14 Georgia Family-Owned Fried Chicken Spots Serving True Southern Flavor
Golden-crusted chicken has a way of stopping people in their tracks, the kind of dish that speaks with flavor long before the first bite.
In Georgia, that promise runs even deeper, shaped by families who guard their recipes the way others protect heirlooms.
Small kitchens, roadside diners, and old neighborhood institutions all contribute to a tradition that never lost its heartbeat, no matter how the dining scene evolved around it.
Each plate reflects pride, patience, and the unmistakable warmth of Southern hospitality served without pretense.
Those who wander through Georgia’s towns quickly learn that fried chicken isn’t just food – it’s memory, heritage, and community served hot, crispy, and made with genuine care.
1. Busy Bee Cafe
Since opening its doors back in 1947, this Atlanta landmark has been turning out plates of crispy fried chicken that locals swear by with almost religious devotion.
The golden crust shatters with each bite, giving way to tender meat that stays moist and flavorful all the way through.
Civil rights leaders gathered here during the movement, making every meal feel connected to something bigger than just dinner.
Expect classic soul food sides that complement the chicken perfectly, from creamy mac and cheese to properly seasoned collard greens.
The location at 810 M.L.K. Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314 sits along one of Atlanta’s most historically rich corridors, placing guests within steps of cultural landmarks that continue to shape the city’s story.
2. Paschal’s Restaurant & Bar
Walking into Paschal’s feels like stepping into living history, where fried chicken has been served alongside civil rights conversations since 1947.
The recipe remains unchanged through the decades, delivering that perfect balance of seasoned breading and juicy chicken that made this place famous.
Dr. King and other movement leaders chose this spot for meetings, adding layers of significance to every crispy drumstick.
The atmosphere blends old-school Southern hospitality with respect for the legacy these walls have witnessed over seventy-plus years of service.
The spot at 180 Northside Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30313 places visitors right beside Atlanta’s bustling sports and entertainment district, making it a convenient stop for anyone navigating the city’s energetic downtown atmosphere.
3. Brochu’s Family Tradition
Though Brochu’s only opened in 2022, it earned a spot on The New York Times’ list of America’s 50 best restaurants just a year later, which speaks volumes.
The kitchen takes classic Southern fried chicken and elevates it with careful technique while respecting the traditions that make it special.
Each piece gets attention to detail that results in an exceptionally crispy exterior protecting incredibly tender meat underneath.
The Savannah location adds coastal charm to the dining experience, making visitors feel like they’ve discovered a hidden culinary gem worth bragging about.
The address at 2400 Bull St Suite 8, Savannah, GA 31401, with its entrance on 40th, sits in a lively Savannah neighborhood filled with walkable streets, local shops, and a steady flow of coastal charm.
4. The Swanson
Housed in a gorgeously restored historic home, The Swanson makes fried chicken dinners feel like visiting a favorite relative who happens to cook like a dream.
The chicken arrives at the table with a satisfying crunch that gives way to moist, perfectly seasoned meat that tastes like Sunday dinner should.
Eating here means enjoying classic Southern cooking in surroundings that honor Georgia’s architectural heritage with every creaky floorboard and original detail.
Perry might not be the biggest city, but locals know this spot serves chicken worth making a special trip for any day of the week.
Located at 933 Carroll St, Perry, GA 31069, this spot sits in the heart of a welcoming small-town district where Southern hospitality and local storefronts create a warm, familiar atmosphere.
5. Mary Mac’s Tea Room
Atlanta’s only surviving tea room from a bygone era keeps the tradition of proper Southern fried chicken alive through recipes that haven’t changed in generations.
The buttermilk-soaked chicken gets dredged in seasoned flour before hitting hot oil, creating that trademark golden crust everybody craves.
Servers treat guests like family, often calling everyone “honey” while delivering plates piled high with chicken and all the fixings.
The dining room buzzes with conversation and the clatter of silverware, creating an atmosphere that feels authentically Southern without trying too hard.
The destination at 224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 places guests along one of Midtown’s busiest corridors, surrounded by classic Atlanta eateries, historic buildings, and steady city energy.
6. Colonnade Restaurant
Operating since 1927, Colonnade represents old-school Atlanta dining where fried chicken remains the star of a menu filled with Southern classics.
The kitchen fries chicken to order, ensuring each piece comes out hot with a crust that crackles under your fork before revealing tender meat inside.
Generations of Atlanta families have celebrated birthdays and ordinary Tuesdays here, creating memories around plates of this legendary chicken.
The no-frills atmosphere puts all the focus on the food, which is exactly where it belongs when the chicken tastes this good and honest.
Situated at 1879 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324, this address is part of a long-standing Atlanta dining strip known for eclectic restaurants, neighborhood fixtures, and late-night local favorites.
7. Mama’s Country Cooking
This Cartersville spot proves that the best fried chicken often comes from the most unassuming places where family recipes matter more than fancy presentations.
The chicken arrives hot and crispy, seasoned with the kind of balanced flavors that come from years of practice and genuine care for what leaves the kitchen.
Everything tastes homemade because it is, from the chicken to the sides that accompany it on plates filled generously enough to satisfy serious appetites.
