Candi’s For Breakfast

NOT pleased with my most recent experience here. I’m not sure if I went on a bad morning or they were having a few rare GOOD mornings when I’ve been in the past. But it was a disaster.
I ordered waffles, which always smelled like cinnamon and looked so good when I’ve been there before. I couldn’t wait since I NEVER order a «sweet» item for breakfast – I always order «savory». Well, never again, at least here. It took forever to get the food out, for one. And two, it was very cold and hard… how can you eat a cold and hard waffle?! I was NOT happy. I don’t send food back because it’s just not my thing, but I probably should have here.
One reason I didn’t send it back was because there were children running all around the restaurant attempting to de-​holiday the Christmas tree that was up. I don’t know if they were kids of guests or of the staff there, but they were pushing and pulling each other and the poor Christmas tree. It was completely unsuccessful, ornaments and beads and lights flying everywhere and it was rather disturbing at that hour of the morning – especially when trying to ignore the pounding headache from my evening before :) I didn’t want to stay there any longer than necessary.
I hope the place can redeem itself to others, but I probably won’t make a trip there in the future. Sorry, Candi’s.

I’m with Kathleen on this one: I wanted to like this place because of its proximity to my office — but it leaves a lot to be desired. My quick note to management is to train folks better (my behind-​the-​counter guy was just awful), and to give folks the ability to serve and fix their own coffee. We live in the Starbucks era now — which I’m surprised I even have to say — where we are in control of that mixing destiny. we want an alternative to the staid national brands, but sadly, this ain’t it.

I hate to be cliché, but I really wanted to like this place. I live in the hood and remember the handmade signs scattered around with arrows pointing toward Candi’s and I had thought about stopping in time and time again before actually doing so this morning.
I’m a fan of Irwin Street Market and think its a perfectly quaint, charming spot to have in the neighborhood. Candi’s takes over the market in the breakfast hours, meaning you’ve got several tables haphazardly scattered throughout the space making it all the more charming. Throughout the meal I had to remind myself of this charm, as it was really the only redeeming factor of this place.
We ordered up the beignets, because how can you go wrong with beignets? These weren’t worth the calories. They were like little hard beignet balls, only tasty in the way that anything doused in cinnamon and sugar would be. My stuffed biscuit was seriously lackluster, with the biscuit portion actually tasting very little of biscuit: it was much more herbal, or something. They forgot the sundried tomatoes I had requested and while the turkey sausage was tasty I just really wasn’t impressed with the meal.
Then there was the service. Due to the aforementioned charm I gave our server a lot of slack but upon reflection he just didn’t have his ish together. We had to repeat or orders several times, he didn’t know the menu («umm, we have jalapenos?»), and was slow, slow, slow. There was another girl who worked there but she apparently was not responsible for taking orders, bringing out food, refilling water, or cashing people out. I did see her deliver a menu to one person, though. Everyone was friendly, just not very efficient or effective. Sad.
#yelp365 ⁹⁄₃₆₅

I liked it.
Comfy, not crowded. Biscuits and gravy were really good, though; serving size was a little light. Tasty coffee and tons of refills. I went shortly after they opened and would like to go again.

I’m giving this place two stars because my last experience there was decent if not extraordinary. However, last Saturday knocks it our of consideration for a place I would eat at again.
My friend and I stopped in Saturday around noon for breakfast and a cup of coffee. Candi’s was busy but not overcrowded. We waited in the doorway to be seated, only to have the four-​top who walked in after us be seated first; our presence wasn’t acknowledged by the hostess/​waitress. A few moments later we were seated, then waited a solid 10 minutes for our server to take our food and beverage order at the same time.
After ordering, I walked over to the restroom, which was clean, except for the fact that someone had given him or herself a haircut that morning, leaving the scissors by the sink, and a nice coating of hair on the sink and floor.
I rejoined my friend and then waited about 45 minutes for our food to arrive, while all of the table who arrived after us were fed. Having to endure the wait with no refills on their already weak coffee and somebody’s stray toddler terrorizing the dining space was pretty unbearable. We ordered the stuffed biscuits, and it states on the menu that they will take about 20 minutes to cook, but it failed to mention that they would arrive overdone. The oil from the five cheeses and hollandaise that I ordered didn’t help; it took a considerable amount of sawing in order for me to take a bite.
At the end of the meal, we went to the register to check out, and our server, who had come by our table once to take the order, and once to drop the food and walk away, asked, «Oh, did she not bring you your check?» I don’t think she knew she waited on us. At this point she asked how the food was, and when we told her it was overcooked, she wondered if the hollandaise helped mine, and told my friend she should have ordered gravy. I didn’t realize sauces had the ability to un-​burn food. Who knew?
The only positive part of Saturday’s experience was that we used the Scoutmob, so at least we got a discount. I won’t be back.

