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Discover the Best Fried Chicken in Austin

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated January 24, 2020

Today Austin stands out as the culinary capital of Texas. But looking back to the city's early days, settlers relied on prairie hunting and farming to feed their families. That all changed with the arrival of the railroad which brought in exotic foods from Asia and everywhere in between. Even as their cuisine diversifies, Southern cities still excel at soul food. While Tex-Mex, breakfast tacos, pecan pies and barbecue might define the fare of the city, the fried chicken remains a Southern delicacy. This makes finding the best fried chicken in Austin a delicious way to spend an afternoon. So where are the most experienced diners eating out? Welcome to the Tastemaker 20. We’ve gathered data from OpenTable’s culinary connoisseurs to pinpoint where to find the best fried chicken in Austin. Check out these hotspots and book a table today!

A photo of June's All Day restaurant
June's All Day
4.8
4.8 (1048)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
South Austin
About the restaurant
With a menu that pays tribute to NYC hipster wine bars, Parisian cafes and Spanish tapas bars, June's All Day provides Austinites with a dining experience they can’t find anywhere else. Guests are first greeted with tile floors, stools at the bar, quirky lighting and an old-school jukebox – all indicative of a vintage café. They’ll occasionally have a DJ onsite or the big game playing, but this never detracts from the overall ambiance. Menu favorites include steak tartare, smoked salmon salad, charbroiled burgers and some of the best fried chicken in Austin served on a bun with kohlrabi ranch slaw and hot sauce.
Top review
Betsy
Dined 4 days ago
Great food and drink. Wine is slightly over priced- but all in all a fun time.
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A photo of Happy Hour | Monday - Friday of a restaurant
Experience
Happy Hour | Monday - Friday
A photo of Foreign & Domestic - Austin restaurant
Foreign & Domestic - Austin
4.7
4.7 (2038)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Central Austin
About the restaurant
Using foreign techniques to prepare domestic cuisine creates an exceptional flavor, and that's the main goal of Foreign & Domestic. The eatery offers a massive wine selection to go with their dishes, and popular menu items include steak tartare, seared lamb heart, Parisian gnocchi and duck fat fingerlings. Those fiending for the best fried chicken in Austin, though, will need to show up for brunch. This is the only time the fried chicken biscuit – complete with sunny side egg and red eye gravy – is available to guests. Anyone who gets lost trying to find the eatery can just look for the 10-foot flying pig painted on the exterior wall.
Top review
Phillip YennerellVIP
Dined 1 day ago
The entire meal was fantastic! They need at least one or two Micheline Stars ⭐️
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A photo of Parisian Gnocchi of a restaurant
Popular dish
Parisian Gnocchi
A photo of Gruyere & Black Pepper Popovers of a restaurant
Popular dish
Gruyere & Black Pepper Popovers
A photo of Roasted Berkshire Pork Collar of a restaurant
Popular dish
Roasted Berkshire Pork Collar
A photo of Uchiko Austin restaurant
Uchiko Austin
4.8
4.8 (6046)
$50 and over
Sushi
Central Austin
About the restaurant
One might not anticipate finding some of the best fried chicken in Austin at a Japanese restaurant, but Uchiko manages to buck this expectation. Their karaage is a marinated chicken complete with cucumber and seasonal pickles, but visitors can also enjoy short rib, branzino, onion ring tempura and an impressive variety of sushi. For a chance to experience the cuisine while having a blast, patrons should come during the Sake Social. Regardless of the time, though, the wicker lamps, artsy chandeliers, massive mural of vegetables and unique layout provide a relaxing ambiance.
Top review
GinaVIP
Dined 4 days ago
Wonderful food, as usual, first time at this location and the noise level is definitely better than Uchi!!
