10 New York Fried Chicken Spots So Good You’ll Cross The City For Them

New York City has become a fried chicken paradise, with spots serving up crispy, juicy perfection in every borough. From Korean-style wings to Southern comfort classics, the variety is mind-blowing.

I’ve rounded up the absolute best places that are worth the subway ride, no matter where you live.

1. Peaches HotHouse – Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn

Southern hospitality meets Brooklyn cool at this neighborhood gem that’s been slinging Nashville hot chicken since 2016. You’ll find perfectly seasoned bird with heat levels ranging from mild to “dare you.”

The buttermilk-brined chicken arrives crackling crispy on the outside while staying impossibly moist inside. Pair it with their legendary mac and cheese or collard greens for the full experience that’ll have you planning your next visit before you finish eating.

2. Bonnie’s – Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Cantonese techniques transform everyday fried chicken into something extraordinary at this trendy Williamsburg spot. Chef Calvin Eng’s menu celebrates his Hong Kong heritage with bold flavors you won’t find anywhere else.

The dry-aged bird gets a soy marinade before hitting the fryer, creating layers of umami that dance on your tongue. Don’t skip the scallion pancake or the Dan Dan noodles while you’re there—everything’s worth the inevitable wait for a table.

3. Bobwhite Counter – East Village, Manhattan

This tiny counter serves lunch only, but trust me when I say it’s worth adjusting your schedule. Southern-style comfort food is the specialty here, with fried chicken that’ll transport you straight to Georgia.

The meat stays tender and juicy beneath a seasoned flour coating that shatters with each bite. Arrive early because they often sell out by 2 PM, and once that chicken’s gone, you’ll have to wait until tomorrow for another taste of this East Village treasure.

4. Melba’s – Harlem, Manhattan

Harlem soul food royalty reigns at Melba’s, where the fried chicken has earned legendary status among locals and tourists alike. Chef Melba Wilson’s recipe has been perfected over decades of cooking.

Each piece comes out piping hot with a crunchy exterior that gives way to succulent meat inside. The Sunday gospel brunch adds live music to your meal, making it a full cultural experience that feeds both your stomach and your soul in true Harlem fashion.

5. Pecking House – Rockaway Beach, Queens

Beachside vibes meet Asian-inspired fried chicken at this Rockaway gem that’s become a summer destination. The Taiwanese-style preparation creates an addictive crunch that keeps people coming back wave after wave.

Five-spice seasoning adds an aromatic complexity you’ll crave long after leaving the beach. Grab a seat on the patio, order their signature sandwich or bucket, and watch the surfers while munching on some of Queens’ finest poultry that makes the trip totally worthwhile.

6. Roots Chicken Shack – Astoria, Queens

Forget everything you think you know about fast food fried chicken—this Astoria spot does it right with quality ingredients and care. Antibiotic-free birds get brined for 24 hours before frying, ensuring maximum flavor.

The result? Incredibly juicy meat wrapped in a golden, crispy shell that rivals any grandma’s secret recipe. Their hot honey drizzle adds the perfect sweet-spicy finish, and the sides like biscuits and slaw complete what I’d call the ideal fried chicken meal in Queens.

7. Delaney Chicken – Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Korean fried chicken gets the spotlight at this Williamsburg favorite where double-frying creates an unbelievably light and crispy coating. The technique might take longer, but one bite proves it’s absolutely worth the wait.

Choose from flavors like soy garlic, spicy gochujang, or classic salt and pepper that showcase Korean culinary traditions. The wings practically shatter when you bite them, yet the meat inside stays moist and flavorful—it’s basically fried chicken engineering at its finest, Brooklyn style.

8. Jacob’s Pickles – Upper West Side, Manhattan

Southern comfort food thrives on the Upper West Side at this biscuit-and-chicken paradise that feels like a country kitchen. The fried chicken arrives piled high, served family-style for sharing—or not, I won’t judge you.

Buttermilk brine keeps everything moist while the seasoned breading delivers satisfying crunch with every forkful. Did you know their chicken and biscuit sandwich has its own cult following? Wash it down with a mason jar cocktail for the complete experience that locals rave about constantly.

9. Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque – Multiple Locations

While famous for barbeque, their fried chicken special deserves serious recognition across all their NYC locations. Smoked before frying, the chicken develops layers of flavor that regular fried chicken just can’t match.

The double-cooking method creates meat that’s both smoky and crispy in ways that’ll blow your mind. It’s not always on the menu, so call ahead or check their Instagram to catch this limited-time offering that has people crossing multiple boroughs just for a taste.

10. The Commodore – Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Fried chicken and champagne might sound fancy, but this Williamsburg spot keeps things refreshingly casual and fun. Their Southern-fried bird has achieved near-mythical status in Brooklyn’s competitive chicken scene.

Brined overnight and fried to order, each piece achieves that elusive balance of crispy skin and tender meat. The late-night menu means you can satisfy those midnight cravings until 2 AM, making it the perfect destination after concerts, dates, or whenever hunger strikes in North Brooklyn.