It should come as no surprise to you that there are plenty of places to find fried chicken when you’re in Austin. Keep reading to learn more about where to crunch into juicy, flavorful fried chicken in the area. If you’re looking for wings in specific, checkout our Tasty Wings Guide to Austin to get all your wing needs!
#1 Editor’s Choice
1. Say hello at Lucy’s Fried Chicken
Even the Travel Channel knows that Lucy’s Fried Chicken is always worth mentioning at the top of any list, with this restaurant being mentioned first on the 10 Most Hype Worthy Fried Chicken Restaurants. Fried chicken that is “pretty dang perfect” can be expected when you eat at this legendary restaurant. Find Lucy’s Fried Chicken on College Ave and order a basket of chicken if you’d like, or try the fried chicken spaghetti. New takes and twists on classic chicken centered meals makes Lucy’s Fried Chicken stand out, but not too much. Don’t worry, they aren’t making crazy concoctions, just elevating the soul food that we already love. From 11 am – 9 pm seven days a week, Lucy’s Fried Chicken has exactly what you need. Plus, you might get to enjoy some live music with them if you come in at the right time.
2. Put famous to the test at Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
Let’s start off the list with a restaurant that is world famous, to the point where they even say it in the name. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken is an establishment that goes out of the way to make your chicken to order every time. Their hand-battered fried chicken is particularly tasty and always served with a smile. At Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken on San Jacinto Blvd, there is always someone ready to provide you with a meal that will keep your belly happy. GQ Magazine has even published a love letter to this particular chicken restaurant. They claim that Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken might be the best in the entire world, but we can leave that decision up to you. From 11 am – 9 pm (at least) every day, Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken is ready to serve you.
3. Southern Charm at Whip My Soul
When you’re in the mood to taste some of what Austin’s local culinary scene has to offer in the way of fried chicken, Whip My Soul is the family-owned establishment for you. This black-owned establishment is the place to be when you’re craving any number of soul food items. While we are hyped about their fried chicken wings, you will want to try the oxtail plate some time. Whip My Soul is located in The Shops at Volente shopping plaza and usually opens at 11 am every day except Monday. Come in to try their fried chicken, but be prepared to fully fall in love with their collard greens, cheese grits, and peach cobbler.
4. Old School Chicken & Waffles at The Rolling Rooster
Roll on down to Burnet Rd straight to The Rolling Rooster next time you’re in the mood for food that is full of soul. Whether it’s chicken, pork chops, or any other plate they are offering, The Rolling Rooster has a reputation for featuring TONS of flavor in every single menu choice. Ask for Hot Honey Chicken and get ready to get lost in the combination of sauces. For lunch or dinner, The Rolling Rooster is open daily from 11am-9pm with a chicken menu that rocks and sides like okra that you won’t want to skip. You can’t miss the big red letters for this restaurant located inside of The Shops at Wells Branch.
5. Texas-sized Tenders at Happy Chicks
Chicken tenders are absolutely a part of the fried chicken conversation being had about Austin and Happy Chicks is the place to find some of the best. Even serving a Vegan option, Happy Chicks will make more than just the chicks happy. Everyone can find something to order, starting with choosing the preferred spice level. Chicken nuggets, tenders, wraps, and more can be purchased exactly the way you like at any of the 3 Happy Chicks locations in Austin. Once you get to the sauces portion of the menu, you’ll notice that they whip these dressings up every day in house. Ranch based options like Avocado Poblano will have you never wanting to use store bought condiments again.
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6. Eat more chicken at Tumble 22
Finding Nashville-style hot chicken in Austin isn’t as hard as you might think. Tumble 22 takes pride in the way they serve Nashville inspired menu options that all come from sources within Texas. Tumble 22 is the kind of restaurant that Austin loves, bringing the best parts of traveling through other states and cities right to your plate. Two locations in the area come highly recommended, one near Lake Austin and the other on Burnet Rd. Like many other restaurants in Aust, Tumble 22 was once a solo food trailer that grew into a locally loved establishment quite fast. In less than 5 years, the breaded chicken took off (made with a secret spice blend) causing a demand for more space. Getting orders out fast (but not too fast) either of the Tumble 22 locations are serving chicken bites, sandwiches and more along with the classic sides from 11 am – 10 pm throughout the week.
