People Keep Hitting The Road Across Ohio To Eat In This Iconic Fried Chicken Spot
If you find yourself craving crispy fried chicken that has stood the test of time, Belgrade Gardens at 401 E State St in Barberton is calling your name. This family restaurant has been serving up chicken dinners from the same farmhouse location since 1933, drawing hungry visitors from all corners of Ohio.
People make the pilgrimage to Barberton specifically for this iconic spot, where the fried chicken is legendary, and the atmosphere feels like stepping back in time.
With its old-school charm and recipes that have been perfected over nearly a century, Belgrade Gardens has become more than just a restaurant.
What makes folks travel across state lines for a chicken dinner? The answer lies in the crispy, golden breading, the juicy meat inside, and the unique sides that you simply cannot find anywhere else.
From the famous hot sauce to the generous portions that leave you with leftovers, this place delivers an experience worth every mile of the journey.
A Legacy That Started in 1933
Walking into Belgrade Gardens feels like entering a time capsule. The restaurant has occupied the same charming farmhouse since 1933, and the building itself tells stories of nearly a century of fried chicken mastery.
Families have been making this their Sunday dinner destination for generations, passing down the tradition like a treasured recipe.
I noticed immediately how the decor celebrates the chicken theme, with figurines beautifully displayed throughout the dining room. The space maintains that homey, comfortable vibe that makes you want to settle in for a long, leisurely meal with people you love.
What strikes me most is how little has changed over the decades. Customers who visited twenty or even forty years ago report that the experience remains remarkably consistent.
That kind of staying power in the restaurant business speaks volumes about quality and commitment.
The farmhouse setting creates an atmosphere that fast-food chains simply cannot replicate. You are not just eating chicken here.
You are participating in a piece of Ohio culinary history that has survived nearly every challenge the restaurant industry could throw at it.
The Fried Chicken That Draws Crowds
Let me tell you about the star of the show. The fried chicken at Belgrade Gardens comes out with a breading that achieves the perfect balance between crispy and flavorful.
Unlike heavily spiced versions you might find elsewhere, this chicken lets the quality of the ingredients shine through without excessive seasoning.
When I bit into my first piece, the contrast between the crunchy exterior and the incredibly moist, juicy interior was remarkable. Multiple reviewers mention this same quality, noting how the chicken never comes out dry even when you order white breast meat.
That consistency is hard to achieve.
The chicken is fried in lard, which gives it a traditional taste that modern cooking oils simply cannot match. This old-school method creates that nostalgic flavor profile that keeps customers coming back decade after decade.
Some people specifically request the chicken backs because they fry up extra crispy.
Portions are generous to say the least. Even ordering a small chicken tenders dinner is substantial, while the large options can easily provide two full meals for one person.
Hot Sauce That Defines the Experience
Now, when Belgrade Gardens mentions hot sauce, they are not talking about a condiment you drizzle on top. This is a complete side dish that has become one of the most talked-about items on the menu.
The hot sauce is a tomato-and-rice stew with a spicy kick that adds incredible flavor to your meal. I watched customers dip their French fries directly into it, creating a combination that sounds unusual but works beautifully.
It is hearty enough to stand on its own.
Multiple long-time customers insist that ordering the hot sauce is absolutely essential to the full Belgrade Gardens experience. The spice level provides warmth without overwhelming your palate, allowing you to enjoy it alongside the other elements of your dinner.
This Barberton staple has been perfected at Belgrade Gardens over decades. The consistency and flavor remain exactly what customers remember from childhood visits, which is precisely why people keep requesting it generation after generation.
Coleslaw With a Vinegar Twist
Belgrade Gardens serves coleslaw that divides customers into two distinct camps. The preparation uses a vinegar-based approach rather than the creamy mayonnaise style many Americans expect, creating a tangy, crisp accompaniment to the rich fried chicken.
I found the vinegar bite refreshing, especially when alternating between bites of the heavier chicken.
The cabbage stays crunchy, providing textural contrast to the meal.
This style of coleslaw has Eastern European roots, reflecting the Serbian heritage of the restaurant. For those accustomed to sweeter, creamier slaws, the first taste might surprise you.
However, fans of this preparation style absolutely love how it cuts through the richness of fried food.
The key is understanding what you are getting before you order. If you appreciate traditional, old-world preparations and enjoy vinegar-forward flavors, this slaw will become your new favorite.
The recipe has remained unchanged for decades, staying true to its original character.
Chicken Paprikash for the Adventurous
Beyond the famous fried chicken, Belgrade Gardens offers chicken paprikash, a traditional dish that showcases the restaurant’s cultural heritage. This preparation features chicken stewed in their own spicy sauce and served with dumplings, hot sauce, and coleslaw.
