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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Central Harlem's best

Fried chicken spots

Made for those who have a discerning standard for fried chicken and won't accept anything less than the real deal.

Based on 764 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Kingston Bakery Harlem image 1
Kingston Bakery Harlem image 2
Kingston Bakery Harlem image 3
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Jamaican restaurant

Caribbean bakery offers a warm atmosphere with gospel and reggae music, creating a cozy vibe with artwork and a fireplace. Fried chicken is crispy and moist, well-seasoned, and among NYC's best. Takeout-only setup adds to the home-like feel.

Moist inside and crispy outside, the fried chicken comes well-seasoned and packed with flavor. It stands out as a sure-fire cure for a bad day and ranks among the best fried chicken in NYC.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and hot."

"The Oxtail here is amazingly tender and rich."

"I thought the fried chicken was amazing and well-seasoned."

Good to know

1

This place is only for takeout; there is no space for dine-in.

2

The establishment is closed at 6:29 PM.

3

The menu states 'WEEKDAY Lunch Special', but Friday at 12PM is considered a weekend.

02
Greedy Pot image 1
Southern restaurant (US)

Small Southern spot serves crispy fried chicken with a unique sauce and candied yams made from scratch. Cozy, lively vibe with pumping music and a welcoming family-run feel. Limited seating focuses on takeout, perfect for authentic soul food lovers.

Crispy fried chicken comes with a flavorful sauce that stands out. It pairs well with Mac & Cheese and Candied Yams for a satisfying meal.

People are saying

"The oxtail here is fall-off-the-bone tender and perfectly seasoned."

"This Lunch Spot has huge, delicious portions of homemade food."

"The fried chicken here is seasoned to perfection."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 7 PM.

2

You must call before coming to the restaurant.

3

Expect to wait at least 15-20 minutes for made-to-order chicken wings and fish.

03
United Fried Chicken image 1
Fast food restaurant

Juicy, flavorful fried chicken shines here, a community staple for 30 years. Generous portions and crispy fries make meals satisfying. Casual, no-frills spot with a cash-only policy keeps things simple and welcoming.

Juicy and flavorful fried chicken stands out here, known as a staple of the community for over 30 years. This spot serves fresh fried chicken that consistently hits the spot.

People are saying

"The food here is always hot, fresh, and affordable."

"I thought their fried chicken was the best I had ever tasted."

"I found the cheeseburger combo to be amazing."

Good to know

1

The card reader is not functioning properly, so bring cash.

2

This spot is known for its fried chicken and gyros.

3

They offer a variety of options including burgers and gyro platters.

04
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers image 1
Fast food restaurant

Bright, funky decor and a 1960s disco theme create an energetic vibe with loud music and a DJ. Fried chicken is flavorful and affordable, perfect for quick meals. Outdoor seating offers a relaxed spot amid the lively, urban atmosphere.

Chicken fingers come with fries and offer good flavor at a low price. The fried chicken tastes really good and suits quick meals.

People are saying

"The food here is always nice and fresh."

"The staff here are super friendly and provide excellent service."

"The staff here is genuinely kind and hospitable."

Good to know

1

Ordering online allows you to skip the line.

2

They accept cash or card.

3

The restaurant is accessible via public transportation.

05
Charles Pan-Fried Chicken image 1
Soul food restaurant

Small space with pan-fried chicken shines with family-style sides like sweet potatoes and cornbread. Open kitchen and live music create a lively atmosphere. Outdoor patio offers a comfortable spot for sunny days, making it feel welcoming and cozy.

Pan-fried chicken stands out for its amazing taste and is made to perfection. The meal often includes sweet potatoes, okra, Mac & cheese, and cornbread, creating a satisfying family-style experience.

People are saying

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

"I thought the fried chicken was seasoned to perfection."

"I found the soul food here to be truly authentic and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Chicken and waffles are only available on Sundays.

2

They serve catfish on Tuesday.

3

You canโ€™t dine in; the eatery is for take out only.

06
Tex's Chicken & Burgers image 1
Chicken restaurant

Southern style fried chicken shines with its crispy outside and moist inside. Juicy spicy chicken sandwiches add bold flavor. Affordable prices and Halal options welcome diverse guests, though some menu inconsistencies and cleanliness issues exist.

