Fried chicken sandwich lovers, this one’s for you. There’s no shortages of places claiming to have the Queen City’s ”best” chicken sandwich, but five places get consistently raving local reviews. The competition is steep, but Livin’ Charlotte has done the hard work to help you decide. We tried and rated five of Charlotte’s favorite fried chicken sandwiches. Here’s how they measure up:
Haberdish – NoDa
A long-standing favorite for Charlotteans since 2016, chicken is what Haberdish is known for! The fried chicken sandwich is no exception and comes as a boneless fried chicken thigh with red cabbage slaw, bread & butter pickles, honey butter, and mayo served on a potato roll. The combination of sweetness from the honey butter and the tang of the slaw takes this sandwich to the next level and keeps people coming back for more. Get it “Nashville Hot” style if you’re wanting a little spice to round it off – you won’t be disappointed!
Price – $14 ($15 for Nashville Hot)
Would I order it again? Yes, and I’m getting a side of the mac and cheese with it!
Overall rank – 5 out of 5
Mad Dash – located in The Market at 7th Street in Uptown
Next up is Mad Dash located inside The Market at 7th Street in Uptown. In their two years of existence, Mad Dash has gained a reputation for having an expansive menu that serves delicious street food packed with flavor. The “Dasher Chicken Sandwich” which features buttermilk fried chicken, slaw, house-made pickles, and the eatery’s signature Dash Sauce. The Dasher is served with a side of sea salted fries. It’s juicy with a tangy touch through the slaw and pickles, and the chicken has a great crunchy finish. Make sure to pay them a visit on your next trek into Uptown.
Price – $12
Would I order it again? Yes! I’m eager to try it with an order of the loaded fries.
Overall rank – 4/5
Bossy Beulah’s – Freedom Drive
If you have a modest palate, “The Beaut” signature sandwich at Bossy Beulah’s is for you. This classic sandwich is no frills with three simple ingredients: a juicy fried chicken breast, mayo, and pickles on a wheat bun. It’s on the milder side, but don’t think that means it skimps on flavor as that’s far from true. The breading is seasoned perfectly, and the chicken is savory. Add cheese or some tangy Bossy Sauce for a little razzle-dazzle. Drop into their Freedom Drive location and try it for yourself!
Price – $15
Would I order it again? No. The Beaut is classically good, but I prefer a bit more spice.
Overall rating – 3/5
Pinky’s Westside Grill – Freedom Drive
Right down the road from Bossy Beulah’s is Pinky’s Westside Grill which has been serving its dive bar dishes for over a decade. There are several chicken sandwiches for every taste including the “Nashville Hot Chicken”, the Thai-inspired “Ding Dong Chicken”, and “Chicken Philly”. I opted to try the “Big John” which is served club style and is the perfect lunchtime treat. Crispy chicken with honey mustard, bacon, lettuce, and tomato topped with melted Swiss creates a mouth-watering combo bursting with flavor. Substitute the fried breast for grilled chicken if you want a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. Be sure to try it with the Texas toast bun and a side of waffle fries!
Price – $14.69
Would I order it again? Yes! I love a club style sandwich and this one is top tier.
Overall rating – 4.5/5
Dave’s Hot Chicken – Plaza Midwood
Calling all heat lovers! Word on the street is that Dave’s Hot Chicken has what you’re looking for. The restaurant has “created a cult following with rave reviews across the U.S. and Canada,” according to their website. And they didn’t lie; the proof is in the lines wrapped around the Plaza Midwood location at lunchtime each day. With a simple menu consisting of chicken tenders and tender sliders, you can’t go wrong. Try the “Dave’s #2” combo which comes with two signature chicken tender sliders and fries. The chicken sliders come loaded with a juicy hot tender, slaw, pickles, and Dave’s sauce. There are seven spice levels to choose from ranging from “No Spice” to “Reaper”. Go for the mild or medium if you want the heat without breaking a sweat!
Price – $14.69
Would I order it again? Yes! Believe the hype about this sandwich. I’m definitely going to try a higher spice level on my next trip.
Overall rating – 5/5
