Southside Wings in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re craving Southern-style wings and classic soul food on Atlanta’s south side, chances are you’ve heard about Southside Wings or a similar neighborhood wing spot. In Atlanta, “Southside Wings” can refer to local wing joints clustered in and around South Atlanta, College Park, East Point, Forest Park, and Riverdale—areas known for no-frills, flavor-heavy food.

This guide walks you through what to expect from a Southside-style wings and soul food restaurant in Atlanta: common menu items, typical locations, price ranges, ordering tips, and how these spots fit into the city’s broader food culture.

What “Southside Wings” Usually Means in Atlanta

In Atlanta, the phrase “Southside wings” usually points to:

• A casual, counter-service restaurant with a focus on wings
• A menu that leans into Southern and soul food favorites
• Locations primarily in South Atlanta and the surrounding south metro
• A crowd that includes locals, workers on lunch break, students, and late-night diners

Many of these spots are small, independently owned businesses. Some operate under the exact name “Southside Wings,” while others use similar names but follow the same playbook: big flavors, big portions, and a relaxed, come-as-you-are atmosphere.

Typical Locations and Neighborhood Context

You’re most likely to find a “Southside Wings”-type restaurant in or near:

• South Atlanta & Lakewood area – older neighborhoods with a strong soul food and barbecue tradition
• College Park & East Point – close to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, lots of takeout traffic
• Forest Park, Riverdale, Jonesboro Road corridors – heavily traveled routes with clusters of wings, burgers, and fish spots

Because individual businesses can move or change names, always:

• 🔎 Search by exact name and “Atlanta, GA” in a maps app
• 📞 Call ahead to confirm current hours and menu
• 🚗 Check whether they offer dine-in, takeout, or delivery on the day you plan to visit

What’s on the Menu: Southern and Soul Food Focus

Most Southside-style wings restaurants in Atlanta combine wing shop staples with soul food influences. Here’s what you’ll usually see:

Wings (Bone-In and Boneless)

Expect:

• Bone-in wings, often sold by the 6, 10, 15, 20, or 50-piece
• Boneless wings or tenders at some locations
• Options for fried hard (extra-crispy) vs. regular fry

Common flavors include:

• Lemon pepper (a true Atlanta classic)
• Hot, Mild, Honey Hot, Hot Lemon Pepper
• Garlic Parmesan, Teriyaki, BBQ, Honey BBQ
• House mixes like “Atlanta style” or “House Special” depending on the shop

Classic Sides and Soul Food Staples

Alongside wings, you’ll usually find:

• Fries (straight-cut, crinkle, or seasoned)
• Coleslaw
• Fried okra
• Onion rings
• Macaroni and cheese
• Collard greens
• Yams (candied sweet potatoes)
• Cornbread or rolls

Some locations lean even more soul-food-heavy, offering:

• Fried fish (whiting, tilapia, catfish)
• Pork chops
• Chicken gizzards or livers
• Meatloaf or smothered chicken on certain days

Combo Plates and Specials

A typical menu will include:

• Wing combos – wings + fries + drink
• Fish and wing combos – a couple of fish fillets plus wings
• Family trays – large portions meant to feed several people

Look for lunch specials on weekdays and sometimes “daily plates” with a meat and two or three sides, in the style of a traditional Southern “meat-and-three.”

Price Range and What You Get

Prices can vary by exact restaurant and market conditions, but for Atlanta’s south side wing shops, you can generally expect:

Most Southside-style spots aim to offer solid value for generous portions, especially compared to trendier in-town restaurants.

Dine-In, Takeout, and Delivery Options

Because these are typically casual neighborhood restaurants, service models can differ:

• Dine-in:
  • Some locations have a few tables or booths
  • Atmosphere is usually simple and functional, not “fine dining”
• Takeout:
  • Very common—many people call ahead and pick up
  • Food often packed in styrofoam or clamshell containers for easy travel
• Delivery:
  • In many Atlanta neighborhoods, you’ll find Southside-style wing places on major delivery apps
  • Availability depends on your exact address and the restaurant’s delivery radius

Tip: If you’re staying near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, check maps/food apps for wings and soul food within College Park, East Point, and Hapeville—you’ll often see Southside-style options that deliver to nearby hotels.

