12 Fried Chicken Spots Keeping Georgia Completely Hooked
Georgia knows fried chicken like no other state, and some spots have locals completely hooked.
Crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned, these restaurants turn a simple meal into a crave-worthy experience.
From classic Southern recipes passed down through generations to inventive twists that surprise the taste buds, every bite delivers comfort, flavor, and satisfaction.
Exploring these fried chicken spots shows why Georgia remains a destination for poultry perfection and why fans keep returning for more.
1. The Busy Bee Café (Atlanta)
Serving crispy, golden goodness since 1947, this Atlanta institution has fed everyone from civil rights leaders to hip-hop royalty. The secret? A 24-hour brine that makes every bite explosively juicy.
Their recipe hasn’t changed in generations, and locals will tell you it doesn’t need to.
When the chicken arrives, crackling skin giving way to tender meat. You’ll understand why people line up around the block on Sundays after church.
2. Mary Mac’s Tea Room (Atlanta)
Politicians, celebrities, and hungry Atlantans have all made pilgrimages to this Midtown landmark since 1945.
First-timers receive a complimentary cup of pot likker (collard green broth) while they wait for the main event.
Each piece of chicken gets hand-dipped in buttermilk before meeting a seasoned flour mixture that creates that signature crackly crust.
Paired with yeast rolls and three sides, it’s the quintessential Southern meal that’s earned its place in Georgia history.
3. The Colonnade (Atlanta)
Grandmothers swear by this Cheshire Bridge Road stalwart where the waitstaff have been serving up crispy bird longer than most customers have been alive.
The no-frills dining room hasn’t changed much since the 1960s, and neither has the chicken recipe. Regulars know to come early on weekends.
The chicken emerges from the kitchen with a mahogany crust that shatters at first bite, revealing meat so tender it practically falls from the bone. Cash-only until recently, this place is Atlanta dining history on a plate.
4. The Beautiful Restaurant (Atlanta)
Despite its unassuming strip mall location, this Cascade Road gem lives up to its name with beautiful soul food that keeps the parking lot packed.
Church crowds flock here after Sunday service for chicken that’s almost spiritually good. Family-owned for decades, they double-dredge each piece for extra crunch.
The seasoning hits all the right notes… savory with just enough pepper to wake up your taste buds. Paired with their famous mac and cheese, it’s the comfort food combination that Atlanta natives dream about.
5. South City Kitchen — Midtown (Atlanta)
Buttermilk-soaked and pressure-fried to perfection, this upscale spot proves fried chicken can be both sophisticated and soulful.
The contrast between the ultra-crisp exterior and juicy interior creates textural magic that’s worth the splurge.
What sets this chicken apart is the garnish, a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of hot sauce that creates a sweet-heat balance.
Sitting on their patio with a cocktail and that legendary chicken feels like the ultimate Atlanta experience, equally appealing to locals and visitors.
6. Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room (Savannah)
Strangers become friends around the communal tables at this Savannah landmark, where fried chicken is the undisputed star of a feast featuring 20+ Southern sides.
The daily lines forming outside this historic townhouse tell you everything you need to know.
Operating since 1943, Mrs. Wilkes’ serves chicken with a delicate, well-seasoned crust that complements rather than overwhelms the quality of the meat.
The family-style dining experience, passing platters and making conversation, creates memories as delicious as the food itself.
7. Sisters of the New South (Savannah)
Soul food royalty rules at this Savannah institution where the chicken arrives with a crust so perfectly seasoned you’ll be picking up every last crumb.
The ladies behind the counter don’t rush the process. Each batch gets the time it deserves in cast iron. Locals whisper that the secret lies in the spice blend, passed down through generations.
The meat stays impossibly moist while the skin develops those crave-worthy crunchy edges. Paired with red rice and candied yams, it’s the kind of meal that makes you consider moving to Savannah permanently.
8. Wife Saver (Augusta/Grovetown area)
Augusta natives have been getting their chicken fix at this local chain since 1965, where the name hints at its origin as a solution for busy housewives.
The chicken emerges gloriously golden from peanut oil, creating a distinctively rich flavor profile.
Famous for their “Chicken Fingers Basket,” they’ve perfected the art of moist white meat with a crunchy coating that doesn’t slip off at first bite.
College students from Augusta University swear it’s the ultimate hangover cure, while families make it their Sunday tradition after generations of satisfied crunching.
9. The Smith House (Dahlonega)
Gold miners once flocked to Dahlonega, but today’s treasure seekers come for The Smith House’s country-fried feast. Set in a historic 1899 building with a gold mine shaft underneath, the setting is as remarkable as the chicken.
Their family-style service brings platters of crispy, golden-brown pieces with crackly skin that gives way to tender, flavorful meat.
Between bites, guests share stories around tables where strangers quickly become friends. The mountain views and small-town charm make the chicken taste even better, if that’s possible.
10. The Dillard House (Dillard)
Nestled in the North Georgia mountains, this century-old establishment serves chicken that tastes like a warm hug from your Southern grandmother.
The all-you-can-eat format means you can keep enjoying that perfect crunch until your stretchy pants give up.
The chicken arrives at your table alongside at least 20 other dishes, from cornbread to cobbler.
What makes their recipe special is the clean, pure flavor that comes from using local ingredients and old-fashioned cooking methods.
After your meal, walk it off on the grounds where you can visit the farm animals that remind you where good food begins.
11. Minnie’s Uptown Restaurant (Columbus)
Columbus locals guard this downtown treasure where Miss Minnie’s chicken recipe has remained unchanged since 1963.
The tiny, no-frills spot serves chicken that’s miraculous in its simplicity, just the right seasoning and a perfect fry.
Regulars know to arrive early; they often sell out by early afternoon. Each piece gets a double-dredge in seasoned flour before hitting the fryer, creating that distinctive craggy exterior that traps pockets of flavor.
The meat-and-three format lets you customize your sides, but veterans always choose the mac and cheese and collard greens.
12. H&H Soul Food (Macon)
Rock and roll history meets soul food perfection at this Macon institution where the Allman Brothers Band once traded music lessons for meals.
Mama Louise’s legendary chicken has been feeding musicians and locals since 1959, creating a cultural landmark that transcends food.
The chicken arrives with a deeply bronzed, well-seasoned crust that somehow stays crisp throughout your meal.
Each bite delivers the perfect balance of salt, pepper, and secret spices that made this place famous. Paired with candied sweet potatoes and cornbread, it’s the meal that fueled Southern rock and continues to fuel Macon’s soul.