Fried Chicken in Greater Milwaukee: Your Ultimate Guide

Crispy, golden, and irresistibly juicy—fried chicken holds a special place in family dining, and the greater Milwaukee area delivers an impressive variety of options for every palate and neighborhood.

Whether you're craving Nashville hot chicken that'll make you reach for a cold drink, classic Southern soul food that tastes like grandma's kitchen, Korean fried chicken with addictive sauces, or a Wisconsin supper club serving time-honored recipes, this comprehensive guide covers 55+ family-friendly fried chicken destinations across six counties. From hidden gems tucked into Milwaukee's diverse neighborhoods to beloved local institutions and convenient chain locations, families will find perfect options for weeknight dinners, special celebrations, or those "we need chicken NOW" moments. We've organized everything geographically so you can easily find excellent fried chicken wherever you are in the region.

Downtown, Third Ward, and East Side

Dave's Hot Chicken brings celebrity-backed Nashville heat to 544 East Ogden Avenue in downtown Milwaukee (414-239-6014, daveshotchicken.com). Open Sunday through Thursday from 10:30am to 11pm and Friday through Saturday until midnight, this fast-casual spot offers seven heat levels from "No Spice" to the waiver-requiring "Reaper," making it perfect for families where kids want mild and parents want adventure. Signature items include hand-breaded tenders larger than typical strips, sliders on potato buns with pickles and kale slaw, and top-loaded milkshakes. Prices run $10-15 for tender combos, and the bright interior with graffiti-style murals keeps kids engaged while families enjoy dine-in, takeout, or delivery.

Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar elevates fried chicken to an art form at 511 North Broadway in the Huron Building (414-807-1803, tupelohoneycafe.com). This upscale Southern restaurant serves chicken brined for 18+ hours and pressure-fried with honey dust, available as bone-in pieces, Asheville Hot with sriracha honey, or the signature mac and cheese stuffed waffle topped with sweet and spicy chicken for $15.50. Open Monday through Friday 11am-8pm, Saturday 9am-9pm, and Sunday 9am-8pm, families love the spacious three-dining-room layout, weekend brunch starting at 9am, and famous buttermilk biscuits. Reservations via OpenTable are recommended, with entrees ranging $15-30.

Char'd offers the Third Ward's premier Korean fried chicken experience at 222 East Erie Street, Suite 100 (414-885-2611, chardmke.com). Their KFC Wings—five pieces of crispy batter-fried chicken with sweet and spicy garlic sauce, scallions, and pickled daikon—cost just $9 and introduce families to authentic Korean flavors without overwhelming heat. Open Monday through Thursday 4:30pm-9pm, Friday 4:30pm-10pm, Saturday noon-10pm, and Sunday 4:30pm-9pm, the trendy space features communal seating and interactive Korean BBQ cooked on lava stones. This is an excellent date-night-with-babysitter option, though older kids fascinated by tableside cooking will love it too.

Secret Hot Chicken operates at 733 North Milwaukee Street in East Town, offering Nashville hot chicken tenders for late-night cravings with 24-hour availability. This counter-service spot provides a casual, quick option for downtown families needing chicken on the go, with straightforward pricing in the $8-12 range for tender combos and delivery available through various apps.

Tsaocaa at 2224 North Farwell Avenue near the Oriental Theatre combines boba tea with Korean fried chicken—a unique pairing perfect for families with teens who love bubble tea (check Facebook for current hours). Their Korean fried chicken uses a secret recipe and technique that keeps the coating shatteringly crispy for up to an hour, served plain or tossed in sweet and spicy sauce. The bright cafe space with greenery and bench seating creates an Instagram-worthy experience at casual prices.

Bay View and Walker's Point

Hot Head Fried Chicken by Crafty Cow at 2671 South Kinnickinnic Avenue in Bay View (414-808-0481, hotheadwi.com) serves Nashville-style hot chicken with four heat options: Southern Fried traditional, Carolina Gold with tangy mustard sauce, classic Nashville Hot, and the ghost pepper-infused 414 Fire for daredevils. Open Tuesday through Saturday 11am-9pm and Sunday 11am-8pm (closed Monday), families appreciate the kids menu, rustic country-themed decor, and patio seating. Signature items include the Hot Boy sandwich with broccoli slaw and chipotle aioli on a cornbread bun for around $13.50, plus multiple mac and cheese varieties including the decadent Dr. Pig with Dr. Pepper braised pork cheeks.

Crafty Cow next door at 2675 South Kinnickinnic Avenue (414-808-0481, craftycowwi.com) shares the Hot Head kitchen while focusing on award-winning burgers alongside Nashville hot chicken, chicken and waffles, and Nashville ramen. Open Monday through Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday 11am-9:30pm, Saturday 10am-9:30pm, and Sunday 10am-8pm, this location offers weekend brunch, a rewards program, and beer-battered cheese curds that locals swear by. The family-friendly atmosphere, kids menu, and multiple locations make this a reliable choice throughout the metro.

