These Virginia Fried Chicken Joints Locals Say Rival Grandma’s Sunday Supper
Golden, crispy, and dripping with flavor, fried chicken holds a sacred place in Southern hearts and Sunday dinner tables.
Virginia is home to some seriously talented cooks who’ve perfected the art of battering, seasoning, and frying chicken to absolute perfection.
From family-owned spots serving recipes passed down through generations to newer joints putting creative spins on this beloved classic, the Old Dominion State knows how to deliver mouthwatering poultry that’ll make you forget all about your diet plans.
1. Mama J’s Kitchen – Richmond
Soul food doesn’t get more authentic than what comes out of Mama J’s kitchen on North 1st Street.
This Richmond treasure has been serving up crispy, golden fried chicken that makes grown adults weep tears of joy since opening its doors.
The secret lies in careful seasoning and a kitchen that knows how to keep chicken juicy before it hits the fryer, creating meat so tender it practically melts off the bone.
Each bite delivers that perfect crunch followed by an explosion of perfectly seasoned flavors that dance across your taste buds.
Locals swear the chicken here tastes exactly like what their grandmothers used to make on lazy Sunday afternoons.
The atmosphere feels like stepping into a family member’s dining room, complete with warm smiles and hospitality that makes everyone feel right at home.
Side dishes complement the star attraction beautifully, from creamy mac and cheese to collard greens cooked low and slow.
Finding parking near 415 N 1st St, Richmond, VA 23219 can get tricky during peak hours, but trust us when we say this chicken is worth circling the block a few times.
2. Pollard’s Chicken & Catering – Norfolk
Pollard’s has been a Norfolk institution for so long that multiple generations have grown up with their recipe.
What started as a small operation has blossomed into a beloved chicken destination that locals fiercely protect from out-of-town competition.
Their fried chicken boasts an incredibly crunchy coating that somehow stays crispy even after the drive home.
The seasoning blend remains a closely guarded secret, though regulars swear they detect hints of paprika, garlic, and maybe a touch of cayenne for warmth.
Every piece is served hot and fresh, meaning you’ll always receive chicken that arrives with that just-made sizzle.
The catering side of the business proves just how trusted this spot has become for family gatherings, church events, and celebrations throughout the Tidewater area.
Portions run generous enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetites without breaking the bank.
Located at 8370 Tidewater Dr, Norfolk, VA 23503, this spot gets packed during lunch and dinner rushes, so calling ahead for takeout saves valuable time.
3. BoBo’s Fine Chicken – Virginia Beach
Beach vibes meet Southern comfort at this Shore Drive gem that’s redefining what fried chicken can be.
BoBo’s brings a refined approach to this humble dish without losing any of the down-home goodness that makes it special.
The chicken arrives perfectly golden with a delicate crunch that gives way to incredibly moist, flavorful meat inside.
They’ve mastered the temperature control that separates good fried chicken from legendary status, ensuring nothing ever tastes greasy or heavy.
Seasoning hits that sweet spot between bold and balanced, letting the quality of the chicken shine through while adding layers of complexity.
The menu offers both traditional and spicy options, giving heat seekers a chance to test their tolerance levels.
Locals appreciate how BoBo’s maintains consistency whether you visit on a Tuesday afternoon or Saturday evening.
The location at 3139 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 puts you right in the Shore Drive area, making this spot perfect for satisfying cravings after a long day near the water.
4. Buttermilk & Honey Fried Chicken – Richmond
Sometimes a restaurant name tells you everything you need to know about what awaits inside.
Buttermilk & Honey delivers exactly what their moniker promises: tender chicken soaked in tangy buttermilk and kissed with just enough honey sweetness to make your taste buds sing.
This Grace Street spot has created a cult following among Richmond residents who crave fried chicken that feels both familiar and innovative.
The buttermilk marinade works overtime to break down the meat, resulting in chicken so tender you barely need teeth to enjoy it.
Honey-forward flavors and sauces add subtle sweetness without turning the dish into dessert, creating a profile that keeps you reaching for just one more bite.
The coating achieves that elusive crispy-yet-light texture that separates amateur efforts from professional mastery.
Service moves quickly even during busy periods, with staff members who genuinely seem to love what they’re serving.
