Fry the Coop (Darien)

I’ve been a loyal patron of fry the coop since they opened one in Elmhurst. I found that the consistency of quality wasn’t there throughout the visits. It’s been awhile since I’ve been and coming here was a pleasant surprise. The chicken was crispy, the inside was moist and tender. The fries were perfectly seasoned. Everything was so hot! It brought back a sense of desire to come back more often.

Got the chicken and waffles, country style for the spice. Waffles were delicious, generous chicken strip portion! Of course had to try the fries and they were spot on for hand cut fries. The spicy butter didn't hit for me, so I'd get this again with plain butter if available. But overall it was pretty good for a first time here. If in the area it's worth checking out. Maybe next time I'd give the donut chicken sandwich a try.

Our order was taken right away and there wasn’t a wait on a Monday night. There’s plenty of seating inside as well. There’s lots of variety on the menu to choose from, and we ordered the Happiness For Two which were indeed good for two people. Their signature sauce is very yummy and the combination of sauce, pickles, fried, and chicken was very good. I’d definitely come back and try another dish. The side of fries were not cooked as well, and would be wary that each batch may not be cooked the same. Final note, the staff was exceptionally kind which was greatly appreciated. ❤️

I got the chicken sandwich, chicken nuggets and a strawberry shake. All of the food was excellent, the spice level will get to you after a couple of bites but overall it was a great experience. The sandwich is kind of messy as it looks like the coleslaw had sauce on it. The strawberry milkshake had little bits of strawberry throughout the shake which was amazing. The inside of the restaurant reminded me of portillo's if you're familiar with all of the different signs that they have hanging everywhere.

Chicken tenders are pretty good, but boy do they love to nickel and dime you in cut corners and serve you soggy fries. Tendies were fresh. But that's about it. Sauce selection for a tendy spot is also pathetic... Option of coop sauce that sucks. Generic honey mustard, BBQ and honey butter which .. drum roll, is an upcharge. But wait. There is more! You want mayo, 69 cents, and when they don't put enough seasoning on your tenders asking for extra is another charge. When you drop 14 freaking bucks on some chicken tenders and you don't even get them adequately seasoned, let alone fries that come with salt, it's pretty impressively disappointing. Give me a break and get your crap together and don't just nickel and dime the crap out of customers over Petty nonsense like seasoning that you didn't put enough of on the tenders. Genuinely bad value, no wonder this store is never busy

Stopped in for the $5 chicken and waffle sandwiches, and once again Fry the Coop delivered. The food quality is always top-notch, and this annual deal is truly unbeatable. Great taste, great value—never disappoints!

Food was not as good as we had hoped. The chicken sandwich was the best thing we ordered. The Mac n cheese was a let down- it was watery and the sauce was a weird flavor. The loaded fries were so soupy it was hard to eat more than a couple bites. Probably won’t dine again.

When people want hot fired chicken, if we’re not talking fry the coop, I lose their number. We go out of our way to make it a point to choose FTC. Bussin!

Firstly, it's super cold in here but I'm not really complaining. The staff is extremely friendly! We went at a more quieter time, just about 45 minutes before close. We immediately fell in love with the atmosphere, the cleanliness, and the music they're playing! This is a very cozy place. We also deciphered that this used to be a Steak 'n Shake! The food was amazing! Very flavorful, and hot. This restaurant gave us Dave's Hot Chicken vibes, verrrry tasty and juicy! Definitely coming back here when back in the area!

Came here around 2- there was not a soul in the restaurant. It was cold, empty and kinda dark, considering! I waited for a few minutes and eventually peaked around to the kitchen and let out a little helloooo and someone finally came out. stars based solely the service. She was kind and extremely helpful. If I could leave 0 for the food, I would :( I ordered a taste the flavor sandwich and it was possibly the worst sandwich I've had. It was rock hard and the chicken was insanely dry. Like, I chipped a tooth that's how hard it was. I was upset but powered through. Nothing to do now. The slaw was the only halfway decent thing. It just had huge chunks or the base of cabbage which was unappealing to me. I feel like maybe I went at a bad/slow time and they were just getting rid of food. I would try again but definitely ask for it to be made fresh.

Was in the mood for hot chicken so tried this new place. Just went through drive thru so didn't see inside. It took a bit to get my order but figured they're making it fresh so I won't complain. Good seasoned fries and pretty good chicken. Probably not good enough for a return visit.

