Atlanta Airport Buffalo Wild Wings: Where It Is, What to Expect, and Tips for Your Layover
If you’re flying through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and craving wings, it’s natural to search for “Atlanta Airport Buffalo Wild Wings.” The tricky part: the airport doesn’t have a full traditional Buffalo Wild Wings sports bar inside the secure concourses, but there is a related option and several nearby alternatives that work well for Atlanta travelers.
This guide breaks down what’s actually available in and around ATL, how to find it, and what locals and frequent flyers typically do when they want that Buffalo Wild Wings–style experience during an Atlanta trip.
Is There a Buffalo Wild Wings Inside Atlanta Airport?
As of the most commonly available public information, there is not a standard, full-service Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant located directly inside the secure areas of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (the concourses where you board your flights).
However, travelers will usually encounter two types of “wing” options related to that search:
- A Buffalo Wild Wings GO / express-style concept near or connected to the airport area (outside security).
- Wing-focused sports bar concepts inside the concourses that offer a similar feel: wings, beer, and TVs with sports, even though they are not branded as Buffalo Wild Wings.
Because restaurant lineups in major airports can change, the best approach for someone in Atlanta is to understand:
- What you can realistically get during a layover without leaving security
- How to get to a true Buffalo Wild Wings nearby if you’re willing to leave the airport
Buffalo Wild Wings Near Atlanta Airport (Outside Security)
If you want the full Buffalo Wild Wings experience—bigger menu, full bar, lots of TVs—you’ll need to step outside the secure airport area.
Common Nearby Buffalo Wild Wings Location
One of the more convenient locations for air travelers and locals near ATL is typically found in the airport commercial/retail area along Virginia Avenue or Camp Creek Parkway. These corridors serve airport hotels, rideshare pickups, and off-airport parking, so they’re popular for quick meals before or after flights.
For example, you may find a Buffalo Wild Wings in the general airport area with characteristics like:
- Located in the Atlanta / College Park / East Point area within a short drive of ATL
- Surrounded by airport hotels, chain restaurants, and gas stations
- Accessible via:
- Rideshare (Uber, Lyft)
- Taxi from the Ground Transportation area
- Hotel shuttle plus a brief walk, if staying nearby
- Personal car if you’re a local dropping someone off or picking them up
Because exact restaurant tenants and addresses can move or rebrand, the most reliable approach is:
- Search for “Buffalo Wild Wings near Hartsfield-Jackson Airport” in your map app.
- Confirm:
- The address
- Hours on the day of your visit
- Travel time from your terminal
For many Atlanta travelers, going to a nearby Buffalo Wild Wings works best:
- Before an evening flight, if you want to watch a game with a full bar
- After landing, if you’re meeting friends or family and don’t mind a quick detour on the way home or to your hotel
Wing and Sports-Bar Alternatives Inside ATL
If you’re already past security and don’t want to exit and re-clear TSA, your best bet is to aim for wing-heavy or sports-bar-style restaurants within the concourses.
While these are not official Buffalo Wild Wings locations, they often offer:
- Chicken wings and boneless wings
- Burgers, fries, and bar-style appetizers
- Beer, wine, and cocktails (depending on the concept)
- Televisions showing major games (NFL, NBA, college sports, etc.)
You’ll usually find these types of spots in:
- Concourse A, B, or C – some of the busier concourses with more dining
- Concourse D or E – often have bar-and-grill concepts and pubs
- Domestic Terminal food courts – may include chain sports bars or fast-casual chicken spots
Since the exact brands can change, use the airport’s directory boards or ask an airport information desk for:
- “Sports bar with wings in Concourse [X]”
- “Sit-down restaurant with TVs and wings”
This lets you get something close to the Buffalo Wild Wings experience without leaving your secure area or worrying about getting back through TSA in time.
Quick Comparison: Staying Inside vs. Leaving for Buffalo Wild Wings
Here’s a simple guide to help you decide what makes sense for your Atlanta Airport layover or travel day:
| Situation | Best Option | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Short layover (under 2 hours) | Stay inside ATL and go to a sports bar / wing spot in your concourse | Avoids TSA re-screening, less risk of missing your flight |
| Medium layover (2–4 hours) | Usually still best to stay inside, unless you’re very familiar with ATL | You might have time to leave, but traffic and TSA lines can be unpredictable |
| Long layover (4+ hours) | You can consider leaving airport for Buffalo Wild Wings nearby | Build in time for rideshare, traffic, and security; aim to be back 2 hours before boarding |
| You’re arriving in Atlanta and heading to a hotel | Nearby Buffalo Wild Wings along Virginia Ave or Camp Creek Pkwy | Convenient if staying at an airport-area hotel; good for watching a game after landing |
| You live in Atlanta and picking someone up | Meet them, then drive to a nearby Buffalo Wild Wings | Easier than fighting airport crowds; more relaxed environment |
How to Get from ATL to a Nearby Buffalo Wild Wings
If you decide you do want to leave the airport to find a true Buffalo Wild Wings:
1. Exit the Secure Area
- After landing, follow signs to Baggage Claim or Ground Transportation.
