Nick’s Food To Go in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

Nick’s Food To Go is one of those small, no-frills Atlanta spots that locals talk about when they want something quick, flavorful, and a little different from the usual burger-and-fries routine. If you’re interested in international cuisine in Atlanta—especially Greek and Mediterranean-style dishes served fast—this tiny counter-service restaurant near downtown is worth knowing about.

Below is a practical guide for Atlanta residents, visitors, and anyone planning a meal near the city’s core.

Where Nick’s Food To Go Fits in Atlanta’s Food Scene

Atlanta has plenty of international restaurants—especially along corridors like Buford Highway, in Decatur, and around Midtown. Nick’s Food To Go stands out because:

• It’s small and casual: counter service, takeout-focused, limited or no dine-in space depending on when you visit.
• It leans toward Greek and Mediterranean favorites (think gyros, souvlaki, pitas), while still offering some American-style items.
• It’s located in the city, not the suburbs, making it convenient if you’re already near downtown or midtown and want a fast meal.

For people who live in or are staying near central Atlanta, Nick’s is often treated as a reliable neighborhood takeaway spot rather than a long, sit-down experience.

Location, Access, and Parking

Nick’s Food To Go is located in Atlanta, Georgia, in the general downtown/Grant Park/Georgia State area. It’s in a spot that’s fairly easy to reach from:

• Downtown Atlanta
• Grant Park
• Summerhill / Georgia State University area
• Midtown (a short drive down the connector, depending on traffic)

Because this is a compact, urban-style restaurant, you should plan for:

• Street parking or small-lot parking: Spaces can be limited, especially during weekday lunch hours.
• Takeout timing: Many people call ahead so they can park, run in, grab their order, and leave without circling for a spot.

If you’re visiting Atlanta and staying at a hotel downtown, a short rideshare trip is often easier than driving and parking yourself during peak times.

What Kind of Food Does Nick’s Serve?

Nick’s Food To Go sits in the International Cuisine category largely because of its Greek and Mediterranean-style menu. Expect a mix of:

Core Greek / Mediterranean-Style Items

You’ll typically find:

• Gyro pitas – Sliced seasoned meat in a pita with onions, tomatoes, and sauce.
• Chicken pitas or souvlaki-style plates – Grilled chicken served in pita or on a plate with sides.
• Greek salads – Lettuce, tomato, cucumber, feta, olives, and a simple dressing, often with options to add meat.
• Falafel or veggie-style items (availability can vary) – Helpful if you’re minimizing meat but still want something hearty.

American-Style and Side Items

Like many long-standing Atlanta takeout spots, Nick’s also tends to offer:

• Fries or seasoned potatoes
• Burgers or similar quick-grill items
• Basic drinks and a few classic takeout sides

Menus at small, independent Atlanta restaurants can change over time, so it’s smart to:

• Check a recent menu posted at the restaurant when you arrive, or
• Call ahead and ask about signature dishes or any daily specials.

Price Point and Portion Style

In Atlanta terms, Nick’s Food To Go generally falls into the affordable to moderate range for a casual meal. It’s not fine dining, and it’s usually cheaper than full-service Mediterranean restaurants in Midtown or Buckhead.

Typical patterns you might notice:

• Pita sandwiches: Often cost-effective for a filling lunch.
• Plates or combos: Usually a bit more expensive but come with sides and can be enough for a larger appetite.
• Portions: Many diners find the servings satisfying for lunch or dinner without needing extras.

Because prices can change, treat any expectation as approximate and confirm current pricing onsite or by phone.

Atmosphere: What to Expect When You Walk In

Nick’s Food To Go is not a white-tablecloth restaurant. It’s closer to a classic Atlanta takeaway joint with:

• A counter where you order and pay
• A focus on speed and simplicity, especially during lunch rush
• Limited or very casual indoor seating, if available at all when you visit
• A mix of locals, workers from nearby offices, and students

If you’re visiting Atlanta and looking for somewhere to linger for hours, this may not be the ideal fit. If you want straightforward, flavorful food you can eat quickly or carry back home, to your office, or hotel, this is exactly the kind of place that works well.

