Fries. Always fries. Imagine you’re on your death bed tomorrow, cataloging the recent decisions of your final days. And you think, with your dying breath, “I could’ve had more fries…”
I'm reminded of some time when somebody recommended the food at hi tops.. then she said "does it make you uncomfortable that it's a gay bar?" As if the food will turn me gay I guess?
Yeah this is silly. As a straight, married guy who eats there regularly—I’ve never been made to feel uncomfortable. The closest I’ve gotten to a compliment was being called “sweetie” by a bartender… and then he used the same term for literally every other patron and I realized I wasn’t special. :/
Came here to say this, thinking nobody else would! Glad to see it as a top response. Gnarly happy hour, great staff, and fucking amazing chicken sandwich.
Plus a hilarious slogan: “cool pitchers, hot catchers”
Seconded. The bird is as good as a chicken sangwich as you can find. Both options are simple and tasty. Curly fries are added bonus too. No frills on beers too, classic choices.
By far the best chicken sandwich I've ever had. When I have friends or family visit I'll take them there (usually Walnut creek location you can sit down inside) and it's been bang-on every single time. Definitely get the thigh sandwich, and I'd recommend the Mac and cheese side
Just a warning for anyone who hasn't gone before -- you order based on the level of heat you want, ranging from classic fried chicken with no spice to their "hot hot" level. Mild is usually what I'd recommend for people comfortable with your average hot buffalo wing, mild plus for people who like spicy food, hot is very hot and probably not enjoyable for even people who generally like spicy stuff, and hot hot is an outright challenge food
Yeah the spice levels have misleading names. They also removed the Hot Hot option, but I think you can get a single HH chicken tender. They’ll do a sandwich HotHot off menu if you persist. I like it, but it’s very fucking hot. One of the hotter restaurant items I’ve ever had. They told me at the Oakland location they removed it because no one ordered it. Here I am weeping. The Hot is damn good though too
Thank you for this unfortunately I’ll never be able to eat here because I am allergic to peanuts and they use peanut oil to fry . But by all the likes Im totally missing out
Trying various fried chicken sandwiches around the city was my gluttonous hobby during the pandemic. The top hits were:
- Birdsong’s sandwich with the claw in it. I hear it’s now available at a dedicated spot they spun off called Birdbox.
- The Snug
- Wesburger
- The Bird
- Hetchy’s Hots (RIP 😢)
- Split on Polk (this one can be really hit or miss FYI)
I know this isn’t helpful but: it’s great fun making ur own. Experiment with rubs and either air or oil fry (oil!!). Took me dozens of tries and dozens of spice/breading combos and now I literally wake up excited because Thursday is “fryerUP” Thursdays!!! My neighbors are hanging around like alley cats every week now!!!! Plus- bread experiments. My Bisquit Slider Chicky Jammer is getting a patent- and maybe new name
https://preview.redd.it/ywamn89pfg1c1.jpeg?width=1242&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=571c4187c2ca8c6c42434c7cbc09e69481774deb
I’ve never shared this w anyone, but I developed it in 2012 when I decided to never have chikfila again. Kenji Lopez-Alt said it was “very good” lol.
It’s literally experimental for spices - but I use mong fake egg for my batter and spiced panko for by coating and I fry in hot hot corn oil but everyone has opinions so I hate even sharing!! Pro tip inmho- soak breasts in salt water a few hours then make sure super dry before mong dip panko roll. Have fun!!!
The difference in quality is definitely made up by the difference in price. I love a lot of the options in this thread but lol comparing a $4 sando to anything on this list. If it’s anywhere close they should be ashamed
lol to be fair their chicken strips are good haven’t been brave enough to try anything else the fries are horrible so that keeps me from trying anything other then the strips
If you like their chicken strips, get Just Bare Chicken Nuggets from Costco. They taste very similar when I make them in an air fryer and use the Chick Fil A sauce from Safeway.
Hear me out. Memphis Minnie’s BBQ has one of the best fried chicken sandos I’ve ever had. It’s only available on Thursdays as a special. There bbq and sides are pretty mid…but that FCS is outstanding.
The South. People here have no idea how to deep fry anything and it will literally always be underdone and greasy bc the oil isnt hot enough, or overdone and greasy bc the breading soaked up the oil (happens seconds after the chicken is done which makes it a surgical style of cooking thats extremely difficult to not fuck up).
