Best Upscale Fried Chicken in New York City | Top 12 Upscale Spots

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Fried Chicken in New York City | Top 12 Upscale Spots

• The Anchored Inn — Seafood · rated 5/5: This spirited local haunt invites guests into a warm, convivial space where the satisfying crunch of house-cut fries and the savory aroma of sizzling burgers set the stage for a relaxed evening. Golden-brown wings and towering plates of nachos anchor the table, while the scent of crispy brussels sprouts wafts through a room filled with easy laughter and clinking glasses. It’s a place where the simple joy of a perfectly grilled hot dog or a hearty veggie burger transforms a casual night out into a cherished neighborhood tradition.
• The Pony Bar — American · rated 5/5: The Pony Bar radiates the lively, unpretentious energy of a quintessential social hub, where the air is thick with the savory scent of slow-simmered chili and the comforting warmth of salt-dusted, soft-baked pretzels. Guests settle into a spirited atmosphere to share generous platters of crispy jumbo wings and bubbling skillet mac and cheese, creating a communal dining experience that captures the joyful, messy heart of elevated pub fare.
• Horn's Hook Tavern — American · rated 5/5: This spirited neighborhood haunt captures the essence of a classic tavern, where warm lighting and the convivial clinking of glasses create an inviting backdrop for shared stories and hearty fare. Guests gather over generous platters of golden, brie-stuffed pretzels and crispy house-made potato skins, while the aroma of bubbling tavern pizzas and signature wings fills the air with a sense of rustic comfort.
• Fancy Free — American · rated 5/5: Fancy Free captures a spirited, carefree energy where the irresistible aroma of golden, crisp-fried delights and zesty spices fills the air. The kitchen elevates social dining with a vibrant array of shareable plates, from the earthy decadence of truffle parmesan fries and creamy deviled eggs to wings glazed in a symphony of sweet pineapple and fiery buffalo heat. It is a lively neighborhood haunt where bold flavors and a playful atmosphere invite guests to linger over every crunchy, savory bite.
• The Winslow — British · rated 5/5: The Winslow pulses with the spirited energy of a modern public house, where the aroma of bubbling jalapeño mac and cheese and golden-fried pickles invites guests into a lively, communal atmosphere. The kitchen masterfully bridges continents, pairing the traditional crunch of perfectly golden fish and chips with the bold, spicy glaze of gochujang duck wings and savory Scotch eggs. Whether settling in for a towering signature burger or a hearty pork belly BLT, diners find a vibrant sanctuary where elevated comfort food and neighborhood charm collide.
• Momofuku Noodle Bar — Japanese · rated 5/5: Stepping into this high-energy culinary landmark, guests are greeted by the rhythmic clatter of an open kitchen and the irresistible aroma of slow-roasted meats. The space pulses with life as communal tables overflow with golden, triple-fried chicken and succulent whole roasted duck ssäm, inviting diners to wrap and share their way through layers of bold, savory flavor. Vibrant cocktails and a spirited atmosphere round out the experience, turning every meal into a lively celebration of modern comfort food.
• Gnarly Eats — American · rated 5/5: Gnarly Eats pulses with the energy of a modern urban hangout, where the irresistible scent of flame-seared beef and slow-smoked brisket draws a hungry crowd. Towering burgers—from crispy buttermilk fried chicken to earthy portobello stacks—arrive piled high with fresh ingredients, offering a messy, soul-satisfying symphony of textures and bold flavors. It is a vibrant destination that celebrates the art of the sandwich, inviting guests to roll up their sleeves and indulge in a menu where every bite feels like a decadent celebration of comfort food.
• Numero 28 Pizza — Italian · rated 5/5: This vibrant neighborhood gem invites guests into a warm, bustling space where the irresistible aroma of golden-fried arancini and simmering meatballs evokes the soulful comfort of a traditional Italian kitchen. Crisp, artfully composed salads and velvety burrata provide a refreshing counterpoint to savory classics like zesty chicken al limone, creating a dining experience that feels both timeless and celebratory.
• Hunter's Steak & Ale House — Steakhouse · rated 5/5: Stepping into this convivial neighborhood haunt feels like a warm embrace, where the polished wood of the bar and the lively chatter of locals set the stage for a quintessential comfort-food feast. The kitchen masterfully balances hearty classics like silky Penne Ala Vodka and lemon-bright Chicken Francese with shareable plates of crispy buffalo wings and chilled shrimp, creating a timeless dining experience that celebrates the simple joy of a well-poured pint and a satisfying meal.
