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Fried chicken, sides, and white bread on a tray.
An epic spread of fried chicken and sides from Gus’ World Famous Fried Chicken.
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken / Facebook

18 Houston Restaurants Serving Up the Finest Fried Chicken

From Korean fried chicken to classic Southern style, here’s where to find the best fried yardbird in town

by Megha McSwain and Brittany Britto Garley Updated
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An epic spread of fried chicken and sides from Gus’ World Famous Fried Chicken.
| Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken / Facebook
by Megha McSwain and Brittany Britto Garley Updated

Of all the culinary creations that are universally loved, fried chicken is certainly on the list.

Few things are better than a plate of crunchy fried chicken, or a hefty, crispy breast sandwiched between two slices of buttery bread (The Popeye’s chicken sandwich craze was proof of this). Fitting for fancy dinners, casual nights out, and everything in between, there’s no denying the appeal of a fried fowl, and especially in Houston, informally the U.S. capital of fried chicken, there’s no shortage of options and interpretations.

While Barbecue Inn and Al Aseel Grill and Cafe have been removed from the list, this rendition of Houston’s fried chicken restaurant map is filled with even more options like Jun and Soy Pinoy to help get your fried chicken fix.

From shatteringly crispy Korean fried chicken to classic Southern bird, these 18 Houston restaurants serve up some of the city's finest fried chicken.

Is your favorite fried chicken joint missing from this map? Shout it out in the comments.

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Esther's Cajun Café & Soulfood

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The spotlight is on Cajun and Southern comfort eats at this storied mom-and-pop cafe, and so fried chicken is a given. Pair the crispy, seasoned pieces with fluffy waffles, or the seemingly endless sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, yams, black-eyed peas, cabbage, and dirty rice. If this is your first trip, be sure to order the oxtails — it’ll guarantee a second visit.

5007 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77018
(713) 699-1212
(713) 699-1212

Also featured in:

Gatlin's Fins & Feathers

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An ode to Houston’s fish fries, pitmaster Greg Gatlin makes delicious fried chicken and fish the crux of this Independence Heights restaurant. Find expertly fried platters of chicken and fish, with hearty sides like red beans and rice, greens, mac and cheese, creamed corn and potato salad. Plus, a bunch more options that are meant to be devoured with your hands, including its robust H-Town Hot Chicken sandwich, that’s smothered in a spicy Viet-Cajun sandwich, topped with a basil cole slaw, and served with a side of fries.

302 W Crosstimbers St, Houston, TX 77018
(346) 800-4668
(346) 800-4668
Gatlin’s Fins & Feathers chicken sandwich, topped with a Cajun hot sauce and coleslaw on a bun.
Whether you want fried chicken in a sandwich or strictly on your plate, Gatlin’s has you covered.
Becca Wright

Also featured in:

Michy's Chino Boricua

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Michelle Lao brings Chinese-Puerto Rican food to Houston, including her family’s recipe for juicy, all-dark meat fried chicken, which is seasoned with oregano and a delightful fusion of spices. Though the fried chicken meals already come with fries, spring for the pork fried rice, or the crispy tostones, which are especially dangerous when dipped in the “mayoketchup.” Don’t forget a slice of the fried guava cheesecake.

2424 Greenhouse Rd #180, Houston, TX 77084
(832) 321-4811
(832) 321-4811
Chicken frying in a wok at Michy’s Chino Boricua.
At Michy’s, chicken is seasoned with Latin spices and oregano before fried in a wok.
Annie Mulligan

The ToreOre

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Tucked inside the food court at H-Mart, ToreOre is the definition of a hidden gem. Diners can conveniently shop while they wait for their food, since the extra crispy, double-fried, Korean chicken is prepared fresh to order. The 7-piece meal is a mix of boneless nuggets and wings, with the option of sauces like original, garlic, chili barbecue, and hot and spicy, all of which pack a flavorful punch. Don’t forget a side of daikon radish, a refreshing way to clear your palate.

1302 Blalock Rd, Houston, TX 77055
(832) 808-9888
(832) 808-9888

Dak & Bop

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This Houston-born, Korean American establishment takes frying chicken extra seriously. Each tender, wing, and drumstick is double-dipped in the fryer, creating an extra crispy skin that is then hand-brushed with your choice of sweet or spicy sauce. Try the soy and garlic, Dak’s take on lemon pepper, or heat it up with Sriracha honey-lime.

