Buffalo, New York, a city renowned for its spicy wings, also boasts a surprisingly diverse and delicious chicken sandwich scene. From classic fried chicken to innovative gourmet creations, there's a chicken sandwich for every palate in the Queen City. This comprehensive guide explores 24 of the best chicken sandwiches Buffalo has to offer, categorized for your convenience. Whether you're craving crispy, juicy, spicy, or something unique, this list will help you find your perfect bite.
The Classic Fried Chicken Champions
These establishments offer the quintessential fried chicken sandwich experience, focusing on perfectly fried, juicy chicken breasts between soft buns.
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The Anchor Bar: While famous for wings, their chicken sandwich is a solid contender, offering a nostalgic Buffalo experience. Expect a generous portion of crispy chicken, classic toppings, and a taste of history.
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Duff's Famous Wings: Similar to the Anchor Bar, Duff's offers a reliable fried chicken sandwich experience alongside their renowned wings. Their breading and juicy chicken are key to their success.
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Gabriel's Gate: This gastropub provides a elevated take on the classic, using higher quality ingredients and a unique breading technique for a crispier result.
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Dinosaur Bar-B-Que: While primarily a BBQ joint, their fried chicken sandwich shouldn't be overlooked. It’s a testament to their commitment to quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
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Sophia's: A Buffalo institution, Sophia's offers a hearty, no-frills fried chicken sandwich that’s a local favorite, often described as comforting and satisfying.
Spicy & Savory Sensations
These spots deliver chicken sandwiches with a kick, incorporating spicy sauces, peppers, or unique flavor combinations.
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Taqueria Los Mayas: While not traditionally a chicken sandwich place, their spicy chicken sandwich is a hidden gem, bursting with flavor and spice.
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Westside Bazaar: This food hall offers a diverse range of vendors, including several with unique spicy chicken sandwich options. Be sure to explore!
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Five Guys: A national chain, but their spicy chicken sandwich holds its own, providing a consistent and satisfying spicy option.
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Chick-fil-A: Another national chain, but their spicy chicken sandwich is consistently popular for its balance of spice and flavor.
Gourmet & Elevated Chicken Sandwiches
For those seeking a more sophisticated chicken sandwich experience, these establishments offer creative ingredients and refined techniques.
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The Black Sheep: Known for its innovative menu, The Black Sheep often features unique and seasonal chicken sandwich creations.
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Lloyd Taco Truck: This popular food truck offers creative and flavorful options, often featuring locally-sourced ingredients. Check their rotating menu for daily specials.
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B.Good: This health-conscious restaurant uses fresh, local ingredients to deliver a lighter and healthier take on the chicken sandwich.
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Remedy House: This restaurant offers elevated pub fare, including a refined chicken sandwich that showcases quality ingredients and meticulous preparation.
Unique & Unexpected Chicken Sandwiches
These establishments take the chicken sandwich in unexpected directions, showcasing creativity and originality.
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East Side Mario's: A family-friendly restaurant chain, but their chicken sandwiches often feature creative toppings and flavor combinations.
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Ted's Hot Dogs: This Buffalo institution, known for its hot dogs, also offers a delicious chicken sandwich that complements their menu.
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Hamburg's Place: This local favorite often features unique seasonal chicken sandwich creations. Check their menu for their current offerings.
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The Barrel Factory: Their creative approach to gastropub fare often includes inventive chicken sandwich twists, relying heavily on high-quality, local products.
Quick Bites & Casual Options
Perfect for a grab-and-go lunch or a quick bite, these spots offer delicious chicken sandwiches without the fuss.
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Subway: The ubiquitous sandwich chain also offers several chicken sandwich options, catering to a wide range of tastes.
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Arby's: Known for its roast beef, Arby's also has a surprising selection of chicken sandwiches that deserve a try.
Beyond the Bun: Chicken Alternatives
For a change of pace, these restaurants offer chicken dishes prepared differently, offering tasty variations on the theme.
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Zia's: While not strictly a chicken sandwich, their chicken dishes are highly regarded and worthy of inclusion for those seeking alternatives to the traditional bun.
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Thin Man Brewery: This brewery offers elevated pub fare, and their chicken dishes are worth checking out, often presented in unique ways beyond the standard sandwich format.
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Allen Street Hardware: This gastropub offers unique interpretations of American cuisine. Though not always a sandwich, their chicken preparations are a delight.
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Gene McCarthy's: This lively pub features a good selection of food alongside its drinks; their chicken selection offers tasty alternatives to standard sandwiches.
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Pearl Street Grill & Brewery: Similar to others on this list, they showcase local ingredients in their preparations, sometimes presenting interesting alternatives to the classic chicken sandwich.
This list is not exhaustive, but it provides a strong starting point for your chicken sandwich adventure in Buffalo. Remember to check restaurant websites and social media for the most up-to-date menus and specials. Happy eating!
