Finding the perfect fried chicken is a journey many food lovers take very seriously. Sometimes the most hyped places leave you feeling a bit underwhelmed. Here is a look at some famous chicken spots that might not meet expectations and a few local favorites you should try instead.
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
This spot is incredibly popular but having thirty locations makes it feel less like a special local experience. You can find this chicken in many states so there is no rush to visit the original one in Memphis.
The Four Way
If you want true Memphis soul food this historic spot is where the locals actually go to eat. They serve amazing fried chicken and fish that people travel miles just to taste for themselves.
Howlin’ Rays
The long lines at this Los Angeles favorite are famous and honestly waiting that long for chicken can be very frustrating. There are so many other amazing neighborhood spots in the city that offer great flavor without the massive wait time.
Dinah’s Chicken
This classic Los Angeles joint has been serving up perfect fried chicken since the late sixties. You get to enjoy friendly service and moist chicken in a very comfortable atmosphere without any of the crazy hype.
Honey Butter Fried Chicken
Spending forty dollars on an eight piece chicken meal here in Chicago might feel a bit too expensive for what you actually get. Having a location inside a sports arena also takes away from that cozy local restaurant vibe you might want.
Harold’s Chicken Shack
Going back to the fifties this local chain is a very crucial part of Chicago food culture. The founder truly had a special way with chicken that keeps people coming back for more authentic flavor.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
This Nashville spot is heavily hyped and often feels more like a crowded tourist destination than a casual lunch spot. You can easily find countless other places nearby that offer that exact same spicy flavor profile without the huge crowds.
Bolton’s Spicy Chicken And Fish
This legendary place was serving up incredible hot chicken fifteen years before the big trendy spots even opened. The heat levels are perfect and it remains a true icon in the local Nashville community.
Rodney Scott’s BBQ
The food here is definitely good but having multiple locations outside of Charleston makes it feel a little less exclusive. Some people also just prefer different styles of barbecue when they are traveling around the south looking for big flavors.
Bertha’s Kitchen
Many people consider this to be one of the absolute best soul food restaurants on the entire planet. The cafeteria setup offers amazing yams and tender golden fried chicken that will make you smile from ear to ear.
Willie Mae’s Scotch House
This New Orleans restaurant is wonderful and historic but the immense popularity means you are dealing with lots of foot traffic. The city is packed with incredible Cajun fried chicken so you have plenty of other amazing options to explore.
Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken
Paying high prices for a simple chicken sandwich in New York might not be exactly what you are looking for. The menu can feel a bit too fancy when all you really want is some pure and simple Southern comfort food.
Yardbird
You can find this restaurant in Miami but they also have spots in places like Vegas and Singapore. Spending your limited vacation meals here might not make sense when you could literally eat the same food back home.
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