Favorite Local Atlanta Chain Restaurants

Here is a list of our favorite local Atlanta chain restaurants. Essentially, these restaurants are loved so much by local Atlantans that we demanded that they provide more than one location! Some of these restaurants have locations outside of metro Atlanta, but often they offer something special that you can experience only in their hometown. I invite you to take a “taste drive” through Atlanta.

These restaurants are unique in their own way, but what they have in common is that they offer delicious food in a fun atmosphere. My family loves to eat at all of these places. They are all kid-friendly and most of these local Atlanta chain restaurants offer kids menus

1. Willy’s Mexicana Grill est. 1995

Why Willy’s is a Favorite Local Atlanta Chain Restaurant

Everyone I know who has eaten a Willy’s burrito has been spoiled forever and finds themselves unable to go back to other well-known burrito chain restaurants.  Willy’s spoiled my family with its healthy, fresh, fast and delicious food.  When we return to Atlanta after traveling out of town, the first place that my kids want to go to eat is always Willy’s. 

Willy’s Popular Dishes

Everything is good at Willy’s.  I recommend that you try anything on the menu that looks tasty.  Here are my family’s favorite dishes:

• Fresh Salsa and Guacamole
• Build Your Own Burrito or Burrito Bowl
• Taco Salad
• Southwest Chicken Salad (I like to add the Sinaloa chicken because it is not spicy)
• Quesadilla
• Nachos
• Kids Meals come with a chocolate chip cookie

Willy’s offers vegetarian and vegan options plus a kids’ menu

Willy’s History

Willy Bitter left Georgia as a young man and found himself in San Francisco’s Mission district, where he discovered delicious burritos and fresh Mexican food.  He returned to Atlanta to share delicious burritos with his home state.  He opened his first restaurant with the support of his mom in 1995.  Willy’s Mexicana Grill now has 28 locations stretching from the outskirts of metro Atlanta all the way to Athens. 

Unique to Atlanta

Willy’s is primarily only available in Georgia.  If you are in metro Atlanta, I highly recommend that you enjoy a casual meal at Willy’s while you are here!  You can learn all about Willy’s fresh ingredients on their company website.

Willy’s launched a new concept called, Howlin’s Willy’s Hot Chicken. Hot chicken is offered inside traditional Willy’s restaurants in select locations.

2. Chick-fil-A est. 1946

Why Chick-fil-A is a Favorite Local Atlanta Chain Restaurant

Most Americans are familiar with Chick-fil-A.  This Atlanta-based chain offers delicious food and unmatched service in the fast-food marketplace.  The restaurant is so popular, that at mealtimes, the drive through line may snake out onto to main roads and block traffic.  For the most part, Chick-fil-a has mastered the drive thru process to keep their lines (and traffic) moving quickly.  Whether you opt to eat inside or pick something up in the drive through, Chick-fil-a makes sure that you have an excellent experience at their restaurant. 

Chick-fil-A is closed on SUNDAY!  Please keep this in mind the next time you are craving it.  We’ve all driven to the restaurant before on Sunday only to be disappointed. If it is Sunday and you really need a chicken biscuit or chicken sandwich, Hop’s Chicken at Ponce City Market has you covered.

Chick-fil-A’s Popular Dishes

Lunch & Dinner

• Classic Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich
• Chicken strips
• Cobb Salad
• Waffle Fries
• Fruit Cup
• Chick-fil-A Sauce (you can buy bottles at the grocery store if you want to stock up)

Breakfast

Chick-fil-A really shines are breakfast.  If you haven’t enjoyed a chicken biscuit for breakfast, then you are missing out.  My kids love to add honey to their chicken biscuits. 

• Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit
• Chick-fil-A Chick-n-Minis
• Berry Parfait

Chick-fil-A offers a kids menu

Chick-fil-A’s History

Truett Cathy entered the restaurant business in Hapeville (just outside of Atlanta) when he opened the Dwarf Grill with his brother, Ben.  The restaurant was across the railroad tracks from the Ford Motor Company’s Atlanta Assembly Plant – which is home to Porsche Cars North America headquarters today.  The Dwarf Grill was very popular.  In 1961, Cathy discovered that he could pressure-fry a chicken sandwich just as quickly as he could prepare a burger. 

In 1967, the first Chick-fil-A opened in Atlanta’s Greenbriar Mall.  Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Chick-fil-A opened many locations in the food courts of malls across the southeast.  The first free-standing restaurant opened in 1986.  At that point, most new Chick-fil-As were free-standing restaurants. 

