Freddy’s in Atlanta: What to Know About This Retro Fast-Casual Favorite
If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting and searching for Freddy’s, you’re probably looking for where it is, what they serve, and how it fits into Atlanta’s very international, diverse restaurant scene.
While Freddy’s is best known as a Midwestern-style fast-casual chain (focusing on steakburgers, hot dogs, and frozen custard more than globally inspired dishes), Atlanta diners often treat it as another option within the area’s broad international and “American-plus” cuisine choices. Below is a practical guide to how Freddy’s fits into eating out in and around Atlanta, GA.
What Is Freddy’s?
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is a fast-casual restaurant chain known for:
- Thin, crispy-edged steakburgers
- Hot dogs and patty melts
- Shoestring fries
- Frozen custard (think denser, creamier soft serve)
- Toppings and mix-ins with a nod to classic U.S. diner culture
While it’s not “international” in the sense of being tied to a specific foreign cuisine, many Atlanta diners group Freddy’s with global and national chains that sit alongside local spots serving Mexican, Korean, Indian, Caribbean, and other international foods.
Where You’ll Find Freddy’s Around Atlanta
Freddy’s locations tend to be placed in high-traffic suburban corridors and near major roads rather than in dense intown Atlanta neighborhoods. Around metro Atlanta, they are commonly found in:
- Suburban corridors (e.g., along major state highways and interstates)
- Near shopping centers and big-box retail
- Areas with heavy commuter traffic
🔎 Tip: Freddy’s is more likely to be found in neighboring cities and suburbs around Atlanta (such as along I‑75, I‑85, or GA‑400 corridors) than directly in Midtown or Downtown. If you’re staying in central Atlanta and want Freddy’s, you’ll probably need a car or rideshare.
Because locations, hours, and exact addresses can change over time, it’s best to:
- Use a GPS app and search for “Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers”
- Check hours and current status before you drive, especially late at night or on holidays
What Freddy’s Serves: Menu Basics
Atlanta-area Freddy’s locations tend to follow the brand’s standard menu:
Core Items
Steakburgers
Thin patties, usually cooked with crispy edges; often ordered as a double steakburger with cheese and toppings.Hot dogs
All-beef hot dogs, sometimes with chili or other toppings depending on location.Chicken sandwiches or tenders
Grilled or crispy, often served on a bun with basic toppings.Fries and sides
- Shoestring French fries
- Cheese curds or onion rings (depending on location)
- Fry sauce or dipping sauces
Frozen custard
- Concretes (custard blended with toppings)
- Sundaes
- Shakes and malts
Most Atlanta diners describe Freddy’s as an upgrade from standard fast food but more casual than a full-service restaurant.
Ordering Freddy’s in Atlanta: Dine-In, Drive-Thru, and Delivery
In metro Atlanta, Freddy’s usually offers:
- Dine-in: Counter service with a casual, retro-styled dining room.
- Drive-thru: Common at suburban locations along major roads.
- Carryout: Order at the counter and take food to go.
- Delivery: Often available through major delivery platforms serving the Atlanta area, especially in busier suburban zones.
🚗 Local note: In many Atlanta suburbs, drive-thru and delivery are popular during rush hour and on game days when people want something quick near home or hotels by the interstate.
How Freddy’s Fits Into Atlanta’s International Food Scene
Atlanta has a huge range of international cuisine, from Buford Highway’s global strip to immigrant-owned spots spread across DeKalb, Gwinnett, Cobb, and Fulton counties. Freddy’s isn’t “international” in origin, but it:
- Sits alongside American, Tex-Mex, and global chain options in many shopping centers.
- Can be an easy choice when a group wants familiar burgers and custard while still being near international options for another meal.
- Often shares retail corridors with Korean BBQ, taquerias, pho shops, Indian restaurants, and Caribbean spots, especially in diverse suburbs.
If someone in your group wants a straightforward burger and fries while others prefer something more global, choosing an area that has both Freddy’s and a cluster of international restaurants nearby can work well.
What to Expect on Price, Speed, and Atmosphere
Price Range
Freddy’s in the Atlanta area tends to fall into the moderate fast-casual range:
- Combo meals generally cost more than basic fast food, but less than a sit-down restaurant.
