Indianapolis, Indiana’s Best Fried Chicken Spots That Locals Swear By
Indianapolis, my hometown, has a secret that I’m excited to share with fellow foodies: we’re obsessed with fried chicken.
As a local, I’ve had the pleasure of sampling the best (and worst) of the city’s fried chicken scene.
From humble food trucks to upscale restaurants, every establishment seems to have its own unique take on this comfort food classic.
After years of research (okay, maybe just years of eating), I’ve narrowed down my list to the top 12 fried chicken spots that locals rave about.
These hidden gems and beloved institutions serve up everything from spicy Nashville-style hot chicken to classic Southern-style fried chicken and waffles.
Whether you’re a seasoned food critic or just a curious visitor, trust me when I say that these spots will make your taste buds do the Indy 500.
1. The Eagle
Brined to perfection and fried until the skin shatters like golden glass, the chicken at this Mass Ave hotspot has earned a cult following among Indy locals who know good bird when they taste it.
Located right in the heart of downtown on Massachusetts Avenue, The Eagle brings Southern hospitality and serious frying skills to every plate.
The family-style servings mean you can share the love with your crew, passing around platters of juicy chicken that’s been soaking in flavorful brine for hours before hitting the fryer.
The fried chicken sandwiches have become legendary in the city, stacked high with pickles and sauce that perfectly complement the crunchy coating.
Sides like mac and cheese and collard greens round out the meal, but honestly, the star of the show is always that perfectly seasoned, impossibly crispy chicken.
When locals want to impress out-of-town visitors with Indy’s food scene, this spot consistently makes the list.
2. Hollyhock Hill
Since 1928, this family-run treasure on College Avenue has been serving pan-fried chicken the old-fashioned way, and they haven’t changed the recipe because, frankly, perfection doesn’t need tweaking.
Walking into Hollyhock Hill feels like stepping into your grandmother’s dining room, complete with cozy décor and servers who treat you like family.
Pan-fried chicken differs from deep-fried versions because it cooks in a skillet with less oil, creating a delicate crust that’s somehow both light and incredibly flavorful.
Dinners come with all the classic fixings served family-style, including mashed potatoes, green beans, and biscuits that practically melt in your mouth.
Nearly a century of happy customers can’t be wrong, and the restaurant’s longevity speaks volumes about consistent quality and genuine care for the craft.
Reservations are highly recommended because locals pack this place, especially on weekends when families gather for Sunday supper traditions.
3. His Place Eatery
Over on the East Side at 30th and Shadeland, this soul-food institution has been feeding the community crispy fried chicken that hits all the right notes of seasoning, crunch, and juicy tenderness.
His Place Eatery represents the kind of neighborhood gem where regulars know the staff by name and newcomers instantly understand why people drive across town for a plate.
The chicken and waffles combination here deserves special mention, with golden fried chicken pieces perched atop fluffy waffles that soak up syrup and butter beautifully.
Hearty sides like collard greens, candied yams, and mac and cheese complete the soul-food experience, making every meal feel like a home-cooked Sunday dinner.
My cousin visited last month and couldn’t stop talking about how the chicken reminded her of our grandmother’s secret recipe, which is the highest compliment in our family.
Portions are generous, prices are fair, and the love put into every dish shines through with each bite.
4. Mississippi Belle
Nestled on East 54th Street, Mississippi Belle serves up Southern-style fried chicken and soul-food plates that have locals returning so frequently, they should probably install a revolving door.
The chicken here boasts a deeply seasoned crust that delivers flavor in every single bite, proving that proper seasoning makes all the difference between good chicken and unforgettable chicken.
Soul-food plates come loaded with classic sides that transport you straight to the South, even though you’re firmly planted in the Midwest.
The restaurant’s casual, welcoming vibe makes it perfect for everything from quick lunches to family dinners where everyone leaves satisfied and possibly needing to loosen a belt notch.
Word-of-mouth recommendations keep this spot busy, as happy customers tell friends who tell friends who become regulars themselves in an endless cycle of fried chicken appreciation.
If you’re hunting for authentic Southern flavors without boarding a plane, Mississippi Belle delivers the goods every single time.
5. World Famous Hotboys
With locations in Fountain Square and Carmel, World Famous Hotboys brings Nashville and Oakland-style hot chicken to Indy with adjustable heat levels ranging from mild to “why did I do this to myself?”
The cultish local fanbase here isn’t exaggerating when they say this spot changed the hot chicken game in Indianapolis, introducing fiery flavors that make taste buds tingle and sweat beads form.
Heat levels are customizable, so wimps like me can enjoy milder versions while brave souls tackle the inferno options that come with bragging rights and possibly regret.
The chicken arrives coated in a vibrant reddish-orange spice blend that looks as intense as it tastes, with pickles providing cool relief between bites.
Both locations stay packed with fans who’ve been hooked since the first bite, proving that once you experience proper hot chicken, regular fried versions seem almost boring.
Pro tip: order extra napkins and maybe keep some milk nearby if you’re testing the spicier levels.
6. Joella’s Hot Chicken
Up on 96th Street in North Indy, Joella’s Hot Chicken has carved out a loyal following with fast-casual service that doesn’t sacrifice quality for speed.
This hot-chicken chain has become incredibly popular locally, with spicy chicken sandwiches and wings that satisfy cravings without requiring a long sit-down meal.
The menu offers multiple heat levels, so everyone from spice novices to capsaicin enthusiasts can find something that matches what they can handle without tears streaming down faces.
Sandwiches come piled high with crispy chicken, pickles, and sauce on soft buns that somehow hold together despite the juicy, saucy filling threatening to escape.
Wings are equally popular, offering that same spicy kick in a format perfect for sharing or, let’s be honest, keeping entirely to yourself.