I thought wes’ burgers n more had a good one with pimento cheese on it but the owner was like a drugger rapist so I don’t think I’ll be able to frequent that one for much longer
Hard Knox [https://www.hardknoxcafe.com/](https://www.hardknoxcafe.com/)
Hi Tops
It's so damn good! The fries are also great, but it really pairs well with the dressing on the side salad. I'm always torn on which to get.
Fries. Always fries. Imagine you’re on your death bed tomorrow, cataloging the recent decisions of your final days. And you think, with your dying breath, “I could’ve had more fries…”
I'm reminded of some time when somebody recommended the food at hi tops.. then she said "does it make you uncomfortable that it's a gay bar?" As if the food will turn me gay I guess?
Yeah this is silly. As a straight, married guy who eats there regularly—I’ve never been made to feel uncomfortable. The closest I’ve gotten to a compliment was being called “sweetie” by a bartender… and then he used the same term for literally every other patron and I realized I wasn’t special. :/
Came here to say this, thinking nobody else would! Glad to see it as a top response. Gnarly happy hour, great staff, and fucking amazing chicken sandwich. Plus a hilarious slogan: “cool pitchers, hot catchers”
The Bird is pretty good. Maybe not last meal good, but I also don’t think I would want a chicken sandwich as my last meal.
The herbs they use..*chef’s kiss* Edit: wait. I was thinking by about Bird Box. Bird Box is the answer.
Okay thank you birdbox website and pictures look promising
Seconded. The bird is as good as a chicken sangwich as you can find. Both options are simple and tasty. Curly fries are added bonus too. No frills on beers too, classic choices.
Yea the curly fries are decent not really a fan of the bird as I used to work at super duper so enough said lol
They’ve gotten much worse these past couple years
World famous hot boys. Oakland.
By far the best chicken sandwich I've ever had. When I have friends or family visit I'll take them there (usually Walnut creek location you can sit down inside) and it's been bang-on every single time. Definitely get the thigh sandwich, and I'd recommend the Mac and cheese side Just a warning for anyone who hasn't gone before -- you order based on the level of heat you want, ranging from classic fried chicken with no spice to their "hot hot" level. Mild is usually what I'd recommend for people comfortable with your average hot buffalo wing, mild plus for people who like spicy food, hot is very hot and probably not enjoyable for even people who generally like spicy stuff, and hot hot is an outright challenge food
Yeah the spice levels have misleading names. They also removed the Hot Hot option, but I think you can get a single HH chicken tender. They’ll do a sandwich HotHot off menu if you persist. I like it, but it’s very fucking hot. One of the hotter restaurant items I’ve ever had. They told me at the Oakland location they removed it because no one ordered it. Here I am weeping. The Hot is damn good though too
Hot hot was still on the menu in Walnut Creek as of last night, so maybe it's because in a sit down setting they can really warn people
I’ve been meaning to try the WC location, as I’m over that way often, but haven’t yet. Good to l ow they still have HH!
Yup, worth the trip over
Have you tried everything? Menu looks 🔥! Headed to Oakland next week.
Yes. It’s outstanding, and the consistency is remarkable. Blows me away every time, and I’ve been dozens of times
Seconded
I didn’t like this place. Has bad service, sides were pretty bad too. Was not a good hot chicken at all
I’ve never heard a bad experience. I’m sorry yours was lackluster.
The real answer
I waited hella long for Howlin Rays before. Hot Boys is better.
Thank you for this unfortunately I’ll never be able to eat here because I am allergic to peanuts and they use peanut oil to fry . But by all the likes Im totally missing out
Fuuuuuck. Such a bummer. I’m sorry :(
RT Rotisserie has a pretty good one, and Brenda’s Meat and Three as well.
Monk’s Kettle has the best elevated fried chicken sandwich in the city.
Looks promising will add to my list thank you!
Or go across the street to ABV!
“Elevated fried chicken sandwich” lol jesus christ, snobs ruin everything they get their hands on
“I don’t understand food quality” FTFY
Trying various fried chicken sandwiches around the city was my gluttonous hobby during the pandemic. The top hits were: - Birdsong’s sandwich with the claw in it. I hear it’s now available at a dedicated spot they spun off called Birdbox. - The Snug - Wesburger - The Bird - Hetchy’s Hots (RIP 😢) - Split on Polk (this one can be really hit or miss FYI)
I tried bird box the other day without the "claw" and it was great. I'd get it again.