Fried chicken comes crispy on the outside and soft inside, served hot and quickly. The southern style breaded chicken is tasty and contains no lard, with a top notch spicy option available.

People are saying

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

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

"That spicy chicken sandwich was so juicy!"

Good to know

1

The price for 6 pieces of chicken is $16.99.

2

The meal is halal.

3

The family meal is worth the price.

07
Mama's Chicken and Pizza image 1
Fast food restaurant

Halal-certified fried chicken is crispy and flavorful, pairing well with lamb over rice. Pizza features excellent dough with balanced grease, making it a standout. Prices stay fair with large portions, and the welcoming atmosphere shines despite the rough neighborhood.

Crispy fried chicken stands out alongside pizza and fries. The chicken pairs well with other dishes like lamb over rice.

People are saying

"The food here is loaded with flavor."

"I thought the fried chicken was really good."

"I really enjoyed the fried chicken here."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only offers take away service.

2

Chicken over rice costs $8 and portions are large enough for two meals.

3

The restaurant is certified HALAL.

08
Sylvia's Restaurant image 1
Soul food restaurant

Soul food shines with legendary fried chicken and classic sides like mac and cheese. Harlem vibe pulses through live gospel and jazz music. Walls lined with photos create a museum-like feel that blends history and comfort.

Fried chicken stands out as a local specialty with a legendary reputation. The combination of fried chicken and waffles impresses and pairs well with classic sides like mac and cheese.

People are saying

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

"The complimentary cornbread was warm, soft, and perfect."

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

Good to know

1

Reservations are essential to avoid a long wait, especially on weekends.

2

The gospel brunch starts at 1 p.m. on Sundays with live music.

3

Expect a wait time of up to 2.5 hours during peak hours.

09
Amy Ruth's image 1
Soul food restaurant

Soul food spot shines with honey fried chicken that's crispy and hot, perfect with maple syrup. Family vibe thrives amid phenomenal murals and soft live R&B music. Cozy seating fits celebrations and large groups, making it lively and welcoming.

Honey fried chicken comes crispy and hot, often paired with waffles or sides like green beans and fries. The chicken tastes extraordinary, with a unique touch when enjoyed with maple syrup.

People are saying

"The home-cooked food, like the meatloaf, was really good."

"This American food's fried chicken is the best I've ever had."

"I'm telling you, this fried chicken is the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times on Sundays due to gospel mass attendance.

2

Wednesday is Grape Kool Aid day, a special event at the restaurant.

3

Get there early if you want to dine in, especially on weekends.

10
Red Rooster Harlem image 1

Enjoy live jazz in a vibrant space with colorful decor that feels soulful and lively. Savor crispy fried chicken that's juicy and tender, paired perfectly with waffles for a tasty twist. The bar area is cozy, adding to the intimate vibe during music events.

Large, juicy, and tender pieces deliver a crispy texture with a balanced spice and slight sweetness. The combination of fried chicken with waffles adds a flavorful twist.

People are saying

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

"The live music here is great, especially the jazz."

"The fried chicken here is crispy, hot, and slightly sweet."

Good to know

1

Make a reservation well in advance, especially for Sunday brunch.

2

Gospel brunch is held every Sunday and features live music.

3

Happy hour runs from noon to 10 p.m. with discounted appetizers and cocktails.

11
Harlem Biscuit Company image 1

Cozy spot buzzes with a live DJ and fresh food aromas. Enjoy juicy fried chicken on a honey-infused biscuit with eggs and grits. Touchscreen ordering and outdoor seating add a casual, interactive vibe.

Juiciest and crispiest fried chicken comes on a cheddar chive biscuit that is fluffy and honey-infused. The combination with eggs and grits in the Biscuit Breakfast adds to the delicious flavor.

People are saying

"The breakfast biscuits here are fluffy, buttery, and delicious."

"That fried chicken smothered biscuit was so good."

"I loved the fried chicken on a buttery, fluffy, crunchy biscuit."

Good to know

1

The truffle biscuit special is available on weekends.

2

The restaurant sold out for the day at 1:30 PM.

3

The correct address is 2082 Frederick Douglass.