It was good food will definitely stop by again in the future. The chicken sandwiches were really good and the fries with everything on it is enough for one person to get full with out having to eat more

The food here is so good, little pricey but worth it. Service is quick and efficient. Ambiance fits the place quite well, nothing crazy.

We decided to pick up a chicken sandwich and try a new place. The menu had a variety of chicken sandwiches. We selected the Nashville chicken sandwich. It was good. Tasty coating with a delicious sauce and sweet pickles. I selected a Mac and cheese as a side. The sauce was different with a tasty cheese. The problem was the noodles was overcooked, Making it mushy. The place was nice and clean plenty of room. The young lady who took our order was great and explained the various chicken sandwich choices. They are a little more expensive $11 for a chicken sandwich, but it's different and worth a try and with the price of things to eat out has become a luxury again!

I've had Fry the Coop several times now. It's good but nothing amazing. I usually get the chicken sandwich with the slaw and pickle on it but I think I'd actually prefer it without the slaw on top. I'm partially writing this review so I remember for next time- 1 sandwich is filing enough! I wish they had a few more options for sides as one of the reasons we don't go here often is because the kids won't really eat anything on the menu.

First time here, long time life lover of chicken sandwiches! These are one of the best that I've had in awhile! Looks like a cool place to dine in since they serve IPAs here. The potato salad and coleslaw are ok and I haven't tried the fries yet. The chicken sandwiches are phenomenal! The Coop sauce is fantastic, my guess mayo and ketchup mixed with a little mustard? There are multiple levels of heat to choose from. I just went with the hot and one with mild for my Nashville chicken sandwiches. I like to establish a baseline before going higher on the spice level. You can select from 4 different sandwiches, but it comes down to a preference for having cheese, giardienera, spicy honey butter or a glazed donut bun! They also offer chicken tenders as well. The staff was very nice and courteous and the place seemed pretty clean. Granted it was Thursday evening and only one couple was dining at the time. My only negative is the price. You are talking about $11+ for a single chicken sandwich. With these kinds of prices I'm expecting a whole meal for this price.

Fries = 1. Skin on fries are terrible to begin with but they shouldn't be soft, mushy and floppy. At least make them slightly crispy. Drink = 0. Small enough??? Put enough ice in there??? I could see through the cup it was so thin and had no coke taste. Sandwich = 3 stringy in places. I shouldn't have to tear off a piece after I bite it. Savior of the sandwich was the Cole slaw and pickel. But it did have a good taste. Value= 0. $18 for a sandwich fries and coke? Ungodly expensive. $4.99 to add on undercooked soft floppy skin on fries and a coke that might as well be water??? Do. Better.

First time, trying this place and I liked it. Place was clean. The service was good although they were sold out on some items on the menu. Nashville fried chicken was delicious. I ordered a mild spice level but I'll go up a level next time. Chicken breast was moist and just enough crisp. Bun was perfect for the chicken. I usually don't eat coleslaw on top of my chicken sandwich but this works. Fries were good especially with cheese sauce. Fries had just the right amount of seasoning, not too salty. Chicken and waffles were equally as good. Moist chicken breast on top of a homemade waffle is a great combination. Waffle had a nice flavor especially when adding that spicy honey butter and maple syrup. I would come back here to try more menu items.

Employees were very nice and helpful. Extremely disappointed in the food. Everything overcooked and it looks like they need to change the oil they fry with. Menu is posted on a sign above the cash register. Has no descriptions of what the item is or what comes with it. No price posted to "make it a meal." Very confusing. Very expensive for what you get. "Coop sauce" has no description of what it is. Coleslaw was tasteless and limp. Fries overcooked and thr portion was very small for $3.99 price. Ambiance was the best part, fun to see all the antique and vintage kitchen utensils used as decor. Also old photographs and poster ads are very interesting and add to the ambiance. Restaurant and washrooms were nice and clean. Plenty of parking.

Service and Food was GREAT Had a great dinner with our family here. Food was fresh & Juicy Nice and clean too

I stopped in to get some chicken nuggets and some sides. When I got home the chicken nuggets were more like little pieces than nuggets. I returned and Ivan the manager made it right. He gave me a new batch of nuggets and compensated me for my time and gas. If it wasn't for Ivan this review would have been way different. He made it right for the customer and was very apologetic and understanding. Ivan is a great manager and represents your establishment well. I will definitely return based on his customer service.