Gold Rush Chicken at 3500 South Howell Avenue (414-481-4010, goldrushchicken.org) has been a Milwaukee institution since 1957, serving traditional Milwaukee-style fried chicken with an exceptionally crispy, thin coating. Open Monday through Thursday 3pm-10pm, Friday and Saturday 3pm-11pm, and Sunday 11am-10pm, they're famous for their 12-piece House Special with fries, coleslaw, and dinner rolls for $32.99 and the 35-piece Special Event Pan for $62.99. What sets Gold Rush apart is their own delivery team—not third-party apps—ensuring quality control, plus year-round milkshakes and ice cream that make this perfect for family gatherings and picnics.

Todd I Believe I Can Fry at 2159 South Kinnickinnic Avenue, A1 in Bay View (toddibelieveicanfry.com) brings multi-Asian fried chicken styles—Japanese karaage, Korean wings, and Thai influences—to Milwaukee. Their signature Green Onion Wings come topped with scallions in soy garlic sauce, while the karaage (Japanese-style fried chicken thigh) offers 6 pieces for $11 or 12 for $17. Open Sunday noon-10pm, Monday and Wednesday through Saturday 11am-10pm (closed Tuesday), the bright space features Milwaukee-themed murals and a takeout-focused format, with domestic and imported beers, soju, and sake for parents.

Merriment Social in Walker's Point (merrimentsocial.com) sources from Wisconsin farms to create premium fried chicken alongside their famous Merriment Burger with "Social Sauce" and optional colonel gravy. Described as Milwaukee's "favorite gathering place," this casual American spot offers craft cocktails, Wisconsin beers, and seasonal menus in a great atmosphere for family groups seeking elevated comfort food.

South Side and South Suburbs

Golden Chicken - South 13th Street at 3032 South 13th Street (414-383-7010, gc13mke.com) continues the 60+ year Golden Chicken tradition with hand-battered, never pre-cooked fried chicken featuring light batter and crispy edges. Open Monday through Thursday 3pm-9pm, Friday and Saturday 3pm-10pm, and Sunday 11am-9pm, they offer buckets from 8 to 36 pieces, chicken dinners with fries and coleslaw, BBQ ribs, and battered cod fillets for Friday fish fry. Prices range from $12-42 depending on portion size, with delivery available to Waukesha, Brookfield, and New Berlin, plus 24/7 catering services.

Golden Chicken - Oak Creek at 7828 South Howell Avenue in Oak Creek (414-764-4595, goldenchickenoc.com) serves the same beloved recipe with standout deals like Tom's Wow Special: 10-piece chicken, 1 pound of fries, half-pint of coleslaw, plus a free side for $27.96. Open Monday through Thursday 4pm-8pm and Friday through Sunday 3pm-8pm, they also offer boneless wings and chicken tender combos for $9.39 each. The Oak Creek location delivers via their own team Friday through Sunday, with third-party delivery available Monday through Thursday.

Golden Chicken - Hales Corners at 10605 West Forest Home Avenue (414-425-3620, goldenchickenhc.com) has served the southwest suburbs for over 60 years. Open Monday through Thursday 3pm-9pm, Friday and Saturday 3pm-10pm, and Sunday 11am-9pm, they deliver to Hales Corners, Franklin, Muskego, Greenfield, Greendale, Milwaukee, West Allis, and New Berlin. Their 8-piece bucket combo runs about $25-30, 16-piece bucket approximately $36, and 20-piece bucket around $41—perfect family meal pricing.

JoJo's Fried Chicken now operates at Camacho's Family Restaurant at 3577 South 13th Street (414-384-3460, via Facebook). This classic south side favorite is open Wednesday through Friday 9am-8pm and Saturday through Sunday 8am-8pm, offering tender, moist fried chicken buckets, pizza, BBQ ribs, and malts at prices under $15 per person. The family-run operation is known for personal service—owner JoJo sometimes delivers personally—and now offers dine-in at the Camacho's location alongside low-fat and gluten-free options.

Clifford's Supper Club at 10418 West Forest Home Avenue in Hales Corners (414-425-6226, cliffordssupperclub.com) has served broasted chicken since 1959, making it a true Milwaukee County institution. Open Tuesday through Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday 11am-10pm, and Saturday 3pm-9pm (closed Sunday and Monday), this classic Wisconsin supper club offers pressure-fried broasted chicken alongside their famous all-you-can-eat Friday fish fry with homemade tartar sauce, porterhouse steaks, and Cherries Jubilee dessert. Entrees run $20-45, and the banquet halls accommodate family celebrations and weddings.

Chick-fil-A - Oak Creek (Drexel Town Square) at 150 West Town Square Way (chick-fil-a.com) and Chick-fil-A - Greendale at 5351 South 76th Street (414-423-0853) both serve the signature hand-breaded chicken sandwich, spicy chicken sandwich, and nuggets in 100% refined peanut oil. Open Monday through Saturday 6:30am-9pm (closed Sundays), these locations offer breakfast menus, kids meals with play areas at some locations, waffle fries, and Chick-fil-A's legendary customer service. Meals run $8-15, with mobile ordering, curbside pickup, and delivery available.

