Great Wall in Atlanta: Where to Find Classic Chinese Flavors and Asian Groceries

If someone in Atlanta mentions “Great Wall” in the context of food, they’re usually talking about Chinese restaurants or Asian grocery stores that nod to the famous Great Wall of China. You’ll see the name on everything from takeout spots to full-service restaurants and markets across the metro area.

This guide breaks down how “Great Wall” shows up in Atlanta’s international cuisine scene, what kind of food you can expect, and how to make the most of these options whether you live here or are just visiting.

What “Great Wall” Usually Means in Atlanta

Around Atlanta, “Great Wall” is a common name for:

• Chinese restaurants (dine-in and takeout)
• Buffets and combo-style spots
• Chinese/Asian grocery stores with hot food counters

While individual businesses differ, you’ll generally see:

• Chinese-American favorites (General Tso’s, sesame chicken, lo mein)
• Classic Cantonese and Hunan dishes
• Quick lunch specials popular with workers and students
• Family-style dishes for groups and families
• Sometimes bubble tea, dim sum–style snacks, or Chinese bakery items

Because “Great Wall” is a generic business name, it’s always smart to check the specific location’s menu and current hours before heading out.

Typical Great Wall–Style Menus in Atlanta

Most Atlanta restaurants with “Great Wall” in the name offer familiar, approachable Chinese-American dishes plus a few more traditional options.

Common dishes you’re likely to see

Chicken dishes:

• General Tso’s chicken – crispy, sweet, slightly spicy
• Orange or lemon chicken
• Kung Pao chicken – with peanuts, chili peppers, and veggies
• Moo Goo Gai Pan – mild chicken with mushrooms and vegetables

Beef, pork, and seafood:

• Beef with broccoli
• Pepper steak
• Sweet and sour pork
• Shrimp with lobster sauce
• Salt and pepper shrimp or squid (at more traditional spots)

Noodles and rice:

• Lo mein (soft noodles with meat and vegetables)
• Chow mein or chow fun (stir-fried noodles, sometimes crispy or wide)
• Fried rice (pork, shrimp, chicken, or vegetable)
• Singapore rice noodles (curried, slightly spicy)

Vegetarian-friendly staples:

• Ma po tofu (ranges from mild to spicy depending on the restaurant)
• Mixed vegetables with tofu
• Eggplant with garlic sauce
• Vegetable lo mein or fried rice

Most Great Wall–style places in Atlanta offer combo plates like:

• One entrée + fried rice + egg roll or soup
• Lunch specials with smaller portions at a lower price

Where Great Wall–Type Places Fit in Atlanta’s Food Scene

Atlanta has a strong international and Asian dining scene, especially on:

• Buford Highway (Doraville, Chamblee, Brookhaven)
• Parts of Duluth, Norcross, and Peachtree Corners
• Pockets of midtown, downtown, and Decatur

“Great Wall” restaurants and markets usually fit into one of these categories:

1. Neighborhood takeout spots

You’ll find “Great Wall” on strip mall signs in many Atlanta neighborhoods. These are:

• Order-at-the-counter operations
• Designed for takeout and delivery
• Often with quick service and large portions

They’re popular with people who live nearby and want reliable, familiar comfort food without a long sit-down meal.

2. Buffet or family-style restaurants

Some Great Wall–named locations lean toward:

• All-you-can-eat buffets or
• Large family platters meant to share

These can work well for:

• Big groups or family gatherings
• Casual celebrations with a variety of tastes
• People who want to try multiple dishes in one visit

3. Asian grocery stores with hot food counters

In and around Atlanta, a few “Great Wall” or similarly named markets:

• Specialize in Asian groceries (Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, etc.)
• Offer in-store hot bars or small kitchens
• Serve roast duck, barbecue pork, stir-fries, soups, and dim sum–style snacks

These are handy if you want:

• A quick, inexpensive meal while shopping
• To pick up cooked food plus groceries in one trip

What to Expect When You Visit a Great Wall–Named Spot in Atlanta

Atmosphere

Most Great Wall–style places in Atlanta are:

• Casual and family-friendly
• Often decorated with Chinese motifs (lanterns, red and gold colors, artwork)
• Either order-at-the-counter or simple table service

They’re more focused on fast, satisfying food than on upscale décor.

Price range

While exact prices vary, many fall in this range:

• Lunch specials: Usually budget-friendly, often including rice and a side
• Dinner entrées: Generally moderate, especially compared to midtown sit-down restaurants
• Buffets: Typically fixed-price and competitive with other casual options

Many Atlanta residents use these spots as go-to weeknight dinner options or late-night comfort food, especially in areas with dense apartment living or near colleges.

