Ezell's Famous Chicken

I recently revisited Ezell's and was pleasantly surprised by the significant improvement in both customer service and food quality. The location was conveniently placed for a quick stop while driving through Tacoma. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted warmly by the friendly staff. The place is a bit smaller compared to other locations. The food tasted great as any other Ezell’s location

Chicken was good, but they ran out of regular. Had to either choose to take the spicy or wait a half hour for regular. The sides are pretty good, too. It's not a bad choice if you want some quick fried chicken. It's much better than KFC.

The crew working tonight was extremely accommodating to a last minute order, I really appreciate the staff working! Greeted everyone as they came in, professional, and as always great food. It is such a great spot in Tacoma and the staff makes it extraordinary. Thank you all!!! A must visit 🥳

I have to change my review to 3 stars. Although I still love Ezells chicken, this location has very poor customer service. Long wait times and a rude and bossy front attendant. I love Ezzells chicken, they make the best chicken tenders. This location did not disappoint. Delicious tenders and friendly service. Will definitely be back!

We arrived at the store at 5:15pm. We were told it would be about 15 minutes. We sat at a table for approximately 45 minutes. We checked on our order a few times and was told "2 minutes". We sat and watched many customers come and go quickly after placing their orders. Sheesh. I thot it may have been either the DMPD ball cap I was wearing, or our skin color or our age. In any case, it was sloppy. We finally had to leave, after 50 minutes. So disappointed. I built you up to my husband and you failed miserably.

I wanted to like Ezells so badly. I went 2 times within a week just to make sure my taste buds weren't deceiving me. Service is just as bad as the baked beans and fries. The chicken is just OKAY, it's not bad it's just okay. I can appreciate that it's hot and fresh but it taste like old grease and lacking in key flavors. I came back to try the tenders. I placed an online order but had to wait an extra 15 mins after the quoted time. The tenders taste like old grease. The price of the food does not match the product. The only good thing is the roll and I can't even confidently say that because the first time I came, the roll was OKAY and the second time the roll was AWESOME. Come here if you like chicken served with a side of attitude. If you're reading this follow @eatwithjustinm on TikTok YouTube & IG for all the hot spots in WA

Honestlyyyyy, I don't even know why I gave em another shot. It's disappointing every. single. time. I try em out again and again because ppl say it's so good (so I think its just me & maybe the day) but I'd rather go to the corner store and get food. Over priced and mehh. Ordered the 3 PC chicken strips combo and paid nearly 20$ for a tea, chicken, a roll (bigger than the 3 chicken strips combined), and some Cajun fries that were also.... Mehh. Cobbler is mehh everything is literally just.... Mehhh, Ok. Barely that. Idk just expect a lil more in value & flavor for the prices

Went to the one in Tacoma by the hospital. The service and atmosphere was definitely better than the food. Can anyone tell me, what happened to Ezell's?? Haven't been there in a long time ... Not what I remembered. The chicken fingers were horrible and the Mac and cheese was dry and smelled funny....no thanks!

3 stars is an absolute BS rating for this fast food chicken...food is amazing. Try it...I recommend the spicy and rolls It is fast food...remember that KFC like during your review

I came in back in February 2022, the food is so freaking food. The service is quick and friendly. Definitely recommend.

Super-friendly and quick service. I had several people tell me this place had the best fried chicken anywhere in the area. Maybe I'm spoiled, but I wasn't impressed - a lot of crust (that did taste good) that overwhelmed the actual chicken, and meat that was too dry. I told the very friendly server that I had never eaten there before, and he made sure I had a fresh batch of chicken. I had several sides as well. It was all great except the actual fried chicken. I've also had this happen two times when trying supposedly great fried chicken in Seattle, and both places served otherwise great food. So I don't think it was just a bad day for Ezell's - I think this is what people from the PacNW consider to be good fried chicken - all the patrons seemed very happy. So a 4 is generous from my perspective, but I realize that I'm probably in a minority.

Loved the 8 piece chicken and the coleslaw. Friendly service, food ready on time and a clean store.

Top notch fried chicken. The color is just right and the crisp is to die for. The actual meat is juicy ( I ordered dark meat). I felt like the dinner roll was just right- dense yet airy, very soft and flavorful. I got the side of baked beans (quite sweet but delicious) and the coleslaw which is also good but I'm tempted to pepper it. I came in with a mobile order on a Sunday night and waited longer than expected but no worries- worth it! The dining room is small and probably only seats 6-8 groups.

