Best Takeout Food in Atlanta: Where to Order, What to Know, and Local Tips

Atlanta might be known for film sets, traffic, and game days, but residents know one thing very well: this is a takeout town. Whether you’re in Midtown, Buckhead, the Westside, or the suburbs along the Perimeter, you can get just about any cuisine boxed up and ready to go.

This guide breaks down where to find the best takeout food in Atlanta, what works well for delivery vs. pickup, and how locals navigate timing, traffic, and neighborhoods to make the most of it.

How to Choose the Best Takeout in Atlanta

Before diving into specific ideas, it helps to know how people in Atlanta typically choose takeout:

• Location and traffic: In Atlanta, a “quick 10-minute drive” can turn into 30 minutes at rush hour. Many locals stick to spots within about 2–4 miles of home or hotel.
• Parking: Some busy intown areas (Midtown, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward) have tight parking. Others, like parts of Buckhead and the suburbs, have plenty of lots.
• Food that travels well: Fried foods, saucy dishes, and stews often survive the drive better than delicate items.
• Timing: Popular restaurants can get backed up on Friday and Saturday evenings. Ordering early or choosing off-peak times helps.

If you’re visiting, it’s often easiest to pick one neighborhood to order from and choose your restaurant based on what travels well to you.

Classic Atlanta Takeout: Fried Chicken, BBQ, and Soul Food

Fried Chicken & Southern Staples

Atlanta’s comfort food scene is strong, and many locals turn to these options on busy weeknights or game days:

• Fried chicken plates with sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and biscuits
• Chicken wings (lemon pepper is an Atlanta staple)
• Chicken tenders and sandwiches for kids or picky eaters

When ordering fried foods for takeout in Atlanta:

• Ask if sauce can be served on the side so dishes don’t get soggy in traffic.
• Plan your pickup route to avoid major interstates at peak hours, especially I‑285, I‑75/85 through Downtown, and I‑400 near Buckhead.

Barbecue Takeout

BBQ is one of the easiest takeout party options in Atlanta because it’s designed to travel:

Popular BBQ takeout items include:

• Pulled pork or brisket by the pound
• Ribs and smoked chicken
• Baked beans, coleslaw, mac and cheese, and cornbread
• Bulk family packs, often sized for 4–8 people

Many BBQ restaurants around metro Atlanta offer:

• Family meals or catering trays for office lunches, game days, and tailgates
• Convenient pickup near major corridors like Buford Highway, Ponce de Leon Avenue, Peachtree Road, and Cobb Parkway

If you need larger quantities, calling the restaurant directly earlier in the day is common practice in Atlanta, especially around big events (Falcons, Hawks, Braves, college games, or concerts at State Farm Arena or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium).

International Takeout Favorites Around the City

Atlanta’s best takeout isn’t just Southern. The metro area has a wide range of international cuisines that locals rely on for quick pickup or delivery.

Buford Highway: The Takeout Powerhouse

Buford Highway (GA‑13) runs northeast from the city and is one of the most diverse food corridors in the Southeast. It passes through parts of:

• Northeast Atlanta
• Brookhaven
• Chamblee
• Doraville

Along Buford Highway, you’ll find excellent takeout from:

• Chinese (American-style classics and regional specialties)
• Korean (BBQ, stews, fried chicken)
• Vietnamese (pho, vermicelli bowls, banh mi)
• Mexican and Central American (tacos, tamales, tortas)
• Latin American bakeries and bubble tea shops

If you’re staying in Buckhead, Midtown, or near I‑85, Buford Highway is usually a straightforward drive for pickup, especially on weeknights.

Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean Takeout

In and around Atlanta, Indian and Mediterranean takeout is popular for both vegetarians and meat-eaters:

Common takeout hits:

• Indian: tikka masala, saag paneer, biryani, naan, and tandoori items
• Mediterranean: gyro plates, hummus and falafel, shawarma, and rice bowls
• Middle Eastern bakeries: meat pies, flatbreads, and pastries

These spots are often found:

• Along Buford Highway
• In Decatur, Tucker, and Dunwoody
• Around Perimeter Center (near I‑285 and GA‑400)

Many of these restaurants are used to providing large family-style orders, which can be more economical than individual entrees.

