Eva M.
Yelp
It has been a very long time since we have eaten Ezell's. Our first experience was a take-out, then drive half an hour home before eating. That experience was meh and put us off from returning. This newer Ezell's opened closer to home, so we decided to try it again. It was better this time, but it didn't wow us, either. The eatery is sizable with good seating. The staff was friendly and patient with our ordering, offering me a paper take-out menu to keep, which I can't remember receiving one since before COVID and inflation which made printing menus pointless. Ezell's must treat their staff a hella lot better than KeFC, since these folks are WAY nicer.
Being not familiar with their food, we opted to order what we might have ordered at KeFC - an 8-pieces mixed combo with two jumbo sides, plus four rolls at $30.49, before tax and tip.
The Food:
8 pieces mixed combo chicken - 3 Stars
Nowadays, our baseline is a mix of Korean fried chicken (KoFC) and KeFC (admittedly, we are not regular consumers of KeFC, but that was the fried chicken of our youth). The chicken exterior is not as crispy as KoFC. It also doesn't have flavors except via dipping sauces. (I am spoiled by KoFC options like yangnyeom.) I am almost kicking myself for saying this next thing: their seasoning is blander than KeFC. It tasted mildly seasoned but not distinctive or recognizable, if that makes sense.
Coleslaw - 1.5 Star
It is so WET! I wanted to pour it through a strainer to drain the excess liquids. It tasted relatively fresh though mild/bland. Again, I want more seasoning.
Mashed Potatoes - 2 Stars
The mashed potatoes may have been (too) densely packed into the container. It was a solid dense lump coming out of the container. We had to mash it with a fork before we can pour gravy on top. Taste wise, it was a fresher tasting mashed potato than KeFC. It seriously needed some fluffing. The gravy needs more seasoning, too.
Rolls - 2 Stars
They are rolls - basic and nothing unique. I rather have biscuits.
I wish the outcome was better. All items needed more flavor. We were both disappointed.