Fast Food in Atlanta, Georgia: Where to Go, What to Know, and How to Eat on the Go

Atlanta has one of the most diverse fast food scenes in the Southeast. Whether you’re rushing between meetings downtown, grabbing a late bite after a game, or feeding a family in the suburbs, fast food in Atlanta, Georgia covers almost every cuisine and budget.

This guide breaks down where to find fast food in Atlanta, how it typically works here, and what locals and visitors should know about hours, drive-thrus, delivery, and better-for-you options.

How Fast Food Works in Atlanta

Fast food in Atlanta generally falls into a few broad categories:

• National chains (burgers, chicken, pizza, tacos, sandwiches)
• Regional Southern favorites with strong Atlanta footprints
• International chains clustered around certain neighborhoods
• Local “quick-serve” spots that work like fast food but are often independently owned

In most places, you’ll order at a counter, kiosk, or drive-thru, get your food quickly, and either take it to go or sit in a casual dining area. Many locations in Atlanta also connect to third‑party delivery apps for home, office, and hotel delivery.

Key Fast Food Areas in Atlanta

You can find fast food almost everywhere, but some corridors and districts stand out for convenience and variety.

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

If you’re flying in or out, the airport itself is one of the densest fast food hubs in the city:

• Concourses A–E and T: burgers, chicken, pizza, coffee, and grab‑and‑go options
• Domestic Terminal (North and South): fast food counters near ticketing and baggage claim

Many airport restaurants keep extended hours to match flight schedules, which is helpful for very early or late arrivals.

Downtown & Around State Farm Arena / Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

If you’re near:

• Downtown Atlanta (Peachtree St, Marietta St, Centennial Olympic Park area)
• Georgia State University campus
• State Farm Arena or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

you’ll find:

• Multiple burger and chicken chains within walking distance
• Pizza by the slice and quick sandwich counters
• Late‑night options closer to major hotels and MARTA rail stations

Expect heavier crowds before and after major events and during weekday lunch hours.

Midtown, West Midtown, and Tech Square

Around Midtown Atlanta, Georgia Tech, and Atlantic Station, you’ll see:

• Fast casual spots that function like higher‑end fast food
• Traditional chains along Peachtree St NE, 10th St, and Northside Dr NW
• Quick-service Asian, Mediterranean, and taco concepts that serve food at fast‑food speed

This is a good area if you want slightly more variety while still ordering at a counter and getting food quickly.

Buckhead and North Atlanta

In Buckhead and areas stretching up Peachtree Rd NE, Roswell Rd, and the GA‑400 corridor, fast food is clustered near:

• Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza
• Busy intersections and commercial strips
• Big-box shopping centers

Drive‑thru locations are very common along major roads, making it convenient if you’re heading north toward Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, or Roswell.

I‑285 and I‑75 / I‑85 Corridors

Drivers will notice that almost every major highway exit has:

• At least one burger or chicken chain
• A coffee or donut shop
• Sometimes a 24‑hour option or late‑night drive‑thru

These are practical stops if you’re commuting, heading to the airport, or passing through Atlanta on a road trip.

Quick Look: Typical Fast Food Options in Atlanta

Below is a simple overview of what you’ll commonly find around the city:

Neighborhoods and Corridors with Lots of Choices

Buford Highway Corridor

The Buford Highway stretch through northeast Atlanta and adjoining cities is known for:

• Fast-service Asian, Latin American, and international eateries
• Quick noodle shops, taquerias, and cafes that operate at fast‑food speed
• Many places offering counter service and takeout suitable for quick meals

If you want fast but less typical American fast food, this area is a good bet.

Near Campuses: GSU, Georgia Tech, Emory, and More

Areas around Georgia State University, Georgia Tech, Emory University, and Atlanta University Center usually have:

• Budget‑friendly fast food
• Extended hours during the academic year
• Mix of national brands and local quick‑serve restaurants

These are practical stops if you’re visiting campus, attending events, or staying nearby.

Using Drive‑Thrus in Atlanta

Drive‑thrus are especially common in:

• Suburban areas (Decatur outskirts, East Point, College Park, Marietta, Sandy Springs)
• Busy roads like Moreland Ave, Roswell Rd, Peachtree Industrial, and Cobb Pkwy

What to expect:

• Peak times: 7–9 a.m., 12–2 p.m., and 5–7 p.m.
• Lines may wrap around buildings at popular locations
• Many places have dual‑lane drive‑thrus to speed up ordering

If you’re in a hurry:

• Aim for off‑peak hours (midmorning or midafternoon)
• Consider ordering ahead through the restaurant’s app if available
• Keep your payment method ready to speed up the line

Late-Night and 24‑Hour Fast Food Considerations

Atlanta does have late‑night fast food, but availability can vary by neighborhood and day of week.

