Fried chicken. Just the words conjure images of crispy, golden-brown skin, juicy, succulent meat, and that irresistible, savory aroma. Los Angeles, a city known for its culinary diversity, boasts a phenomenal fried chicken scene. From classic Southern recipes to innovative twists, there's a perfect piece of fried chicken waiting for you. This guide dives deep into the top 28 fried chicken spots in LA, ensuring your next fried chicken craving is met with perfection.
LA's Best Fried Chicken: A Deep Dive by Neighborhood
Finding the best fried chicken is subjective, of course! Taste is personal. But this list considers factors like quality of ingredients, the frying technique, overall experience, and of course, the sheer deliciousness. We've broken it down by neighborhood to help you find the perfect spot near you.
Downtown LA & Beyond
- Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken: A Nashville institution with a LA outpost, Gus's delivers on its name with incredibly spicy, flavorful chicken. Their secret blend of spices is legendary. Expect a wait, but it's worth it.
- Howlin' Ray's: This popular spot consistently ranks high for its incredible Nashville hot chicken. Be prepared for a long queue, but the fiery, flavorful chicken is a true experience.
- Willie Mae's Scotch House (Crenshaw): While technically not in Downtown LA, this legendary New Orleans-style spot deserves a mention. Their chicken is incredibly juicy and flavorful, a classic Southern experience.
Westside Wonders
- The Bird: Simple, classic fried chicken done right. Located in the heart of West Hollywood, it's a go-to spot for a casual, delicious meal.
- Honey's Kettle: A Westside favorite known for its crispy skin and tender meat. They've been serving up fried chicken goodness for years.
- Pappy's Cafe (Culver City): Though known for its other menu items, their fried chicken is a surprisingly amazing side dish or main course.
Eastside Eats
- Korean Fried Chicken (various locations): LA is home to many incredible Korean fried chicken restaurants. Each location offers a slightly different take on the double-fried classic. Look for places offering different sauces and levels of spice.
- Dave's Hot Chicken (various locations): Another popular Nashville-hot-chicken chain, Dave's offers various spice levels, from mild to insane. It's not for the faint of heart!
- Brother's Chicken (various locations): A Chicago-style chain, Brother's provides generous portions of crispy, juicy fried chicken.
Valley Delights
- Church's Chicken (various locations): A classic fast-food chain, but surprisingly consistent in quality. A reliable option for a quick and affordable fried chicken fix.
- KFC (various locations): Another fast-food stalwart, KFC provides a widely accessible and consistent, albeit basic, fried chicken experience.
- Popeyes (various locations): A competitor to KFC, Popeyes offers a slightly spicier and more flavorful take on the classic.
South Bay Sensations
- Randy's Donuts: Okay, they're known for donuts, but their fried chicken sandwich is surprisingly addictive. It's the perfect sweet and savory combo.
- Roscoe's House of Chicken 'N Waffles (various locations): The legendary chicken and waffles combo is a must-try. Roscoe's has several locations throughout LA.
(Note: The following locations are not ranked in any particular order, as individual preferences drastically alter the "best" option.)
The Rest of the Best
- Underground Chicken
- The Original Chicken Coop
- Crack Shack
- Marugame Monzo (for their Karaage)
- Golden Chick
- Lee's Sandwiches (for their crispy chicken sandwiches)
- Raising Cane's
- Bawk Bawk Kitchen
- Yardbird Southern Table & Bar
- The Larchmont Bungalow
- Hattie B's Hot Chicken
- Big Wang's
- Hotville Chicken
- Sticky Rice (offers fantastic fried chicken as a side dish)
- Kogi BBQ (occasionally features fried chicken on their menu)
Choosing Your Fried Chicken Adventure: Factors to Consider
Beyond just the name, several factors influence your fried chicken experience. Here's what to keep in mind:
- Spice Level: Do you prefer mild, medium, or scorching hot? Nashville hot chicken is famous for its intense heat.
- Style: Do you prefer Southern-style, Korean-style, or something else entirely? Each style offers a unique flavor profile.
- Sides: What complements your fried chicken? Consider waffles, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits.
- Price: Fried chicken prices vary widely.
Finding Your Perfect Piece of LA Fried Chicken
This comprehensive guide offers a starting point for your fried chicken journey in Los Angeles. Remember to check online reviews and menus before you head out. Happy eating! What are your favorite fried chicken spots in LA? Share your recommendations in the comments below!
