Mike L.
Yelp
You know, as much as I love being able to work from home these days, there are aspects of those pre-COVID days at the office that I kind of miss. Seeing coworkers (that I liked) is chief among them, but I'd be lying if I said the days when lunch would get catered in wasn't up there. Beyond it just being a free meal, it also served as a chance to try places that I hadn't been to yet. Sure, it may not be truly representative of what places can do, but that was kind of the point too - if the food is pretty decent catered, then it must be terrific in person! At least, that was the theory...and thankfully, Proposition Chicken didn't prove me wrong!
Now, ever since I had their soggy yet tasty fried chicken at my old office, I'd been wanting to visit Proposition Chicken, but never found myself near any of their locations. However, once I learned that they had expanded to Laurel Village, I made sure to stop in that very week! While the look of the place isn't anything special, I was kind of surprised by the menu. On the surface, it seems pretty simple - three main proteins (Fried Chicken, Rotisserie Chicken, and Crispy BBQ Tofu) offered in three different preparations (as a Sandwich, Salad, or Entrée). However, that's only at a glance, as they have small dishes and sides aplenty, including chicken wings, chicken strips, fries, chips, potato wedges, soup, tomato & cucumber salad, kale salad, slaws, and biscuits.
-- FRIED CHICKEN ENTREE - Fried Chicken, with their Signature Herb & Spice Blend, Served with Sweet Buttermilk Biscuit and Tomato Cucumber Salad...$14.75
(https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/proposition-chicken-san-francisco-2?select=8iSNaZknP8aP5dOEiOW_Qw)
For the most part, this was delicious! All three pieces (thigh, drum, breast) were juicy on the inside and the batter was crispy and well seasoned. As for the sides, the salad was refreshing, but the biscuit was AMAZING! I just wish the chicken was served hotter than how it came out.
-- FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH - Fried Chicken, with their Signature Herb & Spice Blend, on a Hearth-Baked Roll with Spicy Slaw, Mayo, and Sage Potato Chips...$12.75
(https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/proposition-chicken-san-francisco-2?select=FaLLqhlYD3KILFR_raEyxw)
I don't know if it's because of the soft roll or the slaw (which had a nice hit of spice), but this was lighter than most other chicken sandwiches I've had. The cut of chicken was generous and was quite flavorful. As for the chips, they lost some crispiness in the box, but they were still rather tasty.
-- ROTISSERIE CHICKEN SALAD - Slow Roasted Rotisserie Chicken with Kale, Romaine, Cucumbers, Cherry Tomatoes, Mint, Shredded Parmesan, and Black Pepper Parmesan Dressing...$13.50
(https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/proposition-chicken-san-francisco-2?select=80_jKg6LsvDk_5US-GUnEQ)
Aside from a small bone I bit into and a couple of semi-dry pieces, this was pretty good! The veggies were fresh, the dressing was super flavorful, and I liked the hit of acidity from the slaw. Souvla's chicken salad is better, but this isn't far behind!
-- FRIES WITH CRISPY SAGE AND MALTED MAYO...$3
(https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/proposition-chicken-san-francisco-2?select=ADTpBXQMKBMLyOPhy6ZsLQ)
Pretty awesome, but especially so when you consider the price. The fries were fried perfectly, lightly salted, and came with a fair amount. As for the mayo, it was fine (not sure what makes it "malted"), but it would've been nice if it had some herbs in it.
Beyond the food, the other thing I really like about Proposition Chicken is how ridiculously convenient this location is. Each time I've been here, getting a table has never been an issue and there's tons of parking, whether it be out front on the street or in the lot in the back. What's more, orders always come out super quick. Souvla may be my usual go-to for rotisserie chicken salads, and it's tough for me to resist Popeye's for my occasional fix of fried chicken, but Proposition Chicken has definitely earned a spot in my go-to rotation!