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11 Places To Get Fried Chicken in Louisville That Aren't KFC

By LEO Weekly Staff on Fri, Jul 5, 2024 at 10:52 pm

Operating stores in countries around the world, Kentucky Fried Chicken is a globally recognized phenomenon. However, Louisville is full of places to get mouthwatering fried chicken from fast food joints to local bars, Food Network-famous restaurants and more.

Take a look at this local-approved list of the best places to get fried chicken in Louisville and send us a message if you don't see your favorite!

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Sandra W. | Yelp

Kaelin’s 80/20

1801 Newburg Rd.

Kaelin’s 80/20 offers maybe some of the biggest portion sizes on this list out of any chicken spot around the city. The menu consists of lots of soul food and what can feel like home cooked meals. The atmosphere around the restaurant is perfect for a date night too.

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The Eagle | Yelp

The Eagle

1314 Bardstown Rd

Don’t expect lunch at this chicken restaurant. Door’s don’t open until 4 p.m., but like King’s, the wait is well worth it. Unlike Kings, once you get into the restaurant, you won’t have to wait much longer. The Eagle serves up some of the best chicken you’ll find this side of the Ohio River, even if it's a bit pricier than other picks on this list.

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Raymond S. | Yelp

Dino’s Food Mart

2601 W Broadway

Dino’s Chicken coats its chicken in the familiar fried breading you could find in other spots around the city. If you’re looking for an easy bet on good fried chicken during your lunch break, this is your spot.

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Quan D. | Yelp

Kings Chicken

1302 Dixie Hwy.

Kings Chicken offers a fresh take on the chicken formula, battering its chicken in all kinds of spices to make for a fresh, hot meal that makes you savor every bite. Though you may have to wait since every piece of food is cooked fresh when ordered, the wait is well worth it.

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Lee’s Chicken

2925 Brownsboro Rd. (Mulitple locations in Louisville and Southern Indiana

It’s a chain but Lee’s has been a staple in the fried chicken lore of locals for a long time. Get the spicy. Don’t worry, your taste buds will survive but the extra flavor is worth it.

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Indi's

1033 W. Broadway and multiple locations

Indi’s serves up more than chicken but it’s definitely known for its wings and wedges. Don’t skip out on trying the sides. Try the potato wedges, the Mac and Cheese, and the Sweet taters.

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Mellwood Tavern

1801 Brownsboro Rd.
Head to Mellwood Tavern every Tuesday and Thursday for homemade fried chicken and traditional southern sides. Just be sure to get there early. This stuff sells out fast!

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Shirley Mae's Cafe

802 S Clay St.

This cash only cafe might be the most iconic place to get fried chicken in Louisville. Order your Southern Fried Chicken Wings with a side of hot water corn bread. Featured on Food Network, it's only open Thursday-Sunday.

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Photo provided by Dasha Barbours.

Dasha Barbours

217 E. Main St.

This Southern-Style Eatery was highly recommended by those asked about their favorite chicken places. The restaurant serves fried chicken, fried shrimp and fish but a host of other sides inspired by Southern soul food.

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