Welcome to this week’s Black Business of the Week. Every week, Emerald Pages celebrates Black-owned establishments shaping culture, community, and commerce. Today—May 3, 2026—we honor Marcus Bar & Grille, Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s vibrant neighborhood restaurant in Atlanta’s historic Old Fourth Ward. Located at 525 Edgewood Ave SE, this Black-owned gem is redefining Southern hospitality with fire, flavor, and frequency.

Chef Samuelsson, an Ethiopian-born, Swedish-raised culinary icon, has long been a powerful voice in Black excellence. With Marcus Bar & Grille, he returns to the South—not as a visitor, but as a son welcoming the block to his table. The concept is simple yet brilliant: elevated Southern comfort classics influenced by Caribbean and Creole flavors, all cooked over an open wood-fired grill. The result is a menu that feels both ancestral and brand new.

Step inside, and you’re immediately wrapped in what regulars call "Old Fourth Ward energy"—trendy, nostalgic, and alive. Wood tones, open flames, and frequent DJ sets spinning R&B and soul transform dinner into an experience. The bar hums with conversation during Happy Hour (Tuesday–Friday, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM), while weekend brunch brings families and friends together for a legendary buffet.

What to Order: Black-Owned Flavors to Savor

The menu at Marcus Bar & Grille is built around "Marcus Classics"—dishes that tell a story of diaspora, creativity, and comfort. Here’s what you cannot miss:

• M’s Cornbread – A signature starter served with whipped honey butter. Sweet, savory, and golden.
• A-Town Deviled Eggs – Seasoned with berbere spice (an Ethiopian staple) and topped with crispy shallots.
• M’s Fried Chicken & Cornbread Waffle – Served with chili butter and pickles. A showstopper.
• Edgewood Brisket – Wood-fired and noted for being exceptionally tender. Fall-apart perfection.

The wood-fired grill is the soul of the kitchen. Whether it’s brisket, seasonal vegetables, or fresh fish, that smoky char adds a depth you can’t replicate on a standard stove. Pair any entree with a cocktail from the bar—the bartenders are known for their warm hospitality and creative pours.

Plan Your Visit: Hours, Parking & Reservations

Supporting Black business means showing up. Here’s everything you need to know to experience Marcus Bar & Grille:

• Location: 525 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312 (Historic Old Fourth Ward)
• Dinner: Tue–Thu & Sun (5:00 PM – 10:00 PM); Fri–Sat (5:00 PM – 11:00 PM)
• Brunch Buffet: Saturday & Sunday (10:30 AM – 2:00 PM)
• Happy Hour: Tuesday–Friday (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM) at the bar and patio
• Reservations: Highly recommended via OpenTable or Resy
• Parking: Valet available for $8.00 at 569 Edgewood Ave SE (nearby lot)
• Pricing: Most entrees $28–$49; Sunday Supper Club: $54/adult (family-style feast)

Special Series: R&B Fridays & Sunday Supper Club

What makes a Black business thrive? Community. Marcus Bar & Grille offers two recurring events that turn dinner into a ritual. R&B Fridays feature live DJs spinning classic and contemporary R&B—perfect for a date night or unwinding after a long week. The Sunday Supper Club ($54/adult) is a family-style feast designed for sharing: large platters, passed dishes, and the kind of slow, joyful meal that feels like Sunday dinner at Grandma’s house.

Service here is generally reviewed as welcoming, attentive, and warm—though weekends can get busy, so patience is a virtue. The vibe is lively, the music is intentional, and every plate arrives with care. For a neighborhood spot, Marcus Bar & Grille punches well above its weight.

As we close this week’s Black Business of the Week feature, we encourage you to visit, book a table, and taste what Chef Marcus Samuelsson has built in Atlanta. This is more than a restaurant. It’s a homecoming. It’s a celebration. And it’s Black excellence, served hot.