Tracks to attractions: Your city guide to Tucker

Just outside the Perimeter, on the eastern edge of DeKalb County, lies the suburb of Tucker. It may have only been officially incorporated in 2016. But the city goes back much further than that and has been home to families and businesses for generations.

Like many suburbs close to Atlanta, Tucker grew out of a railroad community. Originally part of a land grant to veteran Greenville Henderson, the dawn of interstate rail had a bigger role to play for the city. In the early 1890s, the Georgia and North Carolina railroad companies built a connection right through modern-day Tucker, and the outpost was finally named in honor of one of the rail company’s donors.

The city remained largely agricultural until after World War II, when the growth of many major industry headquarters in nearby cities inevitably led to growth for Tucker as well. Today it’s a growing hot spot for families, small businesses and more, with two major commercial anchors in Northlake Mall and the downtown area.

What can I do for fun in Tucker?

Get dinner and a show at Movie Tavern. Forget streaming! See the latest movies on the big screen at Northlake’s Movie Tavern, 4043 LaVista Road. Come hungry for their many meal offerings available before and during your feature presentation, with burgers, appetizers, and plenty of beer and cocktail options to boot. Be sure and order your meal in advance so it’s ready before showtime!

Relax in nature at Henderson Park, 4000 Henderson Park Road. The city’s largest park — named for its original landowner — boasts over 100 acres of trails, tennis courts, picnic spots, and even a lake. Take a break from the workweek with a 2-mile hike on paved and unpaved trails through the woods and around Lake Erin. Kids can enjoy a friendly game on the soccer fields or explore the playgrounds. Even Fido can get in on the fun with Henderson’s dog park!

Where are the best places to eat and drink in Tucker?

Mokhaport Yemeni Coffee

Get some exotic coffee to start the day. This Yemeni coffee shop serves authentic Ethiopian and Yemeni blends and spiced teas each morning. Walk through the beautiful stained-glass entrance, take in the aromas, and if that didn’t wake you up, order a latte or a fresh fruit smoothie with peanut butter and enjoy. Select pastries also available.

Location: 1861 Mountain Industrial Boulevard; Hours: Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Website: mokhaport.com

Nicky’s Undefeated

Get a taste of Philly in metro Atlanta at this raved about sandwich shop in the heart of downtown Tucker. Come hungry, because their cheesesteaks and hoagies are a mouthful of flavor. Loads of meat (beef, chicken, or plant-based) are slathered in onions and cheese whiz and nestled between two fluffy rolls. Make it a combo with chips or a soup of the day. If you need a sweet treat after that, they serve authentic Philly ice cream and Italian ice, which is the perfect transplant for those Southern summers.

Location: 2316 Main Street, Suite C; Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Website: nickysundefeated.com

Bite of Korea

Tucker can’t let Duluth have all the fun when it comes to creative Korean dishes. This pop-up turned full-service restaurant serves up Korean fusion, street food, and traditional bites all week long. Bite of Korea has classic fare like japchae noodles, hot stone bibimbap, and gochujang chicken, as well as funkier fare. Their famous bulgogi quesadilla adds sweet heat and marinated beef to the Mexican classic. Lunchtime specials mix a sampling of Korean fried meat, rice, dumplings, and veggies together for quick bites. Add kimchi on the side, or take home a tub for yourself!

Location: 4650 Hugh Howell Road, Suite 670; Hours: Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Website: biteofkorea.com

La Glorieta

If you want authentic tropical Honduran food, you can’t go wrong with this cozy kiosk. Stuffed with beans, cream, and a variety of proteins, the baleadas are a go-to meal. If you need something more filling, dig into the pollo chuco, a blend of fried plantains, fried chicken, and veggies. Wash down with a fruity agua fresca or coconut milk to round out your meal.

Location: 4010 Lawrenceville Highway; Hours: Every day, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Website: yelp.com

Matthews Cafeteria

This list wouldn’t be complete without this longstanding classic diner. Family-owned since 1955, Matthews offers a long row of traditional Southern dishes like fried chicken, Salisbury steaks, okra, turnip greens, mac and cheese, and much more. The exact menu changes daily, but the traditions never change. Line up and dig in!

Location: 2299 Main Street; Hours: Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Website: matthewscafeteria.net

Fluffy Fluffy Dessert Cafe

Hanging out in Tucker after lunch or dinner and need a sweet pick-me-up? Check out this delectably sweet café known for its light, fluffy Asian souffle pancakes covered in mountains of cream and fruit, among other treats. Dig into their crisped souffle earl grey cheesecakes, croissant waffles, and macarons. Top off with a yuzu soda or a fluffy hazelnut espresso for that midday boost.

Location: 3983 Lavista Road; Hours: Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Weekends, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Website: fluffyfluffy.com