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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of San Jose

Fried chicken lunch spots

Made for those who view crispy fried chicken as the only acceptable midday reward.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated May 2026
01
Roots Bistro image 1
Roots Bistro image 2
Vietnamese restaurant

Small space with modern interior design and cozy atmosphere offers both indoor and outdoor seating. The vibe stays quiet and chill, attracting a modest crowd during weekdays. Decorations and layout create an inviting, clean environment distinct from typical chain restaurants.

Lunch here offers a pleasant surprise with satisfying meals. The spot works well for a late lunch when options are limited.

Fried chicken features a light crispy skin and a juicy inside. The appetizer and fried chicken with rice both deliver delicious flavor.

People are saying

"The spring rolls here are super fresh and tasty."

"The wagyu pho at this Lunch Spot is amazing, with tender beef and rich broth."

"The fried chicken here has a light crispy skin and juicy inside."

Good to know

1

Dinner is very affordable at about $25 per person.

2

The menu is unique and visually fun to look at.

3

There is no MSG in the pho.

02
Mommy's Banh Mi image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Vietnamese restaurant with a cozy interior and a small outdoor patio offers a warm, mom and pop vibe despite a slightly commercial look. The space feels a bit cramped but maintains a good, lively atmosphere without loud music. It gets very busy during lunch, attracting a steady flow of guests.

Fried chicken comes in a variety of dishes like rice bowls and banh mi. It often has a super flavorful taste but can sometimes be burnt and inedible.

People are saying

"The banh mi here is delicious with a perfectly crusty bread."

"The Banh Mi sandwiches here are delicious and perfectly seasoned."

"The fried chicken here is super flavorful and amazing."

Good to know

1

You can order ahead on their website to save time.

2

Expect long lines during lunch hours, but they move quickly.

3

Parking is available out front but can be limited.

03
Yummy Kitchen 闻香居 image 1
Chinese restaurant

Open kitchen reveals chefs preparing food with clear pride, creating a cozy home-cooked vibe. Atmosphere feels like a lunch hall without rush, inviting diners to enjoy authentic Chinese dishes. Space suits big groups and offers reasonably priced portions with a focus on genuine flavors.

Catered lunch options include walnut chicken and beef and broccoli. The setting feels like a lunch hall but service moves slower than typical fast lunch spots.

Fried chicken wings come with a spicy kick and pair well with other dishes like pig feet. The chicken is consistently very delicious and flavorful.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic Szechuan."

"I thought the seafood here was delicious."

"The fried chicken here is really yummy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not needed; walk-ins are welcome at any time.

2

Expect a wait of about 30 minutes during peak lunch hours.

3

Prices are reasonable, averaging less than $20 per dish.

04
Blue Monkey Cafe & Restaurant image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Large, bright Vietnamese restaurant with spacious indoor and outdoor seating and multiple big TVs showing scenes from Vietnam. Atmosphere feels authentic and relaxed, blending American pop and Vpop music at a moderate volume. Menu offers unique regional dishes and fresh seafood not commonly found in other local Vietnamese spots.

Small space fills quickly during lunch hours. Tables and meals get ready fast with advance reservation and credit card payment. Bun cha ca, a fish wrap, features on the lunch menu.

Fried chicken comes with sticky purple rice and has a very crunchy texture without much batter. It pairs well with other dishes like bun cha Ha noi and blood clams.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and perfectly cooked."

"The Bun Cha here is served on a massive plate, it's huge!"

"This Lunch Spot has great food that's tasty and fresh."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a promotion on duck noodle soup for $10 for a limited time.

2

The portions are large enough to share among three people.

3

The menu features dishes not commonly found at other Vietnamese restaurants.

05
Mad Yolks image 1
Restaurant

Small, bright space with cozy booths and sunlit windows creates a warm, laid-back atmosphere. Crowded yet welcoming vibe fills the room with active energy. Focus on fresh, quality ingredients complements the positive, neighborhood feel.

Improved wait times make lunch here quick even on weekends. The spot stays uncrowded during late lunch hours, offering a relaxed vibe for groups or pairs.

A big, crispy fried chicken thigh forms the heart of the Mad Chick sandwich. It stays juicy inside and packs a lot of flavor, making it a satisfying choice for fried chicken.

People are saying

"The BAE sandwich breakfast is amazing, especially the creamy eggs."

"The fried chicken sandwich was juicy, crispy, and full of flavor."

"The Mad Chick sandwich at this Lunch Spot is perfectly fried and juicy."

Good to know

1

The parking lot can fill up quickly, so arrive early.

2

Expect longer wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

They offer vegan options that are well-executed.

06
Hankki House image 1
Korean restaurant

Strip mall Korean restaurant with handcrafted sturdy tables and loud throwback music creates a lively, homey atmosphere. The menu features authentic dishes like bibimbap and spicy fried chicken, often with homemade banchan. It stays quiet enough for quick meals without wait times.

Lunch specials cost 27 dollars each and include beef with bean sprouts, noodles, rice, and vegetables. Meals taste like home cooked food but the price hike makes it less affordable for casual lunch options.

Spicy fried chicken stands out with its freshness and tenderness. The flavor is consistently amazing and well-seasoned.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and flavorful."

"I thought the food at this Lunch Spot was really good."

"I found the spicy fried chicken really fresh and fantastic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and there is usually no wait time.

2

The restaurant closes between lunch and dinner from 2:30 pm to 5 pm.

3

Prices for lunch plates have increased to $27 each.

