It’s easy to see why Astorians rarely venture beyond their neighborhood. The streets hum with a dozen languages, and the scent of sizzling spices hangs in the air like a promise. Plus, why would you cross boroughs when the world’s best chicken is right here, waiting to be devoured?
Dave’s Hot Chicken
$ | (332) 999-1825 | WEBSITE
This Astoria hot chicken spot has become a neighborhood favorite since it opened, and that’s exactly why it’s worth visiting. The staff are friendly, which makes the experience even better when they’re bringing you those perfectly spiced sliders, especially the Dave’s #2 with medium heat that you simply can’t skip.
The dining area is bright and casual, ideal for a quick lunch break, but in the evening, the lively atmosphere makes it a great destination for anyone craving some seriously good halal chicken.
Chick Chick
$$ | (212) 799-1026 | WEBSITE
The Upper West Side has plenty of good fried chicken spots – but none of them are quite like Chick Chick, the Central Park-adjacent restaurant that’s more welcoming than a neighborhood diner. This place is a throwback to classic comfort food – it’s family-friendly, and there are plenty of regulars, but these are some of the best-made and most generous portions around (don’t even think about ordering just one dish to share).
We always order the chicken and waffles or the kimchee fried rice – we really don’t know what makes them so addictive besides perfect seasoning, but they’re both exceptional, and ordering the former results in the entire table falling silent with appreciation. That’s an experience everyone needs to have at least once.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
$ | (718) 323-3500 | WEBSITE
It’s counterintuitive to drive past all the trendy fried chicken joints to get decent fried chicken, but when you need to convince someone that there are more satisfying options than the usual fast-food fare, take them to Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. This spot in Astoria is serving up consistently hot and fresh food, prepared efficiently for quick takeout like a well-oiled machine, in straightforward and reliable ways.
That includes items like their decent fried chicken, which holds up well, and the staff eventually provides extra sauces when asked, though the cookie might be a bit dry. It’s all happening in a clean, no-frills space that looks like a standard fast-food setup, and with online ordering for smooth pickup, too.
Cauldron Chicken
$ | (646) 869-8888 | WEBSITE
Cauldron Chicken is one of the best restaurants in Greenwich Village. It’s also one that – for no apparent reason – a lot of people still haven’t discovered, especially if they live outside the neighborhood. This cozy spot gets visitors from around the city, so a trip downtown is nothing. It’s best to come with a friend who’s not afraid to get messy, so you can go big with your order and share everything.
And by everything, we specifically mean the whole chicken combo with vegetable fried rice and cucumber salad, the seasoned salt for dipping, and about two pairs of those handy gloves they provide.
Fluffies Hot Chicken
$ | (332) 237-2099 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of fried chicken spots in Astoria with Instagram-worthy presentations and playlists that lean heavily into classic rock – but none of them serve chicken sandwiches and fusion bowls as satisfying as Fluffies Hot Chicken.
This NYC spot’s creative blend of Indian and American flavors includes a Fluffies Filled Bowl with giant chunks of chicken, mac and cheese, spicy cheese naan, biscoff tiramisu, and strawberry lemonade, and an incredible, massive fried chicken sandwich that arrives hot and fresh with perfect crunch outside and juiciness inside.
And if you’re lucky, don’t be surprised if they bring over an extra portion of their tangy fluffy sauce at the end of the meal – though the dish is flavorful enough without it.
KFC
$ | (718) 267-2222 | WEBSITE
Fast food joints aren’t generally the most pleasant places to dine – but this KFC is definitely not just another fast food restaurant. This location offers a consistently peaceful experience, complete with a clean interior and comfortable seating. The chicken here is hot, and the service is way better than service at a fast food chain deserves to be. The mobile ordering can be cost-effective (as low as $8 for a combo during off-peak hours) but during the dinner rush, combos run closer to $12.
Tex’s Chicken & Burgers
$ | (917) 745-0661 | WEBSITE
Be careful bringing these friends to Tex’s Chicken & Burgers – there’s a good chance they’ll start making up excuses to swing by Steinway Street. Nearly the entire appeal is in that convenient corner spot in Astoria, where they serve fantastic fried chicken, the Texas heat burger with jalapenos, and a spicy Tex’s hell burger that we firmly believe should be on the neighborhood flag.
They’ve also got some of the best late-night options in town, including impossibly fresh meat that competes with bigger chains. This is the kind of spot that satisfies serious cravings.
COQODAQ
$$$ | (646) 490-5099 | WEBSITE
A lot of Astoria dining experiences can be underwhelming – settling for mediocre pizza after a long day, for example, or waiting in line for an overhyped food truck. But going to COQODAQ to indulge in their fried chicken feast is the rare culinary adventure you’ll want to repeat more than once.
The fried chicken here isn’t going to reinvent the wheel, but it’s perfectly executed for sitting in the vibrant space, getting a little indulgent, and watching the soy garlic glaze absolutely blow your mind.
