15 Best-Known Fried Chicken Spots In New York (From Chefs To Hole-In-The-Wall)
New York City serves up some of the crispiest, juiciest fried chicken you’ll ever taste. From soul food legends in Harlem to hipster joints in Brooklyn, the Big Apple’s fried chicken scene brings together flavors from around the world.
Whether you’re craving Southern-style, Korean-inspired, or something totally unique, these 15 spots deliver finger-lickin’ goodness worth every calorie.
1. Melba’s – Harlem (and Grand Central)
Comfort food gets the VIP treatment at Melba’s! The eggnog waffles paired with crispy fried chicken create a sweet-savory combo that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Featured on countless food shows, owner Melba Wilson learned her craft from her aunt – yes, the famous Sylvia of Sylvia’s. Her newer Grand Central location brings soul food heaven to commuters rushing through Midtown.
2. Charles’ Country Pan Fried Chicken – Harlem & Upper West Side
Holy crispy goodness! Charles Gabriel’s pan-frying technique creates chicken with a distinctive crust that’ll haunt your dreams.
Using old-school cast iron skillets rather than deep fryers, this Harlem legend hand-turns each piece for even cooking. The buffet-style setup means you can pile your plate high with soul food sides that complement that crunchy, juicy masterpiece.
3. Chick Chick – Upper West Side
Korean meets Nashville in this flavor explosion! Imagine traditional Korean fried chicken techniques colliding with fiery Nashville hot spices.
The chicken undergoes a special double-frying process that creates an impossibly crisp shell while keeping the meat ridiculously juicy. Though relatively new to the scene, Chick Chick has quickly earned a reputation for pushing fried chicken boundaries in delicious ways.
4. Coqodaq – Flatiron District
Champagne and fried chicken? Of course! This hotspot with Korean influences gives the common bird a glamorous makeover without sacrificing its essence.
Even beneath their famous sweet-spicy glaze, the chicken’s paper-thin, very crispy exterior nevertheless manages to maintain its crunch. Bubbly champagne cuts through the richness perfectly, who knew fried chicken could be so sophisticated?
5. Double Chicken Please – Lower East Side
Cocktails and Taiwanese popcorn chicken create magic at this buzzy LES spot! The chicken nuggets arrive piping hot, dusted with spices and herbs that’ll make your fingers impossible to stop licking.
While most come for the inventive drinks (their Chicken Sandwich cocktail is legendary), the crispy chicken bites steal the show. Small but mighty, these flavor bombs prove that sometimes the best things come in tiny packages.
6. Pies ‘n’ Thighs – Williamsburg
Hipster heaven meets Southern tradition! People wait in line around the block for the chicken at this Williamsburg staple because it is so well brined and seasoned.
Before being placed in the fryer, the chicken that has been marinated in buttermilk is dredged in seasoned flour. Pair it with their incredible biscuits or signature apple pie for the full experience. This finger-lickin’ feast isn’t pompous, despite being popular.
7. Bobwhite Counter – East Village
Southern hospitality meets NYC hustle at this tiny counter-service gem! With its ideal ratio of crunch to softness, the pressure-fried chicken sandwich has the potential to transform your life.
The crispy, light coating that Virginia-style chicken receives doesn’t overpower the luscious flesh. Their collard greens are the ideal side dish, simmering with smokey flavor. Big taste, little space – that’s the Bobwhite method.
8. Rowdy Rooster – East Village
Indian spices transform fried chicken at this flavor-packed hotspot! Chef Chintan Pandya infuses traditional American comfort cuisine with the vitality of Mumbai street food.
After marinating in yogurt and spices, the chicken is double-fried for optimal crisp. Mild to “why-is-my-face-melting” hot are the different heat intensities. Despite its small size, this restaurant’s cross-cultural masterpiece has enormous taste in every bite.
9. The Commodore – Williamsburg
Dive bar meets fried chicken paradise! The Commodore’s chicken biscuit sandwich has achieved cult status among Brooklyn food lovers.
Juicy thigh meat gets a peppery coating before being tucked into a buttery biscuit with hot sauce and honey butter. Wash it down with their famous Piña Colada while playing the vintage pinball machines. Who says great chicken can’t come from a bar kitchen?
10. Pecking House – Park Slope
Chili crisp chicken that once had a 10,000-person waitlist? Believe it!
Chef Eric Huang, a former Eleven Madison Park sous chef, created this chili-brined masterpiece during the pandemic. The chicken gets bathed in Tianjin chili oil and arrives with sides like dirty fried rice. After years as a delivery-only sensation, their brick-and-mortar spot now welcomes chicken pilgrims daily.
11. Mitchell’s Soul Food – Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
Perfection in a time capsule since 1969! With simple, expertly prepared soul cuisine staples, Mitchell’s maintains an old-fashioned feel.
Why tamper with perfection when the chicken recipe hasn’t altered in decades? Well-seasoned, crispy, and lovingly delivered by seasoned employees who may even refer to you as “honey.” No bookings, cash only, and well worth the unavoidable wait time.
12. Sweet Chick – Williamsburg
Hip-hop meets comfort food at this Nas-backed chicken and waffle joint! Sweet tea-brined chicken creates a unique flavor profile you won’t find elsewhere.
The chicken arrives with a shatteringly crisp exterior hiding juicy, flavorful meat inside. Waffle options range from classic to wild (bacon-cheddar, anyone?). Their cocktail game is strong too, making this a perfect brunch-to-dinner hangout.
13. Sylvia’s – Harlem
The queen of soul food has ruled Harlem since 1962! Sylvia Woods’ legendary chicken arrives crispy outside, moist inside, and seasoned to perfection.
Celebrity sightings aren’t uncommon at this iconic spot where presidents and movie stars come for authentic Southern cooking. The secret recipe hasn’t changed in decades – why mess with delicious history?
14. Jacob’s Pickles – Upper West Side
You’ll be amazed by the portion sizes! Jacob’s Nashville hot chicken is huge, bold, and gorgeous, and they don’t fool around with it.
Arriving on top of a huge buttermilk biscuit, the chicken is drenched with chilled ranch and spicy sauce. Perfectly balancing the richness are their house-made pickles. Come hungry or be prepared to waddle home with leftovers – these plates are serious business.
15. Gage & Tollner – Downtown Brooklyn
Victorian splendor meets modern chicken mastery! It’s worth dressing up for the fried chicken at this renowned oyster restaurant, which reopened after 17 years.
With a delicate crust flecked with herbs, the chicken comes golden-brown and manages to remain crisp throughout your meal. Although they are well-known for their seafood, their chicken is just as good. Every mouthful is made more magical by the dining room’s chandelier lighting.
