Harold's Chicken Shack

Chicken restaurant · South Loop

Harold's Chicken Shack

Chicken restaurant · South Loop

2132 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Highlights

Mainstay with a down-to-earth vibe serving fast-food fried chicken & fish, plus signature sauces.

2132 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616 Get directions

haroldschicken55.com

@infatuation

"Founded by Harold Pierce in 1950, Harold’s is one of the most famous fried chicken chains in Chicago. And with a crispy, beautiful brown coating drizzled with their famous mild sauce, Harold’s wings are a Chicago staple. Even Chance the Rapper had a Harold’s-themed cake for his birthday, and dropped a line about it in his song, “Everything’s Good.” While people have their “favorite” Harold’s to rave about (and their least favorite to complain about), there are enough locations around the city you can easily find a Harold’s to call your own." - adrian kane, phaithe norman, john ringor

The Best Chicken Wings In Chicago

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@infatuation

"Harold’s is so famous that even Chance the Rapper had a Harold’s-themed cake for his birthday, and mentioned it in his song, “Everything’s Good.” And over half a century since Harold Pierce opened their first storefront, they’re still serving up tasty chicken that so many Chicagoans grew up on. While everyone has a “favorite” Harold’s to rave about (and complain about), there are enough locations around the city to easily find a Harold’s to call your own." - john ringor, adrian kane

The Best Fried Chicken In Chicago

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@infatuation

"The only thing that can make three days of loud patterned carpet and fluorescent lighting more bearable is enduring it with a belly full of fried chicken. Make this happen at Harold’s Chicken Shack. There are a few of these casual counter spots in the city, and they all focus on the same delicious fried chicken and fish. Round your meal out with fries, coleslaw, and some spicy wings." - adrian kane, veda kilaru

The McCormick Place Survival Guide

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@eater

"Convention goers are blessed by a nearby outlet of Harold’s Chicken Shack, a Chicago landmark. The chain is notoriously inconsistent, but this one is convenient for South Loopers. But beware the tiny waiting room." - Ashok Selvam

Where to Eat Near McCormick Place Convention Center

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@infatuation

"There are a number of Harold’s in the city, and these casual counter spots all focus on fried chicken and fish, plus things like fries, coleslaw, and spicy wings. Not all locations are created equal (they can vary in service and quality), but the one near McCormick Place is reliably good." - Adrian Kane

Harold’s Chicken Shack - Review - South Loop - Chicago - The Infatuation

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Keisha Smith

Google

I ordered the 7 wing dinner for lunch and I expected the worst based off the reviews. Man was I wrong! Everything was delicious! They were gracious with the amount mild sauce and lemon pepper. The mild sauce was so good that I was licking my fingers. Most Harold’s locations are hit and miss and not as good as they used to be but I am glad I tried this one. It’s a bonus that I work around the corner so I will be visiting often. It was so good that I’m placing another order for dinner when I get off work. However, I gave them 4 stars because I didn’t get my cole slaw. Update: They don’t miss! I ordered the exact same thing and my order is perfectly cooked, sauced, and seasoned again! The cook/cooks for the lunch hour are excellent. Each picture is from a different order that I placed during lunch. The food is consistently good.

Alan Castro

Google

Ordered 4pcs dark meat, legs and thighs were fresh and juicy. Managed to stay warm and crispy till I got home. They cook to order, so if you don't mind the wait, this is definitely a good spot to grab chicken. Next time I'll try their fish and chicken giblets too!

Shy’Ora Tolbert

Google

I ordered through Uber eats. It didn’t include any hot or mild sauce. They need to have an option to include the sauce on it or on the side if it isn’t provided. This was bummer considering I ordered it because I wanted something with mild sauce.

Courtney Francois

Google

7 piece wing with lemon pepper and mild sauce on the side. First time at harolds and yum! I enjoyed it!! Simple yet tasty!!

BMoore

Google

Honest Review: Food definitely fresh but it is not seasoned what so ever!!!! 4/5 . I can’t tell you what it taste like because it had a plain taste. Chicken is very light and fresh. Sauce was good , had to just dip it in sauce to eat it. Ask for salt and pepper guys ; you will need it. Thanks for the fresh food, you can tell they are clean and use fresh grease.thanks

Kevin Waldron

Google

Ok I can see why Wale said Then "We spend some time and get some wine, have some milds from Harold’s. I told her this here’s overrated, but I love your city baby". Mild sauce was good but those baby wings they giving out is wrong. Can't wait to get back to NYC to get abnormally big wings from BBQ's.

Tremaine Blackman

Google

Worst Harold’s I’ve ever been to. I ordered my food, waited 20 minutes, go to pick it up and get told I have to wait in line with everyone else who hasn’t even placed their order yet. I wait in line and get told they never took my order. This place is a joke. I’ve wasted WAY too many lunch breaks just waiting on food. This is why black business struggles to thrive, no accountability or proper customer service. A smile will only get you so far. People are waiting for food and it’s always longer than what’s to be expected.

K. Jones

Google

Although the food has been good, the menu is misleading. I ordered the 12-piece wing bucket only to get the chicken served in a paper tray. It’s bad enough that 12 wings-Chicken only- was $21 but I don’t get the bucket but some paper tray, that’s not what I wanted. Then I was told that the buckets they have are too big and are for 18 pieces or more. Well throw some fries in there and why have the 12 wings under the “wing bucket.” If that was the case, I could have just gotten 2-6wings for a few more $$ at least they come with fries and sauce. Oh and 12 wings with one slice of bread, cmon Harolds do better!