For too long lunch has played second fiddle to breakfast's frantic trumpet calls and dinner's ostentatious, thumping bass lines. Partake in a melodious midday meal with today's Groupon: for $12, you get $25 worth of traditional Southern fare and drinks from The Swan Coach House on Slaton Drive.

Established in 1965 by patrons of the Forward Arts Foundation, The Swan Coach House warmly hosts charming Southern lunches for leisurely ladies who wish to unwind, entertain, or outshine their table with tales of their grandchildren's triumphs. The menu preens with delicate offerings such as the Swan's Favorite, which tucks the house's signature chicken salad into blushing handmade pastry timbales as a creamy, frozen fruit salad clings to its plated skirt ($11.95). The salmon cakes stir Southern nostalgia and hushed pride into a boastful blend of salmon, celery, onion, and tarragon with dijon dill sauce on the side ($13.25). As conversation turns from friendly chatter to intense debate over the cultural prophesies espoused by Mother Goose, cut the tension with a traditional mint julep served in a frosted silver cup and sweetened with a pinch of sugar and fresh mint to contest the romantic wiles of a Mr. Jim Beam ($7.75).

Reviews

Citysearchers give The Swan Coach House an average of 4.5 stars. Eight Yelpers give it a 3.5-star average.

• I absolutely adore the Swan Coach House!...My most recent visit was yesterday (12/16/2010) and the chicken salad and frozen fruit salad were very tasty. – Joan S., Yelp
• for a visitor to the altanta history center walking around the grounds, this restuarant was a nice surprise. The staff was friendly and courteous and seated a couple of tourists who arrived just before the 2:30 closing with warm southern hospitality. – busyb