Wow wow wow. Generous portions, great flavors and happy mouths. Tried the Spicy Butter, Chicken & Cheese and Nashville Hot sandwiches. Excellent fries. Only knock is the bland cheese sauce for the fries.

The food was ok. I had the chicken and waffles and my wife had the donuts chicken sandwich and the were both bland a with a lot of heat but no flavor. It service as ok also the cashier was kinda whatever about the menu also it left a little to be desired. The tables at the restaurant were kinda dirty and we had to clean our own table to sit down. Overall the food is pricey but with the economy what do you expect. We will definitely not be coming back to the restaurant.

FINALLY! Soft opening alert! I've been waiting patiently while watching this restaurant transform and get up and running. Currently only open Tue-Sat 5-9pm while they train and practice. Food was good as ever. Medium heat is still my go to. Hot makes me a little too uncomfortable. The Nashville fried chicken sandwich is my favorite, the pickles and coleslaw are perfection on this sandwich. The sandwich is super tasty and filling. Still the very best hot fried chicken sandwich I've ever had! Fries are great as well! If you haven't been to Fry the Coop, then what are you waiting for?!

Very good service and food. Love the diner feel. Will be back! The Mac was lit and the bbq sauce was very nice.

Ok everybody has a chicken sandwich. But everybody doesn't just do a chicken sandwich. This is Fry the Coop. I felt I needed to go twice before I left a review. So i did. Here's my take. Best chicken sandwich ever? No. (Still Popeyes, maybe Brunch and Burgers) With that being said the fries are really good. But really feeling the cajun but the regular is where it's at. Surprise, the potato salad is tasty. I tried the Nashville (mild) and the regular with cheese(country), my wife had spicy butter chicken (country). The country allows you to taste the flavor of the seasoning that they use imo. The mild, while not really hot, has a slight kick but you lose flavor imo. So i think of you go country you get a solid chicken sandwich. Not great but solid

very flavorful and proper Nashville style hot chicken! Unlike many of the places advertising Nashville hot, this is one of the few places that can deliver on that high claim. Their small menu is fine with something for everyone including kids. Their seasonal or temporary items are usually pretty good. Overall good munchie type food, not healthy, lots of flavors both Hot and sweet to explore as they do have some ridiculous dessert options.

Very expensive and the food was nothing special. One try here and done. Food very messy and sloppy, hard to understand what goes in your mouth with each bite

Fantastic chicken sandwich and great diner vibe. I'll definitely be back to this place. The staff was very friendly too.

Best chicken sandwich ANYWHERE!!!! The only place that has just as good a chicken sandwich is a different location of Fry The Coup!!

Service fast. Food hot. Taste... below average. There's no spice and it seems like they don't season the chicken at all. The coop sauce isn't good either. Nice clean establishment but I didn't like the food at all. Also they give you a huge container of messy fries with literally one chicken tender on it.

Most amazing chicken ever. Love the beef tallow fries! Awesome milk shakes. Super nice people.

Yum! Nashville chicken sandwich was amazing! Best quality chicken I've ever had in a restaurant! I had medium hot, which was perfect...spicy, but not killer hot.

You HAVE to try the chicken and waffles at least once, it was hands down the best I've had. Ive also tried their honey butter sandwich which was delicious but obviously quite messy. The sides were nothing to write home about but I definitely obsessed with that chicken and waffles.

Always delicious Nashville chicken sandwich. The fries and coleslaw are solid sides! Staff is friendly + restaurant is always clean. This is my son's and my Go To when we lunch together.

