North Carolina’s Absolute Best Fried Chicken? Yelp Says It’s In Charlotte And 9th Best Nationwide

Did you know June 6th is national fried chicken day? Who doesn't love some mouth-watering fried chicken? While nothing can compare to that homemade from-scratch chicken, there are some pretty good options in North Carolina. But the absolute best? According to Yelp North Carolina's best fried chicken is right here in Charlotte. Not only that but in a nationwide list this spot came in 9th. So what is it? It's Haberdish! Haberdish is locally owned and located at 3106 N Davidson St, in Charlotte's NoDa neighborhood. The restaurant describes itself as a "mill town southern kitchen and craft cocktail bar".

At Haberdish you can order North Carolina's best fried chicken in a variety of ways. There is of course the classic by the piece. Choose from 2-piece dark or light or opt for a half or whole chicken. There are also fried chicken tenders, and for brunch delicious chicken and waffles. All the chicken is sourced from Springer Mountain Farms and free of antibiotics, animal by-products, as well as hormones, and growth stimulants. Pair your chicken with a delicious side like brussel sprouts, mac and cheese, tots, or cheese grits. Not in the mood for chicken (on National Fried Chicken Day that could be considered a crime)? Try the BBQ Ribs, North Carolina Trout, or cauliflower steak for vegetarians.

I've been to Haberdish once for brunch and did order the chicken and waffles. I'll have to plan a trip back for a craft cocktail and of course, some of this raved-about fried chicken.

"This is a list of the Top Fried Chicken Spots in the U.S. and Canada in the Past Year according to Yelp. We identified businesses in the food and restaurants category on Yelp with a large concentration of reviews mentioning “fried chicken,” then ranked those spots using a number of factors, including the total volume, geographic representation, and ratings of reviews mentioning “fried chicken,” between June 1st, 2022 – June 12, 2023."

See the rest of the list here.

Screw the diet I want fried chicken. That's how I'm feeling after writing this list. And definitely feeling more hungry for lunch than I was an hour ago. Fried chicken is a southern staple and for great reason. It's delicious. But it takes time to get it right, and it's also probably not on your weekly cook-at-home list. If it is, you're much better than I am. And despite perhaps not being the healthiest of foods, there's no harm in indulging yourself every now and then. Have I convinced you to ditch your lunch or dinner plans tonight and get some fried chicken yet? If so, we've established fried chicken is a good idea. But where can you get the best fried chicken in Charlotte North Carolina?

There's a good chance that Price's Chicken Coop (RIP) was your go-to spot for fried chicken in Charlotte. But they sadly closed their doors a few years ago. I swear sometimes when you walk by you can still smell it though. Maybe I'm just dreaming. But don't worry there is still some fantastic chicken to be found. Maybe you want a quick bite of that fried chicken and sides like you're grandma used to make. Or perhaps a fancier meal is in the cards. Whatever you want there is something in Charlotte for you. While these aren't all of the options they are great places to start. Here are 7 places to get mouth-watering, delicious fried chicken in Charlotte.

Location: Southend (1616 Camden Road, Suite 150, Charlotte, NC 28203) and Cotswold (705 South Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28211, United States)

Menu

The majority of Leroy Fox's menu is made up of chicken, and for good reason- they do it well. You can choose Homestyle or Wing Style and pick which pieces you'd like. It's all made to order so you may have to wait a few minutes, but it will be worth the wait.

Location: 201 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203

Menu - You'll have to visit.

Yes, it's gas station fried chicken, but it's probably the best in all of Charlotte. The Quick Shoppe chicken gets a lot of hype, but it lives up to it. With popular Price's Chicken Coop closing a few year's ago, this is now what most people declare the best fried chicken in Charlotte. Be prepared for a line at lunch, but good things are worth the wait.

Location: 2120 South Boulevard Charlotte, NC 28203

Menu 

At The Eagle you can order a whole chicken, 1/2 or 1/4, or drumsticks. Don't forget the homestyle sides and grab a drink to wash it down.

Location: 3106 N. Davidson Street Charlotte, NC 28205

Menu

Haberdish is one of Charlotte's most popular restaurants. The self-described southern kitchen and craft cocktail bar is on the more expensive side but you are going to have a delicious meal. So if fried chicken is on your wishlist for a special occasion Haberdish is the place to go!

Location: 329 S Tryon St (At the Wells Fargo Plaza), Charlotte, NC 28202

Menu

If hot chicken is your favorite then you'll definitely want to give Horace's a try. They are strictly to go either delivery or pick up. Be warned though it is hot so if you are spice adverse, perhaps pick another spot on this list. But if you can take the heat, it's some of the best!

Location: Cambridge (8006 Cambridge Commons Dr Charlotte, NC 28215)

Menu 

Fried chicken, chicken gizzards, chicken livers, or fried fish Mr. Charles does it all. This is the down-home southern cooking you dream about, and done right!

Location: Harris Blvd (7008 E W.T. Harris Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28215) and The Plaza (4450 The Plaza e, Charlotte, NC 28215)

Menu

With famous in the name it has to be good right? You'll find two locations of Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken where you can order a variety of combo meals or choose your chicken by the piece.