Living in York means you’re constantly fielding chicken restaurant recommendations. Whether it’s a cousin “just passing through,” a coworker “curious about the local scene,” or the rare planned visit where you actually need a solid list—everyone wants to know where to find the best fried, roasted, or grilled poultry. Here’s where to send them.
Jollibee
$ | (289) 514-1810 | WEBSITE
So your Toronto friends are in town and they refuse to believe real fried chicken exists outside of the city. Jollibee is where to go to make them eat their words in the form of perfectly crispy chicken sandwiches. The chicken is hot and fresh to the point of being nearly-burn-your-mouth – exactly how we all know it’s supposed to be. If you can brave the surprisingly quiet dining room, grab a colorful booth in the bright, cheerful space.
A spicy chicken sandwich with some sweet peach mango pies on the side is the perfect kickoff to a York night out.
The Original Hot Chicken
The Original Hot Chicken is like the championship game of satisfying your fried chicken cravings. This is the spot where you’ll want to pull up during lunch hour, grab a seat at the counter overlooking the open kitchen, devour a perfectly juicy chicken sandwich (with napkins at the ready), and enjoy some of York’s most flavorful comfort food. If you’re new to hot chicken, this is where to take your first bite. If you’re not into spice, they also serve excellent burgers and tenders.
Don’t feel pressured to arrive right at opening – just plan to enjoy one of their thick milkshakes while you wait for your fresh, affordable meal.
bb.q Chicken & Pub.
$$ | (416) 322-9990 | WEBSITE
So, you’re craving something hearty after a long week of work and something’s off. You’re tired of the usual takeout and want a meal that actually satisfies. Yep, you need Korean comfort food. Don’t overthink it, just head to bb.q Chicken & Pub. Yes, it’s a popular spot, but the friendly atmosphere is excellent, it crosses Korean BBQ off the list, and you can spend a few hours at a table sharing massive portions and catching up.
If chicken isn’t your thing, the cream cheese tteokbokki could be your thing.
Church’s Texas Chicken 1171 St Clair Ave West On
$ | (647) 346-0195 | WEBSITE
York, Ontario takes pride in its historic architecture as well as its contributions to Canadian culture. But a lesser known source of pride is the Mexicana sandwich – a hot mess of a lunchtime delight. It’s fried chicken on a honey butter glazed bun with crunchy toppings and (hear us out) vegetarian options. It’s beautiful, and the one from Church’s Texas Chicken on St Clair Ave West is the only Mexicana sandwich your out-of-town visitors need after a day of exploring.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
$ | (905) 482-3058 | WEBSITE
Chances are, your guests decide to visit during the weekend, because they heard the entire city smells like fried chicken unless it’s Monday or Tuesday. That’s not true, of course. You’d never see Gurpreet without her friendly smile. Regardless, your guests are here, and they’re hungry, so you should pull into Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. It’s a classic fried chicken spot with a bit of Louisiana flair, and the crispy coating might make someone sigh contentedly.
It’s also a good excuse to indulge a little in a town that otherwise eats kale salads year-round. Order a few spicy options and take in the warmth while you can.
Cluck Clucks – Toronto
$$ | (647) 748-2582 | WEBSITE
You knew this was coming the second your cousin’s family rolled into town and your phone lit up with “We’re hungry! Where’s that chicken spot?” messages. Pick them up and don’t even ask about traffic. There’s no time. Drive right past the downtown chains (yes, drive past them) and head to Cluck Clucks instead for fried chicken and waffles that would make your grandma jealous. The classic fried chicken in all of its crispy glory is the crowd-pleaser, but the thunder chicken is the unsung hero.
Cluck Clucks is basically a tiny eatery – order to go, hop back in your car, and eat your gift to mankind at a nearby park or just pull over somewhere scenic. Just make sure you bring extra napkins. This chicken will mess you up.
Daddy’s Chicken
$ | WEBSITE
Unless your friends are from Nashville or Atlanta where fried chicken reigns supreme, Daddy’s Chicken is a fantastic quick lunch option before diving into other local adventures, like more eating. The Classic Chicken Sandwich is piled high with golden, crunchy, and tender chicken, tangy pickles, fresh slaw, and a buttery bun, and we could devour it on repeat for hours.
Even though you can hear the friendly chatter from the comfy dining room, it’s worth it to grab a seat at the cozy counter with some hot fried chicken and a cold drink. Always.
Union Chicken
$$ | (647) 350-0096 | WEBSITE
Union Chicken is where to go when you’re rushing through Union Station, but also want a proper meal. There’s this bright, kind of bustling vibe, upbeat music, and a counter that’s so busy it requires patience to get to the Og fried chicken. Show up early to avoid the lines, grab a seat with your family, and order the sweet and spicy fried chicken sandwich – or don’t.