Really great food, get the spicy chicken, it's not actually spicy just well seasoned. I love their rolls too, I could eat a dozen of them eazy. Prices are reasonable too, they are significantly less the other chicken places and you get way more food. My only issue is service is often kinda slow, it's not unreasonable tho so it isn't the biggest deal. It won't stop me from getting amazing chicken.

4 chicken pieces. Took 30 minutes when the cashier said it would be right up. . Maybe it's better to have it delivered. Then you'll know it's going to take some time. When I heard them calling out number 21 when my order was number 99. That's when I walk back up to cancel my order. And to think I always tip once I get my food at 50% of what I buy. Terrible service and employee seem to be entitled Good thing he doesn't work for me. He would be washing dishes so the know the meaning of customer care.. if you look at the video he seem like he doesn't care about this establishment Be to call in the orders. You'll definitely know when it's ready for pick up. Management you can contact me on here. Good thing your federal way store only took 3 minutes for my family order

A long- standing neighborhood favorite, but it's a mite hard to understand why. I stopped in for lunch today and ordered three chicken tenders with a roll and cole slaw - a combo which came to $14.20. (The card device encouraged a tip, but the bland and emotionless young woman behind the counter had done nothing to earn one.) Ten minutes later, my order is ready in a bag, as I had not been asked if it was to be to go or in-house. The chicken was tasty but, in total, might have equaled a single chicken breast, the roll was apparently home baked, but no butter was offered. The slaw was wet and boring, aside from a hint of horseradish. I received no fork, so I had to ask for one from another counterperson who seemed annoyed to have to give it to me. The staff apparently gets along well with each other because the loud chatter never stops but this customer got the absolute minimum attention or assistance. Next time I'd like chicken, I'm going elsewhere. Disappointing.

Not bad but not overwhelming either. We tried this place on a recommendation while we visited Seattle. The chicken was pretty good. So was the mac and cheese. The staff was really friendly but it took a minute to get our order out. The rolls were really good.

I made the mistake of coming back here. Haven't been here in quite some time (I had forgotten why). The chicken is not bad (very crispy. Very juicy). It's just, COMPLETELY UNSEASONED!! Got the Macaroni and cheese (taste old. Dry). For the price of they charging me ($26 for 3piece tenders, two sides, and a Breast), this was a $10 meal. Not $26. I could have went to Southern Kitchen. The service was very good though.

Everyone suggested I eat here when I moved here. I'm assuming this used to be a great place for chicken. I unfortunately am not a fan. It was over cooked, overpriced, and sides were bland. I only enjoy the bread. The strips are the better option for chicken. I've tried two locations and it's been the same. Service was cool and the inside feels like any other fastfood.

Very good food, ambiance and atmosphere. The location is convenient and accessible. I'm going to hit it up in the evening as I tried it initially for lunch.

It needs to be cleaner, warmer, more welcoming and better quality chicken with larger portions. Very over priced and disappointing.

The second you walk into this restaurant the first thing you notice is how good it smells inside. The fried chicken is so juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Definitely better tasting than KFC and Popeyes. The mac n cheese had great cheese pull. What really sets them apart aside from their chicken is their fresh rolls. They're so soft and warm and have a thin sweet buttery glaze on them. The perfect addition to the meal. The young lady that took my order was soft spoken and polite. They were out of potato salad so I was a bit bummed about that but the chicken, rolls and Mac n cheese made up for that. This location is 1 block away from St. Joseph's hospital and is located in a small shopping center with its own parking lot. I wish we had an Ezell's closer to my home.

This place can be packed during the lunch or dinner hours. Once you get your order placed the wait is pretty good. Good food especially their fresh baked rolls.

Usually love going to this location and food is always great. However, today my husband and I ordered spicy chicken tenders and we received original. No problem, walked food back to ask for spicy and Tara the cook came up hostile and rude saying she cooked it and knows it spicy without looking at food. Very unprofessional and seemed ready to pick a fight instead of helping us out. Vani who was working the front register was so nice and sweet and apologized for the cooks reaction. She shouldn't have to apologize for anyone. She had great customer service. Probably won't come back to location.

Stopped in from outta town. Told the guy at the counter I had never eaten here before. He said, "well welcome in." He was nice. I took my tenders and potato salad to go. It was really good.

It's hard to find chicken places these days, you have to look at a gas station or a grocery store. As one of the last true chicken joints in the area, I think Ezell's does a fantastic job. The chicken pieces are recognizable, appropriately sized, not greasy, it's well seasoned and tastes like chicken. I'm pretty particular about my sides and for me at least the beans and the Mac and cheese had great flavor and were prepared well.

