The Best Fried Chicken in Evanston [Updated 2025]

I've scoured the city, sampling every crispy, savory bite I could find.

After reviewing 12 different spots, I'm excited to share my top picks that truly elevate this classic dish to new heights.

From local favorites to hidden gems, each location offers a unique twist on fried chicken that deserves your attention.

Join me as we embark on a mouthwatering journey through Evanston's vibrant culinary scene!

Buffalo Joe's - Clark St.

Highlights
Favorite wings in Chicago area
Must-try spicy suicide sauce
Consistent quality for 30 years
Cheddar fries pairing recommended
Cash only—ATM available on-site

Buffalo Joe's - Clark St. has secured its reputation as one of the local favorites for fried chicken enthusiasts, and I must say, the experience is nothing short of delightful. As I stepped into this casual eatery, the unmistakable aroma of perfectly fried wings wafted through the air, instantly igniting my appetite.

Having heard whispers about their spicy suicide sauce, I dove right in, and let me tell you—what an adventure! The wings here are crowned with robust flavor, and the heat of the sauce has a delightful kick that keeps you coming back for more. After 30 years in the game, they certainly know how to serve consistent quality.

I couldn’t resist pairing these scrumptious wings with their cheddar fries, which added a creamy, savory delight to my meal. An added quirk? Remember to bring cash, as it’s a cash-only establishment, but fear not—the ATM is conveniently located on-site.

In the bustling landscape of Evanston's culinary scene, Buffalo Joe's stands tall as a tribute to wing greatness. For anyone serious about fried chicken, this spot is a destination you simply cannot afford to miss!

You might also want to check out the best fried chicken in Joliet.

Ali's broast & burgers(zabiha halal)

Highlights
Excellent customer service
Delicious wings flavors
Flavorful Chicago burger
Affordable quality meals
Ample parking available

At Ali's Broast & Burgers, I could hardly contain my excitement as I approached the menu filled with mouthwatering options. The customer service here is notably top-notch; the staff greeted me like an old friend, keen to guide me through the offerings. I ultimately settled on their famed fried chicken, and let me tell you, it was a delightful decision!

The wings are a highlight, boasting an array of flavors that can tantalize any palate. I tried several, but the spicy garlic was an absolute standout—crunchy, juicy, and just the right amount of zing. Also, don’t overlook their Chicago burger, which is bursting with flavor and perfectly complements the chicken.

What I truly value is their commitment to affordability without sacrificing quality. You get hearty portions without breaking the bank, which makes it an ideal dining destination. Plus, I appreciated the ample parking available, allowing for a stress-free visit.

Overall, my outing to Ali's was an enjoyable journey into the heart of fried chicken perfection. If you’re on the prowl for sensational fried chicken in Evanston, you simply can’t miss this gem!

You might also want to check out the best fried chicken in Naperville.

Fatzee's

Highlights
Delicious food
Friendly service
Affordable prices
Variety of menu options
Quick service

Let me start by saying that the fried chicken at Fatzee's is finger-licking good! The crispy coating combined with juicy meat inside is a match made in heaven. I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious their food was.

The staff at Fatzee's were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making my experience even more enjoyable. They were happy to answer any questions I had about the menu, and made great suggestions for sides to pair with my chicken.

One of the best things about Fatzee's is their affordable prices. You can enjoy a satisfying meal without breaking the bank. It's refreshing to find a restaurant that offers such high-quality food at reasonable prices.

Another impressive aspect of Fatzee's is their variety of menu options. From classic fried chicken to creative twists like spicy honey chicken, there is something for everyone on the menu.

Lastly, I appreciated how quick the service was at Fatzee's. I didn't have to wait long for my food despite it being busy during lunchtime rush hour.

Overall, if you're looking for some of the best fried chicken in Evanston, make sure you stop by Fatzee's. With delicious food, friendly service, affordable prices, variety of menu options, and quick service, what more could you ask for?

You might also want to check out the best fried chicken in Elmhurst.

Firehouse Grill

Highlights
Friendly staff
Clean interior
Delicious flavors
Reasonable price
Yummy food

Firstly, I was greeted by the most friendly staff I've encountered in my fried chicken journey. They were attentive and knowledgeable about their menu, which is always a plus in my book.

Next, the clean interior of the restaurant made me feel comfortable and relaxed. It gave off a cozy vibe that made me want to stay for hours.