Candi’s is located in the Irwin Street Market. You go in the main door, and seating for the restaurant is basically spread out across the whole room. The space is very O4W — uneven floor, vintage-​y décor, etc.
I was seated at one of the «bars,» but unfortunately mine did not have a cutaway underneath the counter for legs, which made for very uncomfortable seating.
I’d heard the stuffed biscuits were good, and the biscuit french toast also intrigued me – so I got both. The menu said the stuffed biscuit took about 20min to cook, so I grabbed a copy of the day’s AJC to read while waiting. About 20 minutes later, after finishing the AJC, the biscuit french toast came out. It was a little odd… two halves of a biscuit, dipped in batter and dusted with powdered sugar and caramel. B–
After 30 minutes, I inquired about the stuffed biscuit. My server told me a batch had just come out of the oven, and mine should be among them. It wasn’t. I didn’t get my dish until 40 – 45 minutes after ordering, which is absolutely ridiculous. No one even apologized, but they did take the french toast off my check (without me asking). The dish was decent, but not worth the wait. It’s basically biscuit dough wrapped around the fillings, kind of like a calzone.
I was pretty disappointed overall, but my 50% Scoutmob coupon made it better.

I went there this morning and didn’t enjoy my experience. When I entered, a waitress told me to have a seat and she’ll be right w/​me. I sat at the counter and over 10 minutes later she looked at me and said «oh, I forgot about you.» I was the only customer at the counter and there were also 2 other girls behind the counter yapping away on their cell phone.
The food did come out quickly but it was horrible. I had the eggs Benedict and they really need to chuck their recipe for their hollandaise sauce. The biscuit was tough as if it was frozen and they defrosted it in a microwave and the eggs were way over cooked and dry.
Their orange juice is a bit over priced since she poured it into my glass from some store brand bottle and she also gave me my check before I even got to my grits. Which tasted more like gruel.
Also, through my whole meal the waitress never cleared some of the dishes from the previous diner. Or wiped down the counter.
And to top it off, I couldn’t even make it to my front door before I hurled it all back up.

The service was pretty amazing. Our server, as well as the bartender had jokes for DAYS. WHile there are times that I really dont like to be bothered, this particular Sunday, I was all for it… and they were a constant source of entertainment for the kid and the lady.
I got some type of homefries/​sausage/​eggs concoction that was actually pretty tasty. The food doesn’t make you run home and write (hence this review being written months after the actual experience), however it was tasty.
This seems like a place that really fits in the neighborhood.
I like it.

The people:
The waiter was hilarious and friendly! Yes, it took a while for the food to come out but it was manageable… I wasn’t in too much of a rush. Drinks were refilled at a quick pace.
The noms:
The stuffed biscuits are AMAZING… prettyy unique breakfast that is VERY filling and delicious (I had one with goat cheese, spinach, eggs, pepperjack). We had some grits on the side but they were only so-​so.
Put it all together:
I enjoyed the unique atmosphere, the stuffed biscuits and friendly service!

Honestly, I like this place because it’s close by and gives me another option besides the Highland Bakery. One of the biggest draws is the atmosphere; it’s located in the Irwin Market and you feel like you’re having breakfast in someone’s home (granted, one that is outfitted by freecycle). Certainly not on top of their service (a bit slow on the ordering and delivery), but I think the servers are so kind, that I’ll let it slide for now. Definitely try to get the table in the sunroom if you can, as I find the other tables a bit gloomy.
Good coffee and interesting spreads if you ask for it (strawberry chocolate? YESSsss.) So far I like the Not So Southern Eggs Benedict lots; it wasn’t super heavy (y’know, had a little green peeking out from the sauce) if you’re into that. I’ve given the pancakes, waffles, potatoes, All-​American-​y stuff a try — they’re all decently good, if not standard. Their take on the beignet is interesting — definitely worth a try. Next time I’ll definitely give their stuffed biscuits a try — seems like all the cool kids are doing it.

