Best Upscale Fried Chicken in Washington Square | Top 2 Upscale Spots

17 restaurants in Best Upscale Fried Chicken in Washington Square | Top 2 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.
• Pelicana Chicken — Korean · rated 4.2/5: Pelicana Chicken invites diners into a high-energy haven where the legendary crunch of double-fried crusts meets a kaleidoscope of bold, signature glazes. From the sweet heat of traditional gochujang to the savory depth of soy-garlic, each succulent bite delivers a sensory explosion that transforms a casual meal into a vibrant celebration of Korean soul food.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Dan & John's Wings — American: Dan & John’s Wings captures the high-energy spirit of a classic wing joint, where the air is thick with the tantalizing scent of zesty sauces and the satisfying crunch of perfectly fried poultry. Massive platters of glistening traditional wings and golden-brown chicken sandwiches take center stage alongside overflowing boxes of crispy tater tots, creating a communal feast designed for indulgence and shared laughter. This is a vibrant destination where bold flavors and unpretentious comfort bring people together over the simple, messy joy of a perfectly sauced bite.
• 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.
• Tori Bien — Japanese: The air at Tori Bien is thick with the savory scent of ginger and soy, drawing guests toward a menu defined by the irresistible, golden crunch of masterfully fried karaage and glazed wings. Meticulously arranged bento boxes and steaming bowls of tonkatsu curry offer a soulful harmony of textures and flavors, creating a comforting retreat for those seeking an authentic and satisfying taste of Japanese home-style cooking.
• Gupshup — Indian: Gupshup pulses with the vibrant energy of a modern Indian social club, where the air is thick with the aroma of toasted spices and the hum of spirited conversation. The kitchen reimagines nostalgic street food through a playful, global lens, serving up everything from delicate, yogurt-drenched dahi sev puri to innovative fusion bites like pulled jackfruit tacos and zesty crispy okra paired with creamy guacamole. Whether you are sharing smoky salmon tikka or indulging in decadent butter chicken wings, every plate is a colorful celebration of bold textures and contemporary culinary creativity.
• 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.
• Coppelia — Mexican: This vibrant Latin-inspired diner pulses with energy, wrapping guests in a nostalgic yet spirited atmosphere where the sizzle of the grill meets the comforting hum of a neighborhood staple. Golden waffles and zesty huevos rancheros share the table with decadent oxtail empanadas and smoky corn on the cob, creating a soulful fusion of classic diner comfort and bold Caribbean flair. Whether tucking into a steaming bowl of chicken soup or sharing a plate of crispy mac and chicharron, diners find a sanctuary of flavor that feels both familiar and thrillingly inventive.
• 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.
• Pelicana Chicken — Korean: This vibrant eatery hums with energy as the irresistible aroma of golden, double-fried chicken fills the air, promising a signature crunch that shatters with every bite. Diners can indulge in wings glistening with sweet honey glazes or savor smoky, flame-kissed grilled options, all complemented by playful treats like molten cheese balls and chewy, sugar-dusted mochi donuts. It is a spirited destination where bold Korean-inspired flavors and comforting textures come together for a lively, shared dining experience.
• The Grey Dog — American (Burgers, sandwiches, breakfast: This bustling neighborhood gem hums with a welcoming energy, drawing guests in with the comforting aroma of griddled pancakes and savory chorizo hash. The kitchen transforms morning staples into soulful feasts, from the golden crunch of fried chicken atop sweet johnny cakes to vibrant plates of chilaquiles and buttery, flake-filled croissants. It is a sun-drenched sanctuary where the clink of coffee mugs and the indulgence of salted caramel pancakes create the quintessential backdrop for a leisurely, heartfelt meal.
• Sweet Chick — American: Sweet Chick captures the soulful energy of a modern Southern kitchen, where the air is thick with the scent of golden-fried wings and sweet, griddled buttermilk pancakes. Guests gather over cast-iron pans of hatch chili cornbread and spicy crawfish hushpuppies, finding a playful balance between rustic comfort and contemporary flair in every bite. This vibrant neighborhood haunt hums with a welcoming charm that turns a sun-drenched brunch or a spirited dinner into a celebration of bold, home-style flavors.