We may not be Nashville, but we like to think we still have some of the best fried chicken in the South.
From finger-lickin' classics to spicy innovations, Austin has tons of amazing fried chicken offerings that'll let you indulge every night of the week. But we know that a list on the internet isn't always enough to go off of, so we teamed up with the folks at Yelp to spice up this selection of Fried Chicken in Austin - reviewed by trusted Yelp users, curated by us.
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Photo via Yelp
117 San Jacinto Blvd
Straight out of Memphis, Gus's does fried chicken right. Sure, it's a chain, but if it ain't broke don't fix it. Located in the heart of downtown Austin, this southern staple offers up white meat, dark meat, tenders, the infamous chocolate chess pie, and all the sides your heart desires. If you love a well-rounded meal of salty and sweet, order a 3-piece plate and that luxurious chocolatey pie.
What Yelpers Are Saying: "I am a born and raised southern boy and fried chicken is an absolute staple for any meal or event. GUS's FRIED CHICKEN IS THE ABSOLUTE BEST IVE EVER HAD!!! No matter if you enjoy white or dark meat both are juicy and delicious!! The staff is very friendly and the amenities are clean and tidy. Do not miss a chance to stop in and enjoy their amazing chicken." - Yelper Clint E
Why We Love It: Gus’s has amazing fried chicken that comes out piping hot and with a great spice level. They don't call it “World Famous” for nothing!
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Photo via Yelp
7211 Burnet Rd
From "Wimpy" to "Super Hot," Tumble 22 offers six different spice levels for your fried chicken order. With several locations around the Austin area, you can get your hot chicken fix no matter where you are. Pair it with a big beer and a couple of their delicious sides to help cool down your palette between bites.
What Yelpers Are Saying: "T22 is a must-go spot here in Austin. The fried chicken is super yummy and crispy. I often interchange between ordering The Lil OG and the Chicken Bites. I don't even really like coleslaw, but there's something about the way T22 makes it that I actually enjoy eating it with my sandwich." - Yelper Michelle Y
Why We Love It: We love pushing our limits by ordering a tier up on the spice level every time we come here. We may regret it later, sure, but the hot chicken is just so good.
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Photo via Yelp
Various Locations
Spicy Boys is one of our staff favorites when it comes to hot chicken. Located at some of our favorite breweries and bars around town, it makes for the perfect meal out or ordered in. With a variety of spice options and even cauliflower nuggets for our vegan friends, Spicy Boys is the ideal group munching experience (and solo experience - we can attest).
What Yelpers Are Saying: "Spicy Boys is just that, spicy! But so so good. I had the OG and my husband had the boneless wings. I'd recommend the wings over the sandwich but really they were both awesome! The chicken has the perfect amount of crunch and spice!" - Yelper Taylor A
Why We Love It: Order the spicy fried chicken, spicy tots, and dip them both in their signature spicy ranch. Thank us between mouth-on-fire bites.
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Photo via Yelp
Various Locations
What Yelpers Are Saying: "Literally the best chicken sandwich I've had. The biscuit is dense and moist, nothing like the normal crumbly biscuits that give you dry mouth. I regret not getting the donut holes. Don't make the same mistake, just get them! The chicken was moist and soft, you can tell they brined those babies." - Yelper Victoria C
Why We Love It: If you're on the hunt for some good biscuits and even better chicken, this is the place to go. The biscuits are so fluffy, the chicken is so crisp, and the honey rounds it off perfectly.
Bird Bird Biscuit was recently voted #5 on Yelp's Top 100 List of Places to Eat in the U.S.!
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Photo via Yelp
Various Locations
What Yelpers Are Saying: "I absolutely love this place! The atmosphere is pretty chill, and the people here are nice. I come here at least once a month, and it's consistently amazing!!! The chicken tenders are pull apart flakey, melt in your mouth goodness. I literally cannot get enough of this place." - Elite Yelper Hunter M
Why We Love It: The fried deviled eggs have us in a chokehold. It's a big bonus that their southern fried chicken is a staple in Austin.
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Photo via Yelp
1075 Springdale Rd
What Yelpers Are Saying: "Best fried chicken I've had since first tasting Gus's in Memphis. Fat Daddy's serves authentic soul food. My dining partner and I each ordered three-piece chicken tenders; coating is velvety smooth with a hint of crunch and a juicy middle." - Yelper Scotty U
Why We Love It: The prices can't be beat here for staple comfort food in central Austin.
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Photo via Yelp
4140 E 12th St
What Yelpers Are Saying: "Shut the front door-- so good! They usually sellout of this lunch special by 1pm so order early. The food here is always delicious. You're missing out if you haven't eaten here." - Yelper Angelita R
Why We Love It: This east side chicken spot is perfect for classic soul food from their fried chicken and wings to their cabbage, red beans, and.... fried alligator!
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2525 W Anderson Ln Ste 135
What Yelpers Are Saying: "Hi Wings is literally my favorite place for Korean fried chicken! When ever someone mentions anything about eating Hi Wings, I start thinking about the fried chicken goodness that this restaurant has. The chicken is perfectly and freshly fried and the meat itself is juicy and tender. I usually order the 18 piece dark meat lover. My go to sauces are the honey garlic parmesan, sweet soy, or sweet & spicy." - Elite Yelper Kaitlin O
Why We Love It: A place that offers both Korean fried chicken AND wings feels heaven-sent to us, and it's especially blissful that Hi Wings is some of the juiciest chicken we've found in the city with the best sauce flavors as well.
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Photo via Yelp
6929 Airport Blvd Ste 158
What Yelpers Are Saying: "BEST FRIED CHICKEN EVER! They serve piping hot, perfectly crisp, juicy chicken. My favorite flavor is spicy galbi. It's a sweet and spicy Korean sauced wing and it is just perfection. You've got to try the rice cakes on a stick with the sausage." - Yelper LaPeshaa C
Why We Love It: Bb.q has some of the best fried chicken to satisfy our Korean food cravings. We love the huge variety of flavor options for whole chicken, boneless, and wings.
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Photo via Yelp
Various Locations
What Yelpers Are Saying: "Beyond impressed! After getting to Austin pretty late we took a chance and ordered Happy Chicks to be delivered to our hotel. The chicken, mac and cheese, corn and french fries were so good! Honestly some of the best chicken tenders we've ever had..." - Yelper Kacie T
Why We Love It: Fried chicken and a full bar. What more could you ask for? The choice of multiple dipping sauces? The several sides you get with every order? Check and check.
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Yelp's Top-Rated Pick: Geraldine's
What Yelpers Are Saying: "Chicken on the upscale...noticed a poster board advertising [Birds, Bubbles, and Blues]... The fried chicken was the highlight. It was mildly spicy... I was able to eat it with a knife and fork without it being a mess. The flavor was perfect and truly was among the best in Austin." - Elite Yelper Paul D
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