Top 17 fried chicken in San Francisco
Fried chicken in San Francisco is a popular dish that combines classic comfort food with the city's vibrant culinary scene. From traditional Southern-style recipes to innovative fusion creations, there's no shortage of mouth-watering fried chicken options throughout the city. Food lovers and tourists alike can't resist the crispy, juicy, and flavorful fried chicken in San Francisco.
- 1. SF Chickenbox
- 2. Hot Sauce and Panko To Go
- 3. Proposition Chicken
- 4. Pollo Campero
- 5. Hard Knox Cafe
- 6. K Soul Chicken
- 7. Chicken G's
- 8. Hard Knox Cafe
- 9. T.L. Downtown Krispy Krunchy Chicken
- 10. Starbird Chicken
- 11. Krispy Krunchy Chicken
- 12. Benihana
- 13. Gyro King
- 14. Krispy Krunchy Fried Chicken
- 15. KFC
- 16. Krispy Krunchy Chicken
- 17. Rocketbird
1. SF Chickenbox
Laid-back atmosphere, locally sourced ingredients, diverse menu options

The buffalo chicken sandwich is a popular menu item, known for its tasty and spicy flavor. The chicken is well-coated in sauce, making every bite full of flavor. The sandwich comes on a delicious bun, adding to the overall satisfaction of the meal.
The side options at this establishment are also worth mentioning. The side salad and seasoned fries are both large portions, enough to split between two people. The chopped salad is another standout, featuring a delicious combination of fixings and topped with fried chicken. All of the side options are yummy and sure to please.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
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2. Hot Sauce and Panko To Go
Family-owned business with a cozy atmosphere

The fried chicken sandwich at this location is a standout dish. Its crispy exterior and rich flavor make it a must-try for any visit. One of the most popular options is the Salt & Pepper fried chicken, which features a perfectly balanced and crunchy coating.
Overall, the fried chicken is a highlight of the menu. The Salt & Pepper flavor, in particular, is a crowd-pleaser. Its well-seasoned and crispy exterior makes for a satisfying and delicious meal. Whether you're a fan of fried chicken or just looking to try something new, this restaurant does not disappoint.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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3. Proposition Chicken
Offers Southern-style comfort food with a modern twist

The fried chicken sandwich is a favorite among many due to its combination of flavors and textures. The spicy slaw adds a nice kick to each bite, while the soft roll provides a pleasant contrast to the crispy fried chicken.
Customers rave about the taste and quality of the fried chicken sandwich. The chicken is always fried to perfection, with a crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior. The well-seasoned breading adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the spicy slaw and soft roll. Overall, the sandwich is a delicious and satisfying option for any meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Lunch
- Dinner
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4. Pollo Campero
Uses a family recipe from Guatemala, Halal certified, Offers catering services

Pollo Campero's fried chicken is a popular choice for those seeking delicious and high-quality poultry. When ordered for delivery, the chicken arrives hot and crispy, maintaining its great flavor and texture. The chicken's seasoning is particularly noteworthy, as it adds a perfect touch to every bite.
The author's affection for Pollo Campero's fried chicken is rooted in its consistent quality. Each order of chicken is reliably hot and fresh, demonstrating the restaurant's commitment to providing excellent food. The seasoning, a critical component of the dish, meets the high expectations of discerning palates.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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5. Hard Knox Cafe
Offers Southern-style cuisine with a modern twist

The food at this establishment is known for its high quality, with several popular dishes that are sure to please. Country fried steak and fried chicken are two such dishes that have gained a loyal following. In addition to these offerings, the corn bread is also highly praised for its delicious taste and texture.
If you're in the mood for something more adventurous, there are plenty of other options to choose from. The soul food menu includes a variety of dishes that are known for their hearty, comforting flavors. Gumbo, po-boys (stuffed with shrimp or catfish), pulled pork, jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, oxtails, and BBQ ribs are all excellent choices. Whether you're looking for something to warm you up on a cold day or just a tasty meal to satisfy your cravings, this menu has got you covered.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Dinner
- Breakfast
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6. K Soul Chicken
Korean-style fried chicken, Casual and cozy atmosphere, Speedy service

K Soul Chicken specializes in Korean-style fried chicken, which is renowned for its delicious taste. The fried chicken is a must-try, and customers can choose from various flavor options to suit their preferences. When ordering the fried chicken, customers can expect it to be delivered hot and crispy, retaining its delicious flavor and texture. Additionally, the meal is served with pickled radish on the side, adding a tangy and refreshing contrast to the rich and savory fried chicken.
K Soul Chicken's Korean-style fried chicken is a standout dish, and the restaurant prides itself on delivering high-quality meals to its customers. The fried chicken is made with premium ingredients, and the flavors are well-balanced, making it a satisfying and enjoyable meal. The pickled radish is the perfect accompaniment, providing a refreshing contrast to the fried chicken. Overall, K Soul Chicken offers an authentic Korean-dining experience, and customers are sure to enjoy the delicious flavors and excellent service.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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7. Chicken G's
Local favorite with a relaxed atmosphere

The chicken dish was exceptional, earning high praise from the reviewer. It was so impressive that the reviewer recommended it as the top choice for anyone visiting the area. The reviewer even went so far as to plead for the restaurant to open a location in Anaheim, California, suggesting that the demand for this delicious chicken extends beyond its current location.
The chicken was prepared in such a way that it stood out from other chicken dishes, earning it the title of "fantastic." The reviewer was so impressed that they would make it their first choice when in town. This level of quality and taste is something that the reviewer clearly thinks should be shared with a wider audience, as evidenced by their plea for the restaurant to expand to Anaheim, California.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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8. Hard Knox Cafe
Family-owned diner serving Southern comfort food

