Why Locals Travel Across North Carolina For This Legendary Chicken Sandwich

I’ll never forget the first time I heard about a chicken sandwich worth driving hours for—it sounded like an exaggeration. But then I walked into Beasley’s Chicken + Honey at 237 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, and immediately understood the hype.

This downtown Raleigh gem draws people from all corners of North Carolina, and it’s easy to see why. Every crispy, perfectly seasoned chicken breast is drizzled with just the right amount of honey, creating a sweet-and-savory combination that keeps fans coming back again and again.

The sandwich isn’t just food, it’s an experience, a little golden moment in every bite. The vibe is lively, welcoming, and full of energy, from locals grabbing lunch to visitors making the pilgrimage.

Paired with crunchy fries, inventive sides, and a touch of Southern hospitality, Beasley’s proves that sometimes the simplest ingredients, made with love and attention, can become legendary.

The Iconic Fried Chicken Sandwich That Started It All

Walking up to the counter, I knew exactly what I wanted before even glancing at the menu. The fried chicken sandwich at Beasley’s has become something of a legend across North Carolina.

Locals rave about it constantly, and out of towners plan entire trips around tasting this masterpiece.

The secret starts with buttermilk brined chicken thighs, pressure fried to absolute perfection. Each piece emerges from the kitchen with a crackling golden crust that shatters beautifully with every bite.

The meat inside stays impossibly juicy and tender, never dry or overcooked like so many other places.

They nestle this magnificent chicken on a toasted brioche bun that’s soft yet sturdy enough to handle the job. Tangy pickles and a special sauce complete the symphony of flavors.

The sauce has this magical quality that ties everything together without overpowering the star ingredient.

My first bite stopped me mid conversation as flavors exploded across my taste buds. The crunch, the juice, the perfect seasoning, it all made sense why people drive from Charlotte and beyond.

This sandwich deserves every bit of hype it receives, and I’ve been dreaming about it ever since.

Chicken And Waffles That Redefine Brunch Standards

Brunch at Beasley’s transforms into a religious experience when you order their chicken and waffles. I’ve tried this classic combo at dozens of restaurants, but nothing compares to what they serve here.

The dish arrives at your table looking like edible art, steam rising from the waffle while the chicken glistens.

Their house made waffles have this incredible texture, crispy edges giving way to fluffy interiors. Each square pocket holds the perfect amount of honey and maple syrup.

The waffle alone could stand as a menu item, but paired with their signature fried chicken, magic happens.

You can choose your preferred cut of chicken, and I went with the boneless thigh. The meat practically melted in my mouth while the coating stayed wonderfully crisp.

The combination of sweet and savory creates this beautiful balance that keeps you reaching for another forkful.

Honey drizzles over everything, adding layers of flavor that make each bite different from the last. I watched other diners around me closing their eyes in appreciation with every mouthful.

This dish alone draws crowds every weekend, and the wait becomes absolutely worth it once that plate hits your table.

The Reunion Sandwich: A Breakfast Masterpiece

Some menu items sound too good to be true until you actually taste them. The Reunion Sandwich falls squarely into that category, combining breakfast elements in ways that shouldn’t work but absolutely do.

I ordered this on my second visit, curious about the buzz surrounding it.

Picture this: a perfectly fried chicken thigh topped with a runny fried egg and melted cheese. They tuck all of this into a fluffy buttermilk biscuit that’s been split and lightly toasted.

A dash of Tabasco sauce adds just enough heat to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming them.

The first bite proved challenging as egg yolk ran down my fingers, but I didn’t care one bit. Rich, creamy yolk mixed with crispy chicken and buttery biscuit created flavor combinations I’d never experienced before.

The cheese melted into every crevice, adding another layer of indulgence.

This sandwich feels like someone combined all the best parts of breakfast and lunch into one handheld package. My server mentioned it’s a favorite among regulars who know the menu inside and out.

I completely understand why people order this every single visit, because I’m already planning my return trip for another one.

Carolina Reaper Eggs Benedict: Heat Meets Elegance

Adventurous eaters need to experience the Carolina Reaper Eggs Benedict at least once in their lifetime. I’m not someone who typically seeks out extreme heat, but curiosity got the better of me.

The dish arrived looking deceptively innocent, beautiful even, with hollandaise draped over everything like a silky blanket.

They use fried chicken instead of traditional ham or bacon, staying true to their specialty. The chicken provides a sturdy base for poached eggs that break open with the gentlest nudge of a fork.

