Photo courtesy of Miss Ollie's.
The word “fried chicken” first appeared in the 1830s, implying that Americans have been enjoying the meal for almost 200 years.
American fried chicken, though it comes in countless varieties today, initially incorporated Scottish frying techniques with Western African seasoning, scholars have said. The food is indelibly tied to the American South, as well as the country’s history of slavery.
In “The Encyclopedia of American Food and Drink,” Lynne Olver writes that the Scottish may have brought their chicken-frying methods to the South when they settled there. “The efficient and simple cooking process was very well adapted to the plantation life of the southern African-American slaves, who were often allowed to raise their own chickens,” she writes.
The tradition carried over into emancipation and beyond, quickly gaining status as one of the South’s favorite meals.
Though hundreds of miles from the dish’s southern origins, the Bay Area is home to a surprising number of fried and hot chicken restaurants, each of which has a special twist on the meal. Hot chicken is arguably a sister of fried chicken. It originates in Nashville and is marinated in a sauce or paste spiced with cayenne pepper.
Today, fried and hot chicken come in many varieties. From Aburaya’s Japanese-style fried chicken sandwiches to the Cajun/Creole-inspired plate at Angeline’s Louisiana Kitchen, ready your appetite and taste some of the most comforting flavors of the Bay Area.
Image courtesy of Yelp.
With a plethora of housemade sauces to choose from and a punk rock vibe, Aburaya is a joyful spot to try Japanese fried chicken, aka kara-age, and izakaya. Try the four- or eight-piece plate or put it on a sandwich and delight in the crunch.
Where: 362 17th St, Oakland
Station: 19th St Oakland
Walk time: Two minutes
With two locations in San Francisco – on Montgomery St and Hayes St – The Bird is a trustworthy joint known for its fried chicken sandwiches. For just $10.25, you can score a sandwich with free-range, dark thigh meat topped with house-made crunchy apple slaw.
Where: 115 New Montgomery St and 406 Hayes St
Stations: Montgomery St and Civic Center/UN Plaza
Walk time: Three minutes, 11 minutes
Image courtesy of Starbird.
A small chain with locations across California, Starbird makes all of its ingredient in-house. The chicken is hand-breaded and never frozen and comes in varieties ranging from Nashville hot to Sweet Thai glazed.
Where: 60 Morris St
Station: Powell St
Walk time: 16 minutes
Bringing the flavors of New Orleans to Berkeley, Angeline’s offers an abundance of Southern home cooking treats, including buttermilk fried chicken with ginger-vanilla sweet potato mash, Tasso ham cream gravy, and Blue Lake green beans with parmesan.
Where: 2261 Shattuck Ave
Station: Downtown Berkeley
Walk time: Four minutes
Image courtesy of Miss Ollie's.
Located in Old Oakland, Miss Ollie’s serves Caribbean-style foods that pack a punch. Try the Bajan fried chicken, which comes with avocado, slaw, and plantains, and finish up with Creole donuts and cream if you know what’s good for you.
Where: 901 Washington St, Oakland
Station: 12th St Oakland
Walk time: Four minutes
Founded in 1989, Krispy Krunchy Chicken has now spread to 47 states with more than 2,600 locations. The joint, which has a location in Richmond, serves fried chicken sandwiches, chicken meals, wings. And even honey butter fried shrimp.
Where: 575 23rd St
Station: Richmond
Walk time: 10 minutes
Image courtesy of Yelp.
A staple in downtown Lafayette, Sideboard is known for its hot coffee and biscuits, as well as its salads that burst with fresh vegetables. But if you’re lucky, fried chicken served in a bucket (half or full sizes available) will be on the menu during your visit. The restaurant also offers its chicken on a sandwich, with jalapeno slaw and chipotle aioli.
Where: 3537 Plaza Way
Station: Lafayette
Walk time: Nine minutes
Image courtesy of Yelp.
World Famous Hot Boys got its start in Oakland, though it has now expanded to locations in Walnut Creek and Sacramento. Order your chicken and choose from seven levels of spiciness, from "Southern" to "hot." Get it with a beer and a side of loaded fries.
Where: 1601 San Pablo Ave and 1394 N Main St
Station: 19th St Oakland and Walnut Creek
Walk time: Four minutes, 16 minutes
Inspired by the fresh, tangy flavors of Lima, Peru, Parada is known for its many varieties of cebiche. Nonetheless, the restaurant also offers “chicharrones de la casa” in chicken, calamari, and mushroom options.
Where: 7001 Sunne Ln, Walnut Creek
Station: Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre
Walk time: Three minutes
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