Where to Find the Best Fried Chicken in Atlanta, GA

Atlanta takes fried chicken seriously. Whether you want classic Southern bone-in, spicy Nashville-style, Korean double-fried, or late-night wings, you can find it somewhere along I-285. This guide focuses on Atlanta fried chicken restaurants and what locals, visitors, and newcomers should know to eat well around the city.

How Atlanta Does Fried Chicken

Fried chicken in Atlanta isn’t just one style. You’ll see a mix of:

• Classic Southern: Buttermilk-brined, seasoned flour, golden crust.
• Hot chicken: Inspired by Nashville, with cayenne-heavy oil and heat levels.
• Korean fried chicken: Ultra-crisp double-fried wings and drums with sweet, spicy, or soy-garlic sauces.
• Gas station and counter-service spots: Quick, affordable, and often surprisingly good.
• Brunch and “elevated” versions: Chicken and waffles, boneless thighs, and chef-driven twists.

Traffic, parking, and neighborhood vibe matter in Atlanta, so this guide is organized by type of experience and gives local context like MARTA access, usual crowds, and what to expect.

Iconic and Longstanding Fried Chicken Restaurants

These are the classic Atlanta fried chicken restaurants people often name first.

Busy Bee Cafe – Classic Soul Food Near Downtown

Type: Soul food, sit-down
Neighborhood: Vine City / just west of downtown
Address: 810 Martin Luther King Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
Phone: (404) 525-9212

Busy Bee is known for crispy, well-seasoned fried chicken and classic sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and yams. It’s close to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Georgia State’s campus, so it’s convenient if you’re downtown for a game or event.

What to know:

• Expect lines during lunch and weekends.
• Street parking can be tight; arrive early if you’re on a schedule.
• Great option if you want a full soul food plate, not just chicken by itself.

The Colonnade Restaurant – Old-School Atlanta Comfort Food

Type: Southern meat-and-three, sit-down
Neighborhood: Cheshire Bridge / Piedmont Heights
Address: 1879 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
Phone: (404) 874-5642

The Colonnade is a longtime Atlanta spot for pan-fried or deep-fried chicken with old-fashioned sides and rolls. It feels like a traditional family restaurant and serves large portions.

What to know:

• Typically draws a mix of longtime locals and families.
• Parking lot on-site, which is helpful along busy Cheshire Bridge Road.
• Good option if you’re in Midtown, Morningside, or Virginia-Highland and want a sit-down fried chicken dinner.

Neighborhood Favorites and Everyday Fried Chicken Spots

These places are popular with locals for casual, reliable fried chicken.

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken – Downtown Atlanta

Type: Spicy Southern fried chicken, casual
Neighborhood: Downtown
Address: 231 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 (Concourse Level of Peachtree Center)
Phone: (404) 996-2837

Gus’s specializes in spicy fried chicken that’s crispy outside and juicy inside. It’s convenient if you’re staying in a downtown hotel, attending a convention at the Georgia World Congress Center, or exploring the College Football Hall of Fame or World of Coca-Cola.

What to know:

• Easy to reach via MARTA Peachtree Center Station.
• Good for quick sit-down meals or takeout.
• Spice is present but usually manageable for most people; you can balance with sides like coleslaw or beans.

Local Wing and Fried Chicken Chains

Atlanta also has a strong culture of wings and fried chicken combos available at small chains and independent shops:

Common features:

• Combo plates: 2- or 3-piece meals with biscuits, fries, or rice.
• Wing specials: 10- or 20-piece orders, often late-night.
• Locations often near college campuses, along Buford Highway, or in strip centers with easy parking.

Many Atlantans use these spots for:

• Game-day food when watching the Falcons, Hawks, or college football at home.
• Quick dinners on busy weeknights.
• Late-night food after events.

Because there are many similar small businesses and locations can change, it’s best to:

• Check what’s closest to you in Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, or the Westside.
• Confirm hours before visiting, especially late at night.

Hot Chicken in Atlanta: If You Like It Spicy

Nashville-style hot chicken has become a big part of Atlanta’s fried chicken scene.

Common traits:

• Chicken is fried, then coated or brushed with spicy chili oil, often packed with cayenne.
• Spice levels range from mild to extremely hot.
• Often served with white bread and pickles to balance the heat.

You’ll find hot chicken:

• In specialized hot chicken spots in Midtown, West Midtown, and along Cheshire Bridge.
• As a menu item or sandwich at many modern Southern restaurants.
• At some food halls, where you can pair it with local sides and desserts.

What to consider:

• If you’re not sure about the heat, start with mild or regular and move up.
• Hot chicken can be messy; plan accordingly if you’re on a lunch break in work clothes.
• Many places offer tenders and sandwiches, which are easier to eat on the go than bone-in pieces.

Korean Fried Chicken in Atlanta

Atlanta’s Korean fried chicken scene is strong, especially in and around Doraville and Duluth, but you can also find options closer in-town.

Where You’ll Typically Find Korean Fried Chicken

• Buford Highway corridor (north of the city, accessible by MARTA Doraville Station plus a short ride or walk).
• Peachtree Road and satellite suburbs north of I-285.
• Select in-town spots in Midtown, West Midtown, and near Georgia Tech.

