Who Doesn't Love Fried Chicken
There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of hot, crispy fried chicken. It’s more than just a meal, it’s a cultural staple, a family tradition, and a culinary art form passed down through generations. Across the country, Black-owned restaurants are serving up some of the best fried chicken you’ll ever taste. Each has its own unique seasoning, crunch, and story. Today, while we look for the things that bring us comfort, amongst all of the stress and volatility, it makes sense for us to celebrate the things that do that for us. National Fried Chicken Day might just be one of the most appropriate national days at the moment. We should use it to gather, fellowship, and rekindle those relationships that will hopefully gives us strength and motivation.
Established in 1957 in New Orleans’ historic Tremé neighborhood, Willie Mae’s Scotch House began as a bar before evolving into a full-fledged restaurant in the 1970s. Known for its Mississippi and Louisiana-inspired cuisine, it gained national recognition after winning the James Beard Award in 2005 for “America’s Classic Restaurant for the Southern Region.” It also has been celebrated as serving “America’s Best Fried Chicken” by outlets like the Food Network and Travel Channel. Visitors rave about the crispy, juicy fried chicken that many describe as life-changing. One reviewer claimed it ruined all other fried chicken for them, while another praised its flavor and cultural significance. It is a must visit if you are in the city of New Orleans and don’t forget to wash it all down with their refreshing lemonade. They also have an LA location for those who are on the West Coast.
Hot chicken is all the rage but it isn’t a new thing. Credited with popularizing Nashville hot chicken, Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack was founded in 1945 by James Thornton Prince. Legend has it that hot chicken was born out of an act of revenge by a scorned girlfriend who spiced up Prince’s breakfast. Instead of being deterred, he loved it and turned it into a business. Over the decades, Prince’s has become a Nashville institution. Diners can choose their preferred heat level, with the “mild” offering a gentle kick and the “hot” delivering an intense spice experience. The chicken’s moistness and the flavorful seasoning of the fries have received praise from customers for years.
Chicago is the epicenter of the Great Migration. Along with that came a lot of Southern culture from the South. One aspect that is slightly overlooked is that of New Orleans. Ina Mae’s Tavern is there to remedy that. From chargrilled oysters to red beans and rice you will find Crescent City staples on their menu. They also have fried chicken that is well seasoned and offered with a drizzle of hot honey for that extra kick.
Helmed by Chef Keith Corbin, Alta Adams fuses soul food traditions with California ingredients to create elevated dishes that honor African American culinary heritage. Situated in LA’s historic West Adams district, Alta Adams offers a contemporary twist on Southern cuisine. The restaurant’s fried chicken, characterized by its shatteringly crispy skin and tender meat, is elevated when paired with their house-made Fresno chili hot sauce. Alta Adams is one of the great Black Owned Restaurants to visit when you’re in the city of dreams.
The Pacific Northwest isn’t particularly known for soul food and Southern cooking. But Ezell’s Chicken is representing for Washington State and has been since 1984 when it was founded by Lewis Rudd and Ezell Stephens in Seattle. People love the spicy chicken and rave about it’s crispy skin and juiciness. They also have multiple locations so you can have options if you’re out there visiting or moving into the area.
Hot Chicken isn’t just a Memphis thing now, and Eugene’s Hot Chicken is an Alabama chain of crispy and spicy fried chicken.Founded in 2015 by Zebbie Carney, a Nashville native, Eugene’s Hot Chicken brought the Nashville-style hot chicken craze to Birmingham. The restaurant started as a food truck, affectionately nicknamed “Big Red,” and later expanded to brick-and-mortar locations. Fans of Eugene’s love the wings and creamy mac and cheese, describing the chicken as perfectly seasoned with just the right crunch. A casual vibe and friendly service add to the experience of visiting one of their locations.
Honey’s Kettle was founded by Vincent Williams in Compton in 2000, inspired by colonial-era kettle cooking traditions. Over the years, Williams perfected his technique for golden fried chicken and buttery biscuits, earning accolades from food critics and locals alike. After relocating to Culver City in 2005 following a devastating fire, Honey’s Kettle became a premier destination for fried chicken lovers in Los Angeles. This isn’t a fried chicken that you will find other places. The method of cooking and batter create an ultra crispy crust that provides a crunch unlike any other.
Chicago’s most famous fried chicken has got to be from Harold’s. Created in 1950 by Harold Pierce, Harold’s Chicken Shack has become a Chicago institution, particularly on the South Side. Now you can find it at one of 45 locations across 8 states which share in the classic recipe. Get it freshly fried or try it in its native Chicago style, drenched liberally in sauce.
