ATL Fish and Chicken in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re craving fried fish, wings, and classic Southern sides in Atlanta, chances are you’ve come across a spot called “ATL Fish and Chicken” (or a very similar name). These restaurants are part of a style of casual, mostly takeout-focused seafood and chicken joints that are common across metro Atlanta.

This guide walks you through what to expect from an ATL Fish and Chicken–type restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia—from typical menus and price ranges to locations, parking, and local tips for ordering.

What Is “ATL Fish and Chicken” in Atlanta?

In Atlanta, ATL Fish and Chicken–style spots usually fall into the category of:

• Casual, counter-service restaurants
• Focused on fried seafood, fried chicken wings, and comfort-food sides
• Often takeout-heavy, with limited seating
• Frequently open late compared with many traditional restaurants

They’re popular with:

• Neighborhood residents looking for an affordable, filling meal
• Workers grabbing quick lunch or late-night dinner
• Visitors staying in nearby hotels who want local-style fried fish and wings instead of a chain restaurant

Restaurants under this style tend to be independently owned, even when names sound similar (for example, “ATL Fish & Chicken,” “Atlanta Fish & Chicken,” or “Fish & Chicken ATL”).

Typical Menu at an ATL Fish and Chicken–Style Restaurant

Exact offerings will vary by location, but you can generally expect a menu centered around:

H2: Seafood Staples

Most Atlanta fish-and-chicken spots carry several common fried seafood options:

• Whiting – thin fillets, very common and usually lower priced
• Tilapia – another common, mild white fish
• Catfish (fillets or nuggets) – popular in the South, often a bit pricier
• Perch or trout – available at some locations
• Shrimp – butterfly shrimp and/or smaller fried shrimp
• Fish sandwiches – fried fish fillet on a bun with tartar sauce and lettuce

Seafood is usually:

• Battered or cornmeal-breaded
• Deep fried to order (expect a short wait)
• Served with bread and sides like fries or coleslaw

H2: Chicken Options

Despite “fish” in the name, chicken often brings in just as many customers:

• Buffalo or hot wings (bone-in): commonly sold in 5-, 10-, 20-piece, or larger packs
• Wing flavors may include:
  • Lemon pepper
  • Mild, medium, or hot
  • BBQ
  • Teriyaki or sweet chili (varies)
• Chicken tenders/strips
• Occasionally: whole wings or mixed fried chicken pieces

Atlanta diners often pair lemon pepper wings with fries as a go-to order.

H2: Sides and Combos

Most ATL Fish and Chicken–type restaurants offer combo meals that pair an entrée with one or two sides and a drink. Common sides include:

• French fries (regular or seasoned)
• Coleslaw
• Hushpuppies
• Onion rings
• Okra (often fried)
• Rice or rice pilaf
• Salad (simple side salad at some locations)

You’ll also often see:

• Family packs: larger orders of wings and fish with bulk sides
• Seafood platters: mix-and-match fish and shrimp with multiple sides

Price Range and Portion Expectations

Prices vary by location and by type of fish, but in Atlanta you can generally expect:

• Single fish or wing combos with fries and a drink to fall in the budget to moderate range for a quick meal
• Catfish, shrimp, and mixed seafood platters to be higher than whiting or tilapia-based meals
• Wings by the dozen to be priced competitively with local wing spots

Portions at these restaurants in Atlanta are commonly described as:

• Generous with fries
• Hearty on fish, especially when ordering platters or multi-piece meals
• Good for sharing when you order large wing or fish buckets

If you’re unsure, calling ahead and asking about portion sizes for a specific combo is common and generally welcomed.

Where You’re Likely to Find ATL Fish and Chicken–Type Spots in Atlanta

Because individual businesses can open or close, you’ll want to search by name in mapping apps, but in general these kinds of restaurants tend to be located:

• Along major corridors such as Metropolitan Parkway, Cleveland Avenue, Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway, MLK Jr. Drive, Memorial Drive, and similar roads
• In or near neighborhood shopping centers with convenience stores, barbershops, or small groceries
• Close to MARTA bus routes, making them accessible without a car in many parts of the city

If you’re visiting Atlanta and staying downtown or near the airport, you’ll often find fish-and-chicken spots:

• Within a short drive of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• In nearby neighborhoods like College Park, East Point, and Hapeville

Because hours and locations can change, it’s smart to:

• Use your exact address or hotel as a starting point in a map app
• Filter or search for terms such as “fish and chicken”, “fried fish”, or “wings and fish”
• Call ahead to confirm today’s hours and that the restaurant is still operating

Getting There: Transportation and Parking in Atlanta

H2: Driving and Parking

In Atlanta, many fish-and-chicken restaurants:

• Are located in strip malls or standalone buildings
• Offer free surface parking on-site or nearby
• May share parking with other businesses (space can be limited at peak times)

Tips if you’re driving:

• 🔹 Check street view in a map application to confirm parking options before going.
• 🔹 Many locations are near busy intersections; be cautious with turns in and out of small parking lots.
• 🔹 If an area feels crowded or tight, consider ordering ahead and keeping your stop brief.

H2: Using MARTA

Some ATL Fish and Chicken–style places are reachable via MARTA bus from major rail stations. To plan your route:

• Start at MARTA headquarters / Five Points Station:
  • 30 Alabama St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Customer service: 404-848-5000
• Use the trip planner or bus route information to find stops along major corridors (like Cleveland Ave, Metropolitan Pkwy, etc.).