Unique to Atlanta

There are special kinds of Chick-fil-As in Atlanta.  If you are a Chick-fil-A fan, make sure to eat at one of these special concepts while you are in town. 

THE Dwarf House

THE Dwarf House in Hapeville is the original location of Truett Cathy’s Dwarf Grill.  It is where Cathy invented the Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich.  The original restaurant was located in a small building and that is why Truett and his brother, Ben named it the Dwarf Grill.  The original small building was expanded and rebuilt many times over the years. 

In 2022, THE Dwarf House was redesigned to accommodate its overwhelming popularity.  The new building remembers the buildings that came before it through its architectural design. You will find the footprint of the original 1946 building on the front patio. The bricks were reclaimed bricks from the 1967 building.  The stone chimney links the current building to the 1957 addition.

THE Dwarf House is Chick-fil-A’s flagship restaurant.  It features the beloved tiny, red door, hidden bronze dwarfs, plus the kitschy scene that dates at least back to the 1967 restaurant featuring circling dwarfs.  THE Dwarf houses offer a sit-down section of the restaurant, a traditional counter serve area, plus a drive through.  The restaurant serves items from the Dwarf Grill menu in addition to the Chick-fil-A menu.  Here, you can get a hamburger at a Chick-fil-A!  Try the Dwarf Burger, Giant Burger, or the Hot Brown.  Enjoy the lemon, coconut or chocolate pie for dessert. 

Dwarf House

The first Dwarf House was built in the 1980s based on Truett Cathy’s original Dwarf Grill.  The standard Chick-fil-A menu is served plus specialty dishes such as green beans, fried okra, cornbread and chicken salad.  Kids LOVE the tiny red doors featured on these restaurants.  It is a special treat for them to use their own personally sized entrance to this fun restaurant concept.  Dwarf houses offer a sit-down section of the restaurant, a traditional counter serve area, plus a drive through. Check out the website to find a Dwarf House location to visit.

Truett’s Chick-fil-A

This restaurant celebrates the life and legacy of Truett Cathy through family photos, heirlooms, and quotes.  Each location provides a sit-down section of the restaurant, a traditional counter serve area, plus a drive through.  The menu adds several specialty sides and appetizers to Chick-fil-A’s traditional offerings. Visit the website to find a Truett’s Chick-fil-A location to visit.

Truett’s Grill 

This Chick-fil-A concept takes on the look and feel of a 1950s diner.  A model train circles near the ceiling of the restaurant.  Enjoy the motorcycles inside the dining area and check out the photos of Truett and his automobiles.  Each location provides a sit-down section of the restaurant, a traditional counter serve area, plus a drive through.  The menu adds several specialty dishes including the Hot Brown to Chick-fil-A’s traditional offerings. Check out the website to find a Truett’s Grill location to visit.

Truett’s Luau

Truett’s Luau marries the experience of Hawaii with Chick-fil-A.  You will find Island Chicken Salad sandwiches, I’a Makana Tacos, Frosted Pineapple drink and Lava Cake on the specialty menu.  This restaurant offers a sit-down experience in addition to the traditional counter service and a drive through.

3. The Varsity est. 1928

Why the Varsity is a Favorite Local Atlanta Chain Restaurant

The Varity is an Atlanta institution.  It is just a fun place to go with your family!  The original location is in midtown Atlanta across the I-75/85 Connector from Georgia Tech.  You can’t miss the iconic V-sign from the interstate.  It is extra fun to go the Varsity right before a Georgia Tech game.

The Varsity’s Popular Dishes

The Varsity has its own lingo.  When you approach the counter, you will be greeted, “What’ll ya have?  What’ll ya have?” Here is our favorite order:

• 2 Chili Dogs with onion rings
• Naked Dog with French fries for the kids
• Frosted Orange – the kids LOVE this drink/treat.  It took me too many visits to realize that I could get two small-sized drinks instead of making them share one large Frosted Orange with two straws.

The Varsity offers kids’ combos. Make sure to grab a paper hat – typically across from the counter where you order – for your kids to wear while they are at the Varsity. Of course adults can wear the hat too!

