Delia’s Chicken Sausage Stand

I don’t particularly like chicken sausage, hot dogs, or spicy food, yet I find myself craving Delia’s.

It’s more of a drive-in food stand than a restaurant and it’s new to the world (it opened spring 2011) but I can see it eventually becoming an Atlanta institution. Located in a tiny building just off I-20 about two miles east of downtown Atlanta, Delia’s is surrounded by fast-food competitors.

Delia’s stands apart by offering a limited menu of Slingers: spicy organic chicken sausage in a fresh-baked bun, covered in various toppings. I prefer the naked version, but you can get sauerkraut, chili, jalapenos, or a variety of other toppings. They really are addictive, and one fills me up. There are other options, including breakfast sandwiches, but I find if you add too much to the sandwich it becomes impossible to eat without making a mess.

Sides are limited, and all I’ve tried are the fries (wedgies). I’m not a big wedgie fan, especially when they’re covered in batter, but I usually end up getting them anyway.

The other habit forming thing on the menu is the Cake Shake. Delia takes a big, fully formed and frosted cupcake (chocolate or red velvet), throws it in a blender with ice cream, and serves it up. At first the texture is a little weird, but once you get used to it, it’s like a big cup of the last bites of a birthday cake when the ice cream has melted all over it. It’s no stranger than chocolate chip cookie dough shakes once were, but even better. I suspect it’s an idea that will spread.

Someone at the shop had connections with a graphic designer, so it’s all very slickly packaged. And it wouldn’t surprise me if it someday crosses over to the dark side and begins franchising. But for now it’s a one-of-a-kind fast-food restaurant serving unique food, conveniently located near one of the interstates that are the crossroads of the South. It definitely beats the other quick-serve options in the area and is head and shoulders above Atlanta’s main fast-food institution, The Varsity.

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