Best Upscale Fried Chicken in Financial District | Top 1 Upscale Spots

9 restaurants in Best Upscale Fried Chicken in Financial District | Top 1 Upscale Spots

• Last Drop Tavern — American · rated 5/5: This spirited neighborhood haunt hums with energy, inviting guests to settle in amidst a warm, amber glow for an evening of elevated comfort food and vibrant conversation. The kitchen masters the art of the shared plate, turning out golden heaps of curry-dusted chips and crackling buffalo wings that burst with bold, spicy personality. From the zesty snap of blistered shishito peppers to the tender crunch of salt and pepper calamari, every dish offers a playful celebration of texture and flavor designed for lingering until the very last drop.
• Sool Bar and Lounge — Korean · rated 4/5: Sool Bar and Lounge invites guests into a sleek, neon-hued sanctuary where the bold, spirited flavors of Korean street food are reimagined for a sophisticated nightlife scene. Golden-fried beef mandu and spicy gochujang wings provide a crunchy, savory counterpoint to an artful cocktail program inspired by the floral landscapes of Jeju and the historic elegance of the Joseon era. It is a place where the rhythmic clink of glasses and the pungent, inviting aroma of house-made kimchi create a vibrant backdrop for an evening of spirited conversation and modern discovery.
• Royal Exchange — American · rated 4/5: This spirited social house hums with the energy of a classic gathering spot, where the air is perfumed with the aromatic scent of rosemary garlic fries and the convivial clinking of glasses. Guests bond over shared platters of golden-fried chicken and charred prawn skewers, finding a seamless harmony between indulgent pub-style comfort and vibrant, garden-fresh salads. It is a place where every bite, from the salty crunch of a warm pretzel knot to the bold zest of a black and blue steak salad, celebrates the joy of hearty, communal dining.
• Southside Spirit House — American · rated 4/5: Southside Spirit House pulses with a vibrant, urban energy, offering a stylish retreat where the clinking of craft cocktails meets a menu of elevated, soul-warming comfort food. The air is thick with the irresistible scent of truffle-dusted tots and zesty lemon-parmesan wings, while colorful platters of tender carnitas tacos and juicy sliders invite guests to linger over shared bites in a lively, social atmosphere. It’s a spirited destination where casual indulgence takes center stage, blending a playful vibe with bold, crave-worthy flavors that turn any gathering into a celebratory feast.
• The Bird — American: The Bird serves as a high-energy sanctuary for comfort food enthusiasts, where the sizzle of the fryer and the aroma of buttery, golden biscuits create an immediate sense of indulgence. Guests dive into shatteringly crisp fried chicken sandwiches and wings lacquered in vibrant glazes, ranging from the stinging heat of buffalo to the tropical kick of mango habanero. It is a place where the simple pleasure of a perfectly seasoned curly fry or a tender chicken biscuit transforms a casual meal into a soulful, flavor-packed experience.
• International Smoke — Steakhouse: The air at International Smoke hums with high-energy sophistication, perfumed by the enticing aroma of wood-fired ovens and global spices that invite guests into a vibrant, communal celebration of fire-kissed flavors. Diners journey through a landscape of textures, from the golden warmth of honey-drizzled cornbread to the decadent crunch of double duck wings and the refreshing brightness of burrata paired with sun-ripened market melons. This stylish destination masterfully bridges the gap between rustic soul food and refined global artistry, creating an atmosphere where every shared plate feels like a bold exploration of culinary tradition.
• Lao Table — Thai: Vibrant energy meets the soulful aromas of Southeast Asia in this lively space, where the sizzle of garlic wings and the fragrant smoke of grilled calamari drift from a bustling kitchen. Diners gather over communal plates of snap-crisp spring rolls and herb-flecked Lao sausages, balancing the bold, savory depth of fish sauce-marinated pork with the bright, citrusy chill of delicate tuna koi. It is a culinary celebration that honors tradition through texture and spice, offering a spirited atmosphere where every bite of crunchy chicharrón and tender satay transports the senses to the heart of Vientiane.
• Schroeder's Restaurant — German: This lively destination captures the spirited energy of a modern beer hall, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of toasted salt and golden-fried delicacies. Guests gather around communal tables to share oversized Bavarian pretzels and crispy, smothered tots that pair perfectly with a cold pint and boisterous conversation. From the satisfying crunch of house-made pickles to the zesty kick of signature wings, every plate celebrates the joy of hearty, convivial dining in a space that feels both historic and vibrantly current.
• Rooster and Rice — Thai: Steam rises from pots of fragrant ginger-scented rice in this vibrant eatery, where the comforting simplicity of traditional Thai street food meets modern culinary flair. Diners can tuck into succulent poached chicken served with zesty sauces or indulge in the crunch of golden Hat Yai fried chicken, each dish a masterclass in balancing delicate textures with bold, aromatic spices. From soul-warming bowls of rich Khao Soi to inventive chicken burritos, the space hums with the energy of a bustling marketplace, offering a soulful escape centered around the humble yet perfected art of the bird.