Fried Chicken Realness
10 hottest spots to eat fried chicken in Austin
Fried chicken is one of the most iconic Southern American dishes. The first Southern American record of a fried-chicken recipe traces back to the 1830s, but different theories claim its origin as Scottish or African American. Throughout the centuries, this dish has certainly become one of the most representative items of Southern Cuisine. At the same, the original recipe has received influences from European, African, and Asian culinary cultures. Today, the restaurant scene in Austin proposes uncountable creative versions of this delicacy. Here are some examples of what this exciting gastronomic destination is all about:
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Bird Bird Biscuit
2701 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
Opened in 2018 by Brian Batch and Ryan McElroy as a result of their 10-years friendship and constant improvement of their special buttermilk biscuit sandwich recipe, Bird Bird Biscuit eatery is one of the city’s top spots to indulge with fried chicken in Austin. Their chicken menu items go from classic crispy treats with a sweet, cheesy, and spiced kick to their homemade chicken sausage.
Spicy Boys
440 E St Elmo Rd g2, Austin, TX 78745
1701 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
With two locations operating in the St. Elmo’s beer garden and at the Zilker Brewery, the Spicy Boys food trailer specializes in Pan-Asian fried chicken and fried chicken accessories. Available as five drum & thigh pieces, boneless wings, or in three different soft-sandwich versions (the Original Gangster, Hot Gai, and BCS), their chicken is gracefully combined with exotic, sweet, and hot seasonings, including their two signature classic and spicy sauces.
DAI DUE
2406 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
DAI DUE‘s menu proposes one of the city’s most sensational fried chicken breasts, served on a ghee-toasted bun and paired with spicy chile morita mayonnaise and pickled watermelon rind. The oil used to deep-fry is a non-GMO expeller pressed canola type (except on Sundays, when chicken is fried in beef tallow). And that’s not it: both their farm-to-table restaurant and butcher shop work with seasonal and regional ingredients to offer a wide selection of cuts including confit chicken-heart skewers and other non-chicken options.
Fixe Southern House
500 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701
This upscale restaurant is all about bringing on the true city’s soul by serving some of the most iconic Southern dishes and other beloved local delicacies. These include, of course, fried chicken, as in their breakfast option Pollo Frito Loco thigh accompanied by kale and apple slaw and topped with local Good Flow honey.
Flyrite Chicken
2129 E 7th Street, Austin, TX 78702
6539 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78757
11420 Rock Rose Ave #100, Austin, TX 78758
With its three different locations (plus a currently non-operating one at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport), the restaurant chain Flyrite Chicken is here to make the most out of Austin’s staple by selecting natural ingredients from trusted sources and using planet-friendly packaging. Among their menu delicacies are some exquisite chicken sandwiches, such as The Cowboy, topped with bacon, cheddar, and jalapeño dressing, or chicken tenders with homemade sauces.
Gourdough’s
2700 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
1503 S. 1st Street, Austin, TX 78704
Gourdough’s is a multi-location spot to enjoy some of the most delicious donut sandwiches. These include their Saussy Cock: freshly-fried chicken breast, buffalo sauce, red onion, blue cheese crumbles, sliced tomato, and chipotle mayonnaise. Other fried chicken menu items in their entrée menu are Mother Clucker smothered in honey butter and served with a piping hot garlic donut or their Rise and Shine brunch offer of hand-battered strips with scrambled eggs, queso, pico de gallo, and candied jalapeño.
Lucy’s Fried Chicken
2218 College Ave, Austin, TX 78704
5408 Burnet Road, Austin, TX 78756
Lucy’s Fried Chicken is home to Austin’s most innovative comfort food items by Chef James Holmes. His signature creations include fried chicken livers marinated in a secret buttermilk blend and served with chipotle ranch, as well as all types of treats like classic fried chicken baskets, tenders (available also as a gluten-free option), fried chicken spaghetti, or chicken n’ waffles.
Rosewood Gulf Coast Chop House
1209 Rosewood Ave, Austin, TX 78702
Rosewood Southern restaurant and bar by Chef Jesse DeLeon pays homage to their 1890 house and regional heritage by using indigenous and seasonal ingredients from local farmers, ranchers, and fishers. Nevertheless, their to-go fried chicken delights Austin’s palates with thanks to its modern twist: a Thai fish caramel glazing topped with sesame and served with delicious pickles.
Colleen’s Kitchen
1911 Aldrich St STE 100, Austin, TX 78723
This family-owned eatery is one of Austin’s favorite destinations for Southern staples, craft cocktails, beer, and wine. Colleen’s Kitchen‘s plates embody the local vibrant and uncomplicated soul and a great sense of hospitality– impossible not to point out their buttermilk fried chicken served with haricot verts, roasted garlic mashers, buttermilk gravy, and with possible addition of gravy, fried egg, bacon, avocado, or pimento cheese.
Tumble 22
7211 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78757
Tumble 22‘s offer focuses on Nashville-style hot chicken joint with typical Southern sides in a wide variety of options. For example, their iconic bites are available in different formats from individual portions to family packs. The restaurant also created their own spiciness scale, starting from “wimpy” and progressing towards “mo’hot!”, “dang hot!”, and “cluckin’ hot!”.