"Gus’s might be a chain, but the Downtown location holds its own in any poultry conversation. The skin is crackly and chestnut-brown, with a slow-burning spice that builds over time. It’s not heavily breaded—just a thin, crispy shell over juicy, flavorful meat. Sides like baked beans and spice-dusted mac and cheese round things out, but the bird is the main event. Don’t skip the chess pie for dessert, though. Whether you’re here after a convention or just craving something comforting, Gus’s proves that great fried chicken doesn’t have to be a local secret." - nicolai mccrary