American Deli

"You can’t rightly talk about great Atlanta wings without shouting out American Deli. In fact, a very credible scientific Atlanta study says that at least 80% of the chicken bones found around town come from this spot. OK, there is no research study. But with more than 20 locations in the city, American Deli has been an incredibly reliable spot for all things wings, but especially lemon pepper wet, which they played a huge role in popularizing throughout the city in the early 2000s. They’ve led the lemon pepper charge with their crisp, perfectly tangy handhelds." - demarco williams, juli horsford, jacinta howard

"I was in a studio session with this producer called Tricky and one of the other producers ordered me some wings and fries. Let me tell you: I've never enjoyed American wings like that in my life. Wings in America...they put too much stuff in their chicken. It tastes like it's laced with some injections or fertilizer or something. Let the chicken grow with love. I never enjoyed wings in the U.S. until I tasted American Deli. The wings didn't look big. I chew the bones, and they were soft; the wings didn't taste like they were getting shot with anything. But that sauce. There's a sauce that they put on the chicken. It's a mix between tangy and hot. You know the program by now: when I like something, I'm gonna eat it again and again, so the wings were in the studio every day until I left. I went back to visit for one day and I had to get it again. My favorite wings in America." - brennan carley

"We might publicly ridicule American Deli, but we all secretly crave their 10-piece platter sometimes. What started as a simple wings concept at South Dekalb Mall in the late ’80s has morphed into popular takeout situations in shopping centers (like this West End spot) and standalones all around. Makes sense since everyone we know appreciates flats and crinkle fries, including us. The wings themselves are middle road. Hell, they could stand to be a lil’ bigger, too. But there’s an indescribable comfort when these lemon pepper wets are dunked in ranch dressing. Not feeling wings after work? Cool, the white american-cheese covered philly isn’t half bad. Just remember: if you’re still not ready to openly proclaim your love, make sure your bag is out of frame before hopping on Facetime." - DeMarco Williams