Pelicana Chicken in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re searching for “Pelicana Chicken Atlanta”, you’re probably craving Korean fried chicken and trying to figure out where to go, what to order, and how it all works in and around Atlanta, Georgia. This guide walks you through the essentials: locations, parking, what’s on the menu, how spicy it really is, and tips for locals and visitors.

What Is Pelicana Chicken and Why Is It Popular in Atlanta?

Pelicana Chicken is a Korean fried chicken chain known for extra-crispy double-fried chicken and bold sauces. In the Atlanta area, it tends to attract:

  • Korean food fans from across the metro
  • Local college students and young professionals
  • Families looking for a casual spot with shareable plates

The Atlanta-area locations usually feel like casual, quick-service restaurants: order at the counter, grab a table, and wait for your number to be called. Some spots lean a bit more toward a sit-down vibe, especially near busy mixed-use developments.

Where to Find Pelicana Chicken Around Atlanta

Availability can change, but in general, Pelicana tends to open locations in or near dense, walkable neighborhoods and busy suburban centers. When you search for “Pelicana Chicken Atlanta,” you’re likely to find options in areas such as:

  • Midtown / Central Atlanta – Convenient if you’re staying in-town, near Georgia Tech, or working in the city. These locations are usually busy during lunch and dinner hours, especially on weekends.
  • Suburban Metro Areas – Places like Duluth, Suwanee, or other northeast suburbs often have Korean dining clusters, and Pelicana may appear alongside other Korean restaurants, bakeries, and bubble tea shops.

Because specific restaurant openings and closures can shift, it’s a good idea to:

  • Check the address and hours right before you go.
  • Confirm whether the location is dine-in, takeout, or delivery-focused.

If you’re driving in from elsewhere in metro Atlanta, note that traffic patterns on I-75, I-85, and I-285 can add a lot of time at peak rush hours, so plan a buffer if you’re heading there before a game or a show downtown.

What’s on the Menu at Pelicana Chicken in Atlanta?

Most Atlanta-area Pelicana locations follow a similar core menu, with some variation:

Core Fried Chicken Options

You’ll typically see:

  • Bone-in fried chicken (whole, half, or mixed pieces)
  • Boneless chicken (often called “tenders,” “boneless,” or “strips”)
  • Wings (traditional or boneless)

Sauces and seasonings are the main event. Common options include:

  • Original crispy (no sauce, just seasoned and crunchy)
  • Sweet & mild sauces – often soy-garlic style or honey-based
  • Spicy sauces – from moderate heat to very hot Korean-style chili sauces

Atlanta diners often order a half-and-half platter (two flavors in one order) to try more than one style in a single visit.

Popular Side Dishes

Sides tend to be a mix of Korean and American casual fare:

  • Pickled radish (standard with Korean fried chicken; cuts through the richness)
  • French fries or waffle fries
  • Onion rings or cheese sticks
  • Coleslaw or salad
  • Sometimes rice, fried rice, or Korean-inspired sides depending on the location

If you’re going with a group, it’s common in Atlanta to share a couple of large chicken orders plus sides rather than each person ordering separately.

Heat Levels: How Spicy Is Pelicana in Atlanta?

Spice tolerance in Atlanta is all over the map, from mild Southern palates to people who actively seek out the hottest Korean dishes in Doraville and Duluth. Pelicana typically offers multiple heat levels:

  • Mild / Non-spicy – Original crispy, soy-based, or honey-style sauces
  • Medium spice – Noticeable kick but manageable for most
  • Hot / Very hot – Can be intense if you’re not used to Korean chili sauces

If you’re unsure:

  • Start with half mild, half medium on a combo order.
  • Ask staff how a sauce compares to common hot sauces; many Atlanta workers are used to explaining the heat for people new to Korean fried chicken.

Dining Experience: What to Expect When You Visit

Visiting Pelicana Chicken in Atlanta usually feels like a blend of fast-casual and hangout spot:

Ordering & Wait Time

  • You typically order and pay at the counter.
  • Freshly fried chicken takes longer than typical fast food, especially during busy hours.
  • Wait times can range from around 10–25 minutes, depending on volume and order size.

This makes Pelicana a better fit when you have a bit of time to sit, chat, and snack—rather than when you’re in a true rush between appointments.

Atmosphere

Depending on the specific Atlanta-area location, you may notice:

  • TVs showing sports, K-pop, or general programming
  • A mix of families, students, and office workers
  • Music at a moderate volume

Dress is very casual, and it’s common to see groups come after sports games, concerts, or shopping trips.

