Fried chicken is a big deal in Georgia, and just about every town has a spot that swears theirs is the best. Some places have been frying birds the same way for decades, while others put their own twist on the classic crispy crunch.
If you love a golden, juicy piece of chicken, this list gives you eight real reasons to hit the road across the Peach State. Save it, share it, and pick your next stop.
1. Mary Mac’s Tea Room, Atlanta, Georgia
Open since 1945, Mary Mac’s Tea Room is one of the last true tea rooms left in Atlanta. It sits on Ponce de Leon Avenue and has served generations of families looking for a full Southern spread.
The fried chicken shares the table with classics like fried green tomatoes, collard greens, and cornbread. You order by marking a paper ticket, which is a tradition that has stuck around for years.
I like this stop because it feels like a piece of old Atlanta that keeps going strong. The dining rooms are big, so it works well for large groups and out-of-town visitors who want the real thing.
2. Busy Bee Cafe, Atlanta, Georgia
Since 1947, Busy Bee Cafe has been a fixture on Atlanta’s west side, close to the Atlanta University Center. It is one of the most recognized soul food kitchens in the city.
The fried chicken here is the headliner, and it comes with sides like macaroni and cheese, candied yams, and collard greens. The portions are generous, so come hungry.
Lines can form during lunch, especially on busy weekdays, so plan a little extra time. The restaurant has earned national attention over the years, and it remains a go-to for anyone chasing classic soul food in Atlanta.
3. Watershed on Peachtree, Atlanta, Georgia
Fried chicken with a chef’s touch is what put Watershed on the map. The restaurant became known for a special fried chicken night that drew crowds during its earlier years.
The kitchen focuses on Southern cooking done with care and quality ingredients. The chicken is a standout on the menu, joined by sides that lean seasonal and fresh.
I would save this one for a night when you want the comfort of fried chicken but in a dressier setting. It is a good pick if you want the classic bird without the cafeteria-style tray.
4. The Colonnade, Atlanta, Georgia
Dating back to 1927, The Colonnade is one of Atlanta’s oldest restaurants still serving today. It has moved locations over the decades but kept its old-school Southern menu.
The fried chicken is a longtime favorite, served alongside comfort dishes like turkey and dressing, fried shrimp, and homemade rolls. The atmosphere leans classic and unhurried.
This is the kind of place I’d visit when I want dependable Southern cooking without any trends. It draws a loyal crowd that has been coming back for years, which says a lot about the food.
5. Son’s Place, Atlanta, Georgia
Rooted in the old Deacon Burton tradition, Son’s Place carries on a fried chicken legacy in Atlanta’s Inman Park area. The name honors the family history behind the recipe.
The chicken is the reason people show up, and it comes with soul food staples like collard greens, cornbread, and mac and cheese. Service is casual and quick.
Breakfast and lunch are the main draws here, so it works well as a midday stop. If you want fried chicken tied to a real Atlanta cooking lineage, this one earns its spot.
6. H&H Restaurant, Macon, Georgia
Music history and soul food meet at H&H Restaurant in downtown Macon. The spot is closely tied to the early days of local music legends who ate here before they were famous.
The fried chicken anchors a menu full of Southern sides like fried okra, mac and cheese, and cornbread. The walls feature memorabilia that connects the food to Macon’s music roots.
Macon makes an easy day trip from Atlanta, and this stop adds a story to your meal. You get classic soul food plus a slice of Georgia music history in one visit.
7. Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, Savannah, Georgia
Family-style seating sets Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room apart from almost every other spot on this list. Guests sit together at large tables and pass around bowls of Southern food.
The fried chicken is a signature dish, joined by a rotating spread of sides like black-eyed peas, squash casserole, and biscuits. You get a little of everything at one seating.
The restaurant sits in Savannah’s Historic District and has been serving since the 1940s. Lines form early, and it is worth arriving before opening to grab a seat at this Savannah institution.
8. The Whistle Stop Cafe, Juliette, Georgia
Movie fans know the town of Juliette as the setting for a famous film, and the Whistle Stop Cafe brings that little town to life. The cafe played a real role in putting Juliette on the map.
Fried green tomatoes are the star attraction, but the fried chicken holds its own on the country menu. The whole spot leans into small-town Georgia charm.
The drive out to Juliette takes you through quiet backroads, which makes it a fun road trip target. Come for the fried green tomatoes and stay for a plate of crispy chicken.
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