Magic City Kitchen

"If you know, you know. And Atlantans have known for years that the wings from this shoe-modeling establishment are as magical as the entertainment here. Regardless of the form of entertainment offered at Magic, the wings are legitimately good. These wings are well fried with a snappy skin and are sauced properly, too, especially the honey garlic and plain battered versions." - Mike Jordan, Henna Bakshi

"The lemon peppers at Magic City Kitchen are legendary for a reason—they’re darn good. And two things immediately stand out: one, they nail their rubs and sauces (we'll get back to that). And two, they’re deliberately small, which means the wings cook more evenly. Plus, the size almost guarantees that every bite will have come into contact with your sauce, which will be excellent. There’s an entire section of the menu dedicated to their signature sauce blends. Our favorite is the Louwill Lemon Pepper BBQ, which mixes vinegary BBQ with a nicely balanced citrus-spice rub. Since this isn't your average takeout joint, you'll have to bring ID and be prepared to wait outside the Downtown club if your online order isn't ready yet." - demarco williams, juli horsford, jacinta howard

"Like many who’ve gone before you—Rick Ross, Rihanna, and wide-eyed tourists desperate for “old Atlanta'' experiences—you’re understandably drawn by the folklore of the world-famous Magic City Kitchen wings. Specifically, you’re wondering if this fabled bar food is really worth the hype. The answer is yes. Although the club has been open since the ’80s, the flats and drums are now as legendary as the club itself. So much so that MCK’s takeout operation (which runs separately from the club) draws its own crowd. Forget the roided-up dinosaur wings from your grocery store freezer—MCK’s wings are smaller, ensuring they cook evenly and come out crispy. Each bite into the tender, flavorful meat is perfectly coated in your choice of lemon pepper, BBQ, or spicy jerk sauce. video credit: Tabia Lisenbee-Parker You’ll find everything from well-seasoned fried fish to crispy fried okra and hearty baked potatoes on the menu as well, but there's an entire section dedicated to these beloved flats and drumettes with about 14 flavors total. Some are named after club regulars who created signature sauce mixes, including a flavorful tangy BBQ blend by Atlanta Hawks star Lou Will, who famously risked it all to pick up an order. If you’re just here to visit Magic City Kitchen, know it’s not your average takeout operation, so there are a few important things you’ll want to jot down before you climb the Magic stairs. For one, don’t leave your ID in your car. You'll need to prove you’re at least 21 to get past the probably bored security (who just saw Jermaine Dupri and his entourage roll up in matching doily socks, so you’re just not as thrilling). Once inside, turn left of the H-shaped stage, and you’ll find MCK’s takeout window. And nope, you may not chill inside the club to wait for your order. Check the estimated “ready time” on your online order and follow it precisely, or be prepared to be sent back outside to sit in your car until your order is ready. So while you probably won't get a wing flavor named after you, the final tip is simple—get extra napkins. It’s going to get messy. Food Rundown photo credit: Tabia Lisenbee-Parker Louwill Lemon Pepper BBQ A mix of BBQ sauce with lemon pepper seasoning created by former Atlanta Hawk guard, this is one of the best combo creations on the menu, tangy but sweet. Uncle Jeff Honey Jerk Sweet meets heat in this well-fried wing, where honey and jerk sauce come together like a tasty odd couple. Classic Lemon Pepper These wings nail the citrus-spice balance. There’s no aimless spice dumping on these wings. Fried Catfish When you’re not in the mood for chicken, the fried catfish is tasty and well seasoned." - Jacinta Howard

"Atlanta residents have known the strength of Magic City Kitchen for decades, long before the recent media fixation on the signature seasoning. Despite the joking winks and smirks from out-of-towners, they’re never shy about grabbing a late lunch, an early-evening dinner, or delivery and pickup orders from the institution. L.J., who has led the kitchen at Magic City for 20 years and asked to remain anonymous due to her ongoing work in the hospitality industry, says Williams was a regular who eventually saw the kitchen team formalize his order, name it after him, and add it to the establishment’s menu well before he broke the NBA bubble and garnered the club’s chicken wings a new flood of national media attention." - Jacinta Howard