When asking yourself about something to do near me in Atlanta with a group of friends or family, consider
Hop's Chicken
Why Hop's Chicken is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Hop's Chicken, located inside the bustling Ponce City Market in Atlanta, offers a welcoming and casual spot perfect for meeting up with friends, especially those seeking authentic Southern fried chicken. The restaurant features James Beard Award-winning Chef Linton Hopkins' take on classic fried chicken, celebrated for its crispy, well-seasoned coating and juicy, tender meat. The casual walk-up service and the opportunity to pair the chicken with soft Parker House rolls baked by the Holeman & Finch team add to the uniqueness of the experience. Besides the signature fried chicken served by the piece or in combos, customers enjoy classic Southern sides such as mac and cheese and collard greens, though these have drawn mixed opinions. Located in a lively area close to the Atlanta Beltline, Hop's Chicken provides a vibrant atmosphere that blends local culture and culinary delights. The friendly, efficient service coupled with the flavorful chicken makes it an excellent place to enjoy a relaxed meal with friends, whether grabbing a quick bite or lingering to soak in the energetic surroundings.
Here's what people think of Hop's Chicken
As of recent, Hop's Chicken holds a 3.1-star rating based on 649 reviews.
Reviews of Hop's Chicken reveal a spectrum of experiences, reflected in its average rating around 3.1 to 3.6 stars across platforms. Positive reviews consistently highlight the quality of the fried chicken — praised for being juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned with a satisfying crispiness. Customers find the chicken worth the wait, especially appreciating that the meat tastes fresh and pairs well with the soft, locally baked Parker House rolls. Many reviewers mention enjoying traditional sides like mac and cheese and collard greens, which complement the main dish well for some patrons. The friendly and efficient staff also contribute positively to the dining experience. On the other hand, some criticisms focus on the sides being bland or not meeting expectations, occasional order inaccuracies, and inconsistent service during busy times. A few customers have noted that items like sandwiches may sometimes lack certain components, detracting from the overall meal. Despite occasional negatives, many diners find Hop's Chicken a good fallback option within the Ponce City Market food hall and appreciate its distinctive blend of quality fried chicken within a vibrant setting. Overall, while experiences vary, the noteworthy fried chicken remains the highlight that continues to draw locals and visitors alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Richard E
Gave this place a chance as it looked like a pretty authentic chicken place. Didn't look at the reviews beforehand, but now I think I should have. I ordered the special chicken sandwich and the fried chicken livers. The chicken sandwich was not properly made. It was missing the coleslaw and the sauce. Fortunately, the fried chicken livers came with a separate container of sauce, which I added to the sandwich. Together, it was pretty tasty, but I should not have been the one to make my own sandwich. The fried chicken livers were tasty, but because I had to use a large portion of the sauce on my sandwich, there wasn't enough left for them. Overall, it speaks to some issues in the kitchen that the food wasn't properly put together. I made no requests or alterations, so everything should have been standard. Whoever is training the staff should make sure that food standards are being kept up for all items. If you order from here, make sure to double-check all items before leaving. It is not a place I could recommend, especially when it is surrounded by much better options in the market.
Ayanna
Does this look like $6 worth of tater tots? Hop’s seems to think so. The first time I visited Hops’s 2-3 months ago, my tator tots came in a small brown box (the normal brown box I’ve seen many other restaurants put their side fries/tots in). No complaints there. Today I visited Hop’s for the second time and was very surprised that my bag felt so light. I genuinely thought I picked up someone else’s bag. When the employee at the counter confirmed those were my tots, I opened the top and LOLd. 13 tots costs $6 in 2025??? That’s wild. The employee sympathized with my frustration, stating that after their manager saw how many tots were being put in the boxes, they were told to use the white containers moving forward. So…instead of directing employees to not overfill the boxes, customers now receive crumbs for $6? Mind you, the first time I bought the side of tots, the box closed perfectly fine. It was not overfilled. It was a normal side of tator tots that I felt justified in buying for $6. What I received today was so laughable. Of course I asked for a refund, but since the employee gave me an additional container, I accepted it and moved forward with my day. Y’all got me today!! But never again.
