"Brenda’s in the Tenderloin (with sister locations in NoPa and Oakland) has been frying up their secret-recipe fried chicken for nearly 20 years. We haven’t been able to discern what sorcery is occurring in the kitchen, but we’re always pleased with the light crispy crust and meat that’s tender and plump. What we love most about the Brenda’s chicken-eating experience though is the hot pepper jelly that adds some tang and sweetness. You’d be a fool to leave it untouched." - julia chen 1, patrick wong