What and Where to Eat at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium

All eyes will be on Atlanta when it hosts Super Bowl LIII at the city's super-high-tech Mercedes-Benz Stadium. And thanks to the stadium's partnerships with favorite local restaurants and chefs, you can always score a winning meal here.

By: Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Photo By: Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Hand-Breaded Free-Range Chicken Sandwich at West Nest

This tasty chicken sandwich, available at West Nest on the 300 concourse, is one of the city's best, either inside or outside the stadium. A juicy Prestige Farms chicken thigh is dredged in flour seasoned with 17 herbs and spices (some of which are grown in the on-site garden) before being fried to golden brown. The sandwich comes tucked into a challah bun dressed with refrigerated pickles, honey hot sauce and Doux South chow-chow. Fun (and useful) fact: In-the-know guests can request a gluten-free version and the team will happily accommodate. The always-busy stand is staffed by graduates of Westside Works, a community job-training program helping revitalize the neighborhoods surrounding the stadium.

Sausage, Peppers & Onion Pizzette at ATL Pizza Co.

Classic stadium pizza gets a major upgrade at ATL Pizza Co., which has club-level locations on either side of the arena. While you can order the 10-inch Italian-style thin-crust pizza with simple pepperoni, those craving something more elevated will want the signature pie with Italian sausage, spicy-sweet peppadew peppers, fresh mozzarella and caramelized cipollini onions.

Brisket Grilled Cheese at Hot Press Express

Don't count calories when you choose to indulge in this decadent sandwich from Hot Press Express, a stand situated on every level of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Beef brisket is braised for 12 hours in red wine and mirepoix vegetables until it's fall-apart tender before joining BBQ aioli and a serious helping of fontina between buttered slices of Texas toast. The griddle-crisped sandwich comes with a side of crunchy kettle chips.

Classic Hot Dog at Linked Up

What would a visit to a sporting event be without a simple hot dog? This version, found at the Linked Up stands all over the building, clocks in at just $2 (perhaps the most-affordable meal on a bun you'll find at a pro sports arena). The dog itself is made by the Kayem brand, which has been producing premium meats for more than 100 years, and the golden challah bun comes from Atlanta-area Engleman's Bakery, which specializes in Old World, European-style breads. Customize your dog with ketchup, mustard or relish and wash it down with a $2 bottle of water, and you've got a whole meal that's a killer value.

Fresh Doughnut Assortment at Sublime Doughnuts

Genius local baker Kamal Grant put Atlanta on the map for artisan breakfast confections, and his two Sublime Doughnuts locations on the stadium's club levels always draw a crowd. No matter the time of day, satisfy your sweet tooth with fresh doughnuts in such flavors as strawberries and cream, red velvet cake and dulce de leche, or go even more creative with a white chocolate peach or caramel apple fritter. If your crew is hungry, get a 3- or 6-count assorted box to take back to your seats, or spring for an over-the-top doughnut ice cream burger.

Shrimp Tacos at Craft Taqueria

Guests looking for a lighter take on stadium fare might find their perfect match at Craft Taqueria on the 100 concourse, where shrimp are marinated in Goose Island beer, lime and ancho chiles and paired with fresh cilantro, shaved cabbage and red onions. Each order of two flour-tortilla tacos comes with house-fried cumin-dusted tortilla chips and your choice of tomatillo salsa verde or chile de Arbol-spiked salsa rojo. Wash them down with a Georgia-brewed craft beer from one of any number of nearby stands.

Frosted White Whiskey Sour Slushie at Gamechanger

Local celebrity chef Kevin Gillespie created his Gamechanger concept especially for The Benz's 200 concourse, and this sweet-tart cocktail has quickly become a favorite. Made with local distillery American Spirit Whiskey's white whiskey, the smooth, adults-only drink packs a boozy punch. Fans of the gregarious chef just might see him working the line on any given Sunday.

The No. 1 Farm Burger at Farm Burger

With its consistently juicy grass-fed beef burgers, Farm Burger has become a local and regional favorite with eateries around the Southeast. This outpost on Concourse 200 serves its signature creation with aged white cheddar, caramelized onions and Farm Burger Sauce, a creamy topping studded with tangy chopped pickles. Pair it with garlic, herb and Parmesan FB Fries for a satisfying — and sizable — meal.

Gluten-Free Cheesecake Brownies at Snackology 101

It might be shocking to find truly healthy fare at an arena, but the bites at Snackology 101 (one stand on each level) are so tasty you won't even notice that they're gluten-free. The moist, chewy cheesecake brownies are one of the stars of the show and a rich way to end your culinary tour of The Benz. Looking to balance out the treat? The stand offers fresh-pressed raw juices and organic green tea.