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Mashed potatoes and fried chicken

You are looking for the kind of meal where the fried chicken is crispy and the mashed potatoes are the only side that makes sense.

Based on 887 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Mother Cluckers Chicken image 1
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Chicken restaurant

Space combines full bar, slot machines, and arcade games with a focus on fried chicken. Atmosphere blends small town charm with lively gaming energy, creating a clean and welcoming environment. Seating mixes side-by-side and four-seat tables, with outdoor options under umbrellas.

Mashed potatoes come garlic mashed and pack a lot of flavor even without gravy. They pair well with soul food classics like fried chicken and honey butter biscuits.

Fried chicken here stands out for its exceptional crispiness and juicy interior. It consistently delivers a rich, flavorful taste that sets it apart from others.

People are saying

"The chicken here is juicy, tender, and perfectly fried."

"Their mashed potatoes are creamy and taste like they're from scratch."

"I found the fried chicken here to be the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

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

2

Parking is available behind the gas station for larger vehicles.

3

Catering services are available for large events, with options for chicken and beef.

02
Hienie's McCarthy's Of Orland Park image 1

Small space with only three tables creates an intimate setting. Atmosphere feels casual and unpretentious, focusing on affordable, hearty meals. Known for fresh fried chicken and shrimp, it draws a steady local crowd seeking value and comfort food.

Mashed potatoes come with a chicken gravy combo that many find addictive. Soup can replace gravy for a different but still excellent flavor.

Fried chicken stands out with its crispy texture and rich flavor. The menu features a fried chicken sandwich and a fried chicken dinner that consistently deliver satisfying southern-style taste.

People are saying

"I thought the fried chicken was the best American fried chicken I ever had."

"I found this fried chicken to be the best I ever had."

"I found their chicken always delicious and consistent."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but seating is limited with only a handful of tables.

2

Expect a 3% fee for debit card transactions.

3

The restaurant offers generous portions at reasonable prices.

03
Jerk & Soul Food image 1

Restaurant offers calm, comforting atmosphere with simple, no-frills setup and countertop seating along windows. Food is freshly cooked to order with large portions that favor takeout over dine-in. Jerk dishes stand out for being hot and tender, making it a go-to spot for authentic flavors.

Mashed potatoes come out perfect with excellent gravy. They pair well with sides like yams and BBQ chicken.

Fried chicken comes with sides like mac and cheese, rice and beans, or greens. Plantains and jerk wings also appear alongside the fried chicken dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious and flavorful."

"The fried chicken here is fresh and flavorful."

"The mashed potatoes were perfect and their gravy was excellent."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait for food as everything is cooked fresh to order.

2

Portion sizes are generous, providing good value for the price.

3

The restaurant does not include jerk sauce unless specifically requested.

04
Soule To Soule image 1
Soul food restaurant

Small space with green velvet decor and 1990s Harlem vibe feels more like a bar or lounge than a traditional restaurant. Cozy, intimate atmosphere pairs with top-tier R&B music and lively energy. Tables are low and tiny, emphasizing a focus on cocktails and socializing over formal dining.

Mashed potatoes come out creamy and flavorful, serving as a base for dishes like salmon and shrimp. They pair well with seafood, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Well seasoned and juicy describes the fried chicken here. It comes with a honey glaze and cooks perfectly, often paired with collard greens and grits.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and amazing."

"You have to try the banana pudding; it's very good."

"I thought the fried chicken was possibly the best I had."

Good to know

1

Making a reservation is recommended due to limited seating.

2

It's BYOB with a $10 fee for bringing your own bottle.

3

Expect small portion sizes relative to the price.

05
Smoke’s Bistro image 1

Dining space offers a light and airy feel with modern decor and a large bar for happy hour. Music plays at a pleasant volume, creating a cozy vibe with an old soul atmosphere. The setting suits business lunches and casual breaks, blending clean, spacious areas with a grown and sexy soundtrack.

Garlic mashed potatoes come with a rich, creamy texture and a strong garlic flavor. They often accompany dishes like seared salmon and shrimp or lamb chops, pairing well with spinach and cream sauce.

Fried chicken wings arrive piping hot and are consistently amazing. The menu includes fried chicken balls in a salad with lettuce and raisins, plus chicken tips that stand out.

