Skin isn’t the only thing frying under the Sonoran sun. Across the Valley, restaurateurs are giving fried chicken a Southwestern spin. From made-fresh-daily promises to secret spice blends to granny-inspired interiors, these eight spots stand out for giving diners a creative take on a comfort-food classic.
Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Café
This award-winning soul food institution is widely regarded as one of Phoenix’s most iconic and beloved traditional fried chicken spots. Elizabeth White, a mother of five, founded the restaurant in the 1960s, and it remains family-run to this day.
The seasoning is made from scratch, and every dish is cooked fresh to order. Each fried chicken plate comes with three pieces of mixed dark and white meat alongside two classic sides, such as greens, yams, beans over rice, or cabbage. A recent refresh also gives the space a nostalgic early-1970s “grandmother’s basement” feel. 808 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, mrswhitescafe.com
Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles
As the grandson of Mrs. White, Larry “Lo-Lo” White grew up in her kitchen, inspiring him to open the first and best chicken-and-waffle restaurant in Phoenix. For first-timers, the must-order is the classic No. 3., where crunchy fried chicken meets sweet cinnamon waffles, melted butter, and warm syrup in a memorable sweet-and-savory combination.
The goal here is to treat every guest, from basketball star Brittney Griner to someone’s grandmother, like family and create the comforting atmosphere of a home-cooked meal. Don’t forget to drink the Kool-Aid, it goes with everything.. Multiple locations, lolosfranchise.com
Welcome Diner
Located in downtown Phoenix’s historic Garfield neighborhood, Welcome Diner serves farm-to-table comfort food. The fried chicken sandwich starts with a chicken breast that’s brined, dredged in buttermilk, flour, and seasoning, then fried until crisp on the outside, leaving the inside nice and juicy…