1805 W 18th St, Houston, TX 77008
(832) 516-9316
(832) 516-9316
Left: A cook at Dak & Bop lifts a large basket of freshly fried chicken out of the fryer. Right: A cook brushes pieces of chicken with sauce.
Double-fried, Dak & Bop’s chicken always has an audible crunch.
Arnea Williams

Also featured in:

La Lucha

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Fried to order, this Heights restaurant is known for serving up a flavorful half or whole Southern-style fried chicken with two buttermilk biscuits and pickles, plus jam and a honey sambal sauce that hits on savory, sweet, and spicy flavor profiles. Add a half-pound of fried shrimp for $19.

1801 N Shepherd Dr #A, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 955-4765
(713) 955-4765

Also featured in:

Mico's Hot Chicken

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Nashville hot chicken spots are appearing all over Houston, but Mico’s, which opened in late 2019, claims to be inspired by the original Prince’s Hot Chicken, founded in Tennessee a century ago. Take your pick of tenders, loaded fries riddled with fried chicken bits, a buffalo tender salad, or the crowd favorite — a thick and tender chicken “sammich,” seasoned with a blend of cayenne, chili powder, garlic, and paprika, and heat levels ranging from none to extra hot. Add waffle fries or cole slaw on the side to temper the heat. If your lips are still tingling, treat yourself to Mico’s housemade banana pudding.

1603 N Durham Dr, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 548-6081
(713) 548-6081

Also featured in:

Jūn

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At this newly opened Heights restaurant, helmed by former Top Chef contender Evelyn Garcia, the fried chicken is marinated in shrimp paste, giving it a punch of umami flavor. The bird is fried in a mixture of cornstarch all purpose flour and rice flour with butcher block peppercorn, and served with ginger Thai chili honey. Pair with the citrusy Thai One On cocktail.

420 E 20th St Suite A, Houston, TX 77008
(832) 469-7664
(832) 469-7664
Sauce being poured on fried chicken.
The fried chicken is available by the half or full bird at Jun.
Jun

Also featured in:

MAX's Wine Dive

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Max serves up its fried chicken in several ways, including a gluten-free option, making sure those with diet restrictions don’t miss out. Main events include the 3-piece meal served with mashed potatoes, collard greens, and Texas toast with your choice of chipotle honey or hot sauce for $23; the spicy H-Town Hot-style chicken that’s dipped in hot cayenne butter; and the hot chicken sandwich, which is topped with kale slaw and lemon aioli. Craving breakfast? Go for the jalapeño-buttermilk marinated chicken tenders with a Belgian-style waffle, or the honey butter chicken benedict, with a poached egg atop a flaky biscuit with sausage gravy.

4720 Washington Ave ste b, Houston, TX 77007
(713) 880-8737
(713) 880-8737
A spread of fried chicken and sides of mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and biscuits with a side of syrup at Max’s Wine Dive.
Fried chicken always comes in a spread at Max’s Wine Dive.
Becca Wright

Also featured in:

The Cookshack

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This Fort Worth import has made a name for itself in the Houston area for having consistently crunchy and flavorful fried chicken in five different heat levels, all offered in the form of tenders, sandwiches, tacos, salads, with waffles, or as a combo with ribs.

4015 Washington Ave Suite F, Houston, TX 77007
(713) 534-1746
(713) 534-1746
The Cookshack plates of chicken and waffles with syrup, smoked ribs, tenders and French fries, and chicken tacos and waffle fries.
Get your fried chicken with a side of ribs at the Coockshack.
Dylan McEwan

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken

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Memphis-style fried chicken found a home in Houston in 2018, when Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken opened up an outpost at Washington Avenue. This place is all about the spicy chicken, rounded out into an excellent meal with sides like baked beans and crispy fried okra.

1815 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007
(832) 740-4022
(832) 740-4022
Gus’ fried chicken wings served with a side of greens and mac and cheese.
Though Memphis born, Houstonians still love Gus’s.
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

Also featured in:

Soy Pinoy

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This stall within the POST Market is known for its fast-casual menu of Filipino eats, including its fried chicken adobo. The dish combines adobo-marinated chicken with pickled papaya and crispy garlic rice for a bowl of fried chicken goodness.

401 Franklin St # 1230, Houston, TX 77201

Dish Society

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Indulge in the massive fried chicken buttermilk biscuits topped with house gravy available during breakfast on weekdays or until 3 p.m. on weekends. For a veggie-packed option, go for the crispy chicken kale caesar salad, or go during lunch or brunch for the Houston hot sauce and honey-drizzled fried chicken sandwich on a pretzel bun.