Then comes the hollandaise sauce spiked with Carolina Reaper peppers, one of the world’s hottest varieties.

The heat builds gradually rather than punching you immediately in the face. First you taste the rich, buttery sauce and perfectly cooked eggs.

Then warmth spreads across your tongue, followed by serious fire that makes your eyes water just a little.

Despite the intensity, the heat never becomes unbearable or masks the other flavors at play. Everything balances beautifully, and I found myself going back for more even as sweat formed on my forehead.

Multiple reviewers mentioned this dish specifically, and now I’m part of that passionate fan club singing its praises.

Pimento Mac And Cheese: Southern Comfort Elevated

Growing up in the South, I thought I’d tasted every possible variation of macaroni and cheese. Beasley’s proved me wonderfully wrong with their pimento mac and cheese, a side dish that could easily become a main course.

I’m usually skeptical of pimento cheese because it can taste overpowering and artificial.

Their version changes minds and converts skeptics with the first creamy, cheesy spoonful. The pimento flavor comes through clearly without dominating the dish or making everything taste like jarred spread.

Each piece of pasta gets coated in this luscious cheese sauce that stretches when you lift your fork.

The texture hits that perfect spot between creamy and firm, never mushy or separated. Little bits of pimento add pops of flavor and visual interest throughout the dish.

I watched my dining companion, who claimed to hate pimento cheese, clean their bowl completely and consider ordering seconds.

This mac and cheese appears in review after review as a must order item. People specifically mention it when recommending Beasley’s to friends and family.

I ordered it as a side but it stole the show, making me reconsider everything I thought I knew about this classic comfort food.

Buttermilk Biscuits That Melt In Your Mouth

Good biscuits can make or break a Southern restaurant’s reputation, and Beasley’s biscuits could launch a thousand ships. These aren’t the dense, dry hockey pucks you find at chain restaurants.

Each biscuit emerges from the kitchen warm, flaky, and impossibly tender.

The outside has this beautiful golden color with slightly crispy edges that give way immediately. Inside, layers of buttery goodness practically dissolve on your tongue.

You can pull them apart easily, watching steam rise from the soft interior.

I tried one plain first to appreciate the craftsmanship, and it needed absolutely nothing else. The butter flavor comes through naturally without tasting greasy or heavy.

Then I tried one with a drizzle of honey, and suddenly I understood why people write poetry about Southern biscuits.

These biscuits serve as the foundation for several menu items, including that legendary Reunion Sandwich. They’re sturdy enough to hold fillings without falling apart yet tender enough to bite through easily.

Multiple reviews specifically praise these biscuits, with one person calling them the best part of their entire meal. I bought extra to take home, though they never made it past my car ride.

Collard Greens Cooked To Southern Perfection

Vegetables often get treated as afterthoughts at restaurants, but Beasley’s gives their collard greens the respect they deserve. I ordered them almost as an obligation, trying to balance out all the fried goodness.

What arrived surprised me with its depth of flavor and careful preparation.

These greens taste like someone’s grandmother spent hours perfecting the recipe over generations. They’re cooked down until tender but not mushy, retaining some texture and character.

The seasoning hits all the right notes without making them taste overly salty or one dimensional.

You can taste the care that goes into preparing this classic Southern side dish. Little bits of savory goodness hide throughout, adding complexity to each forkful.

The pot liquor at the bottom deserves its own mention, rich and flavorful enough to sop up with biscuits.

Several reviews mention these collard greens specifically, and they’re confirmed gluten free for those with dietary restrictions. I watched a woman at the next table order double portions, and now I completely understand why.

These greens prove that vegetables can hold their own alongside even the most decadent fried chicken, offering balance and comfort in equal measure.

The Warm Atmosphere Of Downtown Raleigh Dining

Location matters almost as much as food when creating memorable dining experiences. Beasley’s sits right in the heart of downtown Raleigh on Wilmington Street, surrounded by the energy and character of the city.

Walking up to the restaurant, you immediately feel the welcoming vibe that permeates everything they do.

Inside, exposed brick walls and reclaimed wood elements create this perfect blend of rustic and modern. The space feels cozy without being cramped, intimate without feeling stuffy.

Natural light streams through windows during lunch service, while evening dining takes on a warmer, more romantic glow.

The open kitchen lets you watch chefs work their magic, adding an element of theater to your meal. Stools line the bar and some tables, encouraging a casual, communal dining experience.

Some people mentioned preferring chairs, but I found the stools added to the laid back atmosphere.

Moore Square garage sits right next door, making parking incredibly convenient for downtown Raleigh. Street parking also exists if you prefer that option.

