Culinary Culture: The Real Milk & Honey [Restaurant Review]

Atlanta’s historic neighborhood of College Park has experienced a renaissance, so to speak, especially in the culinary field. Restaurants such as Nouveau, Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen and The Corner Grille have all added locations in the area, but one that particularly stands out is that of the Real Milk & Honey Café. The aesthetic of this eatery exudes nostalgia; with portraits of local legends posted throughout the restaurant and a soundtrack of 90’s R&B - what many consider to be the golden age of the genre. The culture of Atlanta has been one of opulence, and The Real Milk & Honey gives its customers a glamorous experience with a twist of southern hospitality.

After being greeted by an upbeat hostess, each customer is encouraged to capture this moment in time by taking a picture at The Real Milk & Honey’s “selfie” stand – an extravagant, well-lit phone holder positioned perfectly in order catch a beautiful backdrop of art, food and good times in your photo. A big hit with millennials, this location also serves as a popular spot for people of all ages. Its DJ, as well as the music selection showcases the variety of sounds that African-Americans have provided the world for decades.

These are some of the amenities that are available from this restaurant, founded by executive chef Sammy Davis and his business partner, Monique Rose. After working together in Atlanta, the duo opened their first Milk & Honey in Baltimore in 2016; and followed up the next year with a Cascade Road location with which they are no longer affiliated. Their second local endeavor, which they call the Real Milk & Honey to distinguish it from the still-existent Milk & Honey Restaurant at Cascade, is the third in a trio of black-owned restaurants that have sprung up on College Park's Main Street in recent years.

Being born and raised in the deep south, one can appreciate the unique items on the menu. The food selection contains entrees such as Crab Hash and the Chicken, Cheese & Egg Biscuit. The Award-Winning Shrimp & Grits puts a delectable spin on a staple when in comes to Atlanta culture. The dish contains jumbo shrimp, turkey sausage, tomatoes and scallions served over cheese grits and a Cajun cream sauce. The option to have your food infused with CBD is also available, a testament to the chef’s progressive state of mind when it comes to food and beverage service. The Vanilla & Cognac French Toast is also a favorite with many of the restaurant’s frequent visitors; a great brunch item to help take the edge off after a long and exhausting work week.

The combination of chicken and waffles has been a long-standing marriage in eateries across the United States; and Chef Sammy Davis’ creative style of cooking takes this meal to another level. His plate-sized Belgian waffle, dusted with powdered sugar and accompanied with sweet peaches and a mint leaf, are served with a unique variety of proteins – specifically fried chicken, jerked chicken, or fried crab legs.

In eating at The Real Milk & Honey on multiple occasions, it is one of the few restaurants where I find it difficult to find a “go-to” meal. Each time, my taste buds are encouraged to try a different meal, because the food there is prepared to perfection. With the dishes being so amazing, and the location being so convenient, this restaurant (as with many that serves exceptional food) has one Achilles heel. Depending on the date and/or time that you decide to attend, the Real Milk & Honey normally comes with a lengthy wait, specifically on Saturdays and Sundays.

Like most things at this café, the food is visually pleasing and equally as delicious. The Real Milk & Honey is a great place to create new memories with friends and family, or just to unwind by yourself. If you are traveling through College Park, be sure to stop by this extravagant restaurant in a refreshingly quaint neighborhood.

THE REAL MILK & HONEY

Hours: 9AM – 5PM, Sunday - Tuesday and Thursday

            9AM – 11PM, Wednesday

            9AM – 8PM, Friday – Saturday

            3719 Main St., College Park. 404-458-5500, milknhoneycafe.com.