The sides here (like the crunchy coleslaw with tangy dressing and delicious fries) are so good you could make a full meal out of them. Afterwards, don’t miss the 20% discount if you have a Presto card.
Daves Hot Chicken
$ | (416) 792-3283 | WEBSITE
DAVES HOT CHICKEN could feasibly be renamed A TRULY EXCELLENT PLACE TO IMPRESS SOME PEOPLE AND EAT SOME CHICKEN, BUT ONLY IF YOU USE THE PAID PARKING BEHIND THE BUILDING. Dave’s is a classic York institution, has some of the best hot chicken sliders in town, and serves some great fries and dip. Perfect for the first night to start your family off on the right foot, or for a final look at how darn satisfying a meal can be.
No matter how you end up at Dave’s, one thing is crucial during the rush: get your order in quickly, or else some unlucky fool is going to miss out on that perfectly crispy, flavorful chicken that will be talked about by your crew the entire trip. Nobody wants to be called the one who didn’t try Asmi’s outstanding service.
YumYum Chicken
$ | (647) 232-8660 | WEBSITE
If for some reason you prefer your fried chicken with flair, try YumYum Chicken. They’re only open for takeout, and they serve the best Korean fried chicken in York, period. From the crispy onion rings to the perfect juicy bone-in chicken with creamy wasabi, a flavorful meal here is exactly how to get your friends to see past the small interior and the fact that doing a “sauce exploration” in this place means trying the curry and soy garlic.
After your cheese balls, you’ll ask for the check – and your friend will ask for another order.
Dave’s Hot Chicken
$ | (416) 591-1115 | WEBSITE
Someone needs to show your friends that York isn’t just about poutine and polite Canadians, and it might as well be you. York is also about crispy fries, tangy signature sauce, and Nashville hot chicken sliders (get them). Dave’s Hot Chicken saves the day when you’ve had it with bland chain restaurants, but still want your guests to feel like they’re getting their spice’s worth.
Catch up inside with clean washrooms as your backdrop, eat awesome chicken sandwiches on perfect-sized buns, and keep the customizable heat levels coming.
Chester Fried Chicken Express
$ | (416) 961-3025 | WEBSITE
When you have friends visiting from out of town, they might raise an eyebrow when you suggest Chester Fried Chicken Express, a small Filipino spot on Howard Street that looks unassuming from the outside. But after they actually taste the food here, they’ll get it. Once you’re in the clean, welcoming space, the plates of crispy popcorn chicken, generous fried chicken with gravy, and Filipino desserts will win them over immediately.
Just hearing your friend mumble ‘Okay, this is amazing’ with a mouth full of well-seasoned chicken is satisfaction enough.
Church’s Texas Chicken Woodbridge
$ | (905) 265-7736 | WEBSITE
If you don’t take your family to Church’s Texas Chicken Woodbridge, you’re not really living. This place is a crispy chicken paradise whether you’re a fried chicken connoisseur or you just want something delicious and satisfying. Spend an evening here for the welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and consistently fresh food that keeps you coming back (we miss you, perfectly seasoned fries).
The key here is that you can bring your whole crew, making crispy chicken and hot fries one of our favorite Woodbridge combinations.
WingsUp! Toronto – High Park
$ | (647) 905-5100 | WEBSITE
When you’ve just spent an hour with your friends wandering through High Park trying to decide which cherry blossom tree looks most photogenic and feel like you’re about to toss your phone into Grenadier Pond, take a breather. WingsUp! Toronto – High Park is a straightforward chicken spot near Keele Street, but also the perfect escape from decision fatigue.
And, if ordering the classic chicken sandwich with Texas tequila sauce and a side of seasoned fries will help you get through waiting 20 minutes for your group to finish debating whether to walk to Keele Station or call a ride, then so be it.
Chick-fil-A
$ | (365) 601-0015 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving chicken, Chick-fil-A is essential. It can be a bit of a trek through York’s construction traffic, but the spacious dining room with huge windows flooding the space with natural light and the food that hits that perfect crispy, juicy sweet spot are worth the detour, and make for an ideal lunch break. Plus, the Spicy Deluxe Sandwich is fantastic whether or not you’re in the mood for something with a kick.
Grab a booth by the glass, order a Spicy Deluxe combo with those famous waffle fries, and don’t forget to sample the free sauces. Add a Cobb Salad for the table and your crew might just decide to make it a regular spot.
