Andrew's Favorites in East Cobb

I’ve lived in East Cobb for about 5 years now, and when I first came to town, I couldn’t find any guides on the best places, restaurants, and businesses to check out.

So, I decided to make one myself. Below, you’ll find some of my wife and I’s favorite picks in East Cobb. This will be updated over time, and evolve as the community evolves with us!

If you have a suggestion that you think is “can’t miss” - Please email me at [email protected]. I’m always looking for new places to check out!

This is my go-to when I'm heading to the Square and want some good, locally brewed coffee (always iced IYKYK). They roast their own beans on-site in a converted train station. Not only is it a unique and cool spot, but a coffee company roasting their own beans is a secret tip to finding great coffee.

It's a relaxed environment (no loud music blaring) and there are multiple seating areas to plop down and have a chat or get some work done. The baristas take their craft seriously and view a cup of coffee as their art!

If you want something a bit off the wall, the Mexican spiced hot chocolate is worth making a special trip for! Lattes are under four dollars, which is unheard of nowadays (looking at you Starbucks.) It's also just a great place to sit for a while. Not rushed, not loud, not a chain pretending to be a neighborhood spot. My wife and I love it here!

Price: $
Hours:
Mon-Sat 7am-8pm
Sun 9am-8pm
Website: coolbeanscoffeeroasters.com

Most people drive right past this hidden gem. It's tucked into Burnt Hickory Village off Whitlock and it doesn't look like much from the outside BUT it's won Best of Cobb (Marietta Daily Journal)  four years running and once you go, you'll understand why. While it's not technically in East Cobb, it's close enough for the quality of coffee and environment that you get. 

It has fast and free wifi that works well, meeting rooms available to book if you need it, outdoor seating, and plenty of parking. The staff is genuinely friendly and always make me and my wife feel welcome. Whether you work from home and are looking for a spot to get out of the house or you just want a good cup of coffee, you should check this place out. 

Note - I’ve never eaten the food here, but I’ve had plenty of coffee!

Price: $
Hours:
Mon-Fri 6am-6pm
Sat-Sun 8am-4pm
Website: mariettaperks.com

In my (not so humble) opinion, this is the best restaurant in Cobb County east of I-75. They change the menu with the seasons and source their ingredients locally. The dishes are innovative and unique without being too “off the wall”. Think traditional dishes with a twist! I’ve been to Seed over a dozen times and never had a bad meal. Its also just an incredible place to grab drinks on their covered patio, and if you’re a wine fanatic, Stem is their curated wine bar next door which I also highly recommend. 

If you’re headed to Seed on a weekend, make sure you grab a reservation because it's usually a full house. There is a reason why so many people choose Seed as the place to take out of towners. You get the quality of a restaurant from Midtown or Buckhead right in our home neighborhood. 

Price: $$$
Hours:
Mon-Thu/Sun 11:30am-2:30pm and 5-9pm
Fri-Sat until 10pm
Sunday brunch 11am-3pm
Website: eatatseed.com

This is a locally owned, family restaurant right here in Marietta! Daniele is the Chef and he runs the kitchen and curates the menu. Bella runs the front of the house and picked every piece of furniture, dishware, and art installation in the building (it's all from Italy!) When you walk in, you’ll notice what I’m talking about. It doesn’t feel like a restaurant that hired a decorator. Instead if feels like you’re walking into a classic, Italian restaurant that your Nonna would be proud to take you to. 

The butternut squash ravioli and the gnocchi al pesto with blue crab are what I'd steer you toward. The chicken marsala is a crowd favorite if you want something more classic. And if you’re like me and love Limoncello, grab a lemon spritz as a pre-dinner drink and a shot of it straight for an after dinner drink.

We love this place and are excited to share it with you all! 

Price: $$$
Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:30am-9pm
Fri-Sat 11:30am-10pm
Sun 11:30am-9pm
Website: mezzalunamarietta.com

I’ve been a fan of Taqueria El Guero for a while and have frequented the Smyrna location plenty. So I was absolutely stoked when they brought another location to East Cobb! 

The birria tacos are what everyone talks about, and they’re good, but I prefer the Al Pastor! Truly though, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu and everyone who tries the Birria absolutely loves it. 

If you’re tired of all the chain restaurants, this is a great spot to try to get back to eating local. Generous portions, authentic flavors, and the kind of friendly energy that makes you want to come back. Get there early on weekends, everytime I go its busier than the last time! 

Price: $
Hours:
Mon-Fri 10am-10pm
Sat-Sun 9am-10pm
Website: taqueriaelguero.com

This is a newer spot but already one of my favorites. Great for when  you want breakfast or something mid-morning that isn’t horrible for you. They have gourmet toasts, acai bowls, cold-pressed juice,and  smoothies make up a majority of the menu. It's right next to Trader Joe's on Roswell Road so it's easy to build it into your day if you’re over that direction. 

They have more “toasts” than simple Avocado Toast! I love the smoked salmon and my wife loves the Peanut Butter + Banana/Strawberry! It closes at 5pm so it's strictly a morning and afternoon option!

Price: $$
Hours:
7am-5pm daily
Website: toastique.com

This is a Marietta Gem! Located right off the square, they’ve been making both traditional and unique pies for years! Sweet and savory, both done right, and the flavors rotate so there's usually something new  that wasn't there last time. The key lime pie is consistently great, but I always love the Banana Cream Pie when it's available. 

They also serve coffee, which means you can turn this into a breakfast spot if you choose. Maybe you get a quiche for breakfast…. Or maybe you get dessert for breakfast 😉. Just check the hours before you plan a  visit because they close earlier than you'd expect some days. 

Price: $
Hours:
Mon-Thu 11am-7pm
Fri-Sat 11am-9pm
Sun 12pm-5pm
Website: orderpiebar.com

Located in Avenue East Cobb, everything they serve is baked fresh daily! With a ton of  flavors to choose from, you’re going to need to make some tough decisions. The SMASH is a favorite: its two scoops of ice cream pressed between two cupcakes. Its either insane, or genius… or both.. Either way, order it at least once and make your own call! 

Check their Instagram before you go because they post the daily specials and the good stuff sells out earlier than you'd think. 

Price: $$
Hours:
Mon-Sat 10am-9pm
Sun 12pm-6pm
Website: smallcakesdruidhills.com

Mabry Park is one of East Cobb’s best kept secrets. Its been open for a few years now, and it still seems like a ton of people aren’t aware it exists! Its a huge property with a lake, an overlook bridge, a wetland area, wildlife habitat, trails, and a community garden. Its a place you can get a quick walk in, or hang out for the entire day. Plus, its got a huge playground for the kiddos. 

Typically, its the least crowded on  weekday mornings. So much so, that you’ll have it mostly to yourself! Its a great place to relax outdoors when you need some calming outdoor/nature vibes. 

Price: Free (public park)
Hours:
8am-8pm daily
Website: cobbcounty.gov

I’m out here almost every weekend on a hike, and while I avoid the ruins, its a cool sight for out of towners. I’m still meeting people who have lived in East Cobb for a decade and still haven’t seen them. They’re located inside the Chattahoochee River greater park system off Paper Mill Road. Tucked into the woods, about a mile from the parking lot, there are the ruins of a 19th century paper mill. One minute you’re walking on a trail surrounded by trees, and the next you’re in front of the ruins with the water from the creek running beside you. 

Totally Free to visit and the trail is easy enough that you don't need to prepare for it meaning its pretty doable for all fitness levels.  

Price: Free (paid parking in some areas)
Hours:
6am-9pm daily
Website: atlantatrails.com

Andrew Filar -- East Cobb resident and publisher of East Cobb Connect