07
Scratch Cookery image 1
Chicken shop

Small chicken shop with limited indoor seating on hard stools and a few outdoor tables. Atmosphere varies from quiet and cozy to loud and hot inside, with outdoor seating preferred when weather allows. Known for high-quality chicken sandwiches and a clean open kitchen visible from the dining area.

Lunch draws a steady crowd with a busy weekday vibe. Seating is limited to two tables and a bar-style space, so most grab food to go. The chicken sandwich stands out, often saved for a second meal.

Nashville style fried chicken stands out with very good breading and a well-put-together sandwich. The menu focuses on fried chicken, delivering consistently high taste and quality without dryness.

People are saying

"This Nashville hot chicken sandwich is seriously flavorful and crunchy."

"This Lunch Spot's spicy chicken sandwich was huge and delicious."

"I found the fried chicken sandwich to be unbelievably good."

Good to know

1

Scratch Cookery has only 12 seats inside, so expect limited seating.

2

Parking costs $10 at the public lot in front of the restaurant.

3

There is free parking available on the opposite street on third.

08
Bonchon McKee image 1
Korean restaurant

Small Korean restaurant offers crispy fried chicken with bold seasoning and flavor-packed wings. Atmosphere is cozy but ventilation carries strong food aromas. Popular for Bulgogi fries and casual lunch or dinner visits.

Lunch specials come at a decent price and suit a casual meal vibe. A friendly server handles lunch service, though placemats can run out even when it's not busy.

Offers half spicy/soy garlic bone-in fried chicken with standout sauces. Fries pair well with the fried chicken sandwich. Known for reliable Korean fried chicken quality.

People are saying

"The chicken at this Lunch Spot has a great crunch and good flavor."

"You have to try the Bulgogi fries; they're amazing Korean food."

"The fried chicken has bold seasoning and a crispy texture."

Good to know

1

This location is small, making it unsuitable for large parties.

2

Ordering to go or delivery is recommended over dining in.

3

Parking is easy to find with ample shopping center spaces.

09
Tsujita Artisan Noodle San Jose image 1

Small Japanese noodle shop with cozy, clean interior and limited seating including bar and tables. Atmosphere feels authentic to Japan with simple decor and no background music. Space is cramped and narrow, suited for small groups and quick dining rather than lingering.

Seats at the bar offer a view of the kitchen, adding to the lunch experience. Tables are available around 11:30 am on weekdays with no wait, while later lunch times may involve a 10-15 minute wait.

Crispy fried chicken comes with a hint of garlic that adds a subtle kick. It pairs well with dipping noodles for a satisfying combo.

People are saying

"I thought the tsukemen here was good."

"The Lunch Spot broth is rich, flavorful, and simmered for hours."

"The fried chicken here is rich, flavorful, and has just the right amount of heat."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only seats 30, so the wait might be long depending on the time of day.

2

They do not take reservations, so it is first come first serve.

3

Parking can be very difficult; allow at least 5 minutes to find a spot.

10
Revopot image 1
Restaurant

Spacious modern restaurant features a conveyor belt system delivering vegetables, noodles, and seafood for individual hot pots. Quiet atmosphere with bar-style seating and booths offers a clean, fresh environment. Extensive sauce bar and high-quality meats like wagyu and brisket stand out in the setup.

Lunch offers a solid value with a $19.95 special that includes one hot dish and three plates of meat. Tables are easy to get on Sundays during lunch hours.

Impressive fried chicken comes with filling sides like fried wonton and calamari.

People are saying

"The food selection on the conveyor belt is plentiful."

"This Lunch Spot has a conveyor belt with veggies, fishballs, and shrimp."

"I thought the fried chicken was impressive."

Good to know

1

The price is $35 per person for all-you-can-eat hot pot.

2

Expect a wait time of about 1 hour during peak hours.

3

Automatic gratuity is added for groups larger than five people.

11
Vons Chicken image 1
Chicken restaurant

Chicken comes out crispy fried with a sweet-savory twist and authentic Korean flavor. Atmosphere stays quiet with simple, clean surroundings. Portions are insanely large and prices stay reasonable, especially during lunch.

Reasonable prices stand out on the lunch menu. The lunch special takes some time to arrive, which can be tight during a break.

Offers authentic Korean fried chicken with a solid flavor profile. The fried chicken consistently delivers on taste and quality.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be hot and delicious."

"The chicken at this Lunch Spot is really crunchy if you get it right away."

"I found the Korean fried chicken here to have an authentic taste."

Good to know

1

Prices are reasonable, especially for the lunch menu.

2

Portions are large, making it easy to have leftovers.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean environment.

12
bb.q Chicken North Park Plaza image 1

Restaurant offers authentic Korean fried chicken with crispy, flavorful wings and well-balanced Tteokbokki. Interior feels clean and cozy, suitable for dine-in or takeout, though space is limited. Atmosphere can be lively with loud music and occasional disruptions.

Lunch specials include a combo with cheese sticks and fries. The deal costs about $13.99 plus tax and offers good value.

Classic Korean-style fried chicken features an extra crispy batter and juicy texture. The fried chicken stays consistently very crispy and tasty at a reasonable price.

People are saying

"I thought the Korean fried chicken here was the best I had."

"I had to get the Kimchi Fried Rice again, it was so good."

"I got the lunch special with cheese sticks, it was a bargain."

Good to know

1

Happy hour lasts until 7pm on weekdays.

2

Expect a 20-30 minute wait for freshly cooked food.

3

Ordering ahead is recommended to avoid long wait times.

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