15 June 2023
Willie Mae’s fried chicken. | Randy Schmidt/Eater NOLA
A big bucket of fried chicken recommendations for summer
Tender, crispy, juicy, and sometimes spicy — fried chicken pretty much embodies the best of Southern foodways. While New Orleans is in but not necessarily of the South, its fried chicken offerings are damn fine, and not just Louisiana’s own Popeyes, forever number one in the hearts of many. The city and its surrounding areas are widely known for its gas station fried chicken, a fact that blesses residents with good chicken almost anywhere, anytime.
This Eater roundup includes a flock of essential spots for fried chicken in New Orleans, ranging from takeout-only to full service. This lineup is mostly about all parts of the bird — sandwiches and wings only are another craving altogether — although Big Freedia’s fave for wings (Manchu) still made the cut. As always, these are ranked geographically, and be sure to check individual restaurant websites and social media for current hours.