Atlanta Chicken Biscuit Spots Locals Say Are Worth Getting Up Early For
There’s something magical about biting into a warm, flaky biscuit stuffed with crispy fried chicken first thing in the morning. Atlanta has become famous for this Southern breakfast staple, and locals know exactly where to find the best ones.
I’m sharing the spots that make waking up before dawn totally worth it, from classic diners to trendy new kitchens serving up this beloved comfort food.
1. Buttermilk Kitchen
Walking into this charming spot feels like visiting your grandmother’s kitchen on a Sunday morning. Chef Suzanne Vizethann uses locally sourced ingredients to create a chicken biscuit that tastes like home.
The chicken thigh option is juicier than most places that only offer breast meat. Their housemade pepper jelly is the secret weapon that keeps customers coming back week after week for more delicious breakfast sandwiches.
2. Homegrown
Spice lovers will find their happy place here with the option to add Nashville-style hot chicken to any biscuit order. The cheddar jalapeño biscuits bring an extra kick that pairs beautifully with the crispy coating.
I recommend ordering the comeback sauce on the side for dipping. Weekend mornings get packed, but the staff moves quickly and keeps the vibe relaxed and friendly throughout the busy breakfast rush.
3. West Egg Cafe
This Westside favorite has been perfecting their recipe since 2004, and it shows in every bite you take. The chicken is hand-breaded and the biscuits are made from scratch using a secret family recipe passed down through generations.
Their sausage gravy option turns the sandwich into something truly unforgettable. Expect a wait on weekends, but trust me when I say it’s absolutely worth every single minute.
4. The Flying Biscuit Cafe
Health-conscious eaters appreciate their organic chicken option without sacrificing any of the crispy, delicious flavor everyone craves. The whole wheat biscuits offer a nuttier taste that some folks actually prefer over traditional versions.
Their cranberry apple butter is an unexpected topping that works surprisingly well with fried chicken. Started in Candler Park back in 1993, this Atlanta institution continues serving breakfast all day long for late risers too.
5. Maple Street Biscuit Company
Community vibes fill this place where servers remember your name after just a couple of visits to their welcoming space. The Squawking Goat is their most popular creation, combining chicken with goat cheese and pepper jelly for an unforgettable flavor explosion.
Biscuits here are rolled and cut by hand every morning before sunrise. The casual atmosphere makes it perfect for families, solo diners, or anyone wanting a delicious meal without fancy fuss.
6. Folk Art Restaurant
Pimento cheese takes their chicken biscuit to another level of Southern decadence that you simply can’t find everywhere else. The portions are generous enough to keep you full until lunchtime without feeling overly stuffed or uncomfortable.
Located in Inman Park, this spot attracts a hip crowd that appreciates quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations. I always grab extra napkins because things get deliciously messy when that melted cheese starts oozing out.
7. Thumbs Up Diner
Step back in time at this retro diner where the chicken biscuit recipe hasn’t changed in decades for good reason. Old-school cooking methods mean the chicken is always juicy inside with an extra crunchy exterior that cracks when you bite down.
The no-frills approach focuses entirely on taste rather than trendy toppings or Instagram-worthy presentations. Cash is preferred here, so hit the ATM before you arrive hungry and ready to eat.
8. Rise-n-Dine
Folks line up outside before the doors even open because the chicken here is brined overnight and fried to absolute perfection. The biscuits come out of the oven every 20 minutes, so you’re guaranteed a hot one.
Their signature honey butter drizzle adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the savory fried goodness. You’ll want to arrive by 7 AM on weekends or risk waiting an hour.
9. Highland Bakery
Artisan baking techniques elevate their biscuits into something truly special with layers that pull apart like delicate pastry. The chicken is brined in sweet tea, giving it a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with their housemade aioli spread.
Fresh arugula adds a peppery note that makes this version feel a bit more sophisticated than your typical breakfast sandwich. Multiple locations across Atlanta mean you’re never too far from an exceptional morning meal.
10. Poor Calvin’s
Massive biscuits here require two hands to hold, and the chicken breast is thick enough to satisfy even the hungriest appetite. The gravy option is rich and peppery, turning breakfast into a full-blown comfort food experience you won’t soon forget.
Located in a converted house, the cozy atmosphere makes you feel like you’re eating at a friend’s place. Weekend brunch service means you can sleep in a bit and still catch their famous chicken biscuits.
