One way to experience Charlotte is through your stomach – by that, we mean the food. The Queen City is home to world-class cuisine and food that feels comfortably nostalgic.
One classic comfort food you’ll find in Charlotte is fried chicken – from generational traditions to chicken with a twist, fried chicken is a North Carolina staple. We’re listing 11 spots with the best fried chicken in Charlotte to add to your bucket list.
1. Prices Chicken Coop
Ask any native to Charlotte where you can find the best fried chicken and more likely than not they will direct you to Price’s. This is a quick stop, no-frills establishment. Opened in 1962, Price’s has been serving their famous fried chicken to the South End area for years.
The restaurant’s low-key atmosphere amplifies the delicious options on the menu – from some of the best fried chicken sandwiches to fish platters, this family-owned establishment doesn’t disappoint.
Why we like it:
At Price’s, you can choose between dark or white meat chicken, which is a nice touch and shows the white coat chefs know their stuff. You can also order other comfort classics like chicken gizzards or liver – chicken is put to good use at Price’s, and tastes delicious for the price point.
2. N.C. Red
N.C. Red’s motto is “northern raised, southern sourced.” Owner and Chef Bruce Moffett is a native New England resident who had a love for southern cuisine and turned that love into a restaurant business. The trendy yet casual space of the establishment matches the fried chicken option that has a special twist.
Why we like it:
The fried chicken at N.C. Red’s of the Nashville Hot chicken variety. They offer the Nashville Hot in white or dark meat, and the side orders available with the hot chicken will make your taste buds sing.
3. Mert’s Heart & Soul
Featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Mert’s is run by husband James Bazzelle and his wife Reneé. Mert’s serves up Lowcountry and Gullah-inspired cuisine to the Charlotte community – their most popular dishes include whole fried chicken wings and their award winning macaroni and cheese.
Why we like it:
The seasonings offered at the restaurant are all made in-house, which truly sets this spot apart from the rest in Charlotte. You can experience many variations of fried chicken through the seasonings alone, but you’ll find that variation in the type of cuisine you’re trying at Mert’s too.
4. Nana Morrison’s Soul Food Kitchen
For a true taste of home, head to Nana Morrison’s. This family-owned business does not hold back on loading your plate with classic soul food selections, like their fried chicken. Established in 2011, Nana Morrison’s has been making people feel welcomed in their casual atmosphere perfect for families.
Why we like it:
This spot has great portion sizes and reasonable prices. Nana’s also serves up vegan options for vegetarian and vegan travelers.
Related Post: 10 Places to Find the Best Soul Food in Charlotte
5. King’s Kitchen
On the edge of tradition and innovation, the King’s Kitchen serves up French cuisine with a Southern twist. The kitchen utilizes farm-to-table ingredients when it’s possible and creates dishes that highlight locally grown goods.
Why we like it:
King’s serves up their fried chicken skillet-style for an authentic southern flavor. On top of cooking up incredibly flavorful fried chicken, owner Chef Jim Noble created King’s Kitchen to be a non-profit that, on top of serving restaurant guests, helps to feed and employ the homeless population in Charlotte.
6. Bossy Beulah’s
Serving up fried chicken sandwiches is a tradition that has been passed down through five generations at Bossy Belulah’s.
Named after the owner’s Aunt Belulah (Beaut for short), Belulah’s specializes in making “no nonsense chicken” from the recipes Aunt Beaut crafted from the heart.
Why we like it:
Belulah’s menu focuses on chicken and the best fried chicken at that. They source high-quality chicken to create their buttermilk dipped fried chicken sandwiches topped with Mayo and fresh pickles. Visit their “Cozy Shack” for a good time!
7. Leroy Fox Cotswold
If you want to eat really good fried chicken in a trendy roadhouse atmosphere, Leroy Fox’s is the spot to try. Located in the Cotswold and the South End, this spot has upped the profile of its fried chicken by serving mason jar cocktails in a homey atmosphere.
Why we like it:
The menu is simple and allows for the kitchen to perfect their execution of what’s available on the menu. Their fried chicken has a great ratio of crunch on the outside and juiciness on the inside – pair it with their housemate mac and cheese and you’re in for a treat.
8. Horace’s Hot Fried Chicken
Instead of dining in, Horace’s is a delivery and pick up only only, hot fried chicken restaurant. Everything is homemade and created through the vision of Horace, who was cooking in the Charlotte area for over 20 years.
Why we like it:
The chicken is HOT, and for those used to a higher spice level, the S&P wings are a mild spice level suitable for anyone. Chicken is gluten-free, but not made in a gluten-free kitchen. And as Horace always said, “you gotta try the pickles.”
9. Bonchon
For an internationalized fried chicken experience, grab a table at Bonchon. While Americans usually associate fried chicken with a crispy exterior, Korean fried chicken takes a bit of a twist.
With Korean style flavors, Bonchon literally translates to “my hometown,” making this spot warm and welcoming to all.
Why we like it:
This is one of the few quality fried chicken chains in the US. The Korean flavors and seasonings elevate traditional fried chicken to a global, gourmet level.
10. Mr. Charles Chicken and Fish
With locations in Statesville and Cambridge, Mr. Charles has been serving (you guessed it) fried chicken and fish to the Charlotte community for years.
Why we like it:
Mr. Charles’ fried chicken has a great texture and the restaurant offers great daily specials. Stepped up to help the community by giving out free lunches to kids during the early stages of the crisis in 2019. This is a black-owned business and it deserves your attention!
11. South 21 Jr.
This family diner touts their award-winning golden fried chicken, and Charlotte natives talk highly of it. Alongside the fried chicken, you can grab a handcrafted milkshake and have yourself the ultimate comfort meal.
Why we like it:
South 21’s golden fried chicken is hand battered and cooked to order.
It’s clear that Charlotte has many options when it comes to chowing down on fried chicken. We hope our list gave you a variety of traditional family recipes to some innovative takes on the classic dish.
