Eating Your Way Through Atlanta: A Local Guide to the City’s Most Popular Foods

Atlanta’s food scene blends Southern comfort, global flavors, and a serious love of fried, smoked, and spicy. Whether you live here or you’re in town for a few days, knowing the most popular food in Atlanta helps you eat like a local, not a tourist.

Below is a practical guide to what people actually eat in Atlanta, where these foods show up around the city, and how to plan your own “Atlanta food tour” by neighborhood.

What Makes Atlanta Food Unique?

Atlanta sits at the crossroads of:

• Traditional Southern cooking (fried chicken, biscuits, collard greens)
• Black culinary traditions and soul food
• Modern, chef-driven restaurants and tasting menus
• Huge immigrant communities (especially West African, Korean, Vietnamese, Mexican, Caribbean)

That mix means you can eat:

• Hot lemon pepper wings at 1 a.m.
• Shrimp and grits for brunch in Midtown
• Korean BBQ along Buford Highway
• Soul food on the Westside

All in a single weekend.

Atlanta’s Most Iconic Foods

1. Lemon Pepper Wings (Especially “Lemon Pepper Wet”)

If you only try one popular Atlanta food, make it lemon pepper wings. They’re a point of pride here.

What they are:

• Fried chicken wings
• Tossed in dry lemon pepper seasoning or a “wet” lemon pepper butter/hot sauce mix
• Often served with ranch or blue cheese, plus celery

Where they show up:

• Wing spots and sports bars across the city
• Late-night menus around Downtown, Midtown, and near college campuses
• Takeout-only shops in neighborhoods all over the metro area

2. Classic Southern Fried Chicken

Atlanta takes fried chicken seriously. You’ll find:

• Crunchy, seasoned bone-in pieces
• Hot chicken sandwiches
• Fried chicken brunch plates with waffles, biscuits, or grits

Common pairings:

• Mac and cheese
• Collard greens
• Candied yams
• Biscuits or cornbread

You’ll see fried chicken on menus from casual diners to white-tablecloth restaurants, especially in neighborhoods like Downtown, Midtown, Inman Park, and Buckhead, as well as on the Westside and South Atlanta.

3. Soul Food Plates

Soul food is central to Atlanta’s identity, especially in historically Black neighborhoods and around the Westside, Southwest Atlanta, and Cascade.

Typical soul food plate options:

• Mains: fried chicken, smothered pork chops, meatloaf, oxtails, turkey wings, fried fish
• Sides: collard greens, black-eyed peas, lima beans, cabbage, corn, mac and cheese, dressing (stuffing), rice and gravy
• Breads: cornbread, rolls, biscuits

Many soul food restaurants operate cafeteria-style:

1. You move through a line.
2. Pick a meat (or two).
3. Choose 2–3 sides and bread.

Soul food spots are often busiest on Sundays after church and during weekday lunch.

4. BBQ (Pulled Pork, Ribs, and More)

In Atlanta, barbecue usually means:

• Pulled pork sandwiches or plates
• Ribs (pork or beef)
• Smoked chicken
• Occasionally brisket, sausage, or turkey
• Sauces that can be sweet, tangy, vinegar-based, or mustardy

Common sides:

• Baked beans
• Slaw
• Potato salad
• Brunswick stew
• Cornbread or Texas toast

You’ll find barbecue:

• In-town neighborhoods (Grant Park, West Midtown, Old Fourth Ward)
• Suburban areas of Cobb, DeKalb, Clayton, and Gwinnett Counties

Many barbecue places also cater for events and game days, which is useful if you’re planning a gathering.

5. Shrimp and Grits

Borrowed from the coastal South and made popular in Atlanta’s brunch and dinner scene, shrimp and grits is now an Atlanta staple.