12
Empire Restaurant: Soul Food & Salad Bar image 1

Bright, clean space with a warm, inviting atmosphere and crispy fried chicken that stands out. Slow-cooked aromas fill the air, complementing rich, creamy mac and cheese and savory collard greens. Perfect spot for enjoying homemade flavors in a neat setting.

Crispy golden crust defines the fried chicken here. It pairs well with traditional flavors like collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread.

People are saying

"I thought the food was delicious and flavorful."

"The salmon here was very, very perfect."

"I loved their crispy fried chicken."

Good to know

1

Only paying customers can use the bathroom facilities.

2

The platter costs $20, so budget accordingly.

13
Chocolat Restaurant & Bar image 1

Enjoy crispy fried chicken with rich sides like collard greens and mac and cheese in a homey, quaint vibe. An in-house DJ spins tunes that energize the lively patio and spacious indoor seating. Decor mixes diner charm with lovely touches for a unique feel.

Fried chicken comes out crispy and flavorful. It pairs well with sides like collard greens and mac and cheese.

People are saying

"The American Food, especially the fried chicken, is so crispy and delicious."

"I loved the bottomless mimosas, they kept my glass full."

"The fried chicken is so crispy and juicy."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour menu is available, but ask for it specifically.

2

Brunch menu is available all day, including weekdays.

3

Unlimited drinks for one hour are offered on select drinks.

14
Melba's Restaurant image 1
Southern restaurant (US)

Lively space pulses with authentic Harlem energy and vibrant art. Fried chicken is crispy and juicy, paired with classic sides like collard greens and yams. Crowded seating adds to the family-like warmth and street party vibe.

Perfectly seasoned fried chicken offers a crispy outside and stays juicy and tender inside. It pairs well with classic sides like collard greens, black-eyed peas, yams, and mashed potatoes.

People are saying

"You've got to try the American Food, especially the mac and cheese."

"Kenny's genuine care made the fried chicken experience feel special."

"These crab cakes had the best chunks of crab meat I've had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are necessary on weekends to ensure seating.

2

Every Sunday, Melba's has live music outside.

3

On Sundays during the summer, there is a block party from 4pm to 8pm.

15
FIELDTRIP image 1
New American restaurant

Spacious spot offers tender fried chicken in a rice bowl with BBQ sauce. Creative dishes use unique flavors and eco-friendly packaging. Staff create a strong community feel with a laid-back vibe and fun music.

Tender and juicy chicken features in the fried chicken rice bowl. The dish often comes with BBQ sauce and Carolina fried rice for added flavor.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the rice bowls, is seasoned with unique flavor."

"My salmon bowl was perfectly cooked with all the fixings."

"I got the fried chicken bowl and it was delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant charges a 15.5% tipping fee that is not disclosed to customers.

2

You should order take out before 5 PM for the best experience.

3

Orders are typically ready within minutes.

16
BLVD Bistro NY image 1
Soul food restaurant

Small, cramped space with intimate setting buzzes with lively music from a DJ and live band. Fried chicken is crispy and seasoned perfectly, matching strong, well-crafted cocktails. Singing along and standout dishes like biscuits and catfish add to the vibrant vibe.

Nicely seasoned and fried, the fried chicken stands out with its crispy texture and rich flavor. Hospitality complements the dish, making it a memorable choice for fried chicken lovers.

People are saying

"The brunch food here is excellent and very flavorful."

"The DJ played R&B classics that had us vibing."

"The fried chicken here was seasoned to perfection."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended to avoid long wait times.

2

Happy hour is only available at the bar, not at tables.

3

Be prepared for a 2-hour wait for brunch on weekends.

17
Island Crave image 1
Caribbean restaurant

Cozy spot with authentic Jamaican flavors shines in oxtails and jerk chicken. Fried chicken is hit or miss but pairs well with macaroni salad and Rasta pasta. Tight space adds to the family vibes during busy lunch hours.

Fried chicken varies here, with some servings dry and lacking flavor while others come recommended alongside macaroni salad and Rasta pasta.

People are saying

"The authentic Caribbean flavors here taste just like home."

"This lunch spot's fried chicken and dumplings are delicious."

"The fried chicken here is so well seasoned."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines during lunch hours, so plan accordingly.

2

Portion sizes may feel small for the price, so consider sharing.

3

Know what you want before ordering to speed up the process.

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Central Harlem, New York

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