When asking yourself about something to do near me in Atlanta with a group of friends or family, consider
The Original J.R. Crickets in Midtown Atlanta
Why The Original J.R. Crickets in Midtown Atlanta is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Original J.R. Crickets in Midtown Atlanta is a celebrated local institution known primarily for its iconic lemon pepper wet chicken wings, a staple that has deeply influenced Atlanta’s wing culture. Established in 1982 and relocated to Midtown in 2013, this spot maintains an old-school, casual vibe that appeals to locals looking for a welcoming place to meet friends, enjoy a game on television, and savor flavorful wings. The environment is relaxed, with free parking and seating suitable for groups, making it great for casual meetups, sports viewing, and late-night dining, as the restaurant is open until 3:00 AM. Its menu is centered around its signature wings with a variety of sauces, including dry, buffalo-style, buffalo teriyaki, and the famed lemon pepper wet, considered the house specialty. Besides wings, the menu offers other American bar-style food such as BBQ pork ribs and waffle with wings, reflecting Southern comfort food traditions. Although other menu items receive mixed responses, the wings remain the highlight that keeps customers coming back. The Original J.R. Crickets also features a bar serving alcohol, creating a lively atmosphere for gatherings and social events. In summary, this restaurant is an excellent meeting point for friends craving classic Atlanta wings and a casual, sporty ambiance.
Here's what people think of The Original J.R. Crickets in Midtown Atlanta
As of recent, The Original J.R. Crickets in Midtown Atlanta holds a 3.9-star rating based on 4020 reviews.
Reviews for The Original J.R. Crickets in Midtown Atlanta commonly praise the quality and flavor of their wings, especially the lemon pepper wet wings, which many reviewers describe as crispy, well-cooked, and highly satisfying. Positive reviews highlight the restaurant as a reliable place for great chicken wings with substantial sauce options, a casual atmosphere to relax and watch sports, and convenient late-night hours that cater to night owls and football fans. Customers appreciate the value proposition of the wings and the friendly, neighborhood feel of the venue. On the other hand, negative reviews frequently mention the inconsistency in quality regarding non-wing items such as sandwiches, ribs, and wraps, which some describe as underwhelming or dry. Some patrons have also expressed disappointment about interior ambiance being just average and issues with service practices, like an automatic 12.5% gratuity charge that some customers find off-putting. Despite occasional criticism about the broader menu and service, the consensus remains that customers primarily come for the wings, which define the J.R. Crickets experience. Overall, while the restaurant has a modest rating of around 3.9, its reputation for iconic lemon pepper wet wings and a casual social setting makes it a favored spot among Atlanta wing enthusiasts and late-night diners.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
S Allen
Classic ATL spot! The wings are consistently crispy, sauced just right, and full of flavor. The lemon pepper hot is a must. No-frills, just great food and a vibe that feels like home. Always hits the spot!
Matthew Blaker
Let me take a deep breath here before I start. My wife and I were recommended this place because of the wings. Now, my lemony pepper wet was fantastic. I'll be honest. I can't take that away from them, they did great. Problem was communication and service was terrible! Firstly, my wife's wings were not to her liking and the server didn't have anything to say about that. Another thing that bothered me was if you don't read the walls, 18% gratuity will be automatically added to all guests dining in. That was not made apparent, just a " service charge" was on the payment screen. The worst thing was upon finishing our meal. I tried to pay for my food for 25 minutes before our server finally came to our table to have us pay....that was AFTER my wife had to track someone down. This place wasn't even that busy. Both my wife and I have worked in the service industry as well and I am very disappointed. I really wanted to like this place and I really wanted to come back. Sadly I won't. Please pay attention to your receipt if you come to this place, and question things that look suspicious. I'll miss the lemony pepper wet, they were good....oh well.
Pristina’s Purpose
This was a highly recommended restaurant, and I’m honestly confused how. For 10 wings, a handful of fries, and a cup of water… $16+?? Once we sat ourselves and got our order taken we waited no less than 15-20 minutes for our food. We received it and nothing was even fresh. My fries were cold, and the server had to grab another serving. Their wings are huge & nothing remotely spectacular. The fries were horrible.. no seasoned salt, plain salt, or anything for that matter.. just fried starchy fries🤢. I say they’re overpriced & underwhelming. They also expect you to tip even though you aren’t even truly waited on. No water refills no anything. I asked another server for water (a black girl with short curly hair) she had a weird attitude and asked if i could “meet her at the front with it or do I want her to bring it to our table” ??? Um, bring it to the table please? I won’t ever be back
Nita N.
