Buffalo, New York, is famous for its wings, but the city's fried chicken scene is equally impressive. Forget the usual fast-food fare; Buffalo boasts a diverse range of restaurants serving up crispy, juicy, and flavorful fried chicken in various styles. From classic Southern recipes to unique Buffalo twists, this guide explores the top 19 fried chicken spots you need to try. We'll explore what makes each place special and help you navigate this delicious landscape.
Diving into Buffalo's Fried Chicken Scene: A Flavorful Exploration
Buffalo's love affair with fried chicken runs deep. It's not just a side dish; it's a main event, a culinary cornerstone, and a source of intense local pride. The city's diverse culinary landscape means you can find everything from traditional Southern-style fried chicken to innovative takes on this classic dish. We've compiled a list focusing on quality, uniqueness, and overall customer satisfaction, considering factors such as:
- The Crispiness Factor: How perfectly golden brown and crunchy is the skin?
- Juiciness Inside: Is the chicken moist and tender, or dry and tough?
- Flavor Profile: Does the chicken have a unique seasoning blend or stick to the basics?
- Side Dishes: What complements the chicken? Are the sides fresh and flavorful?
- Overall Experience: Atmosphere, service, value for money.
Top 19 Fried Chicken Restaurants in Buffalo: A Detailed Look
This list isn't ranked in any particular order – each establishment offers something unique and delectable.
1. Duff's Famous Wings: While primarily known for wings, Duff's also serves up incredibly crispy fried chicken. Their signature flavor profile translates beautifully to the chicken, making it a must-try.
2. Anchor Bar: The birthplace of Buffalo wings, Anchor Bar surprisingly also offers a solid fried chicken option. While not their main focus, it’s a worthwhile addition to your wing-fueled feast.
3. Sophia's Restaurant: This is a hidden gem. Sophia's serves classic Southern fried chicken with all the fixings. Expect generous portions and a comforting atmosphere.
4. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que: This barbecue joint offers surprisingly excellent fried chicken. Their smoky flavor profile adds a unique twist to the classic dish.
5. Taqueria Los Mayas: A surprising entry, this taqueria offers incredibly flavorful fried chicken tacos. A fusion delight you won't want to miss!
6. The Black Sheep Restaurant: Known for its upscale ambiance, The Black Sheep's fried chicken is an elevated take on a classic. Expect high-quality ingredients and sophisticated flavors.
7. Gabriel's Gate: This gastropub serves up perfectly crispy fried chicken with a wide array of creative sides.
8. Westside Bazaar: This vibrant food hall offers a variety of fried chicken options from different vendors, allowing for a diverse tasting experience.
9. Preservation Station: This restaurant offers locally sourced ingredients and often features fried chicken specials. Check their menu for seasonal variations.
10. Allen Street Hardware: Don't let the name fool you; this establishment serves up some seriously good fried chicken.
11. Admiral's Pub: This popular pub offers a solid, no-frills fried chicken option that's perfect for a casual meal.
12. Sophia's: (Repeated due to strong local recommendation) This restaurant consistently receives high praise for its generous portions and traditional Southern-style cooking.
13. The Continental: This upscale establishment offers a refined version of fried chicken, often appearing as part of a larger tasting menu.
14. Lloyd Taco Truck: Though primarily a taco truck, Lloyd's sometimes features fried chicken options – worth keeping an eye out for.
15. Thin Man Brewery: This brewery offers delicious fried chicken as a perfect pairing for their craft beers.
16. Batch: This restaurant uses high-quality ingredients and inventive flavor combinations, resulting in a unique fried chicken experience.
17. Liberty Hound: This gastropub's fried chicken is a standout item on their menu, known for its crispiness and juicy interior.
18. Ristorante Lombardo: This Italian restaurant may surprise you with its surprisingly delicious fried chicken, often served with creative Italian-inspired sides.
19. Genesee Brewing Company: This brewery provides classic bar fare, and their fried chicken is frequently praised by locals.
Finding Your Perfect Fried Chicken in Buffalo
This list serves as a starting point for your Buffalo fried chicken adventure. Each location offers its unique interpretation of this beloved dish, so exploring and discovering your personal favorites is part of the fun. Remember to check menus and hours of operation before you head out! Happy eating!
