"The Original J.R. Crickets on North Avenue in Midtown has been around since 1982, after moving from Spring Street in 2013. And, this spot maintains an old-school feel (it used to be ATL’s most legendary IHOP) and serves up good wings—specifically their legendary lemon pepper wet. This North Avenue location isn't the best in the franchise (check our rankings to see where it lands), but you know exactly what you're getting here—an casual neighborhood hangout where you can watch the game, eat small, saucy wings fried hard, and shrug if you drop a fry on the ground while you cheer. The menu also includes a list of other things like underwhelming sandwiches, dry wraps, just-OK ribs, and other fried things, but ignore them all because you’re here for the wings. photo credit: Amy Sinclair photo credit: Tabia S. Lisenbee-Parker If you remember that 2017 episode from Donald Glover’s Atlanta when Paper Boi opens a J.R. Crickets takeout box and is met with a heavenly glow, then you've glimpsed what this franchise means to Atlanta's wing culture. J.R. Crickets helped define the lemon pepper wet movement, back when they were known as "Festers." The name has since been changed to “lemon pepper wet” thanks to that viral episode. The wings here are still tasty, with plenty of sauce options. Just know when it comes to your order, stick to those wings because the rest of the food misses the mark. Food Rundown photo credit: Amy Sinclair Lemon Pepper Wet Wings This is the most famous, and the best option. The wings are smallish and fried hard. As for the sauce, J.R. Crickets has mastered ATL’s favorite citrusy-tangy flavor. Lemon Pepper & BBQ Wings This is a combination that we love almost as much as lemon pepper. They’re saucy but not dripping in it. BBQ Wings The BBQ sauce is twangy with a sweet undertone. A great choice. Ribs The sauce is good and sweetish and the meat is tender enough for a sports bar-like environment. There are, however, significantly better BBQ options around town, so keep your focus tightly on the wings. Chicken Wrap It’s dry yet somehow sloppy. Avoid this. Seafood Basket You get a limp piece of fried fish and five mid-sized shrimp—it’s not good." - Jacinta Howard
