Charlotte, North Carolina, a dynamic city renowned for its diverse culinary scene, shines particularly bright in the realm of fried chicken. Amidst the array of gastronomic treasures this Queen City holds, fried chicken emerges as a beloved favorite. Whether you’re a local enjoying the city’s offerings or a traveler passing through, the irresistible allure of Charlotte’s finest fried chicken establishments is not to be missed. In the following blog post, we’re embarking on a flavorful journey, exploring the cream of the crop in Charlotte’s ten best fried chicken landscape.
From cherished family-run gems to chic and contemporary eateries, we’re your guide to the creamiest, crispiest, and most succulent fried chicken havens in town. Our mission? To assist you in unearthing that perfect destination where your hankering for that tantalizing blend of crispy, juicy, and flavorful fried chicken is utterly satisfied. Our spotlight will be on the distinctive attributes of each dining spot, along with their signature accompaniments.
So whether you’re yearning for the timeless essence of Southern-style fried chicken, the fiery excitement of Nashville hot chicken, or a novel twist on this classic, rest assured, we’ve got your culinary cravings covered. Prepare your taste buds for a mouthwatering journey as we present our delectable list that’s bound to set your appetite soaring.
List of Best Fried Chicken Spots in Charlotte
Here is a list of the best-fried chicken spots in Charlotte nearby.
- Bojangles
- Original Chicken & Ribs
- Leroy Fox Cotswold
- Horace’s Hot Fried Chicken
- N.C. Red
- Haberdish
- The Chicken Box
- Mert’s Heart & Soul
- Mr Charles Chicken & Fish
- Bossy Beulah’s
Bojangles
Bojangles is a regional fast food chain founded in 1977 by Jack Fulk and Richard Thomas in Charlotte, North Carolina. The restaurant is known for its Cajun-seasoned fried chicken and made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits. Their menu includes signature items like bone-in fried chicken with various side dishes, buttermilk biscuits, and the popular Cajun Chicken Filet Biscuit Combo. Bojangles offers franchise opportunities with a focus on breakfast and chicken offerings. The brand has a strong presence in the Southern comfort food market, serving customers for generations and achieving success in multiple dayparts, with breakfast accounting for a significant portion of sales. If you’re in Charlotte, don’t miss the chance to enjoy Bojangles’ iconic fried chicken and biscuits.
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
Service options: Dine-in · Drive-through · No-contact delivery
Address: 2501 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28206, United States
Original Chicken & Ribs
Original Chicken & Ribs is a cherished family-owned restaurant in Charlotte, North Carolina. Led by third-generation owner Jermaine Blackmon, the restaurant has garnered local acclaim for its delectable dishes and attentive service. The establishment’s signature offerings include succulent BBQ Ribs coated in a flavorful sauce, impeccably cooked Fried Chicken with a crispy exterior and juicy interior, and the famous Croaker Fried Fish for seafood enthusiasts. A visit to Original Chicken & Ribs promises a satisfying and delightful dining experience, showcasing their dedication to quality and taste.
Neighborhood: Washington Heights
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · No-contact delivery
Address: 1100 Beatties Ford Rd, Charlotte, NC 28216, United States
Leroy Fox Cotswold
Leroy Fox Cotswold is a popular modern roadhouse in Charlotte, NC, known for its tasty fried chicken and mason jar cocktails. The restaurant, owned by the Leroy Fox Group, offers a spacious patio for enjoying meals with loved ones. Their signature items include crispy Fried Chicken with various sides, unique cocktails served in mason jars, and a beloved Mac and Cheese dish. For those seeking a memorable dining experience featuring delicious fried chicken and cocktails, Leroy Fox Cotswold is a must-visit spot in Charlotte.
Neighborhood: Cotswold
Service options: Dine-in · Kerbside pickup · No-contact delivery
Address: 705 S Sharon Amity Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211, USA
Horace’s Hot Fried Chicken
Horace’s Hot Fried Chicken in Charlotte, NC, is a hidden gem celebrated for its exceptional fried chicken and welcoming atmosphere. Managed by a mother-son team, it embodies warmth and hospitality, making patrons feel like family. The menu features standout items like perfectly seasoned Hot Fried Chicken, customizable in heat levels, and mouthwatering Ribs drenched in flavorful barbecue sauce. The establishment exudes a cozy ambiance and attentive service, creating an inviting experience. For fried chicken enthusiasts, Horace’s Hot Fried Chicken is a must-visit destination, offering not just delectable food, but also a taste of community and dedication.