When to Go: Timing Your Visit

Nick’s Food To Go typically operates during standard daytime and early evening hours, with strong lunchtime traffic on weekdays. For an Atlanta-style game plan:

Better Times to Visit

• Late morning to early lunch (around 11:00 a.m.) – Often easier for parking and shorter waits.
• Mid-afternoon – A lower-traffic window if you’re flexible with mealtimes.

Times That May Be Busier

• Weekday lunch (roughly 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.) – Office workers and locals tend to crowd in.
• Game days or event days near downtown or Georgia State – Traffic and parking can be more challenging.

Because hours can shift with holidays, events, or ownership changes, it’s a good idea to call ahead the same day you plan to visit, especially if you’re coming from across town.

How to Order: Takeout Tips for Atlantans and Visitors

Many Atlanta residents use Nick’s primarily as a takeout stop. To make things smoother:

1. Decide Whether You’re Driving or Using Rideshare

• Driving: Factor in I-75/85 traffic, especially during rush hour. Short distances in Atlanta can still take time.
• Rideshare: Convenient for visitors staying downtown or in nearby neighborhoods who don’t want to deal with parking.

2. Consider Calling Ahead

Calling ahead can help you:

• Confirm hours and menu staples (like gyros, chicken plates, or salads).
• Place your order so it’s ready shortly after you arrive.
• Ask about busy periods that day, such as big events nearby.

3. Plan for Takeout Containers and Transport

If you’re heading to:

• Piedmont Park, Grant Park, or your hotel – Make sure your order is bagged securely for easy carrying.
• Office or campus – Ask for extra napkins and utensils; many Atlanta offices and student lounges do not keep supplies stocked.

Dietary Considerations and Customizing Your Order

While Nick’s Food To Go is not a specialized diet restaurant, many people in Atlanta look for ways to customize international cuisine to their preferences.

Here are a few practical strategies you can ask about when ordering:

• Lighter options:
  • Ask for salads with dressing on the side.
  • Choose grilled chicken plates instead of fried items, if available.
• Less bread or fewer carbs:
  • Request plates instead of pita sandwiches (meat and salad without the wrap).
• Simpler ingredients:
  • Request no sauce or sauce on the side if you’re watching certain ingredients.
  • Ask them to hold onions or tomatoes if you prefer fewer raw vegetables or have sensitivities.

Because every small restaurant handles substitutions differently, it helps to be polite and clear about what you want changed and check if they can accommodate it.

Quick Reference: Is Nick’s Food To Go Right for You?

Here’s a simple overview to help you decide:

How Nick’s Compares to Other International Options in Atlanta

If you’re exploring international cuisine in Atlanta, you might wonder how a small spot like Nick’s fits into the bigger picture:

• Buford Highway: Offers deep dives into Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Mexican, and more—great for sit-down meals and exploration.
• Decatur and Midtown: Have more full-service Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurants with larger menus and dining rooms.
• Nick’s Food To Go: Best treated as a quick, Greek-leaning takeaway option when you want something flavorful without a long outing.

If you live here, Nick’s can be part of a regular rotation of practical weekday meals. If you’re visiting, it can give you a casual, local-feeling taste of Greek-style fast food in the city without a big time commitment.

Practical Next Steps for Atlanta Diners

If you’re considering Nick’s Food To Go on your next day in Atlanta, here’s a simple plan:

1. Check your location: If you’re downtown, in Grant Park, or near Georgia State, it’s likely within a short drive or quick rideshare.
2. Call ahead:
   • Confirm current hours for that day.
   • Ask what their must-try items are (gyros, chicken plates, or salads are usually safe bets).
3. Plan for takeout:
   • Decide where you’ll eat—home, hotel, office, or nearby park.
   • Bring or request extra napkins, utensils, or drinks if you’re going somewhere without supplies.
4. Time your visit:
   • Aim just before or after peak lunch hours if you want to avoid the busiest stretch.

Handled this way, Nick’s Food To Go becomes a simple, reliable option for enjoying international-style, Greek-inspired food in Atlanta without much fuss.