Located in Brooklyn’s vibrant Bed-Stuy neighborhood, Peaches Hot House is beloved for serving a Brooklyn-style interpretation of Nashville hot chicken. This cozy restaurant has won over food enthusiasts with perfectly seasoned, crispy fried chicken boasting a spicy kick tailored to different heat preferences. It is a welcome restaurant to the scene in Brooklyn and also has its own unique intimacy. Make this restaurant a goal on your next visit the New York, and Brooklyn in particular.
In the twin cities, Soul Bowl is bringing its own new spin to the idea of Southern Comfort food. However, some things are classic like the Southern Hospitality which features Fried chicken on a bed of mac and cheese, greens, and yams. The flavors are classic but the presentation is from the imagination of chef Gerard Klass for today’s urban millennial.
Georgia Brown’s has been an icon of Washington D.C.’s culinary scene for decades, offering refined Southern cuisine in an elegant setting. Known as “The Soul of the City,” this restaurant celebrates African-American culinary traditions while serving dishes that honor Southern heritage for over 30 years. Their fried chicken is known for being tender, juicy and expertly seasoned. Get your taste of classic Southern cooking on your next visit to Chocolate City.
Located in Tampa’s bustling Ybor City, 7th and Grove is a vibrant black owned hotspot known for blending Southern cuisine, live entertainment, and rich cultural vibes. Their fried chicken—crispy, perfectly seasoned, and notably juicy—has quickly become a local favorite. Reviewers often praise their signature dishes like “Fryday Chicken,” pairing classic Southern flavors with modern flair. They aren’t just about the food however, they also have a great and lively events calendar full of great music and fun.
Harlem’s “Fried Chicken King,” Charles Gabriel is the legendary chef behind Charles Pan Fried Chicken. Using the time honored technique of cast iron pan frying, the fried chicken here has crispy and crunchy skin and tender, juicy meat. Both critics and locals laud the chicken in this Uptown establishment.
Established in 2008, Little Skillet is a beloved soul food spot tucked into San Francisco’s SOMA district. Known for its fried chicken and waffles, the restaurant started as a small takeout window before expanding into Victory Hall, where it serves craft beer and cocktails alongside its Southern-inspired dishes. People love the portion sizes and great flavor. It has become a staple for locals seeking comfort food with a West Coast twist on it.
An Indianapolis institution, Kountry Kitchen Indy has been serving the community flavorful soul food since the late 1980s. Their famous crispy fried chicken is prepared in true Southern tradition and remains a standout dish among locals. Diners praise its golden-brown coating, juicy interior, and perfectly balanced spices.Even President Barack Obama has visited to take in the delicious meals at Kountry Kitchen.
Located in Sacramento, Fixins Soul Kitchen is the product of former NBA All-Star and Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson. The restaurant celebrates black culture from the decor to the menu. At each of Fixins locations (Detroit, Sacramento, Tulsa, and Los Angeles) you can dig into classic Southern food, the highlight of which is the fried chicken.
Roots Southern Table is a black owned Southern restaurant in Dallas, Texas that is bringing community back to meal time. James Beard award winning Chef Tiffany Derry’s restaurant serves southern staples family style. The fried chicken at Roots is a beloved dish, characterized by its meticulously seasoned, ultra-crispy exterior, and tender, flavorful meat. But that’s not all, as the sides like cast iron cornbread and greens are to die for at this upscale location.
Roxbury’s historic Slade’s Bar and Grill is a go-to spot when you’re in Boston. The community icon is well known for its food and its live music. Once co-owned by Celtics legend Bill Russell, Slade’s is as much a part of Boston’s Black cultural history as it is a destination for comfort food. Their fried chicken is crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned and draws in locals and celebrities alike. Visiting Slades is a must to take in the history of Black Boston.
Soul Secret is a Cincinnati soul food restaurant that isn’t a hidden gem. This restaurant is known for serving up authentic comfort food. Owner Candice Holloway’s restaurant is taking time honored recipes passed down through her family and bringing them to their customers, sometimes innovating to keep them fresh. One thing that doesn’t need updating is their classic fried chicken which is tender and juicy and the perfect main dish alongside their creamy mac and cheese. It is truly a family affair at Soul secret.
Paschal’s has served as a cornerstone of Atlanta’s culinary and civil rights history since its founding in 1947 by brothers James and Robert Paschal. Famous for its legendary Southern fried chicken,this landmark has attracted generations of patrons, from local families to iconic civil rights leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis. The chicken is celebrated for its delicate, crispy coating, carefully balanced seasoning, and tender meat, making it a local favorite and a staple of Atlanta soul food. Not only is this a great place for a dinner or lunch, it is a part of history and the Black Story in America.
