BlackHen - Review - Old City - Philadelphia - The Infatuation
"Ever since our first visit to Old City’s BlackHen, all we seem to think about is fried chicken. The casual Southern BYOB serves a heavily breaded, well-spiced version in crispy wings, half and whole chicken, and sandwich form from the counter to go. But the best way to enjoy this bird is to follow the sounds of Ashanti to the back and join the crowd of people draining glasses of rosé in the dining room. photo credit: CANDIS R. MCLEAN photo credit: CANDIS R. MCLEAN photo credit: CANDIS R. MCLEAN photo credit: CANDIS R. MCLEAN photo credit: CANDIS R. MCLEAN Pause Unmute BlackHen is more than just a fried chicken place that’s good for a laidback night out with friends and impromptu 2000s R&B karaoke. Another restaurant from the team behind Avana and Amina, this one is by far the most casual, and its food the most dependable. We think of their soul food sides, like their creamy mac and cheese, smoky stewed collards, and chubby chicken cheesesteak beignets, with as much fondness as the Taye Diggs rom-coms we’re still undyingly (and unashamedly) attached to. Execution can be spotty—when weekends get crowded, you may find a soul egg roll on the cold side, and your waffle during Sunday brunch may be a bit messy. But the draw of BlackHen’s golden wings is a craving we don’t see ourselves kicking anytime soon. Food Rundown Deviled Eggs A classic starter that you’re as likely to see at a soul food spot as your cousin’s baby shower. The super-whipped, mousse-like filling gives each bite a buttery smoothness. And the fried chicken skin topping on each one creates a satisfying crunch. photo credit: CANDIS R. MCLEAN Chicken Cheesesteak Beignets Chewy-yet-tender. Meaty. And with a gooey, savory center. Yes please. photo credit: CANDIS R. MCLEAN Soul Egg Rolls You get two in an order, and they look like they swallowed four average-sized egg rolls to form a mega version. Loaded with shredded chicken, bits of collards, and mac and cheese, they’re the rare starter so filling you may consider calling it a night after eating them (but don't). photo credit: CANDIS R. MCLEAN Mac N' Cheese We’ve had the mac and cheese made with macaroni and other times, cavatappi. Spirals or tube-shaped, we don’t care. The important thing is that this bubbly skillet of cheesy goodness—with a caramelized cheddar top—always tastes like a warm, creamy dream. photo credit: CANDIS R. MCLEAN Candied Yams There’s nothing really special about the yams here, but there’s nothing bad about them, either. Order them when you want smooth spoonfuls of yams (but beware, they’re a little heavy on the brown sugar). photo credit: CANDIS R. MCLEAN Collard Greens Perfectly stewed? Check. Bits of smoked turkey sprinkled throughout? Yes. Chances you’ll ask for the recipe for this year’s Friendsgiving? Guaranteed. photo credit: CANDIS R. MCLEAN Cornbread The cornbread is served in a pair of squares, each remarkably light but with those perfect toasty edges. They come with a maple dipping sauce, but the cornbread has the sweetness down so flawlessly that it’s not essential. Order it before you even look at the menu. photo credit: CANDIS R. MCLEAN Fried Chicken There’s a science to great fried chicken. A dance between its crunchy texture and seasoning on every level. And BlackHen knows what it’s doing with both. From tenders and wings to sandwiches and a whole bird, you can’t go wrong here. We go for the crackly wings and their golden sauce—think honey mustard with a little citrus kick. And we’re never disappointed. photo credit: CANDIS R. MCLEAN" - Candis R. McLean
