To honor National Fried Chicken Day, 7 unique Los Angeles fried chicken preparations display L.A.’s geographic and ethnic diversity. The common thread: these fried yardbirds are all bone-in, utilize dark meat and taste profoundly flavorful.
When Korea-based KyoChon Chicken opened a branch in Koreatown in 2007, the idea of eating at a 1000-link fried chicken chain seemed about as appealing as funneling a quart of Drano. They defied the odds by delivering a dynamic preparation of fried poultry. KyoChon fried chicken comes in two flavors: Garlic Soy Sauce and Hot Sweet Sauce. They sell wings and sticks, but the best way to experience the bird is by ordering a whole chicken ($17.99). The cooks hack the chicken into two-inch chunks with total disregard for joint placement. The luscious meat is jacketed with a thin, crispy sheathe. The frying process fused the garlic soy sauce into the skin, and since the chicken isn’t battered, melts away the succulent skin’s fat.
Chef Larkin Mackey’s Good Ole Fried Chicken ($10) is lightly breaded, well seasoned and expertly fried. The dark meat retains its moisture while barely betraying a hint of grease. The crust couldn’t have been more than a millimeter thin, and the skin was virtually fat-free. The side: Aunt Carolyn’s Potato Salad, inspired by a version from Larkin’s aunt, “sweet and spicy,” studded with chunks of red and green pepper. The menu claims the potatoes inspire diners to “slap yo’ mamma.” My mamma was nowhere in sight, and my friend was bigger than me, so I’ll have to save the slapping for next time. The best time to get your chicken fix is on Sundays, when Larkin’s offers a “Poor Man’s Buffet.” Certain Sundays, the $12.99 feast includes all-you-can-eat fried chicken.
Celebrated French chef Ludovic Lefebrve returned to BREADBAR West Third on May 19 to relaunch LudoBites. Through August 22, Ludo will be behind the bar prepping “innovative twists on classic French comfort cuisine.” I expected Ludo to break out some culinary fireworks, but never expected him to lower the boom on fried chicken. He coats the dark meat in herbs de Provence and fries the bird in duck fat. That may have been a shortcut to poultry nirvana, but so what. On my visit, he plated the chicken on “Basque vegetables,” which consisted of spice-soaked peppers, onions and potatoes.
If you have a favorite fried chicken that wasn’t listed, please let ME know in the Comments.
I’m very interested in participating in any future fried chicken cook offs. I believe we have some award winning fried chicken in Woodland Hills at Cable’s Restaurant.
thank you.
[…] chicken gizzards Food GPS Top Fried Chicken in Los AngelesIn honor of National Fried Chicken Day, here are five unique takes on fried yardbird, displaying […]
I am also a big fan of Kyochon, but for late night fried chicken bites, the wings at Dan Sung Sa are great. They also have fried chicken gizzards and fried chicken butt, both served with a generous heaping of deep fried garlic and slices of fresh jalepeno.
Maian, thanks for the tip. I’ve eaten at Seongbukdong many times, but never walked across the parking lot to try Dan Sung Sa. Sounds like it’s overdue.
Izakaya Bincho service is terrible. I’ve never been treated so poorly by an establishment. We went there on a Friday night at 6:30pm. With 2 other parties seated, they looked our group of 3 people, and the “host” without speaking turn the “open” sign to “close”. Turned her back to us and didn’t say one word. I spoke to one other couple and said they got the same treatment as well. AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE…
I haven’t had a chance to try the fried chicken at Babe and Ricky’s, but I’m overdue for a return trip to Leimert Park. This sounds like a great reason. Thanks for the tip.
No restrictions, and only LudoBites comes halfway close to high end. A lot of people seem to like Honey Kettle more than me. Is that one of your favorites?