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Popular dish
Ko Salad
A photo of Brussels Sprouts of a restaurant
Popular dish
Brussels Sprouts
A photo of Hama Chili of a restaurant
Popular dish
Hama Chili
A photo of The Salty Sow restaurant
The Salty Sow
4.8
4.8 (3990)
$30 and under
Gastro Pub
East Austin
About the restaurant
Poaching, braising and other old-world cooking methods are combined with newer techniques to create modern farmhouse cuisine at The Salty Sow. They're intent on keeping the old ways alive, and this is why the eatery is housed in the former general store of iconic jazz pianist Robert Shaw. This focus can also be seen through rustic décor – such as antique silverware chandeliers – and barnyard art. While the name may be focused on pork, the crisp chicken thighs are among the best fried chicken in Austin. Guests should try the candied pork belly and duck breast as well.
Top review
Laura
Dined 1 day ago
Twice in a month for this out of townee - will be back!
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Popular dish
Deviled Eggs
A photo of Triple fried duck fat fries of a restaurant
Popular dish
Triple fried duck fat fries
A photo of Roasted Bone Marrow of a restaurant
Popular dish
Roasted Bone Marrow
A photo of Fixe restaurant
Fixe
4.8
4.8 (3100)
$31 to $50
Southern
Downtown
About the restaurant
Anyone who has called the South ‘home’ knows how warm and welcoming Sunday dinner can be, and Fixe provides its guests with this feeling every day of the week. One step inside transports patrons straight to the countryside. Platters and mirrors line the walls, and antique doors and windows round out the rural appeal. This is a terrific way to enjoy the best fried chicken in Austin – which comes with kale, green apple and spicy honey. Other progressive twists on Southern classics include the lobster & crawfish pot pie, duck breast, Antebellum grits and dry aged ribeye.
Top review
Dale
Dined 2 days ago
Great ambience, waitress very professional, friendly and attentive. Food was very good and not like you see at other restaurants; biscuits are wonderful!
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A photo of Fixe Biscuits of a restaurant
Popular dish
Fixe Biscuits
A photo of 3 Deviled Eggs of a restaurant
Popular dish
3 Deviled Eggs
A photo of Shrimp & Grits of a restaurant
Popular dish
Shrimp & Grits
A photo of Colleen's Kitchen restaurant
Colleen's Kitchen
4.8
4.8 (967)
$30 and under
Southern
Central Austin
About the restaurant
The exterior of Colleen’s Kitchen gives off a contemporary big-city vibe, but once inside, guests are treated to a taste of Southern inspiration. Country lighting, vintage photos, simple seating, rustic décor and plenty of natural light define the ambiance. They also have a couple options for the best fried chicken in Austin. The Little Biscuit comes with pickled mustard seed mayo, and for lunch or dinner, the fried chicken plate or Yardbird are both great options. Show up on Friday or Saturday to enjoy the tasting menu.
Top review
Brian
Dined 1 day ago
The food is amazing. I had the short ribs, fried green tomatoes, collard greens(a lot of sugar in them), & the biscuits. I cleaned my plate(s). I will go back as soon as possible.
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A photo of Fried Chicken of a restaurant
Popular dish
Fried Chicken
A photo of Fried Green Tomato of a restaurant
Popular dish
Fried Green Tomato
A photo of Fried Green Tomatoes of a restaurant
Popular dish
Fried Green Tomatoes
A photo of Ranch 616 restaurant
Ranch 616
4.6
4.6 (1547)
$31 to $50
Southwest
Downtown
About the restaurant
For a real South Texas Icehouse experience, Austinites head over to the Civic District for Ranch 616. The large snake logo and huge metal archway covering the outdoor seating area are easily identifiable, and once inside, everything defies expectations. The décor is incredibly diverse. It includes everything from bison trophy mounts to 1950’s diner ornamentation. Mexican folk art and cowboy kitsch are also sprinkled throughout, and the menu is similarly diverse. While they don't have the best fried chicken in Austin, they do have chicken fried quail and tenderloin. These are both delicious alternatives to typical poultry offerings.
Top review
john
Dined on Dec 8, 2024
Good from start to finish . Food is excellent and service wonderful
A photo of Stella San Jac restaurant
Stella San Jac
4.4
4.4 (1557)
$31 to $50
Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
Downtown
About the restaurant
Few restaurants are as quintessentially Austin as Stella San Jac. Located in Downtown Austin, this popular eatery offers a contemporary atmosphere that demands to be photographed and shared on Instagram. Modern lighting structures, an unequalled ceiling design, vibrant artwork and constant celebrations define the interior. Guests can even bring their canine pals on National Dog Day! The chicken & waffle offering comes equipped with bourbon maple syrup and country gravy. For patrons seeking something new, the lobster mac and cheese, prawn and foie gras pad Thai, BLT salad and Stella Burger are perfect options.