7. Give the spice girls a run for their money at Spicy Boys Fried Chicken
The topic of long reddit threads, Spicy Boys Fried Chicken is a restaurant that truly does spicy chicken differently. With an Asian fusion method to their spicing, you’re not going to find chicken like this in the average soul food restaurant. Multiple establishments (and the occasional food truck) exist in varying areas throughout Austin and people love them regardless of where. Don’t be surprised if the lines are long, since the Instagram influencers have discovered them. Any of the meals purchased from this menu are bound to shock your taste buds in a way that makes you want to come back for more. Check their website to find out how many locations are operating in Austin and plan to make at least one trip. Most people who discover this restaurant become instant regulars and want to visit as often as possible.
8. Go ethnic at Donkey Mo’s Korean Fried Chicken
Along similar lines as Spicy Boys but with fewer locations, Donkey Mo’s Korean Fried Chicken serves exactly what you’d expect based on the establishment’s name. What makes Donkey Mo’s chicken stand out is how they prepare it, double fried for extra crispiness. One of the first Korean fried chicken joints in all of Austin, Donkey Mo’s Korean Fried Chicken has been part of the culinary game for quite some time. Local beers are carefully selected to fit with the flavors of Austin and the double crunch is seriously iconic. Find Donkey Mo’s Korean Fried Chicken on Airport Blvd, from 11:30 am – 9 pm. One thing about Donkey Mo’s is that they are going to open up every day of the year (except major holidays) and serve double fried Korean chicken to anyone that wants it.
9. Top Chicken at Roots Chicken Shak
Former Top Chef competitor Tiffany is the brains behind the fried chicken at Roots Chicken Shak, where you won’t believe how tall the sandwich is. Located inside of the HEB on 51st Street, you can add a stop to this location to your grocery list or dedicate an entire trip to Roots. No judgement if you stop by the free samples of guacamole on your way to the restaurant’s counter. An order of duck fat fries are an absolute must to complete the fried chicken sandwich meal. Stop by and order some food from someone who should have totally won Top Chef as far as we are concerned. From 11 am – 9 pm throughout the week, Roots Chicken Shak is available inside of HEB, Main Street Food Hall along with True Texas BBQ and other stellar restaurants.
10. Get sucked in at Hoover’s Cooking
Five generations of Texans built the history behind Hoover’s in Austin. Featuring a farm-to-table mindset, Hoover’s Cooking sources their ingredients locally and prepares everything in house. You’re not going to have to deal with frozen or processed products and the flavor shows in their fried chicken. Texas Monthly, USA Today, and the Cooking Channel have all raved over the menu at Hoover’s Cooking. In particular, the Hoover’s Honey Mustard Chicken Sandwich keeps people wanting more. Manor Rd is where you can find Hoover’s Cooking every day except Monday. For over twenty years, Hoover’s Cooking has been happy to prepare fried chicken for the masses and will continue to do so for many years. Texas style service is always in full swing at Hoover’s Cooking, where they want you to feel like a regular from the very first bite.
11. Upgrade to chicken & waffles at 24 Diner
Even though 24 Diner isn’t open 24 hours, we are thrilled to know that they are open from 7 am – 11 pm every day of the week serving comfort food and even wine. Large helpings of sides like fried mac and cheese add to dinner options like the fried chicken sandwich. Inspired by the classic diners from all the old movies, 24 Diner looks like something you might have seen in the 50s with a modern feel overall. Located at the corner of 6th and Lamar, 24 Diner is easy to find, affordable and filled to the brim with a cozy atmosphere. Try their fried chicken sandwich and top off the meal with a decadent, hand spun milkshake. Pro tip: 24 Diner also offers catering packages for big holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving, so keep them in mind for large gatherings.