Jeff Hwang
My experience at Hop's Chicken was extremely disappointing. The food was dry, overly salty, and honestly just horrible. Ordering itself was fine, but the staff clearly had no idea how to put an order together. It took an absurd amount of time just to get some chickens—food that was already prepared—into a paper bag. I genuinely thought they were getting chickens from near by farm and butchering. That's how long it took. The staff seemed completely untrained and confused, and the price definitely didn’t match the quality or experience. Overall, it was a frustrating visit. Save your time and money and go somewhere else.
Bill Yu
Possibly one of the best chicken sandwich out there. This was comparable or slightly better than Chick-Fil-A’s and Popeye’s. Deserving of the chef receiving the James Beard award. Don’t forget to use the provided sauce on the side.
Ricky Hadaway
Stopped here for a quick bite. The service was friendly enough and the food arrived quickly. The food is not made to order, so if that’s not your thing it’s something to note. The chicken nuggets were a great size and price. The chicken biscuit was good and had decent flavor. As for the black eye peas… sadly they are a pass for me. They lacked seasoning and flavor. The house made sauces were good. We had the honey mustard and bbq sauces.
How to reach Hop's Chicken
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Why Hop's Chicken may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Hop's Chicken with your friends?
Gathering with friends or family is about creating memorable experiences, and few places offer the perfect blend of casual dining, savory comfort food, and a lively atmosphere quite like Hop's Chicken in Atlanta. This spot is ideal for groups who want to enjoy a relaxed yet flavorful meal without the fuss. The succulent fried chicken, which is crispy on the outside and juicy inside, serves as the centerpiece for any gathering. Hop's Chicken strikes a balance between quality and approachability, making it a crowd-pleaser regardless of whether you are a fried chicken aficionado or just looking for a satisfying bite. The setting, nestled in the vibrant Ponce City Market area, brings an added layer of excitement and convenience, surrounded by other attractions and the buzz of city life. The reasonably short wait times, even on busy weekends, ensure your group won’t spend too long waiting to dig in, enhancing the overall experience. Bringing your group here means more than just eating; it’s about sharing a genuinely enjoyable moment filled with good food, good vibes, and good company.
What makes Hop's Chicken perfect for a group meetup?
Hop's Chicken successfully creates a dynamic yet comfortable environment that works well for groups of all sizes. The restaurant’s layout encourages casual interaction, allowing you and your group to focus on catching up and sharing the meal. The menu is designed for sharing with classic items like chicken tenders, whole pieces by the piece, biscuits, collard greens, and mac ’n’ cheese—each dish providing something to delight every palate in your group. Because the chicken is sold by the piece, groups can easily mix and match orders, allowing everyone to sample a variety of flavors without commitment to a single large dish. Coupled with their popular Parker House rolls from a renowned bakery, the meal balances traditional Southern comfort food with a touch of elevated quality. Beyond the food, the location at Ponce City Market means that after dining, groups can venture out to explore shops, outdoor spaces, and the Atlanta Beltline trail nearby, turning a simple food meetup into an extended day of fun and exploration. This makes Hop’s Chicken not just a meal destination but a hub for social activity.
What activities can you enjoy at Hop's Chicken and its surroundings?
Hop’s Chicken itself offers more than just dining; it’s a starting point for several engaging activities tailored for groups. First, indulging in their signature fried chicken, collard greens, and mac ’n’ cheese is an activity in itself—perfect for food lovers eager to experience Atlanta’s take on Southern cuisine. Following the meal, the Ponce City Market venue presents various options: shopping at unique boutiques, grabbing a coffee or dessert at nearby vendors, or enjoying the rooftop amusement park, Skyline Park, which features games and stunning views of the city. For groups that love the outdoors, the Atlanta Beltline trail is right next door, providing a scenic and healthy walk or bike ride option that complements the hearty meal. Additionally, the vibrant urban environment creates opportunities for casual photography, people watching, or simply soaking up Atlanta culture with street performances or murals. Whether you prefer sitting down for relaxed conversation or engaging in more energetic activities, Hop's Chicken's location makes it a versatile meetup spot.
Why is the quality of Hop's Chicken's food important for group gatherings?
