Chick-fil-A on Atlanta Highway in Athens, GA: What Atlanta Visitors and Locals Should Know

If you searched for “Chick Fil a Atlanta Hwy Athens GA” from Atlanta, you’re probably trying to figure out where this location is, how to get there, and whether it’s worth the drive from the Atlanta area. Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to the Chick-fil-A on Atlanta Highway in Athens, Georgia, and how it fits into a typical day trip or visit from metro Atlanta.

Where Is the Chick-fil-A on Atlanta Highway in Athens, GA?

The Chick-fil-A on Atlanta Highway in Athens is a well-known, high-traffic location on one of Athens’ main commercial corridors.

A commonly referenced location is:

• Chick-fil-A – Atlanta Highway, Athens, GA
  Address: 1870 Atlanta Highway, Athens, GA 30606
  Phone: (706) 353-6731 (check current number before you call, as it can change)

This spot is close to shopping centers, auto dealerships, and other chain restaurants that line Atlanta Highway. For someone driving in from Atlanta, it’s on the western side of Athens, not far from the main routes that connect the two cities.

Driving From Atlanta to Chick-fil-A on Atlanta Highway in Athens

If you’re coming from Atlanta or the surrounding metro area, Athens is a straightforward drive northeast.

Typical Driving Route

Most Atlanta drivers use:

• GA-316 East from the I‑85 corridor (especially from areas like Duluth, Lawrenceville, or Norcross), then connect into Athens.
• From downtown or midtown Atlanta, many people take I‑85 North, then transition to GA‑316 East toward Athens.

Once you’re near Athens:

• Follow signage toward Athens / Atlanta Highway.
• Atlanta Highway is a major commercial strip, so expect multiple traffic lights, plenty of shopping centers, and heavier traffic around peak meal times.

🕒 Approximate drive time from Atlanta:

• From downtown Atlanta: often around 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
• From northeast suburbs (e.g., Lawrenceville): closer to 1 hour.

Because traffic can be unpredictable leaving Atlanta, it’s smart to allow some extra buffer time, especially on Fridays, game days, or during rush hour.

When Is the Atlanta Highway Chick-fil-A in Athens Typically Open?

Most Chick-fil-A locations, including those in Athens and Atlanta, tend to follow a similar pattern:

• Open: Early morning (often around 6:00–6:30 a.m.)
• Close: Late evening (often around 10:00 p.m.)
• Closed on Sundays

However, hours can vary by location and time of year, and may adjust for holidays or special events in Athens (such as major university events or football games). If you’re driving in from Atlanta, especially for breakfast or late-night dinner:

• Call ahead using the store’s phone number
• Or check the latest hours via a current maps or restaurant app before you leave

What to Expect at the Atlanta Highway Athens Chick-fil-A

If you’re used to Chick-fil-A locations in Atlanta, the Atlanta Highway spot in Athens will feel familiar but with a college-town twist.

Atmosphere and Crowd

Common patterns many people notice:

• Busy drive-thru: Especially during lunch, dinner, and weekday mornings.
• Student and family mix: Athens is home to a large university population, so you’ll see students, local residents, and visitors from nearby cities like Atlanta.
• Game day surges: On college football or major sporting event days, both the dining room and drive-thru can be significantly busier. If you’re heading from Atlanta on one of those days, expect delays and plan your meals accordingly.

Typical Menu and Options

The menu in Athens is broadly similar to what you’ll find at Chick-fil-A locations across metro Atlanta. While individual item availability can change, you can usually expect:

Breakfast (typically served in the morning hours)

• Chicken biscuits
• Chicken minis
• Hash browns
• Breakfast burritos and bowls
• Coffee and basic breakfast beverages

All-Day / Lunch & Dinner

• Chicken sandwiches (original, spicy, and various versions with lettuce/tomato/cheese)
• Nuggets and grilled nuggets
• Salads and wraps
• Waffle fries and side options
• Milkshakes and desserts

If you have dietary restrictions, you can usually:

• Ask for grilled options, no bun, or modifications to toppings.
• Request ingredient lists or allergen information in-store.

Because this is a fast-moving, high-traffic location, it’s often easier to double-check your order at pickup before you leave the parking lot, especially if you’ve made custom changes.