People are saying

"The soulfood here is delicious, especially the green beans."

"The garlic mashed potatoes were phenomenal."

"I thought the fried chicken wings were amazing and piping hot."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has inconsistent opening hours, so check before visiting.

2

BYOB is allowed, so bring your favorite drinks to enjoy with your meal.

3

A $10 special on chicken tips is available every Tuesday.

06
Test Kitchen BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Small barbecue spot offers high-quality brisket and ribs with a warm, family-like atmosphere where staff and diners interact openly. Music adds to the fun, welcoming vibe that keeps the place buzzing. Owner presence at the front cutting meat enhances the community-oriented feel.

Mashed potatoes come with perfect seasoning and a consistently excellent texture. They appear as a common side option with plates like brisket and turkey.

Huge sandwiches feature fresh fried chicken that fills a whole meal. Fried chicken livers come out crispy and light, adding a nice variety to the menu.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be very delicious and great."

"The mashed potatoes were perfectly seasoned."

"I found the fried chicken to be delicious and the best in the area."

Good to know

1

Only certain meats are available on weekends.

2

They charged $10 for a side of fries with mild sauce.

3

I need to bring cash to avoid the credit card fee.

07
Spice Queen Vegan and NonVegan Soul Food image 1

Small restaurant offers intimate, soulful vibe with beautiful, cozy decor that feels like an auntie's kitchen. Jazz and praise music create a comfortable, authentic atmosphere. Seating is limited, enhancing the close-knit, welcoming environment.

Mashed potatoes come with gravy and vary between dishes. Some are vegan but can be clumpy and lack freshness, while others pair well with fried green tomatoes and greens.

Juicy fried chicken comes in both southern fried soft and perfectly fried hard styles. Mushroom "fried chicken" offers a greasy but tasty alternative with honey BBQ sauce.

People are saying

"The soul food here is delicious and exactly what I needed."

"I found the juicy fried chicken irresistible and perfectly fried."

"Their mashed potatoes and gravy were fire."

Good to know

1

Parking is convenient for customers visiting the restaurant.

2

The restaurant has a self-ordering system that is easy to use.

3

The kitchen fry area appears greasy and messy.

08
The L Station image 1
Restaurant

Small, beautifully decorated restaurant offers a cozy yet elegant atmosphere with an intimate feel. Live DJ spins strictly R&B music, creating an upbeat and fun vibe that keeps energy lively. Known for spectacular lamb chops, perfect margarita flights, and a warm, welcoming ambiance.

Mashed potatoes come out delicious and pair well with sides like macaroni, yams, and cabbage. They complement the main dishes nicely.

Fried chicken comes with a delicious dry rub and is perfectly seasoned. The wings stand out as exceptional, paired well with mac and cheese and flavorful greens.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"The fried chicken here is perfectly seasoned and delicious."

"The mashed potatoes here were delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for parties of 10 or more.

2

Expect a two-hour wait without a reservation.

3

The kitchen closes at 7pm, so arrive early.

09
Soul Vibez - Chicago image 1
Soul food restaurant

Small space with only a few booths creates an intimate setting. Stylish decor and a bumping sound system set a great vibe with amazing music. Authentic soul food pairs with exceptional cocktails, making the atmosphere lively and distinctive.

Mashed potatoes come out creamy and pair well with other sides like mac and cheese and sweet potatoes.

Wings come seasoned and fried to perfection with good size. Hot lemon pepper flavor stands out and delivers consistent taste. Fried chicken pairs well with sides like mac & cheese and collard greens.

People are saying

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

"The fried chicken here is seasoned and fried to perfection."

"You've got to try the garlic mashed potatoes."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 pm to 6 pm with $10 drinks.

2

Reservations are recommended as wait times can exceed one hour.

3

Expect a 45-minute wait if arriving shortly after opening.

10
Brown's Chicken image 1
Chicken restaurant

Comfortable indoor space includes a covered outdoor area for shaded dining. Fried chicken is fresh and crispy, with sides like mashed potatoes and fried mushrooms that receive positive notes. Pricing is affordable, and the restaurant maintains a clean environment with a caring owner present daily.

Mashed potatoes come with rich gravy and taste fresh, not processed. They stand out as one of the better side dishes here.

