Dig your teeth into a piece of crispy, juice fried chicken at one of these spots around NYC!
Corey Fuller - Staff Writer•
Calling all fried chicken enthusiasts! With National Fried Chicken Day coming up on July 6, we’ve put together our list of the best places to devour some delicious chicken. From classic southern-style chicken and waffles to irresistible buffalo sandwiches, these spots are whipping up the juiciest and golden brown meat around. Here’s where to satisfy your fried chicken craving right now.
1. Red Rooster, Harlem
Let’s start with a Harlem staple, who’s name comes in honor of the legendary Harlem speakeasy that attracted neighborhood folk, jazz greats, and noteworthy figures of the 20th century. With chef and restaurateur Marcus Samulesson at the helm, Red Rooster serves diverse meals influenced by Black American staples, like the YEP! Chicken & Waffles and the Chicken Tower (20 piece Hot Honey Yardbird, cornbread & choice of 3 sides). See full menu here.
Where: 310 Lenox Ave
2. Pies ’n Thighs, Williamsburg
Pies ’n Thighs in Brooklyn has been around since 2006, serving some of the most authentic Southern fried chicken in NYC. After meeting as cooks in a diner, owners Sarah Sanneh and Carolyn Bane now proudly serve hearty meals like their award-winning Fried-Chicken Boxes (w/biscuit and side) and Banana Cream Pies for dessert. The name holds true to their specialties and it deserves your visit. See full menu here.
Where: 166 S 4th Street, Brooklyn
3. Pelicana Chicken, Multiple Locations
Pelicana Chicken is one of the best for Korean fried chicken, and they have just about everything, from boneless to bone-in, and wings to drumsticks. Their world famous Sweet and Spicy (Yangnyeom) Chicken is the talk of the town here, especially when it’s dowsed in their special sauce. It’s crunchy, flavorful, and juicy. Don’t forget to add in one of their Mochi Donut Cheese Balls while you’re at it too.
Where: Find your location here
4. Pecking House, Park Slope
Pecking House’s fried chicken is what you can call upscale, but it’s with intention. Their sichuan-seasoned Chicken Meals (2 or 3 pieces) are always a great option, or you could always opt for one of their tasty chicken sandwiches. We prefer the Spicy Chicken Sandwich (Fuqi chili sauce, Oaxaca cheese, pickled jalapeños, brioche) ourselves. While the prices may seem heftier here, it’s because of the dining experience and notable difference in the quality of the meat. See full menu here.
Where: 244 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn
5. Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken, East Village
Brothers Eric & Bruce Bromberg are behind the East Village chicken joint Blue Ribbon, and their food is a must-try in our opinion. When you’re not snacking on one of their drumsticks, thighs or tender combos, we suggest ordering their Sandwich of the Month, which is the Beach Bird (Coney Island-inspired crispy fried chicken sandwich layered with pickled cucumbers and brown mustard topped with 100% beef hot dog and french fries tossed in sea salt and malt vinegar) this month. See full menu here.
Where: 28 E 1st St
6. Rowdy Rooster, East Village
India’s tradition of fried chicken comes to life at Rowdy Rooster, where they chef up everything from the Big Rowdy Chicken Sandwich (potato bun, mint, yogurt, pickled onion) to street cart favorites like Chili Chicken (boneless chicken, chili garlic sauce, green chili, scallions). From Chicken Pakoras in the North to Chicken 65 in the South, Chef Chintan Pandya & Restaurateur Roni Mazumdar are bring the boldest Indian spices you can find to NYC. See full menu here.
Where: 149 1st Avenue
7. Charles Pan Fried Chicken, Multiple Locations
Specializing in pan-fried chicken, Charles Gabriel proudly serves his soul food with care and precision out of his Harlem flagship. Since 1990, he’s been whipping up chicken using his unique skillet-cooking method, which makes it the crispiest and juiciest around. For no frills, get the Pan-Fried Chicken Plate (3 pieces served with two sides and cornbread) or if you want to mix it up… try the Barbecue Chicken or Smothered Chicken (smothered in Charles Homemade Gravy). You can also order a la carte too! See full menu here.
