Discover the Best Fried Chicken in Philadelphia

Philadelphia - The City of Brotherly Love - started out as the nation's first capital and has grown to notoriety for its historic cobblestone streets, iconic Art Museum (as seen in the film, Rocky), prestigious universities and burgeoning arts scene. When it comes to food, restaurants with the best fried chicken in Philadelphia feature everything from traditional-style fried chicken to modern, surprising flavors. But where are the smartest, savviest diners in Philadelphia headed out to when looking for the best fried chicken in town? Welcome to the Tastemaker 20. Here, we've collected information from the city's in-the-know diners to put together this list of the best fried chicken in Philadelphia. With everything from the classic favorites to creative takes, the best fried chicken in Philadelphia delivers great tastes for all. Grab a table and enjoy tonight!

The OpenTable Team

12 Restaurants

Updated January 24, 2020

Restaurants:	Zama, SouthGate, Bud & Marilyn's…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	Japanese, Contemporary Korean, American…
Neighborhoods:	Rittenhouse Square, Center City…

Zama

$$$$

Japanese

Rittenhouse Square

4.7

2034 reviews

One of the top Japanese spots in the city is also one of the places for the best fried chicken in Philadelphia. Sleek and entertaining with plenty of classic Japanese style, Zama is a prime dining destination in the heart of Center City. Start the meal with some of the "ZFC." These "Zama Fried Chicken" bites feature shredded cabbage and Yuzu pepper sauce. For dinner, try some of the restaurant's specialty maki. Try the spicy jumbo lump crab, with spicy tuna and jalapeno wrapped in soy paper. The "Shrimp and Eel fiesta" includes tempura shrimp, BBQ eel, and avocado salsa.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

SouthGate

$$$$

Contemporary Korean

Rittenhouse Square

4.8

335 reviews

Right on Lombard Street in the middle of the city, the eclectic, creative SouthGate features some of the most fun cuisines in the city. Blending Korean and American styles, this standout modern restaurant is a neighborhood favorite. Start with a "small plate" of the soy or spicy Korean fried chicken. For spicier taste, try the Seoul "hot chicken" sandwich. Done Nashville-style, this hearty meal includes slaw, kewpie mayo, and pickles. A "ramen burger" includes a ramen mozzarella crisp, bulgogi beef, and kewpie mayo. Another small plate standout? The Korean tacos, with avocado, salsa verde, and pickled onions.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Bud & Marilyn's

$$$$

American

Center City

4.6

4658 reviews

"Charming kitsch" is on the menu at this Philadelphia institution. This retro-stylish Philly hot spot is the place to go for a classic cocktail and a menu full of Americana favorites. Chicken is a specialty of this pleasant spot. Try the "Marilyn's Fried Chicken." with warm biscuits, salted honey butter, and house-made hot sauce. For another style, try the seared "brick" chicken with lemon, herbs, and roasted peppers. For a smaller bite, go for the hot buttered buns menu. These treats come in tofu, Nashville hot, and bratwurst styles. Pair dinner with one of the Bud & Marilyn's cocktails, like a traditional Moscow Mule.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Talula’s Garden

$$$$

American

Washington Square

4.9

11582 reviews

This colorful and bright farm-to-table standout features some of the best fried chicken in Philadelphia. Stop in for the brunch menu to try the fried chicken and waffle favorite, with bourbon maple syrup, chipotle butter, apples, and crispy Brussels sprouts. For a full taste of Philly, try the "Local Brunch" with double-smoked Lancaster bacon, fried potatoes, and honey butter. For dinner, diners should opt for the home-made ricotta ravioli with pumpkin, brown butter vinaigrette, and rosemary Manchego. Chicken and apples pair up a spiced crispy half chicken with aged cheddar and Swiss chard crepe.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Love

$$$$

American

Rittenhouse Square

4.8

5604 reviews

Another local favorite from the team behind Talula's Garden, The Love is a funky and hip 18th Street destination. Featuring a welcoming and relaxed vibe and creative comfort menu, Love is an excellent place for lunch, dinner, or brunch. Look to the "Back to Bed" brunch menu for some hearty brunch favorites. The fried chicken and waffle features griddled apples, apple butter, and ancho-spiced syrup. Try the "juicy griddled" Angus burger with cheese fondue and slivered onion, or lemon poppy pancakes with candied ginger syrup. For a classic, try the lox board with smoked salmon gravlax, an everything bialy, and cucumber salad.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

