Best of 14 fried chicken in Downtown
Downtown offers a vibrant dining scene, and among its many culinary delights, fried chicken stands out. Fried chicken in Downtown is a popular dish, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. From food trucks to upscale restaurants, there's a fried chicken option to suit every taste and budget. This savory meal, cooked to golden perfection, is a must-try when exploring the city's downtown area.
- 1. The Chicken Shack Fresno
- 2. Chef Paul's Cafe
- 3. Chicken King
- 4. Kocky's Bar and Grill in Downtown
- 5. Krispy Krunchy Chicken
- 6. Chesters chicken
- 7. Country Kitchen Restaurant in Downtown
- 8. Cosmopolitan | Tavern & Italian Grill
- 9. Frosty Queen Fresno in Downtown
- 10. Zss place
- 11. Gus Kabobs
- 12. Rally's
- 13. KFC
- 14. Kikku Japanese Food (Downtown)
1. The Chicken Shack Fresno
Uses family recipes since 1958, dine-in or take-out available

The fried chicken at this location is renowned for its crispy exterior and well-seasoned flavor. However, for some, it may be slightly too salty. The chicken is cooked to perfection, resulting in a satisfying crunch with each bite.
Despite the excess salt, the fried chicken continues to be a popular choice due to its delicious seasoning. The chicken's flavor stands out and leaves a lasting impression on those who try it. Overall, the fried chicken is a standout dish, even if it may require adjusting the salt levels to suit individual preferences.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Cheap Eats
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2. Chef Paul's Cafe
Hometestyle cooking with a Southern twist

The fried chicken is a standout dish at this establishment, with four pieces of golden, deep-fried chicken that are sure to delight. For a unique twist, try the fried chicken and waffle combination, which features a crispy waffle alongside the succulent chicken. Both options are guaranteed to provide a satisfying and flavorful meal.
If you're in the mood for something heartier, the ribs and grits are an excellent choice. The ribs are cooked to perfection and served with a side of grits, which provide a satisfying and savory complement to the meat. Whether you prefer the crispy exterior and juicy interior of the fried chicken or the tender, slow-cooked ribs, there are options to suit every palate.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Hidden Gems
- Budget-Friendly Eats
3. Chicken King
Family-owned business since 1975, using original recipes and fresh ingredients

The food in question is described as having a delightful combination of flavors and textures, being both flavorful and juicy with a crispy exterior. It is well-seasoned, but not greasy, and has a distinct fried chicken taste. The reviewer is very impressed, calling it the best they have had in a long time and something that tastes homemade.
The chicken, in particular, is singled out for its quality. The reviewer notes that the wings are meatier than any they have tried before. Overall, the chicken is highly praised for its delicious taste, which is attributed to its homemade quality. The reviewer is clearly impressed and delighted with their meal.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
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4. Kocky's Bar and Grill in Downtown
Family-owned restaurant with a cozy and friendly atmosphere.

The fried chicken I enjoyed was cooked flawlessly, with a seasoning that was perfectly balanced. The portion size was more than satisfactory, providing a generous helping of this delightful dish.
This establishment's fried chicken is truly something special. Its exterior is crispy and well-cooked, while the inside remains juicy and flavorful. Food enthusiasts should not miss out on the opportunity to try this dish.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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5. Krispy Krunchy Chicken

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
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6. Chesters chicken

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Suburban
- Lunch
7. Country Kitchen Restaurant in Downtown

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
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8. Cosmopolitan | Tavern & Italian Grill
Warm and inviting atmosphere, Knowledgeable and friendly staff, Prides itself on using fresh ingredients

The fried chicken at Cosmopolitan Tavern is widely regarded as some of the best in Fresno. It stands out for its perfect seasoning and cooking, making it a must-try for anyone visiting the area.
If you're a fan of fried chicken, Cosmopolitan Tavern is the place to be in Fresno. The restaurant's perfectly seasoned and cooked fried chicken is a crowd-pleaser, earning high praise from visitors and locals alike.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
9. Frosty Queen Fresno in Downtown
Open late, Casual atmosphere, Family-friendly

The fried chicken stood out as a highlight of the dining experience, offering a delicious combination of juiciness and well-balanced seasoning. The establishment has earned a return visit recommendation due to the quality of this dish.
On the downside, there was a noticeable delay in the wait time which might test the patience of some diners. Nevertheless, the crispy and flavorful fried chicken mostly compensated for this inconvenience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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10. Zss place

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
11. Gus Kabobs
Offers a unique fusion of Persian and American cuisine.

The fried chicken kabob is a delicious dish with a delightful contrast in textures. The outer layer of the kabob is crispy and well-cooked, while the inner meat remains juicy and succulent. This creates a satisfying experience with every bite.
The fried chicken plate also offers an impressive dining experience. The chicken is cooked to perfection, with a crispy texture that is achieved through a thoughtful balance of spices. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish a standout choice. Both the kabob and the plate showcase the culinary expertise of the chef, resulting in a memorable meal.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Social Gatherings
- Lunch
12. Rally's
Drive-thru friendly, quick service, and late-night hours

Rally's is known for serving up delicious and high-quality fried chicken. The chicken is crispy and has an exceptional flavor that is sure to impress. It is a must-try for anyone looking for a tasty fried chicken option.
The fried chicken at Rally's is a standout dish, with a perfect combination of great taste and texture. Its crispy exterior and juicy interior make for a satisfying and enjoyable eating experience. Whether you're a fan of fried chicken or just looking to try something new, Rally's fried chicken is definitely worth a taste.
TOPICS
- Dinner
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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13. KFC
Drive-thru and delivery available, Colonel Sanders' secret recipe, Meals for kids

The fried chicken offered at this establishment is a must-try. It boasts a tender, moist interior that guarantees satisfaction with every bite. The dish is bursting with flavor, making it a standout option on the menu. In fact, it is so delicious that customers find themselves eagerly looking forward to ordering it again.
The freshness of the fried chicken is a testament to the establishment's commitment to quality. Patrons can expect a delicious and enjoyable meal, thanks in part to the friendly and attentive staff. The combination of delicious food and great customer service makes for an outstanding dining experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Lunch
- Dinner
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14. Kikku Japanese Food (Downtown)
Authentic Japanese cuisine, cozy atmosphere, and friendly service

The fried chicken is a standout dish at this establishment, always cooked to perfection with expert seasoning. One menu option, the fried chicken rice plate, is particularly noteworthy. The chicken in this dish is fried expertly, resulting in a delicious texture and flavor. Additionally, the portion size of the rice plate is generous, providing a satisfying and filling meal.
Moving on from my personal affection for the fried chicken, the rice plate is a recommended choice. The chicken's frying leaves it with an appealing texture and taste, and the substantial portion size ensures a satisfying dining experience. The dish showcases the quality of the establishment's fried chicken, making it a great option for those looking to try it.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options