Common characteristics:

• Double-fried for extra crunch.
• Offered as wings, drumsticks, or boneless chunks.
• Coated with sauces like:
  • Sweet and spicy
  • Soy-garlic
  • Honey butter or other specialty flavors

Why locals like it:

• Great for group meals.
• Often served with beer or soju in casual settings.
• Good late-night option in some areas.

If you’re staying in Downtown or Midtown without a car:

• Look for Korean-style spots reachable by MARTA or short rideshare trips.
• Some operate inside food courts or mixed-use developments.

Brunch and “Elevated” Fried Chicken Dishes

Many Atlanta restaurants serve fried chicken as part of brunch or upscale Southern menus, not just as a fried chicken platter.

Common Brunch and Dinner Dishes

You’ll see items like:

• Chicken and waffles: Fried chicken atop a waffle, often with butter and syrup and occasionally hot sauce or flavored butter.
• Fried chicken biscuits: On buttermilk or cheddar biscuits, sometimes with honey, hot honey, or gravy.
• Boneless fried chicken thighs: Paired with mashed potatoes, greens, or seasonal sides.

These are common in:

• Midtown and Inman Park brunch spots.
• Westside and Old Fourth Ward restaurants with modern Southern menus.
• Decatur Square eateries that focus on comfort food.

Things to know for brunch:

• Reservations are often recommended for popular weekend brunch spots.
• Parking can be tighter in dense neighborhoods like Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, and Old Fourth Ward near the BeltLine.
• Wait times are longer around holidays and major event weekends.

Quick Guide: Fried Chicken by Neighborhood Type

Use this as a high-level overview if you’re staying in a specific part of Atlanta.

Ordering Fried Chicken in Atlanta: Practical Tips

A few local habits and tips can make your fried chicken experience smoother.

1. Decide How “Southern” You Want to Go

• If you want classic Atlanta soul food, look for places that also serve collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread.
• If you prefer a lighter or more modern twist, try brunch or chef-driven Southern spots, which may offer smaller portions or boneless cuts.

2. Plan Around Traffic and Parking

Atlanta’s traffic patterns can affect how and where you eat:

• Downtown and Midtown are more MARTA-friendly; fried chicken near stations is helpful if you want to avoid driving.
• Neighborhoods like Westside, Buckhead, and Buford Highway are easier to navigate by car, with more parking lots and drive-up spots.
• If you’re picking up a large takeout order (for game day or group meals), check whether the restaurant has a dedicated takeout parking area.

3. Bone-In Pieces vs. Wings vs. Sandwiches

Think about how and where you’ll be eating:

• Bone-in plates: Best for sit-down meals and when you want the full experience with sides.
• Wings: Great for watching games, sharing with a group, or late-night snacks.
• Sandwiches and tenders: Easier to eat in the car, at the office, or on a quick lunch break.

Understanding Price and Portions

Prices in Atlanta vary by neighborhood and style:

• Soul food cafeterias and longtime diners: Often offer hearty plates at moderate prices, especially outside of the highest-rent districts.
• Downtown and Midtown: You may pay more due to location and overhead, but you gain convenience and walkability.
• Suburban and edge-of-city spots: Sometimes offer larger portions or combo deals that are good for families.

Planning for a group:

• Many fried chicken restaurants and wing spots offer family meals, party trays, or bulk wing orders suitable for gatherings.
• For big orders on football weekends or holidays, calling ahead to schedule pickup can reduce wait times.

Dietary and Lifestyle Considerations

While fried chicken is an indulgent food, Atlanta restaurants are increasingly flexible:

• Some places can adjust sides, offering more vegetables or salads to balance the meal.
• A few modern Southern spots may offer air-fried or grilled alternatives, though classic fried chicken remains the focus.
• If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, call ahead to ask about:
  • Peanut or other specific oils used for frying
  • Shared fryers for chicken and other items
  • Gluten in breading or sauces

Most established restaurants are used to these questions and can explain their practices.

Using Public Transit and Landmarks to Find Fried Chicken

If you’re visiting and relying on MARTA, it helps to anchor your search around major stations and landmarks:

• Peachtree Center Station (Downtown): Good for quick fried chicken and hot chicken, walkable from many hotels and office towers.
• Five Points Station: Central point; from here you can transfer to trains heading toward West End, Midtown, and Doraville.
• Midtown Station: From here, you’re a short walk or ride-share away from brunch spots and modern Southern restaurants with fried chicken.
• Decatur Station: Puts you near Decatur Square, where comfort food and Southern-inspired menus are common.

For drivers, major corridors like Peachtree Street, Cheshire Bridge Road, Buford Highway, and the Westside’s Howell Mill/Marietta Street corridor host a wide selection of fried chicken, wings, and hot chicken.

How to Choose the Right Fried Chicken Spot for You

When looking for Atlanta fried chicken restaurants, narrow down by:

• Location: Are you near Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, or the Perimeter?
• Style: Classic soul food, hot chicken, Korean fried chicken, or brunch-style dishes.
• Setting: Sit-down meal vs. quick counter service vs. bar or food hall.
• Occasion: Solo lunch, family dinner, date night, or big game-day gathering.

From historic soul food cafes near Martin Luther King Jr Drive SW to modern hot chicken counters in Midtown and crispy Korean wings along Buford Highway, Atlanta offers almost every style of fried chicken you could want—at nearly any time of day. If you know your preferred style, neighborhood, and how you plan to get around, you can almost always find a fried chicken spot that fits your plans in Atlanta.