[…] In honor of National Fried Chicken Day, here are five unique takes on fried yardbird, displaying L.A.’s geographic and ethnic diversity. The only thing the preparations have in common is that they’re on the bone, utilize dark meat and are profoundly flavorful. Read the original: Top Fried Chicken in Los Angeles […]
Boneyard Bistro deserves honorable mention for their Monday night fried chicken. La Grande Orange was also a contender but was disqualified because it’s boneless chicken breast. Several other spots warranted consideration.
Blog Comments
Stephen
November 11, 2011 at 9:44 PM
I’m very interested in participating in any future fried chicken cook offs. I believe we have some award winning fried chicken in Woodland Hills at Cable’s Restaurant.
thank you.
caleb
April 27, 2010 at 9:33 AM
Great list… must try the Jitlada fried chicken next time I’m there…
fried chicken gizzards
April 4, 2010 at 5:39 AM
[…] chicken gizzards Food GPS Top Fried Chicken in Los AngelesIn honor of National Fried Chicken Day, here are five unique takes on fried yardbird, displaying […]
Maian
December 18, 2009 at 10:43 AM
I am also a big fan of Kyochon, but for late night fried chicken bites, the wings at Dan Sung Sa are great. They also have fried chicken gizzards and fried chicken butt, both served with a generous heaping of deep fried garlic and slices of fresh jalepeno.
Joshua Lurie
December 18, 2009 at 10:54 AM
Maian, thanks for the tip. I’ve eaten at Seongbukdong many times, but never walked across the parking lot to try Dan Sung Sa. Sounds like it’s overdue.
Sam
July 8, 2009 at 10:12 AM
Izakaya Bincho service is terrible. I’ve never been treated so poorly by an establishment. We went there on a Friday night at 6:30pm. With 2 other parties seated, they looked our group of 3 people, and the “host” without speaking turn the “open” sign to “close”. Turned her back to us and didn’t say one word. I spoke to one other couple and said they got the same treatment as well. AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE…
Jethro
July 7, 2009 at 1:02 PM
Have you tried the Monday Night Special at Babe and Ricky’s? Great blues and even better chicken.
Joshua Lurie
July 7, 2009 at 1:31 PM
Jethro,
I haven’t had a chance to try the fried chicken at Babe and Ricky’s, but I’m overdue for a return trip to Leimert Park. This sounds like a great reason. Thanks for the tip.
Diana
July 7, 2009 at 11:43 AM
What about Pann’s? Then there is Honey Kettle and the like.
Is this list restricted to only unusual takes or higher end cchicken?
Joshua Lurie
July 7, 2009 at 12:14 PM
Diana,
No restrictions, and only LudoBites comes halfway close to high end. A lot of people seem to like Honey Kettle more than me. Is that one of your favorites?
Liz
July 7, 2009 at 9:30 AM
I haven’t tried any of those. I am spoiled by my mom’s that I tried to duplicate Saturday.
mattatouille
July 7, 2009 at 8:51 AM
Ah, just a note, I believe the Larkin’s Sunday AYCE bonanza is $13 now (well technically $12.99)
Top Fried Chicken in Los Angeles | Adobe Tutorials
July 6, 2009 at 10:16 PM
[…] In honor of National Fried Chicken Day, here are five unique takes on fried yardbird, displaying L.A.’s geographic and ethnic diversity. The only thing the preparations have in common is that they’re on the bone, utilize dark meat and are profoundly flavorful. Read the original: Top Fried Chicken in Los Angeles […]
mattatouille
July 6, 2009 at 8:08 PM
I’ve tried all of those except Ludo’s! I’m sure they’re delicious though.
e*starLA
July 6, 2009 at 5:24 PM
Nice list! I was actually thinking of the chicken at Boneyard Bistro, which I know you’re familiar with! 🙂
Joshua Lurie
July 6, 2009 at 8:20 PM
Esther,
Boneyard Bistro deserves honorable mention for their Monday night fried chicken. La Grande Orange was also a contender but was disqualified because it’s boneless chicken breast. Several other spots warranted consideration.