Fried Chicken in New Orleans (2025)
Willie Mae's NOLA
Southern restaurant (US) · Central Business District
The city’s most famous wet-battered bird lives on downtown while the Treme original rebuilds. Celebrated by Eater New Orleans and highlighted by Axios New Orleans, this family operation still turns out shatteringly crisp chicken with classic sides.
Dooky Chase Restaurant
Creole restaurant · Treme
A civil rights landmark and Creole standard-bearer where fried chicken anchors lunch and weekend dinners. Named a 2025 James Beard America’s Classic and frequently recommended by Eater New Orleans and national critics.
Li'l Dizzy's Cafe
Creole restaurant · Treme
Treme’s Baquet family revived this lunchtime favorite with crisp, juicy fried chicken, gumbo, and plate-lunch sides. Featured by Eater New Orleans and praised by local food writers; doors open midday only, so plan accordingly.
Manchu Food Store
Convenience store · Seventh Ward
A Vietnamese-owned corner store turning out deeply seasoned fried wings that locals swear by. Recognized by Southern Living and Eater New Orleans, it’s grab-and-go, late-game fuel with serious neighborhood roots.
McHardy's Chicken & Fixin'
Chicken restaurant · Seventh Ward
Family-run since 2001, this Broad Street takeout staple fries peppery, ultra-crisp pieces to order with red beans, fried okra, and more. Lauded on Eater New Orleans and profiled by local media for its community-minded hustle.
The Original Fiorellas' Cafe
Southern restaurant (US) · Gentilly Terrace
Gentilly’s Fiorella family keeps an old New Orleans tradition alive with lightly spiced, super-crisp fried chicken and Italian-leaning plates. A past Fried Chicken Festival winner and a regular on local editors’ lists.
Coop's Place
Creole restaurant · French Quarter
A rowdy French Quarter standby since 1983, known for Cajun fried chicken paired with rabbit and sausage jambalaya. Frequently cited by Eater New Orleans and beloved by industry folks for late hours and honest prices.
Heard Dat Kitchen
Southern restaurant (US) · Central City
Chef Jeffery Heard’s Central City counter is famed for Bourbon Street Love: fried chicken over mac and cheese with a crawfish cream sauce. Featured by Eater New Orleans and celebrated by local diners.
Café Reconcile
Southern restaurant (US) · Central City
A beloved nonprofit lunch spot training local youth in hospitality. Expect classic fried chicken plates with genuine Central City hospitality. Praised by local critics and supported by the community since 2000.
McKenzie's Chicken in a Box
Fried chicken takeaway · Dillard
A Gentilly time capsule slinging crispy, no-nonsense fried chicken, gizzards, and liver. A favorite on local roundups and a go-to for takeout veterans who grew up with the name.
