Top 10 fried chicken spots in Charlotte

Even in a world without Price’s Chicken Coop, Charlotte is still home to a number of great fried chicken spots. Here’s our top 10.

• Disagree? Shoutout your favorite on social media or send us an email at [email protected].

(Editor’s note: This is not a ranking. This guide is updated periodically.)

(1) The Quik Shoppe

Best gas station fried chicken (there’s really no competition)

About: This Shell gas station on the corner of East and South Boulevard serves up what some call the “holy grail” of fried chicken in Charlotte. We just call it dang good chicken.

The chicken: Comes regular- or jumbo-sized in mild or spicy with one side and roll.

Location: 201 East Blvd. in South End.

Hours: Open 24/7.

(2) Horace’s Hot Fried Chicken

Best ghost kitchen fried chicken

About: Horace’s is a takeout-only chicken joint located at the Wells Fargo Plaza. Horace’s shares an executive chef with Mimosa Grill.

The chicken: If you like spicy, this chicken has a kick to it.

Location: 327 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.

Hours: Open Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday from 11am to 7pm, and from Friday 11:30am to 7pm.

Read more: Searching for Horace: Who’s behind Charlotte’s new hot fried chicken delivery option?

(3) Original Chicken n’ Ribs

Best home-style chicken

About: A family-owned and operated takeout-only restaurant in the Historic West End. Third-generation owner Jermaine Blackmon says his secret ingredient for remaining open for 70 years is “love.”

• Blackmon was featured as part of the #StayInWest campaign, promoting businesses along the Beatties Ford corridor.

The chicken: There are multiple chicken dinner boxes to choose from. The four- and six-piece dinners are popular options for $7.45 and $9.45 respectively.

Famous “Fat Boy:” If you want something other than chicken, go for the fan favorite “Fat Boy” burger for $5.95.

Location: 1100 Beatties Ford Rd.

Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 11am to 10pm, and Sunday from noon to 5pm.

(4) Mr. Charles Chicken and Fish

Best spot for a welcoming staff

About: Mr. Charles’s two locations are run by the father and son duo of Mike and Michael Rhynes.

The chicken: Go with one of the chicken dinners, it comes with 2 or 4 pieces of white or dark meat, and two sides.

Locations:

• Statesville – 3100 Statesville Ave.
• Cambridge – 8006 Cambridge Commons Drive

Statesville hours: Monday through Saturday from 11am to 6pm.

Cambridge hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 9pm, and Sunday from 11am to 8pm.

(5) Haberdish

Best brunch and date night fried chicken

About: The popular NoDa brunch spot serves old-school southern favorites with a modern twist.

The chicken: It’s brined, battered, and fried nice and crispy.

Location: 3106 N. Davidson St.

Hours: Open Tuesday through Thursday from 5-10pm, Friday from 5-11pm, Saturday from 11:30am to 11pm, and Sunday from 11:30am to 10pm.

(6) South 21 Drive In

Best old-school fried chicken

About: A classic, drive-in spot on East Independence.

The chicken: Comes with a side of fries, coleslaw and a roll.

Location: 3101 Independence Blvd.

Hours: Open Tuesday from 11am to 3pm, Wednesday and Thursday from 11am to 7pm, Friday and Saturday from 11am to 8pm

(7) The Eagle Food & Beer Hall

Best new-school fried chicken

About: Cincinnati-based restaurant chain serving fried chicken and other classic Southern fares.

The chicken: It’s flavorful, crispy and best paired with the house-made hot honey drizzle.

Location: 2120 South Blvd. Ste. 1.

Hours: Open Monday through Thursday from 4-10pm, Friday and Saturday from 11am to 11pm, and Sunday from 11am to 10pm.

Read more: Popular fried chicken joint The Eagle opens this Friday in South End

(8) Cuzzo’s Cuisine

Best flavor variety

About: Owned by South Carolina natives and cousins Andarrio Johnson and Anglee Brown, this spot specializes in Southern comfort foods.

The chicken: You can get wings or tenders tossed in jerk, hot, or BBQ sauces or the regular, Cajun, and lemon pepper rubs.

Location: 3418 Tuckaseegee Rd.

Hours: Open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 8pm, and Sunday from noon to 5pm.

(9) The King’s Kitchen

Best fried chicken spot for a business lunch

About: In addition to serving up delicious southern comforts, this nonprofit restaurant helps feed and employ individuals experiencing homelessness.

The chicken: Go with Aunt Beaut’s Pan-Fried Chicken.

Location: 129 W. Trade St.

(10) Bojangles

Best homegrown chain

About: The 44-year-old local classic known for its fried chicken and biscuits is still good today.

Location: Head to Bojangles’ first location right here in Charlotte at 300 West Blvd.

Big chicken fan? Check out our list of best fried chicken sandwiches, too.