The fast-casual format means you can grab outstanding hot chicken even when time is tight, making it a weeknight dinner hero for busy families and professionals alike.
7. Chicken Scratch
Scratch-made really means something at this downtown favorite with multiple locations, where everything from the waffles to the chicken coating gets prepared fresh daily without shortcuts or frozen ingredients.
Chicken Scratch has generated strong local buzz since opening, with fried-chicken plates and chicken-and-waffle combinations that justify every bit of hype surrounding the restaurant.
The waffles alone could be a destination, fluffy and golden with just the right amount of crispness on the outside, but paired with perfectly fried chicken, they become something truly special.
Hearty portions mean you’ll likely have leftovers, though many diners find themselves eating past fullness simply because stopping feels impossible when food tastes this good.
The scratch-made philosophy extends to sides and sauces, creating a complete meal where every element receives equal attention and care.
Downtown workers and weekend brunch crowds pack the place regularly, creating a lively atmosphere that matches the quality of food coming out of the kitchen.
8. Shani’s Secret Chicken (Inside Chapati)
Hidden inside Chapati on Lafayette Road, Shani’s Secret Chicken operates as a beloved gem that serves spiced, halal fried chicken with a flavor profile unlike anything else on this list.
The unique seasoning blend incorporates spices that give the chicken an aromatic, complex taste that surprises first-timers who expect traditional Southern-style flavors.
Halal preparation methods ensure the chicken meets religious dietary requirements while delivering on taste, proving that following specific guidelines doesn’t mean sacrificing deliciousness.
Finding this spot requires a bit of insider knowledge since it operates within another restaurant, but locals who’ve discovered it guard the secret jealously while simultaneously wanting everyone to experience the magic.
Last summer, a friend dragged me here after I’d insisted I’d tried all of Indy’s best fried chicken, and I had to eat my words along with the incredible spiced chicken that proved me completely wrong.
The West Side location means it’s often overlooked by downtown crowds, which keeps lines shorter for those in the know.
9. Chris Fried Chicken
Sometimes the best fried chicken comes from unassuming neighborhood spots that focus on doing one thing exceptionally well, and Chris Fried Chicken on the Northside exemplifies this philosophy perfectly.
Located on High School Road, this takeout spot has earned praise from locals for reliably crispy, no-frills fried chicken that delivers exactly what you want without fancy presentations or trendy twists.
The chicken comes out hot and fresh with a crunchy coating that stays crispy even after the drive home, which is basically the holy grail of takeout fried chicken.
No-frills doesn’t mean lacking in flavor; the seasoning is spot-on, and the chicken stays juicy inside that golden crust, proving that simple done right beats complicated done wrong.
Neighborhood regulars have been ordering from here for years, creating a steady stream of customers who know quality when they taste it.
Prices remain reasonable, making it an excellent option for feeding families or groups without breaking the budget while still getting top-notch chicken.
10. Conner’s Kitchen + Bar
Elevated comfort food sounds like a contradiction, but Conner’s Kitchen + Bar on West Maryland Street proves that fried chicken can be both fancy and deeply satisfying.
Located in the Downtown Fletcher Place area, this restaurant takes Southern fried chicken seriously, preparing it with techniques and attention to detail that result in a local favorite entrée.
The chicken here gets plated beautifully alongside gourmet sides that complement rather than compete with the star of the dish, creating a refined dining experience without losing the soul of comfort food.
While the atmosphere leans more upscale than your typical chicken joint, the food remains approachable and craveable, striking a balance that appeals to date-nighters and comfort-food seekers alike.
Local food lovers consistently name this spot when discussing where to find exceptional fried chicken in a setting that feels special enough for occasions beyond casual Tuesday dinners.
The bar program is equally impressive, offering drinks that pair wonderfully with the rich, savory flavors of perfectly fried chicken.
11. Tupelo Honey
Downtown in the CityWay neighborhood on South Alabama Street, Tupelo Honey brings authentic Southern cooking to Indianapolis with scratch-made sides and a standout fried-chicken entrée that lives up to the restaurant’s reputation.
The Southern-style preparation means the chicken gets treated with respect and proper technique, resulting in a crispy exterior that gives way to tender, flavorful meat inside.
Scratch-made sides elevate the entire meal, with items like buttermilk biscuits, seasonal vegetables, and creamy grits that taste like someone’s Southern grandmother made them with love.
The restaurant’s warm, inviting atmosphere makes it perfect for leisurely meals where you can savor each bite without feeling rushed, creating an experience rather than just a quick dinner.
Brunch and dinner crowds both appreciate the fried chicken here, proving its appeal spans all dayparts and occasions from casual weekend mornings to celebratory evening meals.
Quality ingredients and careful preparation shine through in every dish, making Tupelo Honey a reliable choice for outstanding Southern food in the heart of downtown.
12. PaPa Bear’s Chicken
When late-night chicken cravings hit, PaPa Bear’s Chicken on East 46th Street in the SoBro area comes through with crispy wings and fried-chicken offerings that satisfy even the most urgent fried food needs.
This local carry-out favorite has built a following among night owls, shift workers, and anyone who realizes at 10 PM that life isn’t complete without some crispy chicken right now.
The wings here deserve special recognition, arriving hot and crispy with seasoning that makes them dangerously addictive, the kind of food you plan to share but end up hoarding selfishly.
Late-night hours set PaPa Bear’s apart from many competitors who close early, making it a lifesaver when other options have already locked their doors and turned off their fryers.
East Side residents know this spot by heart, with many having it programmed into their phones for those inevitable moments when only fried chicken will do.
Consistent quality at all hours means you’re not sacrificing taste for convenience, getting the same great chicken whether you order at lunch or midnight.