"Located on a busy stretch of Lincoln Boulevard, Willie Mae's is the Venice offshoot of a true New Orleans classic. The original Willie Mae's Scotch House is famous for its incredible fried chicken, and the long lines of people waiting hours in the Louisiana heat to taste it. Their West Coast location, however, is a different experience. It's a fairly barebones, fast-casual spot where you order at the counter and grab a table. But what the space lacks in decades-old charm, it makes up for in deliciousness and convenience: In roughly 20 minutes, you can get your hands on some of LA's—if not the country's—best fried chicken. We appreciate that Willie Mae's takes pre-orders for pick-up or delivery (with detailed instructions on reheating their chicken at home for optimal juiciness), but we'd still recommend dining in, if only because the chicken arrives at its peak, hot and fresh. The chicken here comes fried or baked, and can be ordered either a la carte or as a plate with sides. Mostly though, you're better off focusing on the chicken. The red beans, mashed potatoes, and gumbo are just fine, but tend to arrive a bit lukewarm and underseasoned. The best move is their half-chicken order: four pieces of tender dark meat chicken, one side, and a piece of buttery cornbread that glistens your fingers. Save room for the boozy bread pudding dessert, too. If eating world-class fried chicken is on your to-do list, then Willie Mae's is undoubtedly worth a trip. But even if you're not the kind of person with a dancing drumstick tattooed on their body, this comfort food operation is a fantastic option for a hearty (and relatively affordable meal) on the Westside. " - Sylvio Martins
