Discover the Best Fried Chicken in Houston

Houston boasts a vibrant culinary scene driven by its diverse population and the tastes of the American South and Southwest. The best fried chicken in Houston gives this Texas metropolis a unique twist on an American favorite. But where are Houston's smartest, savviest diners going when seeking the city's best fried chicken? Welcome to the Tastemaker 20. Here, we've gathered information from in-the-know diners to determine the best fried chicken in Houston. From super-spicy specials served up at fun neighborhood pubs, diners, and taverns to funky flavors from upscale restaurants, Houston has it all. Grab a table from one of these spots tonight!

The OpenTable Team

14 Restaurants

Updated January 10, 2020

Restaurants:	La Lucha, State of Grace, Uchi Houston…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$$
Cuisines:	Seafood, Contemporary Southern, Sushi…
Neighborhoods:	Heights / Washington, River Oaks, Midtown / Montrose…

La Lucha

$$$$

Seafood

Heights / Washington

4.8

1017 reviews

Head out to the Heights/Washington neighborhood for some of the best fried chicken in Houston at this neighborhood favorite. An authentic Texas throwback restaurant, La Lucha combines a great beer list with some top-notch chicken dishes. The fried chicken dish features a half or whole bird with biscuits, pickles, and a choice of side sauces. Pair those with one of the beers from the local 8th Wonder or St. Wonder breweries. For another Gulf favorite choice, try the blackened catfish with brown butter, lime, and capers. The LA crawfish bread includes a "pressed" po'boy with parsley salad.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

State of Grace

$$$$

Contemporary Southern

River Oaks

4.8

2846 reviews

This upscale and stylish Westheimer Road hot spot is an excellent spot for lunch, dinner, or brunch. Stop in for a meal in the elegant, Texas-inspired dining room or the lively bar. The weekend brunch is where diners will find the chicken-fried chicken dish, served with a butter biscuit, sausage gravy, and sunny-side-up eggs. Other plates for the meal include a "Dutch Baby" with an everything bagel and gravlax. There's also the traditional huevos rancheros with fried eggs, rice, and bacon fat tortillas. Try one of the house-specialty warm cinnamon rolls or hushpuppies with butter.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

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Uchi Houston

$$$$

Sushi

Midtown / Montrose

4.9

4075 reviews

For some of the best Japanese dishes in Houston, Uchi is the spot. This destination Barton Springs restaurant from the celebrated chef Tyson Cole includes some of the best fried chicken in Houston. Go for the classic fried Japanese "karaage," with chicken thigh, sweet chili, and seasonal pickle. There are plenty of other fried favorites on the menu too. Try the onion ring tempura, cauliflower tempura, or Japanese pumpkin tempura. Uchi also boasts a full menu of sushi and sashimi favorites. Try the unagi (freshwater eel), kinoko (mushroom), or the madai (Japanese sea bream).

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

1751 Sea and Bar

$$$$

Seafood

Heights / Washington

4.5

911 reviews

The best of the Gulf comes to Houston at 1751 Sea and Bar. This traditional, Texas Gulf-inspired restaurant features down-home dishes with plenty of modern touches. The hot fried chicken karrage is a must get. This includes chicken oysters with house pepper oil and miso butter rice. Be sure to start the meal with some of the restaurant's ice bar oysters or the 1751 charcuterie board with salmon and cured tuna. For a drink, be sure to grab something from one of Houston's largest gin selections. Try the Storm's End, with apricot-infused Roxor and butterfly blue pea flower.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Eunice

$$$$

Creole / Cajun / Southern

Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor

4.7

2079 reviews

This Buffalo Speedway local favorite features some of the best Creole-Cajun cuisines in Houston. It's also the spot for some of the best fried chicken in Houston. On Mondays, stop into Eunice for some of the restaurant's buttermilk fried chicken served with red beans and popcorn rice. The rest of the week features other prime Gulf specials. Try the slow roast pork jambalaya or court-bouillon grand-mere with drum, crab, and scallion rice. For the table, be sure to try the hearth-roasted oysters with shrimp, blue crab, and brown butter breadcrumbs.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

B.B. Lemon Washington

$$$$

Pub

Heights / Washington

4.7

841 reviews

A standout Texas eatery and bar, B.B. Lemon is one of the top places for a hearty meal in Houston. It's a lively place with a creative menu, live music, brunch, and one of the best happy hours in town. Be sure to try the fried chicken sandwich, lobster roll with slaw, or grilled cheese with tomato and bacon. Appetizers include oysters on the half shell, blue crab beignets, and steak tartare with baguette crostini. For happy hour, enjoy $4 beers, half-priced oysters, or Texas wagyu hot dogs with dill pickle, onion, and creole mustard.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