- Frozen custard treats are an add-on cost; getting both a full meal and a custard dessert will increase your total.
Speed
- Ordering is counter-based or drive-thru, with food made after you order.
- Wait times are typically shorter than full-service dining, but can slow down:
- During lunch on weekdays near office corridors
- On weekends in heavy shopping areas
- Around local events or game days
Atmosphere
- Casual, family-friendly, and retro diner-inspired.
- Comfortable for:
- Families with kids
- Students
- Solo diners and road-trippers
- No reservations are involved; it’s walk-in or drive-thru only.
Dietary Considerations for Atlanta Diners
Atlanta has a large population with varied dietary needs and preferences, including vegetarian, halal, gluten-sensitive, and others. Freddy’s is largely centered on beef, dairy, and fried items, so options are more limited compared to many international restaurants in the city.
Common considerations:
Vegetarian:
Some Freddy’s locations may offer a veggie burger or grilled cheese, but choices are limited. Fries and some sides may be vegetarian, depending on how they’re cooked.Vegan:
Freddy’s is generally not well-suited to strict vegan diets, since much of the menu involves dairy (custard) and meat.Gluten-conscious:
Burgers can sometimes be ordered without a bun. Fryers, breading, and cross-contact may be concerns if you are sensitive.Halal/Kosher:
Freddy’s does not typically market its meat or preparation as halal or kosher.
📌 If you have specific dietary needs, it’s wise to:
- Review the posted allergen and ingredient information at the location you visit.
- Ask local staff how certain items are cooked (especially fries and sides).
Atlanta’s broader restaurant scene, particularly on Buford Highway, in Decatur, Duluth, Suwanee, and in parts of DeKalb and Gwinnett, offers far more specialized international and dietary-friendly options if you need them.
When Freddy’s Works Well for an Atlanta Outing
Freddy’s can be a good choice in metro Atlanta when:
- You’re on a road trip passing through the Atlanta area and want a fast, sit-down option close to the interstate.
- You’re staying at a suburban hotel and want something simple and familiar nearby.
- You’re with a group that wants burgers and custard instead of trying something more adventurous.
- You’re combining a quick meal with shopping or errands in a retail corridor.
If your priority is to explore international cuisine specific to Atlanta, you might instead spend more time in:
- Buford Highway (Doraville/Chamblee/Brookhaven) for Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Mexican, Central American, and more.
- Parts of Decatur, Clarkston, Norcross, Duluth, and Suwanee for a wide range of global options.
Still, Freddy’s can be part of a larger food itinerary: for example, lunch at an international spot and later a frozen custard stop on your way back through the suburbs.
Quick Reference: Freddy’s in the Atlanta Area
| Topic | What Atlanta Diners Should Know |
|---|---|
| Type of Food | Burgers, hot dogs, fries, frozen custard (American fast-casual) |
| Cuisine Context | Not truly “international,” but sits among many global options in metro ATL |
| Typical Locations | Suburban corridors, near interstates and shopping centers |
| Ordering Options | Dine-in, drive-thru, carryout; delivery often via major apps |
| Price Level | Moderate fast-casual; more than basic fast food, less than sit-down |
| Atmosphere | Casual, family-friendly, retro-inspired |
| Best Use Case | Quick, familiar meal or dessert stop while driving or running errands |
| Dietary Flexibility | Limited for vegan/halal/kosher; modest vegetarian and gluten-conscious options |
Practical Tips for Finding and Using Freddy’s in Atlanta
- Plan around traffic: Atlanta traffic can be heavy, especially on I‑285, I‑85, and GA‑400. If you’re heading to a Freddy’s in the suburbs during rush hour, give yourself extra time.
- Check hours before going:
Some locations may close earlier on weeknights or operate reduced hours on holidays. - Combine with errands or shopping:
Many Freddy’s locations are near big-box stores, grocery chains, and shopping plazas, making it easy to combine a meal stop with errands. - Use maps to compare options nearby:
Pull up your navigation app and check what’s around the Freddy’s you’re headed to. You may find interesting international restaurants steps away if different people in your group want different styles of food.
If you’re in or around Atlanta and curious about Freddy’s, you can treat it as a reliable burger-and-custard stop within a much larger, very international restaurant landscape.