Neighborhood-by-Neighborhood Takeout Guide

The “best” takeout in Atlanta often depends on where you are. Here’s a high-level overview to help narrow down options.

Downtown & Midtown

Good for: visitors, office workers, convention center attendees, students at nearby campuses.

Popular takeout styles:

• Pizza and pasta for hotel rooms and office meetings
• Burgers and fries that hold up for short delivery distances
• Fast-casual bowls and salads around Peachtree Street and 10th–14th Streets

Parking in Midtown can be tight:

• Look for restaurants with dedicated pickup spots in nearby decks or front pull-offs.
• Many high-rise buildings have loading zones where drivers briefly stop for food pickup.

Buckhead

Good for: business travelers, residents north of Midtown, shoppers near Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza.

Typical takeout habits in Buckhead:

• Higher-end restaurants offering curbside pickup for steaks, seafood, and pasta
• Sushi and Asian fusion for weeknight dinners
• Healthy bowls and smoothies for lunch

Traffic around Peachtree Road, Lenox Road, and Piedmont Road can be heavy. Locals often choose restaurants just off the main corridors or within their specific sub-area of Buckhead (South Buckhead vs. Lenox area vs. West Paces).

West Midtown & Westside

Good for: young professionals, Georgia Tech area, and people who like modern, trendy spots.

Common takeout here:

• Modern American comfort food (burgers, sandwiches, wings)
• Tacos and street-food-inspired dishes
• Upscale casual spots that pack entrees well for pickup

West Midtown has a mix of street parking and shared lots. Many restaurants cluster around Howell Mill Road and Marietta Street, making it easy to pick up from multiple places if you’re feeding a group.

Eastside: Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia‑Highland

Good for: walkable pickup from apartments and homes near the BeltLine Eastside Trail.

Expect:

• Pizza and Italian that travels well
• Taco shops and casual Mexican
• Brunch favorites packaged for takeout (biscuits, breakfast bowls, etc.)

If you’re driving in, be prepared to:

• Use street parking in residential areas
• Navigate one-way streets and bike lanes
• Allow extra time on weekends when the BeltLine is busy

Decatur and East DeKalb

Good for: families, Emory University community, and anyone southeast of the city.

Go-to takeout choices:

• Family-style Southern and vegetarian-friendly menus
• Indian, Thai, and Mediterranean along main corridors
• Local pizza and burger joints for reliable weeknight dinners

Decatur’s downtown square is very walkable; nearby neighborhoods like Oakhurst and Kirkwood also have strong takeout options within short driving distances.

Best Types of Food for Takeout in Atlanta

Some dishes simply handle Atlanta’s traffic and humidity better than others. Here’s how locals often think about it.

Foods That Travel Well

These typically survive a 15–30 minute drive or delivery:

• Ramen and noodle bowls (if broth and noodles are packed separately)
• Rice bowls and curries
• BBQ plates and smoked meats
• Thick-crust or wood-fired pizza
• Fried rice and stir-fries
• Burritos, quesadillas, and tacos (with cold toppings on the side)
• Salads with dressing on the side

Foods That Need Extra Care

These can still be great, but you may want to eat them soon after pickup:

• Thin-crust pizza (can get soggy if trapped in steam)
• Fried chicken and wings (vented containers help)
• Sushi (best when the restaurant is close to you)
• Delicate pastries and desserts

You can ask restaurants to:

• Vent the containers slightly for fried items
• Pack hot and cold items separately
• Put sauces on the side for anything crispy

Table: Quick Takeout Picks by Situation

Below is a simple guide to help you decide what to order based on your plans in Atlanta.

Takeout Near Major Atlanta Landmarks

If you’re visiting, it helps to know what’s realistic near major attractions.

Near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium & State Farm Arena

• Many visitors order takeout before or after events and eat in hotels or tailgate areas.
• Quick-service spots in Downtown and Castleberry Hill are common choices, along with delivery from slightly farther neighborhoods like Midtown.

