The thing about Norcross is, it doesn’t have much to do with chain restaurant monotony. While you’ll find plenty of predictable options, these ten spots prove this Atlanta suburb can deliver food with soul—not just assembly-line consistency.
The Juicy Crawfish
$$ | (770) 441-3838 | WEBSITE
This Norcross seafood spot might be tucked away in a strip mall, and yet from the moment you’re seated at one of their many tables with a view of the bustling kitchen, you’ll be treated as if you come here every Friday for fried oysters. Sure, some diners found the flavors just okay, but that’s beside the point. For best results, avoid overthinking the menu.
Stick to the $12.95 ‘choose 2’ combo with its generous portions and flavorful batters, because, as our server told us, ‘If you want your food hot and fresh, we’ll make sure it’s hot and fresh.’
Eighteen70 Restaurant & Bar
$$ | (770) 448-4400 | WEBSITE
When you have a moment, please check in on the Crown Plaza’s Eighteen70 Restaurant & Bar. It seems to be doing quite well, and that’s really no surprise, because the idea of a hotel restaurant has so much potential. In a city where breakfast buffets often cost $25 a person, the one here feels like a bargain, especially given its freshly made omelets and wide selection.
(Even the signature sausage gravy only will only set you back as part of the buffet.) The service is another highlight, but let’s not talk about that. Instead, let’s all band together and help this place keep up its stunning decorations, maintain its lovely vibe, and get those complimentary shuttles running on time for visitors.
Texcoco
$ | (470) 545-3012 | WEBSITE
Texcoco isn’t just for families craving a casual night out—locals with a taste for authentic Mexican flavors will dig it, too. Instead of generic Tex-Mex, the menu features standout dishes like queso burrias and birria tacos, which are considered some of the best around. The tacos have incredible flavor, and the guava cocktail is a refreshing addition.
The occasional service inconsistency works in Texcoco’s favor, because the staff is generally attentive and friendly, making it easy to relax and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Also, the food ranges from tasty to downright delicious, and the environment is welcoming with plenty of parking.
Mr. Vicko Taqueria Norcross
$ | (470) 286-0954 | WEBSITE
The carne asada at Mr. Vicko Taqueria is more than a taco. It’s a full-on experience, and it’s reason enough to visit this spot when you’re in the mood to chow down on a flavor-packed meal made with, maybe not the widest selection of proteins, but ones with great taste. At this compact restaurant, where a taco cart stands ready outside, the mood is quick, friendly, and slightly gritty.
The gas station setting could use some attention, and the limited parking does kind of harsh the convenience vibes, but the tacos aren’t bad. Don’t kid yourself, though. You’re here for the take-out.
Flora’s Grill Restaurant #2
$ | (678) 587-5659 | WEBSITE
Compared to some of the other spots in Norcross, Flora’s Grill Restaurant #2 has a pretty serious selling point. If you’re a Salvadoran food enthusiast, there’s some authentic options: rajas tamales with cheese, eggs with chorizo, and a focus on pupusas, which is fitting, because this is one of the more pleasant feeling restaurants in the area (complete with Christian music).
You’ll walk in to friendly staff, and order off a menu where you can get anything at reasonable prices for just a few dollars more. The bathrooms may be somewhat lacking, but their commitment to attentive service is.
Pho Viet Number One in Norcross
$ | (770) 558-6289 | WEBSITE
Why does Pho Viet Number One specify that it’s ‘Number One’? Is it supposed to be convincing? Because it’s not. If anything, the words have the opposite effect. But here’s a real surprise for you: The pho here is actually pretty good, with brisket so tender and a broth so rich it warms you from the inside out. The filet mignon is also oddly satisfying—not too chewy, a good amount of flavor—and the photo-filled, comfortable space almost makes you feel like you’re in a real Vietnamese restaurant.
(As long as you ignore all the nearby stores and kid-friendly chaos.) Skip the pork meat over vermicelli, but do try the fresh bean sprouts and basil.
Fresh Roti
At Fresh Roti, you step into a clean, minimalist space that feels like a home kitchen’s efficient cousin. Here you can stock up on soft rotis and spend your money on convenient same-day delivery or quick pickup. The delivery won’t make you wait, but will bring insulated packs that smell wonderfully of homemade bread. Bring your dietary restrictions (or health-conscious friends), grab some whole wheat roti with olive oil, and make use of the prompt customer service if you have any delivery issues.
The rotis here are, thankfully, very good. The chapathis are perfectly soft and fresh, and the whole wheat version stays tender even when reheated. Take your insulated pack and enjoy them for days.
Social Fox Brewing
$$ | (470) 359-4109 | WEBSITE
The main appeal of Social Fox Brewing (aside from the excellent service and pricing) is that you forget you’re just at another microbrewery. The cozy space doesn’t have any pretentious brewing equipment on display, so instead of being overwhelmed by industrial tanks, you can settle into your wooden stool surrounded by laid-back regulars.
This won’t be the most refined craft beer you’ll ever taste, and your friendly bartender might get busy during peak hours, but you’re here for an evening of relaxed enjoyment filled with IPAs as flavorful as promised, endless pours of interesting sours, and a Lime in Da Coconut you’ll sip with delight.
Church’s Texas Chicken
$ | (770) 723-6216 | WEBSITE
With its fluorescent lighting, utilitarian booths, and deceptive promise of fast food that actually tastes good, Church’s Texas Chicken is just the right amount of authentic. Fried chicken and biscuits are served with drive-thru efficiency, and the chicken is always crispy, with juicy meat. Just keep in mind that service here can be inconsistent.
Fast-food-busy, and straightforward enough to host a quick lunch break, this chain spot (which has special deals on certain days) is like Popeyes, if the biscuits at Popeyes were really, really good.
Mariscos El Korita
$$ | (770) 559-4685 | WEBSITE
Mariscos El Korita makes a strong case for seafood in Norcross, where the service is a few notches above typical strip-mall spots, but the authentic coastal vibe is just as captivating. Inside this modest yet charming establishment, Gaby, Norma, and Helen glide between tables with platters of fresh ceviche and grilled fish that look almost too generous to finish.
Under the warm, rustic lighting and colorful marine-themed murals, the portions almost don’t feel as indulgent as they are—until you’re already satisfied, halfway through your shrimp cocktail. It’s all just delicious enough to warrant another visit, and every local seafood lover should stop by at least once. Get the ceviche and something from the grilled selection.
