Top 11 fried chicken in Downtown San Jose
Fried chicken in Downtown San Jose is a popular delicacy among locals and visitors alike. With a variety of restaurants and eateries serving up their unique versions, this mouth-watering dish is a must-try when exploring the city. From crispy and juicy to spicy and sweet, you can find your perfect fried chicken fix in Downtown San Jose.
1. Scratch Cookery
Uses local and sustainable ingredients, offers vegan and gluten-free options, incorporates global flavors in their fried chicken recipes

The fried chicken at this location is a standout dish. Its exterior has a crispy texture that provides a satisfying crunch with each bite, while the interior remains juicy and flavorful. This combination makes for a highly enjoyable dining experience.
Among the menu options, the Level 2 Hot Fried Chicken Sandwich is particularly noteworthy. The spice level is expertly balanced, allowing diners to experience a pleasant warmth without overwhelming their palate. Furthermore, the chicken is cooked to perfection, enhancing the overall quality of the sandwich.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
Relate link
2. Nash + Tender SJ

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
Relate link
3. Chicken Paddy

Gourmet Fusion Chicken and Rice DFD Chicken Dairy Free GF Gluten Free SS Spicy VG Vegan V Vegetarian Min. Order: $40.00 View Menu 23 North Market Street San José, CA 95113
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
Relate link
4. The Farmers Union
Homemade style cooking, comfortable diner setting

The fried chicken I enjoyed was cooked expertly, achieving a perfect texture. The seasoning was skillfully applied, resulting in a well-balanced and delicious flavor. For those in San Jose, I highly recommend trying the fried chicken at The Farmers Union.
At The Farmers Union in San Jose, the fried chicken stands out as a must-try dish. Its exceptional cooking technique and well-judged seasoning make it one of the best fried chicken options in the area. I can confidently recommend this dish to anyone seeking a delicious meal in San Jose.
TOPICS
- Holiday Celebrations
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
5. The City Fish
Fresh seafood, cozy atmosphere, located in downtown San Jose

The food on offer was a true delight, with the standout dish being the pasta fish that tasted just like grandma's authentic recipe. Each mouthful was filled with rich flavor, resulting in a truly awesome eating experience. Another highlight was the fried chicken, which also did not disappoint. Its crunchy crust and tender, meaty interior made for a satisfying meal.
In summary, the pasta fish and fried chicken were two exceptional dishes that customers were lucky to experience. The pasta was reminiscent of a beloved family recipe, and the fried chicken was expertly prepared with a crunchy exterior and juicy interior. Both dishes demonstrated the quality of the cooking and the care taken in preparing each meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Dinner
6. Wingstop
Offers boneless wings and vegan options

The service provided was excellent during the dining experience. I was introduced to Wingstop by Sandra and had never tried it before. The fried chicken stood out as a highlight of the meal, with its delicious flavor. Upon my first visit to Wingstop, I used a gift card I received for Christmas. The boneless wings were a favorite, and the fries served were also quite tasty.
My initial experience at Wingstop was positive due to the delicious food and friendly service. Sandra brought me to Wingstop for a free lunch, and I was glad she did. The boneless wings and fries were particularly enjoyable. I was grateful for the gift card I received during Christmas, which allowed me to try this new place. The fried chicken left a memorable impression, and I look forward to visiting Wingstop again.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
- Late Night
7. Poor House Bistro
Offers Cajun-Creole cuisine in a cozy atmosphere

The fried chicken in question was a culinary experience with differing opinions on its taste. One individual found it to be a bit too heavy on the salt, which overpowered their palate. However, the texture was noted to be enjoyable and satisfying. Despite the salty seasoning, they expressed a willingness to give it another try.
On the other hand, another person had a more positive experience with the same fried chicken. They praised the perfect seasoning, which suggests that the salt level was not an issue for them. Additionally, they appreciated the fact that it was cooked just right, indicating that the chicken was cooked to their preferred level of doneness. Overall, the second individual seemed to have a more favorable impression of the dish.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
8. Firehouse No.1
Housed in a historic fire station, Offers communal seating, Relaxed and casual atmosphere

The fried chicken sandwich and fried chicken at this establishment have received high praise. The sandwich offers an impressive combination of great flavor and texture, satisfying enthusiasts of this popular dish. As for the fried chicken, the perfectly seasoned and impeccably cooked formula ensures a memorable experience for any food lover.
In summary, fans of fried chicken dishes will not be disappointed when trying the offerings here. Whether in sandwich form or as a standalone meal, the perfect balance of flavor and texture leads to a highly enjoyable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Corporate Events
- Italian Cuisine
- High-End
9. Jack in the Box in Downtown San Jose
Open 24/7, drive-thru and delivery services available

I tried the fried chicken strips at one location and found them to be delicious. They were perfectly cooked, with no greasiness to detract from the taste. On the other hand, I have also tried the fried chicken at the same establishment, but at a different location, and it was merely okay. The quality did not stand out, although it was still passable as fast food.
In summary, I have had fried chicken and chicken strips from the same restaurant, but at different branches. The chicken strips stood out for their delicious taste and perfect cooking, but the fried chicken was just average. While the latter was not terrible, it did not meet the high standards set by the chicken strips. It appears that the quality of the food at this establishment may vary by location.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Dinner
10. El Pollo Loco in Downtown San Jose
Hand-prepared meals with fresh ingredients.

The fried chicken at this location is truly exceptional. Its great taste and high-quality ingredients make it a must-try for anyone visiting. The crispy exterior and delicious flavor make for a truly satisfying meal.
If you're a fan of fried chicken, you'll love the offering at this location. The chicken is expertly fried, resulting in a crispy exterior that gives way to juicy, flavorful meat. It's sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who tries it.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
Relate link
11. Ibrahim’s halal chicken & waffles

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Kosher Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Lunch