Where To Find Atlanta’s Best Lemon Pepper Wings

Is there a dish that’s more quintessentially “Atlanta” than the humble lemon pepper wing? We think not! We did a deep dive on the history of the lemon pepper wing a few years back, but never have shared a full roundup of the best places for the lemon pepper wing, so keep on reading for some of our favorite ones around town. 

1. American Deli

Multiple Locations

Arguably the spot that started the lemon pepper wing craze in ATL, American Deli is a go-to for lemon pepper wings. The wings are small in size, but it makes for more surface area for that lemon pepper seasoning. You can get lemon pepper dry or lemon pepper wet wings. Better yet, order both and compare. 

2. B&L Wings

 800 Forrest St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
(Pick-up & Delivery Only)

B&L Wings has long been an Atlanta Eats favorite for their breaded, decadent wings. Their signature, the hot honey lemon pepper wing, is a fantastic spin on the lemon pepper wing. It’s breaded, but the coating isn’t too thick, and the sauce is sticky, sweet, and delicious. Don’t forget to add on their homemade sweet bleu cheese, or their ranch fried okra. 

3. Clay’s Sports Cafe

5975 Roswell Rd D- 245, Atlanta, GA 30328

This simple sports bar in the ‘burbs is serving up a mean lemon pepper wing. These wings are on the bigger side if that’s your thing, and you can either order lemon pepper regular or lemon pepper hot. They also have a killer buffalo chicken pizza and Greek salad! 

4. Hooter’s

209 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30303

It’s a chain perhaps primarily known for other things, but what can we say? We love a Hooter’s wing! Their lemon pepper has an excellent dry rub you’re going to love.

5. JJ Fish & Chicken

Multiple Locations

This Chicago based chain sure knows how to deep fry. Pull up here for some fried fish or fried chicken anytime you have a craving for it. When it comes to their lemon pepper wings, they’re somehow even more addicting than other places. 

6. JR Cricket’s

Multiple Locations

JR Cricket’s has remained popular in Atlanta for years, originally a go-to for excellent buffalo wings. However, they added a “lemon pepper wet” item to the menu after getting a shotout on Donald Glover’s show Atlanta, and it’s excellent! Their dry rub lemon pepper wings are fantastic as well. JR Cricket’s is also one of the few places open late in Atlanta for food, so you can indulge in your wing craving anytime. 

7. The Local

758 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Long beloved dive bar The Local cooks up a wing that has truly stolen people’s hearts. All their flavors are excellent, including the lemon pepper. Be aware that you can’t order them on Mondays–it’s karaoke night and it gets too busy for wing service. 

8. Magic City

 241 Forsyth St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303

Atlanta’s most famous strip club made national news when then Hawks player Lou Williams broke NBA COVID-19 safety protocols to “pick up” lemon pepper wings from Magic City. But real Atlantans know Atlanta’s many strip club establishments do have excellent wings! Magic City’s lemon pepper wing is well seasoned with a generous portion. Go try them for yourself! 

9. Nova Sushi

 880 W Peachtree St NW suite 1, Atlanta, GA 30309
3637 Peachtree Rd NE D1, Atlanta, GA 30319

Ok, hear us out. ATL;’s very best lemon pepper wings may be from Nova Sushi’s interpretation. These wings have a bright, fresh lemon flavor and extra crispy skin. We’re not sure if the ranch it comes with is homemade or not, but it certainly tastes like it–it’s absolutely delicious.  

10. Three Dollar Cafe 

Multiple Locations

This humble sports bar is always a good hang, and they know how to do wings, too. Its first location opened up in the ’80s. The wings the are on the smaller side, and you can order all flats or all drums if you like. 

Bonus! Phew’s Pies

Why stop at lemon pepper wings, if lemon pepper is what you’re craving? Phew’s Pies has a lemon pepper pizza that’s top notch INCREDIBLE. We’re never not thinking about it.