How Southside Wings Fits Into Atlanta’s Food Culture

Atlanta has a strong tradition of:

• Wing culture – especially lemon pepper and creative sauce combinations
• Soul food and meat-and-three restaurants
• Neighborhood-based food spots that anchor local communities

Southside wings shops sit at the intersection of all three. They’re places where:

• Locals stop by after work, school, or church
• People grab food before or after Falcons, Hawks, or high school games
• Travelers heading to or from the airport want a taste of “real Atlanta” without going far

These restaurants often reflect the personality of their neighborhood—from menu choices to music playing inside.

Ordering Tips for First-Time Visitors

If you’re new to Southside-style wing spots in Atlanta, these pointers can make your visit smoother:

1. Call Ahead for Large or Complex Orders

For:

• Family trays
• Multiple different flavors
• Game day or party orders

It’s common to call in advance, especially on weekends or evenings, when wait times can increase.

2. Know How You Like Your Wings

When you order, you might be asked:

• “Fried hard or regular?” – “Fried hard” = extra crispy
• “All flats, all drums, or mixed?” – Some shops allow this; some don’t or charge extra
• “Sauce on or on the side?” – Helps keep wings crisp if you have a long drive

3. Ask About Daily Specials

Many spots have:

• Wing + side combo specials during certain hours
• Day-of-the-week plates (for example, certain soul food dishes only on Fridays or Sundays)

A quick question at the counter or over the phone can save money and help you discover the kitchen’s best items.

4. Check Hours Before You Go

Southside wing shops often:

• Open late morning or midday
• Stay open late into the evening
• May have different weekend hours

Because hours can change, it’s safest to:

• Check a maps listing
• Or call the restaurant directly before making a long drive, especially at night

Dietary and Preference Considerations

Most Southside-style wing and soul food menus are centered on:

• Fried foods
• Meat-heavy plates
• Traditional Southern sides

If you have specific preferences or restrictions:

• Halal or specific sourcing needs – Call ahead; some shops may not advertise details, but staff can clarify what they use.
• Vegetarian options – Often limited to sides like fries, okra, mac and cheese, collards, yams, and salads (if offered).
• Spice level – Many sauces are mild to moderately spicy, with “hot” and occasionally “extra hot” options; ask if you’re unsure.

For more specialized dietary needs, some Atlantans pair wings from a Southside shop with additional sides or salads from another restaurant nearby.

How to Find a Southside Wings–Style Restaurant in Atlanta

To locate a “Southside Wings” or similar spot in the Atlanta area:

1. Search by name and area

   • Use terms like “Southside wings,” “wings soul food south Atlanta,” “College Park wings,” or “Riverdale wings” in mapping apps.

2. Filter by distance from key landmarks

   • Downtown Atlanta (around Peachtree Center or State Farm Arena)
   • Atlanta Airport (Hartsfield-Jackson)
   • South metro cities like East Point, College Park, Forest Park, and Riverdale

3. Check photos and menus

   • Look for:
     • Wing flavor lists
     • Soul food sides
     • Combo plates
     • Interior photos if you want dine-in seating

4. Call the restaurant

   • Confirm:
     • Current hours
     • Available flavors and sides
     • Accepted payment methods
     • Whether they’re cash-only, card-only, or both

Planning Your Visit as a Local, Visitor, or Newcomer

Whether you live in Atlanta or you’re just passing through, Southside-style wing restaurants can fit into your plans in different ways:

• Locals

  • Use them as a go-to takeout option on busy weeknights
  • Grab larger trays for family gatherings, tailgates, or watch parties

• Visitors staying near the airport

  • A convenient way to try Atlanta-style wings without going far from your hotel
  • Many spots around College Park and East Point are used to quick pick-up orders

• New residents on the south side

  • Try a few different wing spots to find “your regular place”
  • Ask coworkers or neighbors—wing preferences in Atlanta are often very local and opinionated

Key Takeaways for Southside Wings in Atlanta

• “Southside Wings” typically refers to a casual wings and soul food restaurant located in or around South Atlanta and the south metro.
• Expect fried wings in classic Atlanta flavors, plus soul food-inspired sides and combo plates.
• These spots are usually affordable, generous in portion sizes, and geared toward takeout, with some limited dine-in options.
• Always verify location, hours, menu, and services (dine-in, takeout, delivery) before heading out, since independent restaurants can update these over time.

If you’re in Atlanta and want a straightforward taste of the city’s wing and soul food culture, a Southside-style wings restaurant is one of the most direct, down-to-earth ways to experience it.