The tone was set when the male waiter walks up, in a sleeveless shirt, and says «oh, i didn’t know you were even here.»
we were rushed through ordering, which was ok since we had a few minutes to look at the menu. coffee’s came without spoons and took a few minutes to get to us after asked, a minor oversight, but there were no more than 2 other tables in his «section». it’s a tiny place.
i got the breakfast slam: 2 pancakes (bland and undercooked), 2 eggs over easy (complete travesty, whites shredded and badly turned), and 2 strips of bacon i can’t complain about.
i would have been more upset of i hadn’t have scoutmobbed it.

The food here is pretty good. The speed of service here is a little lacking.
My husband and I have started a tradition of walking to breakfast on Saturday morning before all the hipsters and college kids awaken from their drunken slumber. Since this place isn’t too far from us I was hoping it could become a regular spot.
Pros: the stuffed biscuit is really good and quite unique. Can’t say that I have seen it anywhere else. Also, we had some complimentary fried, sweet dough covered with powdered sugar. Yum!
Cons: It is quite warm inside. Like super warm. Additionally, the biscuits took a long time (I know I was warned) but the service was adding to the tediousness. At least keep my coffee cup extra filled!
All in all, this place is alright. There are other breakfast places in town that I would recommend first but its a decent spot in a nice neighborhood so if you are close by, check it out.

Alrighty, time for an update! I went back to Candi’s this weekend, this time with my wife, mother, and father. The service was quite a bit better this go round. The timing of the food arrival was a little off– we had ordered the biscuit beignets to be brought out first, like a breakfast appetizer if you will, and it ended up coming out last, also my wife’s food came out long after the rest of ours. But this is a small quibble considering how ridiculously delicious (and inexpensive!) the food is.
I ordered a stuffed biscuit and it changed my life. I know that sounds like an exaggeration, but if you look at my earlier review, I noted that I enjoy discovering new approaches to familiar dishes. Another reviewer here likened the stuffed biscuit to a calzone. I completely agree. They wrap their biscuit dough (which is seasoned to perfection) around pretty much anything you want. Mine had bacon, sausage, kielbasa, onion, and pepper jack cheese (dubbed The Meateyore). The biscuit dough was soft but not undercooked. The stuffing was plentiful but not unmanageable. Together, it made for a miracle in my mouth. My mother ordered a Sop ‘em Up Biscuit that was also mouth watering. My wife ordered the Viva La Candi, which is what I ordered– and loved– on my previous visit. My dad had an omelet. I didn’t get to try his, but he said it was great.
I’m still gonna say the place could tighten up its service, but the food is undeniable and at these prices, I’ll let the slack service slide. Candi’s a new favorite.

Breakfast at Candi’s was short and sweet… just like this review is ’bout to be. OH!
Myself and two friends dropped by Candi’s after a very early morning helping eradicate diabetes. We were walking for a cure. Armed with hunger pangs and a ScoutMob 50% off deal, we went in dreaming of giant biscuits.
Walking into the Irwin St. Market was one of my favorite parts of the meal. The market itself is the cutest thing ever, the highlight being the many unused, unworking refridgerators. There is a Jake’s ice cream counter and a few cupcakes in a case, but beyond that, the place belongs to Candi’s. I love the seating arrangements; tucked here, there and everywhere. We sat outside and at 10 a.m., it was not too hot at all.
I ordered a Not So Southern Breakfast consisting of an open-​face biscuit w/​two fried eggs, spinach, tomato slices and hollandaise sauce. On friend ordered a bowl of oatmeal (sorry friend, boring choice but I love ya) and the other ordered the recommended stuffed biscuit. She stuffed her biscuit with every meat on the menu, and we waited 20 minutes (per the menu and the server) for her food to cook and mine to accompany. My biscuit was AWESOME, I’m just sad it was dredged in un-​flavored hollandaise. Next time I’ll go with my gut and get a biscuit sandwich. Friend’s stuffed biscuit, however, was THE JAM. It was like a calzone with biscuit dough, and I ate her leftovers. Seriously, get the stuffed biscuit if you’re hungry.
I’ll be back to Candi’s, fo shoh.

