Minnesota’s Best Family-Run Fried Chicken Restaurants
Minnesota isn’t exactly the first place that comes to mind when you think of fried chicken, but trust me, this state is hiding some serious poultry perfection.
Family-run spots across the Twin Cities and beyond are cranking out crispy, juicy, soul-satisfying chicken that’ll make you forget all about those big chain restaurants.
I’ve eaten my way through countless drumsticks and thighs to bring you this definitive list of where to get your fried chicken fix from folks who’ve been perfecting their recipes for generations.
Revival MPLS
Where Southern hospitality meets Minneapolis cool, magic happens in the fryer. Revival has become the stuff of local legend, with lines snaking out the door on weekends.
Their chicken sandwich alone could make a grown person weep tears of joy. The secret is in that perfectly seasoned crust that shatters when you bite into it, giving way to meat so tender it practically melts.
After a brief scare when they closed in early 2025, new ownership swooped in and saved the day. Now you can still get that same addictive crunch that made them famous in the first place.
Mama Sheila’s House of Soul
This husband-and-wife operation knows that variety is the spice of life, literally. They serve not one, not two, but three distinct styles of fried chicken that’ll transport your taste buds across continents.
Mama Sheila’s House of Soul gives you Southern-fried for the purists, barbecue for the sauce lovers, and jerk for the adventurous souls. The buffet setup means you can pile your plate high without judgment.
Generous portions and flavors that remind you of Sunday dinners at grandma’s house make this spot a Minneapolis treasure worth visiting again and again.
Porch Rochester
However unlikely it sounds, one of Minnesota’s best fried chicken spots lives inside a converted train station. Porch has turned this historic Rochester building into a temple of crispy poultry worship.
Their chicken comes with house-made buttermilk biscuits that are fluffy enough to float away. Local honey butter and a squeeze of lemon complete the plate like the perfect supporting cast.
The combination of old-world charm and new-world flavor makes every bite feel special. Rochester locals guard this secret fiercely, but now the cat’s out of the bag.
Diane’s Place
Did you know that some of the most innovative fried chicken in Minnesota comes from a James Beard-nominated chef? Diane Moua opened this spot in 2024, and it’s been turning heads ever since.
Diane’s Place blends Hmong American comfort food traditions with techniques she picked up throughout her impressive culinary career. Ingredients come straight from her parents’ Wisconsin farm, so you know everything is fresh and lovingly grown.
The result is fried chicken that tastes familiar yet completely new. Each bite tells a story of heritage, family, and serious kitchen skills.
HmongTown Marketplace
Though technically a marketplace, this St. Paul jewel deserves a spot on any fried chicken lover’s bucket list. HmongTown isn’t just about shopping for produce and cultural goods.
The prepared food section here is where the real action happens, with vendors serving up Hmong-style fried chicken that’s criminally underrated. Rich, complex flavors from traditional spice blends make this chicken taste unlike anything else on this list.
Grab a plate, explore the stalls, and discover why this place has become such a beloved culinary destination. The experience alone is worth the trip.
The Hen House
Are you ready for fried chicken so good it’ll ruin all other chicken for you? The Hen House has been a family operation for over two decades, perfecting their recipe one batch at a time.
What sets them apart is their refusal to cut corners, ever. They brine their chicken overnight, hand-bread each piece, and fry to order so you get maximum crispiness.
The sides are all homemade, too, from the creamy coleslaw to the mac and cheese that could be a main course. This is comfort food that actually comforts your soul.
The Coop
How does a family go from raising chickens to serving them in their own restaurant? The Coop’s origin story is exactly that wholesome tale, and you can taste the farm-to-table difference.
They source their birds from local farms they’ve partnered with for years, ensuring quality and ethical treatment. The result is chicken with actual flavor, not just the seasoning you coat it with.
Their creative dipping sauces change seasonally, giving you a reason to visit throughout the year. Each sauce is crafted in-house with ingredients you can actually pronounce.
Seoul Bird
Where Korean technique meets Minnesota sensibility, you get fried chicken that’s double-fried for extra crunch and glazed with flavors that dance on your tongue. Seoul Bird brought K-style chicken to the state, and we’re forever grateful.
The family behind this operation spent years perfecting their gochujang glaze, balancing sweet, spicy, and savory notes. Each piece gets coated in that sticky, glossy sauce that’ll have you licking your fingers shamelessly.
Pickled radish on the side cuts through the richness perfectly. This is fried chicken that proves innovation and tradition can coexist deliciously.
The Brass Rail
Since opening its doors in 1969, this historic Grandy establishment has become legendary for something special: broasted chicken. Combining the best of deep frying with pressure cooking creates an incredibly crispy outside while keeping every bite tender and juicy inside.
Families drive from miles around to taste this unique preparation method that sets it apart from typical fried chicken joints. The cozy atmosphere feels like stepping back in time, where good food and warm hospitality matter most.
Located along Highway 65, this spot has fed generations of Minnesotans who know that sometimes the best meals are worth the journey. The chicken arrives golden and crackling, proving that tradition and innovation can create something truly memorable.
McKinney’s on Southside
Sunday in Benson means one thing: the broasted chicken buffet at McKinney’s. Locals mark their calendars for this weekly tradition where crispy, perfectly seasoned chicken takes center stage alongside classic comfort sides.
What makes this place extraordinary isn’t just the food, it’s the sense of community that fills every corner. Neighbors catch up over heaping plates while newcomers quickly understand why families have gathered here for years. The chicken’s golden crust gives way to meat so juicy it practically melts.
Small-town charm meets serious culinary skill at this beloved spot on 14th Street. Each piece is cooked with care, reflecting the pride this family takes in serving their community exceptional food at honest prices.
