Discover the Best Fried Chicken in Los Angeles

by The OpenTable Team

Updated January 24, 2020

Finding the best fried chicken in Los Angeles involves more than just searching for the nearest food truck. Like the City of Angels itself, the dining scene sprawls with some of the finest food in the country, often hiding in unexpected places. Southern flavors have infused California cuisine, making classics like fried chicken classier than before. Say goodbye to the standard chicken bucket. We’ve found Japanese-style breaded chicken in the arts district, juicy chicken with a splash of maple butter seasoning or spicy all over in Fairfax. But where do hungry diners find the best fried chicken in LA? With a little help from our Tastemaker 20 list. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned foodies. Book a table at the best fried chicken in Los Angeles today.

AOC - 3rd Street

4.7

4.7 (5058)

$30 and under

Californian

Beverly / Fairfax / La Brea / Third St.

About the restaurant

A Beverly Grove institution since 2002, A.O.C. is primarily a wine bar that offers an eclectic and select menu of food. The elegant interior is warm wood, little tables, and comfortable booths, plus an impressive patio that’s ideal for special occasions. A.O.C. makes it onto our list because of their signature chicken dish: the Spanish fried chicken. This crisp and flavorful affair comes with romesco aioli and a spicy butter and has kept loyal fans coming back for years. An LA must-try.

Top review

Fatimavip

Dined 2 days ago

We ordered many plates and all were amazing! Server was slow but at least the food was brought out by other people and was so good. Would go back. The fried chicken 👍🏻

Hinoki & The Bird

4.6

4.6 (515)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Century City

About the restaurant

This Century City spot is ideal for people-watching, business meetings and impressing an agent- or prospective date. It’s sleek and contemporary, but soft enough around the edges to be warm and welcoming at the same time. Chicken fans, it’s the crispy chicken we’re raving about here. Served with habanero honey, there’s a kick of spice that’s instantly balanced out by the sweetness. Fried chicken, California style.

Top review

Ryan

Dined on Oct 6, 2024

Really, really, great food - the Jidori Chicken was amazing

Fishing With Dynamite

4.9

4.9 (2878)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Manhattan Beach

About the restaurant

Unsurprisingly, given the name, Fishing with Dynamite is all about the seafood. This Manhattan Beach favorite keeps up a quirky aquatic theme throughout, from cute framed pictures of smiling whales to oars placed between the windows. It’s not the biggest LA seafood place, but it is one of the best. And it also happens to serve up some of the best fried chicken in Los Angeles- at least on the weekend. Browse the brunch menu and order the fried chicken and waffle, and discover what the fuss is about.

Top review

Eric

Dined 5 days ago

Staff was amazing and the food was excellent. We will be eating there again

Discover more

Popular dish

Peruvian Scallops

Popular dish

Seared Maine Dayboat Diver Scallops

Popular dish

Key Lime Pie

Manhattan Beach Post

4.7

4.7 (4456)

$31 to $50

American

Manhattan Beach

About the restaurant

The rough and ready interior is effortless industrial chic at this bastion of Manhattan Beach dining. The distressed walls hold an almost communal space where tables sit end to end to let friends gather in groups. The diverse menu echoes this as it has a little of something for everyone, including our goal: Truffle Honey Laced Fried Chicken. The chicken itself is lemon-brined before being buttermilk-dipped, fried and served with slaw and truffle honey. Always get the bacon cheddar biscuits. Every time.

Top review

OpenTable Dinervip

Dined 1 day ago

Food and service were amazing! We came during the week for lunch and received excellent service. The charcuterie was so good! And the biscuits are big you can get full from just one biscuit!!

Discover more

Bacon Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuits

The Henry - West Hollywood

4.8

4.8 (2012)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Beverly / Fairfax / La Brea / Third St.

About the restaurant

Relaxed and welcoming, this West Hollywood branch of The Henry blends retro themes with modern flavors. They've created a restaurant and menu which has a real loyal fanbase. The Henry makes it onto our fried chicken list due to its extensive brunch menu. Their Chicken Fried Chicken is the ultimate in hangover recovery food, served with buttermilk biscuits, hearty chicken sausage gravy, and eggs, sunny side up. Just be sure to find the Mimosa cart as well.

Top review

jamesvip

Dined 6 days ago

Great waitress The noise level is great for conversation and the tables are spread out The food is fine Nothing special but the overall vibe of the place is great

Discover more

Umami Brussels Sprouts

HATCH

4.7

4.7 (626)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Downtown

About the restaurant

Hatch Yakitori has made grabbing lunch Downtown a breeze with their build-your-own bento box service. Each box boasts three yakitori chicken sticks, and the range of flavors for the yakitori is pretty diverse. Miso, green onion and plum paste are just a few of the options available. For those on the hunt for the best fried chicken in Los Angeles, Hatch is a surprise contender. Bypass the bento boxes and go for the “Plates” menu, and order the black karaage fried chicken thighs, Soaked in brine for two days and served in squid ink with house pickles, this chicken is a completely unique experience.

Top review

Chris

Dined 3 days ago

Had the Eggcellent (prix fix) Dinner. Tasty variety, decent portions, delicious cocktails.

Discover more

Experience

Quick Lunch - Bento Bowls!

Experience

Happy Hour

AOC - Brentwood

4.5

4.5 (3328)

$31 to $50

Californian

Brentwood

About the restaurant

Brentwood is full of trendy eateries, but few are as consistent as Tavern. Open from 8am for breakfast right through to 10.30 at the weekend, two award winning chefs showcase a menu where simplicity is the key to great flavor. Plates have three menus: small, medium and large, and chicken fans need to peruse the medium plates option. The Spanish fried chicken is a huge hit with regulars, who often pick the bacon-wrapped dates as a salty yet sweet side.

Top review

Laura

Dined 7 days ago

Our waiter Ruben was a sweetheart. All the staff was so accommodating and kind and the food was super delicious.

Baran’s 2239

4.9

4.9 (1367)

$31 to $50

American

Hermosa Beach

About the restaurant

Baran’s is a small and friendly Hermosa Beach restaurant just minutes from the pier. Sit at the bar and chew the fat with locals or take a seat in the cozy dining area, amongst bottle lined walls and pendulum lights. The menu is European inspired, yet with some strong American flavors like the pastrami crusted pork chop, the spicy jerk wings, and their superb fried chicken. Baran's smoke their chicken before frying it to crispness. This gives an unprecedented depth of flavor, matched by the soy and chile accompaniment. Don’t forget dessert; their coffee toffee pudding is to die for.

Top review

Brianvip

Dined 5 days ago

Excellent, as always. Gnocchi and crab pasta were both really good. I like how they constantly are adding new dishes but retain some longtime favorites like the Indian egg.

The Arthur J

4.8

4.8 (2868)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Manhattan Beach

About the restaurant

Why is this elegant Manhattan Beach steakhouse on our fried chicken list? Because of their Monday special every week: fried chicken night! Regulars know that Arthur J does the best local rib eye and strip steak, and even a humongous tomahawk for two to share. But every Monday night chicken fans head here for their house fried chicken special, served lovingly with smashed potatoes and a peppery sausage gravy. Just one more reason why the Arthur J is a local favorite.

Top review

Traceyvip

Dined 5 days ago

Great meal! We had a lovely dinner and the ambience was fantastic

Discover more

Popular dish

Petite Filet Mignon R&R Ranch

Popular dish

Steak Tartare