7 Cozy Virginia Restaurant Serving Unforgettable Fried Chicken

Virginia knows a thing or two about comfort food, and nothing says ‘Southern comfort’ quite like perfectly fried chicken. From crispy, golden-brown exteriors to juicy, tender meat inside, these spots have mastered the art of this beloved dish. I’ve crisscrossed the state sampling some of the most mouthwatering fried chicken around, and these seven cozy restaurants serve up plates that will have you licking your fingers and planning your next visit.

1. Bob & Edith’s Diner – Springfield

Hidden in plain sight along a busy Springfield thoroughfare, this 24-hour diner serves up fried chicken that would make your grandma jealous. The perfectly seasoned crust shatters with each bite, revealing impossibly juicy meat beneath.

I stumbled in at midnight once after a concert and found myself in chicken heaven! The friendly servers know many regulars by name, pouring coffee refills before you even ask.

Family-owned since 1969, their secret recipe hasn’t changed in decades; and thank goodness for that!

2. Corey’s Chicken Shack – Williamsburg

What started as a food truck now occupies a charming converted gas station near Colonial Williamsburg. The moment you walk in, that intoxicating aroma of buttermilk-brined chicken hitting hot oil wraps around you like a hug.

Owner Corey Williams learned his technique from his Mississippi grandmother, and boy, does it show! The chicken sports a craggy, peppery crust that somehow stays crisp even after cooling.

Pro tip: Their spicy honey drizzle takes the experience to another level entirely.

3. The Smith House – Dahlonega

Nestled in a historic building with creaky wooden floors and walls lined with black-and-white photos, The Smith House feels like stepping into a time machine. Their fried chicken recipe dates back over a century, perfected through generations of the same family.

Unlike many spots that go for maximum crunch, their chicken boasts a delicate, almost flaky crust that melts on your tongue. The meat practically falls off the bone!

Served family-style on big platters meant for sharing, this is the kind of meal that creates lasting memories.

4. Wayside Chicken – Charlottesville

Blink and you might miss this unassuming roadside joint near UVA’s campus. Don’t let the humble exterior fool you; I’ve seen professors in bowties sitting next to construction workers, all united in fried chicken bliss.

Their signature move? Pressure-frying that locks in moisture while creating an impossibly crisp exterior. The seasoning has a distinctive peppery kick that lingers pleasantly.

Students swear by their late-night weekend hours, making this the perfect post-party refueling station that’s worth the inevitable line.

5. BoBo’s Fine Chicken – Virginia Beach

Just three blocks from the oceanfront boardwalk, BoBo’s serves up fried chicken with a view. The bright, airy space with turquoise accents feels beachy without being kitschy.

Their chicken undergoes a 24-hour brine in sweet tea before frying; a genius move that infuses the meat with subtle sweetness. The crust achieves that rare perfect thickness: substantial enough to crunch but not so thick it overwhelms.

Locals know to pair it with their homemade hot honey butter biscuits for a sweet-savory combo that’ll haunt your dreams!

6. Horne’s – Port Royal

This legendary roadside institution has been serving travelers along Route 301 since 1929! The vintage neon sign beckons you into what feels like a living museum of mid-century Americana.

Their fried chicken emerges from cast iron skillets rather than deep fryers; an old-school technique that creates uneven, craggly edges that crisp up magnificently. The seasoning is deceptively simple: just salt, pepper, and a whisper of garlic.

Truckers swap stories of driving hundreds of miles out of their way just for a taste of this chicken legend.

7. Mrs. Rowe’s Family Restaurant – Staunton

Perched in the Shenandoah Valley with mountain views through picture windows, Mrs. Rowe’s feels like dining in your favorite aunt’s country home. The walls adorned with quilts and copper cookware create instant comfort.

Their fried chicken achieves that magical balance of shatteringly crisp exterior and tender, juicy interior. What makes it special? A hint of sage in the flour mixture that adds an earthy dimension.

Founded in 1947, they still use Mrs. Rowe’s original recipe, proving that sometimes the classics need no improvement!