Great chicken, excellent sides, wonderful service. It's nice to get food from people who seem to really care about what you've ordered, and want to make your stop a positive experience. Warm and friendly service plus delicious food.

First visit, not good... Chicken look & smell burnt, Mac & cheese dry, corn taste & look like can corn (very soupy) chicken strips were tasteless, mash potatoes & gravy should be called gravy with a small scoop of potatoes, okra was half batted but roll was good. also charged 8 cent for a bag although we dined in... not optional. Hidden-Valley Ranch to go cup for dipping sauce. Floor very sticky & dirty otherwise clean. Customer service was good... I think it was the manger on duty. All other staff were nice & professional.

I ordered 3 piece chicken tenders; the chicken was delicious but I think the price was high. Ten dollars and some change seems high for 3 pc tenders with no sides/drinks.

We are originally from Atlanta Georgia and haven't found any place that knows how to fry chicken right. Ezell's chicken is crispy at tender and not too salty, which I love! The fried chicken tenders were varied in size from regular to really giant pieces. I was almost worried that it wouldn't be cooked through. It was cooked perfectly. We also tried their fried okra, which really hit the spot! Thank you so much. We love Ezell's now. We will be back!

Driest/blandest chicken I've ever eaten and I lived with a European family for over a decade... Smh Ezell should go on head and rename the restaurant (if you can call it that) to Kylez. On a good note they quickly made my order. Was only 4 people dining at 5pm (dinner rush) I definitely should have taking that as a warning sign.

I have heard so many great things about Ezell's chicken. My husband and I finally went to the Tacoma location. I was so bummed. The chicken looked great, good color, crisp, but, no flavor. My husband thigh was so overcooked it was dry as a bone. Mac and cheese. Blah. Over all totally underwhelmed. We didn't even eat our meal. Mashed potatoes and gravy were very good. Nancy

Work at the local hospitals, Been going to this Ezell's for years, never had any issues. Lately it takes me up to thirty or more minutes to get food, and even then it tastes rushed and underdone. I always love to support a local business but falling standards and poor customer service make that more and more difficult. Hope it improves.

This used to be my favorite place for fried chicken but it has gone to hell lately. I gave them a second chance last night and was really disappointed. I ordered a 3 piece meal, all dark, spicy, with two sides through door-dash. I got two pieces of dried out white, and one dried out thigh. I only received one side. I'm sad to see this place go so far down hill.

We always get Ezell's when we visit family in Tacoma. Erica made our day this trip. I placed a very large family order with items like okra that them cook to order. This gave me time to watch Erica interact with a multitude of customers during the height of dinner rush. What a joy. When my order was ready, she carried half of the load to my car for me. Great food and sterling service. Peach cobbler made the mea. Thanks, Erica.

Arg. If I would have wrote a review on my first visit two months ago it would have been 5 stars. However my visit last week would have been 0 stars. Previously visit service was fantastic, food was served fast, food was hot, food was moist, and delicious. Perfect chicken. This visit service was fantastic, food was served fast, food was hot, food was dry as heck. Almost like it was under a heat lamp for hours. I don't understand it as the place was busy and they were pushing out a lot of food. In hindsight everyone in front of me were orders pounds of tenders so maybe that stack of chicken was sitting there for a bit. I will try it again as I love fried chicken, but the last order was half eaten.

what a rip off! the worlds smallest tenders for $10. they literally looked like fried shrimp. I get that things are more expensive these days but when the employees look like they are taking piles of food outside to whomever... Buyer beware at least they tasted good, the three bites they were....

Went on recommendation of a co-worker in between appointments nearby. Location a bit sketchy so I'm glad my husband was able to accompany. It's an order at the counter sort of place. The young person taking our order polite and helpful. They seemed to be out of a few items which was odd given the time of day. All that aside the food was great! I had spicy chicken strips, he had original. Happy to report no weird meat pieces; flavorful and fresh. The bbq ranch sauce complimented the spice just right. Rolls were soft. Would like to try some of the other standard sides: can't go wrong with macaroni and cheese or coleslaw!

Still going strong after 37 years. Current staff works like a clock. One of the few places with livers and gizzards.

Sign says open at ten thirty. Internet says open at ten thirty. Door was locked until eleven o'clock. I can see three employees in there-I've watched 6 customers leave. Four customers are toughing it out. Three of the four were door dash. I was the first customer in the door, the last one out. I ordered first and paid first-they fulfilled the door dash orders first. Best chicken in town doesn't do anything if they don't do right. Review lost it all when ten minutes later I didn't have any utensils to eat baked beans or mashed potatoes with not napkins to wipe my face or hands. Really? . I love relaxing lunch in the park. Not today. Never again!