The Varsity’s History

Frank Gordy opened the Varsity in 1928 at 55 North Avenue, where he capitalized on the people walking to and from the trolley stop at Peachtree Street.  He named the restaurant the, “The Varsity” with the goal of expanding it to every college campus.  The original building was remodeled by architect, Jules Grey in 1940s into a white art deco building.  In the 1970s, the dining room was expanded to serve people who wished to eat inside.   Nancy Gordy Simms took over the business in 1983 after her father passed away. 

Timeline of the Varsity’s History.

Unique to Atlanta

The original location of the Varsity is known as the world’s largest drive in!  You can sit in your car and be served right there by a car hop.  My family prefers to go inside and enjoy one of the dining rooms.  There are now 8 locations of the Varsity that stretch from the Atlanta Airport up to North Georgia.

The Atlanta History Center put on an exhibit called, “Atlanta in 50 Objects.”  The Varsity’s #1 Combo (which is also my favorite meal) featuring 2 chili dogs, onion rings and a Frosted Orange was part of the exhibit. 

4. Antico Pizza Napoletana est. 2009

Why Antico Pizza Napoletana is a Favorite Local Atlanta Chain Restaurant

“Antico,” as Atlantans lovingly call this pizzeria serves up authentic Neapolitan style pizza in a fun and casual atmosphere.  San Marzano tomatoes are shipped in directly from Italy to make the pizza sauce.  You order your pizza and drinks at the counter and head into the back to sit at a communal table to await your pizza. 

While you are waiting, you can watch soccer on the big screens or you can watch the pizza makers throw the dough, “decorate” the pizzas, and place them in and remove them from the pizza oven.  We brought my son to Antico for the first time when he was 5 years old.  He was incredibly enthusiastic about the pizza-making process.  As he watched the pizzas being made, he kept yelling, “This is awesome!”  The pizza arrived on a large tray and it is eaten right from that tray. 

Popular Pizzas at Antico

• Pomodorini
• Diavola
• Lasagna
• Margherita

Vegetarian options are available & no kids’ menu is necessary!

Michelin awarded Antico Pizza with the prestigious Bib Gourmand award in 2023

History of Antico Pizza Napoletana

Giovanni Di Palma, who is a native of New Jersey, realized that Atlanta was missing a Little Italy neighborhood, so he created Little Italia in West Midtown near Georgia Tech.  For Antio Pizza Napoletana he carefully selected the ingredients bringing Neapolitan style pizza to Atlanta. 

Unique to Atlanta

The original location of Antico in West Midtown is part of Atlanta’s Little Italia.  In addition to pizza, you can enjoy coffee or gelato at Caffé Antico or an adult beverage at Bar Amalfi.  If you are not in the center of Atlanta, you can enjoy an Antico pizza in its other locations in Tucker, Alpharetta or the Battery near the Braves Stadium.

5. Taqueria del Sol est. 2000

Why Taqueria del Sol is a Favorite Local Atlanta Chain Restaurant

Taqueria del Sol is another fun and casual restaurant to get fresh food fast.  When I worked in Buckhead, my office frequented the Howell Mill location during the lunch rush.  Although the line seems long, it moved quickly enough to get us back to our desks in a reasonable amount of time.  You place your order at the register and then take your seat.  The food is a creative Mexican-Southern fusion marrying the best of both cuisines.

Popular Dishes at Taqueria del Sol

• Fish Tacos
• Brisket Taco
• Carnita Tacos
• Fried Chicken Tacos
• Veggie Bean Tacos

Vegetarian options are available. Taqueria del Sol offers a kids’ menu, but they do not offer high chairs or booster seats, although you are welcome to bring your own.

Be sure to check their hours.  The restaurant takes a break between lunch and dinners service.

The History of Taqueria del Sol

Executive Chef Eddie Hernandez left his native Mexico to launch a career in the music business.  When that didn’t work out, he found himself as a chef at Atlanta’s El Azteca restaurant, where he met Mike Klank.  The two embarked on a series of culinary adventures culminating in the opening of Taqueria del Sol in 2000. 

Unique to Atlanta

Taqueria del Sol still has a small footprint featuring 4 restaurants in Atlanta, one in Athens, and one in Nashville.  Be sure to get your fill while you are visiting Atlanta!

Due to the popularity of Taco del Sol, they have a few house rules.  One of the rules is that you must place your order with the cashier BEFORE you sit down at a table.  The staff may direct seating during busy times to make sure that all guests are accommodated. 

