People Drive From All Over Arizona To Dine At This Legendary Fried Chicken Restaurant
Arizona’s deserts may be dry, but the aroma of this place is a different kind of thirst-quencher. On Main Street in Mesa sits a fried chicken joint that has people driving from Tucson, Flagstaff, and every corner of Arizona just to get a taste.
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken is not your average fast-food stop, it is a Memphis-born legend that landed in the Phoenix area and immediately became a must-visit destination.
With perfectly crispy skin, a signature spicy kick, and sides that could make your grandma jealous, this place has earned its world-famous reputation one drumstick at a time.
Whether you’re a Tucson local, a Mesa commuter, or a visitor chasing legends, a plate of Gus’s chicken is less a meal and more a warm, buttery hug that says, “Hey, the world is weird-let’s eat this together.”
Crispy Perfection That Travels Well From Memphis
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken started its journey in Mason, Tennessee, back in the 1950s, and the recipe has stayed true to its roots ever since. When the Mesa location opened at 212 W Main St, folks in Arizona finally got a taste of what Southerners have been raving about for decades.
The chicken arrives at your table with a crackling golden crust that shatters with every bite, revealing juicy, tender meat inside.
What sets this place apart is the spice blend baked right into the breading. It is not a coating you can wipe off, it is part of the chicken itself.
The heat level sits at a perfect sweet spot, enough to wake up your taste buds without sending you running for water.
Whether you order white meat or dark, each piece gets the same love and attention. The kitchen fries everything to order, so expect a short wait, but trust me, it is worth every single minute.
That first bite will remind you why people make this a road trip destination.
Sides That Steal The Show
Walking into Gus’s, you might think the chicken is the only star, but wait until you try the sides. Mac and cheese here is the creamy, cheesy comfort food dreams are made of, with a texture that makes you want to cry happy tears.
Seriously, people mention this mac in reviews like it is a life-changing experience.
Coleslaw comes out cool and tangy, providing the perfect balance to the spicy chicken. It is not drowning in mayo, just lightly dressed and refreshing.
Baked beans lean savory rather than sweet, which is a nice change from the sugar-bomb versions you find elsewhere.
Collard greens get cooked just right, and if you ask, the staff will bring out some peppers to kick them up a notch.
Fried okra and fried pickles round out the Southern lineup, both using that same signature breading that makes the chicken so addictive. Last time I visited, I ordered extra pickles just to take home because I could not stop thinking about them the next day.
Fried Green Tomatoes Worth The Trip Alone
Before your chicken even arrives, order the fried green tomatoes and prepare to have your mind blown. These tangy slices get dipped in the same seasoned batter as the chicken, then fried until the outside turns golden and crunchy.
The contrast between the crisp coating and the firm, slightly tart tomato inside is nothing short of magical.
Plenty of diners admit they would come back to Gus’s just for this appetizer. It is one of those dishes that makes you understand why Southern cooking has such a devoted following.
Each bite delivers a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Pair them with the honey mayo dipping sauce if you want something sweet and tangy, or enjoy them plain to appreciate the seasoning. Either way, you will be scraping the plate clean.
The fried green tomatoes have become such a fan favorite that they are mentioned almost as often as the chicken itself in glowing reviews.
Atmosphere That Feels Like Home
Step inside the Mesa location and you will immediately notice the laid-back, welcoming vibe. Music plays in the background, people are laughing at their tables, and the whole place radiates good energy.
It is the kind of spot where you feel comfortable whether you are dining solo or bringing the whole family.
The decor keeps things simple and clean, with just enough Southern charm to remind you where the food comes from.
There is nothing pretentious here, just good people serving great food in a cozy setting. The staff members are friendly, attentive, and genuinely seem to enjoy their jobs.
Servers know the menu inside and out and will happily make recommendations based on what you like. One time, a server steered me toward the dark meat when I could not decide, and it turned out to be exactly what I needed.
The whole experience feels less like a transaction and more like visiting a friend who happens to make killer fried chicken.
Service That Goes The Extra Mile
Great food only gets you so far if the service falls flat, but Gus’s nails both. The team here is quick, friendly, and genuinely cares about making sure you have a good time.
Servers appear right when you need them without hovering, which is a skill not every restaurant manages to master.
They are knowledgeable about the menu and can answer questions about spice levels, portion sizes, or what pairs well together. If something is not quite right, they will fix it without making you feel like a bother.
The kitchen works fast considering everything is made to order, usually getting food out in 15 to 20 minutes.
Even when the place gets busy, the staff keeps things running smoothly. You never feel rushed or ignored. My friend mentioned that the service alone would bring them back, which says a lot.
Whether you are dining in or picking up takeout, you can count on a positive experience from start to finish.
Chicken Tenders For The Less Adventurous
Not everyone wants bone-in chicken, and Gus’s has you covered with tenders that are just as impressive as the rest of the menu.
These strips come out golden and crispy, with the same seasoned breading that makes the regular chicken so addictive. The meat inside stays moist and tender, never dry or overcooked.
Kids love them, but so do adults who prefer a less messy eating experience. You can choose your heat level, with a gentle kick at level two that adds flavor without overwhelming.
The honey mayo dipping sauce is a game-changer, offering a sweet and tangy complement that makes each bite even better.
Pair the tenders with seasoned fries for a classic combo that hits all the right notes. The fries come out golden and crispy, seasoned just enough to stand on their own.
Whether you are feeding picky eaters or just want something easy to enjoy, the tenders deliver big time without sacrificing any of the quality Gus’s is known for.
Pie That Closes The Meal Right
After demolishing a plate of chicken and sides, you might think there is no room left, but then someone mentions the pie and suddenly you find space. Gus’s offers pecan pie and chess pie, both of which get rave reviews from diners who save room for dessert.
The pecan pie is rich and nutty, with a filling that is sweet but not cloying.
Chess pie is a Southern classic that many people outside the region have never tried, and this is your chance. It has a custard-like texture with a slightly caramelized top that adds depth to every forkful.
Both pies are homestyle and comforting, the perfect way to end a hearty meal.
Some folks order pie to go because they are too full to eat it right away, which is a smart move. Either way, skipping dessert here would be a mistake.
The pies are made with the same care and attention as everything else on the menu, rounding out an already fantastic dining experience.
Location On Main Street Makes It Easy To Find
Gus’s sits right on Main Street in downtown Mesa at 212 W Main St, making it super easy to locate whether you are coming from Phoenix, Tempe, or anywhere else in the Valley. The area has a nice mix of shops and eateries, so you can make a whole outing of it.
Parking is convenient, and the restaurant itself is hard to miss once you are on Main Street.
Hours run from 11 AM to 9 PM most days, with Friday and Saturday staying open until 10 PM. That gives you plenty of flexibility whether you want lunch, dinner, or an early evening meal.
You can call if you want to call ahead, though walk-ins are always welcome. Being in Mesa puts Gus’s within easy reach of a huge chunk of Arizona’s population, which explains why people make the drive from all over the state.
The location is accessible, the vibe is welcoming, and the food is worth every mile you travel to get there.