Atlanta, Georgia’s Best Fried Chicken Spots Everyone Is Talking About
Atlanta is a city deeply rooted in fried chicken tradition, where every bite tells a story of flavor and care. The streets are filled with spots serving perfectly crispy, juicy chicken that locals cherish.
Each restaurant offers its own unique take, combining time-honored recipes with fresh, bold flavors. The city’s passion for fried chicken is evident in the way these dishes are crafted, golden, flavorful, and satisfying.
Atlanta’s fried chicken scene draws people who appreciate quality and authenticity, making it a must-visit destination for anyone craving a truly memorable meal.
1. Busy Bee Café, Southwest Atlanta
Walking into Busy Bee feels like stepping into your grandmother’s kitchen, where the smell of frying chicken fills every corner. This landmark has been serving Atlanta since 1947, feeding everyone from civil rights leaders to hungry neighbors looking for real soul food.
Their fried chicken comes out perfectly seasoned with a crunch that makes your mouth water before the first bite. The meat stays tender and juicy inside that crispy coating.
Pair it with their famous mac and cheese or collard greens for a meal that reminds you why Southern cooking matters so much.
2. Mary Mac’s Tea Room, Midtown Atlanta
Since 1945, Mary Mac’s has been Atlanta’s dining room, serving up comfort food that makes locals feel right at home. The fried chicken here isn’t trying to be fancy or reinvent anything.
It’s just honest, well-made Southern cooking done the way it should be. Each piece gets a golden brown crust that crackles when you bite down, revealing meat so moist it practically falls off the bone.
Order the tea cakes for dessert because you’ll want something sweet to finish off this classic meal.
3. South City Kitchen, Midtown / Buckhead
South City Kitchen takes traditional Southern recipes and gives them a modern makeover without losing what makes them special. Their buttermilk fried chicken is brined for hours before hitting the fryer, which means every bite bursts with flavor.
The crust has this amazing crunch that stays crispy even as you work through your plate. They serve it with a side of collards that have just the right amount of tang.
This spot proves you can elevate comfort food without making it stuffy or pretentious.
4. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, Peachtree Center / Downtown
Gus’s came from Memphis but found a second home in Atlanta, bringing their signature spicy recipe that keeps people talking.
The chicken here has a kick that sneaks up on you, building heat with each bite without overwhelming your taste buds. That thin, crunchy coating locks in all the juices while delivering serious flavor.
I remember my first visit when I underestimated the spice level and ended up gulping down sweet tea like my life depended on it. Now I know better and come prepared for that perfect heat.
5. Paschal’s Restaurant, Castleberry Hill
Paschal’s isn’t just a restaurant but a piece of Atlanta history where civil rights leaders once gathered over plates of soul food.
The fried chicken recipe hasn’t changed much since the 1940s, and that’s exactly how it should be. Each piece comes out with a seasoned crust that’s neither too thick nor too thin, just perfectly balanced.
The chicken stays moist inside, proving that sometimes the old ways really are the best ways. Eating here feels like participating in something bigger than just a meal.
6. The Colonnade Restaurant, Cheshire Bridge Road
The Colonnade has been frying chicken since 1927, making it one of Atlanta’s oldest continuously operating restaurants. Their recipe stays true to the basics with simple seasoning that lets the quality of the chicken shine through.
The coating crisps up beautifully without any greasiness, and the meat underneath remains incredibly tender. This place attracts everyone from families celebrating special occasions to solo diners craving a taste of old Atlanta.
Skip the fancy spots sometimes and appreciate what made this city’s food scene legendary in the first place.
7. Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours, West Midtown
Twisted Soul plays with Southern traditions in ways that surprise and delight without feeling gimmicky. Their chicken gets a unique treatment that adds layers of flavor you won’t find at more traditional spots.
The exterior achieves that perfect crackle while keeping the inside juicy and full of taste. Chef Deborah VanTrece brings creativity to every plate, proving Southern food can evolve while respecting its roots.
Come here when you want fried chicken that makes you think a little differently about what comfort food can be.
8. Watershed on Peachtree, Buckhead
Watershed focuses on locally sourced ingredients, which means their chicken tastes fresher than most places in town. The birds come from nearby farms, and you can taste the difference in every bite. Their frying technique creates a coating that shatters when you cut into it, revealing meat that’s never dry or overcooked.
Last summer, I brought my cousin from Ohio here, and she declared it the best fried chicken she’d ever eaten outside her own kitchen.
High praise from someone who takes their poultry seriously.
9. Table & Main, Roswell
Table & Main brings a chef-driven approach to Southern classics, and their fried chicken shows off serious skill in the kitchen.
The batter includes unexpected seasonings that make each bite interesting without being weird or over the top. Everything on the plate works together, from the perfectly fried chicken to the thoughtfully chosen sides.
This Roswell gem proves you don’t need to be in the city center to find outstanding food. The casual atmosphere makes it perfect for a relaxed dinner that still feels a bit special.
10. How Crispy Express, Summerhill
How Crispy brings Korean fried chicken techniques to Atlanta, and the results are absolutely addictive. Their double-frying method creates an incredibly crunchy exterior that stays crispy way longer than traditional Southern versions.
Choose from different sauce options that range from sweet and sticky to fiery and bold. The chicken pieces are perfectly sized for sharing, though you might not want to once you start eating.
This place represents Atlanta’s growing food diversity and shows how different traditions can make our city’s dining scene even better.
11. The Beautiful Restaurant, Cascade Road, Southwest Atlanta
The Beautiful Restaurant lives up to its name by serving food that nourishes both body and soul in Southwest Atlanta. Their fried chicken follows traditional recipes that have been perfected over generations of Southern cooking.
Each piece comes out golden brown with a seasoned crust that delivers flavor in every single bite. The portions are generous, and the prices stay reasonable, making this a neighborhood favorite for good reason.
Sometimes the best meals come from places that focus on doing simple things exceptionally well every single day.