Keith L.
Yelp
Not sure if this is the location nearest Alameda (inside the strip mall with Boston Market and Big Lots next to 880). In any case, this review applies to the entire chain. I work in Downtown Oakland now, so I go to the City Center location most frequently.
Of all the major fried chicken chains, Popeye's is my all-time fave. I like the crunch of the batter and not as overwhelming as the Colonel's, where sometimes you need to gnaw through an inch of extra-crispy coating before you hit actual meat. Popeye's spicy recipe is the best, just the right amount of heat. I'm not a fan at all of KFC's Original recipe. It's too greasy for me, and I've never cared for the 11 secret Herbs & Spices (though it's marketing genius). Church's is just "a'ight" and will do in a pinch.
My one favorite memory, and all you need to know about Popeye's: I was visiting family several years ago in New Orleans. Since we didn't have any Popeye's near us back home, my brother and I decided to check it out at the River Walk's massive food court. After I got my bag of food from the cashier, I asked for some butter for the biscuits. Instead of tossing a couple packets in, the young lady replied deadpan, in a thick Lousiana/Ebonics/rapidfire accent: "Our biscuits ah buttah'd fo' times." Me: "Excuse me?" Cashier: "Our biscuits ah buttah'd fo' times." Me, in my head, slow on the uptake: "Ohhh... 'Our biscuits are BUTTERED FOUR TIMES.'" Translation: "Sir, trust me, you don't want any more butter!"
As any self-respecting fried chicken aficionado knows, Popeye's sells 2 pieces of chicken (leg & thigh; no substitutions) for $1.29 every Tuesday. Too insane to pass up, and worth the extra wait in line in these tough economic times.
Finally, not all locations carry it, but be sure to ask for the Apple jelly for your biscuits. Just skip any extra butter.