5740 San Felipe St #100, Houston, TX 77057
(832) 538-1060
(832) 538-1060

Also featured in:

Dave's Hot Chicken

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With several locations in the Houston area, this California hot chicken chain is a great option when looking for hefty chicken sandwiches, sliders, and tenders with a side of fries on the go. The milkshakes can be a lifesaver depending on the spice level you choose for your chicken, which increases from a timid “no spice” to the largely unbearable reaper.

614 Dennis St, Houston, TX 77006
(281) 584-3733
(281) 584-3733
a tray of hot chicken tenders and sliders.
Can you handle the spice?
Dave’s Hot Chicken

Also featured in:

The Breakfast Klub

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This Midtown icon has arguably the best chicken and waffles brunch in the city. Fluffy Belgian waffles are topped with battered wings that are lip-smackingly seasoned and outrageously juicy. A drizzle of warm maple syrup adds sweetness to the savory for a balanced bite.

3711 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 528-8561
(713) 528-8561
The Breakfast Klub’s chicken and waffles with strawberries.
The Breakfast Klub’s wings are iconic.
The Breakfast Klub

Also featured in:

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Himalaya Restaurant

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Get ready for a mouth explosion at this Indo-Pakistani restaurant located in the Mahatma Gandhi District. The staff marinates whole chickens in a mess of Indian spices for three days before frying them up and serving its pieces piping hot on a platter, with a side of tangy “magic mustard” sauce.

6652 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77074
(713) 532-2837
(713) 532-2837
Wearing a black chef’s coat, Himalaya restaurant chef and owner Kaiser Lashkari holds a plate full of crispy-craggy fried chicken. In the background, a colorful mural of people at a celebration hangs on the wall surrounded by other framed portraits and certificates.
Himalaya’s HFC is top-tier.
Arnea Williams

Also featured in:

Frenchys Chicken

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For quick and legendary chicken, it’s hard to beat this local franchise with a recipe inspired by its founder’s New Orleans roots. Expect thin, but thoroughly seasoned chicken skin bursting with Creole spices and a range of Louisiana-style sides like gumbo, dirty rice, and jambalaya.

4646 Scott St, Houston, TX 77004
(713) 748-2233
(713) 748-2233
Frenchy’s fried chicken with french fries, roll, and jalapeno.
Frenchy’s is a sure-fire staple when it comes to fried chicken in Houston.
Frenchy’s

Also featured in:

Jollibee

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The original Houston location of this cult-favorite Filipino chain, near Reliant Stadium and the Astrodome, has been serving up ultra-crispy fried bird since 2013. Jolibee’s signature dish is the Chickenjoy, a bucket of juicy chicken seasoned with a host of secret spices, then breaded and fried to crispy perfection and served with adobo rice.

8001 S Main St #100, Houston, TX 77025
(713) 665-8914
(713) 665-8914

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Esther's Cajun Café & Soulfood

5007 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77018

The spotlight is on Cajun and Southern comfort eats at this storied mom-and-pop cafe, and so fried chicken is a given. Pair the crispy, seasoned pieces with fluffy waffles, or the seemingly endless sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, yams, black-eyed peas, cabbage, and dirty rice. If this is your first trip, be sure to order the oxtails — it’ll guarantee a second visit.

5007 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77018
(713) 699-1212
(713) 699-1212

Gatlin's Fins & Feathers

302 W Crosstimbers St, Houston, TX 77018

An ode to Houston’s fish fries, pitmaster Greg Gatlin makes delicious fried chicken and fish the crux of this Independence Heights restaurant. Find expertly fried platters of chicken and fish, with hearty sides like red beans and rice, greens, mac and cheese, creamed corn and potato salad. Plus, a bunch more options that are meant to be devoured with your hands, including its robust H-Town Hot Chicken sandwich, that’s smothered in a spicy Viet-Cajun sandwich, topped with a basil cole slaw, and served with a side of fries.

302 W Crosstimbers St, Houston, TX 77018
(346) 800-4668
(346) 800-4668
Gatlin’s Fins & Feathers chicken sandwich, topped with a Cajun hot sauce and coleslaw on a bun.
Whether you want fried chicken in a sandwich or strictly on your plate, Gatlin’s has you covered.
Becca Wright

Michy's Chino Boricua

2424 Greenhouse Rd #180, Houston, TX 77084

Michelle Lao brings Chinese-Puerto Rican food to Houston, including her family’s recipe for juicy, all-dark meat fried chicken, which is seasoned with oregano and a delightful fusion of spices. Though the fried chicken meals already come with fries, spring for the pork fried rice, or the crispy tostones, which are especially dangerous when dipped in the “mayoketchup.” Don’t forget a slice of the fried guava cheesecake.