We ordered Ezell's from Door Dash to our hotel room and it was delivered on time. The chicken was ok. We had the corn and mashed potatoes as our sides, and they were ok too. The rolls were dry and burnt. Kinda surprising ... did no one see these rolls before putting them in the box? I know they can do better, maybe just had an off night.

I visit Ezell's on a pretty regular basis. It's one of my go-tos when I don't want to think about what's for dinner but still want to be fairly happy with what I eat. I actually really love their spicy chicken. I find the regular spice blend bland, but will eat it in a pinch with some hot sauce. Their most popular ask is for spicy/ dark pieces and on busier times like Friday night or weekends, an order for spicy/dark can really delay your meal. I've really appreciated that when the delay is looking bleak, one of the staff will let me know and give me compromising options for faster food. That place gets popular and those staff members stay busy. They may be curt sometimes, but there's a lot going on. I love the baked beans, but I bet most people will find them too sweet. I really wish they had okra listed as a side instead of buying it by the 1/2 lb. It IS good okra though. The actual dining area is real small. I wouldn't depend on it. Most tables are for 2 people and there's maybe a half a dozen tables.

I used to like this place, but lately they've been very inconsistent. I keep giving them chances and keep being disappointed. There's always something wrong with my order and inconsistent food quality. Most recently, they sent me a dinner roll and chicken that was nearly burned. My patience has run out and I won't be ordering from them again.

OMG... Finally! I'm super happy to find this place in Tacoma! Hits all my cravings with down home goodness and peach cobbler too!! YAAASSSS! Being from Vegas, we've been looking for a place to go...

How disappointing. I ordered the chicken gizzards from Ezell's because they did not have the chicken liver. I ordered a half a pound of gizzards and I should have known that something was wrong because it feel like I was just carrying are in the bag and when I get home what do I find but about eight pieces I've gathered that does not wear a half a pound I waited on my scale at home. This is the second time that this has happened I will not ever order from there again nor will I recommend it to anybody actually I will do the opposite and tell everyone not to go to this place this food that I received is not worth over $10 that I paid for it. You should be ashamed of yourselves over there at Ezell's on MLK. UPDATE: Ezells chicken said that they wanted to resolve the issue so they agreed to send me out a gift card that I have yet to receive I don't think it's coming. Shame on you AGAIN EZELLS !!

how disappointing! the chicken was barely seasoned. the Mac & cheese was old. the mash potatoes were cold and the gravy was gelatin. I understand businesses are short staffed and desperate. but there's no way they should have a mean, rude, curt & impatient employee up front. everyone standing in line had to listen to him chew out a customer because (in his words) he was "the only one working". That's the last time they'll get my business. and from the l@@ks Of things, I'm sure they really don't care. bye bye‼

OK - but no longer great. Ezell's used to be the go to for tasty, crispy and fully flavored chicken and sides. Last few times I've been here the food, service and general environment has just been lackluster and tired. I totally understand the impact of COVID on operations, but for a food which is designed to be packaged and taken home, Ezell's is definitely off their game. Chicken tastes like it has sat under the heat lamps for way to long. Sides are often served lukewarm and lack any burst of flavor. To go orders are often wrong - have had to come back twice to adjust missing items or incorrect items. Just feel's like they are phoning it in. Time for a new chicken place.

Just moved to Tacoma and tried out Ezell's based on a recommendation. We wanted a good cheat meal and this is what was suggested. We were not disappointed! The chicken here is awesome. Tried both the regular and spicy. Both very good. Added fried okra (always love to see this on a menu), Mac and cheese, corn, and potato salad. It was all very tasty. Clearly made on site and recently. Now, there were a lot of complainers there: Didn't want to wait outside, wanted the food faster, etc. Look, there's a global pandemic. You wait where the restaurant tells you to wait. It's safer for everyone. As for the speed, if you want fast fried chicken go to a fast food restaurant. If you want good fried chicken come to Ezell's. We will certainly be doing so again when we want fried chicken.

Love this place. Always have great chicken and sides - don't miss the okra! Counter service is solid. Tables are limited inside.

We didn't receive correct order. Ordered 4 piece chicken meal (got 3) Ordered 4 rolls (got 2) Ordered 2 orders of baked beans (got 1) Ordered cole slaw (didn't receive any) Ordered blue cheese (didn't receive any) The chicken had a fishy taste. Talked to manager named Sharon and no solution or remedy. She said not our problem. Receipt was exactly what we ordered. This is three bad experiences with this place and never again.