Common patterns:

• Near colleges and downtown: more locations open late on weekends
• Near interstate exits: greater chance of a 24‑hour or very late‑night option
• Residential neighborhoods: many locations close earlier, especially on weeknights

Because hours can change, especially after major events or holidays, it’s wise to:

• Check posted hours at the storefront
• Call ahead if you’re driving a longer distance just for that location
• Have a backup option at a nearby highway exit

Ordering Fast Food for Delivery in Atlanta

Most Atlanta fast food restaurants now connect with one or more delivery platforms. In practice, that means:

• You can often get burgers, chicken, pizza, and more delivered to your home, office, or hotel.
• Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and areas close to campuses tend to have shorter delivery times because of higher driver density.
• Outlying suburbs usually still have coverage but may have longer wait times during peak hours or bad weather.

Tips if you’re visiting:

• When staying at a downtown or Midtown hotel, confirm with the front desk how deliveries are handled (lobby handoff vs. room delivery).
• Double‑check the address format, especially if you’re in a large apartment complex or mixed‑use building.

Eating Fast Food on a Budget in Atlanta

Fast food is a common choice for keeping meal costs down, particularly near:

• Downtown office areas
• College campuses
• Transit hubs like MARTA rail stations and Park & Ride lots

Ways people in Atlanta often save:

• Taking advantage of value menus or combo deals
• Ordering shareable items (like a large pizza or family‑size chicken meal) for groups
• Picking up food directly in-store or via drive‑thru to avoid delivery fees

Because prices can be higher in dense districts (like near major attractions), some locals drive a few extra minutes to a less touristy strip center for the same chains at similar or slightly lower prices.

Fast(er) and Slightly Lighter Options

If you’re trying to keep things a bit lighter while still eating fast in Atlanta, look for:

• Grilled rather than fried options where available
• Salads or bowls at sandwich and Tex‑Mex‑style counters
• Smaller portion sizes or kids’ meals for a lighter bite
• Water or unsweetened tea instead of sugary drinks if you’re watching intake

Around Midtown, Buckhead, and Emory, you’ll also find more fast‑casual spots with:

• Bowls, salads, and wraps
• Customizable toppings
• Clear ingredient lists at the counter

These operate at similar speed to fast food, but with menus that can offer more variety.

Parking, Traffic, and Getting Around

Atlanta’s layout affects how you access fast food:

• Driving: Most fast food in the broader metro area assumes you’re in a car, with parking lots and drive‑thrus.
• Walking: In Downtown, Midtown, and around campuses, you can walk between several options.
• Transit: MARTA rail and bus lines put you within walking distance of many fast food restaurants, especially near major stations like Five Points, Peachtree Center, Arts Center, and Lenox.

Traffic can be heavy during:

• Morning rush (roughly 7–9 a.m.)
• Evening rush (roughly 4–7 p.m.)
• Before and after large events (concerts, sports, conventions)

If you’re planning to swing through a drive‑thru, it may be easier to avoid the busiest commuter windows when possible.

Finding Fast Food Near Key Atlanta Landmarks

Helpful reference points if you’re exploring the city:

• Centennial Olympic Park / Georgia Aquarium / World of Coca‑Cola
  Fast food is clustered along Marietta St NW, Baker St NW, and near hotel blocks.

• Atlanta BeltLine (Eastside Trail)
  While the BeltLine itself leans more toward cafes and fast‑casual spots, nearby surface streets often have quick‑serve chains and local counter-service restaurants.

• Lenox Square / Phipps Plaza (Buckhead)
  The mall food courts and nearby main roads offer plenty of fast food, including burger, chicken, and sandwich chains.

• Cobb Galleria / The Battery Atlanta (near Truist Park)
  You’ll find a mix of fast food, fast casual, and grab‑and‑go spots catering to event crowds and office workers.

Practical Tips for Fast Food in Atlanta

A few final pointers if you’ll be relying on fast food while you’re here:

• ⏰ Check hours carefully, especially late at night and on Sundays. Hours can vary by neighborhood.
• 🚗 Plan for parking in busy areas; some urban locations have limited or paid parking.
• 📱 Consider ordering ahead via restaurant apps during peak times to reduce your wait.
• 🧾 Keep receipts if you’re traveling for work and need meal documentation.
• 🌦️ During major storms or heat waves, delivery times and store hours can change on short notice.

Fast food in Atlanta is widespread, relatively easy to access, and adapts to how the city moves—by car, by transit, and around major events. Whether you live here, are visiting for a few days, or are just passing through, you’ll rarely be far from a quick, affordable meal.