Crispy outside and juicy inside, the fried chicken shows southern flair without heavy grease. Staff pay close attention to making great fried chicken that stands out for its quality and flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is excellent, fresh, and the chicken is so moist."

"I love their Mac and Cheese; it's never greasy."

"I found their fried chicken to be great."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open on Mondays.

2

Pricing is around $5.50 for a meal.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean environment.

11
Holy Buckets Halal Chicken & Pizza image 1

Restaurant offers a spacious and clean interior with a bright and inviting atmosphere. Music plays loudly, creating a lively but sometimes chaotic vibe. The place fills up quickly, attracting groups for casual meals.

Mashed potatoes come with rich gravy that stands out. They pair well with dishes like fried chicken and Brussels sprouts.

Juicy and lightly breaded, the fried chicken features Zabiha Halal preparation and a thick zinger with zinger sauce option. It pairs well with biscuits and comes in generous servings like bowls.

People are saying

"The American food here, especially the fried chicken, is amazing and flavorful."

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

"The mashed potatoes were really good and the gravy was so good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant uses Zabiha Halal ingredients.

2

One bucket could feed at least two, maybe three people.

3

I noted that this isn't a fast food restaurant, and the food takes a while to prepare.

12
The Chick and the Pig image 1

Small takeout-only spot offers seasonal outdoor picnic tables and a retro video game table for waiting. Atmosphere feels warm and welcoming despite limited space. Known for generous portions and affordable prices with a focus on barbecue dishes.

Creamy and tasty mashed potatoes use real potatoes, not instant. They pair well with Mac n cheese and could use a bit more salt and pepper.

Golden and perfectly crispy fried chicken comes with excellent sauces. Pieces stay super juicy and tender, making them stand out.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the mac and cheese, is creamy and made from scratch."

"These mashed potatoes are homemade, creamy, and so good."

"The fried chicken here is some of the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only offers takeout service.

2

Online ordering is easy, but can be confusing due to multiple menus.

3

The restaurant does not accept cash payments.

13
Soul Vibez image 1
Soul food restaurant

Soul food restaurant with flower-themed decor and a tight dining area creates a beautiful, chill atmosphere. Loud old school R&B music fills the space, making conversation difficult but adding to the vibe. The place offers distinctive soul food dishes alongside a varied drink selection.

Garlic mashed potatoes stand out with a rich, creamy texture. They pair well with dishes like lamb chops and creamed corn, adding a smooth, flavorful touch.

Fried chicken stands out with its crispy texture and rich flavor. It pairs well with mac and cheese and red beans and rice for a classic combo.

People are saying

"The food here is hot and delicious."

"The mashed potatoes here were perfect."

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

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times, especially during peak hours.

2

Takeout is the preferred dining option; limited seating available.

3

Parking can be challenging; arrive early to find a spot.

14
Chicken-N-Spice Shorewood image 1

Fast food restaurant with clean, modern decor and an open layout creates a pleasant dining environment. The atmosphere stays fun and lively without intrusive music. Known for moist fried chicken chunks and unique sides like dirty rice, it offers a standout casual dining experience.

Mashed potatoes come with chicken gravy and biscuits as a popular combo. Quality varies, with some servings missing utensils and napkins, and occasional issues like blood on the container.

Large fried chicken chunks come with a moist interior and a light, crisp batter. Chicken breast chunks stand out more than the bone-in pieces, which are decent but a bit underwhelming.

People are saying

"The food here is always hot, fresh, and full of flavor."

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

"The fried chicken chunks were the absolute best."

Good to know

1

On Thursdays, they have gumbo available.

2

The meal includes 3 breast pieces, a side of wedges, corn, a biscuit, and a drink for $12.

3

Expect a high window height that may be inconvenient for some customers.

15
White Fence Farm image 1
Chicken restaurant

Chicken restaurant offers takeout only with huge portions and crispy fried chicken prepared through a special cooking process. Ambiance feels quaint and nostalgic, reminiscent of a grandmother's house. It stands out above fast food chains with a loyal following despite some changes in menu items.

Instant mashed potatoes come with gravy and often serve as a side for fried chicken or corn fritters. The dish is simple and commonly paired in combos with two sides of mashed potatoes.