Plan for:

• Heavy traffic before and after big games or concerts
• Limited street parking near the stadiums; hotel pickup can be easier

Near Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport

If you’re staying near the airport (College Park, Hapeville, or East Point):

• Look for Southern comfort food, burgers, and wings along key roads like Virginia Avenue and Old National Highway.
• Many airport hotels are used to delivery drivers coming in and out, and some have front desks that will hold your food briefly.

When you land late, you may have better luck with national chains plus a handful of local spots that stay open later along main corridors.

Practical Tips for Takeout in Atlanta

A few local habits can make takeout smoother:

1. Check Distance vs. Drive Time

Because of Atlanta’s traffic patterns:

• A restaurant 4 miles away might take longer than one that’s 7 miles away but near a less congested route.
• Locals often avoid key choke points at peak times, like:
  • I‑285 near I‑75 or I‑85
  • Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) during rush hours
  • GA‑400 near I‑285

Using a map app to preview the route before ordering is common.

2. Time Your Order

In Atlanta, peak takeout times often include:

• Weeknights: 6:00–8:00 p.m.
• Weekends: 6:30–9:00 p.m.
• Major sports events and holidays

Ordering:

• A bit early (for example, 5:30–6:00 p.m.) can help you avoid delays.
• Lunch orders for offices are often placed mid-morning to secure preferred pickup times.

3. Use Special Instructions Wisely

When ordering by phone or through an app, Atlanta diners often request:

• “Sauce on the side, please.”
• “Separate hot and cold items.”
• “Please include utensils and napkins,” especially for hotel stays or picnics.

This is especially helpful if you’ll be driving more than 15–20 minutes.

4. Consider Parking and Pickup Logistics

Different parts of Atlanta have different parking realities:

• Midtown / Downtown: Garages, short-term curb lanes, and hotel entrances
• West Midtown / Westside: Shared lots in industrial-style developments
• Decatur and Virginia‑Highland: Street parking may require a short walk
• Suburbs (Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Smyrna, etc.): Larger lots and shopping centers

Many restaurants list pickup instructions (where to park, which entrance to use) on their menus or order confirmations.

Takeout for Special Diets in Atlanta

If you have dietary needs, there are many options across the metro area.

Vegetarian and Vegan

You’ll find plant-forward menus:

• Around Little Five Points, East Atlanta Village, and Decatur
• At various fast-casual chains with build-your-own bowls and salads
• In international cuisines like Indian, Mediterranean, and some Asian restaurants

Specifying vegan vs. vegetarian is helpful, as some dishes may contain dairy or eggs even if they’re meat-free.

Gluten-Friendly and Allergen-Conscious Options

In many Atlanta neighborhoods:

• Pizza places may offer gluten-free crusts
• Asian and Mediterranean spots often have naturally gluten-free options (rice-based dishes, grilled meats, salads)
• Some restaurants clearly mark allergens on online menus

If allergies are severe, many Atlantans call the restaurant directly to confirm ingredients and cross-contact precautions.

Staying Organized With Big Takeout Orders

Atlanta residents frequently use takeout to feed:

• Neighborhood gatherings
• Youth sports teams
• Office meetings
• Game watch parties

For smoother large orders:

1. Order earlier in the day. Calling in the morning for an evening pickup is common.
2. Ask about trays and bulk options. Many restaurants offer pans of pasta, BBQ, salads, and rice dishes sized for 10+ people.
3. Confirm serving utensils and plates. Most places can provide them if requested.
4. Plan your route. Avoid construction-heavy or event-heavy areas when you have large, time-sensitive orders.

Where to Get Reliable, Up-to-Date Info

For the most accurate details on hours, menus, and pickup instructions in Atlanta:

• Use the restaurant’s direct phone number, usually listed on its official site or business listing.
• If you’re staying at a hotel, the front desk or concierge often keeps a short list of nearby takeout spots that deliver reliably to that property.
• For large events or catering-size orders, calling restaurants directly tends to work better than only using apps.

Atlanta’s takeout scene is broad enough that you can find excellent options almost anywhere in the metro area, from classic fried chicken and BBQ to global cuisines on Buford Highway and beyond. Focusing on what travels well, how far you are, and when you’re ordering will help you land some of the best takeout food Atlanta has to offer, whether you’re a local or just in town for a few days.