Takeout, Delivery, and Late-Night Options

For people living or staying in Atlanta, especially around Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, and the northeastern suburbs, Pelicana is often available for:

  • Call-ahead takeout or counter takeout
  • App-based delivery (through major food delivery platforms)

Things to keep in mind:

  • Crispiness can decline slightly on longer delivery distances, especially in Atlanta traffic. If you care a lot about texture, picking up in person generally works better.
  • Late-night hours vary by location; some Atlanta-area branches may stay open later on weekends, but it’s important to verify closing time before heading out.

Price Range and How Much to Order

Pricing can change, but Pelicana in Atlanta typically falls in the moderate range for a specialty fried chicken spot.

A rough framework for planning your order:

Group SizeTypical OrderNotes
1 personSmall boneless or wing order + 1 sideEnough for a full meal, possibly leftovers
2 people1 larger chicken order (half-and-half flavors) + 1–2 sidesShareable and cost-effective
3–4 people2 chicken orders (different flavors) + 2–3 sidesGood variety; often a better value per person
5+ peopleLarge combo platters or multiple full ordersConsider calling ahead for big groups

If you’re used to traditional Atlanta fried chicken joints, you may find that sauce-covered Korean fried chicken is a bit richer, so people sometimes eat fewer pieces per person than at a typical wing spot.

Parking and Transportation Tips for Atlanta Diners

Because Atlanta is car-heavy, planning your trip to Pelicana can save you time:

  • In-town / Midtown or central locations

    • Expect paid decks, street parking, or validation-based parking in mixed-use developments.
    • MARTA rail and buses can be an option if you’re already staying or working nearby.
  • Suburban metro locations

    • Often part of shopping centers with free surface parking.
    • These spots can still fill up during dinner rush, so arriving a bit early helps.

If you’re visiting from out of town without a car, staying near a MARTA station in Midtown or Downtown and relying on rideshare can be the simplest way to reach Pelicana locations that are a bit farther out.

Dietary Considerations and Common Questions

Is Pelicana Chicken Halal, Gluten-Free, or Allergen-Friendly?

Policies can vary by location, but in general:

  • Halal: Most standard U.S. fried chicken chains are not specifically halal-certified unless clearly stated. Call ahead if this is important for your household.
  • Gluten-free: Traditional Korean fried chicken batter usually contains wheat flour, so it’s not gluten-free.
  • Allergens: Common allergens may include wheat, soy, egg, and dairy, and cross-contact in shared fryers is possible.

If you or someone in your group has allergies or dietary restrictions, it’s best to:

  • Call the specific Atlanta-area location ahead of time.
  • Ask about ingredients and fryer practices before ordering.

Tips for Locals and Visitors Planning a Visit

Here are a few Atlanta-specific pointers to make your Pelicana trip smoother:

  • Time your visit around traffic 🚗

    • Try to avoid weekday rush hour when driving across town from places like Sandy Springs, Decatur, or the Airport.
  • Pair it with other local plans

    • If you’re in-town, consider Pelicana before or after:
      • A show at the Fox Theatre
      • A game at State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium
      • A visit to Piedmont Park or the Atlanta BeltLine
    • In the suburbs, combine it with a trip to Korean bakeries, bubble tea spots, or grocery stores often found nearby.
  • Order a mix if it’s your first time

    • Choose one non-spicy flavor + one spicy flavor on a shareable platter.
    • Add pickled radish if it’s not automatically included; it’s a classic pairing.
  • Plan for leftovers

    • Many Atlantans find that Korean fried chicken reheats better in an air fryer or hot oven than in a microwave. If you’re staying in a hotel with a kitchenette or at home, you can enjoy it again the next day.

How to Check Hours and Contact Details

Because specific addresses, phone numbers, and hours can change over time in Atlanta’s fast-moving restaurant scene, it’s wise to:

  • Look up “Pelicana Chicken” + the neighborhood name (for example, “Pelicana Chicken Midtown Atlanta” or “Pelicana Chicken Duluth GA”).
  • Confirm:
    • Exact address and suite number
    • Current opening and closing times
    • Whether they offer dine-in, takeout, and/or delivery

If you’re planning a large group visit—such as a birthday, office outing, or student meetup—calling ahead to the specific Atlanta-area location can help you:

  • Ask about table availability
  • Check whether they can handle a large order on a tight timeline
  • Clarify parking or group seating options

If your search for “Pelicana Chicken Atlanta” is really about finding crispy, flavor-packed Korean fried chicken in or around the city, you’ll generally find it in busy, food-focused neighborhoods with convenient parking or transit access. Plan around traffic, start with a couple of different sauces, and be ready for a slightly longer cook time in exchange for fresh, crunchy chicken.