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September 4, 2025
Our favorite spots for fried chicken
Sit-down or take out, these Charlotte places keep us licking our fingers
by TM Petaccia
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, fried chicken may just be the South’s signature dish. In Charlotte, some kitchens have truly mastered the art, turning out pieces with shatteringly crisp crusts and perfectly seasoned meat. From bustling neighborhood favorites to small family-run spots, we’ve rounded up the city’s must-try locally owned places for classic bone-in fried chicken. No gimmicks, no shortcuts, just perfectly seasoned chicken: the kind any mee-maw would be proud to put on her table.
Tip: Many of takeout spots don’t cook your chicken until you order, which could take up to 25 minutes. You may want to call ahead to save time. Most also are connected to a delivery service to save you leaving your house all together.
Chicken Box Café, Sugar Creek
Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
Go for the fried chicken and: Broccoli casserole, good parking, easy access of I-85
Of note: Primarily take-out, but has a small amount of patio seating outside; during off hours, you’ll occasionally find an extra piece of chicken thrown in.
Website
Dish, Plaza Midwood
Hours: 11 a.m.-midnight Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-2 a.m. Saturday-Sunday
Go for the fried chicken and: Deviled eggs, sit-down dining in a pseudo country setting, late-night cravings
Of note: The place has changed management a few times since its opening in 2002, but this neighborhood favorite has maintained its devoted following, with good reason.
Website
Gas Station Chicken, South End/Plaza Midwood
Hours: Open 24 hours, although chicken availability times vary
Go for the fried chicken and: Potato wedges, a quick grab-and-go, late-night cravings
Of note: The Shell stations at the corners of South and East Boulevard and The Plaza and Eastway use a pressure deep fryer which produces a very crispy skin while keeping a textbook cooked juicy interior — make sure you get the hot sauce
Haberdish, NoDa
Hours: Lunch: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Tuesday – Friday
Dinner: 5–10 p.m., Tuesday–Thursday; 5–11 p.m. Friday; 3-11 p.m. Saturday; 3-10 p.m. Sunday
Brunch: 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Go for the fried chicken and: Cocktails, sit-down dining, elevated sides, brunch
Of note: One of the best craft cocktail restaurants in the city, nice covered patio
Website
Leroy Fox, Cotswold / South End
Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday – Thursday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday
Go for the fried chicken and: Green bean casserole, sit-down dining, family dining, game days, fun vibe
Of note: Offers fried chicken in a choice of two treatments: traditional Southern and “wing style” fried without coating (“naked”), tossed in honey-buffalo sauce and grill finished
Website
Midnight Diner, Uptown
Hours: Open 24 hours
Go for the fried chicken and: Classic diner vibe, late night cravings, rare free Uptown parking (two-hour limit)
Of note: One of the few remaining 24 hour sit-down restaurants left in the city (even Waffle House has started imposing take-out only hours in many locations)
Website
Nana Morrison’s Soul Food, Yorkmont / Riverbend
Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. daily
Go for the fried chicken and: Candied yams, casual sitdown dining, family friendly, easy parking
Of note: A traditional soul food restaurant with a slightly modern vibe; offers an extensive array of traditional mains and sides, available in an array of combinations
Website
Original Chicken & Ribs, West Charlotte
Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday
Go for the fried chicken and: More fried chicken (it’s that good)
Of note: Winner of The Charlotte Observer’s 2025 reader poll for best fried chicken. No waiting area. You are asked to wait in your car as they make your chicken (it’s worth the wait).
Website
Soul Kitchen (formerly Soul Central), Merry Oaks
Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
Go for the fried chicken and: Fried okra, easy parking
Of note: Offers a number of traditional soul food mains and side, primarily take-out, but has a small amount of patio seating outside.
Website
South 21 Drive-In, Independence Boulevard
Hours: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Go for the fried chicken and: Onion rings, throwback drive-in vibe, easy parking
Of note: In its current location since 1959, it is run by the descendants of the original founders.
Website
Sundays Only
Sweet Lew’s BBQ, Belmont (neighborhood)
Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
Go for the fried chicken and: mac and cheese, double up with BBQ, easy parking
Of note: While focused on his celebrated slow-cooked smoked items Monday-Saturday, Lewis Donald lets his deep-fried birds out on Sundays. We recommend pairing with his Alabama white sauce.
Website
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