10 Cozy Virginia Restaurants Serving Unforgettable Fried Chicken
Virginia has a long history of serving some of the best fried chicken you’ll ever taste. From family-owned diners tucked along country roads to beloved neighborhood spots in bustling cities, these restaurants know how to make chicken that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
I’ve gathered my favorite cozy places where you can enjoy this Southern comfort food classic.
1. Mama J’s Kitchen
Richmond’s Jackson Ward neighborhood is home to this soul food treasure that has warmed countless hearts. Mama J’s cooks up fried chicken with a golden, shatteringly crisp coating that locks in all the juicy flavors inside.
Every bite comes with creamy mac and cheese and slow-cooked greens on the side. The atmosphere feels like visiting a family member’s home, where everyone is welcome at the table and the food speaks straight to your soul.
2. BoBo’s Fine Chicken
Ever wonder what makes chicken extra special? At BoBo’s, they soak their chicken in sweet tea for a full 24 hours before frying it to perfection.
This unique brining method creates meat that stays incredibly moist while the outside gets wonderfully crunchy. Located near Virginia Beach’s oceanfront, you can enjoy your meal with a view of the waves, making it perfect for a casual lunch or dinner after a day at the shore.
3. Horne’s
Since 1929, this legendary roadside stop has been serving travelers and locals alike. Horne’s uses old-fashioned cast iron skillets to fry their chicken, creating those wonderfully uneven, craggly edges that get extra crispy.
The cooking method hasn’t changed in nearly a century because why fix what isn’t broken? You’ll find honest, hearty portions that remind you of simpler times when food was made with care and patience.
4. Mac’s Country Store
Don’t judge this place by its unassuming appearance along the winding backroads of Roseland. Mac’s proves that incredible fried chicken can come from the most unexpected spots.
The golden coating shatters with each bite, revealing tender meat that’s been seasoned just right. It’s the kind of place where locals stop by regularly, and once you try it, you’ll understand why they keep coming back for more of that perfectly crunchy goodness.
5. Southern Kitchen
Operating since the 1930s, Southern Kitchen has mastered the art of no-nonsense soul food. Their fried chicken features a crispy coating that somehow stays crunchy even after it cools down, which is practically magic.
The restaurant serves honest comfort food without any fancy tricks or modern twists. When you want authentic Southern cooking that tastes like it’s been perfected over generations, this Richmond spot delivers every single time with reliable quality.
6. The Roosevelt
Sometimes you want fried chicken with a touch of sophistication, and that’s where The Roosevelt shines. This Richmond restaurant takes traditional Southern recipes and elevates them without losing their comforting soul.
The chicken arrives perfectly seasoned with a crispy exterior that crackles under your fork. Pair it with their creative sides and you’ve got a meal that feels both familiar and exciting, proving fried chicken can be both cozy and refined at once.
7. Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que
While barbecue might be in the name, Pierce’s fried chicken deserves serious attention too. Located in Williamsburg, this spot has been a local favorite for years, serving up chicken with a beautifully crispy crust.
The portions are generous, and the flavors are bold without being overwhelming. Whether you’re stopping by after exploring colonial history or just craving comfort food, you’ll find the kind of satisfying meal that sticks with you long after.
8. Carini’s Restaurant
You might not expect amazing fried chicken from an Italian-American restaurant, but Carini’s surprises everyone who tries it. Virginia Beach locals have known about their secret chicken recipe for years, and the word is finally spreading.
The family-run establishment treats every dish with care, and their fried chicken shows that same dedication. Crispy, flavorful, and served in generous portions, it’s become an unexpected menu star that keeps people returning week after week.
9. Aunt Sarah’s Pancake House
Breakfast spots know how to fry things right, and Aunt Sarah’s chicken proves it beautifully. While pancakes might be their claim to fame, the fried chicken has developed its own loyal following across multiple Virginia locations.
The chicken pairs wonderfully with waffles for that sweet and savory combination, or enjoy it solo with traditional sides. Either way, you’re getting crispy perfection that’s been cooked with the same attention they give their famous morning dishes.
10. Dixie Bones BBQ
Woodbridge’s Dixie Bones knows how to cook meat to perfection, whether it’s smoked or fried. Their fried chicken features a peppery, flavorful crust that adds just the right amount of kick without overwhelming your taste buds.
The casual, friendly atmosphere makes it perfect for family dinners or relaxed meals with friends. Combined with their excellent barbecue sides, you’ll leave satisfied and already planning your next visit to this cozy neighborhood favorite.