The casual, down-home atmosphere makes first-time visitors feel like regulars, which is exactly how good Southern hospitality should work in practice.
Found at 904 Joe Frank Harris Pkwy SE, Cartersville, GA 30120, this location gives travelers easy access to Cartersville’s well-loved local eateries, shopping spots, and community landmarks.
8. Silver Skillet
Since 1956, this Atlanta diner has been serving fried chicken for breakfast, lunch, and dinner to folks who appreciate food that doesn’t pretend to be anything other than delicious.
The chicken gets that perfect golden-brown color and satisfying crunch that makes you understand why people have been coming here for nearly seventy years.
Retro diner vibes complete with counter seating create an atmosphere that feels genuinely vintage rather than manufactured nostalgia trying too hard.
Portions arrive generous and prices stay reasonable, proving that family-owned spots can still thrive by simply doing classic Southern cooking really, really well.
The address at 200 14th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 sits right at the edge of Midtown’s bustling arts and dining scene, offering quick access to museums, music venues, and vibrant city nightlife.
9. Jackie’s Restaurant
Columbus locals have relied on Jackie’s for soul food done right since the doors first opened, with fried chicken that lives up to every bit of its stellar reputation.
The seasoning blend hits all the right notes without overwhelming the natural flavor of the chicken, which stays moist even under that perfectly crispy coating.
This is neighborhood cooking at its finest, where regulars know each other by name and newcomers get welcomed like they’ve been coming for years.
The straightforward approach to Southern cooking means the quality of ingredients and preparation shine through in every single bite taken.
Positioned at 5435 Woodruff Farm Rd, Columbus, GA 31907, this location rests within a busy east-Columbus corridor known for neighborhood restaurants and easy access to local parks and schools.
10. Nikki’s Place
Macon residents know that Nikki’s serves the kind of fried chicken that makes you want to cancel your afternoon plans and just sit there eating slowly.
The family running this place treats fried chicken with the respect it deserves, never rushing the process and always making sure each piece meets their standards before serving.
Lunch specials bring in crowds of people who could eat anywhere but choose to come here because the chicken tastes like home cooking should.
The unpretentious setting lets the food speak for itself, which works perfectly when the chicken is this consistently good every time you visit.
Set at 742 Carter St, Orlando, FL 32805, this address sits near one of the city’s central corridors, offering quick access to local restaurants, sports venues, and Orlando’s steadily growing cultural districts.
11. Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room
Savannah’s most famous boarding house has been serving fried chicken family-style since 1943, with strangers becoming friends over shared platters of perfectly fried poultry.
The chicken comes out hot alongside about twenty other Southern dishes, all placed on communal tables where everyone helps themselves and passes plates around.
Lines form early because seating is limited and the experience of eating here feels like attending a family reunion with really exceptional food.
The boarding house tradition of communal dining makes meals here memorable beyond just the taste, though the crispy, flavorful chicken definitely helps create lasting impressions.
The spot at 107 W Jones St, Savannah, GA 31401 sits on one of the city’s most picturesque historic streets, surrounded by moss-draped oaks, restored homes, and Savannah’s unmistakable coastal character.
12. The Dinner Bell
Located in McCaysville, this family spot serves fried chicken that reminds people why simple, honest cooking never goes out of style no matter what food trends come and go.
The chicken gets prepared the old-fashioned way, with proper seasoning and careful attention that results in pieces with crackling crusts and juicy meat throughout.
Small-town hospitality means servers remember your preferences and greet you warmly whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth time walking through the door.
The mountain setting adds to the charm, making a meal here feel like a peaceful escape where good fried chicken is the main attraction.
Set at 1256 Blue Ridge Dr, McCaysville, GA 30555, this address lies in a peaceful mountain town where river views, scenic backroads, and small-town friendliness shape the entire experience.
13. Southern Soul Barbeque
While barbecue gets top billing in the name, locals on St. Simons Island know the fried chicken here deserves equal attention and praise from anyone who tries it.
The coastal location influences the relaxed vibe, but the chicken itself follows traditional Georgia preparation methods that produce consistently excellent results every time.
Crispy skin shatters satisfyingly while the meat underneath stays tender and well-seasoned, proving that this kitchen takes all its proteins seriously regardless of cooking method.
The casual island atmosphere makes this a perfect stop after beach time, when fried chicken and cold drinks taste especially good in the Georgia heat.
Located at 549 Ocean Blvd, St Simons Island, GA 31522, this coastal address sits just moments from sandy beaches, breezy island shops, and the relaxed pace that defines life on St. Simons.
14. Farmhouse Restaurant
This Hiawassee restaurant embraces its name completely, serving fried chicken that tastes like it came straight from a Georgia farm kitchen where cooking is taken seriously.
The preparation respects traditional methods while using quality ingredients that make a noticeable difference in the final taste and texture of each piece served.
Mountain views through the windows create a peaceful backdrop for meals that feel nourishing in both body and spirit, especially after hiking nearby trails.
The family running this place clearly cares about maintaining standards, which shows in chicken that arrives hot, crispy, and seasoned just right every single time.
The location at 7460 NC-141, Marble, NC 28905 places visitors in a quiet corner of the North Carolina mountains, surrounded by winding roads, open views, and a strong sense of Appalachian calm.
