These local chicken joints are the squawk of the town!

Slim Chickens is a renowned fast-casual restaurant chain inspired by Southern cuisine. Founded in Fayetteville, Arkansas, in 2003, Slim Chickens has since expanded its footprint across the United States, with locations locally in Tampa and Wesley Chapel. They’ve been delighting customers with their signature hand-breaded chicken tenders, delicious sauces, and an array of comfort food classics. Slim Chickens’ menu includes not just delectable chicken options but also salads, sandwiches, and tempting sides like fried pickles and mac 'n' cheese, all with a diverse range of flavors to satisfy every palate. Known for its friendly service and inviting ambiance, Slim Chickens has become a go-to destination for those seeking a taste of Southern hospitality and exceptional chicken-centric comfort food.

Dave's Hot Chicken is a dynamic and rapidly growing fast-casual restaurant chain known for its fiery take on Nashville-style hot chicken. Established in Los Angeles, California, Dave's Hot Chicken has captured the hearts and taste buds of spice enthusiasts across the nation. Their menu is centered around a simple yet irresistible concept: succulent, crispy fried chicken tenders and sandwiches, served in varying spice levels from "No Spice" to "Reaper," catering to a wide range of heat preferences. Alongside their flavorful chicken, they offer a selection of classic Southern-inspired sides like creamy coleslaw, mac 'n' cheese, and crinkle-cut fries, providing the perfect accompaniments to their signature dishes. With an unwavering commitment to using high-quality, fresh ingredients and a passion for delivering an unforgettable spicy experience, Dave's Hot Chicken has become a go-to destination for those seeking a satisfying, fiery indulgence.

Southern Fresh is a charming, family-owned gem nestled in Safety Harbor, Florida, where locals and visitors alike gather for a taste of genuine Southern hospitality and mouthwatering comfort food. This small mom-and-pop restaurant is a beloved institution in the community, known for its dedication to serving up authentic Southern cuisine with a modern twist. Their menu is a tribute to classic comfort food, featuring dishes like crispy fried chicken, creamy mac 'n' cheese, slow-cooked collard greens with bacon, and banana pudding. What sets Southern Fresh apart is not just their delectable fare, but also the warm and welcoming Old Florida atmosphere created by the friendly staff. It's a place where every meal feels like a family gathering, and patrons leave with hearts full of contentment and bellies full of soul-satisfying Southern flavors. Their motto speaks for itself, “Like all good things in life our chicken takes time. Please be patient. You won’t be disappointed”. 

Noble Crust in Tampa is an upscale culinary gem that beautifully blends Southern and Italian traditions to create a truly unique dining experience. Located in the heart of the city, this restaurant is renowned for its inventive menu that celebrates the rich flavors of both cuisines. Their menu boasts a diverse array of dishes, from wood-fired pizzas with creative toppings to Southern-inspired classics like shrimp and grits with a twist. Noble Crust takes pride in using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to craft their dishes, ensuring freshness and quality in every bite; and their chicken is no exception. Their Southern Fried Chicken comes with Tabasco honey, black pepper gravy, mac n’ cheese, and ranch slaw. With its inviting ambiance and commitment to culinary excellence, Noble Crust has become a cherished dining destination in Tampa, where guests can enjoy a delightful fusion of Southern and Italian flavors. 

Korean-style fried chicken has only grown more and more popular in the US. The recent boom in interest has sparked a number of new restaurants serving unique Korean flavors. Gangchu Chicken and Beer is one such place. It’s run by the same restauranteur behind Tampa's beloved and dearly missed ramen shop, Ichikoro, which recently closed its doors for the last time. If you were a regular at Ichikoro, we definitely recommend giving Gangchu a try! Their Korean fried chicken is nothing short of extraordinary, known for its irresistibly crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior. Gangchu's menu features an array of mouthwatering sauce options, from the classic honey mustard to spicy chili oil and sweet honey garlic. This crispy, saucy delight is perfectly complemented by their extensive selection of refreshing beers, soju, and cocktails. 

This four-time Best of the Bay winning restaurant takes its devotion to chicken seriously. King of the Coop was established with a passion for elevating the humble chicken into a culinary masterpiece. They’ve quickly gained recognition for their menu of creative and mouthwatering chicken dishes. Try the King Mac sandwich; full-size tenders topped with mac n’ cheese, handmade pickles, and slaw between two toasty potato buns. Or take your chicken served alongside a golden brown Belgian waffle, syrup, and salted butter. Their tenders are so good you can eat them dry or dip them in housemade King sauce, dill ranch, or honey mustard. We can personally vouch for their hushpuppies, which are so good our interns were willing to pay cash for a bite! Their wide variety of unique sandwiches, sides, and bowls is what takes King of the Coop to the top.