2424 Greenhouse Rd #180, Houston, TX 77084
(832) 321-4811
(832) 321-4811
Chicken frying in a wok at Michy’s Chino Boricua.
At Michy’s, chicken is seasoned with Latin spices and oregano before fried in a wok.
Annie Mulligan

The ToreOre

1302 Blalock Rd, Houston, TX 77055

Tucked inside the food court at H-Mart, ToreOre is the definition of a hidden gem. Diners can conveniently shop while they wait for their food, since the extra crispy, double-fried, Korean chicken is prepared fresh to order. The 7-piece meal is a mix of boneless nuggets and wings, with the option of sauces like original, garlic, chili barbecue, and hot and spicy, all of which pack a flavorful punch. Don’t forget a side of daikon radish, a refreshing way to clear your palate.

1302 Blalock Rd, Houston, TX 77055
(832) 808-9888
(832) 808-9888

Dak & Bop

1805 W 18th St, Houston, TX 77008

This Houston-born, Korean American establishment takes frying chicken extra seriously. Each tender, wing, and drumstick is double-dipped in the fryer, creating an extra crispy skin that is then hand-brushed with your choice of sweet or spicy sauce. Try the soy and garlic, Dak’s take on lemon pepper, or heat it up with Sriracha honey-lime.

1805 W 18th St, Houston, TX 77008
(832) 516-9316
(832) 516-9316
Left: A cook at Dak & Bop lifts a large basket of freshly fried chicken out of the fryer. Right: A cook brushes pieces of chicken with sauce.
Double-fried, Dak & Bop’s chicken always has an audible crunch.
Arnea Williams

La Lucha

1801 N Shepherd Dr #A, Houston, TX 77008

Fried to order, this Heights restaurant is known for serving up a flavorful half or whole Southern-style fried chicken with two buttermilk biscuits and pickles, plus jam and a honey sambal sauce that hits on savory, sweet, and spicy flavor profiles. Add a half-pound of fried shrimp for $19.

1801 N Shepherd Dr #A, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 955-4765
(713) 955-4765

Mico's Hot Chicken

1603 N Durham Dr, Houston, TX 77008

Nashville hot chicken spots are appearing all over Houston, but Mico’s, which opened in late 2019, claims to be inspired by the original Prince’s Hot Chicken, founded in Tennessee a century ago. Take your pick of tenders, loaded fries riddled with fried chicken bits, a buffalo tender salad, or the crowd favorite — a thick and tender chicken “sammich,” seasoned with a blend of cayenne, chili powder, garlic, and paprika, and heat levels ranging from none to extra hot. Add waffle fries or cole slaw on the side to temper the heat. If your lips are still tingling, treat yourself to Mico’s housemade banana pudding.

1603 N Durham Dr, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 548-6081
(713) 548-6081

Jūn

420 E 20th St Suite A, Houston, TX 77008

At this newly opened Heights restaurant, helmed by former Top Chef contender Evelyn Garcia, the fried chicken is marinated in shrimp paste, giving it a punch of umami flavor. The bird is fried in a mixture of cornstarch all purpose flour and rice flour with butcher block peppercorn, and served with ginger Thai chili honey. Pair with the citrusy Thai One On cocktail.

420 E 20th St Suite A, Houston, TX 77008
(832) 469-7664
(832) 469-7664
Sauce being poured on fried chicken.
The fried chicken is available by the half or full bird at Jun.
Jun

MAX's Wine Dive

4720 Washington Ave ste b, Houston, TX 77007

Max serves up its fried chicken in several ways, including a gluten-free option, making sure those with diet restrictions don’t miss out. Main events include the 3-piece meal served with mashed potatoes, collard greens, and Texas toast with your choice of chipotle honey or hot sauce for $23; the spicy H-Town Hot-style chicken that’s dipped in hot cayenne butter; and the hot chicken sandwich, which is topped with kale slaw and lemon aioli. Craving breakfast? Go for the jalapeño-buttermilk marinated chicken tenders with a Belgian-style waffle, or the honey butter chicken benedict, with a poached egg atop a flaky biscuit with sausage gravy.

4720 Washington Ave ste b, Houston, TX 77007
(713) 880-8737
(713) 880-8737
A spread of fried chicken and sides of mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and biscuits with a side of syrup at Max’s Wine Dive.
Fried chicken always comes in a spread at Max’s Wine Dive.
Becca Wright

The Cookshack

4015 Washington Ave Suite F, Houston, TX 77007

This Fort Worth import has made a name for itself in the Houston area for having consistently crunchy and flavorful fried chicken in five different heat levels, all offered in the form of tenders, sandwiches, tacos, salads, with waffles, or as a combo with ribs.

