Fried chicken sandwich at Boxcar Betty’s.

9 Essential Spots for Fried Chicken in Charleston

Crispy, crunchy, and juicy

by Erin Perkins Updated Jun 27, 2022, 1:05pm EDT

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Fried chicken sandwich at Boxcar Betty’s.

| Boxcar Betty’s

by Erin Perkins Updated Jun 27, 2022, 1:05pm EDT

In need of a fat, juicy, hunk of Southern bird? Not sure where to go for your chicken fix? Let this map be the ultimate guide. While many will argue that their grandmother makes it best or that grocery store chain Publix is the only way to go, these are the restaurants you can sit in and dine. A few of these restaurants only offer fried chicken on certain dates, and sometimes only with reservations, so be sure to double-check times before getting hopes up for a certain bird from a particular address.

Bertha's Restaurant

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Bertha's Restaurant is where folks go to taste fried chicken steeped in family history. If there’s a line, don’t let it intimidate you — the staff works fast at Bertha’s Order the fried chicken with a square of mac and cheese and cabbage or collards. If you’re in a particular hurry, orders can be made to go.

2332 Meeting Street Rd, North Charleston, SC 29405

(843) 554-6519

Turquoise and purple building. — Bertha’s

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Ms. Rose's Fine Food & Cocktails

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West Ashley restaurant Ms. Rose’s Fine Food & Cocktails offers its “famous” fried chicken with a honey Tabasco sauce that keeps folks coming back. The decadent mac and cheese doesn’t hurt either.

1090 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407

(843) 766-0223

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Edmund's Oast

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NoMo eatery Edmund’s Oast offers crispy fried chicken in four flavors: regular, Korean, New Orleans barbecue, or spicy. Order a two-, four-, or eight-piece to go with collards and pasta salad.

1081 Morrison Dr, Charleston, SC 29403

(843) 727-1145

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Leon's Oyster Shop

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The crack of the cayenne-colored chicken skin at Leon’s Oyster Shop will keep anyone coming back for more. The Siam salad and broiled oysters are popular starters.

698 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

(843) 531-6500

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Dave's Carry Out

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Most folks know about the fried shrimp, fish, and pork chop at Dave's Carry Out, but those who look under the sandwich section of the menu will notice the chicken wings. These giant, fried wings come in orders of four, but that's all you'll probably need. The skins stay crunchy, and the wings stay hot, as they are freshly fried as you wait in the dining room where everyone seemingly knows everyone who walks in the door.

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42 Morris St, Charleston, SC 29403

(843) 577-7943

Boxcar Betty's

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The fried chicken sandwich at Boxcar Betty’s is popular that the restaurant quickly expanded to three locations in the Lowcountry and set up shop in Chicago and Charlotte. The restaurant pairs a crispy, crunchy chicken breast with pimento cheese, peach slaw, and spicy mayo.

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1922 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407

(843) 225-7470

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Early Bird Diner

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The chicken and waffles at Early Bird Diner are continually rated top in the city. The giant chicken breast is crisp enough to stand up to the syrup and honey mustard drizzle on top.

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1644 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407

(843) 277-2353

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Husk

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Fans of the fried chicken at Husk can now order the dish for curbside pickup or delivery. Founding chef Sean Brock says the recipe is "a hybrid of 5 or 6 different types of chicken: gas station, honky tonk, Colonel Sanders, Husk five fat, hot chicken, and buffalo wings."

76 Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401

(843) 577-2500

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Kinfolk

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Like it spicy? Order some Nashville-style hot chicken from Johns Island restaurant Kinfolk. The flavor is addictive for those who like fire, but the menu also offers a non-spiced version.