• 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.
• The Horny Ram — thought The Horny Ram is · rated 5/5: This vibrant social hub buzzes with a spirited energy, where the air is thick with the savory scent of sizzling smashed burgers and spice-rubbed wings. The kitchen transforms familiar comforts into artful, shareable feasts, from the satisfying crunch of cornflake-crusted chicken to the melt-in-your-mouth richness of pork belly bao buns and zesty ahi tuna sliders. Every plate is a celebration of bold textures and global inspirations, creating a lively atmosphere where every bite feels like an indulgent discovery.
• El Zason — Mexican · rated 5/5: El Zason pulses with a vibrant energy where the smoky aroma of charred wings and the zesty brightness of fresh lime invite diners into a lively celebration of bold, communal flavors. The table transforms into a colorful mosaic of textures, pairing the molten richness of chorizo fundido and creamy burrata with the refreshing snap of octopus ceviche and citrus-kissed cactus strings. It is a spirited destination where traditional soul meets contemporary flair, creating an atmosphere that feels like a continuous, flavor-drenched fiesta.
• House of Wings — American · rated 5/5: This vibrant neighborhood haunt pulses with the irresistible aroma of sizzling smash burgers and wings tossed in a kaleidoscope of bold, zesty glazes. From the sharp tang of lemon pepper to the rich, savory depth of garlic parmesan, every crispy bite is designed for indulgence, perfectly paired with golden fries and the velvety chill of a hand-spun milkshake.
• Evalyn's Tap House — American · rated 5/5: Evalyn’s Tap House reimagines the classic social hub by blending the conviviality of a neighborhood pub with the intricate, steaming artistry of a traditional dim sum parlor. Guests gather around communal tables to share everything from salty, blistered shishito peppers and beer-brined brisket sliders to delicate, hand-pleated soup dumplings that burst with savory broth. The atmosphere hums with a relaxed energy, offering a unique sensory journey where the crisp snap of spicy wings meets the tender elegance of shrimp har gow, all perfectly paired with a cold pint.
• Naks — Filipino · rated 5/5: This vibrant destination pulses with the soulful energy of Filipino street culture, where the air is thick with the savory perfume of charcoal-grilled liempo and garlic-laced adobo rice. Diners feast on a playful evolution of tradition, from the satisfying crunch of golden kanto fried chicken to the delicate, citrus-cured brightness of fresh kinilaw, all culminating in the tropical sweetness of charred mango skewers.
• The Three Monkeys — American · rated 5/5: This vibrant social haunt hums with energy, drawing guests into a space where the aroma of spicy buffalo chicken and sizzling salt-and-pepper bites sets the stage for a spirited evening. The kitchen turns out an eclectic array of shareable delights, from crispy brussels sprouts to delicate dumplings and molten mac and cheese, all designed to be enjoyed amidst the clinking of glasses and lively conversation. It is a destination where global comfort food meets a playful, communal atmosphere, making every visit feel like a festive gathering of friends.
• Batsu — Japanese · rated 5/5: Batsu hums with a spirited, modern energy, blending the meticulous artistry of a sushi bar with the soulful, golden-brown decadence of expertly fried chicken. Cool, clean notes of premium sake cut through the savory warmth of the kitchen’s bold offerings, creating a sensory playground where delicate sashimi and crunchy, spice-dusted poultry share the spotlight. This lively haunt invites guests to lose track of time amidst a backdrop of clinking glasses and vibrant plates, offering a dining experience that is as refined as it is unapologetically fun.
• 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.
• Golden Way — Chinese · rated 5/5: Golden Way serves as a vibrant neighborhood destination where the rhythmic sizzle of the fryer yields perfectly crisped chicken wings and golden-hued seafood delicacies. The air carries the enticing, smoky sweetness of glazed BBQ rib tips and the savory crunch of hand-rolled appetizers, creating a haven of nostalgic comfort and bold, satisfying flavors.
• Golda — Middle Eastern · rated 5/5: Golda radiates a sun-drenched, neighborhood charm where the morning air is thick with the scent of toasted brioche and vibrant, aromatic spices. The kitchen reimagines all-day staples through a creative lens, turning out silky eggplant shakshuka and golden-hued frittatas alongside indulgent fried chicken sandwiches served on pillowy buns. It is a bright, welcoming sanctuary where every dish—from the delicate yuzu parfait to the hearty, signature egg sandwiches—is crafted with an eye for both soulful comfort and contemporary flair.
