The Nine Best Fried Chicken Joints in Brisbane

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A great meal or classic dish isn't just the sum of its ingredients. How it's cooked can make all the difference — take a piece of poultry coated in flour, salt, herbs and spices, for instance. Yes, we're talking about fried chicken, the ultimate Southern food, a mighty fine companion to an ice cold beer, and something they call finger lickin' good for a reason. So where can you find Brisbane's best? Check out these local fried chicken joints, but be warned — you won't find a certain fast food brand on this list.

LEFTY'S OLD TIME MUSIC HALL

Without a souped-up Delorean at your disposal, you're unlikely to experience 19^th century American life. Lefty's Old Time Music Hall is the next best thing, and it's had two years to show Brisbane why. As its name suggests, the music is a major drawcard (think bluegrass and toe-tapping country-style tunes), as is the honky-tonk vibe. The drinks list is a beer and whiskey lover's dream, and there's plenty of Southern-style bites to line the stomach with. Our pick: deep-fried chicken wings, of course. Just don't fill up on the free popcorn on the way in, because that crispy chook is going to need some room.

15 Caxton Street, Brisbane; www.leftysmusichall.com

SHADY PALMS

Good things really can come out of reality television, and Shady Palms is proof. Owners Mal and Bec went from braving the competitive restaurant TV scene to running two off-screen cafes. Shady Palms is the kind of place people head to Stones Corner especially for. Their Southern fried chicken is more than partly responsible, served with equally delicious smoked chipotle gravy and apple currant slaw. After taking a look at that thick coat crusted over sizeable servings, you won't be able to resist. And don't forget the James Squire to wash it down with.

427 Logan Road, Stones Corner; (07) 3324 2917; www.shadypalmscafe.com

SOUTHERN ATTITUDE

Another Brisbane eatery, and another place on the American-style bandwagon, but don't overlook Southern Attitude for staying on trend. They love all things from the US south — including a dish that combines fried goodness with succulent chicken breast. Pick your choice of honey and hickory barbecue or mushroom sauce to slather it in, and two sides (including bourbon glazed carrots and pale ale onion rings) to go with it. And the best part? It's also available on their takeaway menu, so you can enjoy fry fry chicky chick at home without going down the fast food route.

Shop 2, 189 Oxford Street, Bulimba; (07) 3217 9600; www.southernattitude.net.au

KING OF THE WINGS

What's better than going to a fried chicken place? Finding a fried chicken place that roams all over town. That'd be King of the Wings, one of Brisbane's favourite food trucks, and the home to quite the range of tasty poultry. Non-fried morsels are also on their menu, but who can resist the spicy Southern stuff? Not us. Their sweet potato fries are also a treat for those wanting to rock the old school chicken and chips combo — but the wings really are a satisfying and scrumptious meal all by themselves.

Around Brisbane; 0433 177 478; www.facebook.com/kingofthewingsbrisbane

GREASER

This Fortitude Valley dive bar might be greasy by name, but thankfully it's not by nature. When it comes to food — and chicken pieces marinated in buttermilk in particular — the place is downright delectable. Note the pieces part of the menu listing — you're getting much more than wings here, much to your stomach's delight. The bird comes with red eye gravy and smoked chipotle mayo too, all served in a basket. Wednesdays have become their default chicken evening, but of course this yummy fried dish is available on other nights as well.

259 Brunswick Street, The Valley; (07) 3648 9036; www.greaser.com.au

BIRD'S NEST YAKITORI & BAR

Want your fried chicken Japanese style? You're not alone. West End's Bird's Nest is a yakitori (which means grilled bird), so that kind of poultry is their bread and butter. Don't worry though — they've still left room for some karaage (deep fried) morsels as well. You'll find them among their side dishes, made from free-range thigh meat, turned crispy and golden with the restaurant's traditional seasoning, and complemented by wasabi mayonnaise. They're worth dropping in for all by themselves — and if you don't want to pair them with a full dinner, smaller set menu or some of their famed skewers, the tori karaage are cheap enough to order several servings.

Shop 5, 220 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane; (07) 3844 4306; www.birdsnestrestaurant.com.au

THE FLYING COCK

Trust a bar with a cheeky reference to chicken in its name (yes, that's how we're choosing to take it) to boast plenty of tasty fried dishes. Wings are their thing, both of the crumbed and wet variety, and they sell them by the kilo to let you know that they're serious. Burgers also rank as one of The Flying Cock's go-to meals, including the CBC — that's chicken, bacon and coleslaw — made with fried chicken breast crusted in Doritos. Yeah. Doritos. Run, don't walk, and enjoy a James Squire Nine Tales Amber Ale fresh off the tap with it.

388 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley; (07) 3172 6109; www.facebook.com/theflyingcock

HOT STAR

Okay, okay, so we said that we weren't going to include one particular chain of chicken joints that everyone's been to. We didn't say we wouldn't include a Taiwanese chain that everyone should go to, though, because we just couldn't keep that promise. Head out to Sunnybank for a place that promises 'large fried chicken' in its tagline. And with face-sized pieces of both original and crispy style chicken breast fried to order, they really do mean large. Smaller chicken bites are also on the menu, but we say go big or go home.

19D Market Square, Sunnybank; (07) 3423 8008; www.hotstarchicken.com.au

LUCKY EGG

They're the new kids on the chicken block, but they're fast becoming a Brisbane favourite. They're also another reason to visit the Brightside — in addition to the venue's packed roster of events, that is. Whether you prefer yours on a bun or in a basket, you'll find crispy fried chicken in various guises, including Dorito popcorn chicken and a cup of karaage. Those on the very hungry side (or with friends to share with) won't want to go past the Waxman's whole bird, which comes with 12 pieces of buttermilk-coated deliciousness, plus a large slaw and fries.

27 Warner Street, Fortitude Valley; www.luckyeggfc.com