Food & Drink

Top Spots For Fried Chicken

November 1, 2011 2:06 AM

Hanson’s (credit: Young Kim)

Fried chicken at Hanson's (credit: Young Kim)

Sometimes nothing is as satisfying as fried chicken almost so hot you cannot eat. While the newsroom argues over the chains, (it’s a very vehement KFC versus Popeye’s debate) there are plenty of places to satisfy your need for a perfect piece of chicken, be it a leg, breast or thigh.

Hanson's (credit: Young Kim)

Hanson’s Grill & Tavern

1301 South Pearl Street
Denver, CO 80210
(303) 744-1052
hansonsgrill-tavern.com
You’ll find all sorts of great neighborhood shopping and dining on South Pearl Street and among them, Hanson’s. The menu offers all sorts of American favorites but nothing shines quite as brightly as the honey-kissed fried chicken. You get a great mix of favorite pieces, breast, leg and thigh. Load up on the mashed potatoes as well and don’t forget to check out one of the best happy hours in town.

Tom's Home Cookin' (credit: Young Kim)

Tom’s Home Cookin’

800 East 26th Avenue
Denver, CO 80205-5147
(303) 388-8035
Tom most definitely has the “home cookin” down, this perfectly done chicken is absolutely moist on the inside, crunchy on the outside, fried the perfect color. And Tom’s is always consistent in serving up just the right batch of chicken. Look for traditional Southern sides like fried okra and cornbread. Get there early to find a seat and don’t forget the sweet tea!

White Fence Farm (credit: CBS)

White Fence Farm

6263 West Jewell Avenue
Lakewood, CO 80232
(303) 935-5945
whitefencefarm.com
This is a classic family joint, well, joint doesn’t begin to describe it but “farm” certainly does. There’s almost always a wait but there is plenty to keep everyone entertained, in fact, you might not be ready for your table when it’s ready for you. You’ll be able to check out the OK Corral where you can feed and pet the critters, even get in a little shopping. But once you’re ready to eat, you be served up family portions of comfort food including Granny’s classic fried chicken with all your favorite sides.

Wynkoop Brewing Company (credit: CBS)

Wynkoop Brewing Co.

1634 18th Street
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 297-2700
wynkoop.com
You might think about the Wynkoop as a great place to check out locally brewed beers but you’ll also find fried chicken to make Grandma weep. The Wynkoop even stole Grandma’s secret — using buttermilk to soak the chicken before battering it up and frying it to golden perfection. Part of fried chicken is most definitely the sides, this comes with Yukon gold mashed potatoes and a biscuit.

- By Raetta Holdman for CBSDenver.com

Ron Howe

I can’t believe you left out the Castle Cafe in Castle Rock. I go there about 10 times a year (been to White Fence Farm and it’s not half as good) and I know people come from Wyoming and New Mexico for the chicken. I always get extra orders to go so I can enjoy it again on other days.

GingerAnn

I agree the Castle Cafe is head and shoulders better then The White Fence Farm. We go to Castle Rock often, can’t beat it…

Belinda Blea

Church’s Chicken is the best. AND it tastes just a crispy and delicious the next day!

mkdenver1

Belinda,

Church’s Chicken?? Give me a break! This list was for LOCAL independent chicken places which typically have the BEST chicken as they are usually homemade and have their own special recipes.

What’s your #2 and #3? Popeye’s and KFC?

Sick of all these people who prefer national chains instead of local ones.

Rick

What about Wishbone on Federal Blvd.
SteveDenver

Recommending White Fence Farm for fried chicken is like recommending Disneyland for hamburgers. Their birds are under-sized and overpriced.

For several years I went to Tom’s for Catfish, Greens and Mac-n-Cheese, until one day they were out of Catfish and I tried the fried chicken. INCREDIBLE, WONDERFUL, JUICY AND CRUNCHY.

Problem is that most restaurants are lazy and serve frozen pre-battered chicken.
Vivian Enginer

You should try Jus’ Cooking for fabulous home cooking. I think it’s in Lakewood off of 6th & Simms. Fabulous fried chicken with large amounts of food. The sides are wonderful along with their homemade soup and homemade pies. It is definitely a must to try!
Ashley

We love the Castle Rock Cafe for fried chicken. It is the best. Our children
and most of our friends live in Colorado Springs. It is a great place to meet.
The Bananna Cream Pie is to die for as are all their homemade desserts.

I agree if you are a”down home comfort” eater you must try Castle Rock Cafe!!!!
Karen

Wishbone on 98th and Federal is the best. Family owned been aground forever.
Gfunk

There used to be a chicken place right next to the Casino off 26th and Welton. The fried chicken was made in the back. Best in town for a non-franchise place. Wishbone is overpriced along with White Fence Farm plus I have had orders come to me bloody inside.