So excited to try this place.... BUT I was so disappointed the moment we walked in. The cashier were you order your food is a few steps from the door. How do they expect incoming customer traffic to order? I think this is the same structure as Steak & Shake There was only one customer ahead of us and I can already see how this will be a disaster once more customers come thru the door. Another disappointing observation is the decor? I was so confused... it seems like they still have the Steak and Shake black and white retro vibe however added some modern rope lights? ***sigh**** Third... please be careful ordering food... when they ask what's your side... that's an extra fee Here is what we ordered: Chicken and waffles - 2/5 - the chicken is not actual chicken but 2 slim chicken fingers ... the chicken was not juicy and the waffle came out not warm enough nor crispy enough ... not worth $15.99 Mac and cheese (coop it up side) - 1/5 - so meh, for $5.49 definitely not worth it, Nashville Fried Chicken sandwich (level 3 heat HOT)- 3/5 is ok but for $11.99 nope. I can get Popeyes chicken sandwich for $5 Cheese fries 1/5 -- again fries is not crispy enough and the cheese sauce is not good at all yuck Beer - for $8.59???? Really? No!!! Our bill was $45... nah, never again

I drive past this restaurant every day. Have wanted to try their menu. I have a student that I teach and she raves about Fry the Coop. So last Saturday I planned on my visit. As I was walking into the restaurant a customer came out and saw me and made a point to tell me that the "messy french fries" were amazing. Hmm, I guess I am in for a treat, if a random stranger goes out of his way to tell me something was very special. So I love chicken tenders, trying to avoid breads because trying to lose weight. Ordered the mild version and with a barbecue honey sauce. I know, I know, I did order the Mac N cheese. Well, the tenders had a tasty seasoning, really nice, it was the level one. They have eight levels of heat you can put on your chicken, I was at level one. Tenders were tender, and had alot of flavor and again the seasoning was very nice. The Mac N Cheese was incredible. I will say it the meal was better than Chick fil a! And I am a fan of Chick fila. I made a point to tell the cook that I really enjoyed the meal. The restaurant was very clean. I am planning a return trip real soon. This place is rocketing up my fast food haunts to frequent.

the food is always great and they have it ready quick. our favorite carry out place in Darien.

I was reluctant to try since I am a picky eater. We wanted something out of the same old same old. Now I could kick myself for not trying it sooner. We get the 3 piece tenders. I can barely eat 1 they are so big. The chicken is very moist and tender. So many options on spice heat level, sides, sauces, etc. We are now repeat customers and they have NRVER gotten our order wrong. Online ordering is a breeze and pick up through drive thru makes it so convenient. We are happy we decided to give them a try. Yum!

Being that this was my first try at this establishment, I opted for the chicken sandwich, which I'm guessing is their signature item. The expectations weren't high, as I'm addicted to the Wendy's sandwich, and none have compared to that one in years. Fry the Coop has met that challenge without any concern. The combo with spicy fries was my choice. The fries were a little limp, but very tasty. I was expecting a small piece of processed chicken for the sandwich, but got a tender and juicy chicken breast, fried to perfection. The addition of cole slaw and dill pickle provided southern twang to push this over the top of the chicken sandwich ranking. The decore consisted of what you might find in a restaurant where the food is the main reason to be there. Although the service from the cashier was extra friendly, their POS system has the tip request on the signature page. I personally can't stand being guilted into leaving a tip for a cashier pushing buttons, which is the only reason for not giving 5 stars. I'll certainly be back, but I'll bring cash.

I used to go to the Fry The Coop that was in the loop downtown. It was awesome. They closed because of the pandemic. Glad they opened this one in the burbs closer to home. Went with the Nashville Fried Chicken Sandwich and house fries. Very solid. Staff here was very friendly and the restraint was spotless clean.

Best fry the coop I've been too. Also, their Nashville hot chicken sandwich is the best. I'm almost upset because any other sandwich from anywhere else tastes like literal dog shit in comparison. If I lived any closer, I'd be 800 pounds.

The food was good, but pretty expensive. They claim to serve Nashville Hot Chicken, they do not. Nashville Hot Chicken is supposed to be dipped in hot oil and spices. Fry The Coop serves their dry tenders over a slice of dry white bread. The white bread is supposed to soak up all the oil and spice dripping from the chicken. Their lemonade is extremely sour. I asked if they had any kind of sweetener in the building, they said no. It is a converted Steak & Shake. There are huge sections where the black and white floor tiles are missing, and the floor is leveled out with cement. There are several long booths and tables for larger parties, and a few small tables fill in the large gaps in the large dining room. Odd, thick rope light fixtures hang down from the ceiling. They are reminiscent of nooses, not a good look. Old kitchen gadgets and rural pictures cover some of the walls while another wall has loud, multi-colored chickens painted on it. It's very disjointed. We were in during dinner time on a Monday. There were only 2 other tables of people there. Google showed that it was a busy time for them with a wait. The only wait I saw were 3 customers standing at the register, waiting to order while all the employees looked to be hanging out in the kitchen. To recap, food was expensive, good but not as advertised. The service and ambience were lacking.

