Where to Go For The Best Fried Chicken In Austin

Think fried chicken is the stuff you get in a paper bucket from KFC? Think again. Frying up the real deal is a labor of love and Austin’s producers have the market cornered when it comes to classic fried chicken and interesting new recipes that keep things weird. Discover the best fried chicken in Austin with this list of the best spots to head when you’re craving some finger-licking good food.

15 Spots With The Best Fried Chicken In Austin

1. Lucy’s Fried Chicken

https://www.lucysfriedchicken.com 
2218 College Ave

Lucy’s offers hot and cold versions of their fried chicken and unique dishes that make this comfort food so much more than just plain old fried chicken. Try the fried chicken boudin balls made with chicken, dirty rice, Cajun seasoning, and creole mustard or try the fried chicken nachos with refried beans, cotija, cream, guacamole, and house escabeche.

2. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

https://gusfriedchicken.com/austin-texas-location/ 
117 San Jacinto Blvd

Gus’s Fried Chicken is a franchise chicken joint with roots in Memphis. The fried chicken here is prepped with an array of herbs and spices with a touch of Nashville influence in the breading. You can choose from chicken breast, thigh, legs, and wings and make it a meal with one of the tasty sides like coleslaw, potato salad, and whole jalapenos. Pair it with the fried pickles, fried okra, or fried green tomatoes.

3. Max’s Wine Dive

https://maxswinedive.com/locations/austin/ 
207 San Jacinto Blvd

Arguably the best fried chicken spot on this list, Max’s is the place to go when you’re craving a delicious meal. With locations in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Denver, the chain serves up a fried chicken sandwich featuring candied bacon, cheddar cheese, comeback sauce, and garlic aioli on Texas toast. Looking for something more adventurous? Try the Chicken Fried N.Y. Steak Waffle Sliders featuring country-fried New York strip steak and black pepper gravy on a waffle bun.

4. Top Notch

http://www.topnotchaustin.com 
7525 Burnet Rd

Known for its hamburgers, Top Notch also delivers out of this world fried chicken. The juicy chicken pairs perfectly with sweet and sumptuous shrimp.

5. Tumble 22 Hot Chicken

http://tumble22.com 
7211 Burnet Rd

Located on Burnet Road, the T22 Chicken Joint offers Nashville-style hot chicken under the innovative guidance of Harold Marmulstein from Salty Sow. The chicken here has a kick to it with cayenne and spice dip seasoning and heat levels ranging from “wimpy” to cluck’n hot”. If spicy food isn’t your thing, opt for their mellower options like the sweet chili yogurt and cilantro mint sauces.

6. Mattie’s

https://mattiesaustin.com 
811 W Live Oak St

Mattie’s fried chicken features Kennebec mashers, bacon, baby kale, pickled onions, shaved Brussels sprouts, and buttermilk ranch for a savory and indulgent dining experience. Looking for a great brunch spot with fried chicken? Mattie’s got you covered with their Fried Chicken Eggs Benedict featuring buttermilk biscuits, hollandaise sauce, and a green salad.

7. The Pickle House

https://thepickle.house 
9521 Us 290 W Suite 100

The signature fried chicken breast sandwich Is the perfect blend of crispy, breaded skin and juicy meat. The Texas sweet heat pickles and creamy pickle spread add the finishing touches to this delicious chicken sandwich that’ll have you coming back for more.

8. Fixe

https://fixesouthernhouse.com 
500 W 5th St

Fixe’s fried chicken combines chicken with buttermilk breading, kale, green apples, and spicy honey for an outstanding flavor you can’t find anywhere else. For a starter, try the sweet tea pickles or the crispy catfish and treat your taste buds to real southern flavor.

9. Spicy Boys

https://www.wemovechickens.com 
1701 E 6th St

Spicy Boys is a food truck located at one of the best breweries in Austin — Zilker Brewing. With flavors including sweet chili honey, green papaya relish, and fried shallots, you can’t go wrong with a tasty fried chicken sandwich from the Spicy boys truck.

10. Colleen’s Kitchen

http://www.colleensaustin.com 
1911 Aldrich St Suite 100

Colleen’s Kitchen uses buttermilk in their to-die-for mashed potatoes and the breading in their delicious fried chicken. Family owned and operated, this chicken joint offers an air of southern hospitality and a menu that would make any true southerner swoon. Try the bacon fried dates and succotash if you need a little extra something to go along with your fried chicken.

11. Dai Due

https://www.daidue.com 
2406 Manor Rd

Any list of the best meat spots isn’t complete without mentioning Dai Due. From their butcher shop to their taqueria and Texas staples, this restaurant sources ingredients from local farmers and ranchers for the most authentic farm to table experience. The menu changes seasonally depending on what’s available, but the fried chicken is always available on Sunday nights.

12. Pitchfork Pretty

http://pitchforkpretty.com 
2708 E Cesar Chavez St

Pitchfork Pretty puts a healthier spin on fried chicken with their gluten-free breading made from chickpeas. With ingredients from seasonal harvests, it’s one of the freshest fried chicken joints you’ll find in the city limits.

13. Bird Bird Biscuit

https://www.birdbirdbiscuit.com
2701 Manor Rd

The Queen Beak reigns king here with a flaky and buttery biscuit bun packed with spiced and breaded chicken thighs, cayenne pepper honey, and bacon-infused chipotle mayo.

14. Hoover’s Cooking

https://www.hooverscooking.com 
2002 Manor Rd

The fried chicken at Hoover’s explodes with flavor thanks to an intricate blend of seasonings and the optional gravy makes this treat even more indulgent. Stop in during Hoover Hour, the restaurant’s version of happy hour, for specials of drinks and food.

15. College Roadhouse Korean Kitchen & Bar

https://college-roadhouse.business.site/ 
9515 N Lamar Blvd #230

Looking for a different take on the classic southern fried chicken? Head over to College Roadhouse and indulge in Korean fried chicken that’s as authentic as the stuff you’d find at a street market in Asia. Besides fried chicken, you can savor Korean treats like dumplings, fried oysters, and kimchi.

Savor the Best Fried Chicken in Austin

Whether you’re looking for tacos, BBQ, or fried chicken, Austin’s culinary scene hits the mark. With dishes inspired by innovative and youthful chefs, this town’s culinary treats always offer something new and weird to keep your taste buds satisfied. When you’re looking for the best fried chicken in Austin, head to one of these hot spots to chow down on juicy, crisp chicken that’ll make your mouth water.