Ever since I moved to Columbus in 2022, I’ve been on a quest for the perfect fried chicken. My weekends became dedicated to tasting every crispy, juicy contender across the city. While finding truly exceptional chicken can feel like a treasure hunt, these 10 spots serve poultry so good it’ll satisfy both casual diners and devoted fried-chicken fanatics.
The Crispy Coop
$ | (614) 481-4040 | WEBSITE
This vibrant chicken spot is situated in Columbus and offers a full menu of crispy chicken creations and Southern-inspired sides, with standout items that have earned it a place among the city’s best. Their medium spiced chicken strips deliver a satisfying crunch with a nice afterburn that lingers pleasantly, but their Nashville chicken sandwich is really the first thing you should order.
Piled high on a soft bun are crispy chicken, hearty slaw, and that consistently amazing Nashville sauce that strikes the perfect balance of heat and flavor. The chicken is perfectly fried—crispy yet never greasy—and the slaw adds a refreshing crunch. I’d venture to say this sandwich might even win over those who typically avoid spicy foods. Beyond the main attractions, the rich mac n cheese has been praised as the best ever, and the collard greens are considered some of the finest in town.
The banana pudding remains a must-try finale, and the friendly staff provides great energy that makes the modern, superhero-themed atmosphere even more enjoyable. With fair prices and quick service, it’s a delightful dining experience that comes highly recommended.
Lenny’s Chicken Fingers
The ideal balance of crispy coating to juicy meat in chicken fingers is a fine line few can master, but Lenny’s does so expertly. Their three constant menu items are chicken sandwiches, wings, and waffle fries. You can’t go wrong with any of these, but the chicken sandwich is the best cure for hunger pangs, especially paired with a side of those popular fries.
The chicken wings are my favorite, and while they may sound simple, the combination of thick, juicy meat free of fatty pieces is mind-blowing. And the waffle fries? Well, as I like to say, fries are for whenever, and the crispiness of these never disappoints.
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
$ | (614) 465-2310 | WEBSITE
This chicken finger spot in Columbus serves up everything you could ever want from a quick-service meal. Plus, their entire menu happens to be focused on just a few quality items. You’ll see their signature boxes at tables all over the restaurant, but I recommend ordering the classic combo for the full experience, where you get the perfect balance of flavors. Their chicken tenders are a crispy, juicy take on a familiar comfort food favorite, while the crinkle-cut fries are salted just right.
During busy times, Raising Cane’s runs a very efficient service system, in which you can expect your food quickly despite the crowds and enjoy it fresh at your table or in your car.
Cluck Norris at Budd Dairy
$ | (614) 505-2636 | WEBSITE
If you appreciate the clever name, this chicken spot is for you. The purveyor of “crispy comfort for the hungry soul” aims to serve the most flavorful and satisfying fried chicken imaginable. Once a steadily growing food stall, Cluck Norris now operates within the bustling Budd Dairy Hall. Every evening since Cluck Norris’s arrival, a line of people forms inside the food hall waiting to get their hands on juicy tenders, fried pickles, sandwiches, and more.
The Cluck Pao chicken sandwich—topped with sugar cane glaze, chili crunch, scallions, cilantro, and crunchy peanut butter—is also a fan favorite for being downright delicious while offering a unique twist. Since gaining popularity, they’ve maintained a walk-up counter system. Grabbing a meal from the hall may be more casual than a sit-down restaurant, but wait times can stretch during peak hours, so be prepared to linger with your appetite ready.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
$ | (614) 525-0827 | WEBSITE
Of all the chicken restaurants in Columbus, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen might have the best value while also being completely consistent. They do special ghost pepper wings, biscuits, and sides in addition to their classic offerings, which they always keep flavorful. Their chicken sandwich with Cajun fries is a standout take on fast food, with the Cajun seasoning lending the traditionally simple sandwich a slight kick.
And their big box deal for $6.00 is also a must-try, especially if you grew up loving hearty meals. Because of its popularity, it can get a little messy during busy times, and they recommend dining in, but the experience is totally worth it.
Chicken Salad Chick
$ | (614) 775-6112 | WEBSITE
I simply can’t drive through Columbus without pulling into Chicken Salad Chick for a quick lunch. But, they have more than chicken salad—they offer soups, sandwiches, and pre-packaged options too. Of all their chicken salad flavors, Chicken Salad Chick’s classic Carol’s chicken salad steals the show. The creamy blend of tender chicken with just the right amount of celery and seasoning creates a perfect balance.
Served on fresh bread or with crackers, it’s a simple dish that actually delivers on satisfaction, too. Unfortunately, the soup isn’t made from scratch, but here’s to hoping they improve that soon.
Bojangles
$ | (380) 203-0326 | WEBSITE
They call themselves one of the best chicken spots in Columbus, and while I’m not the authority on this, I can’t disagree with the folks at Bojangles. As you would expect from the name, they specialize in southern-style fried chicken, but what they lack in fancy frills they make up for in perfect execution. Their chicken tenders are exceptional, having a standard size and perfect seasoning.
The tenders and cajun fries are crispy and flavorful without overwhelming the already amazing chicken, which I think is worthy of a road trip. With biscuits and sweet tea to complement, you might as well make a meal of it all.
M & M CHICKEN & FISH
$ | (614) 252-3674 | WEBSITE
If you want to impress fried chicken enthusiasts and fish lovers alike, head over to M & M Chicken & Fish because they have something that will satisfy just about anyone. This Columbus institution serves crispy fried chicken, well-seasoned whiting, and about a dozen other comfort food classics, all of which they prepare fresh in their kitchen. If you’re looking for a satisfying meal, you can’t beat their 15-Piece Wings Chicken Combo or their fish combo with coleslaw.
Alternatively, M & M Chicken & Fish is one of the best places to find soul-satisfying greens and chicken. Their fried chicken is crispy without being too greasy, which is sometimes challenging in comfort food cooking, given that frying often leads to heavy results. While their main location is in Columbus, you can also find them through their convenient app for carry-out orders.
Their dining room provides a welcoming atmosphere with decent prices and free parking, though calling ahead during busy times is recommended for the best experience.
Chick-fil-A
$ | (614) 861-2300 | WEBSITE
One of the best and most reliable fast food experiences I’ve ever had was the classic chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A, a top-tier restaurant known for its friendly staff. The sandwich’s I-can’t-believe-it’s-fast-food quality and consistently hot preparation are unbeatable, but what was really special was the staff member who noticed our order mix-up and returned the extra sandwich with a smile, which we all appreciated.
In addition to sandwiches, Chick-fil-A offers waffle fries, nuggets, salads, and more. This place currently operates with a modern drive-thru system, so while there’s often a line, you can use their online ordering option for quicker service at chick-fil-a.com.
Hot Chicken Takeover
$$ | (614) 914-5086 | WEBSITE
Looking for more than basic fried chicken? Me too. This Columbus spot offers more than just drumsticks, with options like the Unholy Heat meal that some swear can cure the common cold. While you may instantly recognize the classic chicken sandwich, Hot Chicken Takeover has other items you should try, starting with the waffle fries, which are outstanding in their crispiness. Savory with a perfect crunch, these are ideal for dipping into honey BBQ sauce.
Another sauce-friendly choice is the Yo Mama’s chicken sandwich, a spicy creation that balances heat with sweetness. And yes, much like the drum meal, these are still dangerously hot despite their delicious appearance. This sandwich is a comforting blend of fiery and flavorful, and the bread is soft in the most satisfying way. The best part? They offer a $10 lunch special Monday through Wednesday so you can try it without breaking the bank.