Now onto the most important part – the flavors of the fried chicken. Firehouse Grill did not disappoint! The seasoning was impeccable and the batter was just right. Each bite was bursting with flavor that left me wanting more.

The best part? The price was reasonable for the quality of food they served. You can definitely get your money's worth at this establishment.

Overall, I would say that Firehouse Grill serves some pretty yummy fried chicken that should not be missed if you're in Evanston. Don't just take my word for it, go check them out!

You might also want to check out the best fried chicken in Elgin.

Peppercorns Kitchen

Highlights
Spicy, flavorful dishes
Hot Pot Fish is a must-try
Great variety of menu options
Friendly and efficient service

First things first, I have to say that their fried chicken did not disappoint. The skin was crispy and the meat was juicy and tender – it's clear their chef knows what they're doing. However, Peppercorns Kitchen has much more to offer than just fried chicken.

Their menu is full of spicy, flavorful dishes that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. And if you're feeling adventurous, give their Hot Pot Fish a try – it's a must-try dish that will knock your socks off.

One thing I appreciated about Peppercorns Kitchen was the great variety of menu options. Whether you're in the mood for something spicy or sweet, vegetarian or meaty, they have something for everyone.

But let's not forget about the service – it was top-notch! The staff were friendly and efficient, making sure we had everything we needed throughout our meal.

Overall, I highly recommend giving Peppercorns Kitchen a try. Not only do they serve up some delicious fried chicken, but their entire menu is packed with tasty dishes that are sure to satisfy any craving. So next time you're in Evanston and looking for a great meal, make sure to swing by Peppercorns Kitchen!

You might also want to check out the best fried chicken in Aurora.

Hecky's Barbecue

Highlights
Welcoming staff
Meaty rib tips
Clean facility
Carmel cake

Upon entering the establishment, I was greeted by the most welcoming staff. They were more than happy to assist me in selecting the perfect dishes for my taste buds. Of course, I had to try their fried chicken and rib tips. Let me tell you, the rib tips were meaty and flavorful with just the right amount of sauce.

As for their fried chicken, it was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The seasoning was just right - not too salty nor bland. You can tell that they take pride in their cooking as they maintain a clean facility which is always a plus.

To top off my meal, I indulged in a slice of their famous caramel cake. It was moist, sweet but not overpowering - simply delicious!

In conclusion, Hecky's Barbecue definitely deserves to be on the list of best fried chickens in Evanston. The welcoming staff, meaty rib tips, clean facility and heavenly caramel cake all add up to make it a must-visit spot for any foodie out there!

You might also want to check out the best chicken fried steak in Chicago.

Good To Go Jamaican Cuisine & Event Space

Highlights
Rooftop dining
Jamaican fried chicken
Fresh fruit juices
Live music
Friendly service

First off, the rooftop dining was a delightful experience. The view of Evanston from above is breathtaking and adds to the overall ambiance of the restaurant. But let's get to what really matters - the fried chicken. The Jamaican fried chicken at Good To Go is definitely worth trying. The spices used in the batter added an extra kick and made it stand out from other fried chicken options in Evanston. I could taste the depth of flavors with each bite.

To wash down that delicious chicken, I highly recommend trying their fresh fruit juices. They're made with real fruits and are incredibly refreshing. It was a nice break from typical sugary drinks found in other restaurants.

The live music was also a great touch, it gave me some serious Caribbean vibes which complimented my meal perfectly. As for service, the staff were friendly and attentive which made my experience even better.

Overall, if you're looking for a place to indulge your taste buds in some mouth-watering Jamaican fried chicken along with refreshing fruit juices and good vibes, then Good To Go Jamaican Cuisine & Event Space is a spot you don't want to miss!

You might also want to check out the best thai food in Schaumburg.

Ten Mile House

Highlights
Great drinks and amazing food
Friendly staff with inviting vibe
Excellent service for brunch
Lightest and fluffiest waffles ever
Super light and fluffy pancakes

First of all, the atmosphere of the place was very inviting with its friendly staff and great drinks. I couldn't wait to try their fried chicken, which had been highly recommended by my friends.

When the dish finally arrived, I was amazed by its presentation. The chicken looked absolutely delicious with a perfect golden-brown crust that made my mouth water.

But then came the moment of truth: the first bite. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The chicken was juicy and succulent on the inside while crispy on the outside - exactly what I look for in fried chicken.

But what really stood out to me was how well it paired with their lightest and fluffiest waffles ever. They were so good that I almost forgot about the chicken! And if you're not in a mood for waffles, their super light and fluffy pancakes are also worth trying.

