Best Hot Chicken In Atlanta (With Reviews)

If you like your chicken spicy and hot, you’ll love the options we have here in Atlanta, Georgia. I’m talking about the best hot chicken around these parts.

In this article, we’ll show you the best restaurants in Atlanta that serve fried chicken on their menus. We’ve added reviews from real customers so that you can gain more insight.

Who Has The Best Hot Chicken In Atlanta?

Atlanta, long a Southern eater’s paradise, quickly adopted the hot chicken fad as Beard-level chefs began to offer their own takes. Here are some of the best ones we know about:

Argosy

470 Flat Shoals Av. SE Atlanta, Ga.  | (404) 577-0407

Here’s what one reviewer says about Argosy. “Fabulous, as always. They’ve got this Covid thing down and are still serving refreshing drinks and delicious food in a super spacious outdoor ‘yard’. They’ll get you chairs once you order, which you do just inside the patio door. Then they bring your order to the table packaged to-go so you’re completely self sufficient. Someone pops by here and there to check in. With cooler temperatures on the horizon, this is going to be a go to.”

Southbound

5394 Peachtree Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341 | (678) 580-5579

The Chamblee Hot Chicken on the menu is one hot bird. Here’s what one customer says about Southbound: “Outstanding service, food, and atmosphere! Absolutely loved the short ribs, collard greens, and banana pudding. Kamille was the best waitress we’ve had in a long time. A true gem.”

Farm Bird ATL

3365 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305

When it comes to hot chicken sandwiches, Farm Bird ATL is up there. Here’s how to order.

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

231 Peachtree Street Northwest A-05 The Mall at, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 996-2837

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken is the longest-running chain serving hot chicken. After expanding in the Atlanta market a few years ago with a restaurant downtown, Gus’s has big plans to open up several more locations in metro Atlanta.

Here’s what one reviewer says about Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken: “I’m from out of town and wanted to have some fried chicken in Atlanta and ended up here on a whim. Extremely glad I did. Honestly, best fried chicken I’ve ever had. The skin is delightfully crispy, not too heavily spiced. The meat was amazingly tender and juicy. Service was great and homey, I felt like I was treated like a regular even though it was my first time there.”

Hattie B’s

299 Moreland Ave NE Atlanta, Georgia 30307 | (678) 888-4884

Hattie B’s is on the eastside of Atlanta, but you wouldn’t know it: People come from far and wide to experience the hot chicken.

Here’s what one reviewer says about Hattie B’s: “Have eaten here twice. Parking can be tricky but is well worth it. Tried the hot and damn hot, both were quite tasty. The pimento mac and cheese and greens are scrumptious. The fries could use a little work. Great and prompt service, but if you order ice cream make sure they do bring it out to you and don’t forget!”

Helen’s Hot Chicken

200 Edgewood Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 731-3369

Here’s what one reviewer says about Helen’s Hot Chicken: “We tried Helen’s once and been loving them ever since! Their food is delicious! Wings, catfish was BOMB!! Best waffle we’ve ever tasted!! Prices reasonable. Their employees are polite and respectful! Establishment was very clean and welcoming! We refer all our friends! Definitely coming back!”

Joella’s Hot Chicken

2955 Cobb Pkwy SE #910, Atlanta, GA 30339 | (770) 956-0919

Here’s what one reviewer says about Joella’s Hot Chicken: “We dined here for the first time tonight. It was my favorite hot chicken. The chicken was tender and moist. I also tried the crispy kale salad, and that had a lot of flavor as well. I really appreciated the craft soda bar, that was a great touch. For dessert we both enjoyed some pie in a jar, which was delectable. The whole staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. I would recommend this place to anybody!”

Scoville Hot Chicken

4969 Roswell Rd #220, Sandy Springs, GA 30342

Scoville Hot Chicken opened in March 2021 to rave reviews.

Here’s what one customer says about Scoville Hot Chicken. “Anyone who gave this restaurant anything below a 5 star rating must have misclicked or does not like chicken. After touring Nashville and eating at multiple staple hot chicken places, I can say that this was better than all of them. The “hot” spice level was hot enough to make me feel it for the rest of the day but not unbearable. The chicken itself was crispy on the outside and very juicy. Fries were superb, sandwich had many toppings that were not found on most others. We received the food quickly and the workers were very nice. 11/10 food, 11/10 experience.”

What Does Hot Chicken Mean?

The term “hot chicken” refers to the cooking method applied to fried chicken. The “hot” variety has to do with the spices added to the batter or even injected into the poultry.
 
When someone orders hot chicken, it is understood that the food will have a reddish color and be spicy or “hot.”

What City Is Known For Its Hot Chicken?

Nashville, Tennessee is the undisputed king of hot chicken, especially because the tasty method originated there. But we have to say, that Atlanta is making inroads when it comes to hot chicken.

Atlanta restaurants have long excelled at crafting all sorts of delicious chicken-based dishes. Yes, hot chicken is the rage in Atlanta’s dining scene right now. But so are chicken and waffles and regular, schmegular restaurants that served slammin’ fried chicken.

Last Words

If you like yardbird without the spicy sauces, you’ll love the best chicken sandwiches in Atlanta.

Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our  news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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CJ Johnson: CJ is a longtime Atlantan who has written a book about Atlanta's food scene. He has also fallen in love with the city's music and sports scenes. He writes about Food, Restaurants, Travel, Sports and Atlanta Culture. Check out the book. https://amzn.to/3RPmbZM