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Best of Austin

Fried chicken

Fried chicken that holds its own at lunch without requiring a long wait or a crowded dining room.

Based on 567 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken image 1
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Old school diner with checkered tablecloths and paper plates creates a homey, no-frills vibe. The atmosphere is lively and warm, often crowded and buzzing with positive energy. Tight seating and casual decor keep focus on the famous fried chicken and friendly interactions.

Lunch offers delicious fried chicken served fresh with no wait during late hours. Seating options include the counter for solo diners and tables, making it easy to beat the lunch crowd.

Crispy, flavorful fried chicken stands out with a distinctive taste that many find unmatched. The chicken consistently delivers a satisfying crunch and juicy interior that defines its reputation.

People are saying

"I thought the fried chicken had great flavor and crispy, juicy breading."

"The Mac And Cheese here is phenomenal and cooked to perfection."

"This lunch spot's chicken is juicy with super crispy skin."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $25 for a couple of hours in nearby lots.

2

Street parking is available but can be difficult during busy times.

3

The restaurant gets very busy during lunch hours.

02
Pinch image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Food truck offers Asian fusion with generous portions and affordable prices. Atmosphere includes vibrant colors and sizzling grills, creating a lively and inviting setting. Popular for crispy fried chicken and tofu bentos, it attracts a crowd seeking quick, tasty meals near campus.

Offers quick lunch options ideal for students between classes. Serves high-quality street food with a convenient location for a fast, tasty meal.

Fried chicken comes in a bento box that stays consistently juicy, even when made with chicken breasts. Options include teriyaki sauce and spicy mayo, both adding distinct flavors to the crispy chicken.

People are saying

"The food here is incredibly affordable and delicious."

"I found the fried chicken to be juicy and crispy."

"This lunch spot has generous portions and is a great value."

Good to know

1

Pinch offers a variety of flavors to choose from.

2

The prices at Pinch are low, making it affordable for students.

3

Extra rice and extra sauces are no additional charge.

03
Kochu Korean Eatery image 1
Korean restaurant

Small, open space with urban, stylish decor and an open kitchen creates a bright, welcoming vibe. Atmosphere feels casual and friendly, with cooks often smiling and laughing. Cleanliness and great ventilation keep the environment comfortable and inviting.

Quick service makes lunch here easy and reliable. The menu features Korean fried chicken, including K-Wings with yangyeum sauce, and spicy chicken plates.

Korean fried chicken stands out with its crispy texture and great flavor. The fried chicken sandwich offers a visceral, tangibly euphoric experience at a reasonable price for eight wings.

People are saying

"The Korean food, especially the wings and bulgogi, is super delicious."

"This lunch spot has amazing Korean fried chicken."

"I kept trying to order something other than the fried chicken; it was too good to skip."

Good to know

1

The plate cost $20, and the buldak ramen was $14.

2

The portions are generous, providing good value.

3

Parking is very easy, making access convenient.

04
Lou's Barton Springs image 1

Outdoor seating offers covered patio with multiple TVs for sports viewing and a diner-ish vibe. Atmosphere is lively and relaxed, with loud music and good energy reflecting an old-school sports bar feel. Space is well arranged for comfort, supporting both casual dining and watch parties.

Fresh and flavorful guacamole stands out as a lunch snack. The spot offers a consistently nice atmosphere and is a solid choice for a midday meal.

Fresh and crispy fried chicken stands out here. The bone-in pieces pair well with the green sauce and make the wait worthwhile.

People are saying

"The garage parking here is a dream, making it ideal for the area."

"The guacamole and chips at this Lunch Spot are fresh and flavorful."

"I found the fried chicken to be fresh and crispy."

Good to know

1

Complimentary garage parking is available just steps away from the door.

2

Parking is validated with a restaurant receipt.

3

The ordering system requires placing orders through an app or website.

05
Sharks Fish and Chicken image 1

Restaurant offers generous portions of fried chicken and wings with distinctive Chicago-style sauces. Interior has a clean, air-conditioned seating area but carries a gas station diner vibe. Regulars often pick up orders, creating a casual, straightforward atmosphere.

Lunch specials include whole wings, catfish, shrimp, gizzards, and okra. Prices range from $8.99 to $10 with sides like fries, coleslaw, and bread. Meals come well cooked and consistently satisfying.

Fried chicken here stays delicious and juicy every time. The frying technique shows a clear mastery of the perfect fried chicken science.

People are saying

"The fried seafood here is amazing, perfectly seasoned and crisp."

"The lunch special here is an amazing bang for your buck."