This business is charging a service fee for debit cards which is criminal. If you’re paying with a debit card and see a service fee on your bill ask them to remove it. The server I had didn’t know how to remove it so he removed the gratuity. I will report this business to my cardholder company. I ordered the shrimp and fish. The shrimp tasted like sewage. It was really old tasting like it’s been out all day— sewage. I eat shrimp often so I know how it should not taste. The fries were trash but the tater tots are better. The “fish” I had tasted like it was from the frozen section at a store. The wings were hard and dry. The space and atmosphere were decent. I won’t return but I guess it’s a good spot if you like mid food.
Shawn Morris
December 2024 Service: 5/5 YOLANDA She is a very great waitress. When my food was not up to par, she listened to me and communicated to management about the issue so that it could be replaced. Put drink orders were correct. Thank you, sis. Prices: 5/5 Reasonable pricing. Please see receipt! Ambiance: 4/5 It’s giving classic atlanta restaurant. In definite need of an upgrade, but then it would lose that gritty look of old Atlanta. Taste/Textures: 4/5 My first fried chicken wrap was overcooked and crumbled. The replacement grilled wrap was delicious. I didn’t care for the fries…. Slightly overcooked in my opinion. Value: 5/5 TLDR: Hmmm… nothing stands out about this place, but it’s not HORRIBLE. Would not return. YT : @internationalchic TikTok: @internationalchic Instagram: @internationalchicshawn
How to reach The Original J.R. Crickets in Midtown Atlanta
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Why The Original J.R. Crickets in Midtown Atlanta may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Original J.R. Crickets in Midtown Atlanta with your friends? If you're looking for a casual, authentic spot to gather that embodies the spirit of Atlanta's wing culture, J.R. Crickets is a top contender. This restaurant is renowned for its legendary lemon pepper wet wings, a dish so iconic it has become a cultural touchstone thanks in part to its memorable feature on the TV show Atlanta. Friends can come together here to enjoy flavorful wings in a laid-back environment where the focus is on good food and good company. The vibe is unpretentious and welcoming—a perfect backdrop for lively conversations, cheering on a game, or just relaxing over shared plates. Unlike high-end eateries, J.R. Crickets trades polish for heart, where fries on the floor don’t steal the joy of the moment. Whether you're meeting old friends or introducing new ones to a quintessential Atlanta pastime, this place serves up both delicious wings and a sense of neighborhood belonging that makes it worth the rally.
What kind of activities can you enjoy here that make it perfect for a group meetup? J.R. Crickets excels as a casual sports bar and wing joint where friendly competition and camaraderie flow as freely as the Wing Sauce. Watching sports games together is a central pastime here; the atmosphere is built for cheering on your favorite teams, complete with multiple screens broadcasting the latest matches. Beyond watching the game, you can engage in spirited debates about play-by-play action, making it a dynamic venue for spirited friend or family gatherings. The menu encourages sharing with its variety of wing flavors—from their signature lemon pepper wet to buffalo and teriyaki styles—inviting everyone to find a favorite and create shared culinary experiences. Although other food offerings like ribs, sandwiches, and chicken and waffles exist, the wings are the star, perfect for communal sampling. This venue’s late hours—from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. on weekends—make it ideal for both casual lunch meetups and late-night hangouts, giving groups flexibility to plan around their schedules.
Why is The Original J.R. Crickets specifically ideal for groups who want more than just food? The environment here is designed to foster connection. The casual, no-frills atmosphere strips away pressure, so groups can focus fully on one another without distraction. Since the restaurant combines a neighborhood vibe with sports bar energy, it balances intimacy with liveliness—reinforcing social bonds whether you come to catch a game, celebrate a birthday, or just hang out after work. The space itself is roomy enough to accommodate larger groups comfortably without feeling cramped, making it a practical choice for meetups. While there is no outdoor seating, the indoor layout supports easy conversation and mobility among friends. Moreover, J.R. Crickets embraces its role as a community hub in Midtown Atlanta, known not only for feeding people but for connecting them through shared love of wings and sports culture. This spirit of community hospitality encourages groups to come back again and again for meaningful hangouts.
