Best Places For Fried Chicken In New Orleans

Let’s talk about fried chicken, a fare that originated in the American South during the 18th century and is now deeply rooted within New Orleans’ food heritage. The popular recipe, which stemmed from a cultural crossover between West African slaves and Scottish immigrants, began being served on special occasions throughout the colonial period. The comfort food’s delicious nature, though, has transcended time to become one of the city’s quintessential dishes. Since a visit to NOLA is not complete without relishing a fried chicken meal, these are the best restaurants serving up the plate.

Coop’s Place

A local favorite since 1983, Coop’s Place is a Cajun grub located in the heart of the historic French Quarter. The 21-and-over restaurant, which prides itself on creating affordable, mouthwatering seafood and cocktails inside a laid-back atmosphere, serves up one of New Orleans’ best fried chicken entrees, seasoned to perfection with the joint’s original Bayou Blend and accompanied by rabbit, sausage jambalaya and coleslaw. Be sure to arrive early, because this Decatur Street gem, opened every day of the week from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., does not take reservations.

Willie Mae’s Scotch House

Willie Mae’s Scotch House is a family-owned restaurant famous for serving some of the city’s best fried chicken and soul food. This lauded spot, which opened in 1956 as a bar, barbershop and beauty salon, has made an institution out of itself by providing its customers with affordable, cooked-to-perfection fried chicken and Southern-inspired sides such as red beans, macaroni and cheese, sweet potato fries, cornbread muffins and seasoned green beans, all inside a humble setting. Except for Sundays, Willie Mae’s, who’s been honored with the prestigious James Beard Award for “America’s Classic Restaurant for the Southern Region,” opens every day of the week from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Galatoire’s Restaurant

Founded by Jean Galatoire in 1905, Galatoire’s is a fine-dining restaurant located on New Orleans’ famed Bourbon Street. The century-old institution, whose upscale cuisine is inspired by French-Creole fare, offers visitors the good-old American classic: perfectly crisp fried chicken paired with seasoned red beans and rice. Galatoire’s, honored as one of the “Top 10 World’s Greatest Restaurants” by the New York Times, opens every day of the week, except for Mondays, beginning at noon. Pro tip: bring a jacket – it’s required!

Frankie and Johnny’s

Driven by the simple goal of being the best neighborhood restaurant in New Orleans, Frankie and Johnny’s is a cozy, family-owned bistro located in the Uptown neighborhood of the city. Even though this 1942 eatery, which thrived by feeding river workers Cajun-Creole-inspired fare, features a menu filled with incredible seafood dishes, po’ boys and pastas, the made-to-order fried chicken served with sweet potato cheese fries takes the trophy – no question. Guests can visit the dimly lit joint everyday but Sunday, beginning 11 a.m.

Jacques-Imo’s

Inspired by both French and Italian cuisines, Jacques-Imo’s is a New Orleans dining hotspot located in the heart of Uptown’s Oak Street. The Creole-soul-food restaurant, established in 1996 by two city residents, houses the popular “Austin Leslie’s Fried Chicken,” a plate featuring irresistible dark, mix or white chicken meat, a house salsa and a choice of two side dishes, which includes everything from mashed sweet potatoes and butter beans and rice to smothered cabbage and corn macque chow. Even though guests can expect a wait due to the joint’s popularity and no-reservations policy, Jacque-Imo’s fosters an easygoing atmosphere and live music at neighboring bars, allowing visitors to pre-game (drink before going to a party) while waiting to be seated.

Dooky Chase’s Restaurant

Run by Treme’s culinary matriarch, Leah Chase, this venerable establishment is known for its unparalleled Creole and cajun cooking, collection of African American art, and role in the civil rights movement. Soul food, gumbo and the oh-so-special, crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside fried chicken are not to be missed. At 95 years old, Leah Chase still runs the kitchen of this world-famous establishment and was recently honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the James Beard Foundation.

McHardy’s Chicken & Fixin’

Looking for quick, delicious fried chicken on the go? McHardy’s in Mid-City is your spot. This takeout-only shop serves up hot, fresh batches of peppery fried chicken and not much else. Don’t let the singleminded menu or fast-food feel deter you, though, as McHardy’s is high in quality and low in price. Even better, it’s hands-down some of the tastiest fried chicken in town. Enjoy it in nearby City Park, but seriously don’t forget to grab a mountain of napkins.