4015 Washington Ave Suite F, Houston, TX 77007
(713) 534-1746
(713) 534-1746
The Cookshack plates of chicken and waffles with syrup, smoked ribs, tenders and French fries, and chicken tacos and waffle fries.
Get your fried chicken with a side of ribs at the Coockshack.
Dylan McEwan

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken

1815 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007

Memphis-style fried chicken found a home in Houston in 2018, when Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken opened up an outpost at Washington Avenue. This place is all about the spicy chicken, rounded out into an excellent meal with sides like baked beans and crispy fried okra.

1815 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007
(832) 740-4022
(832) 740-4022
Gus’ fried chicken wings served with a side of greens and mac and cheese.
Though Memphis born, Houstonians still love Gus’s.
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

Soy Pinoy

401 Franklin St # 1230, Houston, TX 77201

This stall within the POST Market is known for its fast-casual menu of Filipino eats, including its fried chicken adobo. The dish combines adobo-marinated chicken with pickled papaya and crispy garlic rice for a bowl of fried chicken goodness.

401 Franklin St # 1230, Houston, TX 77201

Dish Society

5740 San Felipe St #100, Houston, TX 77057

Indulge in the massive fried chicken buttermilk biscuits topped with house gravy available during breakfast on weekdays or until 3 p.m. on weekends. For a veggie-packed option, go for the crispy chicken kale caesar salad, or go during lunch or brunch for the Houston hot sauce and honey-drizzled fried chicken sandwich on a pretzel bun.

5740 San Felipe St #100, Houston, TX 77057
(832) 538-1060
(832) 538-1060

Dave's Hot Chicken

614 Dennis St, Houston, TX 77006

With several locations in the Houston area, this California hot chicken chain is a great option when looking for hefty chicken sandwiches, sliders, and tenders with a side of fries on the go. The milkshakes can be a lifesaver depending on the spice level you choose for your chicken, which increases from a timid “no spice” to the largely unbearable reaper.

614 Dennis St, Houston, TX 77006
(281) 584-3733
(281) 584-3733
a tray of hot chicken tenders and sliders.
Can you handle the spice?
Dave’s Hot Chicken

The Breakfast Klub

3711 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002

This Midtown icon has arguably the best chicken and waffles brunch in the city. Fluffy Belgian waffles are topped with battered wings that are lip-smackingly seasoned and outrageously juicy. A drizzle of warm maple syrup adds sweetness to the savory for a balanced bite.

3711 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 528-8561
(713) 528-8561
The Breakfast Klub’s chicken and waffles with strawberries.
The Breakfast Klub’s wings are iconic.
The Breakfast Klub

Related Maps

Himalaya Restaurant

6652 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77074

Get ready for a mouth explosion at this Indo-Pakistani restaurant located in the Mahatma Gandhi District. The staff marinates whole chickens in a mess of Indian spices for three days before frying them up and serving its pieces piping hot on a platter, with a side of tangy “magic mustard” sauce.

6652 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77074
(713) 532-2837
(713) 532-2837
Wearing a black chef’s coat, Himalaya restaurant chef and owner Kaiser Lashkari holds a plate full of crispy-craggy fried chicken. In the background, a colorful mural of people at a celebration hangs on the wall surrounded by other framed portraits and certificates.
Himalaya’s HFC is top-tier.
Arnea Williams

Frenchys Chicken

4646 Scott St, Houston, TX 77004

For quick and legendary chicken, it’s hard to beat this local franchise with a recipe inspired by its founder’s New Orleans roots. Expect thin, but thoroughly seasoned chicken skin bursting with Creole spices and a range of Louisiana-style sides like gumbo, dirty rice, and jambalaya.

4646 Scott St, Houston, TX 77004
(713) 748-2233
(713) 748-2233
Frenchy’s fried chicken with french fries, roll, and jalapeno.
Frenchy’s is a sure-fire staple when it comes to fried chicken in Houston.
Frenchy’s

Jollibee

8001 S Main St #100, Houston, TX 77025

The original Houston location of this cult-favorite Filipino chain, near Reliant Stadium and the Astrodome, has been serving up ultra-crispy fried bird since 2013. Jolibee’s signature dish is the Chickenjoy, a bucket of juicy chicken seasoned with a host of secret spices, then breaded and fried to crispy perfection and served with adobo rice.

8001 S Main St #100, Houston, TX 77025
(713) 665-8914
(713) 665-8914

Related Maps