Best Fried Chicken in Charlottesville
Fried chicken is fried chicken is fried chicken, right? Not in Charlottesville.
Diehard fans will stand their ground at any tailgate or picnic, professing their love of [insert Fried Chicken joint here] passionately, or explaining why [this favorite Fried Chicken spot] has the very best Fried Chicken in Charlottesville.
In this feature, we will of course include the legendary Fried Chicken purveyors, makers, and beloved mom & pop favorites, but we’d also like to introduce you to some off the beaten path joints.
Are we missing one? Let us know! There’s room for more!
Love at first bite.
Brownsville Market
Talk about a gourmet (gas station) experience, you know: the kind that Charlottesville is famous for. The Fried Chicken at Brownsville Market has been written up and talked about for quite some time now, but if you haven’t tried it yet, here’s your sign. The chicken pieces are hand-breaded and fried in small batches daily. Order ahead for a catered meal or stop in around lunch time beginning at 11:30 am to order a meal for takeout. This is the perfect spot to stop in on your way to some brewery or vineyard hopping, as this chicken completes any picnic. Eat where the locals eat! And don’t forget to try Brownsville’s amazing sides.
Harris Teeter (Crozet)
Yes, you read that right. We’re all about insider secrets and hidden gems here in Cville, and we’re about to let you in on a big secret: head into the Harris Teeter in Crozet, located on Radford Lane, and grab a bucket of their incredible Fried Chicken. It rarely lasts long in the hot case, so we recommend arriving just before lunch (around 11 am or so) to snag some before it sells out. There’s something about the breading that draws you in. If you don’t happen to find any left, make sure to ask the folks at the Deli counter: sometimes they package leftovers and refrigerate them!
Wayside
Traditionally defended by locals as the spot for best Fried Chicken, Wayside has always delivered piping hot, hand-breaded chicken pieces and chicken fingers for a simple, satisfying lunch or a catered event. It’s a go-to for many, and never disappoints! Make sure to call in advance if you’ve got a big order!
Out of town (and in).
Jax’s Bar & Grill
Update: Sadly, Jax’s will be closing December 21st, 2024. Make sure to stop by and dine in before then!
Another Crozet restaurant, Jax’s is an excellent newcomer and has been creating quite the buzz, for good reason. All of the food is made from scratch, and the Fried Chicken is hand-battered and breaded, then fried to perfection. This is the kind of spot that’s best enjoyed for dining in, so pull up a seat and take your time!
Fowl Mouthed Chicken at Multiverse Kitchens
Always a fan favorite, Multiverse Kitchens serves up something for everyone! We’ve highlighted this awesome concept previously, and absolutely love everything on the menu. The Fowl Mouthed Chicken concept (one of many inside this micro food hall) offers up crisp Fried Chicken sandwiches that will make you glad for the trip. Tucked into the corner of the Allied Shopping Center (a quasi-warehouse district / mixed used area), make sure to look over the menu prior to your visit, otherwise you’ll be paralyzed by choice (in the best way).
Chickadee
Serving breakfast & lunch, Chickadee is a downtown restaurant that offers a house made menu (including Fried Chicken sandwiches) on incredible, handmade rolls. We love popping in here for a bite before (or after) strolling the Downtown Mall. It’s just a hop, skip, and a jump from the pedestrian area, and is an incredible spot with a near cult-like following.
An embarrassment of Fried Chicken riches.
Maya
A restaurant that has withstood the test of time, Maya has been around for a long time by Charlottesville standards, and for excellent reason. Its food is good, really good. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, and the cocktails are equally incredible, but if it’s your first time: order the Chicken. Local Polyface chicken, cooked to absolute perfection. This may not be fried chicken per se, but it’s one of the best chicken dishes in town and cannot be ignored.
The Whiskey Jar
Offering both Smoked Wings (don’t say no) and a Fried Chicken main course, The Whiskey Jar is a perfect spot for you if you like a cozy, Saloon feel, with lively drinks and even livelier music. If you’ve been out to a show or have just been enjoying the sites on the Downtown Mall, make sure to stop by on your way home. This restaurant is a cherished spot in Cville.
Gordonsville Ice House
We’ve sung its praises before as well! The Ice House is a fun spot for everyone, with a great beer selection and amazing handmade Fried Chicken, it’s perfect for families and offers fabulous outdoor seating. Make sure to check out all of the incredible breweries and wineries on this side of town while you’re here!
Best of…
Best for a Picnic Blanket
Best for a Date Night
Best for Catering
Best Cold the next day
When you know, you know.
Fried Chicken is a little like life: each experience is different, surprising, exciting, and unique to the individual. We can’t wait to hear what your favorite Fried Chicken option is in Charlottesville. If we’ve left off a “best of” joint, let us know!