6. Flying Biscuit Café est. 1993

Why the Flying Biscuit is a Favorite Local Atlanta Chain Restaurant

Who doesn’t love to eat breakfast at any time of day – especially a southern breakfast?  My family loved the quirky original location of the Flying Biscuit in Atlanta’s Candler Park neighborhood.  The food is always good and served with a delicious biscuit. 

Popular Dishes at the Flying Biscuit

They offer lunch dishes too, but I will be honest – I only ever order from the breakfast menu.  Some of our favorite meals include:

• Flying Biscuit Breakfast
• Chicken & Waffle – a favorite Atlanta dish that my kids love
• Stuffed French Toast Breakfast
• Plus you can order a side of almost anything

The Flying biscuit offers Vegetarian and Vegan options and a kids’ menu

The History of the Flying Biscuit

The Flying Biscuit Café began in 1993 as an eclectic neighborhood restaurant in Atlanta’s Candler Park neighborhood before it began expanding.

Unique to Atlanta

The Flying Biscuit now has locations across the southeast, but the majority of them are in the metro Atlanta area.  If you need breakfast in Atlanta, this is a great place to go.  Or if you have kids who you are trying to make happy, surprising them with pancakes for dinner is always a good idea!

7. Mellow Mushroom est. 1974

Why Mellow Mushroom is a Favorite Local Atlanta Chain Restaurant

Mellow Mushroom’s pizza crust with a hint of sweetness is the star of the show – just delicious.  Plus, the psychedelic artwork and Mel O. Mushroom character creates a fun atmosphere.  My family always enjoys eating there.  Before kids, my husband and I regularly stopped at the Mellow Mushroom at the Midtown Promenade on Friday nights on our way home from work.  It was a fun way to kick off the weekend.  Good pizza and good fun for everyone.

Mellow Mushroom’s Popular Dishes

• Veg Out Pizza
• Mighty Meaty Pizza
• Great White Pizza
• Pretzels – made from Mellow Mushroom’s signature pizza dough covered with garlic butter and parmesan
• Greek Salad
• They are known for their selection of draft beers on tap

This pizzeria welcomes children with a kids’ menu, but kids will love the pretzels, pretzel bites and the pizza regardless of which menu they order from

Mellow Mushroom’s History

The initial restaurant was opened on Atlanta’s Spring Street by 3 college students from Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia.  The pizza restaurant began expanding through franchises in the 1980s.  There are now more than 160 Mellow Mushrooms in 17 states. Learn more about Mellow Mushroom’s story.

Unique to Atlanta

In 2024, the restaurant is featuring a special 50th anniversary menu in the fall of 2024, Mellow Mushroom is opening a new type of restaurant in Atlanta’s Grant Park.  It will feature a smaller store with a limited menu.  One of the menu items will be a “Panizzi” – which is a sandwich made with their signature pizza dough. 

Atlanta Magazine published an article for Mellow Mushroom’s 50th anniversary.

8. Taco Mac est. 1979

Why Taco Mac is a Favorite Local Atlanta Chain Restaurant

Taco Mac is another Atlanta institution that is more fun when you dine with a crowd.  The menu offers something that everyone in your group will enjoy. You can watch your favorite sports on big screen TVs. Plus the restaurant features an excellent bar with over 100 craft beers on tap.  If you are not into beer, check out their signature cocktails.

Popular Dishes at Taco Mac

• Bavarian Pretzel Bites
• All the burgers
• Grilled Chicken BLT Salad
• Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich
• Train Wreck Nachos
• Brewniversity – Taco Mac is known for their selection of draft beers on tap

Taco Mac offers vegetarian options plus an allergen menu. The restaurant offers an extensive kid’s menu.

The History of Taco Mac

Taco Mac was founded by natives of Buffalo, New York in Atlanta’s Virginia-Highland neighborhood.  They decided to bring Buffalow wings to Atlanta.  When they moved into the restaurant space, they didn’t have enough money to renovate the kitchen AND update the sign outside, so they kept the name, “Taco Mac.” 

Before craft beer was popular, Taco Mac had it on tap in their restaurant.  Brewniversity is Taco Mac’s fun way of helping you keep track of all the beers you’ve sampled.  It used to be a card, but of course today it is a convenient app on your phone.

Unique to Atlanta

Taco Mac locations are limited to Georgia and a few Georgia adjacent locations in Tennessee and Alabama.  If you want to check out this restaurant, I recommend that you dine here while you are visiting the Atlanta area.