Top review
JosephVIP
Dined 3 days ago
We split the Halibut Ceviche (starter) and the Herb-crusted Halibut and Key Lime Pie (dessert). Portions are small, but adequate. Quality is exquisite. The restaurant is located in an area that is a bit seedy, but the restaurant is upscale. Curbside parking is limited, but there is ample public parking within a couple blocks. Highly recommended for ambience, great taste, and superb service.
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A photo of Shrimp & Grits of a restaurant
Popular dish
Shrimp & Grits
A photo of Pecan Praline French Toast of a restaurant
Popular dish
Pecan Praline French Toast
A photo of Chicken & Waffle of a restaurant
Popular dish
Chicken & Waffle
A photo of Geraldine’s restaurant
Geraldine’s
4.8
4.8 (2342)
$30 and under
Unspecified
Downtown
About the restaurant
Taking in the view of Downtown Austin's skyline and Lady Bird Lake are just a small part of Geraldine's appeal. Their rooftop lounge is also a popular attraction. After all, the private cabanas easily defeat the Texas sun. Toss in the nightly live music, elegant chandeliers and interior reminiscent of an opera house, and this is truly an exciting dining experience. They also cook up a chicken sandwich – complete with red chili chow chow and jalapeno mayo – that easily qualifies as some of the best fried chicken in Austin. Repeat visitors should eventually try out the crispy fish tacos, pork carnitas sandwich and farro grain bowl for a change of pace.
Top review
Lois
Dined 5 days ago
I had the good fortune to be treated to the best dinner of my life. The hotel is beautiful and inviting, the restaurant has a special welcoming atmosphere that was special and inviting. Our waiter was exceptional in his knowledge of the food and in his professionalism. The food was the best combination of taste, flavor, texture, and visual delight imaginable. This magnet of culinary superiority will draw me back again and again.
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A photo of Buttermilk Biscuits of a restaurant
Popular dish
Buttermilk Biscuits
A photo of Steak & Eggs of a restaurant
Popular dish
Steak & Eggs
A photo of Stuffed French Toast of a restaurant
Popular dish
Stuffed French Toast
A photo of The Peached Tortilla restaurant
The Peached Tortilla
4.8
4.8 (1929)
$30 and under
Asian
Central Austin
About the restaurant
Austin locals may remember The Peached Tortilla when it was nothing more than a single food truck. Since that time, it’s evolved into one of the most popular brick-and-mortar restaurants in the city. They've never forgotten how they got their start, so the sliders and famous tacos from the street truck remain on the menu. In addition, they now also offer pork belly buns, Dan Dan noodles and a variety of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. And while the Crispy Umami Wings may not meet the traditional criteria of ‘best wings in Austin,’ they certainly leave guests comfortably satisfied.
Top review
Alona
Dined 1 day ago
The food and services were excellent. Their sesame scallion puffs are outstanding. There is plenty of parking at the back, even though it doesn’t look like it :)
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A photo of Steak Frites Tuesday! of a restaurant
Experience
Steak Frites Tuesday!
A photo of Fried Chicken and Whiskey Wednesdays of a restaurant
Experience
Fried Chicken and Whiskey Wednesdays
A photo of Ramen Night of a restaurant
Experience
Ramen Night
A photo of Fulton restaurant
Fulton
4.3
4.3 (205)
$30 and under
American
Austin
About the restaurant
Few places in Austin offer the diversity that Revue has on their menu. Traditional Italian classics, Asian delicacies, a variety of seafood and tasty offerings from the pastry shop ensure there’s a little something for everyone. They focus on sustainability by utilizing locally grown ingredients, and this progressive attitude continues through creating a shareable and communal experience. Neon lighting, beautiful indoor trees and a hip bar area establish fun surroundings. The Korean wings are an interesting take on the best fried chicken in Austin, but the Angus burger, oysters, artisanal cheese board and salmon poke are worth mentioning as well.
