Image Courtesy of Willie Mae’s Scotch House

5 Spots for Fried Chicken During the Carnival Season

09:00 February 25, 2022
By: Burke Bischoff

Mardi Gras is the biggest party New Orleans throws every single year (with a few exceptions). And what does every party need? Great food, of course! Of all the food that New Orleans is known for, our fried chicken is some of the best in the country. Make sure to visit these five local spots for great fried chicken to end the 2022 Carnival season.


Image Courtesy of Dooky Chase's Restaurant

Willie Mae's Scotch House

Located in the historic Treme neighborhood, Willie Mae's Scotch House mixes Louisiana and Mississippi flavors to create absolutely delicious dishes. Whether you get the fried chicken, tenders, or the chicken sandwich, you'll be getting some of the best chicken in the city. Make sure to get some tasty sides like red beans or sweet potato fries. Find out why the restaurant was awarded the 2005 James Beard Award for "America's Classic Restaurant for the Southern Region." Multiple Locations, williemaesnola.com

Dooky Chase's Restaurant

Family run and formerly headed by the late, great Leah Chase, Dooky Chase's Restaurant almost needs no introduction. Not only does the restaurant do Creole favorites like BBQ shrimp, crab cakes, and gumbo, their Southern fried chicken entrée is out of this world. The restaurant is also known for its killer lunch buffet, which is done Tuesday-Friday. Come out and dine in at one of New Orleans' truly classic restaurants. 2301 Orleans Ave., 504-821-0600, dookychaserestaurants.com

Willa Jean

Opened by Chef Kelly Fields in the CBD, Willa Jean prides itself on its Southern cuisine, baked goods, and drink selections. The retro-chic café all kinds of different fried chicken options to choose from. Consider getting the fried chicken biscuit with tabasco honey or the chicken sandwich with cherry tomato chow chow on a Hawaiian roll. Wash all of that chicken down with some beer, wine, or coffee. 611 O'Keefe Ave., 504-509-7334, willajean.com

Jacques-Imo's

Established in 1996 and boasting quality Creole/Soul food, Jacques-Imo's is one of the best spots around for "real Nawlins' food." Make sure to order Austin Leslie's fried chicken, which you can either get in white or dark meat or even a mix of both. Come hungry because the chicken comes with a side salad and your choice two sides. Before you get the chicken, order a quality appetizer like the fried green tomatoes or the calamari. 8324 Oak St., 504-861-0886, jacques-imos.com

Cafe 615 (Home of Da Wabbit)

Cafe 615, home of the famous and delicious Da Wabbit burger, attracts people from all over the Westbank and Eastbank. The restaurant has some of the best Creole/New Orleans cuisine that you'll find in Gretna. Not only are there chicken tenders to bite into, the restaurant also does a fried half chicken served with buttered toast and two sides. Finish your meal off with the turtle cheesecake or the house-made bread pudding. 615 Kepler St., Gretna, 504-365-1225, cafe615.com

Sign Up!

FOR THE INSIDE SCOOP ON DINING, MUSIC, ENTERTAINMENT, THE ARTS & MORE!