Where to Get Fried Chicken in Charlotte: 2022

Options across the city

WHERE CAN I get some great fried chicken? It’s an essential and age-old question. And if you’re in Charlotte, we have recommendations:

The Quik Shoppe
201 East Blvd.
Underneath the novelty of being “chicken from a gas station,” there lies a simple truth: It’s actually really good. The crisp breading on Quick Shoppe’s pieces is where the magic lives. There’s no place to sit here, but sometimes, you just have to find a bench somewhere and get to it.

The Chicken Box
1331 W. Sugar Creek Rd.
Chicken Box is another one of Charlotte’s legendary spots to grab this Southern staple. You not only have white and dark options here, but also wing-only dinners, chicken livers, chicken gizzards, and more.

The Eagle Food & Beer Hall
2120 South Blvd., Ste. 1
The star of this Cincinnati-based brand’s menu is their house-brined, hand-dredged fried chicken, which comes with a side of house made hot honey. You can also order it as a fried chicken sandwich or fried chicken BLT, or add it to any salad.

South 21 Jr
6920 N Tryon St.
South 21 Jr has the rare honor of being known for both great burgers and great fried chicken, covering my personal basic food groups. Its well-decorated chicken dinner comes with the Charlotte standard: fries, coleslaw, and a roll.

Haberdish
3106 N Davidson St.
Haberdish is the most grandiose of this bunch, but don’t let that fool you: The fried chicken here is steadfast and worth your time. The menu offers the simple descriptor of “brined, batter, fried,” and along with this spot’s rich mac and cheese, never disappoints.

Mert’s Heart & Soul
214 N College St.
This uptown soul food staple is where you take Mom and Dad when they’re in town. Drop its Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives appearance to really impress ’em. Mert’s housemade seasonings set the “Southern Fried Chicken” here apart, alongside its cornbread (and two other sides) that accompanies it.