Though we love their chicken sandwiches, Chick-fil-A has alienated many pro-LGBT diners with its owners’ stances on gay marriage. And with more than 2,000 locations, they don’t need your money as badly as many restaurants in town anyway. Craving the fast food spot’s fried chicken sandwiches but want to support another business? Here are our favorite places to satisfy your cravings. —Kristen Wile

 

Art’s BBQ and Deli
This small, family-run place where McDowell meets Morehead is a personal favorite. The fried chicken sandwich here is simple and delicious; a huge piece of chicken breast, fried with lettuce and tomato on a white bun with mayo. You’ll have to get out of your car, but the food always comes out quickly here — and the tea is even better than Chick-fil-A’s. At $5.95 a sandwich, this is our favorite alternative.

 

The Asbury
This fried chicken sandwich is an upgrade from Chick-fil-A’s, but still comes with pickles. The base of the sandwich is hormone-free chicken from Springer Mountain Farms. Country ham and cheddar cheese make it a true Southern dish, while caramelized onion and a thyme aioli add another layer of flavor. The sandwich is available at the restaurant during both lunch and dinner.

 

The Cookin’ Coop
Currently popping up at The Yolk in 7^th Street Public Market in the evenings, Daryl Cooper named his food truck Cookin’ Coop after his last name. High demand led him to create an entire menu out of fried chicken sandwiches. If you’re looking for basic fried goodness, you’ll want to go with the Smooth Operator: hand-breaded fried chicken with lettuce, tomato, and homemade pickles. Feeling a little healthier? Order it grilled. Feeling not-so-healthy? Other sandwich toppings include pork belly and pimento cheese.

 

BLT Steak
If you only go to Chick-fil-A for the waffle fries, you’ve likely struggled to find a new spot. Find them as a side option at BLT Steak in Uptown. We get the obsession; waffle fries are the best at holding ketchup. BLT Steak may be high end, but they’re not above serving this fun cut of fry. If you’re trying to keep the price point closer to fast food, Rosemont in South End also serves a waffle fry, and with tons of options for dipping, you can find one to match your favorite Chick-fil-A sauce.

 

Haberdish
Prefer your fried chicken outside of a bun? Check out Haberdish’s chicken tenders. True to the name, they’re tender, served steaming hot, and made of quality meat. This fried favorite of diners from toddler to adults gets extra flavor from brining, and with online ordering, you can pop in and pick them up without a wait.

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