Fried chicken. The very words conjure images of crispy, golden-brown skin, juicy, flavorful meat, and that irresistible aroma that can draw you from across the street. If you're in North Delaware or Buffalo, NY, you're in luck. These regions boast a surprisingly diverse fried chicken scene, offering everything from classic Southern-style to unique regional twists. This guide explores eleven of the best spots to satisfy your fried chicken cravings. We'll delve into what makes each location special, helping you find your new favorite.
A Crispy, Juicy Journey Through North Delaware and Buffalo's Best Fried Chicken
Finding the perfect piece of fried chicken is a quest many undertake, and we're here to aid in your expedition. We’ve scoured reviews, visited establishments, and crunched the numbers to bring you this curated list, focusing on quality, taste, and overall experience. Whether you prefer bone-in, boneless, spicy, or mild, there's a fried chicken haven on this list for you.
Delaware's Delicious Delights:
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The Chicken Shack (Dover, DE): This unassuming spot is a local favorite, known for its incredibly crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat. They use a simple recipe passed down through generations, focusing on quality ingredients and perfect frying technique. Their sides, especially the coleslaw and mac and cheese, are also highly praised.
- Speciality: Classic Southern-style fried chicken.
- Price Range: $ $
- Ambiance: Casual, family-friendly.
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Mama's Kitchen (Newark, DE): A family-owned restaurant offering a home-style experience. Mama's Kitchen emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Their fried chicken is known for its tender, juicy interior and subtly seasoned exterior.
- Specialty: Home-style fried chicken, generous portions.
- Price Range: $ $
- Ambiance: Warm and inviting.
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The Golden Drum (Wilmington, DE): This restaurant has a modern take on Southern comfort food. They offer a variety of fried chicken dishes, from classic bone-in pieces to creative sandwiches and wraps. The chicken is crispy, well-seasoned, and consistently delicious.
- Specialty: Creative fried chicken dishes and sandwiches.
- Price Range: $ $
- Ambiance: Modern and stylish.
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Southern Comfort (Middletown, DE): As the name suggests, this establishment aims to deliver authentic Southern flavors. Their fried chicken is a standout, boasting a perfectly crisp exterior and incredibly tender interior. They also offer a great selection of Southern sides.
- Specialty: Authentic Southern-style fried chicken.
- Price Range: $
- Ambiance: Casual, lively atmosphere.
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The Chicken Coop (New Castle, DE): A smaller, locally owned establishment offering some of the best fried chicken in the county. It emphasizes simplicity and quality. You won’t find fancy sauces or toppings here. They let the chicken's flavor shine through.
- Specialty: Simple, classic fried chicken.
- Price Range: $
- Ambiance: Rustic and cozy
Buffalo's Best Bites:
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Duff's Famous Wings (Multiple Locations): While primarily known for their wings, Duff's also serves exceptional fried chicken. Their signature breading and preparation methods create a uniquely delicious experience. It’s worth exploring even if wings aren’t your primary interest.
- Specialty: Crispy fried chicken with a unique Buffalo twist.
- Price Range: $
- Ambiance: Lively sports bar atmosphere.
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Gabriel's Gate (Buffalo, NY): This gastropub offers a refined take on fried chicken. They use high-quality ingredients and creative seasoning blends to create a sophisticated dish.
- Specialty: Gourmet fried chicken with elevated flavors.
- Price Range: $$
- Ambiance: Upscale gastropub setting.
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Dinosaur Bar-B-Que (Buffalo, NY): Known primarily for its barbecue, Dinosaur also serves exceptional fried chicken. Their chicken is tender, juicy, with a delicious smoky flavor that complements the barbecue theme.
- Specialty: Smoky fried chicken.
- Price Range: $$
- Ambiance: Casual, lively atmosphere.
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Westside Bazaar (Buffalo, NY): This food hall houses multiple vendors, and several offer fried chicken options. Each vendor brings their unique approach, allowing you to try several variations within one visit.
- Specialty: Variety of fried chicken styles from different vendors.
- Price Range: Varies depending on the vendor.
- Ambiance: Vibrant food hall atmosphere.
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Sophia's (Buffalo, NY): This spot is a local gem offering classic comfort food. Their fried chicken stands out for its generous portions, perfect crispiness, and consistently great taste.
- Specialty: Classic fried chicken, hearty portions.
- Price Range: $
- Ambiance: Casual, friendly atmosphere.
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Taqueria Los Mayas (Buffalo, NY): While perhaps unexpected, this taqueria offers surprisingly delicious fried chicken. It’s a unique take on the dish, incorporating Mexican flavors and spices.
- Specialty: Fried chicken with a Mexican twist.
- Price Range: $
- Ambiance: Casual taqueria setting.
Finding Your Perfect Fried Chicken: A Quick Guide
This list provides a starting point for your fried chicken adventure. Remember to consider:
- Your preferred style: Classic Southern, spicy, gourmet, etc.
- Your budget: Prices vary significantly between establishments.
- Your desired ambiance: Casual, family-friendly, upscale, etc.
No matter your preferences, North Delaware and Buffalo offer a delectable array of fried chicken options to satisfy even the most discerning palate. Happy eating!
