Best Fried Chicken in NOLA
New Orleans may be known for its gumbo and po-boys, but one of the best kept secrets in New Orleans is its delicious Southern fried chicken.
From Creole creations to classic diner dishes, New Orleans fried chicken is some of the best you can find in America. Many of these restaurants are rated some of the top fried chicken in American, and we can confirm this testament to hold true. Below is our curated list of the best fried chicken in New Orleans.
1. Willie Mae's NOLA
898 Baronne St., 504-354-8194
Located in the CBD, this Southern cooking restaurant has earned the James Beard Award, and rightfully so. Willie Mae's has been serving the best fried chicken in New Orleans since 1957 and has continued its craft to please locals and visitors today.
The Travel Channel named them "Americas Best Fried Chicken," and this title brings with it juicy chicken filets and incredible Creole sides.
2. Gus's Fried Chicken
Multiple Locations
Gus's began in Mason, TN, and has since spread due to its top-secret flavors and incredible quality. It has been named the 12th tastiest restaurant to chow down at in the United States, according to the Travel Channel. This joint has served top quality fried chicken the same way for 60 years.
Their technique has proven to be worth the hype. With two locations in the New Orleans area, you have ample chances to give this place a try.
3. Dooky Chase's Restaurant
2301 Orleans Ave., 504-821-0600
Dooky Chase is one of New Orleans most historic and famous restaurants. Being one of the very first African American fine-dining restaurants in the country meant Dooky Chase;s was a spot for Black New Orleanians to congregate and speak about civil and economic rights of African Americans.
Now, Dooky Chase's is a celebrate New Orleans restaurant boasting some of the most authentic role food in the region. Their fried chicken is mimicked across the nation for its incredible flavor and Southern authenticity.
4. The High Hat Cafe
4500 Freret St., 504-754-1336
The High Hat Cafe is a classic Southern diner located one block of Napoleon on the trendy Freret Street. In addition to their delicious chicken, they specialize in catfish, smoke roasted chicken, BBQ shrimp, and so much more.
This small Southern establishment has big flavor, which draw crowds from all over Greater New Orleans.
5. Chicken's Kitchen
629 Derbigny St., Gretna, 504-244-2536
If you are in search for a home cooked meal, look no further. Chicken's Kitchen homestyle soul cooking guarantees nostalgic flavors and a variety of options as their menu changing daily. Their chef, Marlon "Chicken" Williams, is a self-taught chef from the 9th Ward.
A week after the restaurant's second anniversary on September 19, 2022, The New York Times ranked Chicken's Kitchen in their 2022 Top 50 Restaurant in America. Their "Meat and Three" meals give everyone an option to choose from, making it a must-visit spot if you are on the Westbank.
6. Picnic Provisions & Whiskey
741 State St., 504-266-2810
When the three founders of Picnic Provisions & Whiskey set out to celebrate the joy of American picnics, they sprinkled it with the culinary magic of New Orleans. This establishment is an elevated Southern classic. The inside shows a more modern twist on Southern diners, while the menu provides tradition dishes with a Creole twist.
They specialize in casual dinners,
large party catering, and or celebrative events. Their fried chicken is the
star of the show, but guest cannot forget their incredible crawfish boil fried
chicken biscuit and their homemade s'mores.
7. Coop's Place
1109 Decatur St., 504-525-9053
With its laid-back, dive-bar charm and friendly energy, it's the kind of place where locals and visitors alike gather over hearty plates of seafood gumbo, jambalaya, and their legendary Cajun fried chicken, which keeps everyone coming back for more.
8. Jacques-Imo's
8324 Oak St., 504-861-0886
Jacques-Imo's has been a true New Orleans staple since 1996, blending mouthwatering Creole cuisine with the funky, eclectic spirit of the city. Stepping inside feels like entering a colorful Louisiana dive, where the walls burst with Dr. Bob artwork and every corner hums with energy.
Their signature alligator and shrimp cheesecake is a must-try, and each entrée is as authentically Creole as it gets. You might even spot Jacques himself wandering through the dining room, music blaring, ensuring everyone's having a good time. Come for the fried chicken, stay for the atmosphere, and leave with a little more love for New Orleans.
9. Lil Dizzy's Cafe
1500 Esplanade Ave., 504 766 8687
Their gumbo, fried fish, red beans, and perfectly seasoned fried chicken are local favorites that draw hungry visitors from all over the city and beyond. Every dish reflects generations of tradition, care, and the unmistakable flavor of true New Orleans soul food.
10. Daisy Mae's
920 Poydras St., 504 218 5031
Daisy Mae's is a cozy downtown diner, where Southern comfort meets classic charm. Known for its friendly vibe and hearty fare, it's a go-to spot for crispy fried chicken, loaded po-boys, and all-day breakfast favorites.
Their award-winning Bloody Mary pairs perfectly with their famous chicken biscuit, making brunch here as Southern as it gets.
