A Crispy Celebration!

We’re celebrating National Fried Chicken Day with a roundup of some of our favorite Black-owned spots serving up golden, crispy perfection—from Harlem to Atlanta to Los Angeles. Plus, we’re sharing a must-have app that helps you cook amazing meals right at home, along with a delicious recipe for oven-baked “fried” chicken that delivers all the crunch without the grease. And with the 4th of July around the corner, we are sharing a special message from Dr. Frances “Toni” Murphy Draper.

The Best Fried Chicken

Few dishes stir as much passion—and spark as many friendly debates—as fried chicken. Crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor, it’s a comfort food with deep roots in African American culinary tradition. From legendary soul food kitchens to innovative new takes on a classic, we’re spotlighting some of the best Black-owned fried chicken spots across the country where tradition, community, and flavor come together in every bite.

Baltimore

Papi’s Kitchen

• Known For: Authentic Caribbean fried chicken.

• Why It's Great: If you're in the mood for something with a little more spice, Papi’s Kitchen brings Caribbean-style fried chicken with a juicy interior and crispy exterior, paired with island-style sides like plantains.

The Land of Kush

• Known For: Vegan fried "chicken".

• Why It's Great: If you're looking for an alternative, The Land of Kush serves up amazing vegan fried chicken that tastes shockingly close to the real deal, offering a great option for both vegans and non-vegans alike.

Washington, D.C.

Southern Hospitality

• Known For: Southern fried chicken with amazing sides.

• Why It’s Great: As the name suggests, this place offers up Southern fried chicken that’s crispy, flavorful, and juicy. It's a classic spot for soul food, and their fried chicken wings and fried chicken tenders are particularly famous. The vibe is down-to-earth, and the food is consistently delicious.

The Fry Guys

• Known For: Vegan fried "chicken".

• Why It's Great: If you're looking for an alternative, The Land of Kush serves up amazing vegan fried chicken that tastes shockingly close to the real deal, offering a great option for both vegans and non-vegans alike.

Atlanta

The Busy Bee Café

• Known For: Classic Southern fried chicken, smothered pork chops, and soul food sides like collard greens and candied yams.

• Why It’s Great: A historic West End staple since 1947, The Busy Bee is a James Beard “America’s Classic” and a Civil Rights-era meeting spot. The chicken is tender with a perfectly seasoned light crust—and the legacy adds flavor all its own.

Paschal’s Restaurant

• Known For: Crispy fried chicken with a signature blend of 12 herbs and spices, plus peach cobbler and cornbread.

• Why It’s Great: Founded by Black brothers James and Robert Paschal in the 1940s, this restaurant became a hub for Civil Rights leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The fried chicken is legendary, and the upscale yet soulful atmosphere makes it ideal for Sunday dinners and special occasions.

Chicago

Harold’s Chicken Shack

• Known For: Crispy, peppery fried chicken wings (and thighs) served with Harold’s signature sweet‑and‑spicy mild sauce on white bread—classic South Side style.

• Why It’s Great: A legendary, community-rooted chain founded in 1950 by Harold Pierce. Harold’s offers boldly seasoned, juicy “bad fried chicken” that’s unapologetically indulgent. Each cook’s twist on the recipe adds local charm and flavor.

MacArthur’s Soul Food

• Known For: Homestyle fried chicken alongside meatloaf, mac & cheese, and peach cobbler.

• Why It’s Great: A Black-owned, cafeteria-style gem on the West Side loved for its faithful and comforting soul food. The chicken comes with generous seasoning and home-cooked vibes, ideal for takeout or casual dining.

Los Angeles

Honey’s Kettle Fried Chicken

• Known For: Deep-kettle cooked, crispy fried chicken that locks in natural juices using a decades-old method.

• Why It’s Great: This modern reinterpretation of traditional kettle frying draws from over 45 years of expertise. The method produces tender, flavorful chicken with a nostalgic home-cooked feel—celebrated in LA's Black food scene.

Louisiana Fried Chicken

• Known For: Classic Louisiana fried chicken as part of a longstanding franchise, with community events and free feeds.

• Why It’s Great: Run by third-generation owner Chelsea Jackson, it stands as the only Black-owned Louisiana Fried Chicken franchise in L.A. Her leadership blends culinary heritage with deep community impact, from mentoring staff to hosting annual community feedings.

New York City

Charles Pan‑Fried Chicken

• Known For: Iconic pan-fried chicken (three-piece plate), smothered options, with classic sides like mac & cheese, collards, yams, and cornbread.

• Why It’s Great: Founded by James Beard–nominated chef Charles Gabriel in Harlem in 1990, this community staple has grown to three locations. The cooking method—pan-frying with repeated turns and seasonings in three stages—keeps the chicken ultra-juicy with a crisp crust.

Sylvia’s Restaurant

• Known For: Perfectly fried Southern-style chicken paired with free cornbread, collard greens, and mac & cheese.

• Why It’s Great: Open since 1962 and operated by the Woods family, Sylvia’s is an enduring Harlem institution. Dubbed “the Queen of Soul Food,” it’s revered by locals and visitors alike for its authentic, homey flavors.