JJ Fish and Chicken in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re craving fried fish and crispy chicken in Atlanta, JJ Fish & Chicken is likely one of the first names you’ll come across. This Chicago-born chain has made its way into metro Atlanta, drawing people looking for fast, filling, and affordable seafood-and-chicken plates.

This guide walks you through what to expect at JJ Fish and Chicken in Atlanta, typical menu items, pricing expectations, locations, and practical tips for locals and visitors.

What Is JJ Fish and Chicken?

JJ Fish & Chicken is a casual, counter-service restaurant known for:

  • Fried fish dinners (often catfish, whiting, perch, tilapia)
  • Fried chicken wings and tenders
  • Shrimp and seafood combos
  • Generous portions, especially of fries
  • Late-night, grab-and-go style service in many locations

In Atlanta, JJ Fish and Chicken tends to attract:

  • People looking for a quick meal after work
  • Late-night diners after events or nightlife
  • Students and families wanting a budget-friendly combo meal

You can generally expect no-frills dining: bright menu boards, counter ordering, and food served in Styrofoam or to-go containers, even if you’re eating on-site.

Typical JJ Fish and Chicken Menu in Atlanta

Menus can vary slightly by Atlanta location, but the core items are fairly consistent.

Popular Fish Options

You’ll usually find:

  • Catfish fillets or catfish nuggets
  • Whiting
  • Tilapia
  • Perch (at some locations)
  • Shrimp (regular and jumbo)

Fish is usually:

  • Battered and deep fried
  • Served with fries and often white bread and coleslaw
  • Available as dinners (2-piece, 3-piece, or more) or family-size platters

Chicken Options

Chicken is another major draw. Common items include:

  • Chicken wings (often sold in 4, 6, 10, 20 pieces, etc.)
  • Leg and thigh dinners
  • Chicken tenders/strips
  • Occasional mixed chicken dinners (breast, wing, leg, thigh)

Most chicken orders come with:

  • Fries
  • Bread
  • Sometimes coleslaw or an extra side, depending on the combo

Sides, Sauces, and Add-Ons

You’ll typically see:

  • French fries (a default side on most dinners)
  • Coleslaw
  • Hush puppies (at some locations)
  • Onion rings
  • Okra (fried)
  • Side salad at some stores

Sauces usually include:

  • Hot sauce
  • Mild sauce or “special” house sauce (varies by location)
  • Ketchup, BBQ, ranch, and sometimes tartar sauce

🍤 Tip: If you like your food spicy, ask at the counter which sauces they recommend. Some locations lean more toward Chicago-style “mild sauce,” which is tangy and slightly sweet.

Price Range and Portion Expectations

Pricing can change over time, but in Atlanta, JJ Fish and Chicken is generally considered budget to mid-range for fast food-style meals.

You can typically expect:

  • Small fish or chicken dinner: usually in the lower teens or under, depending on the number of pieces
  • Larger combo plates or family meals: higher teens or up, but can feed multiple people
  • Single side items: usually a few dollars each

Portions are often hearty, with a lot of fries. If you’re not very hungry, one plate may be enough to share between two people, especially when ordered with extra sides.

Common Atlanta Locations and How to Find One

JJ Fish and Chicken locations can change, so it’s wise to search specifically for “JJ Fish and Chicken Atlanta” in your preferred map or search app when you’re ready to go. You’ll often find them in:

  • South and West Atlanta neighborhoods
  • Strip malls and along major routes
  • Areas with other quick-service and takeout restaurants nearby

Many Atlanta-area locations tend to be:

  • Take-out focused, with limited dine-in seating
  • Positioned along busy roads where parking is usually a small lot right in front

Because independent franchise owners may operate different stores, hours and menus can vary. Always double-check:

  • Hours of operation
  • Whether dine-in or drive-thru is available
  • Payment types accepted (most accept cards, but it’s practical to have a backup option)

When JJ Fish and Chicken Fits Your Atlanta Plans

Depending on what you’re doing in Atlanta, JJ Fish and Chicken can be a convenient choice in several situations.

For Locals

  • After-work meals: Pick up a fish or chicken combo on your way home.
  • Game day or party food: Wings and fish combos can work well for casual gatherings.
  • Budget-friendly option: If you’re watching costs but still want something hot and filling, the portions here can stretch.