If you don’t know the exact address yet:

• Look up a few restaurants in the region where you’re staying.
• Use the address in MARTA’s trip planner to identify the nearest bus stop.

What to Expect When You Walk In

While each Atlanta restaurant is different, here’s what you’re likely to experience at an ATL Fish and Chicken–style spot:

H2: Ordering Process

• Order at the counter: Menus are typically posted on large boards or wall signs.
• Many places cook to order, so you may wait 10–20 minutes depending on the size of your order and how busy they are.
• Payment is usually accepted via cash and major cards; some locations may have a preference or a minimum balance for cards.

To speed things up:

• 📌 Call ahead and place your order for pickup.
• Have your order details ready (type of fish, number of pieces, side choice, and drink).

H2: Dine-In vs. Takeout

Most ATL Fish and Chicken–style restaurants in Atlanta are geared toward takeout, though some offer:

• A few dine-in tables or counter seating
• Plastic trays, styrofoam containers, or to-go boxes even for dine-in customers
• Limited restroom access; availability varies

If you want a more relaxed dine-in experience, you might:

• Pick up your order and bring it back to your hotel, home, or nearby park (such as Grant Park, Piedmont Park, or a neighborhood greenspace) if the weather is good.

How to Read the Menu and Order Smart in Atlanta

H2: Understanding Local Menu Terms

In Atlanta, you’ll often see menu language like:

• “3 pc whiting dinner with fries and drink” – three pieces of fried whiting, usually with fries, maybe coleslaw, plus a fountain drink
• “10 pc wings w/ fries” – 10 wings, usually one flavor, with fries
• “Fish & shrimp combo” – mix of fish fillets and shrimp, with sides
• “Whole wings” – full wing sections, larger than typical buffalo wings

If you’re not familiar with a fish type or cut:

• Ask the staff, “Is this a boneless fillet or does it have bones?”
• If you prefer milder fish, mention that—staff can usually guide you to options like tilapia or whiting.

H2: Popular Atlanta-Style Orders

Some combinations you’ll commonly see locals order:

• 10 lemon pepper wings with fries and drink
• 2- or 3-piece whiting dinner, fries, and hushpuppies
• Catfish fillets with fries and coleslaw
• Fish and shrimp platter shared between two people

You can often:

• Upgrade your fries to seasoned fries if available
• Request extra sauce or lemon pepper sprinkle on the side

Food Safety and Quality Considerations

When choosing any restaurant in Atlanta, including ATL Fish and Chicken–style spots, it’s reasonable to pay attention to cleanliness and safety.

H2: Checking Inspection Scores

In Atlanta and Fulton County, restaurant health inspections are overseen by local authorities. To check on a restaurant:

• Visit or contact the Fulton County Board of Health:
  • 10 Park Place South SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Main phone (Fulton County Government general): 404-612-4000
• Ask how to find recent health scores for a specific restaurant name and address.

Many restaurants are also required to post their most recent health score near the entrance or counter. When you walk in, you can look for:

• A score sheet with a letter grade and numeric score
• The date of the last inspection

H2: What You Can Do as a Customer

If you have concerns about food quality or cleanliness:

• You can politely ask when items were cooked or if your order is cooked fresh.
• If something seems off (for example, undercooked chicken or fish), most restaurants will re-cook or replace when notified immediately.
• For serious safety issues, you can contact the local health department using the information above and ask about the appropriate process for reporting.

Simple Comparison: What These Spots Typically Offer

Below is a general overview of what you’re likely to find at an ATL Fish and Chicken–style restaurant in Atlanta:

Tips for Visitors and New Residents in Atlanta

If you’re new to Atlanta or just visiting and want to try an ATL Fish and Chicken–type restaurant:

• Start with something simple: A fish combo or lemon pepper wings with fries is a safe introduction to the style.
• Ask about spice levels: “Hot” can be very spicy at some Atlanta spots; if unsure, start with mild or medium.
• Bring or request condiments: Many locals like ketchup, hot sauce, or tartar sauce on the side; if you’re particular, you can bring your own favorite hot sauce.
• Check late-night hours: Some locations stay open later than standard restaurants, which can be convenient after games, concerts, or long flights.
• Use common sense about location: As with any big city, be aware of your surroundings, especially late at night. If you prefer, go during daytime or early evening.

If You Can’t Find “ATL Fish and Chicken” by Name

Because small independent restaurants can change names or ownership:

• Try searching for variations like “Atlanta Fish & Chicken,” “Fish & Chicken Atlanta,” “Fish and Wings,” or “Seafood and Wings” near your address.
• Ask locals—hotel staff, coworkers, or neighbors often know the closest reliable fish-and-chicken spot.
• Look up options by neighborhood (e.g., “fish and chicken West End Atlanta,” “fish and wings College Park,” “fried fish Decatur”).

If you’re unsure whether a restaurant is still open or operating under a new name, a quick phone call before you head out can save you time.

This overview should give you a clear sense of what an ATL Fish and Chicken–style restaurant in Atlanta is like, how to find one near you, and what to expect once you’re there—whether you live in the city or are just here for a visit.