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Relish Restaurant and Bar

$$$$

Contemporary American

River Oaks

4.8

770 reviews

A River Oaks neighborhood favorite, Relish Restaurant & Bar combines the best of American and Mediterranean cuisine. This colorful, welcoming place features some of the best fried chicken in Houston. The fried chicken dish at Relish features hot honey with bacon-braised collard greens and a rosemary biscuit. Other highlights on the Relish restaurant menu include the classic burger, with house-ground beef, cheddar, and caramelized onions. Try the New Orleans-style barbecue shrimp, made with Creole-inspired pan sauce and creamy polenta.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

a'Bouzy

$$$$

Contemporary French / American

River Oaks

4.7

1963 reviews

French classics meet American staples at this local favorite with some of the best fried chicken in Houston. The a'Bouzy fried chicken sandwich is a must-get during the a'Bouzy brunch. This menu standout features the trademark buttermilk fried chicken with jalapeno mustard, red onion, and American cheese. For dinners, a'Bouzy specializes in some of the best seafood in Houston. Go for the local seafood cioppino. This favorite features a hearty tomato seafood broth with crab, shrimp, scallop, and other fish. The grilled wild Alaskan stuffed salmon comes stuffed with shrimp, crab, and brie.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Frank's Americana Revival

$$$$

Contemporary American

River Oaks

4.8

1899 reviews

This sturdy Houston institution delivers classic American cuisine with a distinctive Texas flavor. Grab a seat at the welcoming bar or in the upscale dining room to try some of the house favorites. On Fridays, stop in for the celebrated Frank's buttermilk fried chicken. The dish features smoked gouda macaroni and cheese, collard greens, and a homestyle biscuit. For a Southern taste, be sure to try the fried Gulf oyster salad, made with mixed greens, jalapeno-corn relish, and red chile buttermilk. For dinner, don't miss the dry-rubbed and pit-smoked Hill Country smoked spare ribs.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Ouisie's Table

$$$$

American

Galleria / Uptown

4.6

4217 reviews

A Houston institution, Ouisie's Table is one of the most famous restaurants in the city. This elegant and welcoming down-home South spot is the place for some of the best fried chicken in Houston. Go for the fabled chicken-fried chicken with the works. This hearty dish features mashed potatoes and black pepper milk gravy, along with black-eyed peas, mustard greens, and corn pudding. For another classic dish, try the restaurant's Julia Child "poulet au four roti." This legendary meal features an oven-roasted half chicken with fork-mashed potatoes and sauteed spinach.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

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Jonathan's The Rub at Campbell Place

$$$$

American

Westside

4.6

1553 reviews

One of the most fun restaurants in South Texas, Jonathan's The Rub is full of excellent vibes and some of the best food in the state. This BYOB place also boasts some of the best fried chicken in Houston. Stop into this lively spot to enjoy the restaurant's country-fried chicken dish or fried chicken sandwich with American cheese. A "big boy" seafood po'boy comes fried with lettuce, tomato, and chipotle mayonnaise. Try one of the classic "Brooklyn style" meatballs and pasta or chicken parmesan dinners or the picatta with sauteed artichoke.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Gyu-Kaku - Houston, TX | Midtown

$$$$

Japanese

Downtown

4.4

323 reviews

For some of the best Japanese-style fried chicken in Houston, Gyu-Kaku is the place to go. This Japanese-styled steakhouse has all the lively flair ones expect from these establishments. Stop in with a group of friends or family for a rollicking good time and some of the best fried chicken in Houston. Start with the restaurant's signature Japanese fried chicken, edamame, or miso soup. Premium barbecue options include the bone-in short rib, beef miso, or bistro hanger steak. Pair the meal with one of the dry Japanese lagers or a pour of top-notch sake.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Brenner's Steakhouse on the Bayou

$$$$

Steakhouse

River Oaks

4.7

5116 reviews

This fine-dining destination is in a quiet "Buffalo Bayou" and offers some of the best views in Houston. Grab a table and dine in the shadow of greenery, woods, and a waterfall. Head in for brunch for some of the classics with a distinctly Texas flair. Try the country-fried chicken and biscuits, with house-made biscuits and crispy bacon. The restaurant's signature breakfast sandwich boasts eggs, crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and guajillo pepper aioli. Beer-can chicken chilaquiles include house-made tortilla chips, scrambled eggs, and ranchero sauce.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Grace's

$$$$

American

Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor

4.7

3664 reviews

One of the celebrated restaurants of the Houston dining scene, Grace's Restaurant features a wide-ranging menu of international favorites for locals and tourists. Don't miss the "Randi's fried chicken," with creamy mashed potatoes and black-eyed peas. A southern-fried pork chop includes jalapeno cream gravy, creamy mashed potatoes, and black-eyed peas. Pair dinner with one of the restaurant's cocktails or a fine local beer.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Discover the Best Fried Chicken in Houston

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