The location puts you within walking distance of other attractions, perfect for making a full day or evening of your visit to this special corner of North Carolina’s capital city.

Service That Makes You Feel Like Family

Great food means nothing without people who care about serving it properly. Every staff member I encountered at Beasley’s treated me like a regular even though it was my first visit.

My server greeted me with genuine warmth, offering recommendations without being pushy or rehearsed.

Josh, the bartender mentioned in reviews, clearly knows how to make guests feel special and valued. Emily and other servers get praised by name in multiple reviews, showing consistent quality across the team.

Everyone moves with purpose and efficiency while maintaining friendly, approachable demeanors.

My server checked in frequently without hovering, refilled my sweet tea before I needed to ask. She warned me about spice levels honestly, making sure I knew what I was getting into.

When I had questions about ingredients, she answered knowledgeably and even shared personal favorites from the menu.

The kitchen worked quickly despite being packed, getting food out hot and properly prepared. Staff members clearly take pride in their work and the restaurant they represent.

This level of service elevates good food into exceptional dining experiences, creating loyal customers who return again and again. You can train skills, but you cannot teach genuine hospitality, and Beasley’s has both in abundance.

Creative Cocktails And Cheerwine On Tap

Beverage programs often reveal how much a restaurant truly cares about the complete dining experience. Beasley’s takes drinks as seriously as they take their legendary fried chicken.

Their cocktail menu features inventive creations with great flavors that complement the Southern inspired food perfectly.

I tried a cocktail that balanced sweet and tangy notes beautifully, refreshing without being sugary. The bartenders clearly understand flavor profiles and how to craft drinks that enhance rather than compete with your meal.

Each cocktail arrives properly garnished and mixed, showing attention to detail.

For those seeking something more traditional, they offer Cheerwine, that beloved North Carolina soft drink. Finding Cheerwine on tap has become increasingly rare, making Beasley’s a destination for fans of this cherry flavored regional treasure.

One reviewer specifically mentioned their excitement about the Cheerwine availability.

The sweet tea deserves its own paragraph, brewed to that perfect level of sweetness Southerners demand. It’s not cloying or syrupy, just properly sweet and incredibly refreshing.

Whether you choose cocktails, regional sodas, or classic sweet tea, the beverage selection shows the same care and quality that defines every aspect of this restaurant.

A Legacy Built By James Beard Winner Ashley Christensen

Behind every great restaurant stands a visionary chef with passion and skill. Ashley Christensen, a James Beard Award winning chef, founded Beasley’s Chicken + Honey back in 2011.

Her commitment to Southern cuisine with modern twists has shaped Raleigh’s dining scene for over a decade.

Chef Christensen’s influence shows in every carefully crafted dish and thoughtful menu choice. She took traditional Southern comfort food and elevated it without losing the soul that makes it special.

Her restaurants, including Beasley’s, have put Raleigh on the national culinary map.

The attention to detail, from ingredient sourcing to preparation techniques, reflects her high standards. Pressure frying the chicken ensures maximum juiciness while achieving that signature crunch.

Every recipe gets tested and perfected before making it onto the menu.

Sadly, Beasley’s will close its doors on January 25, 2026, after more than 14 years of service. Chef Christensen cited the evolving downtown restaurant landscape following the pandemic as a factor in this difficult decision.

The announcement has sparked an outpouring of love from loyal customers desperate for one last taste of her legendary chicken before this chapter closes forever.

The Final Days Of A Raleigh Institution

News of Beasley’s impending closure hit the Raleigh community like a gut punch. Lines now wrap around the building before opening, filled with people desperate for one more taste of perfection.

Reservations for dinner service book up instantly, though brunch still operates on a walk in basis.

The restaurant continues operating with the same quality and care that built its reputation over 14 years. Staff members remain professional and warm despite the emotional weight of knowing their time together is limited.

Some menu items have become unavailable as they wind down operations and manage inventory.

I felt fortunate to experience this legendary spot before it disappears from Raleigh’s culinary landscape forever. Every bite carried extra significance knowing these flavors won’t be available much longer.

Other diners shared stories of first dates, anniversaries, and countless memories made within these walls.

The closure represents more than just losing a restaurant; it marks the end of an era for downtown Raleigh. People keep asking where they’ll find chicken this good once Beasley’s is gone, and nobody has satisfactory answers.

If you have any chance to visit before January 25, 2026, drop everything and go immediately. Some experiences cannot be replicated or replaced, and this is definitely one of them.