When it comes to bringing a group together, food quality directly influences the success and enjoyment of the meetup. At Hop's Chicken, the fried chicken is known for being juicy and tender with a well-seasoned, crispy crust—a combination that satisfies varied tastes and makes sharing easier. Because groups often want to try several dishes, the consistency of food quality means everyone can expect a delightful bite, reducing the chance of disappointment that can dampen group morale. While some diners note that sides like collard greens and mac ’n’ cheese can be somewhat bland, the chicken itself remains the highlight, often prompting guests to focus their orders on the star of the menu. The opportunity to customize meals by pieces and pairings ensures that no one feels forced to order something unwanted. Ultimately, serving reliably tasty food helps keep the group happy and focused on socializing rather than on critiquing the meal, making Hop’s Chicken a dependable choice for shared dining experiences.
What do customer reviews reveal about experiences at Hop's Chicken?
Customer feedback offers a window into what you and your friends can expect when visiting Hop’s Chicken. Generally, the fried chicken receives praise for being fresh, juicy, and well-seasoned, which aligns well with a casual, comfort-food-oriented outing. Some reviews highlight the relatively short wait times and efficient service, even on busy weekends, which is important when coordinating group plans to avoid excessive delays. However, there are mixed opinions about the sides and some specific menu items, such as chicken sandwiches missing expected components, which suggest that while the core product is favored, the overall experience might include occasional quirks. The location inside Ponce City Market adds appeal for visitors interested in combining dining with the bustling marketplace atmosphere. Reviewers also mention spotting celebrities and enjoying the lively Atlanta vibe, which can add a fun social element for groups visiting the city. Taking the feedback into account, Hop’s Chicken strikes a solid balance as a gathering place where the main attraction—great fried chicken—shines.
How does the location of Hop's Chicken enhance the group meetup experience?
Hop’s Chicken's prime location inside Ponce City Market on Ponce de Leon Avenue NE places it in one of Atlanta’s most energetic and culturally rich neighborhoods, making it more than just a restaurant visit. This central spot is easily accessible, which facilitates group meetups by reducing travel hassles for everyone. Being in Ponce City Market means that groups have immediate access to a variety of shops, bars, and entertainment options, providing excellent opportunities to extend meetup activities beyond just eating. The proximity to the Atlanta Beltline, a popular urban trail, offers groups a chance to enjoy scenic walks or bike rides, encouraging wellness and exploration after dining. This multifunctional environment supports diverse group interests whether your focus is food, outdoor activity, shopping, or simply socializing in a vibrant locale. The neighborhood’s combination of urban charm and outdoor spaces creates a dynamic backdrop that significantly benefits group gatherings at Hop’s Chicken.
What makes Hop's Chicken's menu appealing for groups?
Hop's Chicken offers a straightforward yet satisfying menu ideal for groups who want flexibility, variety, and the comfort of Southern-style food. The ordering style—by pieces—allows each person to pick exactly what they want, enabling easy sharing and sampling across the table. Popular items like fried chicken tenders, wings, and Parker House rolls add classic flavors with a distinctive touch of quality. Sides like mac ’n’ cheese and collard greens, while sometimes considered less exciting, provide traditional Southern accompaniments that complement the main dish and can please those craving familiar tastes. The simplicity of the menu means groups can quickly decide, reducing wait times and keeping energy focused on socializing. This ease, combined with the core strength of the chicken itself, makes the menu both practical and delicious for any group size or taste preference.
What social or cultural elements at Hop's Chicken appeal to groups looking to meet up?
Hop's Chicken doesn't just serve food; it serves a slice of Atlanta’s culture, which can be especially appealing to groups wanting to immerse themselves in the local vibe. Situated within Ponce City Market—a cultural hub—the restaurant sits at a crossroads of history, art, and social life. Groups can enjoy the hustle and bustle of this popular spot, often spotting locals and tourists alike, which creates a lively, communal atmosphere. The setting offers more than dining; it offers a chance to experience a quintessential part of Atlanta life, from street art and music nearby to casual conversations among diverse visitors. This social energy makes meetups more engaging, turning an ordinary meal into an opportunity for cultural discovery and shared experience. The possibility of celebrity sightings or joining the buzz around the Atlanta Beltline nearby adds to the unique, vibrant feel that Hop's Chicken and its location offer groups of friends or family gathering for a meaningful day out.