information. Open Memorial Day from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Atlanta’s closest beach is only a few miles away. The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill -- Buckhead or Canton Street -- primes for summer with live music, cold drinks and seafood dishes galore throughout the Memorial Day weekend. Stay cool on flip-flop-approved covered decks or within air-conditioned interiors.