Fried chicken comes out juicy and tender with a light, crunchy breading. It stays fresh and delicious, often paired with mashed potatoes.

People are saying

"This American food's fried chicken is the best, juicy and tender."

"I thought the fried fish was outstanding."

"I thought the fried chicken was tender and crispy."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers takeout only.

2

The typical chicken takes 13-15 minutes in the oil with the skin on.

3

The meal deal includes 1/2 a chicken with 2 sides and corn fritters.

16
Soulé image 1
Soul food restaurant

Soul food restaurant with soulful R&B music and a swanky upstairs area creates a lively atmosphere. Friendly staff maintain a top-tier vibe even when music gets loud. Decor is clean and stylish, complementing the energetic setting.

Fresh mashed potatoes come with gravy and pair well with salmon and shrimp. Presentation looks beautiful and the dish tastes delicious.

Fried chicken comes seasoned well and cooked to a wonderful crisp. It pairs nicely with string beans and potatoes.

People are saying

"The catfish and grits here are outstanding."

"The fried chicken here is so flavorful and divine."

"I ordered the salmon and shrimp with the mashed potatoes."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features $1 jerk wings and $6 lemon drops.

2

Happy hour drinks are half off in the bar area.

3

Reservations are recommended from Friday to Sunday.

17
Brown's Chicken & Slots image 1
Chicken restaurant

Chicken restaurant combines impressive ambiance with a gambling area and beer service. Dining room in back right corner offers an unexpectedly beautiful setting despite decades-old decor. Menu features freshly made fried chicken and nostalgic sides, creating a local chain feel with affordable prices.

Gravy on the mashed potatoes has a salty umami flavor that balances the bland texture of the potatoes. Meals often include mashed potatoes paired with other sides like corn fritters and stuffing.

Fried chicken features a phenomenally crunchy batter and skin with a well-seasoned but milder mix than typical spots. The meat stays tender and perfectly cooked in a six-piece meal priced at $6.99.

People are saying

"The Drive Thru chicken is still warm and crunchy when you get home."

"The mashed potatoes were good, and the gravy wasn't salty."

"The fried chicken here is perfectly cooked, tender, and crunchy."

Good to know

1

The lunch special includes 3 chicken strips, a side, and a Grape Crush.

2

I paid only $6.99 for a six-piece fried chicken meal.

3

Expect a short wait for fresh food.

18
Jordyn's Soul Cafe image 1
Soul food restaurant

Soul food restaurant with cozy booths and bold, dark decor creates an intimate but loud atmosphere. R&B and Soul music from past decades plays loudly, shaping a vibrant, energetic vibe. Space feels small and congested, making it lively and bustling.

Mashed potatoes come out creamy and rich. They pair well with dishes like pot roast and fried chicken, adding a smooth, comforting touch.

Wings come crispy, moist, and tender with good seasoning. Some pieces may lack seasoning or differ from the order. The sides like mac and yams complement the chicken well.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and seasoned perfectly."

"The mashed potatoes were fire, a dream."

"The fried chicken here is so moist and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

Jordyn's Soul Cafe is BYOB, so bring your own alcohol.

2

Expect a 35-minute wait during peak hours.

3

Parking can be difficult; plan to circle the block.

19
Soul Shack Express image 1
Soul food restaurant

Small space with laid-back vibe and soul gospel music playing creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Food features tender, well-seasoned meats and flavorful sides, though some items vary in quality. Limited seating and no air conditioning shape a casual, fast-food style experience.

Mashed potatoes come with a garlic flavor and a texture that suggests they might be cooked with sour milk. They appear alongside dishes like Mississippi chicken and turkey chops with greens.

Fried chicken comes out perfectly crispy and seasoned well. It pairs with classic sides like macaroni, yams, and sweet potatoes for a solid meal.

People are saying

"The American Food, especially the mac and cheese, is so cheesy and flavorful."

"The mashed potatoes here are made with garlic."

"The fried chicken here is perfectly crispy and seasoned well."

Good to know

1

The place is primarily a carry-out establishment with limited seating for dining in.

2

Expect long wait times for delivery orders, especially during busy hours.

3

Prices are higher than average for soul food, with many items around $30.

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