- If you’re between flights, you’ll need to leave your concourse and then re-clear TSA later, so only do this with a long layover.
2. Choose Your Transportation
From the Domestic Terminal:
- 🚗 Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
- Follow signs to the Rideshare Pickup area.
- Typical ride to nearby Buffalo Wild Wings–type locations is relatively short, depending on traffic.
- 🚕 Taxi
- Taxis line up at the Ground Transportation Center.
- 🚉 MARTA + rideshare/walk
- Take MARTA from Airport Station if you’re heading farther into the city, then connect via short rideshare or walk, depending on where your chosen restaurant is.
- 🚙 Personal vehicle
- If you’re a local Atlantan, you might park in a short-term lot, pick up your guest, then drive out together.
3. Time Buffer Tips
For Atlanta’s busy airport, a conservative plan is:
- Be back at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and earlier for international flights.
- Add:
- 20–40 minutes for TSA lines at peak times
- 15–30 minutes for traffic and pickup/drop-off near the terminals
- Extra padding if it’s rush hour or game day in Atlanta
Using ATL’s Layout to Your Advantage
Understanding ATL’s structure helps you decide how practical a Buffalo Wild Wings side trip is.
Hartsfield-Jackson has:
- Domestic Terminal (North & South) – entrances for most U.S. flights
- International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal, Concourse F) – for many international departures and arrivals
- Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, F – connected by the Plane Train and walkable corridors
Some tips:
- If your flights both use domestic concourses (T, A, B, C, D) and your layover is short, stay in the secure area and use nearby bars and restaurants.
- If you are ending your trip in Atlanta, it’s simpler:
- Pick up your bags
- Head to Ground Transportation
- Go straight to a Buffalo Wild Wings near ATL on your way to your hotel or home
What to Expect Food- and Atmosphere-Wise
Whether you stay inside ATL or leave for a nearby Buffalo Wild Wings, you can generally expect:
If You Leave the Airport for Buffalo Wild Wings
- Full sports bar atmosphere with many TVs
- Larger menu:
- Traditional and boneless wings
- Multiple sauces and dry rubs
- Burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, and desserts
- Full bar with beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options
- A mix of locals, airport workers, and travelers
This environment tends to be better if:
- You’re meeting Atlanta-based friends or family
- You want to watch a full game without rushing
- You’re staying in a nearby airport hotel and want a familiar, casual spot
If You Stay Inside ATL
- More limited wing options, depending on the restaurant
- Menu may focus heavily on:
- Wings or tenders
- Burgers or sandwiches
- Quick appetizers
- Bars often have a solid drink selection, but sometimes fewer draft options than a full sports bar.
- Great if:
- You need to stay close to your gate
- You’re on a tight layover
- You just want a quick plate of wings and a game on in the background
Tips for Atlanta Travelers Craving Buffalo Wild Wings–Style Food
To make your Atlanta airport day smoother:
- Check your layover time honestly. Under 3–4 hours? It’s usually smarter to stay inside ATL.
- Use the airport’s restaurant map or overhead directories once you know your gate.
- 🍗 Ask airport staff where to find wings or a sports bar near your concourse—they’re used to this question.
- If you’re local, consider meeting your traveler at a nearby Buffalo Wild Wings off Virginia Avenue or Camp Creek Parkway after they land, rather than trying to eat together inside the terminal.
- If you care about catching a specific game, verify:
- Restaurant hours
- TV setup
- How long it will take you to get there from ATL
When Buffalo Wild Wings Near ATL Makes the Most Sense
For people connected to Atlanta, Buffalo Wild Wings near the airport works best in these scenarios:
- You live in Atlanta and are:
- Picking someone up
- Dropping someone off
- Looking for a casual spot to watch a game before or after airport runs
- You’re staying in an airport-area hotel in College Park, East Point, or along Camp Creek Parkway and want an easy, familiar place to eat.
- You have a long layover and are comfortable:
- Leaving the secure area
- Re-clearing TSA
- Building in enough buffer time for Atlanta traffic and security lines
If your goal is simply “wings and a game while I wait for my flight,” you’ll usually have an easier time staying inside the airport and choosing a sports-bar-style option in your concourse, even if it’s not officially branded as Buffalo Wild Wings.
By matching your time, comfort with leaving security, and travel schedule, you can decide whether to grab wings inside ATL or make the short trip to a nearby Buffalo Wild Wings in the Atlanta airport area.