Typical Atlanta-style:

• Stone-ground or creamy grits
• Topped with sautéed or blackened shrimp
• Often served with a rich sauce: garlic butter, tomato-based, or andouille sausage gravy

You’ll find shrimp and grits:

• At brunch spots in Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Virginia-Highland
• On dinner menus at Southern and “New American” restaurants across the city

6. Biscuits, Chicken Biscuits, and Southern Breakfast

Atlanta loves hearty breakfast:

Common breakfast favorites:

• Buttermilk biscuits (plain, with butter or jam)
• Chicken biscuits (fried chicken in a biscuit)
• Bacon, egg & cheese biscuits
• Grits (plain, cheesy, or with butter)
• Country ham, sausage, and eggs

You’ll find:

• Local breakfast spots near busy commuter routes
• Diners and cafes in almost every part of the metro

Morning drive-through lines can be long, especially on weekdays.

7. Pimento Cheese and Deviled Eggs

Many restaurants in Atlanta offer pimento cheese and deviled eggs as:

• Starters
• Bar snacks
• Picnic or tailgate foods

Pimento cheese:

• A spread made with cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos
• Served with crackers, toast, or on burgers/sandwiches

Deviled eggs:

• Hard-boiled eggs filled with a seasoned yolk mixture
• Sometimes topped with bacon, pickles, or hot sauce

You’re especially likely to see these:

• In Southern restaurants in Midtown, West Midtown, and Buckhead
• On small-plates menus around in-town neighborhoods

8. Hot Chicken and Spicy “Atlanta-Style” Chicken

While Nashville hot chicken gets national attention, Atlanta has developed its own love for very spicy fried chicken:

• Crispy chicken coated in fiery seasoning
• Served as sandwiches, tenders, or bone-in pieces
• Comes in heat levels from mild to “Atlanta hot”

You’ll find hot chicken:

• In food halls (like those in Midtown or Westside)
• At specialized chicken chains and local independents across the metro

Global Flavors That Are Huge in Atlanta

Atlanta’s most popular foods aren’t just Southern. Locals regularly mix in global dishes that have become part of the city’s everyday eating.

1. Buford Highway: International Food Corridor

Buford Highway (along NE Atlanta, Brookhaven, Doraville, and Chamblee) is known for:

• Korean BBQ
• Chinese dumplings and noodles
• Vietnamese pho and banh mi
• Mexican taquerias
• Central and South American bakeries and restaurants

You can easily plan an entire day of eating along Buford Highway, hopping from one cuisine to another.

2. Tacos, Birria, and Street-Style Mexican

Across Atlanta, especially in:

• Norcross, Duluth, Doraville, Chamblee
• Parts of South Atlanta and Forest Park

You’ll see:

• Street-style tacos (carne asada, al pastor, carnitas, lengua)
• Birria tacos with consommé
• Elote (Mexican street corn)
• Horchata and aguas frescas

Food trucks and small taquerias are especially popular late nights and weekends.

3. Korean BBQ and Korean Fried Chicken

Atlanta’s Korean community is centered around Doraville and nearby areas. Popular foods:

• Korean BBQ: grill-your-own marinated meats (bulgogi, galbi) at the table, plus many side dishes (banchan)
• Korean fried chicken: double-fried wings or drumsticks, often in soy-garlic or spicy gochujang sauce
• Kimbap, jjigae (stews), and bibimbap

These restaurants are often open late and are popular for groups.

4. West African, Caribbean, and Ethiopian Food

In and around Atlanta you’ll also find:

• West African (Nigerian, Ghanaian, Senegalese)
  • Jollof rice
  • Suya (spiced grilled meat)
  • Egusi soup
• Caribbean
  • Jerk chicken
  • Oxtail
  • Curry goat
  • Patties
• Ethiopian (mainly around Midtown, Decatur, and Stone Mountain)
  • Injera (spongy flatbread)
  • Tibs and wats (meats and stews)

These cuisines are part of everyday dining for many locals, not just special “try something new” meals.

