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New Yorkers 1st Choice
San Francisco's best

Fried chicken spots

Made for those who judge an American menu entirely by the quality of its fried chicken.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
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Updated May 2026
01
16th Street Diner image 1
16th Street Diner image 2
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Breakfast restaurant

Cozy diner space features old-school vibe with warm, welcoming atmosphere and clean, organized interior. Music plays at a comfortable volume, enhancing the relaxed mood. The place serves halal breakfast dishes with some standout items like chicken and waffles and well-plated omelettes.

Fried chicken stands out as super crispy and juicy, often paired with French toast for breakfast. Buffalo wings come crispy and well-seasoned, while steak and eggs arrive hot and tasty.

Super crispy and juicy fried chicken stands out here. It pairs well with French toast and appears in a tasty sandwich option.

People are saying

"The diner food here is comforting and delicious, not greasy."

"The American food, especially the French toast with fried chicken, is amazing."

"I found the french toast with fried chicken to be some of the best."

Good to know

1

They serve only halal meat.

2

The diner has an excellent central location.

3

The kitchen is small, so expect longer wait times during busy hours.

02
Prelude image 1
Restaurant

Southern fine dining unfolds in a sleek, moody space with an open kitchen showcasing chefs at work. Elegant, intimate lighting and soft textures create a calm, composed atmosphere. Signature cocktails and creative dishes like chicken-stuffed wings highlight a refined, upscale experience.

Chicken wings stand out, especially the stuffed wing variety. Creamy, perfectly seasoned grits come with playful sides, alongside classic dishes like ambrosia salad.

Fried chicken wings come deboned and stuffed with dirty rice, offering a spicy, crispy bite. Each course builds up to these standout wings, which deliver on their reputation.

People are saying

"The Fine Dining here is amazing, with creative and gorgeous dishes."

"The American Food, especially the pork chop, was beautifully cooked."

"The fried chicken wings were spicy, crispy, and stuffed."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour features discounted drinks and appetizers from 5-7pm daily.

3

The menu changes seasonally based on local farmer's market finds.

03
Minnie Bellโ€™s Soul Movement image 1

Neighborhood soul food spot with Southern fried chicken and best-ever cornbread serves meals in plastic trays like a sports bar. Atmosphere stays low key and lively, with pleasant background music and TVs showing 80's shows and sports. Small tables, booths, and a communal table create a warm, family-operated vibe.

Fried chicken stands out with its extra crispy skin and juicy inside, seasoned well and holding up after a ride home. Cornbread is slightly sweet with a great corn mix, and the mac and cheese is rich and delicious.

Extra crispy, light and flavorful coating covers some of the juiciest fried chicken around. Seasoned well, it pairs nicely with sides like mac and cheese and braised greens.

People are saying

"I thought the fried chicken was the best I've ever had."

"The cornbread here is excellent and crispy."

"The American food here, especially the fried chicken, is the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-5:30 pm with great deals on wings and wine.

2

The 2 piece combo is priced at $15, but may cost $20 with extras.

3

The menu is limited to lunch options, primarily featuring fried chicken.

04
Jilli SF image 1
Wine bar

Wine bar blends Seoul meets NYC style with a modern, fun decor and a lively, energetic atmosphere. Loud music fills the intimate space, creating a vibrant, upbeat vibe that suits groups and late-night hangs. Extensive makgeolli selection pairs with bold Korean fusion dishes, making it a standout for unique flavors and experiences.

Fried chicken sandwiches stand out with crispy, juicy chicken and a perilla leaf that adds a unique touch. The deluxe version is large and pairs well with makgeolli.

Popcorn Korean fried chicken stands out with seasoned all the way through meat and a sauce for dipping. The fried chicken is consistently rich and savory, pairing well with dishes like kimchi pasta and shrimp toast.

People are saying

"The makgeolli here is fantastic, with an expansive list to try."

"The fusion Korean street food here is creative and authentic."

"The American Food here, especially the fried chicken sandwich, is life-changingly good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required as walk-ins are not accepted.

2

The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating options.

3

A QR code is used for the menu; no paper menus are available.

05
Pollo Campero image 1
Chicken restaurant

Small, narrow space with clean, visible kitchen and cushioned seating creates a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Casual vibe suits quick meals and draws families, especially with decor reflecting tradition. Chicken stands out as golden crisp and well-seasoned, often praised as among the best.

Fried chicken stands out with its juicy inside and crispy outside, offering a unique flavor that differs from typical U.S. chains. Sides like perfect rice and coleslaw complement the meal well, and the mac and cheese adds a tasty touch.

Juicy inside and crispy outside, the fried chicken features a unique Guatemalan flavor and is hand-breaded with well-seasoned coating. It serves hot, affordable portions that stand out from typical U.S. fried chicken chains.

People are saying

"The American food, especially the fried chicken, is crispy, juicy, and flavorful."

"The bathrooms here are really clean."

"The fried chicken is crispy outside and juicy inside."

Good to know

1

There is parking right in front of the restaurant.

2

The seating operates on a first come, first served basis.

3

The restaurant is always impeccably clean, with well-maintained tables and restrooms.

06
Super Duper Burgers image 1
American restaurant

Spacious, clean dining area with two televisions creates a casual spot for watching NBA games. The atmosphere is cool and lively, with a mix of indoor and outdoor seating including a parklet. Free house-made pickles and vegetarian options add distinctive touches to the American menu.

Burgers stand out with bacon cheeseburger noted for quality. Fried chicken sandwich comes with a mellow sauce that doesn't fully complement the chicken.

Fried chicken comes as a sandwich with a sauce that feels too mellow. The chicken itself does not pack a strong punch in flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the shakes."

"This American food, especially the juicy burger patty, is really good."