Where:
Harlem (Flagship) – 340 W 145th St
Other Locations – Find them here
8. 375 Chicken ‘N Fries, Lower East Side & Hell’s Kitchen
This chicken and fries joint is utterly delicious, and their chicken sandwiches and popcorn chicken are too good to miss out on. Their sandwiches like the Sweet Chili Sandwich (Potato Roll, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Sweet Chili Glaze, Cheddar, Samurai Sauce) and 375° Hot Chicken Sandwich (Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Chili Oil, Cayenne Pepper Spice, Pepper jack Cheese, Sriracha Mayo, Coleslaw, Pickles) are some of the crunchiest around.
Or…dig into their Chick ‘n Pop popcorn chicken, which ranges in flavors from buffalo-honey to mango-habanero to PB&J (with Grape Jelly Glaze, Peanut Sauce). See full menu here.
Where:
Lower East Side – 124 Ludlow St
Hell’s Kitchen – 649 9th Ave
9. Sweet Chick, Multiple Locations
Since opening in 2013, Sweet Chick now stands in its own class thanks to their chicken and waffles. The two piece bone-in chicken comes served with your choice of Belgian waffle (apple cinnamon, bacon cheddar, chocolate chip or vanilla glaze). Plus, their menu offers other fried chicken favorites like their signature buttermilk biscuit breakfast sandwiches, crispy chicken sandwiches, fresh market salads, and more. Don’t forget about their boozy frozen drinks too! See full menu here.
Where: Find your location here
10. Bobwhite Counter, East Village, Union Square & LIC
Bobwhite Counter might be the most affordable fried chicken option our list, and maybe the tastiest too. They’ve been serving their no frills poultry for over 10 years, and you can get just about anything chicken-related here. We’re talking combo boxes for under $9, chicken sandwiches served on biscuits, and even chicken wraps. It’s safe to say they’ve mastered their craft after all these years. See menu here.
Where:
East Village – 94 Avenue C
Union Square – 124 E 14th St
Long Island City – 28-17 Jackson Ave, Queens
11. Amy Ruth’s, Harlem
Amy Ruth’s in Harlem stems from many family generations of Southern cooking, and their delicious chicken is proof! Their chicken and waffles meal, The Rev. Al Sharpton is why many flock to this long-standing establishment, but their larger Southern honey-fried chicken entree, The Reggie Harris, is equally as satisfying. See full menu here.
Where: 113 W 116th St
12. noreetuh, East Village
Stop by noreetuh, a Michelin-
Where: 128 1st Ave
13. Slava, SoHo
Slava, a high-end modern Ukrainian restaurant and co*cktail bar in SoHo is proudly serving their Fried Chicken Kyiv Sandwich, an Americanized version of the Ukrainian classic. Chef Pavlo Servetnyk prepares it by stuffing a chicken breast with dill and butter, tossing it in egg and flour and pan frying it, then serving it on a fresh bread with aioli, pickled carrots, lettuce, and hot sauce (w/roasted potatoes lathered in porcini mushroom mousse on the side). See full menu here.
Where: 77 W Houston St
14. The Flying co*ck, Murray Hill
As part of their new Birds & Bubbles campaign, The Flying co*ck in Murray Hill is serving Fried Chicken Slider Towers every Wednesday all summer long! Consisting of towered rows packed with fries and chicken sliders, you and up to 4 people can enjoy it for $89! It comes with a bottle of Prosecco as well to wash it down with. Learn more and see full menu here.
Where: 497 3rd Ave
15. bb.q Chicken, Multiple Locations
Rounding out or list is bb.q Chicken, who is a chicken lover’s dream. Choose between their boneless, bone-in, whole chicken, or combination platters and you can get just about any meal and size you’re after. Plus, they also have tasty Korean foods you can pair with them too like bokki and fried rice. See full menu here.
Where: Find your location here
See also: 15 Best BBQ Restaurants In NYC For Meat Lovers