For Visitors

If you’re visiting Atlanta and staying downtown, near the airport, or in nearby neighborhoods, JJ Fish and Chicken can be:

  • A quick meal before or after a flight
  • A way to try a Midwest-style fish-and-chicken chain that many Atlantans are familiar with
  • A convenient late-night option if your hotel is close to a location that stays open late

What to Expect Inside a Typical Atlanta JJ Fish and Chicken

While each Atlanta location has its own feel, there are some common patterns:

Atmosphere

  • Casual and straightforward: menu boards, counter service, sometimes basic dine-in tables
  • Often a TV playing sports or news
  • People in work clothes, families, students, and delivery drivers coming in and out

Service Style

  • Step up to the counter, place your order, and pay first.
  • You’ll get a ticket number or receipt.
  • Food is cooked to order at many locations, so expect a short wait, especially during peak times.

Wait Times

Average wait times can range from about:

  • 5–10 minutes during slower hours
  • 10–20 minutes during busy periods (lunch, early evening, or late-night rush)

If you’re on a tight schedule, calling ahead (when a location offers phone orders) or arriving a bit before standard meal times can help.

JJ Fish and Chicken vs. Other Atlanta Fried Food Spots

Atlanta has no shortage of fried fish and chicken, from independent soul food spots to wings-only shops and seafood-focused eateries.

JJ Fish and Chicken may be a good fit if you:

  • Want both fish and chicken in one place
  • Prefer a quick-service, takeout-focused restaurant
  • Like Chicago-style influences (such as mild sauce and certain breaded fish styles)
  • Are looking for simple, predictable menu choices

If you want:

  • A full-service restaurant experience
  • A broad menu with grilled options, salads, and desserts
  • Upscale or “date night” atmosphere

…you might look beyond JJ Fish and Chicken to other Atlanta restaurants. But for a no-frills, fried fish and wings craving, JJ Fish and Chicken fits a common niche.

Ordering Tips for Atlanta Diners

To make your visit smoother and more satisfying, consider the following:

1. Decide on Fish, Chicken, or Both

If you’re unsure, many Atlantans go for:

  • Combo plates (e.g., fish and shrimp, or fish and wings)
  • All wings if they’re in a chicken mood
  • Catfish or whiting dinners if they prefer fish

2. Ask About Spice and Seasoning

Every location seasons a bit differently. If you’re sensitive to spice or want extra flavor:

  • Ask for light seasoning or extra seasoning to your taste.
  • Request sauce on the side if you don’t want your food to get soggy.

3. Share Large Orders

If you’re with family or friends:

  • Consider a family-size fish and chicken platter.
  • Add extra sides like fries, coleslaw, or okra to round out the meal.

4. Double-Check Your Order Before Leaving

Because many people order to-go, it’s practical to:

  • Check your bag for the right number of pieces
  • Confirm you received sauces, utensils, and napkins

This is especially helpful if you’re driving a distance or heading back to a hotel.

Payment, Parking, and Practical Details

While specifics vary by Atlanta location, here’s what you can generally expect:

  • Payment: Most locations accept major credit and debit cards and cash. It’s wise to have a backup payment method just in case.
  • Parking: Typically surface-lot parking directly in front or beside the building, often shared with other businesses in the same plaza.
  • Takeout / Delivery: Some locations may work with third-party delivery apps commonly used in Atlanta. Availability and fees differ by area.

If you rely heavily on delivery, searching each specific JJ Fish and Chicken location in your delivery app can show you:

  • Whether they’re delivering to your address
  • Approximate delivery times
  • Menu variations or special combos

How JJ Fish and Chicken Fits into Atlanta’s Food Landscape

Atlanta is known for:

  • Southern and soul food
  • Wings and lemon pepper culture
  • Seafood boils and fried seafood

JJ Fish and Chicken sits at the crossroads of these trends, offering:

  • Fried catfish, whiting, and shrimp like many Southern fish spots
  • Wings, sandwiches, and fried sides that appeal to wing-lovers
  • A quick, come-as-you-are environment that’s familiar to many locals

If you’re exploring food in Atlanta and want something:

  • Casual
  • Budget-conscious
  • Focused on fried fish and chicken

…JJ Fish and Chicken is one of the recognizable names to add to your list. Just be sure to confirm the nearest Atlanta-area location, hours, and menu on the day you plan to go, since individual stores set some of their own details.