Phoenix, AZFried Chicken

The Valley's own fried chicken haven, frying since 2002 with a light, crisp Southern crust paired against cinnamon-kissed golden waffles. Founder Larry White learned in his grandmother's kitchen before it became a defining plate of Phoenix soul food across several locations.

Succulent chicken under a simple, lightly seasoned batter from a downtown soul-food institution running for six decades since 1964. The White family lineage connects straight to Lo-Lo's, and the cafe still draws a lunch line for the original recipe on Jefferson Street.

Deep-fried, piping-hot poultry built into biscuit sandwiches like the Big Jim rather than served as a standalone plate. The tiny diner format on Pierce Street keeps the menu tight and the chicken the clear focus of every order that leaves the pass.

Deliciously hot, well-seasoned, crispy fried chicken served with sides like creamy mac and cheese from owner Stacy Phipps. It treats the chicken as one part of a bigger Southern spread rather than the sole draw, plating it alongside the smokehouse menu.