8 Cozy Virginia Restaurants Serving Fried Chicken The Right Way
Virginia knows how to do fried chicken right. From the mountains to the coast, cozy spots across the state serve up crispy, juicy perfection that keeps folks coming back for more.
I’ve rounded up eight restaurants where you can taste this Southern tradition at its finest.
1. Mama J’s Kitchen
Soul food magic happens in Richmond’s historic Jackson Ward neighborhood. Mama J’s brings comfort to every plate with fried chicken that hits all the right notes.
The crispy coating locks in moisture while the seasoning tells a story of Southern tradition. Pair it with their famous mac and cheese, and you’ll understand why locals line up here.
2. Croaker’s Spot
Seafood meets Southern soul at this Richmond and Petersburg favorite. Their approach to frying chicken draws from coastal cooking traditions that make each bite memorable.
Cast-iron cornbread steals the show alongside perfectly seasoned chicken pieces. The crust stays crispy while the meat inside remains tender and flavorful, proving simple techniques work best.
3. BoBo’s Fine Chicken
Ocean breezes and fried chicken make perfect partners just blocks from Virginia Beach’s boardwalk. BoBo’s uses a 24-hour sweet tea brine that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.
That subtle sweetness seeps into every bite while the exterior crisps up beautifully. Beach vibes combined with Southern cooking create an unforgettable dining experience you won’t find elsewhere.
4. Horne’s
Travelers have stopped at this Port Royal roadside legend since 1929 for a reason. Cast iron skillets produce chicken with uneven, craggly edges that crisp up magnificently.
Route 301 carries hungry folks to this institution where traditional methods reign supreme. Those irregular textures create pockets of extra crunch that modern frying techniques simply cannot replicate perfectly.
5. Mrs. Rowe’s Family Restaurant
Mountain views frame every meal at this Shenandoah Valley treasure. Mrs. Rowe’s feels like visiting family, where fried chicken achieves that perfect balance everyone chases.
Shatteringly crisp exterior gives way to tender, juicy meat that melts in your mouth. Country hospitality and cooking skills passed down through generations make this spot truly special and worth the drive.
6. Wayside Takeout & Catering
UVA students know where to find the best chicken in Charlottesville. Pressure-frying locks in moisture while creating an impossibly crisp exterior that crackles with every bite.
That distinctive peppery kick in the seasoning sets this place apart from typical fried chicken joints. Unassuming roadside locations often hide the best food, and this spot proves that rule absolutely true.
7. Della J’s Delectables
Alexandria brings authentic Southern cooking to the D.C. suburbs without compromise. Della J’s proves you don’t need to travel deep into the South for exceptional fried chicken.
The perfectly seasoned crust literally cracks when you bite into it, revealing juicy meat inside. This gem delivers comfort food that rivals anything found in traditional Southern states, making it a regional treasure.
8. Michie Tavern – The Ordinary
Step back in time at this colonial treasure that has been welcoming guests since 1784. Michie Tavern offers more than just a meal – it is a journey into Virginia’s rich history, complete with period-appropriate dishes served in an authentic 18th-century setting.
Their skillet-fried chicken captures the essence of old-fashioned cooking methods that modern kitchens often overlook.
