Discover the Best Fried Chicken in New Orleans

Located inside the high-end Ace Hotel, Josephine Estelle brings a taste of Italy to the city while staying true to the cuisine of Southern America. Since they're open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, there's rarely a moment when guests can't enjoy the house-made pastas, delicious cocktails and some of the best fried chicken in New Orleans. Early risers can snag the chicken biscuit, but the JE Fried Chicken plate is available later in the day. The interior maintains the luxury appeal of Ace Hotel with intricate columns, lush foliage, comfy seating and artsy palm tree murals.

The rustic décor, farmhouse art and mounted hunting trophies inside Toups Meatery don't provide many clues as to what the restaurant serves. One look at the menu, however, and it's obvious that a Cajun paradise awaits. Smoked salmon melts, hot fried quail, venison and the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich featuring grilled ham are just a few of the delicious options. Not only do the owners have NOLA roots going back centuries, but Isaac was even on Top Chef. It’s no surprise they have one of the best fried chicken offerings in New Orleans!

Those who get a craving for authentic Creole fare while in the French Quarter should stop by Mr. B's Bistro. The plush seating, stained-wood finishes, live string music, extravagant lighting and presidential booth could make guests feel like they’re in Titanic’s first-class dining area. The menu, however, is anything but a disaster. The Gumbo Ya Ya, paneed veal & fettuccine and oven-roasted pork belly cannot be missed. There are also options for the best fried chicken in New Orleans. The brunch menu has chicken livers, and guests get to enjoy Skip's Fried Chicken & Mac on Tuesdays.

An online poll by The Times-Picayune and New Orleans Advocate found that Ralph’s on the Park was one of the top 10 favorite restaurants in the NOLA area. Their buttermilk fried chicken sandwich easily makes the list of best fried chicken in New Orleans, but the BBQ Gulf shrimp, grilled puppy drum and grilled Vegas strip are equally as impressive. Guests can also enjoy live jazz and philanthropic events while immersed in genuine bayou décor – including vintage murals, vibrant art and rustic architecture.

Emeril Lagasse has several eateries throughout New Orleans, and NOLA Restaurant serves as his casual concept. This is immediately recognizable by the fun artwork, neon lighting and whimsical décor. The menu combines global influences with Southern, Acadian and Creole cuisine to create something very special. This includes a variety of pizzas, NOLA jambalaya, Gulf fish Creole and buttermilk fried chicken with bourbon masked sweet potatoes. Considering the eatery has been around since ’92, it’s understandable that they’ve had time to perfect the best fried chicken in New Orleans.

A diverse coffee program, bakery up front and elegant dining are what make Willa Jean so special. Whether guests want a family meal or a quick pastry and coffee to-go, they'll find what they need here. The exposed brick, unique chandeliers and vintage décor create a pastoral vibe that’s calming for anyone coming off a hectic tour or vacation schedule. Their contribution to the best fried chicken in New Orleans includes a breakfast biscuit with Tabasco honey and a chicken sandwich featuring serrano slaw the remainder of the day.

As the flagship eatery of Mr. Lagasse, Emeril's Restaurant has been making waves in the city for over a quarter century. It's located in a renovated pharmacy warehouse, and the designers did well at putting a contemporary spin on an otherwise industrial atmosphere. The exposed and aged brick is contrasted with vibrant paintings, and former warehouse walls are now lined with wine racks. Toss in the famous Hot Fried Chicken and Waffles – or other delicacies like roast beef po'boys and the "Who Dat" Burger – and visitors are left with a culinary experience obviously crafted by one of the world’s most renowned chefs.

Anyone looking for the best chicken in New Orleans can find it at Luke Restaurant, but they'll need to show up during lunch on Monday. This is when the Tabasco Honey Fried Chicken is on the menu. Those who can't make it this early in the week can still enjoy Maw Maw's Roast Chicken, pork schnizel, the crispy oyster BLT and other Creole-inspired favorites. There's also a raw bar with the freshest seafood around, and this is all enjoyed inside a historic building that maintains the rustic appeal from the old days.