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

Good to know

1

Lunch special includes five whole wings for $8.99.

2

The restaurant maintains a clean and air-conditioned seating area.

3

Food is prepared within ten to fifteen minutes.

06
Delmy's Pupuseria image 1
Salvadoran restaurant

Bright, clean space with beautiful decoration and a family-friendly atmosphere. Energy feels welcoming and comfortable, enhanced by dancing and displays of Salvadoran pride. Regulars come for authentic Salvadoran dishes served in a charming setting.

Lunch features a large pupusa plate with steak, a runny yolk egg, and delicious salsas. Pickled cabbage and a roasted jalapeño add extra flavor to this casual meal.

Fried chicken comes crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside with seasoned to perfection flavor. The kids' plate version is over-fried, hard, dry, and lacks flavor.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot serves hearty, authentic Salvadorian food piping hot."

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

Good to know

1

Parking is available at the restaurant.

2

They accept card payments for convenience.

3

Portion sizes are large enough for sharing.

07
Mian & Bao image 1
Asian restaurant

Small Asian restaurant with semi-open kitchen and red lanterns creates a cozy, ambient vibe. Music stays chill, matching the warm, modern décor that feels welcoming and relaxing. Space suits pairs or solo diners, though tables are tight for larger groups.

Lunch offers authentic Chinese flavors that transport diners back to China. The spot serves lunch specials and suits casual meals with coworkers or quick bites.

Fried chicken cutlet varies in quality, sometimes dry and unseasoned, other times flavorful and tasty. It pairs with sides like steamed egg and chili oil dumplings.

People are saying

"The soup dumplings here are the best Chinese food I've had."

"The dumplings here are so good, especially the soup dumplings."

"The fried chicken cutlet here is so yummy."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging over the weekends, often requiring a walk of about a block.

2

Expect to wait 10-15 minutes for a table during busy hours.

3

They close at 9:30 PM, so plan to arrive earlier.

08
Marufuku Ramen Austin image 1
Ramen restaurant

Ramen restaurant offers big windows with natural light and a ramen bar facing the kitchen, creating an authentic and inviting setting. The atmosphere is warm and lively but often very loud due to poor acoustics. Seating includes comfortable chairs at tables and bar spots, suitable for casual meals or dates.

Lunch offers a peaceful atmosphere even when busy, with attentive service that handles large groups smoothly. The menu includes options like Spicy Tantán ramen that make for a satisfying midday meal.

Offers tasty fried chicken in various options like a karaage rice bowl and a Kid combo that includes sides and dessert for good value.

People are saying

"This ramen is so flavorful and satisfying."

"This Lunch Spot's ramen broth is the best I've ever had."

"I thought the Japanese fried chicken appetizer was delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5-6pm with $2 beers.

2

A buy-one-get-one-free ramen deal is available until October 5.

3

Expect a 45-minute wait on busy Sunday afternoons.

09
Texas Roadhouse image 1
Steak house

Steakhouse offers a loud, energetic atmosphere with line dancing servers and a fun, rustic theme. Tables are spaced for comfort, and the place features unique local artwork. It suits lively groups and families who enjoy a spirited dining experience.

Lunch offers quick seating even on busy days and top-notch service. The food tastes delicious and satisfies typical lunch expectations.

Chicken fried chicken comes with two sides, often including a baked potato and salad or green beans. The dish features rich gravy and consistently good flavor.

People are saying

"I loved the ribeye steak; it was made to perfection."

"I ordered the chicken fried chicken and it was delicious."

"I ordered a perfect steak at this Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

Expect wait times of 30 minutes to an hour during peak hours.

3

Happy hour runs from 3-5 PM with special pricing on select items.

10
Donkey Mo's Korean Fried Chicken image 1

Small, cozy space with low lighting and Korean pop music creates a chill, welcoming vibe. Seating encourages mingling, and big windows add to the intimate feel. Music volume varies, sometimes making conversation a bit challenging.

Lunch here focuses on Korean Fried Chicken served in combos like six tenders. Meals cater to lunch with no whole chicken option, making it easy for quick dine-in or takeout.

Korean fried chicken here is perfectly crispy and can be made spicy on request. The chicken offers a savory and sweet flavor with a fresh crunch, served quickly and consistently delicious.

People are saying

"The food here is unbelievably flavorful and perfectly seasoned."

"The Korean Fried Chicken here is perfectly crispy and juicy."

"The fried chicken tenders at this Lunch Spot are crispy and crunchy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, and seating is limited to groups of four or fewer.

