Clayton J.
Yelp
This place came up on my radar last year when a new location in SODO was announced, At that point, I wasn't sure if I would make the drive or just wait until they came closer to me. That said, a good piece of fried chicken is worth the drive, so I headed out today.
Although there is plenty to like, this place is not without flaw and I can't come close to giving it 5, let alone 4 stars.
There are several places in this area that have amazing food, but the lowest common denominator is the horrible parking. I got lucky and only had to circle the block once before finding a space. Once inside, I witnessed what was a gross misuse of space. At present, it doesn't appear their bar is functional, but what could be 16 seats easy is now reduced to about 6. Also, when space I limited and you are popular, I think you should politely post notice that it's appreciated if you vacate your seat when done dining. I watched a family pull out a deck of cards and play games for at least 15 minutes after finishing their meal while others are waiting for a table. That is rude in my book and unacceptable.
The music inside was also obnoxiously loud. My first thought was my parents might want to check this place out, but I know they couldn't take the noise The music either needs to be turned down or the speaker needs to be elevated so it's not pointed face level. I couldn't even have a conversation with my partner.
My last knock would be the heat scale. I believe it was 1-4, I went with3 just to be safe. I can handle the heat, but what many fail to do is increase the flavor when they increase the heat. Heat without flavor is pretty much trash. In this case, the heat doesn't come from marinade, it appears they have a dry rub they toss the chicken in after frying to achieve this effect. I dug the heat and appreciated it wasn't a wet mess, but it was a peppery bland experience. It would have greatly benefited from some salt or seasoning.
Now that I swung on this place, let me break down why you should check them out. My meal was hot and fresh Those are two things you don't see at Ezell's much anymore. Rarely is the chicken either there. The portion was large. People sitting next to us immediately said they needed a box when their meal was served. Once our meal was served, it was clear to me that I was likely going to tap out close to halfway done and that is exactly what I did.
That said, the pricing was really fair. I didn't feel the least bit slighted or cheated and that is a sensation I rarely have dining out.
How does this place improve, well I already stated it. Control the population by not allowing valuable real-estate to be monopolize, I'm fine with taking a few minutes to let a meal settle, but anyone customer or management who allows others from sitting down to enjoy a meal after a few minutes is a jerk.
Turn down the music. Having a meal is a great time to have a conversation, especially while waiting and I couldn't hear myself think in here.
Last, after serving a hot fresh plate, ensure those pieces of chicken are infused with flavor, so if you add heat, add flavor to complement the heat as well.
I certainly would not drive back to Ballard for this experience and honestly probably wouldn't drive to Sodo either. I'd assume the thought of Ezell's intimidates some, but from a flavor perspective, they are tough to beat. This place is better than any other chicken place with the exception of Ezell's. It may not always be hot, but at least Ezell's is full of flavor and 5 minutes in a piping hot oven will bring that chicken back to life. The flavor here did not impress me and the sauces they offered didn't do much to improve the flavor of the chicken.
I can recommend this place in general, but not for me. I need more flavor in my meal and this place would benefit from true southern recipes.
