Best Upscale Fried Chicken in Little Italy | Top 3 Upscale Spots

16 restaurants in Best Upscale Fried Chicken in Little Italy | Top 3 Upscale Spots

• The Wren — American · rated 5/5: Bathed in a warm, convivial glow, this spirited gathering spot invites guests to linger over a vibrant array of elevated snacks and shareable plates designed for social dining. The air hums with energy as tables fill with charred shishito peppers, smoky brisket croquettes, and velvety whipped ricotta, each bite celebrating bold textures and communal flavors. Whether diving into a golden-fried chicken sandwich or sampling colorful vegetable dips, diners find a welcoming retreat where sophisticated comfort food takes center stage.
• Pecking House — Chinese · rated 5/5: Pecking House reimagines the classic fried chicken joint as a vibrant crossroads of Southern comfort and bold Sichuan heat, where the air hums with the aromatic scent of toasted chilies and sizzling poultry. Diners dive into shatteringly crisp chili chicken and spice-dusted wings that pair perfectly with smoky turkey bacon fried rice and the refreshing, charred crunch of wok-fried lettuce. From the fiery kick of handmade wontons to the savory depth of their signature sandwiches, every bite offers a masterclass in texture and a soulful celebration of cross-cultural flavors.
• The Red Lion — American · rated 4/5: Stepping into The Red Lion feels like entering a bustling social sanctuary where the aroma of warm beer hall pretzels and zesty street tacos sets the stage for a night of spirited connection. Guests huddle over overflowing platters of loaded nachos and crispy wings, enjoying a playful menu of elevated comfort favorites that transform a casual gathering into a vibrant, flavor-filled celebration.
• The Bowery Beer Garden — American · rated 4/5: This vibrant open-air sanctuary captures the electric pulse of the neighborhood, inviting guests to unwind beneath glowing lights where the clink of cold pints meets the smoky, savory aroma of the grill. Indulgent, shareable plates take center stage, featuring everything from buttery Wagyu brisket sliders and spice-dusted wings to golden fries decadently loaded with garlic shrimp. It is a quintessential urban hangout where bold flavors and a relaxed, breezy atmosphere transform a casual gathering into a celebratory night out under the city sky.
• Wok Wok Southeast Asian Kitchen — Thai · rated 4/5: Wok Wok Southeast Asian Kitchen captures the vibrant energy of a bustling night market, where the air is thick with the aromatic "wok hei" of charred noodles and the golden glow of turmeric-spiced wings. Guests dive into deep bowls of creamy, spice-laden Penang White Curry Laksa and dark, glossy Hokkien Char Mee, experiencing a soulful journey through the bold and diverse street food traditions of Malaysia and Thailand.
• Downtown Social — American · rated 4/5: Downtown Social pulses with a high-energy charm, inviting guests into a vibrant space where the air is thick with the savory scent of golden-fried favorites and the hum of spirited conversation. Towering plates of buffalo chicken nachos and giant, salt-dusted Bavarian pretzels anchor the table for communal grazing, complemented by indulgent bowls of velvety homemade mac and cheese that elevate classic comfort to a social art form. It is a destination designed for connection, where every shareable platter and crispy wing serves as a catalyst for a lively and memorable night out.
• Wonderland Bar — American · rated 4/5: Wonderland Bar invites guests into a whimsical urban escape where the art of the snack is elevated through bold, cross-cultural flavors and a playful sense of discovery. Golden-fried treasures like crispy string beans and popcorn chicken are reimagined with sophisticated touches, pairing the satisfying crunch of tempura with the decadent richness of caviar-infused mayo or the tropical brightness of passion fruit jam. It is a vibrant social sanctuary where every bite—from tangy Chinese pickles to savory spring rolls—is designed to spark conversation and delight the senses in an enchanting, high-energy atmosphere.
