It’s no secret that folks down in Louisiana know how to fry up a bird. As far as fried chicken chains go, most diners say Popeyes is as good as it gets , but tucked away in a New Orleans’ gas station chain is a treasure trove of crispy and perfectly seasoned chicken that locals love like it’s part of the family. With so many classic New Orleans foods like gumbo and jambalaya you need to try before you die , certainly corner store chicken can be skipped, right? Absolutely not! If you find yourself near the Big Easy, you’re going to want some of that Brother’s fried chicken.
With 20 locations scattered across the city (and a total of 30 in South Louisiana), Brother’s Food Mart is an institution in the New Orleans metro area. While everyone loves a consistently stocked 24-hour bodega, it’s the chicken that has always been the star of the show. Whether you like dark meat or white meat, tenders or bone-in, it’s always juicy with a light golden crust that snaps, crackles, and pops like your grandma’s homemade pork cracklings. And with just the right amount of Cajun-style seasoning sprinkled on top, it has a level of spice that locals crave and tourists have come to expect from a city that so openly values bold flavors. There’s a seemingly endless array of dipping sauces available, countless yummy sides (try the meat and crawfish hand pies), and loads of ordering options that make it an instant favorite.
Great Taste, Great Value
When it comes to chicken from Brother’s Food Mart, value is equally as important to its loyal customers as the quality. You can snag a two piece order of dark meat for $2.79 or turn it into a combo, adding your choice of seasoned fries, Cajun rice, mashed potatoes with gravy, or red beans for $1.50 more. If that’s not enough to feed your crew, you can also get boxes of chicken with 3, 4, 8, 12, or 25 pieces. No occasion — big or small — isn’t right for a party size box of wings and thighs. It’s not uncommon to spot the telltale yellow and red packaging at New Orleans weddings, funerals, or Mardi Gras stake outs.
Due to a failed attempt at expansion during the COVID-19 pandemic, Brother’s Food Mart is a smaller operation than it was just five years ago, but folks who have tried it will tell you it’s still the best gas station chicken around. “This is a corner store with some damn good chicken! After a late night trolley ride, we stopped and picked some up and enjoyed it. Decided to go back a few days later and enjoyed it even more,” one person writes on Tripadvisor . “This is a grab and go place to get great fried chicken,” another adds. “The portions are large and full of flavor. The locals love this place, and you can see why.”…