8 Famous Virginia Fried Chicken Spots Worth The Extra Trip
Virginia has become a true destination for fried chicken lovers who appreciate crispy perfection. From family recipes passed down through generations to modern twists on Southern classics, these spots serve up unforgettable flavors.
I’ve gathered the best places where the journey is just as rewarding as that first delicious bite.
1. Mama J’s Kitchen
Generations of culinary wisdom hide beneath that gorgeous amber-hued crust. Family recipes passed down through decades create a distinctive seasoning profile you won’t find anywhere else.
This soul food institution has become a Richmond landmark for good reason. Every piece of chicken tells a story of tradition, love, and dedication to authentic Southern cooking that honors the past.
2. Croaker’s Spot
African American culinary heritage shines brilliantly at this Petersburg treasure. The distinctive seasoning blend and traditional techniques create an unforgettable flavor profile that celebrates community traditions.
That crispy-juicy contrast has become synonymous with authentic Southern cooking done right. Each bite connects you to rich cultural history while delivering pure deliciousness that transcends generations and brings people together.
3. Pollard’s Chicken
Your ears will hear it before your taste buds experience it – that audible crunch is legendary. The substantial, peppery crust delivers on every sensory level imaginable.
Pollard’s signature honey sauce balances those savory, peppery flavors with just the right touch of sweetness. It’s a combination that sounds simple but achieves perfect harmony, making this Virginia Beach spot absolutely worth the trip.
4. Wayside Takeout & Catering
UVA students have been flocking here for years, and they know what’s good. That tantalizing tingle beneath the rustic, craggly crust delivers unexpected magic.
Don’t judge this spot by its unassuming exterior—real culinary brilliance happens inside those walls. Sometimes the simplest pleasures create the most profound food memories, and this Charlottesville favorite proves that truth every single day.
5. BoBo’s Fine Chicken
People actually wake up early just to stand in line before this place opens its doors. That tells you everything about how incredible the chicken tastes here.
The secret lies in extraordinarily juicy meat paired with a crackling crust that shatters perfectly. BoBo’s signature honey-hot drizzle creates a sweet-spicy finish that makes every bite memorable and keeps locals coming back week after week.
6. Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken
That gorgeous mahogany crust shatters with each bite, revealing perfectly juicy meat inside. Locals swear the secret blend contains magical ingredients, though the recipe remains closely guarded.
This Richmond staple has earned its reputation through consistency and flavor that never disappoints. The chicken sports a color and texture that looks almost too beautiful to eat—but you absolutely should anyway.
7. Southern Style Chicken & Waffle
Three full days of preparation go into every piece of chicken served here. Brining, air-drying, and double-dredging create a crust so architectural it deserves its own blueprint.
This Manassas spot elevates the classic chicken-and-waffle concept to fine art. The dedication to process and technique shows in every crispy, flavorful bite that makes the extra trip absolutely essential for serious food lovers.
8. Mama’s Fried Chicken Co.
Buttermilk brining transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary at this Fredericksburg gem. You’ll notice the difference immediately when you see that impossibly light, crisp exterior.
What really sets this spot apart are the seasonal sides that rotate with Virginia’s harvest calendar. Each visit offers something new to discover, making the drive worthwhile no matter when you go.