Named after the famed chef's daughter, Meril is Emeril Lagasse's fourth eatery to open in the New Orleans area. There's an open kitchen and overall casual vibe, and the craft cocktails and diverse wine selection are among the most popular aspects. Their offering for the best fried chicken in New Orleans is chopped up and placed on a bed of iceberg lettuce, and guests can also enjoy Korean fried chicken wings with gochujang sauce. The massive animal murals, bizarre lighting fixtures and non-traditional artwork all create a quirky vibe to enjoy a great meal.

Recognized as one of the historic Vieux Carre's "Culinary Grande Dames," Broussard's has the distinction of serving New Orleans since 1920. The mansion that houses the eatery has stood since 1834, and a walk around the interior shows that it’s maintained its historical luxury since that time. Intricate columns and ceiling designs, elegant chandeliers, large windows and beautiful archways throughout beckon to a time long past. Their offering of the best fried chicken in New Orleans comes with a Creole glaze and buttermilk waffles, so lovers of Southern delicacies will feel right at home.

The Poulet Pané at Justine Restaurant might sound a bit fancy for those seeking the best fried chicken in New Orleans, but what’s wrong with combining poultry with a bit of refined French cuisine? The menu also offers hanger steak, Parisian ham, duck confit and other delicacies typically found in a French brasserie. The interior maintains this vibe with a massive pop mural featuring icons from France, decorative art that harkens back to the late 18th century and goddess-like statues. Guests might also catch the roaming burlesque!

Huey P. Long was governor of New Orleans and a Senator until his untimely death in 1935, and the Kingfish restaurant garnered its title from his nickname. The rustic chandeliers, black-and-white photography, exposed ductwork and distressed brick all combine to transport guests back to the era prior to the governor’s loss. In keeping with this trend, the menu is Louisiana-centric. This includes some of the best fried chicken in New Orleans – boneless pieces of half the bird – along with alligator grillades, gulf shrimp, pressed pork and duck breast.

While the eight local draft beers at Copper Vine are certainly worth bragging over, it's the 30 wine varieties on tap that makes them really stand out. The owners promise to make wine accessible to everyone by thrusting it into a fun environment – rather than the intimidating and often pompous environments too often encountered. This can be enjoyed in the outdoor seating area – packed with beautiful foliage – or inside among the modern seating and décor. They don’t have the best fried chicken in New Orleans, but they do have chicken-fried duck. Who can resist trying that at least once?

Dating back to 1856, Tujague's is the second oldest eatery in the entire city of New Orleans. They recently changed locations, but recognizing their role in maintaining Old NOLA, they maintained their luxury vintage vibe on the inside. This wasn’t difficult since the new building is from the 1840’s, and the wood columns, antique decor and leaded windows were also maintained. They do cook some of the best fried chicken in New Orleans, but patrons should know that it's tossed on a bed of lettuce. Anyone seeking something less healthy can enjoy oyster po-boys, crawfish etouffee or the restaurant's famous brisket.

Like many eateries found in the Warehouse District, Annunciation is housed in a restored warehouse from the turn of the century. Vintage entryways and the original exposed brick remain, but wine racks, fine dining sets, cozy lighting and modern art offer an updated atmosphere. Guests curious to see if they have the best fried chicken in New Orleans will have to order it along with dumplings – as this is the only way it's served. For those unexcited about this prospect, the pasta primavera, roasted duck, Veal Annunciation and pork shoulder offer pleasant alternatives.

Anyone seeking a fun and upbeat dining experience would be remiss to not visit Flamingo A-Go-Go. The vibrant flamingos and colorful décor begins on the outside of the building, and the bright hues never seem to stop. There's a mixture of pop artwork on the inside along with whimsical decorations, energetic murals and a convenient phone charging station. Their chicken fried chicken and Creole red beans and rice with buttermilk fried chicken added are divine, but many people simply end up staying for the rosé brunch and bottomless mimosas. There are also doggy parties, so the best fried chicken in New Orleans might not even be the biggest draw!