PONKO Chicken Midtown — Restaurant in Atlanta

Ponko Chicken in Midtown is a standout for its fun fusion of Japanese‑American flavors and approachable vibe. Their crispy chicken tenders—especially when paired with that tangy “Ponko sauce”—are a real crowd‑pleaser . Reviewers frequently call it “delicious,” with one longtime fan writing, “The chicken is always battered nicely and the crisp is very satisfying” .

The menu nails the casual‑eatery sweet spot—think tacos, sandwiches, plates, and even vegan options—all under $30, complemented by generous sides like sweet potato fries and sticky rice . Many guests also appreciate the convenient perks like free parking at the nearby Nine15 building and easy MARTA access .

Atmosphere-wise, Ponko brings a relaxed charm. The decor feels updated and inviting, complete with a bar, patio seating, and even trivia nights—perfect for casual hangouts .

All in all, if you're in Midtown and craving flavorful chicken that’s both creative and satisfying, Ponko Chicken is a go-to. Friendly service, decent prices, and a fun fusion menu make it worth stopping by—especially for a late-night bite or a relaxed dinner...

First time ever eating at a Ponko Chicken and I liked it. This was the last stop on our bar crawl. There were two bartenders. One bartender kept forgetting people’s order and so felt badly for him. The other bartender was picking and choosing who to make drinks form. There was no order whatsoever. The food tasted amazing. I had chicken and a waffle and I loved it. The drinks weren’t bad either. They had run out of a lot of things, but I was okay with what I got. I had a pineapple mimosa. Mostly champagne, no juice at all, but it was good. They have an outdoor seating area that was nice. There was food and plates on several tables, but employees tried to keep the areas clean as best they could. The restaurant was packed. I tried the fried pickles too and they were just okay. They were cut in spears and didn’t have a lot of breading on them, so it was like eating a hot pickle. I liked the layout of the restaurant. It wasn’t big at all, but the counter to place orders being at the back helped with traffic flow. I’d come here again to try...

My Go-To Spot in Midtown!

Ponko Chicken has become one of my favorite local hangouts. The food is always fresh and flavorful—I’m obsessed with their crispy chicken—and the atmosphere is just the right mix of laid-back and lively.

What really stands out to me is the staff. They’re genuinely friendly and always make me feel welcome. They even remember my name and usual order, which adds such a personal touch that you don’t find everywhere.

Since I’ve been trying to be more mindful about fried food and takeout, I was pleasantly surprised to learn they use high-quality, non-GMO oil with actual health benefits—like supporting heart health and lowering cholesterol. That made me feel even better about going back again and again.

The Midtown location is super convenient, with a great patio for sunny days, and they keep things fun with live music, DJs, and bar crawls. If you’re looking for a casual spot with great food, a full bar, and good people,...