What makes the food experience at J.R. Crickets stand out during group gatherings? Their wings, particularly the lemon pepper wet, are legendary for good reason—they deliver consistent flavor with a crispy, tender bite coated in a sweetish, tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with a cold drink. This signature item is known to ignite a communal food passion, making wings the centerpiece for group enjoyment. Other wing flavors add variety, ensuring every palate in your group finds something to savor, from milder dry rubs to spicy buffalo variants. The side offerings, although not the highlight, provide options for those who want a break from wings, such as classic fries or chicken and waffles. While some reviewers note the consistency of sides may vary, many appreciate the focus on the wings as the must-order item, making ordering simple and stress-free in groups. The presence of BBQ ribs adds another dimension for meat lovers, giving a hearty accompaniment to the wing feast. This focused, satisfying menu creates a shared culinary experience that strengthens group bonds.
How accessible and convenient is The Original J.R. Crickets for group meetups in Midtown Atlanta? Located on North Avenue near Juniper Street, it benefits from being right in the heart of Midtown, accessible to most of the city’s neighborhoods. Parking is relatively convenient with a lot nearby, which makes it ideal for groups driving in. The restaurant accepts credit cards, which helps streamline group payments. Operating hours extend well into the night on weekends, catering to varied schedules and even impromptu late-night plans. Although there is no outdoor seating and no delivery, the space inside is family-friendly, making it suitable not only for friends but also for family gatherings. Alcohol is served, adding to the festive mood for those who want to enjoy drinks alongside meals. However, do keep in mind the restaurant adds a 12.5% automatic gratuity, which might affect budgeting for larger groups. Still, the overall convenience and central location make it a practical choice for hosting group events in the city.
What kind of experience does The Original J.R. Crickets offer beyond food and drink that deepens its appeal? It goes beyond just being a spot for wings and watching sports; J.R. Crickets has earned cultural significance within Atlanta. Its legacy spans decades since 1982, and it holds a special place in the city's culinary and social landscape. The connection to the wider community is evident in its welcoming atmosphere and the way it preserves an old-school neighborhood hangout vibe, recalling its roots as a former IHOP site. Seen through the lens of local media and pop culture, including its highlighted appearance on Atlanta, it represents more than just dining—it’s a living part of Atlanta’s wing heritage. For visitors and locals alike, this adds a layer of richness to the meetup experience that feels uniquely Atlanta. The restaurant enjoys a loyal clientele who treasure this blend of tradition, culture, and casual enjoyment, making it the sort of place where friendships deepen over plates of wings and shared memories.
Why might some guests have mixed reviews about their visit, and how should groups prepare their expectations? While many patrons praise the wings and lively environment, some reviews hint at occasional inconsistencies, such as fries arriving cold or wings that seem reheated and tough. These experiences suggest that the kitchen can have off days, so it's best to go with an open mind focused on the social experience rather than expecting gourmet perfection. The menu’s other items like sandwiches and ribs occasionally receive lukewarm feedback compared to the wings, so groups may want to stick to ordering those signature lemon pepper wet wings to maximize satisfaction. The automatic gratuity policy has come under scrutiny from some guests, so groups should be prepared for that added cost. Despite these caveats, many find the atmosphere, extended hours, and cultural authenticity outweigh occasional food flaws, especially for casual group gatherings. Balancing expectations helps guests savor the camaraderie and cultural flavor that J.R. Crickets uniquely provides without being overly critical.
How can you best plan a successful meetup at The Original J.R. Crickets in Midtown? To ensure a smooth and fun experience, consider scheduling your visit during non-peak hours if possible, as this can reduce wait times and improve service. Since wings are the star, planning your order around them will keep the group happy—especially the signature lemon pepper wet. Bring sports enthusiasts if your gathering coincides with major games to capitalize on the electric watching atmosphere. Groups should also be aware of the automatic 12.5% gratuity for budgeting purposes and take advantage of the ample parking nearby to ease logistics. Because there is no outdoor seating, booking or arriving early to secure ample indoor space is recommended for larger groups. Additionally, emphasizing the cultural history and local vibe of the venue to your friends or family can enhance the meetup by creating a shared appreciation for this classic Midtown spot. Through a bit of planning, your group can turn a visit to J.R. Crickets into a memorable eating, drinking, and cheering experience.
In summary, The Original J.R. Crickets in Midtown Atlanta stands out as a social hub celebrated for its legendary lemon pepper wet wings, vibrant sports bar atmosphere, community roots, and a welcoming, relaxed environment perfect for friends and family gatherings. Though opinions vary on the consistency of some food items and service practices, the unbeatable combination of nostalgic charm, iconic flavor, and group-friendly amenities make it a compelling destination to rally your crew and enjoy classic Atlanta wing culture.