Drive-Thru vs. Dine-In: Tips for Atlanta Visitors

If you’re driving in from Atlanta, you might be on a schedule or traveling with family or friends. Here’s how to choose the setup that works best:

Drive-Thru

Best if you:

• Are passing through Athens and don’t want to stop for long
• Are continuing on to downtown Athens, campus, or another city
• Have a car full of kids or a group and want a quick stop

Tips:

• ⏱️ Expect lines during peak meal times, especially lunch.
• Consider ordering ahead through a mobile app to speed up pickup, when available.

Dine-In

Better if you:

• Want a break from driving from Atlanta
• Are meeting friends, family, or students who live in Athens
• Need table space to organize kids, devices, or work

If you’re timing your day trip around Athens visits (for example, a campus tour or errands in town), planning a sit-down meal window at this Chick-fil-A can give you a predictable anchor point in your schedule.

How This Location Fits Into a Day Trip From Atlanta

Many Atlanta residents head to Athens for:

• College visits or campus tours
• Sporting events
• Concerts and festivals
• Visiting friends or family at school
• Shopping or errands that are easier to handle in Athens

Here’s how the Atlanta Highway Chick-fil-A can fit into typical plans:

Before You Reach Downtown Athens

Atlanta Highway is on the western side of Athens, which you pass through or near on your way in from Atlanta. Many drivers:

• Stop here for breakfast before a morning campus tour
• Grab lunch before checking in at a hotel or event
• Pick up food to go on the way back to Atlanta

As a Meet-Up Spot

Because it’s a recognizable, easy-to-find chain on a major road, this location often works well as:

• A meeting point for people driving in separate cars from Atlanta and other nearby cities
• A central spot before everyone heads deeper into Athens (such as downtown or campus)

Atlanta vs. Athens: Why Choose the Atlanta Highway Location?

If you already have plenty of Chick-fil-A options in Atlanta, you might wonder why someone would stop in Athens at all.

Some common reasons:

• You’re already in Athens for an event or visit, and this is one of the more convenient Chick-fil-A locations along your route.
• Familiar food on a busy day: When you’re managing maps, appointments, or game-day schedules, a familiar menu can simplify planning.
• Comfortable for families: If you’re traveling from Atlanta with kids, this is an easy place to regroup, use restrooms, and get a predictable meal before or after a long event.

Practical Planning Tips for Atlanta Drivers

To make your visit smoother, especially if you’re driving in from Atlanta:

1. Check Traffic Before You Leave

• I‑85 and GA‑316 can clog up during rush hours, accidents, or game days.
• Give yourself a buffer of 20–30 minutes if you’re on a tight schedule.

2. Confirm Hours the Day Of

Because restaurant hours can change due to:

• Holidays
• Weather events
• Local events

…it’s wise to quickly check the current hours of the Atlanta Highway Chick-fil-A on a map app or by calling ahead, especially for early breakfast or late dinner.

3. Consider Your Direction of Travel

Other Food and Service Options Nearby

The Atlanta Highway corridor in Athens is lined with:

• Other fast-food and quick-service restaurants
• Grocery stores and pharmacies
• Big-box retailers and smaller local shops

If you’re coming from Atlanta and need to make a quick multi-stop errand run (picking up items for a dorm, stocking a short-term rental, or buying game-day gear), you can often pair this Chick-fil-A stop with:

• A visit to a nearby retail center
• A quick stop at a pharmacy or grocery store
• Gas and convenience store stops along Atlanta Highway

This makes it a practical hub if you’re trying to maximize your time in Athens before heading back to Atlanta.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta-Area Consumers

• The Chick-fil-A on Atlanta Highway in Athens, GA is a convenient, high-traffic location on the western side of town, commonly used by both locals and visitors from cities like Atlanta.
• From Atlanta, plan on about 1–1.5 hours of drive time, mainly via GA‑316 East, depending on where in the metro you start and how heavy traffic is.
• Hours typically resemble other Chick-fil-A locations (early morning to evening, closed Sundays), but it’s always smart to verify hours the same day, especially around events or holidays.
• This location works well as:
  • A meal stop on the way into or out of Athens
  • A meet-up spot for Atlanta visitors and local students
  • A family-friendly break during a busy game or event schedule

Planning ahead with traffic, hours, and your route can make a stop at the Chick-fil-A on Atlanta Highway in Athens a smooth and predictable part of your trip from Atlanta.