6 Famous Virginia Fried Chicken Spots Worth Going The Extra Mile
Virginia knows a thing or two about fried chicken. From coastal classics to soul food institutions, the state boasts some seriously mouthwatering options that chicken lovers travel miles to taste.
These legendary spots have perfected their recipes over decades, creating crispy, juicy chicken that keeps customers coming back for more.
1. BoBo’s Fine Chicken – Virginia Beach
Golden and glistening, BoBo’s chicken is known for its extraordinarily juicy meat beneath a crackling crust.
Their signature honey-hot drizzle adds the perfect sweet-spicy finish that’s impossible to replicate at home. Arrive early; locals form lines before opening time, proving some things are worth the wait.
2. Mama’s Fried Chicken Co. – Fredericksburg
Farm-fresh birds are the foundation of Mama’s legendary reputation. Their buttermilk-brined chicken emerges from the fryer with an impossibly light, crisp exterior that shatters at first bite.
What truly distinguishes this Fredericksburg gem is their commitment to seasonal sides that rotate with Virginia’s harvest calendar. The chicken alone merits a detour, but the complete experience is transformative.
3. Mama J’s Kitchen – Richmond
Soul food royalty reigns at this Richmond cornerstone. The amber-hued crust on Mama J’s chicken conceals generations of culinary wisdom in every bite.
Family recipes passed down through decades create that distinctive seasoning profile you’ll recognize instantly but never quite identify. Richmond locals measure time by their last visit to Mama J’s; never letting too many days pass between pilgrimages.
4. Croaker’s Spot – Petersburg
History flavors every piece at this Petersburg institution celebrating African American culinary heritage. The distinctive combination of seasonings and techniques creates an unforgettable profile that has become synonymous with the community’s rich traditions.
Regulars have spent years trying to decode the recipe without success. The crispy-juicy contrast keeps devotees returning, often driving hours just for that first perfect bite.
5. Pollard’s Chicken – Virginia Beach
Pollard’s has long perfected a distinctive style that delivers a substantial, peppery crust that audibly crunches with each bite; a texture that chicken lovers dream about.
Their signature honey sauce perfectly balances savory flavors with just the right touch of sweetness. Over the years, they’ve remained committed to quality, earning the loyalty of customers across multiple generations.
6. Wayside Takeout & Catering – Charlottesville
UVA students have long fueled their late-night study sessions with Wayside’s chicken. The chicken delivers a tantalizing tingle beneath its rustic, craggly crust.
No frills are needed when the chicken speaks this eloquently. The unassuming exterior of this Charlottesville landmark hides the culinary magic within, proving that sometimes the simplest pleasures are the most profound.