A stuffed biscuit is a wondrous thing. It takes a while to prepare, but it’s worth it. Their Southern-​breakfast menu is filled with variety of crowd-​pleasers, and Candi herself is sometimes working the kitchen. If you’re in a rush, go to McDonald’s. If you’re ready to relax and enjoy good food, go to Candi’s.

The Irwin Street market location adds charm and ambiance, as does sitting on the back patio and watching the guys in the adjoining machine shop go at it with a welder. We saw the King of Pops loading up his cooler and had PLENTY of time to read the pastiche of Nancy Drew pages that were laminated on our table top.
Service was… S L O W… Yes, I know the stuffed biscuits take 20 minutes. It says so on the menu, but ours took 45 minutes. And the Sop em Up Biscuits in Tomato Gravy were pretty tasty but the menu promised crumbled bacon and when they arrived without any, it was explained that you are supposed to ask for it separately because they like to serve it as a vegetarian dish. (They might try noting that on the menu.) Our server generously offered me the crumbles but only after everyone had finished, so I hurriedly enjoyed a few bites but without the pleasure it would have brought as part of the meal.
Service was friendly but sporadic, which was surprising considering how few tables the staff had to deal with. All this being said, the place has an interesting menu and a good feel. I think they will grow into their service and have the potential to become a competitor on the intown breakfast scene. The biscuit beignets alone are worth a visit.

I had been passing Candi’s for Breakfast on the way to work every day and finally left early enough this morning to stop in for some to-​go nourishment. A friendly man behind the counter immediately offered to fix me a drink, so I requested a coffee with soymilk; I appreciated that he handed me the Silk container, giving me full freedom to pour the desired amount. The piping beverage tasted fine, but coffee grounds came out with every few sips.
The egg and cheese biscuit I requested took about 15 minutes to prepare, so I thought I was in for a tasty morning pick-​me-​up. However, the half-​hard bread lacked flavor, while the cheese seemed both liquidy and melted.
I’d like to give Candi’s another chance with a sit-​down meal, since the staff was so nice, the interior is so cute and the little baker girl on the outdoor signage is licking her lips: a promise that the rest of the menu might be better.

I know this is my first review, so please do not think I am a hater for my review. Atlanta has breakfast down to a pat, and I do a damn fine job in my kitchen as well. I also read the thrillist review and Unilocal reviews. I decided I wanted to go out Saturday as I did not want to cook. The prices were so right as compared to other joints in Atlanta, I thought it was worth a try.
People were very friendly and the place is kind of cute in a retro way. I must say that this was the worst breakfast I have had in Atlanta since I have been here. The coffee was average at best, my waffle was dry, the eggs were more than over medium, and the bacon was just ok.
The biscuit was good, but not fantastic. I would just say that they are new and will hopefully improve over time. The price is right for a cheap breakfast, but you get what you pay for.

We ventured over to Candi’s last week, after reading the writeup in Thrillist. The accompanying picture of the pancakes was enough for me to start dreaming about this place the night before. However once we got there, I was so intrigued by the «Stuffed Biscuit», that I had to order it. I got one stuffed with sausage, goat cheese, and onions. Let me just say that it could be the single best breakfast item cooked in the city of Atlanta. Since they are all made to order, and took a little while to make, the waitress brought out a little complimentary basket of muffins with 3 dipping sauces. Yum!
We also got the French Toast… not to be missed for lovers of sugar in the AM. The cost for all this deliciousness (with 2 coffees)… a mere $ 13.50!
The only reason that this isn’t a 5 star review, was because the coffee was on the weak side. Do yourself a favor and skip the crazy lines at Highland Bakery, head 2 blocks down the street to Candi’s.
P. S. Candi came out and talked to us after our meal… she is a cool chick.

Went there this morning as I work nearby and highly recommend this place for breakfast!
The menu selection is simple breakfast meals, but the food is fantastic and the prices are very affordable. I had eggs, french toast & bacon and was comfortably full from it. The coffee not the best but definitely not the worse.
The ambiance is not complete as they are in the middle of construction on part of the building but I think that will be done in a few weeks.