Best Fried Chicken in New York City

Posted by Black Oak On September - 16 - 2007

Alright people, no need to fret. There’s no stereotyping here. I’m bringing you the best fried chicken spots in New York City, but it’s not because the audience here is black, it’s because the audience here probably likes friend chicken. You also probably like pizza, other Italian food, and ice cream, and so you can click on the links to check out the best places in those categories, as well. With that disclaimer said, let’s move on to this article’s topic of choice.

Being in New York City, real southern-style fried-chicken is not as available as it is down south. That’s why I’ve taken the time to denote some of the best spots to get some great fried chicken, as well as some tasty alternatives as well.

Charles’ Southern Style Kitchen

308 Lenox Avenue, New York, NY

2837 Frederick Douglass Blvd., New York, NY

It’s only right that some of the best fried chicken in New York come from the place where many black southerners emigrated to so many years ago. Charles Gabriel, the owner of Charles’ Southern Style Kitchen, has brought his famous southern restaurant to Harlem. Served buffet style, you can get some of the most authentic, southern-style, fried chicken in the world! Yes, it’s that good! It’s probably not good for you, but when you take your first of that succulent chicken breast, with its delicate, yet crispy skin, and your mind wanders off to some back road in North Carolina where you used to have your family reunions and battered and deep-fried chicken was in demand like PS3’s on Christmas, you’ll realize what I’m talking about.

Rack & Soul

2818 Broadway, New York, NY 10025

Rack & Soul sells fried chicken the way it was meant to be served! With a waffle! Head over to the Upper-West Side in Morning Side Heights to find another fried-chicken luminary in Manhattan. And guess what? Charles Gabriel has his chicken-greased hands all over this establishment as well. As a hired consultant for Rack & Soul, Gabriel brought his pan-fried chicken recipe to Rack & Soul. You can even catch him in the kitchen working a cast-iron pan of hot oil, ready to prepare you some of his renowned fried-chicken below 125^th Street. But Gabriel is not the only won working the kitchen at Rack & Soul. Co-chef John Wheeler is preparing an array of Southern favorites, including chicken, but instead of using the cast-iron pan, he’s working the pit smoker. The combination of Wheeler and Gabriel make Rack & Soul a place to die for. There are very few other places in New York City where you will find an array of fried-chicken that has the unique tastes, moist meat and delectable crust that Rack & Soul provides the people of Morningside Heights with everyday. While making the trek up to the Upper West Side may seem a bit far for some, the fried-chicken and fine Southern dining of Rack & Soul is more than enough reason to make the trip!

Baden Baden NY

28 W. 32^nd Street, 2^nd Floor, New York, NY

Have you ever eaten Korean-style fried chicken? Didn’t think so. But believe me; it is definitely worth checking out. Korean-style chicken is cooked in a manner that is more apt to savoring the tenderness and moisture of a good piece of chicken. First, it is cooked in a rotisserie, where the rotisserie chamber cooks the bird with a nice tender heat. It is then cooled and deep-fried, resulting in crispy exterior and moist interior that can’t be found at KFC or Popeye’s. The Korean-style fried chicken is served with French fries, pickled daikon and assortment of other goodies. While tasty, stick to the main treat, and you’ll be licking your fingers all the way home from this trendy fried-chicken haven in Manhattan.