The Best Places for Graduation Dinners in Georgia

This one is for all the moms and dads out there. You’ve spent ungodly amounts of money to offer your kids the best higher education possible (along with some cash for extracurricular activities, of course). Now that they’ve somehow managed to graduate intact, it’s time to give them one last meal before you send them off to adulthood with a metaphorical spank out the door. Whether your kid is ending their time at Emory, capping off a degree at Clark, or saying goodbye to SCAD, here’s our list of some of the best places for graduation dinners in Georgia.

AUC: Clark Atlanta University + Morehouse College

Commencement Location: On Campus
Clark and Morehouse both hold their commencements on campus, which means you’ll have full access to some of the best restaurants in the west side off of I-20. For something more casual, you can never go wrong with Tassili’s Raw Reality for enormous vegan wraps, or for the complete opposite, Rodney Scott’s BBQ (Scott was named best chef in the Southeast by the James Beard foundation, so he’s got some serious cred). For something a little fancier, head to the Lee + White development to find Boxcar. They have a chef driven menu that’s built to pair specifically with some of the best beers in the area. Check out our full ATL HBCU dining guide here.

Blackened ribeye steak from The Corner Grille. Credit: Sharon Benton

AUC: Spelman

Commencement Location: GA Int’l Convention Center
Spelman is not holding their commencement on campus – instead they are heading to the airport district and graduating at the Georgia International Convention Center. We’ve covered a lot of the best things you can find nearby Hartsfield Jackson, including favorites like The Corner Grille, Virgil’s and more. Check out our full guide to the airport district here.

Freshly made pasta from Double Zero. Credit: Jorge Hernandez

Emory

Commencement Location: On Campus
With some of the highest tuition rates in Georgia, a nice night out in Decatur probably isn’t out of the question for your budget. Stick close to the campus commencement ceremonies and head to Double Zero for freshly made pasta, or head to downtown Decatur and check out favorites like Kimball House and Parker’s on Ponce. You can see our full Decatur dining guide here for more details on the area.

Glasses at the bar at Vino 1910 in Statesboro, GA. — Instagram/vino_1910

Georgia Southern (Statesboro)

Commencement Location: On Campus
At GA Southern, they call a drainage ditch “Beautiful Eagle Creek”. That kind of optimistic thinking is not needed for some of Statesboro’s restaurants – they’re genuinely good! If you’re looking for something fancy, try Vino 1910, with lots of great wine options and pairings with your chef-driven dinner. For a delicious burger and a good time, forget fancy and head to Gnat’s Landing. Either way, you’ll have a great meal in beautiful Statesboro.

Dos Bocas - Napoleon Style Cajun Shrimp — Dos Bocas – Napoleon Style Cajun Shrimp

Georgia State

With a footprint that spans the entirety of downtown Atlanta, Georgia State is THE city school of ATL. And with an on-campus commencement, you might not want to venture too far to celebrate your graduate. Luckily, we put together a downtown ATL dining guide that should help your decision making process. Try Dos Bocas for a menu that blends Mexican and Cajun into one delicious cuisine, or go for BBQ and bourbon at Twin Smokers.

Georgia Tech

Commencement Location: On Campus
With access to one of Atlanta’s best restaurant neighborhoods, GA Tech graduation dinners can conveniently happen in Michelin starred and James Beard recognized restaurants. Check out one of the most recognized, Miller Union, or try Chef Ford Fry’s French inspired steakhouse, Marcel. If you’re a bigger family, head to Cooks & Soldiers for elevated tapas dinners that everyone can share. If you’re feeling casual, try Food Terminal, a Michelin recognized, delicious Malaysian restaurant.

Duck pastrami and potato pancake topped with poached egg and whole grain mustard — Duck Pastrami | The Grey | Photo Credit: Living the Dream

Savannah College of Art & Design + Georgia Southern (Savannah)

Commencement Location: Enmarket Arena
If you have a student graduating from an art program, then they’ll appreciate a meal at The Grey in Savannah. Books and television shows have been dedicated to covering the creative chefs in this restaurant. For something more classically Savannah, you can’t go wrong with the Olde Pink House. We covered its restoration after a fire here. For more Savannah restaurants, check out our Savannah restaurant guide.

Okra and Chickpea Salad | Photo Credit: The National

University of Georgia

Commencement Location: On Campus
In Athens, the Dawgs eat well. Athens has dozens of incredible restaurant options ranging from casual to fancy. For a nice graduation dinner, The Last Resort Grill is always a good option, along with The National for a blend of Southern and Mediterranean. For something lower frills but nonetheless delicious, try The Cafe on Lumpkin or Cali N Tito’s. Check out our full Athens dining guide here.