We have two words for you: fried chicken

Ah yes, delicious sections of fresh chicken meat, battered in savory spices and fried until crispy and golden brown.

Fried chicken is one of the many staples of good ol’ soul food and for a good reason. It is delicious, especially when it’s done right. Up here in New York City, some places say they have authentic fried chicken, but is it really up to par with what the south is cooking up? We decided to put that to the test. We went on a quest to find the best fried chicken in NYC, and to our surprise, we were not disappointed.

Root and Bone:

This lovely restaurant in Alphabet City is serving up southern classics in a welcoming and homey setting. Open for lunch, brunch, and dinner, Root and Bone knows food and knows it well. From shrimp n’ grits to fried green tomatoes, their dishes speak directly to the soul, and this obviously includes their fried chicken. Sweet tea brined and lemon dusted, serviced with spiked tobacco honey, this is a bird to be reckoned with. Choose between either a half or a whole bird, but no matter the size you’re guaranteed to dine on authentic, well-done fried chicken.
http://www.rootnbone.com

Southern Hospitality:

Southern Hospitality is said to be the best BBQ in Hell’s Kitchen, and we agree. Their full menu serves up the greatest in classic southern barbecue, including traditional sides like baked beans, collard greens, mac and cheese, and homemade biscuits. However, their Tennessee-style fried chicken definitely steals the show. Battered in buttermilk then fried to perfection, this crispy chicken should make it onto everyone’s fried food bucket list. From Tennessee chicken to Louisiana style etoufee, to Texas brisket, this restaurant is truly a sample of the best that the south has to offer.
http://www.southernhospitalitybbq.com

Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken:

If you’re looking for quality chicken and great prices, this is the place for you. Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken, located in the East Village, serves up its award-winning fried chicken as pieces, tenders, and in several mouth-watering sandwiches. Not only that, but if you want a bird on a budget, their lunchbox deal gives you three pieces of chicken, crispy fries, and a drink for $9. Their menu is simple with plenty of options to satisfy your soul food craving. Not to mention, they stay open until 3 am, making them the easy choice for late-night drunk food.
http://blueribbonfriedchicken.com

Hill Country Chicken:

This place packs Texas flavor into Texas-sized portions. Their all-natural, buttermilk brined chicken comes in two styles: Classic and Mamma Els’. Classic leaves the skin on and is double-coated in seasoned flour, while Mamma Els’ style is skinless and rolled in crushed crackers, giving it a crunchy texture and golden color. You can get their chicken as pieces, in a salad, on a sandwich, or paired with delicious waffles. Grilled chicken is also an option, for you health-conscious poultry lovers out there. Also, make sure you save room for dessert, they sell several flavors of milkshakes and freshly made pies.
http://www.hillcountrychicken.com

Birds and Bubbles:

Want some class with your chicken? Look no further! Birds and Bubbles is a fun eatery in the Lower East Side serving up delicious food and countless amounts of bubbly. Open for dinner, brunch, and even late-night, their menu has exciting flavors with deep southern roots. Their fried chicken is perfect when paired with their jalapeño cornbread or buttermilk biscuits. Their small, rustic atmosphere is homey like their food, and makes the restaurant interesting and lively. Go with your friends for dinner or reserve a spot for a party, this place, and its food is sure to entertain.
http://www.birdsandbubbles.com