Dining, takeout, and delivery

Most Great Wall–branded restaurants in Atlanta:

• Offer takeout by phone or in person
• Participate in delivery apps (coverage depends on your neighborhood)
• Provide dine-in seating, though sometimes limited

If you’re downtown, midtown, or near a MARTA station, it’s usually not hard to find a Great Wall–type place that will deliver to hotels or apartments.

How to Choose the Right “Great Wall” in Metro Atlanta

Because there are multiple “Great Wall” or similarly named spots across the metro, it helps to narrow down what you want:

1. Decide what’s most important

Ask yourself:

• 🚗 Location: Do you want something close to downtown, midtown, or your suburban neighborhood?
• ⏱️ Speed: Do you need quick takeout or are you planning to dine in?
• 🍜 Menu style: Do you want classic Chinese-American dishes or are you hoping for more traditional regional options?
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Group needs: Are you feeding kids, co-workers, or a large family?

2. Use a quick comparison checklist

You can evaluate any Great Wall–type restaurant in Atlanta using a simple checklist:

Ordering Tips for Atlantans and Visitors

If you’re new to Chinese food

You’ll find plenty of non-spicy, familiar dishes:

• Chicken with broccoli
• Beef with mixed vegetables
• Fried rice or lo mein with chicken or shrimp
• Egg drop soup or wonton soup

These are generally mild and often recommended for first-timers.

If you want classic takeout flavors

Common Atlanta favorites at Great Wall–style spots include:

• General Tso’s chicken
• Sweet and sour chicken
• Sesame chicken
• Crab rangoon (cream cheese wontons)
• Egg rolls or spring rolls

These are frequently available as lunch or dinner combos for better value.

If you prefer lighter or vegetable-forward meals

Consider:

• Steamed mixed vegetables with tofu or chicken (ask for sauce on the side)
• Stir-fried string beans or broccoli with garlic sauce
• Hot and sour soup or vegetable soup
• Steamed rice instead of fried rice

If you have specific dietary needs, it’s usually best to call the restaurant directly and ask how they prepare certain dishes.

How Great Wall–Named Spots Compare to Other Atlanta Chinese Options

Atlanta’s Chinese food landscape includes:

• Mom-and-pop takeout and Great Wall–style restaurants across the city
• More traditional regional Chinese restaurants on Buford Highway and in suburbs like Duluth
• Higher-end modern Asian restaurants in midtown, Inman Park, and around Buckhead

Great Wall–type places usually emphasize:

• Comforting, familiar recipes
• Consistency over trendiness
• Accessible pricing and generous portions

If you just want that classic takeout experience—rice box, fortune cookies, and all—these are often the most straightforward choice.

Practical Tips for Finding a Great Wall–Style Restaurant in Atlanta

Here are some Atlanta-specific pointers to help you locate and use these spots effectively:

1. Search by neighborhood + “Chinese” rather than only “Great Wall.”
   Because multiple places may share similar names, it can be easier to search “Chinese restaurant near [your Atlanta neighborhood]” and then scan for Great Wall in the list.

2. Check traffic patterns.
   If you’re driving from downtown or midtown around rush hour, factor in connector and I-85 traffic. It may be easier to choose a Great Wall–type place closer to where you already are rather than across the metro.

3. If you’re using MARTA:

   • Near major MARTA rail stations like Midtown, North Avenue, or Doraville, you’ll usually find Chinese spots within a short rideshare or bus hop, sometimes carrying the “Great Wall” name.
   • On Buford Highway, many international spots are a brief drive or bus ride from the Doraville station.

4. Call ahead for large orders.
   If you’re feeding a work team, church group, or family party in Atlanta, Great Wall–type places often handle big trays of fried rice, lo mein, or chicken dishes. Calling ahead helps them prepare and may reduce your wait time.

5. Look for nearby Asian markets.
   If a Great Wall–named restaurant is near a larger Asian market or shopping plaza, you may be able to:

   • Grab dessert or bubble tea nearby
   • Pick up snacks, sauces, and noodles to cook at home

When a Great Wall–Style Restaurant Makes the Most Sense in Atlanta

You’re likely to get the best experience at a Great Wall–type place when:

• You want reliable, familiar Chinese takeout in your neighborhood
• You’re feeding a mixed group where some people are less adventurous
• You need a quick meal before or after an event, game, or concert
• You’re staying in a hotel or short-term rental and want delivery
• You’re shopping at an Asian grocery and want to pick up a hot meal at the same time

For more specialized regional dishes or trendy takes on Chinese food, you might explore Buford Highway or more chef-driven restaurants in intown neighborhoods. But for many Atlantans, the various Great Wall–named spots remain a go-to option for comfort food, convenience, and familiar flavors.