• Muse — French · rated 5/5: Muse invites guests into a vibrant, high-energy sanctuary where the sizzle of rock shrimp and the aroma of lemongrass-infused wings set the stage for a bold exploration of modern Asian street food. Pillowy steamed buns and inventive, spice-laden rolls anchor a menu designed for sharing, creating a social dining experience that pulses with contemporary flair and creative energy.
• Shaw-Nae's House — American · rated 4.8/5: Stepping into Shaw-Nae’s House feels like a warm embrace, where the air is thick with the savory perfume of golden-fried chicken and the sweet, spiced aroma of bubbling peach cobbler. This intimate neighborhood gem celebrates the heart of American comfort, serving up soul-satisfying plates of velvety mac and cheese and crisp waffles that invite guests to linger over a meal that feels exactly like a Sunday dinner at home.
• 375° Chicken 'n Fries — American · rated 4.7/5: Step into a high-energy urban haunt where the rhythmic sizzle of the fryer and the intoxicating aroma of bold spices signal a masterclass in the art of the crunch. Golden, triple-cooked fries provide a decadent canvas for inventive toppings, while succulent chicken—fried to a precise, shattering crisp—takes center stage in towering sandwiches that redefine the soulful indulgence of American comfort food.
• Charles Pan-Fried Chicken — American · rated 4.6/5: The rhythmic sizzle of cast-iron skillets provides the soundtrack to this soulful sanctuary, where the aroma of seasoned flour and hot oil promises a masterclass in Southern comfort. Each piece of chicken emerges with a perfectly bronzed, crackling skin that gives way to succulent meat, paired beautifully with velvety mac and cheese and slow-simmered greens that evoke the warmth of a family kitchen.
• Piccante — Italian · rated 4.6/5: Piccante hums with a spirited energy, inviting guests into a sun-drenched space where the effervescence of peach bellinis and citrusy mimosas sets a celebratory tone for a social afternoon. The kitchen turns out a playful array of Italian-inspired comfort, from the satisfying crunch of golden arancini and herb-flecked bruschetta to zesty wings that pair perfectly with a crisp craft beer or a chilled carafe of fruit-laden sangria.
• Disco Birdies — American · rated 4.5/5: Neon lights and shimmering disco balls cast a playful glow over this high-energy American haunt, where retro-glam aesthetics meet the irresistible crunch of expertly seasoned, golden-fried comfort. The air hums with a vibrant soundtrack as guests dive into plates of succulent chicken and elevated sides that reinvent classic diner staples with a soulful, modern flair. This spirited celebration of flavor and nostalgia invites diners to linger over craft cocktails
• Peaches HotHouse — American · rated 4.4/5: This vibrant Brooklyn cornerstone hums with the soulful energy of a Southern kitchen, where the air is thick with the mouthwatering scent of smoky spices and golden-fried comfort. Diners dive into plates of legendary Nashville-style hot chicken, featuring a craggy, cayenne-kissed crust that shatters to reveal succulent meat and a lingering, fiery glow. Within the rustic, wood-accented space, bold flavors and spirited neighborhood charm come together to create a meal that feels like a warm, spicy embrace.
• Cheryl's Global Soul — American · rated 4.4/5: Sunlight dances across the colorful walls of this bustling neighborhood gem, where the soulful aroma of buttermilk-fried chicken and slow-simmered greens invites you into a space that feels like a warm embrace. The kitchen masterfully elevates American comfort food with a worldly perspective, layering bold, global spices onto hearty classics to create a dining experience that is as vibrant and eclectic as the community it serves.
• Koko Wings — Korean · rated 4.4/5: Step into a high-energy space where the rhythmic crunch of double-fried chicken serves as the soundtrack to a vibrant Korean dining experience. Each piece is hand-brushed with savory soy garlic or fiery hot glazes that glisten under the warm lights, offering a shatteringly crisp exterior that gives way to tender, succulent meat. It’s a soulful destination where the bold, umami-rich flavors of Seoul meet a casual, welcoming atmosphere perfect for sharing a mountain of wings and a cold drink.
• International Wings Factory — American · rated 4.4/5: This high-energy haunt pulses with the irresistible aroma of bubbling fryers and a global spice rack, drawing in crowds for a masterclass in the art of the chicken wing. Each basket arrives piled high with crackling, golden-brown morsels tossed in a vibrant spectrum of house-made glazes, inviting diners to roll up their sleeves and lose themselves in a messy, flavor-packed celebration of American comfort.