Top review
CKseesit
Dined on Jan 1, 2021
I had the waffles they were good..but not very hot. However it was a busy time so I understand.
A photo of Culinary Dropout - Austin restaurant
Culinary Dropout - Austin
4.6
4.6 (2377)
$30 and under
American
Northwest
About the restaurant
Giving a long-deserved nod to those on the fringe of society, Culinary Dropout shows that not all greatness comes equipped with a suit and tie. The mural featuring celebrity 'bad boys' in their mugshots reminds guests that the tatted-up cooks in the open kitchen are just as valid as everyone else. For those who feel a little hyped up after this reminder, there are plenty of backyard games in the outdoor area. Guests should make sure to not get overly excited, however, and miss out on the spicy vegan curry, rainbow trout, bistro steak or buttermilk biscuits served with some of the best fried chicken in Austin.
Top review
Jae
Dined 2 days ago
Such a great vibe in this spot. Upscale food. Great drinks and very lovely ambiance. Not quiet so know that. Great live music.
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A photo of Roasted Salmon of a restaurant
Popular dish
Roasted Salmon
A photo of Fried Chicken of a restaurant
Popular dish
Fried Chicken
A photo of Chopped Chicken of a restaurant
Popular dish
Chopped Chicken
A photo of Eberly restaurant
Eberly
4.7
4.7 (1780)
$31 to $50
American
Bouldin Creek
About the restaurant
Anyone who missed the opportunity to visit New York City's historic Cedar Tavern Bar need only visit Eberly Restaurant. While the NYC landmark may have closed in 2006, it was brought to Eberly in 2016. This centerpiece meshes well with the rustic and industrial touches throughout the eatery. Fortunately for foodies, the menu is equally as impressive. While the fried chicken sandwich doesn't come with three pieces and mashed potatoes, it's still some of the best fried chicken in Austin. The grilled octopus, bison tartare, stone fruit salad and spicy pomodoro do well at rounding out this impressive menu.
Top review
Megan
Dined 4 days ago
Great service. We arrived late and they were super accommodating and helped us get out in time for our show. Great food and drinks as always. Love taking people to dinner here
A photo of Doc B's Restaurant - Austin restaurant
Doc B's Restaurant - Austin
4.8
4.8 (1051)
$30 and under
American
North Central
About the restaurant
While Doc B’s might not be exclusive to Austin, this is only because its popularity couldn’t be contained to a single region. Their craft beer, spirits and wine selection help tell the tale of why the eatery is so widely loved, but locally, offering arguably the best fried chicken in Austin certainly plays a role as well. The crispy chicken sandwich and boneless 'hot' chicken are just a few of the fried poultry options. They also offer a variety of pizzas, salads and specialty burgers. Each Doc B's has its own personality, and in Austin, this means an expansive bar, plenty of televisions and remarkable music-centered art.
Top review
amanda
Dined on Dec 11, 2024
The service is excellent. Our server was amazing. Food was good but not great. Atmosphere was nice.
A photo of Paul Martin's - Austin restaurant
Paul Martin's - Austin
4.6
4.6 (2307)
$31 to $50
American
North Central
About the restaurant
Anyone walking around the Domain Northside is likely to catch a whiff of perfection. This is thanks to Paul Martin's and their insistence on using live fire to mesquite grill their guests' favorite offerings. These include juicy burgers, braised short rib, blackened ribeye and more. Of course, they also offer up some of the best fried chicken in Austin – complete with a hot honey dipping sauce. Watching television while enjoying these options and the expansive wine list is an option, but patrons should also stop to admire the rural art, outdoor old-fashioned string lighting and overall pastoral appeal of this awesome restaurant.
Top review
Chantel
Dined 2 days ago
Our server Zach was attentive, professional and friendly. Our daughters birthday dinner was a success. We will be back!
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A photo of Steelhead Salmon of a restaurant
Popular dish
Steelhead Salmon
A photo of Warm Butter Cake of a restaurant
Popular dish
Warm Butter Cake
A photo of Cobb Salad of a restaurant
Popular dish
Cobb Salad

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