14 Georgia Spots Frying Up Golden Chicken You’ll Love

Nothing beats the sound of chicken sizzling in hot oil, creating that perfect golden crust we all crave. Georgia has become a true haven for fried chicken lovers, with restaurants serving up crispy, juicy pieces that make your mouth water.

I’ve tracked down some of the best spots across the state where you can sink your teeth into incredible fried chicken that’ll have you coming back for more.

1. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken – Atlanta

Walking into this place feels like stepping into fried chicken history. The recipe has been passed down through generations, and you can taste that tradition in every single bite.

The spicy coating packs just enough heat to make things interesting without overwhelming your taste buds. Each piece comes out perfectly cooked, with meat so tender it practically falls off the bone.

You’ll find locals lined up here during lunch hours, which tells you everything you need to know about the quality.

2. South City Kitchen Midtown – Atlanta

This spot takes classic fried chicken and gives it an upscale twist that’ll surprise you. The chefs here understand that great chicken starts with quality ingredients and careful preparation.

Their buttermilk-brined version arrives at your table with a light, crispy coating that shatters when you bite into it. The flavors are balanced beautifully, letting the natural taste of the chicken shine through while adding Southern charm.

I recommend pairing it with their famous collard greens for the full experience.

3. Busy Bee Cafe – Atlanta

Since 1947, this legendary spot has been serving soul food that makes people travel from across the country. The fried chicken here represents everything authentic about Southern cooking.

Every order gets the same love and attention, whether you’re a first-timer or a regular customer. The seasoning blend creates layers of flavor that keep you guessing with each bite.

The atmosphere feels like eating at your grandmother’s house, warm and welcoming in every way possible.

4. Colonnade Restaurant – Atlanta

Families have been gathering here since 1927 to enjoy honest, home-style cooking. The fried chicken recipe hasn’t changed much over the decades, and that’s exactly how customers want it.

Each piece gets fried to order, ensuring maximum crispiness and freshness when it reaches your table. The portion sizes are generous, giving you plenty to enjoy without feeling like you’re at a fancy restaurant.

Kids and grandparents alike find something to love on this menu.

5. Pitty Pat’s Porch – Atlanta

Stepping through these doors transports you straight to the Old South with its Victorian charm. The chicken here gets prepared using time-tested methods that honor Georgia’s culinary heritage.

What makes this place special is how they manage to keep the meat incredibly moist while achieving that signature crunch. The breading stays put instead of sliding off, which shows real skill in the kitchen.

Tourists and locals mix together here, all united by their love of exceptional fried chicken.

6. Paschal’s Restaurant – Atlanta

This restaurant holds a special place in Atlanta’s history, having served as a gathering spot during the civil rights movement. The fried chicken recipe has remained consistent, connecting generations through flavor.

Each order showcases perfectly seasoned chicken with a golden-brown exterior that crunches satisfyingly. The kitchen staff takes pride in maintaining the standards that made this place famous decades ago.

Eating here means becoming part of a story much bigger than just a meal.

7. Mary Mac’s Tea Room – Atlanta

Since 1945, this beloved institution has been Atlanta’s dining room, serving thousands of satisfied customers. The fried chicken here comes out hot and fresh, with a coating that’s neither too thick nor too thin.

You’ll notice how the seasoning penetrates deep into the meat, creating flavor throughout rather than just on the surface. The casual atmosphere encourages you to relax and enjoy your meal without any pretense.

Order pads on the tables let you mark down exactly what you want.

8. The Colonnade Restaurant – Buckhead

Buckhead’s location offers the same commitment to quality that made the original famous. The chicken arrives piping hot, with steam escaping as you cut into the tender meat inside.

What I love most is the consistency – every visit delivers the same great taste and texture. The kitchen uses fresh chicken daily, never frozen, which makes a noticeable difference in both flavor and juiciness.

Weeknight dinners here feel special without requiring reservations or fancy dress codes.

9. Rock’s Chicken & Fries – Multiple Locations

Sometimes you want amazing fried chicken without the sit-down restaurant experience, and this place delivers exactly that. The chicken gets hand-breaded throughout the day, ensuring freshness with every order.

Their signature seasoning creates an addictive flavor profile that keeps customers returning regularly. The crispy coating stays crunchy even after the chicken cools down slightly, which demonstrates excellent frying technique.

Quick service means you’re in and out fast when hunger strikes unexpectedly.

10. Thumbs Up Diner – Atlanta

This quirky spot combines nostalgia with seriously good food that doesn’t rely on gimmicks. The fried chicken here gets prepared with care, showing respect for the craft of proper Southern cooking.

Each piece features a well-seasoned crust that provides satisfying crunch without greasiness. The diner atmosphere creates a fun, relaxed environment where you can enjoy comfort food at its finest.

Late-night hours make this a favorite spot for chicken cravings that strike after dark.

11. Buttermilk Kitchen – Atlanta

Chef Suzanne Vizethann has created something magical by elevating traditional recipes with modern sensibility. The buttermilk-brined chicken here achieves remarkable tenderness while maintaining structural integrity.

Every element on the plate receives the same attention to detail, from the perfectly crispy skin to thoughtfully chosen accompaniments. The kitchen sources ingredients locally whenever possible, supporting Georgia farmers while ensuring peak freshness.

Brunch service here has become legendary, with chicken taking center stage in creative ways.

12. Poor Calvin’s – Atlanta

Who says fried chicken has to follow traditional Southern rules? This place proves that innovation and tradition can coexist deliciously.

The chicken wings here get tossed in creative Thai-inspired sauces that’ll wake up your taste buds. Crispy exterior meets bold flavors in combinations you won’t find anywhere else in Georgia.

The casual, hip atmosphere attracts a younger crowd looking for something different. Weekend crowds pack this place, so arriving early helps avoid long waits for these unforgettable wings.

13. Home Grown – Multiple Locations

Health-conscious diners rejoice – this spot proves fried chicken can be both delicious and made with quality ingredients. The chicken comes from local farms, raised without antibiotics or hormones.

Even with their focus on better ingredients, they haven’t sacrificed the crispy, flavorful coating everyone craves. The meat tastes cleaner somehow, letting you enjoy every bite without the usual heavy feeling afterward.

Fresh sides made from scratch complete meals that feel good going down.

14. The Real Chow Baby – Multiple Locations

Korean fried chicken has taken the world by storm, and this Georgia spot does it justice with authentic technique. The double-frying method creates an incredibly light, crispy texture that’s almost ethereal.

Sweet and spicy glazes coat the chicken in sticky, finger-licking goodness that’ll have you reaching for napkins constantly. The flavors hit different notes than traditional Southern fried chicken, offering exciting variety for adventurous eaters.

Small plates encourage sharing and trying multiple flavor combinations throughout your meal.