• Double Chicken Please — American · rated 4/5: This vibrant destination hums with an electric energy, inviting guests into a world where traditional comfort food is reimagined through a lens of whimsical, avant-garde artistry. The experience unfolds through a series of inventive bites, from the delicate crunch of beetroot monakas and lobster shiso tempura to the bold, savory depths of stuffed chicken wings and pig’s blood cake. It is a masterclass in culinary playfulness, where every dish challenges expectations and transforms a casual night out into a sensory journey of unexpected flavors and textures.
• Phebes — American · rated 3/5: Phebes captures the high-energy spirit of a classic neighborhood social hub, where the hum of conversation mingles with the enticing aroma of golden-fried wings and zesty spinach artichoke dip. Guests settle into the vibrant, unpretentious space to share overflowing plates of loaded nachos and savory mini burgers, creating a communal dining experience that celebrates the simple joy of comfort food and camaraderie.
• Ray's — American · rated 3/5: Stepping into Ray's feels like a warm embrace of classic Americana, where the crunch of golden-brown onion rings and the spicy aroma of buffalo wings set the stage for a spirited gathering. Friends huddle over overflowing plates of nachos and signature "Red Hots," while the kitchen turns out hearty Cuban sandwiches and crisp wedge salads that elevate traditional comfort food into a soulful neighborhood feast.
• Pretty Ricky's — American · rated 3/5: This vibrant neighborhood hangout pulses with a welcoming energy, where the chilled elegance of oysters on the half shell meets the nostalgic comfort of golden-fried pickles and creamy onion dip. The kitchen bridges the gap between casual cravings and refined bites, offering everything from pillowy focaccia paired with earthy chickpea spread to juicy, charred burgers and zesty buffalo chicken sandwiches. It is a soulful space where lively conversation flows as easily as the drinks, inviting guests to settle in for a night of effortless conviviality.
• GMT Tavern — American: This inviting neighborhood tavern pulses with a warm, social energy, drawing guests into a space where the aroma of salty Brauhaus pretzels and zesty, golden-fried wings fills the air. The kitchen balances indulgence with freshness, pairing crispy calamari and coconut-crusted shrimp with vibrant, garden-fresh salads that celebrate seasonal flavors. Whether settling in for a comforting bowl of the daily soup or sharing a platter of classic pub favorites, diners find a relaxed sanctuary perfect for lingering over good food and spirited conversation.
• 375° Chicken 'n Fries — American: This vibrant spot pulses with the energy of a modern urban eatery, where the constant sizzle of the fryer at its namesake temperature promises the ultimate golden-brown crunch. Succulent chicken takes center stage in everything from pillowy sliders and honey-drizzled waffles to indulgent bowls of creamy mac topped with crispy bites, creating a high-heat haven where comfort food is elevated to a savory art form.
• The Flower Shop — American: This vibrant neighborhood hangout channels a nostalgic, retro charm, where velvet-clad corners and a lively social hum set the stage for an evening of elevated comfort. The kitchen reimagines classic pub fare with a sophisticated twist, pairing golden-fried mozzarella and earthy mushroom escabeche with soul-warming staples like the signature katsu chicken sandwich and perfectly crisped fish and chips. It is a spirited destination where the warmth of a local tavern meets a modern culinary edge, inviting guests to linger over nostalgic bites in a space that feels both familiar and refreshingly chic.
• Kimura — Japanese: Kimura captures the spirited energy of a traditional izakaya, where the air is thick with the savory scent of golden-fried chicken karaage and the gentle steam from baskets of delicate shrimp shumai. Large, shareable platters of pan-seared pork gyoza and smoky, grilled beef tongue invite guests to linger over conversation in a warm, welcoming space that celebrates the heart of Japanese comfort food.
• Carroll Place — Italian: This lively Italian gastropub hums with a rustic energy, where the enticing scent of wood-fired rosemary wings and simmering meatballs in pomodoro drifts through a warm, dimly lit space. Guests gather over artfully arranged boards of artisanal salumi and creamy burrata, pairing spirited conversation with golden arancini and savory sliders that elevate classic comfort into a communal art form. It is a vibrant neighborhood sanctuary that captures the essence of a spirited dinner party, inviting diners to linger long after the last plate is cleared.