I just recently gave this Ezell's location a try and it looks like I should have paid a visit here earlier on but better late than never. Part of the reason is that I was told that going to the original Ezell's in Seattle was really the only one to go to. I have been to that location several years ago and enjoyed it but decided to do a take out order here at this location more out of idle curiosity. Steve and I ordered the Spicy Chicken Tender one pound meal along with two sides. We got the mashed potatoes and coleslaw. We enjoyed our tenders meal considerably and wished we came to this location sooner. Normally with these meals rolls are included but it was posted that they were out of rolls. The chicken was not overly dry or tough which is something of a disappointment whenever we do these chicken meals at fast food restaurants and encounter that but that wasn't the case here at all!

I went to Ezells tonight for Spicey Chicken. I order 3 piece dark combo, I got home and found that the chicken was very dry, like chicken Jerky I didn't know that thighs and legs could be that dry. Looks like they cooked the chicken hours earlier and then served what they had. I was very disappointed, and probably won't be back. Also, I ordered a sweet potatoes pie, and never got it. Service and Quality is what I expect I know it's hard out there to do business, but you need to step it up

Unfortunately this was not a good experience. I waited 5 min for customer service (there was no line) as the register employee talked with his friends who were standing at the counter not ordering food. They refused to make gizzards and the chicken I got was incredibly dry. Spent 40$ and threw it away.

I had my boyfriend go and grab me dinner here 2/24 at 6:30 pm. BRITTNEANY was the cashier. He came in and because he was wearing a trump hacket she immediately rolled her eyes at him. He brushed it off and ordered and went and stood outside. When he saw people were getting their food and there was only one other gentleman in there he decided to go in thinking his food was almost up. As him and the other gentleman ( an African American man) were standing in the restaurant. The staff woman told my boyfriend ( a white male) RUDLEY that he (alone) needed to go outside and wait. Not the other gentleman. Clearly that had a problem with him being a white male wearing a trump hoodie. Whatever. Need be the other black gentleman who was very cool came out and shook my boyfriends hand and said "I just want you to know what just happened in there was messed up and your my brother to" and they talked and got to know each other and had a great conversation about life while they waited TOGETHER. For their meals. THIS is what it's about. Racism goes both ways and today someone was wrong about it and someone else made it right. We will not be supporting this place any more. No matter how good the food is, staff needs some work on how to not be racist towards white people or any people for that fact.

Food was great parking was terrible super sad I was unable to get okra at a certain time. The peach cobbler was good and the customer service was great. Sad to see homeless outside I offered to by the gentlemen outside a meal but he declined.

Ezell's used to be the best fried chicken spot in all of Washington. It was even featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, and the conclusion was that the chicken was off the chain! Then, unfortunately, the place was acquired in a hostile takeover, and the company that did so started to franchise. With each new location, the quality of the food diminished, and the prices skyrocketed! Portion sizes changed, and all of a sudden, the company cared more about their profits than they do, providing a quality product at a decent value. I've been eating Ezell's chicken for 14 years, and when I first visited the original Capital Hill location in Seattle, I was able to order 1lb of chicken tenders for $9.99. Today, when I stopped into the Hill Top Tacoma location, I paid over $20 for the exact same meal after tax. The chicken used to be fried to order. You could see the cook's in the back dredging the chicken in flour and then into the batter and finally into the fryers. Today, I saw no such process. I watched as my meal was selected from underneath a warmer and carefully weighed before getting dumped into my to-go container. The cuts of meat are skimpy now and dried out. Instead of plump and juicy like they were in the past. No care or pride is taken in the preparation and service of Ezell's food anymore, and it really shows. The value is gone, and Ezell's is just another quick service chain that doesn't care about its customers. The man responsible for starting this restaurant, Ezell Stephens, has opened a new spot named Heaven Sent Fried Chicken, so if you feel like supporting the originator whom Oprah Winfrey said makes the best fried chicken in Seattle. Go to Heaven Sent and stop wasting your time and money at Ezell's.

I went with a couple friends, and the place was not very well maintained. The wait was long for the chicken. The chicken seemed over priced. And the first bite into the chicken was dry. At first the chicken aroma was amazing, and the bread was very tasty. But for the price and amount of chicken we received, it was not what we expected. We heard many people say this place was extremely good, and maybe the expectation was too high for the actual food. But I would not go here again. Maybe to try something different, but the spicy and regular chicken was not what we expected.