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Charlie & Debbie

Legendary North Carolina Restaurant Makes Best Fried Chicken In Every State List

Author Debbie Nance

We see these “best of” lists every day it seems.  However, when I ran across this one from Taste of Home, it piqued my interest.  The reason I took notice is because the legendary North Carolina Restaurant making the “Best Fried Chicken in Every State” list is one I just wrote about recently.  It’s none other than Mama Dip’s in Chapel Hill.

North Carolina: Mama Dip’s

According to the list, Mama Dips lands on the best friend chicken in every state for North Carolina because of its simplicity.  They point out that the unassuming restaurant without any fancy frills uses “a little black pepper and some shortening.”  Mama Dips has been a Chapel Hill staple since 1976 and recently announced plans to downsize its property and turn to more of a take-out model.

Georgia: Cafe Sunflower

And, making the list in neighboring states of Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia we find other well-known spots in addition to some perhaps not so familiar.  Atlanta’s Cafe Sunflower tops best fried chicken for Georgia.  Apparently, they celebrate vegan and vegetarian “fried chicken.”  And, their specialty is a vegan chicken and waffle dish topped with vegan whipped cream.

South Carolina: Yogi Bear’s Honey Fried Chicken

So, moving on to other surrounding states, Taste of Home names Hartsville’s Yogi Bear’s Honey Fried Chicken as best fried chicken in South Carolina.  They point out what makes this fried chicken unique is its thickness.  And, customers enjoy dipping it in honey!  I remember a famous Texas spot in Waco called the Chicken Shack.  We used to love that combo of honey and chicken.  So, I’m familiar with that concept for sure.

Tennessee: Prince’s Hot Chicken

If you’re in Tennessee, everyone knows about Prince’s Hot Chicken in Nashville.  So, it’s no surprise they make the best fried chicken list for the Volunteer State.  I haven’t had it yet, but I hear it doesn’t joke around when it comes to the heat.  Story has it that the original hot chicken was a revenge dish a wife used to get back at a cheating husband!

Virginia: Tanglewood Ordinary Country Restaurant

And, Tanglewood Ordinary Country Restaurant in Maidens tops the list for Virginia.  The list points out this spot is located in a historic hotel.  And, their famous fried chicken dish has a light crunchy breading popular with customers.  Check here for the complete list.

 

2 South Carolina Restaurants Make List for Best Chicken Sandwich in the World

Are you a fan of a chicken sandwich? For the longest, I never understand the hype over a chicken sandwich honestly. Then I had a really good one and now I completely understand. I actually started learning different chicken sandwich recipes and cooking them at home for myself and when I have people over. From grilled chicken to fried chicken and more, the chicken sandwich is a go-to.

Taste Atlas curated a list of some of the best chicken sandwiches in the world! That’s right, the world. Two South Carolina restaurants actually made this list which makes it even better for us. It’s something about the Carolinas and our cooking that just keeps us at the top of the chain sometimes. From cities in South Carolina like Charleston and Hilton Head to North Carolina cities like Charlotte or Raleigh, plenty of food spots to give a try. So, if you’re a chicken sandwich lover this list might be the place for you. Check out some of the best chicken sandwiches in the WORLD and start planning your foodie tour.

  • 10. The Commodore - New York City, NY

    I have never been to New York, but them making this list is not surprising. New York is one of the culinary capitals of the world with plenty of food options for you to try. The Commodore is a spot in Brooklyn serving up some tasty chicken options. Their chicken sandwich looks to die for! You can get a hot breast sandwich, mild breast, or grilled chicken club. You can even switch it up and do a chicken biscuit for breakfast. Whew, talk about some great options!

  • 9. Honey Butter Fried Chicken - Chicago, IL

    The fact that I am seeing this after visiting Chicago earlier this year makes me want to return ASAP. Honey Butter Fried Chicken located in Chicago and seeing their name lets you know that they must have some great chicken options. Sandwich options include: the original fried chicken sandwich, honey butter fried chicken sandwich, honey buffalo chicken sandwich, and the bubbe fried chicken sandwich. Seriously, how many variations do you need? But we are not mad about this one.

  • 8. The Bird SF - San Francisco, CA

    Here comes California entering the conversation now. The Bird located in San Francisco has multiple other locations, but they have some great chicken sandwich options as well. Their fried chicken sandwich option comes classic or spicy and served with celery, house made apple slaw, mayo, and pickles on a fresh baked bun. Sounds about classic and perfect to me, right?

  • 7. Zunzi's - Savannah, GA

    Savannah, Georgia is certainly one of the best spots when it comes to food. I have gone frequently and love their food options. The seafood is top tier, but I guess I may need to check into the chicken sandwich next time I go. Zunzi’s is serving up one of the best in the world. They have multiple chicken sandwich options and would be your go to when you’re there. Loaded with tons of toppings and on a french bread, you will probably need a nap after that.

  • 6. Astro Doughnuts - Washington D.C.

    Astro Doughnuts is serving up the best chicken sandwich. It kinda sounds weird when you say it, especially when you would think it is a doughnut spot, right? Well, they have more than what you think they have doughnuts and fried chicken. With their chicken sandwiches you get to pick your bun flavor, sauce, and extra add ons like pickles, honey butter, cheese, eggs, etc. Whether you want a bun or a doughnut, isn’t that crazy?

  • 5. Boxcar Betty's - Charleston, SC

    Here we go with South Carolina. Charleston is always the go to when it comes to food and here we are at Boxcar Betty’s. They also have a location in Charlotte, located in Optimist Hall. Their famous fried chicken sandwiches are a go to for everyone. Pick between fried chicken or grilled chicken on each style. After that, you have plenty of options with their styles from toppings that include pimento cheese, spicy mayo, house pickles, blue cheese sauce, and more.

  • 4. Birdies - Los Angeles, CA

    Yeah, Los Angeles of course is going to be on this list. Birdies in LA is home to one of the best chicken sandwiches in the world. Located in Downtown LA, what better way to explore Downtown than enjoying some bomb food? Serving up fried chicken, doughnuts, and coffee. That’s some great options for food if you ask me.

  • 3. Leon's Oyster Shop - Charleston, SC

    Again, Charleston takes the cake for some great food. Leon’s Oyster Shop is serving up great fried chicken and oysters to all of Charleston. Their sandwich options include the chicken sandwich, catfish sandwich, grilled fish sandwich, shrimp roll, and oyster roll. I know we’re talking about chicken sandwiches, but you have plenty of options when you check this one out.

  • 2. White House Tavern - Aspen, CO

    When in Aspen, check out some fried chicken sandwiches right? White House Tavern is serving up some great chicken sandwich options for you. Their crispy chicken sandwich comes with house made torta, swiss, tomato, and spicy slaw. Sounds like an original, but I can tell their chicken has got some great flavor to it as well.

  • 1. Son of a Gun - Los Angeles, CA

    Coming in at No. 1 is Son of a Gun located in Los Angeles, California. Here is where you can find Taste Atlas’ best chicken sandwich in the world! You can get the fried chicken sandwich or Nashville hot fried chicken sandwich, whether you want it spicy or mild you’re good to go. They even have a spicy bbq pickle slaw, how about that?

Debbie Nance is the afternoon co-host along with her husband on "The Charlie and Debbie Show" at WSOC, Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has been with the station for 18 years. Debbie is a CMA Award winner for Radio Personality of the Year. And, she has worked in radio for 40 years. Before her current afternoon position, Debbie spent more than a decade as co-host on morning shows in several markets across the Southeast. As a content creator for Country 1037, Debbie writes articles about food, new restaurants in the Carolinas and travel experiences.

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