Overall, Ten Mile House exceeded my expectations with its excellent service for brunch and amazing food. It's definitely one of the best places to get your fried chicken fix in Evanston.

You might also want to check out the best tamales in Aurora.

Evanston Chicken Shack

Highlights
Delicious wings
Various Flavors
Comfortable Ambiance
Convenient Location

As soon as I walked in, the aroma of their delicious wings filled my nose and made my mouth water. I ordered a combo meal with a mix of their classic hot and honey glazed flavors. Let me tell you, they did not disappoint! The crispy skin on the outside was perfectly seasoned while the meat inside was juicy and tender.

One thing that sets Evanston Chicken Shack apart from other places is their variety of flavors. From classic to spicy to sweet, they have it all! Their menu caters to all taste buds which is a huge plus for those who like to try different things.

The comfortable ambiance made me feel right at home. The staff was friendly and welcoming which made my experience even better. I even struck up a conversation with one of them about their secret recipe for their famous hot sauce (which they didn't give away, unfortunately).

Another great thing about Evanston Chicken Shack is its convenient location - it's right in downtown Evanston! So if you're ever in the area and craving some finger-lickin' good chicken, this place should definitely be on your list.

Overall, Evanston Chicken Shack exceeded my expectations and has earned its spot as one of the best fried chicken spots in Evanston. Don't believe me? Go try it out yourself!

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Schaumburg.

Harold's Chicken Shack Evanston

Highlights
Best chicken in area
Juicy and perfectly seasoned
Great fries and mild sauce
Affordable with good portion size
Quick and efficient service

First things first, this place serves the best chicken in Evanston! It's incredibly juicy and perfectly seasoned. I ordered their classic fried chicken with a side of fries and boy oh boy, did it hit the spot.

The fries were crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and let's talk about their mild sauce- it was absolutely divine. It complemented the chicken so well that I found myself dunking my fries in it too.

One of the biggest highlights of this place is that it offers good portion sizes at an affordable price. So, you can enjoy your meal without worrying about breaking the bank.

The service was quick and efficient as well. The staff was friendly and welcoming which added to the overall experience.

In conclusion, if you're looking for some finger-licking good fried chicken in Evanston, then look no further than Harold's Chicken Shack Evanston. Trust me, you won't regret it!

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Naperville.

10Q Chicken

Highlights
Best hot wings
Delicious fries
Friendly owner
Great atmosphere
Must visit spot

As soon as I entered, I was welcomed by the friendly owner who made me feel right at home. The atmosphere was so cozy and welcoming that it felt like a perfect spot for a quick lunch or even a dinner date.

Now let's talk about the main attraction - the fried chicken! And oh boy, was it worth the visit! The hot wings were simply the best I have ever had in Evanston. They were perfectly cooked with an ideal balance of spicy and savory flavors that left my taste buds dancing with joy.

The fries served on the side were equally impressive. They were crispy, golden-brown, and seasoned to perfection making them an excellent complement to the already tasty chicken.

Overall, 10Q Chicken is a must-visit spot for anyone looking for delicious food in Evanston. With its friendly service, great atmosphere, and mouth-watering hot wings, this place will undoubtedly leave you satisfied and craving more.

You might also want to check out the best tacos in Elgin.

Jennifer's Edibles Restaurant

Highlights
Best jerk chicken
Tasty Mac and Cheese
Great banana pudding
Delicious peach cobbler

First off, let me tell you that Jennifer's Edibles serves the best jerk chicken I have ever tasted. The spices were perfectly balanced and the meat was juicy and tender. It was so good that I nearly forgot to try their fried chicken!

But of course, being on a mission to find the best fried chicken in Evanston, I had to give theirs a try. And boy, was it worth it! The breading was crispy but not too greasy and the chicken itself was cooked to perfection. It wasn't too dry or too oily like some other places.

To complement my meal, I ordered their famous Mac and Cheese which I must say is quite tasty. The cheese sauce had the perfect consistency and didn't overpower the pasta.

Lastly, for dessert, I tried their banana pudding and peach cobbler - both of which were delicious! The banana pudding had just the right amount of sweetness while the peach cobbler tasted like it was straight out of my grandma's kitchen.

All in all, Jennifer's Edibles Restaurant is definitely worth a visit if you're looking for some top-notch comfort food in Evanston. They've got something for everyone - from jerk chicken to mouth-watering desserts. So what are you waiting for? Give them a try!

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Evanston.