By now, most people who have been curious enough to try Popeyes' chicken sandwich–the one it famously ran out of in August and resumed selling last week–have done so. Yes, that includes Justin Bieber.
The sandwich, complete with pickles and a smear of mayo on a toasted brioche bun, has been praised for its extra crispy and flavorful fried chicken–just like grandma used to make.
Still, not everyone's the fast-food-chain type. If you prefer your fried chicken sandwich made with a side of Harlem TLC (and an extra helping of hot sauce), here are four destination-worthy spots. From south to north, they are:
100 W 124th St and Lenox Ave
This '50s-style burger-and-shake spot offers not one, but three fried chicken sandwiches. There's the Classic Fried Chicken served with pickles and cole slaw. Go a little spicier with the Mama Fried Chicken, topped with a fried green tomato, homemade ranch dressing and local hit Mama's One Sauce. Or opt for the Hot Honey Chick, featuring dark meat coated in a crispy crust, plus Mike's Hot Honey, jalapeño pickles and honey mayo.
310 Lenox Ave between 125th and 126th Sts
You'll only find the Buffalo Crispy Bird Sandwich on Red Rooster's lunch menu, so stop by during the week to taste chef Marcus Samuelsson's spin on the fried chicken sandwich, complete with buffalo chicken, heirloom tomatoes and a generous helping of garlic aioli.
1635 Amsterdam Ave and 141st St
New on the menu at this rustic farm-to-table spot are the Fried Chicken Sliders. One plate comes with three mini sandwiches piled high with hot fried chicken and served with roasted garlic aioli, shaved lettuce and house pickles.
3612 Broadway and 149th St
This easygoing Hamilton Heights favorite specializes in delicious, messy pub food, including the Hot Fried Chicken Thigh sandwich, composed of a spilling-out-of-the-bun piece of chicken thigh dipped in hot sauce, then topped with pickles and ranch sauce and served on a soft brioche potato roll.
