Best Fried Chicken in Des Moines | Top 9 Spots

13 restaurants in Best Fried Chicken in Des Moines | Top 9 Spots

• The Station on Ingersoll — American · rated 4/5: This lively neighborhood haunt hums with a welcoming energy, where the golden glow of the bar invites friends to gather over plates of inventive, shareable comfort food. The kitchen reimagines pub classics with a playful spirit, serving up everything from crispy, salt-dusted pretzel bites to decadent crab rangoon nachos that balance savory crunch with creamy, coastal flair. Whether you're diving into a basket of zesty pickle fries or savoring perfectly charred wings, every bite captures the soulful, unpretentious joy of a true local favorite.
• Dough Co Pizza — Italian · rated 4/5: The air at this lively neighborhood haunt is thick with the irresistible aroma of bubbling cheese and Graziano’s meatballs simmering in savory sauce. Friends gather over overflowing specialty pizza packages and baskets of pillowy breadstick bites, while a thoughtful balance of crispy wings and inventive vegan grinders ensures every guest finds a slice of comfort in the bustling, welcoming space.
• Motley School Tavern — American: Motley School Tavern captures a sense of playful nostalgia, blending the cozy familiarity of a neighborhood hangout with a bold, imaginative take on American comfort food. The air hums with conversation as tables fill with vibrant plates of harissa-glazed carrots, smoky chicken wings, and golden sweet potato hush puppies that perfectly balance sweet and savory notes. From the creamy indulgence of pimento cheese to the elevated crunch of a thick-cut fried bologna sandwich, every dish offers a soulful, spirited journey through reinvented tavern classics.
• Francie's Bar & Grill — American: Francie's Bar & Grill hums with the vibrant energy of a classic neighborhood hangout, where the comforting aroma of toasted garlic focaccia and sizzling, hand-pressed burgers fills the air. Friends gather over overflowing platters of golden buffalo wings and molten queso dip, savoring a menu that celebrates bold, soulful American flavors in a warm and unpretentious setting.
• Clyde's Fine Diner — American: Clyde’s Fine Diner reimagines the classic American eatery as a stylish, high-energy haunt where nostalgic comfort meets culinary sophistication. The air hums with conversation as guests dive into playful, elevated snacks like tangy dill pickle wings and briny bloody oysters, all served alongside expertly curated charcuterie boards and gourmet takes on childhood favorites. It is a vibrant space that treats the humble chicken nugget with the same reverence as beef tartare, offering a dining experience that feels both refreshingly bold and warmly familiar.
• Mad Meatball — Italian: This vibrant social hub buzzes with energy as plates of golden-fried ravioli and zesty buffalo chicken poppers travel from the kitchen to tables filled with laughter. The air carries the irresistible aroma of toasted garlic and molten cheese, setting the stage for a feast of indulgent comfort food anchored by their signature, savory meatballs. It is a place where every bite—from the satisfying crunch of Idaho nachos to the earthy richness of stuffed portabellos—invites guests to linger and share in a truly spirited dining experience.
• Truman's KC Pizza Tavern — Italian: This spirited Kansas City haunt reimagines the morning ritual, where the savory aroma of sizzling chorizo and fresh-baked dough fills a warm, tavern-style space. Guests linger over hearty, soul-warming creations like the signature biscuits-and-gravy pizza or golden chicken fried steak, enjoying a vibrant atmosphere that perfectly bridges the gap between a cozy neighborhood pub and a destination brunch.
• Iowa Beef Steakhouse — Steakhouse: This quintessential Midwestern destination captures the heart of classic dining, where the savory aroma of garlic toast and sizzling mushroom skillets drifts through a warm, inviting atmosphere. Guests gather over shared plates of golden-fried pickles and smoky wings before diving into bowls of velvety clam chowder, creating a communal experience rooted in timeless comfort and generous hospitality.
• Fong's Pizza — Chinese: This vibrant fusion destination pulses with energy, where the nostalgic charm of a neighborhood pizza parlor meets the bold, aromatic spirit of a classic Chinese kitchen. Guests are greeted by the irresistible scent of golden-fried crab rangoons and spicy dragon wings, while tables overflow with pillowy bang bang bao and crispy Thai sticks designed for spirited sharing. It is a playful culinary crossroads where every bite offers a surprising harmony of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in a setting that feels both familiar and thrillingly unique.
• Old Chicago — Italian: Old Chicago hums with the vibrant energy of a classic neighborhood gathering spot, where the comforting scent of hearth-baked dough and zesty spices drifts through a warm, inviting atmosphere. The kitchen crafts a landscape of shareable indulgence, serving up everything from golden-brown Sicilian pepperoni rolls and crispy Italian nachos to bubbling dips and tender, sauce-slicked wings that are perfect for a lively night out.
• The Chicken Coop — American: The air is thick with the savory scent of golden-fried comfort at this spirited local haunt, where rustic charm meets the high-energy buzz of a neighborhood gathering spot. Platter after platter of crispy, hand-breaded tenders and savory gizzards emerge from the kitchen alongside towering heaps of loaded nachos and molten cheese-filled starters, all designed for sharing and indulgence. Whether diving into a basket of zesty buffalo chips or savoring the crunch of house-made poppers, guests find a soulful sanctuary where every bite celebrates the simple, satisfying joy of well-crafted pub fare.
• Krispy Krunchy Chicken — American: The air is thick with the savory, spiced aroma of golden-brown poultry frying to a perfect, shatteringly crisp finish. Each piece of hand-breaded chicken and jumbo tender offers a satisfying contrast between its rugged, seasoned exterior and the succulent, steaming meat within. It is a haven for those seeking the ultimate comfort of a classic fried chicken meal, where every bite delivers a bold, salty crunch that defines the quintessential quick-service indulgence.
• Noah's Ark — Middle Eastern: Noah’s Ark invites diners into a timeless sanctuary where the comforting aroma of toasted garlic bread and slow-roasted prime rib sets the stage for a classic feast. The kitchen masters the art of the traditional supper club, serving up golden-fried ravioli and bubbling casseroles of chicken parmigiana alongside succulent cuts of beef and flaky Alaskan salmon. It is a place where rich flavors and warm hospitality converge, creating an inviting atmosphere that turns every meal into a nostalgic and celebrated occasion.