9. Waffle House est. 1955

Why Waffle House is a Favorite Local Atlanta Chain Restaurant

Waffle House is a cultural icon in Atlanta and throughout the south.  Who doesn’t enjoy the comfort of breakfast at any hour?  And at a reasonable price!  Waffle House is open 24 hours a day.  The restaurant is there for you in the morning when you want to take your family out for breakfast.  It is there for you in the evening when you want to grab some quick comfort food.  It is open late, and it provides an alternative place to gather with friends late at night.  When you see the Waffle House sign from the interstate, you know a comforting meal awaits.   

Popular Dishes at Waffle House

• All-Star Special with scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, Texas toast, waffle, and bacon
• Ham and Cheese Omelet with hashbrowns or grits and toast
• Bacon, egg and cheese sandwich
• Hashbrowns – if you are only getting one thing, make it the hashbrowns!  This is the dish that they do best.  The hashbrowns are so loved that they have an entire vocabulary of their own.  For example, you might order hashbrowns: scattered, smothered, and covered
  • Scattered – this is how they come typically.  Instead of a hashbrown cake, they are scattered on the grill when they are prepared.  I like mine just like this.
  • Scattered and smothered – add grilled onions
  • Scattered and smothered – add American cheese
  • Scattered and Chunked – add grilled ham
  • Scattered and Diced – add grilled tomatoes
  • Scattered and capped – add grilled mushrooms

The menu offers vegetarian options and meals that your kids will love!

The History of Waffle House

The first Waffle House opened in Avondale Estates in 1955.  Joe Rogers, Sr. and Tom Forkner joined forces to open a restaurant that would serve food quickly and be open 24 hours a day.  When they both invested in the restaurant full time, it saw exponential growth beginning in the 1960s. 

Unique to Atlanta: Waffle House Museum

The original Waffle House location in Avondale Estates is a museum.  The company sold the building, but Waffle House bought it back in the 1970s.  Using the original architectural drawings, the building was renovated to look like it did when Waffle House first opened. 

One side of the building features the original restaurant, and it is stocked with play food illustrating what would have been kept in the storeroom and made in the kitchen area.  When my kids were small, we visited the museum and they donned the Waffle House paper hats, entered the kitchen and began serving up the play food to other visitors sitting at the counter.  They had an absolute blast.  They played Waffle House at home for at least the next month. 

The other side is a museum that shows a timeline of Waffle House lingo and the evolution of Waffle House uniforms.  A Waffle House juke box plays 45 records including a few Waffle House specific songs!  My kids were drawn to the Juke box.

The Waffle House Museum is only open to the public a few times a year.  Visit the website to see when it will be open next.  If you have a group, you can schedule a group tour!

10. Zaxby’s est. 1990 in Statesboro, GA

Why Zaxby’s is an Honorary Favorite Local Atlanta Chain Restaurant

Zaxby’s is not actually from Atlanta.  It is from Statesboro, Georgia – the home of Georgia Southern University.  But we love it like it was home grown in Atlanta.  The chicken at this quick serve restaurant is always delicious and fresh.  The Zax Sauce takes the chicken, or the fries, or whatever you choose to dunk in it to the next level.  Zaxby’s is a go to restaurant for my family when we are on the road.

Popular Dishes at Zaxby’s

• Chicken Finger Plate (You can swap the Cole slaw for fries if it is not your thing)
• Three Nibblerz sandwich
• House Zalad
• Cobb Zalad
• Coca-Cola Freestyle drink machine (this makes my kids happy)

Zaxby’s offers vegetarian options and a kids’ menu.

Zaxby’s History

Childhood friends Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley named their first restaurant, Zax.  It was a quick serve restaurant near Georgia Southern Univeristy in Statesboro, Georgia.  In 1994, they set up headquarters in Athens, Georgia and decided the Franchise the Zaxby’s Brand.  They add “Zs” to words in their menu where ever they can, just because it is fun!

Unique to Atlanta

Zaxby’s now has over 900 locations across the southeast.  If you don’t try it while you are in Atlanta, there is a good chance that you will have another opportunity.

Enjoying Atlanta’s Favorite Local Chain Restaurants

If you are visiting Atlanta, be sure to check out a few of these beloved local chain restaurants.  There is something on this list for everyone from children to adults.  If you are local, do you have a recommendation? Let me know which ones you want to try in the comments!