Swing by 415 E Grace St, Richmond, VA 23219 and prepare to understand why locals consider this spot an absolute non-negotiable stop for anyone serious about fried chicken.
5. Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken – Richmond
Fame isn’t always fleeting, especially when you’ve spent decades perfecting a fried chicken recipe that keeps people coming back.
Lee’s brings a time-tested approach to West Broad Street, serving chicken that’s been pleasing crowds since the recipe was first developed in the 1960s.
The secret seasoning blend contains herbs and spices that create a distinctive flavor profile you won’t find anywhere else in Virginia.
Each piece is honey-dipped, hand-breaded, and pressure cooked to lock in moisture while creating that signature crispy exterior.
This technique results in chicken that stays juicy hours after cooking, making it perfect for family gatherings or picnics where food sits out awhile.
The consistency across visits proves impressive, with quality remaining high whether you visit on a Monday or a weekend.
Value pricing makes feeding a hungry family affordable without sacrificing taste or portion sizes.
Convenient location at 2200 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220 puts this spot right in the path of commuters and locals running errands, making it easy to grab dinner without going out of your way.
6. Side Chick – Richmond
Bold name, bolder flavors—this Richmond newcomer isn’t afraid to ruffle some feathers in the local chicken scene.
Side Chic has made its home on Clay Street, bringing a playful, comfort-forward approach to fried chicken in the heart of downtown.
Their approach blends traditional Southern techniques with creative twists that appeal to adventurous eaters and purists alike.
The classic fried chicken here nails all the fundamentals: crispy coating, juicy meat, and seasoning that makes every bite memorable.
What sets them apart is the attention to detail in every step, from sourcing quality birds to monitoring oil temperatures with scientific precision.
The vibe inside matches the playful name, with a casual atmosphere that encourages lingering over meals and good conversation.
Staff members bring genuine enthusiasm to their work, offering recommendations and ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.
Prices remain reasonable despite the prime downtown location, making this spot accessible for regular visits rather than just special occasions.
Find them at 219 E Clay St, Richmond, VA 23219, where parking can be challenging but the chicken makes any hassle completely worthwhile for your taste buds.
7. Wayside Takeout & Catering – Charlottesville
Charlottesville locals have been keeping Wayside’s fried chicken recipe a closely guarded secret for years, hoping to avoid long lines.
Unfortunately for them, word has spread about the incredible chicken emerging from this Jefferson Park Avenue kitchen.
The takeout-focused model means everything gets cooked fresh when you order, guaranteeing maximum crispiness and heat.
Their batter recipe creates an exceptionally crunchy shell that shatters satisfyingly with each bite, revealing succulent meat underneath.
Seasoning leans toward the savory side with just enough kick to keep things interesting without overwhelming sensitive palates.
The catering operation has become legendary among University of Virginia families for tailgates and graduation celebrations.
Portions come generous enough that ordering a little less than you think you need usually works out perfectly fine.
Despite the focus on takeout, the staff treats every order with care, ensuring packaging keeps chicken crispy during transport.
Visit 2203 Jefferson Park Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903 and join the ranks of locals who’ve made this their go-to spot for fried chicken that tastes like home cooking at its absolute finest.
8. Brown’s – Charlottesville
Some restaurants become so woven into a community’s fabric that imagining the town without them feels impossible.
Brown’s occupies exactly that space in Charlottesville, having served generations of families their famous fried chicken on Avon Street.
The recipe hasn’t changed much over the years because when you’ve achieved perfection, why mess with success?
Each piece of chicken gets a generous coating of seasoned flour before taking a dip in oil heated to the exact right temperature.
The result is chicken with a thick, crunchy crust that locks in all the natural juices and flavors.
Old-school soul food sides accompany the chicken beautifully, from buttery biscuits to green beans cooked with just the right amount of seasoning.
The no-frills, takeout-style setup lets the food do all the talking, and boy does it have plenty to say.
Regulars know to arrive early on weekends because once word spreads that fresh chicken is ready, the place fills up fast.
Head to 1218 Avon St, Charlottesville, VA 22902 for a taste of authentic Charlottesville history served one crispy, delicious piece at a time.