"The fried chicken sandwich here is decent."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted fries and drinks from 4-6pm daily.

2

House-made pickles are complimentary with any burger purchase.

3

The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating available.

07
Arquet Restaurant image 1

Open kitchen with front-row view of the hearth creates an engaging dining experience. Spacious interior blends modern elegance with warm, inviting decor and offers stunning waterfront views including the Bay Bridge. Atmosphere is lively and bustling, suited for those who enjoy vibrant settings.

Heirloom grits with apple and fennel offer a comforting yet refined touch. Spare ribs, duck confit, ribeye steak, and scallion fried bread highlight the American food options alongside a grilled county line gems salad.

Spicy fried chicken sandwiches come with slaw and sauce. The chicken tends to be overfried but the sandwich overall is very good.

People are saying

"The food at this dinner spot is phenomenal and creative."

"The American Food's scallion fry bread was warm, crisp-edged, and irresistible."

"The fried chicken here is fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are often fully booked until late evening, so plan ahead.

2

Expect smaller portion sizes, which may not justify the price.

3

The restaurant does not serve complimentary bread with meals.

08
Louie's Original image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Small, clean hamburger restaurant with comfortable seating and indoor and outdoor options. Atmosphere feels family oriented and low key, often accompanied by 90s rap or 70s music. TVs show sports, creating a relaxed vibe for ordering and unwinding.

Juicy hamburgers come with soft brioche buns and fresh vegetables, paired with waffle fries or sweet potato fries. The fried chicken sandwich stands out as particularly tasty and filling.

Dark meat forms the base of the fried chicken sandwich, giving it a rich flavor. It comes with waffle fries and pairs well with a vanilla shake for a filling meal.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were top tier and very good."

"This American food is delicious, especially the juicy burgers."

"I thought the fried chicken sandwich was outstanding and the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Louie's Original adds an automatic 21.5% gratuity to all orders.

2

Parking is ample and free on the street nearby.

3

The restaurant has a small, delivery-friendly menu focused on burgers.

09
The Third Floor image 1
Restaurant

Modern design blends natural stone accents and bespoke furnishings with a chic outdoor patio featuring fire pits and heat lamps. Atmosphere stays relaxed and welcoming, suited for both business and special occasions. Signature cocktails like the handcrafted espresso martini complement a menu with standout dishes such as duck noodle soup.

Fried chicken sandwiches come with coleslaw and vary from fairly good to just okay. Duck soup and pork belly eggs Benedict appear, with the latter featuring chopped pork belly rather than whole pieces.

Fried chicken appears in a sandwich paired with coleslaw and also as tonkatsu. The sandwich ranges from fairly good to just okay across visits.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and generous."

"The American Food service was outstanding and very attentive."

"The fried chicken sandwich was fairly good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available with drinks and fries, perfect for after work.

2

The restaurant is suitable for both business meetings and casual dining.

3

The outdoor patio is a great spot for year-round dining.

10
Kokio Republic image 1
Korean restaurant

Small space with about 5-6 tables and multiple screens playing KPop videos creates a loud, overwhelming atmosphere. The setup includes a kiosk order system designed for quick dining. The vibe suits those who enjoy traditional Korean flavors reinvented in a casual, energetic setting.

Chicken comes out less greasy than traditional Korean fried chicken, making it feel lighter and healthier. Kimchee balls offer a nice pairing with the fried chicken, adding a flavorful twist.

Fried chicken here is crispy and juicy with a lot of sauce and great flavor. It feels less greasy and lighter than traditional Korean fried chicken, making it a tasty option that doesn't feel heavy.

People are saying

"The Korean fried chicken here is so crispy and juicy."

"The chicken here is fire, a perfect late night spot."

"This American Food is less greasy and feels healthier than others."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 pm with 50% off beer.

2

The restaurant has a cool kiosk order system where you place your order and take a seat.

3

Parking is tough to find, so consider public transport.

11
New Golden Daisy image 1
Cantonese restaurant

Takeout-only spot offers fast, affordable Cantonese food with large portions and piping hot fried chicken wings. The atmosphere is busy and practical, with no seating and early closing hours. Known for moist, tender BBQ pork that rivals top Hong Kong styles, it suits quick meals or catering needs.

Fried chicken wings and drumsticks sell by the pound, priced around $7.99 to $10. The chicken cooks fast due to high turnover, keeping it fresh and ready for quick service.

Fried chicken drumsticks sell for about $7.99 per pound and get a lot of turnover due to the busy crowd. Both legs and wings are available, but the flavor does not always meet expectations.

People are saying

"I got a box of fried rice and noodles for only ten dollars."

"I love their piping hot, flavorful American food chicken wings."

"I considered the fried chicken my favorite in Chinatown."

Good to know

1

Take out only; no seating available.

2

Bring cash to pay; no credit cards accepted.

3

Fried chicken drumsticks cost $7.99 per pound.

12
Krispy Krunchy Chicken image 1
Chicken restaurant

Chicken restaurant inside a gas station convenience store offers affordable fried chicken with a New York style flavor profile. Atmosphere is casual and fast-paced, focusing on quick service rather than dine-in seating. Popular for fresh Cajun chicken and honey biscuits, with food best enjoyed shortly after preparation.

Fried chicken here stays flavorful and juicy with fresh batches made often. The Cajun chicken stands out as a popular, tasty choice, and they serve it 24/7.

Fried chicken here is flavorful and juicy, available 24/7. It stands out as a well-kept secret for those who know great fried chicken.

People are saying

"I always preferred this American food for its perfectly fried chicken."

"I always preferred this place for fried chicken."

Good to know

1

The prices at Krispy Krunchy Chicken are very affordable.

2

Krispy Krunchy Chicken is located in a gas station convenience store.

3

It's not a dine-in, seated meal.

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