Top Fried Chicken Near Philadelphia
Philadelphia may be famous for its mouth-watering cheesesteaks and supersize soft pretzels, but fried chicken also has a special place in the hearts (and stomachs!) of those local to the City of Brotherly Love. With National Fried Chicken Day just around the corner on July 6, it's time for a shout-out to a few favorite Philly fried chicken spots. From a throwback roadside eatery to an upscale comfort food café, read on for some of the top fried chicken places in the Philadelphia area.
The Fat Ham
3131 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 735-1914
www.sbragadining.com
At Chef Kevin Sbraga's University City restaurant, the hot chicken is one hot seller. The specialty, which is actually a Nashville delicacy, comes bearing a spicy glazed sauce and is served on top of homemade ranch-soaked white bread for a unique offering in the fried chicken game. For patrons who want a chaser for their bird, The Fat Ham boasts an impressive bar, with more than 130 types of whiskey and Southern-inspired drinks like jam-infused juleps.
Related: Top French Fries in Philadelphia
Federal Donuts
1632 Sansom St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 665-1101
www.federaldonuts.com
Korean fried chicken is on the menu at this famous Philly hot spot, but only if you get there early enough. That's because this chicken is only available each day until the store sells out, which happens on a daily basis. With dry seasoning or wet glaze choices that include spicy Thai chili and honey-ginger glaze, the chicken at Federal Donuts definitely isn't encased in the typical buttermilk batter. As an added bonus, every order comes with a side of Japanese cucumber pickles and a honey donut, so patrons get the best of both worlds.
Also, FedNuts will be celebrating Fried Chicken Day with $7 Port FedNuts Fried Chicken Sandwiches all day long on Monday, July 6. The calorie-bomb of a sando consists of fried chicken on a bun with cheese and is normally only available at the Spruce Street Harbor Park outpost.
Ms. Tootsie's RBL
1312 South St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215)-731-9045
www.mstootsiesrbl.com
Comfort food gets kicked up a notch at this South Street soul food café, which was opened in 2000 by Keven Parker and his mom. Ms. Tootsie's serves up some serious Southern fried chicken that's fried to golden perfection. Each order comes with two sides, with choices that include everything from collard greens and black eyed peas to the cheesiest mac and cheese in town. While the menu is all about down home dining, this restaurant has a more upscale vibe.
Related: Top Burgers in Philadelphia
Speck's
3969 Ridge Pike
Collegeville, PA
(610) 489-2110
www.speckschicken.com
The Philadelphia suburbs are home to this fabulous family-owned fried chicken eatery. Originally opened in 1953 at a location in nearby Limerick, this local landmark is known for its famous "Broasted" chicken and homemade coleslaw. The award-winning recipe can be purchased by the piece or by the bucket. And if the menu's not enough to catch your eye, the retro sign at the entrance certainly will.
Wishbone
4034 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 921-3204
wishbonephilly.com
Craft fried chicken is delivered right to your door when you order online from this West Philly gem, which features only locally-sourced chicken that's hormone and antibiotic free. No bones about it, white and dark meat chicken tenders and wings are buttermilk battered and coated with a special-recipe pretzel crust. And with dipping sauce accompaniments that include chili lime mayo and green goddess, this fried chicken is really like an adult version of chicken fingers. This mostly-takeout business also has a small dining area.
Victoria Miller is a freelance entertainment writer who also covers recreation and leisure activities in the Philadelphia area. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
