New Haven, CTFried Chicken

Nashville-style hot chicken downtown on Whitney Avenue, opened October 17, 2020 and the founding location of what grew into a Connecticut group. Per CTbites, the move is 'THE Sandwich,' fried chicken on a bun at your chosen heat. Order the Tendie Trio to sample the spice ladder from Country up through Haven, and the NOT Chicken cauliflower sandwich covers the table's vegetarian. This is the original storefront where the recipe started.

Indian-spiced Nashville hot chicken on Howe Street from owner Romy Singh, formerly of Pataka. Both CTbites and The Infatuation frame it as Nashville heat brightened with Indian flavors. Order the Murga Sandwich, the Badmaash Mac and Cheese, and the Masala Fries with mint chutney; the Murga Sauce comes in escalating heat levels. The Indian-spice angle sets it apart from the straight-Nashville shops nearby.

A soul-food institution in the Hill from owner Sandra Pittman, going more than 34 years. CTbites (Andrew Dominick) details fried chicken marinated two days, then egg-dipped and dredged, drawing on Alabama and Carolina cooking. Order it with cornbread and honey butter. Beyond the plate, Sandra's runs community meal programs, part of why it has held the block this long. Come for the chicken, stay for a table that feels like a neighborhood fixture.