2

Expect a wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Parking is available, but it can fill up quickly during busy times.

11
Bill Miller BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Simple building with a shabby chic dining room and 70's cafeteria vibes creates a cozy, down-to-earth atmosphere. Busy drive-thru and efficient service keep energy lively despite some chaos. Regulars enjoy affordable, well-prepared barbecue in a relaxed, unpretentious setting.

Quick online ordering makes lunch convenient and ready on arrival. The menu offers great lunch options suitable for family and friends, making it a solid stop on the route.

Fried chicken comes in a 10-piece family meal and stands out as a favorite choice. Plates include fried chicken alongside other options like tacos, with the chicken often preferred over Popeyes.

People are saying

"I loved their sweet tea; it was just the right strength."

"This lunch spot's food is consistently good."

"I thought the fried chicken here was excellent."

Good to know

1

Expect a 20+ minute wait due to the batch cooking system.

2

Drive-thru service is generally efficient, even during busy hours.

3

Combo meals are priced around $10, offering good value.

12
Happy Chicks image 1
Chicken restaurant

Chicken restaurant with a bar-like atmosphere featuring loud music and a disco ball adds a casual, busy energy. Crowd enjoys fresh, well-spiced chicken tenders and affordable snacks while watching multiple TVs. The vibe is laid back and inviting, fitting a lively street scene.

Lunch features disco chicken paired with French fries and a fruit cup. Meals come together simply and satisfyingly.

Crispy crust stands out on the fried chicken here. The chicken tastes good but can be bland and is priced higher than some competitors.

People are saying

"I loved the mac and cheese; it was fantastic."

"The food and drinks here are amazing."

"I found the fried chicken here to be awesome."

Good to know

1

The menu offers only chicken nuggets or chicken tenders.

2

Grilled chicken is available for those on a keto diet.

3

Expect a total cost of around $15 for a meal with sides.

13
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food restaurant offers spacious seating but can feel crowded and noisy with many college students. Atmosphere is generally welcoming and clean, creating a comfortable vibe despite occasional cramped areas. Known for crispy, flavorful chicken tenders and a popular signature sauce.

Lunch offers quick service with accommodating staff even during busy times. The drive-through line can get long and spill into the street during rush hours.

Succulent, crispy fried chicken fingers stand out here with a luscious texture. The care in preparation makes the chicken consistently delightful.

People are saying

"The fast food chicken here is so moist and perfectly seasoned."

"This fried chicken is perfectly crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor."

"This lunch spot is super fast and the food is always fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking fills up quickly, and it can take 20 minutes to exit.

2

Expect long lines during peak hours, especially around 5pm.

3

The drive-thru can be inconvenient and has limited space.

14
Luby's image 1
American restaurant

Classic cafeteria setup offers a large selection of food with customizable plates in a spacious dining room. Atmosphere feels quiet and comfortable, with an old-school charm and calm vibe. Tables and decor remain traditional, creating a familiar, welcoming environment.

Affordable prices make it easy to enjoy a hearty lunch for about $48 for three people including drinks and desserts. Lots of variety suits work lunches or casual meals with coworkers.

Chicken fried chicken comes out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside, topped with rich cream gravy. Fried chicken plates often include classic sides like mashed potatoes and jello, though salt levels can vary.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and affordable."

"This lunch spot offers comforting, fresh, and delicious food like home."

"The fried chicken here is perfectly crispy outside and tender inside."

Good to know

1

Kids eat free at Luby's on Saturdays, which saves money.

2

Expect long lines during busy times like Thanksgiving.

3

Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early to avoid waits.

15
Uchibā Austin image 1
Sushi restaurant

Mid-century modern meets contemporary lounge design creates a calm, elegant atmosphere with intentional decor and a large patio offering outdoor seating with heaters and blankets. The space feels more like a stylish bar downtown, combining quiet sophistication with occasional loud moments inside.

Lunch features a tapass style combo with a burger, sesame salad, handroll, and nigiri pieces. Drinks include a $5 lychee martini during lunch happy hour, making it a popular spot for affordable, flavorful midday meals.

Fresh buns hold juicy, slightly sweet chicken in the hot fried chicken bun. The fried chicken bun stands out as super tasty among traditional and fusion dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is beyond delicious and incredibly yummy."

"This lunch special is the best I’ve ever had."

"The hot fried chicken bun is super tasty and juicy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for the 9-course happy hour omakase.

2

Happy hour runs from 4 to 5:30 pm, featuring a 9-course menu for $90.

3

Expect a quick turn during happy hour, as it ends promptly at 5:30.

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