Succulent fried chicken?

[foodforbrains]

Can I get a recommendation from you hounds?
I've got a terrible craving for salty, crunchy, juicy fried chicken. Ideally, the chicken would be consumed outside, with cold beer, and wouldn't be too expensive. Northern Liberties, Fishtown or Old City, preferably. What do you think, folks -- who fries the tastiest bird?

[foodforbrains]

Hey all, these are some good suggestions -- I'm working near Reading Terminal Market this summer, so I'll check out that salad bar place for sure. And the Meme lunch deal sounds killer. I've had Silk City's bird, and it is indeed very good. They have a new outdoor beer garden, which people should check out if they have not done so already -- really nice spot for happy hour ($2 pints of Kenzinger). Anyway, thanks all!

[shellbellc]

I can't believe I forgot about Speck's! If you live near Collegeville, Speck's has awesome broasted chicken. The place has been there for like 30 years. It will take you back to the 70's with the atmosphere. Try their cole slaw also!

[mlpkroffal]

Meme does do that exactly! The deal is a plate of fried chicken (2 pieces) a home made biscuit, and a Miller High Life for $11. There are also 1 or 2 sides available for only 2 more dollars. I was there last week and the sides were jalapeno hush puppies and some awesome potato salad. You can sub lemonade or iced tea for the High Life if need be. The chicken is really good and comes with this "secret sauce" comprised of hot sauce and something? Awesome deal and they do have outdoor seating.

[pie22]

sounds amazing - where is this meme?

[Boognish]

http://www.memerestaurant.com/

[bentley1530]

I had some from Whole foods last weekend that was pretty good. I am always on the lookout for good fried chicken most of the time I go to the Crown Chicken at 40th and Market but there are plenty of other locations in the city. The chicken is tasty skip the sides.

[shellbellc]

OK, sticking my neck out here, but our local Genuardi's has excellent fried chicken. Friends of mine get it for every family function, everyone loves it. I stopped and got a large quantity for a work luncheon and as everyone started eating it word started traveling and it was eaten up faster than everything. Everyone wanted to know where I got it....I've never gotten it while it was sitting under the warmer, I order for a specific pick up time.

[Boognish]

I would imagine that's key. Fresh out of the fryer has to make a difference!

[StrandedYankee]

As a native Philadelphian who now lives in Tennessee, I have to admit to having a silly urge to stick out my tounge at you and go "Nyahh-Nyahh-Nyahh!". However, I seem to recall having a uniqely good experience with fried chicken at the Down Home Diner in Reading Terminal Market. It's been awhile since I've been there, but it was delicious.

Sarah M.

[pie22]

i am a big fan of that place in the reading terminal market (the name escapes me) but its from the pay by the pound buffet (kind of on a back wall near the beer garden)...i'd imagine they also have a restaurant location in the city. i also am unsure if i have ever had amazingly good fried chicken but thats it in my mind - they bring out fresh batches all day.

[bentley1530]

I went looking in the Reading Terminal Market after reading your comments and the place is called Tootsie's Salad Express. The fried chicken is really good. Thanks for the tip.

[pie22]

yes thats it! i'm glad you enjoyed it - they also have alot of great sides to pair your chicken with.....skip the fried whiting, it lacks something in the breading.

[lawgirl3278]

It's not the sit-outside-with-a-beer type, but my favorite fried chicken is at Silk City Diner. Served with garlic mashed potatoes and jalapeno cornbread, it's fantastic.

[Gorp512]

Meme on 22nd and Spruce does EXACTLY what you are looking for every Thursday for lunch. I think its like 11 dollars for fried chicken, a biscuit and a Miller High Life. They should have outside seating by now too.

[Bashful3]

This isn't an answer you would be expecting, but I find that Popeye's fried chicken and all the things that come with it are a guilty pleasure. We get our fix in a N. J. Turnpike stop,going North, somewhere north of exit 4, probably before exit 5, but I'm not sure about that. And, you can bring your own beer. And, they have picnic tables. I know they sell buckets, and that makes the cost even more reasonable. They wouldn't be using lard, but it tastes sinfully good.

[Chefpaulo]

You and me both. Unfortunately, the best tasting is probably the worst healthwise. That is, floured and salted, egg dipped, breaded and fried in lard. That's the way both of my grandmothers did it and both recipes were superb. Where to get that around here is a mystery. Maybe you can just make your own.

CP

[smobron]

I am hopeful that you get some good responses , I live in West Chester but travel to Philly on occasion and love fried chicken but gave up after so many were not what I was looking for

[coolgeek]

I recall a mention of a place on Girard Avenue in the Northern Liberties area within the last couple of years, but I've been unable to locate either the place or the mention.

Anybody?

[mazza3]

that place wasn't in northern liberties, it was closer to fairmount....good fried chicken in philly is not to be found in that part of the city unfortunately.....

[Bigley9]

It was a Rick Nichols piece on a place around 2800 Girard wasn't it? And the owner was the Aunt of a professional basketball player (who set her up in business)?

[barryg]

There is Debra's on Girard (west of Broad), which is a Soul Food restaurant. There's also a take out place called, I think, John's somewhere on the East side that I have heard good things about.

[thehungrything]

She is Marvin Harrison's aunt.

[hollyd]

YES! DKs is good, and Butters. Both on Girard in the 20s.

[Bigley9]

I love chowhounders for filling in my blanks (and correcting my errors - imagine Marvin Harrison playin hoops)!!!!

[hollyd]

DKs is her takeout.