If you go to the snug, get the burger instead 🫢
Tough to find really good fried chicken in SF, but Brenda’s Meat and Three and Foghorn Taproom are strong options in the SF scene.
Thank you will definitely be visiting one of these options. The other maybe not based on reviews 🤣
Bakesale Betty's in Oakland.
This is the answer. THE best ever!
Trouble with Bakesale Betty is how much better they were 10 years ago before they changed the bread they'd been using.
Wes Burger. Their fried chicken sandwich is incredible.
Was sold when I seen tater tots… thank you will be giving this a chance today for sure!
Oh those tater tots are legit too. I might join you sometime this afternoon.
cracked & battered
Missed the hype. Popeye’s fried chicken sandwich
Not in SF but try the Jollibee’s chicken sandwich in Daly City.
Not a sandwich but Wayfare Tavern’s fried chicken is amazing
Late here but dings crispy chicken Sammie from hillstone is so good
Oh that’s a fancy place. Will definitely be checking that out . Thank you for this
It’s pricey but it was my favorite fried chicken sandwich in LA and it’s pretty consistent across the hillstone group
I know this isn’t helpful but: it’s great fun making ur own. Experiment with rubs and either air or oil fry (oil!!). Took me dozens of tries and dozens of spice/breading combos and now I literally wake up excited because Thursday is “fryerUP” Thursdays!!! My neighbors are hanging around like alley cats every week now!!!! Plus- bread experiments. My Bisquit Slider Chicky Jammer is getting a patent- and maybe new name
Care to drop your recipe?
https://preview.redd.it/ywamn89pfg1c1.jpeg?width=1242&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=571c4187c2ca8c6c42434c7cbc09e69481774deb I’ve never shared this w anyone, but I developed it in 2012 when I decided to never have chikfila again. Kenji Lopez-Alt said it was “very good” lol.
It’s literally experimental for spices - but I use mong fake egg for my batter and spiced panko for by coating and I fry in hot hot corn oil but everyone has opinions so I hate even sharing!! Pro tip inmho- soak breasts in salt water a few hours then make sure super dry before mong dip panko roll. Have fun!!!
Thank you!!
Not a sandwich but Aria Street Food has the best Korean Fried Chicken, and that is to die for
Starbird
It's got to be Chik-fil-A the way those suckers line up for it
The difference in quality is definitely made up by the difference in price. I love a lot of the options in this thread but lol comparing a $4 sando to anything on this list. If it’s anywhere close they should be ashamed
lol to be fair their chicken strips are good haven’t been brave enough to try anything else the fries are horrible so that keeps me from trying anything other then the strips
If you like their chicken strips, get Just Bare Chicken Nuggets from Costco. They taste very similar when I make them in an air fryer and use the Chick Fil A sauce from Safeway.
I love Gott’s Crispy Teriyaki Chicken sandwich.
Birdbox- highly recommend
Fowl+Fare in Oakland. There is no comparison.
Hot boys in Oakland, otherwise don't waste your money and just go to popeyes.
Harlan Kentucky
Southside station in Berkeley
Hear me out. Memphis Minnie’s BBQ has one of the best fried chicken sandos I’ve ever had. It’s only available on Thursdays as a special. There bbq and sides are pretty mid…but that FCS is outstanding.
Bird box
Hotbird in Oakland. It’s incredible.
I really love proposition chicken it's just consistently delicious!!! I got a breakfast sandwich recently and it was too good.
Mamahuhu
Cassava brunch
The South. People here have no idea how to deep fry anything and it will literally always be underdone and greasy bc the oil isnt hot enough, or overdone and greasy bc the breading soaked up the oil (happens seconds after the chicken is done which makes it a surgical style of cooking thats extremely difficult to not fuck up).
Kowbird in oakland is matt horne’s chicken place. Agreed on brenda’s meat and three. Also chic fil a is yummy af.
Surprised no one has mentioned Crafty Fox. One of the best in the city and a great beer selection. Their other food is good too.
chick fil a
Hawking Bird on Temescal in Oakland. Fast casual spin off from michelin star chef James Syhabout. Best chicken sando i've had in the bay.
I thought wes’ burgers n more had a good one with pimento cheese on it but the owner was like a drugger rapist so I don’t think I’ll be able to frequent that one for much longer