I appreciate that Belgrade Gardens gives customers options beyond their signature dish, especially for those who want something a bit different from the standard fried chicken dinner.
Paprikash tends to be polarizing, with some customers praising it as delicious and authentic while others find it less appealing than the fried options. The sauce has a distinctive flavor profile that works best when you are in the mood for something hearty and warming rather than crispy and light.
For first-time visitors, I would recommend starting with the fried chicken to understand why Belgrade Gardens has built its reputation. Once you have experienced the classic, coming back to try the paprikash gives you a fuller picture of what this kitchen can do with chicken.
Dumplings That Comfort the Soul
Among the side dishes, the dumplings stand out as a customer favorite. These are not the Asian-style dumplings you might be picturing.
Instead, they are soft, pillowy comfort food that pairs beautifully with chicken and gravy.
One customer specifically mentioned ordering three large dumplings as appetizers before their main chicken dinners, which tells you how substantial and satisfying these are. The texture is tender and absorbent, soaking up flavors from whatever you eat them with.
I watched families share orders of dumplings around the table, using them almost like edible utensils to scoop up sauce and other sides. They add a homestyle element to the meal that reinforces the farmhouse atmosphere and old-fashioned approach to cooking.
These dumplings represent the kind of side dish that grandmothers made from scratch in their kitchens. They require time and attention to prepare properly, which is probably why you rarely find them done this well in modern restaurants that prioritize speed over traditional techniques.
Service From Staff Who Have Seen Generations
Something remarkable happens when you sit down at Belgrade Gardens. Your server might casually mention that they have worked there for 26 years.
That kind of employee retention is virtually unheard of in the restaurant industry, where turnover rates typically run extremely high.
I experienced firsthand how this longevity translates into exceptional service. The servers know the menu inside and out because they have been serving it for decades.
They can offer genuine recommendations based on years of customer feedback rather than reading from a script they learned last week.
Multiple reviews mention servers by name, praising their attentiveness, professionalism, and down-to-earth personalities. These are not people going through the motions.
They take pride in their work and genuinely care about delivering a great dining experience.
The servers remember regular customers and their preferences, creating a neighborhood restaurant feel even for those traveling from across the state.
When staff stay this long, it speaks to good management and a positive work environment, which ultimately benefits everyone who walks through the door.
Portions That Guarantee Leftovers
Prepare yourself for serious portion sizes at Belgrade Gardens. I learned this lesson when I ordered what I thought would be a reasonable meal and ended up with enough food for two complete dinners.
The restaurant clearly believes in giving customers their money’s worth.
A chicken dinner comes with three side dishes, and each side arrives in generous quantities. The French fries alone could feed two people.
Multiple reviewers express surprise at just how much food appears on their plates, with one person calling it the motherlode of chicken tenders.
This abundance makes the pricing feel more reasonable when you consider that you are essentially getting multiple meals from one order. I watched table after table request takeout containers, packing up substantial amounts of food to enjoy later.
The large booths can seat six adults comfortably, which is perfect for families who want to share and sample different items. Even then, expect everyone to leave with leftovers.
This is not a place for delicate, precisely portioned plates. This is hearty, fill-you-up cooking that sends you home satisfied.
The Celebrity Connection to Michael Symon
Belgrade Gardens has even had a national spotlight moment thanks to chef Michael Symon, who helped put Barberton-style fried chicken on the radar for a much wider audience.
The restaurant was featured in a Food Network segment connected to Symon, which introduced the place and the Barberton chicken tradition to people far beyond Summit County.
I noticed how this kind of attention has not changed the fundamental character of Belgrade Gardens. The restaurant has not tried to modernize or capitalize on the fame by raising prices excessively or altering recipes.
They continue doing exactly what made people fall in love with the place in the first place.
This authenticity is refreshing in an age where restaurants often chase trends and celebrity endorsements. Belgrade Gardens knows who they are and what they do well.
The national exposure simply helps more people discover what locals have known for generations.
Planning Your Visit to Belgrade Gardens
Belgrade Gardens operates on a schedule that reflects its old-school approach. The restaurant is closed on Mondays, and opens at noon Tuesday through Sunday, serving until 7:30 PM.
This means no breakfast or early lunch, so plan accordingly.
I recommend arriving right when they open at noon on Saturdays if you want to avoid the rush.
If you are coming with a larger group or have specific accessibility needs, calling ahead is a smart move.
The restaurant accepts phone orders at 330-745-0113 if you prefer takeout. Check their website at belgradegardenschicken.com for current information before making the drive across Ohio.