Popular Atlanta Desserts and Sweets

1. Peach Dishes (Pies, Cobblers, and Ice Cream)

Georgia is the Peach State, and Atlanta leans into that:

• Peach cobbler
• Peach pie
• Peach ice cream or milkshakes
• Peach toppings on waffles or pancakes

You’ll often see peach desserts at:

• Southern restaurants
• Diners
• Some ice cream shops, especially in summer

2. Pound Cake, Banana Pudding, and Layer Cakes

Common desserts you’ll see on Atlanta menus and at family gatherings:

• Pound cake (plain, lemon, or glazed)
• Banana pudding
• Red velvet cake
• Carrot cake
• Sweet potato pie

Many soul food and Southern restaurants offer a dessert case or daily rotating options.

3. Doughnuts, Pastries, and Artisan Ice Cream

In-town neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, Decatur, and West Midtown have:

• Specialty doughnut shops
• Bakeries with croissants, cookies, and cakes
• Ice cream shops with locally inspired or seasonal flavors

These are especially popular stops on weekend walks, BeltLine outings, and after-dinner strolls.

Popular Drinks That Pair With Atlanta Food

Sweet Tea and Lemonade

Nearly every casual Southern or soul food restaurant in Atlanta offers:

• Sweet tea (often very sweet)
• Unsweet tea
• Lemonade
• “Arnold Palmer” (half tea, half lemonade)

These are classic pairings with fried chicken, wings, and barbecue.

Local Craft Beer and Cocktails

In areas like West Midtown, East Atlanta, Grant Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Decatur, breweries and bars commonly serve:

• Local IPAs, lagers, and sours
• Cocktails using peach, bourbon, and local ingredients

Suburban cities around metro Atlanta (like Smyrna, Roswell, Duluth) also have growing brewery scenes.

Where to Experience Popular Atlanta Foods by Area

Here’s a simple way to think about what to eat where in and around the city.

Use this as a planning tool: pick an area based on what you’re craving, then explore on foot or by short drive.

Eating Like a Local: Practical Tips

1. Plan around traffic and timing.
Atlanta’s traffic can be heavy, especially:

• Weekdays 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.
• Near major event venues (Downtown, Midtown, Cobb, College Park)

If you’re going to a popular spot, consider:

• Slightly off-peak hours (early lunch or early dinner)
• Allowing extra time for parking

2. Expect crowds at brunch.
Brunch is a big deal in Atlanta, particularly:

• Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
• In Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, and West Midtown

You may need:

• Reservations at popular restaurants
• A backup option nearby if wait times are long

3. Try at least one “meat and three.”
A “meat and three” plate is a core Southern experience:

• One main (fried chicken, pork chop, meatloaf, etc.)
• Three sides (collards, mac and cheese, yams, beans, etc.)
• Usually includes bread (cornbread or roll)

You’ll find this format at many local diners and soul food spots across the metro area.

4. Leave room for late-night wings or tacos.
Some of Atlanta’s best popular foods—especially wings and tacos—are commonly eaten:

• After concerts or games
• Late-night on weekends

If you want to see what locals actually eat after hours, keep dinner a little lighter and plan for a second stop.

5. Check for food halls.
Atlanta’s food halls and markets are great if you:

• Have a group with different tastes
• Want to sample several popular foods in one place

You’ll often find:

• Burgers, tacos, fried chicken, international stalls, and dessert counters under one roof.

Using Local Resources to Explore Food in Atlanta

If you want more structured help navigating Atlanta’s food scene, you can use local public resources:

• ATL City Hall – Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs
  55 Trinity Ave SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone (main City Hall line): (404) 330-6000
  This office sometimes supports festivals and cultural events where food vendors showcase local favorites.

• Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
  233 Peachtree St NE, Suite 1400
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main phone: (404) 521-6600
  They provide visitor information, event details, and can guide you toward food festivals and popular dining areas.

You can also look for:

• Local neighborhood associations and downtown development authorities that promote restaurant districts.
• Farmers markets and seasonal events where food trucks and local vendors gather.

Atlanta’s most popular foods reflect its personality: bold, comforting, diverse, and always evolving. If you focus on wings, fried chicken, soul food, barbecue, shrimp and grits, and a few global standouts from Buford Highway and surrounding neighborhoods, you’ll get an authentic taste of how people actually eat in Atlanta.