9. Chicken Coop Restaurant – Lovingston
Rural Virginia knows a thing or two about cooking chicken the right way, and Chicken Coop proves it with every order.
This Lovingston gem sits in the heart of Nelson County, serving fried chicken that brings folks from surrounding towns and cities.
The small-town setting means everyone working here treats customers like neighbors, because chances are they actually know your name.
Chicken gets prepared using techniques passed down through families who’ve called these mountains home for generations.
The crispy exterior gives way to meat so tender and flavorful it’ll make you wonder why anyone bothers with fancy restaurants.
Everything tastes fresher here, possibly because ingredients come from local farms and suppliers whenever possible.
The setup is simple and local, with Chicken Coop operating at Nelson Food Mart, which only adds to its hidden-gem charm.
Portion sizes reflect genuine Southern hospitality, ensuring nobody leaves the table feeling anything less than completely satisfied.
Make the trip to 40 Front St, Lovingston, VA 22949 and discover why sometimes the best fried chicken in Virginia comes from the places you’d least expect to find culinary gold.
10. Wooboi Hot Chicken – Fairfax
Nashville might have invented hot chicken, but Wooboi brings that fiery tradition to Northern Virginia with serious authenticity.
Located in the Shoppes Lane area of Fairfax, this spot specializes in chicken that ranges from pleasantly spicy to face-meltingly hot.
Heat levels span multiple options, letting timid tasters dip their toes in while thrill-seekers can test their limits.
Even the mildest version delivers more flavor than most restaurants’ regular fried chicken, thanks to a spice blend that prioritizes taste alongside heat.
The coating maintains its crunch despite being drenched in spicy oil, a technical achievement that separates amateurs from professionals.
Cooling sides like creamy coleslaw provide necessary relief between bites of their hotter offerings.
The modern, casual atmosphere attracts a diverse crowd from students to families to spice enthusiasts on pilgrimages.
Staff members offer honest guidance about heat levels, steering newbies toward manageable options while encouraging veterans to push boundaries.
Find them at 12721 Shoppes Ln, Fairfax, VA 22033, United States, and bring your appetite for heat.
11. Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken & Wings – Lynchburg
Hunger plus anger equals hangry, and this Lynchburg spot knows exactly how to cure that dangerous combination.
Hangry Joe’s specializes in hot chicken and wings that satisfy both cravings for heat and comfort in equal measure.
Their fried chicken brings Nashville-style heat to Central Virginia, with spice levels clearly marked so everyone knows what they’re getting into.
The seasoning blend contains layers of flavor beyond just capsaicin burn, creating complexity that keeps taste buds engaged.
Wings come tossed in various sauces, but the fried chicken remains the undisputed star of the menu.
Crispy skin shatters beautifully under teeth, revealing meat that’s been seasoned with care before frying.
The casual, fun atmosphere makes this spot perfect for groups looking to challenge each other to spice contests.
Prices stay reasonable despite generous portions that could easily feed more people than expected.
Located at 20276 Timberlake Rd Suite E, Lynchburg, VA 24502, this place has become a local favorite for anyone who believes fried chicken should come with a little kick and a lot of flavor packed into every single bite.
12. CM Chicken Norfolk – Norfolk
Korean fried chicken has taken America by storm, and CM Chicken brings this crispy, twice-fried phenomenon to downtown Norfolk.
Their approach differs from traditional Southern methods but results in chicken that’s equally crave-worthy and addictive.
The method creates an incredibly thin, shattering-crisp coating that stays crunchy far longer than many classic fried versions.
Meat inside remains impossibly juicy despite the extended cooking time, proving the method’s brilliance.
Sauce options range from sweet and sticky to spicy and bold, each one coating the chicken without compromising that precious crispiness.
Even purists who swear by traditional Southern fried chicken find themselves converted after trying CM Chicken’s unique style.
The modern, clean interior attracts a younger crowd alongside curious traditionalists willing to expand their chicken horizons.
Portion sizes work perfectly for sharing, encouraging groups to sample multiple flavors and find their favorites.
Stop by 436 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510 and experience how Korea’s fried chicken tradition stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Virginia’s best Southern-style offerings, proving great chicken transcends borders and brings people together regardless of cooking style or cultural background.