View Takeout Menu

Libertine

$$$$

Contemporary American

Center City

4.4

707 reviews

This hip restaurant crafted out of the former Parker-Spruce Hotel features some of the best fried chicken in Philadelphia. Right in the middle of Washington Square, Libertine offers a selection of cuisine with a distinct Philadelphia touch. Start with the fried chicken skins with spiced honey, called "the best part of the chicken." Dinner dishes include a "secret chicken" with smashed fingerlings and the "Parker Burger" with a 10 oz. custom beef blend. Stop in for the brunch menu for even more fried chicken selections. Try the Thai-spiced fried chicken buns or fried chicken eggs Benedict for a unique brunch meal.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Gyu-Kaku - Philadelphia, PA

$$$$

Japanese

Art Museum

4.7

813 reviews

For a great time out with friends and family, a lively Japanese barbecue spot is an excellent option. The Philadelphia installment of this nationally-renowned chain features some of the best fried chicken and barbecue in the city. Start the meal with some of the Gyu-Kaku favorite Japanese chicken karaage, fried chicken with chili mayo sauce. A "spicy tuna volcano" includes spicy tuna on crispy fried rice, drizzled with Japanese barbecue sauce. For a unique twist on a classic appetizer, try the tuna poke nachos. These feature raw cubed tuna sashimi with avocado and teriyaki sauce.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Bahama Breeze - Cherry Hill - Cherry Hill Mall

$$$$

Caribbean

Cherry Hill

4.4

1274 reviews

The super-chill Bahama Breeze restaurant brings the taste of the tropics to the heart of Philadelphia. This relaxing, laid-back spot also boasts some of the best fried chicken in Philadelphia. Try the buttermilk fried chicken breast, a feast of a meal layered with spinach, tomatoes, corn, and black bean salsa. For a more Caribbean taste, try the beef empanadas, tostones with chicken, or the house-favorite coconut shrimp.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Philly Tap & Tavern - Harrah's Philadelphia

$$$$

American

Chester

4.1

807 reviews

Head out to Caesar's to try the tables and enjoy some of the creative and colorful food stylings from Guy Fieri. A fun and festive restaurant, the Philly Kitchen + Bar is a proud and loud celebration of hearty cuisine. Try the crispy chicken bacon ranch, with crispy fried chicken tenders, smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, and house-made ranch. Start with some of the shareable "Trash Can Nachos," with smoked brisket, bourbon brown sugar barbecue sauce, and "super-melty cheese." Crispy chicken tenders feature a panko crust with lager honey mustard and other dipping sauces.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Butcher Bar

$$$$

American

Center City

4.5

1313 reviews

This straightforward and modern celebration of meat dishes is one of the best spots for fried chicken in Philadelphia. Head in for the Butcher Bar's highlight brunch to try a fried chicken and waffle benedict, with hollandaise and warm maple syrup. The house-smoked turkey club includes avocado crema and sourdough, and a huckleberry lemon Belgian waffle features house-made ice cream and vanilla maple syrup. Start with the spicy butcher bacon bloody mary with sriracha and bacon.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

View Takeout Menu

Jerry's Bar

$$$$

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

Northern Liberties

4.7

841 reviews

This Laurel Street favorite in the middle of Philadelphia features some of the most captivating decors in town. Grab a seat at the bar or dining room festooned with salvaged artifacts to enjoy some fried chicken and craft beer. The fried chicken sandwich features hot-n-honey sauce along with charred scallion aioli, lettuce, and tomato. Main courses include chicken pot pie, short rib pappardelle, and chimichurri skirt steak. Grab a local "Brawler" English mild ale from Yards Brewing to go along with dinner.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Hash House A Go Go - Moorestown

$$$$

Farm-to-table

Moorestown

4.4

394 reviews

The nearby Philadelphia suburb of Moorestown, New Jersey, is home to some of the city's best fried chicken. Featuring "twisted farm food," this Midwest-style comfort food haven features the famous "Andy's Sage" fried chicken farm Benedict. The dish includes fresh spinach, hardwood-smoked bacon, and scrambled eggs. That's not all for fried chicken, either. Try the restaurant's fried chicken and waffles, with a smoked bacon waffle tower, hot syrup reduction, and fried leeks. A Nashville hot chicken sandwich comes open-faced on griddled milk bread and topped with dill pickles.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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