Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
Chicken restaurant · South Congress
117 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
Highlights
Crispy, juicy fried chicken with a spicy kick & comfort sides
Crispy, juicy fried chicken with a spicy kick & comfort sides
"Gus’s might be a chain, but the Downtown location holds its own in any poultry conversation. The skin is crackly and chestnut-brown, with a slow-burning spice that builds over time. It’s not heavily breaded—just a thin, crispy shell over juicy, flavorful meat. Sides like baked beans and spice-dusted mac and cheese round things out, but the bird is the main event. Don’t skip the chess pie for dessert, though. Whether you’re here after a convention or just craving something comforting, Gus’s proves that great fried chicken doesn’t have to be a local secret." - nicolai mccrary
"We don’t usually spend a lot of time talking about chains, but we’ll make an exception for one that serves fried chicken this good. Gus’s started as a small Tennessee operation more than 60 years ago, and it’s since grown into a nationwide force, one crunchy, spicy thigh at a time. The Austin outpost, steps from the convention center Downtown, stays true to the original formula. The skin is the star here: chestnut brown, crackly, and just spicy enough to sneak up on you. The breading is light—more of a crispy coat than a thick blanket, which keeps the focus on the juicy meat beneath. Sides like creamy mac and cheese and tangy baked beans hold their own, but they’re really just there to make your plate look a little more colorful. Save room for a slice of sticky, sweet chess pie at the end—it’s the only thing that might upstage the main event." - Nicolai McCrary
"This Memphis chain has undergone rapid expansion, treating customers to fried chicken with a hint of heat. At the family-friendly Fulton Market location there’s a full bar. The sides don’t live up to the quality of the chicken, but save room for chess pie." - Ashok Selvam
"Yes, Gus’s is from Memphis, but the fried chicken from the chain restaurant is indeed good, with its traditional Southern fried chicken with a cayenne kick. Takeout and delivery orders can be placed through DoorDash; there are indoor dine-in services." - Nadia Chaudhury
"Famously hot and spicy fried chicken is what you’ll find at the fried chicken chain’s Austin location. Pair the fried bird with comforting sides like baked beans, fried okra, and mac and cheese. Takeout and delivery orders can be placed online; there are indoor dine-in services." - Nadia Chaudhury
