Nick’s Food To Go in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re searching for Nick’s Food To Go in Atlanta, you’re probably looking for one thing: great, straightforward food from a tiny, no-frills spot just south of downtown. This little takeout restaurant has become a familiar name for many people who live or work near Atlanta’s downtown and Grant Park area, and it’s often associated with quick, satisfying meals rather than a long sit-down experience.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to what Nick’s Food To Go is like, how to get there, what to expect, and how it fits into nearby food options.

Where Nick’s Food To Go Fits in Atlanta’s Food Scene

Atlanta has everything from high-end dining in Buckhead to casual neighborhood spots in places like Grant Park, West End, and East Atlanta. Nick’s Food To Go is very much on the casual end of that spectrum:

  • Takeout-focused: It’s designed for quick orders and carry-out.
  • Close to downtown: Convenient for people who live, work, or visit near the city center.
  • Comfort-style food: The menu leans toward simple, hearty dishes that travel well.

If you’re visiting from out of town and staying near downtown Atlanta, Summerhill, or Grant Park, Nick’s can be a practical option for a fast, local-feeling meal without heading far into the suburbs.

Location, Parking, and Getting There

Nick’s Food To Go is located in Atlanta, Georgia, just a short drive from:

  • Downtown Atlanta / Five Points
  • Georgia State University area
  • Grant Park and Zoo Atlanta

Because this is a small takeout spot, it’s important to plan ahead a bit with transportation and parking.

Getting There by Car

Most people reach Nick’s by car. When you drive:

  • Expect limited parking immediately around the building.
  • Check nearby side streets for additional street parking.
  • Avoid blocking driveways or business entrances; enforcement around in-town neighborhoods can be strict.

If you’re coming from:

  • Midtown / Buckhead: Take the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) south and exit toward downtown/central Atlanta, then follow surface streets into the neighborhood.
  • Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport: It’s typically a short drive via I‑75/85 north into the city.

Because traffic around downtown and the connector can be heavy during rush hours, locals often aim for late lunch or early dinner times to avoid the worst congestion.

Getting There by MARTA or Rideshare

You can reach the area using MARTA rail and bus or a rideshare:

  • Rail + rideshare: Many people ride MARTA to a central station (like Five Points or Garnett) and then take a quick rideshare for the last mile.
  • Bus options: Bus routes change occasionally, so check MARTA’s current bus maps and schedules for the route that gets closest to the address.

Rideshare is especially practical if you’re staying in a downtown hotel and prefer not to deal with parking.

What the Experience Is Like

Nick’s Food To Go is best thought of as a no-frills, order-and-go restaurant:

  • Small interior: Space is limited; most people order takeout.
  • Fast-moving line: At peak times, locals expect a short wait but relatively quick service.
  • Simple ordering process: Order at the counter, wait for your name or number, and head out.

People in Atlanta often pair a stop at Nick’s with:

  • A visit to nearby Grant Park or Zoo Atlanta
  • Errands or work stops in downtown or the Georgia State University area
  • A quick meal before heading to events around State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or downtown theaters

Typical Menu Style and Popular Choices

While offerings can change, the core appeal of Nick’s Food To Go is:

  • Hearty, filling meals
  • Straightforward, familiar flavors
  • Portions that work well for lunch or early dinner

Atlanta diners often look for:

  • Grab-and-go lunches between meetings or classes
  • Affordable meals compared to sit-down restaurants
  • Food that holds up in a to-go box if you need to drive back to an office, hotel, or home

Because menus can change, it’s wise to:

  • Call ahead if you have dietary restrictions
  • Ask about daily specials or most-ordered items
  • Confirm what sides and extras are available that day

When to Go: Timing and Crowds

Timing can make a big difference in your experience:

  • Lunch rush (weekday midday): Expect more traffic from downtown workers and students.
  • Early evening: Can be busy with after-work or after-class crowds.
  • Mid-afternoon: Often a more relaxed time with shorter waits.

Locals often:

  • Plan ahead for takeout on the way home from work.
  • Order a little earlier or later than the standard lunch hour to avoid lines.
  • Call in orders (if available) and then just swing by to pick up.

Pairing a Stop at Nick’s with Nearby Atlanta Spots

If you’re building out your day in the city, Nick’s Food To Go can be a convenient meal stop alongside nearby destinations:

  • Grant Park & Zoo Atlanta
    Grab lunch to-go and then head to the park for a casual picnic or visit the zoo area.

  • Downtown attractions
    Combine with a visit to:

    • Georgia Aquarium
    • World of Coca-Cola
    • Centennial Olympic Park
    • National Center for Civil and Human Rights
  • Georgia State University area
    Students and staff sometimes look for quick, off-campus options; Nick’s can fit neatly into that pattern if you have a car or rideshare.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Diners

Here are some local-style tips to make your visit smoother:

  • Plan for takeout
    Assume you’ll be bringing your food back to your home, hotel, car, or a nearby park rather than dining in.

  • Check current hours before you go
    Opening and closing times can change, especially around holidays or major Atlanta events.

  • Have a backup parking plan
    If onsite parking looks full, be ready to circle nearby blocks or park slightly farther away and walk a bit.

  • Bring payment options
    Many small Atlanta food spots accept both cards and cash, but it’s safer not to assume. Having more than one payment method can save a trip.

  • Consider weather if you plan to eat outside
    Atlanta summers can be hot and humid, and afternoon thunderstorms are common. If you’re planning a picnic in Grant Park or a bench lunch downtown, check the forecast.

Simple Snapshot: Nick’s Food To Go in Atlanta

AspectWhat to Expect in Atlanta
Location typeSmall, casual takeout restaurant near downtown / Grant Park
VibeNo-frills, efficient, focused on quick service and carry-out
Best forQuick lunch, early dinner, grab-and-go meals
Nearby areasDowntown Atlanta, Georgia State, Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta
TransportationEasiest by car or rideshare; MARTA plus rideshare also common
SeatingLimited; most customers take food to go
Good to knowCheck hours before you go, expect some rush at peak meal times

For Atlanta residents, Nick’s Food To Go is the kind of place you keep in mind when you want something satisfying without a long sit-down experience. For visitors, it can be a convenient, local-feeling stop that fits easily into a day of exploring downtown and nearby neighborhoods.