Neighborhood: SouthPark
Service options: Takeaway · No-contact delivery
Address: 327 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA
N.C. Red
N.C. Red, a distinctive restaurant, offers a unique dining experience with its exceptional signature dishes. Notably, the classic Charleston Red Rice combines white rice, bacon, onion, garlic, and tomato for a versatile and comforting side dish. The “Kickin’ Collard Greens” stand out with their spicy twist, featuring bacon, onions, and red pepper flakes that complement the main courses. The “Old Charleston-Style Shrimp and Grits” brings tradition to the table, combining shrimp, andouille sausage, and bell peppers over grits. The refreshing “Ceviche” offers a light option, marinating fish in lime juice with red onion, tomatoes, and cucumber. N.C. Red also features a must-try “Signature Cocktail” with unique ingredients, rounding off the diverse culinary experience.
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · No delivery
Address: 1205 Thomas Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205, United States
Haberdish
Haberdish is a renowned Southern kitchen and cocktail bar in North Charlotte’s NoDa neighborhood. It honors the area’s history with Carolina-inspired cuisine, including crispy fried chicken, traditional Southern vegetables, and signature dishes like Shrimp and Grits. The menu also features Pimento Cheese Fritters with pepper jelly. Haberdish’s menu descriptions skillfully highlight their essence by detailing rare ingredients’ names, flavors, and categories. With its unique blend of Southern flavors, craft cocktails, and warm hospitality, Haberdish offers an unforgettable dining experience in Charlotte.
Neighborhood: NoDa
Service options: Dine-in · Kerbside pickup · No delivery
Address: 3106 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205, USA
The Chicken Box
The Chicken Box is a family-owned restaurant in Charlotte’s historic Washington Heights neighborhood, known for its tasty fried chicken and ribs. They offer a signature 10-piece Dark Chicken Box with crispy and juicy dark meat, served alongside sides like fries, slaw, and hushpuppies. Their flavorful ribs, drenched in barbecue sauce, are a must-try. With convenient takeout options and standout signature dishes, The Chicken Box is an excellent choice for those seeking delicious fried chicken and ribs in Charlotte.
Neighborhood: Washington Heights
Service options: Takeaway · No-contact delivery · No dine-in
Address: 1331 W Sugar Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 28262, USA
Mert’s Heart & Soul
Mert’s Heart & Soul is a family-owned restaurant located in Charlotte, North Carolina, offering delicious Southern soul food in a vibrant setting. Signature dishes include crispy fried chicken with sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread. The Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits and unique Sweet Potato Waffles with fried chicken and syrup are also standout choices. Founded in 1998 by James Bazzelle and his wife, Renee, the restaurant is a cherished part of the Charlotte community, celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2023. For an unforgettable dining experience of Southern soul food, Mert’s Heart & Soul is the go-to destination in Charlotte.
Neighborhood: Uptown
Service options: Dine-in · Drive-through · No-contact delivery
Address: 214 N College St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA
Mr Charles Chicken & Fish
Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish, a beloved Charlotte restaurant, is renowned for its delectable southern-style chicken and fish offerings. Locals and visitors alike flock to this establishment for its commitment to quality and flavor. Signature dishes include the crispy and flavorful Southern Fried Chicken, served with fries or coleslaw, and the delightful Fish and Chips featuring golden-fried fish alongside crispy fries. With two locations in Charlotte and a reputation for excellent customer service, Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish offers a welcoming atmosphere for a quick lunch or satisfying dinner. Its dedication to serving delicious southern-style cuisine ensures a memorable dining experience that captures the essence of the South in every bite.
Neighborhood: University City
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway
Address: 8006 Cambridge Commons Dr, Charlotte, NC 28215, United States
Bossy Beulah’s
Bossy Beulah’s is a well-loved Charlotte chicken joint, famous for its superb fried chicken sandwiches and authentic Southern-style cuisine. Led by respected local restaurateur Jim Noble, the establishment opened in 2019 and rapidly became a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Their standout menu features the must-try Fried Chicken Sandwich, featuring all-natural chicken on a soft bun with pickles and a special sauce. Those seeking a lighter option can enjoy the Simple Salad with Bossy Bites, combining greens and chicken bites for a refreshing choice.
Additionally, their creamy and cheesy Mac and Cheese is adored by customers. With an unwavering dedication to quality utilizing all-natural chicken and fresh ingredients, Bossy Beulah’s epitomizes the apex of delectable fried chicken and genuine Southern flavors in Charlotte. Delighting in their offerings delivers an authentic taste of the Carolinas in each delightful bite.
Neighborhood: Fort Mill, South Carolina
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · No-contact delivery
Address: 2200 Freedom Dr, Charlotte, NC 28208, United States