Soul food, such as gumbo, po-boys, pulled pork, jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, oxtails, BBQ ribs, and fried chicken, is known for its comforting and satisfying qualities. After months of anticipation, Hard Knox Cafe has opened its doors, featuring a new industrial-themed interior, distressed sheet metal, model airplanes on the walls, and blues music playing in the background.
During our visit, we tried the fried chicken and ribs, which were delicious. Our meal also included red beans and rice, mac and cheese, and collared greens as sides. Overall, the food was enjoyable and true to the soul food experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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9. T.L. Downtown Krispy Krunchy Chicken
Offers Cajun-style fried chicken and Southern sides, using high-quality ingredients and unique spice blends, in a casual and friendly environment.

T.L. Downtown Krispy Krunchy Chicken is known for its delicious fried chicken. The chicken has a crispy exterior and is juicy on the inside, making it a must-try for anyone visiting the restaurant. In addition to their famous fried chicken, the establishment also offers a variety of snacks and take-out meals.
One popular option is the 3-piece chicken meal, which comes with potato wedges and a honey biscuit. This meal is perfect for those looking for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner. Whether you dine in or take out, T.L. Downtown Krispy Krunchy Chicken is sure to provide a delicious and enjoyable experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Dinner
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10. Starbird Chicken
Sustainable and locally sourced ingredients, free range and hormone-free chicken

Starbird's crispy chicken is a popular menu item, known for its high quality and delicious taste. The chicken is never treated with antibiotics and never frozen, ensuring that it is fresh and natural. One of the unique aspects of Starbird's chicken is the secret gluten-free proprietary spice blend that it is hand-breaded in, which gives it a distinctive and satisfying crunch.
Fried chicken lovers should not miss out on trying Starbird's version. It is always fresh, crispy, and full of flavor. The use of high-quality ingredients, such as never using antibiotics or frozen chicken, results in a superior taste and texture. Additionally, the gluten-free spice blend adds an extra layer of flavor to the chicken, making it a standout option for those looking for a tasty and unique fried chicken experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Vegetarian Options
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11. Krispy Krunchy Chicken

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
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12. Benihana
Interactive cooking experience, lively atmosphere, and authentic Japanese cuisine

The fried chicken at this establishment is known for its crispy exterior and robust flavor profile. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch, followed by a tender and juicy interior. The seasoning is expertly applied, resulting in a well-rounded taste that is sure to delight.
However, some customers may find the portion size to be a bit lacking for the cost. While the quality of the chicken is undeniably high, the amount served may not be sufficient for those with larger appetites. Despite this, the overall experience of enjoying the delicious and expertly cooked fried chicken is still a positive one.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- High-End
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13. Gyro King
Middle Eastern street food in a casual setting

The fried chicken at Gyro King is a standout dish. Its exterior is crispy and browned, providing a satisfying crunch with each bite. Inside, the chicken is tender and juicy, with a rich and well-seasoned flavor. This delightful combination makes it a must-try for any visitor.
Gyro King's fried chicken exceeded expectations. The poultry was skillfully prepared, resulting in a perfectly balanced texture. The exterior was crisp and well-seasoned, while the meat inside was flavorful and juicy. This dish is a shining example of Gyro King's ability to deliver delicious and high-quality meals.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Affordable Nightlife
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14. Krispy Krunchy Fried Chicken
Only cash or gift cards accepted, no credit cards.

Fried chicken is a popular food option, known for its juiciness, tenderness, and delicious taste. Many people enjoy this dish, and it's often a top choice for those looking for something satisfying and flavorful. Blueberry muffins are another well-loved option, and are a great choice for those looking for something sweet and tasty.
If you're in the mood for some delicious fried chicken, this place is a great option. The prices are very reasonable, and the chicken is always hot and delicious. It's a convenient and tasty choice, whether you're looking for a quick meal or a treat to satisfy your cravings.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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15. KFC
Drive-thru and delivery services available, Kid-friendly menu options

I recently ordered a fried chicken bucket, and it was truly delicious. The chicken had a crispy exterior with a flavorful interior that made every bite enjoyable. Unfortunately, the delivery process took longer than I had anticipated. While the taste of the fried chicken was excellent, the slow service left something to be desired.
Despite my initial disappointment with the delivery speed, I couldn't deny that the fried chicken itself was exceptional. The chicken was crispy and well-seasoned, with a juicy and flavorful interior. However, the service could have been faster to provide a more enjoyable experience. Overall, the delicious fried chicken made up for the slow delivery, but it's worth noting that the service could use some improvement.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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16. Krispy Krunchy Chicken
Located in historic Fisherman's Wharf with a walk-up window

The fried chicken is widely praised for its delicious taste and satisfying consistency. Its juicy and crusty texture makes it a standout, while its finger-licking goodness keeps people coming back for more.
This exceptional fried chicken is known for its remarkable flavor and texture. With a juicy and crusty exterior, and a taste that is both delicious and satisfying, it's no wonder that this fried chicken is so highly rated. In fact, its finger-licking goodness is one of its most celebrated qualities.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Cheap Eats
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17. Rocketbird
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Lunch
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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