Was our first time here today. We had Nashville with a side of homemade fries. The sandwiches were delicious but way too pricey! We had 2 chicken sandwiches and two kids plate for a whopping $62! Yes $62!!! Delicious food but ugh the price was awful!

The food is amazing. You cannot go wrong. Portions are huge and so fresh. Ordering ahead is so easy she convenient.

Super slow Only 1 table taken w 4 people Then us 2 Extremely slow system here Need management or guidance from the man upstairs Can't last too long going like this Can the utensil tray be any smaller with less items in it ? Maybe it's bidens fault too !!!!!

Don't let a few bad reviews from a soft opening scare you. The one about fried chicken not being healthy had me in stitches though..it's fried flippin chicken duh! Anyway when they say Hot as in spicy it's no joke!!! Hot is almost too much for me and I like it spicy.. so unless you enjoy the burn for mild or med. The honest truth on this place this is easily top 3 chicken sandwiches in the Chicagoland area. Go enjoy!

Excellent chicken sandwich, I absolutely love fry the coop, it's just a bit pricey.I usually order ahead and it's always on time .

People gave this new business bad reviews for "bad register placement" and "feels like heart disease". Hey... guess what... its FRIED CHICKEN ON A DONUT. The best gosh darn fried chicken in Illinois. And its spicy AF. (unless you order it not spicy) The fries are super amazing. Don't come here for a healthy snack. This location is new, and we did wait longer than usual for our order. I am chalking that up to staffing issues and them being new. It does feel like they are working out kinks still. They JUST added darien to their website this week. so hopefully they get it together soon. The food is super good and we will be back.

Food quality amazing! We keep coming back because our whole family loves it. The chicken has great flavor. Very consistent. Overall great food. Food was so good we forgot to take a photo!

Food is fresh and very tasty!! I preordered and they messaged on my way to say it was ready. instant drive thru experience!!

Food is good but unhealthy like insane. Feels like heart disease. The cashier to take your order is right when you walk in and that's strange set up. Everything is a side and is extra, so IMO this place is not worth it. Limited menu Heart disease Expensive.

Great by the informative Richard. He guided me thru the perfect sized menu. The hot seasoning was perfect. Loved everything. The space is large and comfy. Wish the temp in the main sitting area was a little warmer. If you don't eat beef do not come here. As they double fry it on beef fat Chicken was super tender. Will come back

Best chicken sandwiches in town! If you're looking for a good meal, look nowhere else but at fry the coop.

I've been to the Darian location twice so far, drive through only. Had the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich & Seasoned fries both times (I know,.. but I know what I like :-). Generally.. good sized chicken fillet. Cooked well (thoroughly but not over-cooked), the coleslaw was sweet and that with the pickle set off the spiciness very nicely. Very good, .. would sandwich again. How Hot? 1st time, "Crazy" spicy. Staff asked me if I've tried it before (ready to warn me off if that seemed necessary).. but I explained I was familiar with the peppers used in it (scorpions) and that was the end of that. Pretty Hot, but not too much if you enjoy spicy food. Saucy but not overly sloppy.. I ate it in the car but a table would have been better. 2nd time, "Insanity" spicy (reaper pepper). Again, staff asked if I was sure , but didn't push it when I said "Crazy" had been fine. Seasoning was a dry coating.. could be mistaken but I thought the Crazy was more saucy. It's Properly Hot.. Punishingly Hot. If you like very spicy food it's do-able, but it takes some effort to get your endorphin payoff. Day after,.. my body is giving me some constructive criticism about my dietary choices. I'll stick with the Crazy-hot or try the other seasonings in the future. Fries.. seem like they're cut in house? Flavor was good. I'd like a little more 'crisp' to them (hotter oil?) but that's not a deal breaker. So far.. good stuff. I'll be back.

The best chicken sandwich/tenders you can get. I've traveled the country, trying every fried chicken sandwich I could find. From the shores of Florida, to the bay of Alaska, fry the coop sits ontop of the throne by itself.

$20 for sandwich, ranch and fries and a 30 minute drive thru experience with low volume of cars, not again.