North Side and Near West Side

Daddy's Soul Food & Grille at 754 North 27th Street (414-448-6165, daddyssoulfoodandgrille.com) brings authentic soul food to the Avenues West neighborhood with fried chicken served daily on their rotating buffet. Open Monday through Friday 8am-7pm and Saturday through Sunday 10:30am-7pm, this Black-owned business and Heinz Black Kitchen Grant winner offers fried chicken dinners with two sides for about $9.99 or three sides for $10.99. Chef Bennie Smith and wife Angela serve classics like smothered pork chops, fried catfish, baked mac and cheese, collard greens, candied yams, and homemade peach cobbler and banana pudding. Delivery is available through Uber Eats.

Soul Good Kitchen at 6041 North Teutonia Avenue (soul-good-kitchen.hey-restaurants.com) celebrates African American culinary heritage with crispy, golden fried chicken seasoned to perfection and served fresh from the fryer. Alongside the chicken, families can enjoy Southern-fried catfish with cornmeal crust, slow-braised oxtails in rich gravy, turkey necks, meatloaf dinners, and all the classic sides: mac and cheese, candied yams, collard greens, and black-eyed peas. Entrees run $12-20, with generous family-style portions and phone orders accepted.

Nino's Southern Sides on Milwaukee's north side (ninos-southernsides.com) has served scratch-made Southern comfort cuisine since 2015, including fried chicken, gumbo, collard greens, and distinctive Southern flavors. Prices range $10-18, with generous portions and attention to detail in every dish making this a neighborhood favorite for dine-in and takeout.

West Side, West Allis, and Wauwatosa

Maxie's Southern Comfort at 6732 West Fairview Avenue near 68th Street (414-292-3969, maxiesmke.com) was voted Shepherd Express "Best Fried Chicken" and "Best Louisiana/Southern Restaurant" for 2025. Open Monday through Saturday 4pm-9pm or later, they serve Bell & Evans buttermilk fried chicken (available Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday) with mashed potatoes, chicken gravy, maple-braised collard greens, and orange-honey butter biscuit. The Nashville Hot Nuggets appetizer—crispy thigh nuggets with comeback sauce for $9.50—offers a spicier option. Family-style chicken for 4-5 people runs $75, and Happy Hour (4-6pm daily) features $1 fresh-shucked oysters. Kids Night on Sunday makes this particularly family-friendly.

TomKen's Bar & Grill at 7601 West Greenfield Avenue in West Allis (414-258-9110, tomkens.com) is a six-time Milwaukee Wing Fest champion serving traditional pressure-fried chicken from a secret family recipe handed down from Joyce's Friendly Fried Chicken. Their 6-piece chicken thigh dinner comes crispy and never greasy, with the option to swap fries for potato pancakes on Fridays. Wing Night Mondays and Thursdays serve 2,000+ wings with 10 rotating sauces made fresh weekly by "Flying Brian the Wing King"—favorites include JB3 (bourbon glaze with jerk rub), Buffalo Sings the Blues, and Lemon Popper. Open Tuesday through Sunday noon-9pm (closed Monday), with casual neighborhood atmosphere, outdoor seating, and curbside pickup available.

Buckatabon Tavern & Supper Club at 7700 Harwood Avenue in Wauwatosa (thebuckatabon.com) offers a modern take on the Wisconsin supper club with broasted chicken, fish fry available daily (not just Fridays), and "World Famous" prime rib on Saturdays. The mid-century modern Northwoods-inspired decor, house-made Buckatabon Brandy, and signature Old Fashioned menu create an experience families love for special occasions. Entrees run $20-45, with weekend brunch available and reservations recommended.

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen at 4209 West Greenfield Avenue (414-882-8704, popeyes.com) brings New Orleans-style spicy Cajun fried chicken to the West Allis/Greenfield border. Open Monday through Wednesday and Sunday 10am-midnight, Friday and Saturday 10am-1am (closed Thursday), they serve signature Bonafide chicken in spicy or mild, the famous chicken sandwich, handcrafted tenders, Cajun fries, red beans and rice, and buttermilk biscuits. Family meals and combo pricing ($6-15) make this a budget-friendly option for families needing quick, flavorful chicken with drive-thru convenience.

Waukesha, Brookfield, and Menomonee Falls

Dave's Hot Chicken - Menomonee Falls at N92W16125 Falls Parkway (262-953-2540, daveshotchicken.com) was the first Wisconsin location for this Nashville hot chicken sensation. Open Monday through Wednesday and Sunday 10:30am-10pm and Thursday through Saturday 10:30am-11pm, they serve halal-certified hand-breaded chicken tenders and sliders with seven customizable spice levels. The kid-friendly environment includes highchairs, wheelchair accessibility, and milder options like "No Spice" and "Lite Mild" for children not ready for heat. WiFi, late-night hours, and a loyalty program through the app round out the family-friendly features.

Golden Chicken - Waukesha at 310 West Saint Paul Avenue, Suite 8 (262-544-5050, goldenchickenwaukesha.com) continues the 60+ year family tradition of hand-battered fried chicken in the heart of Waukesha. Note: Cash only. Open Monday through Wednesday 4pm-9pm, Thursday 11am-1pm and 4pm-9pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-9pm, and Sunday 4pm-8:30pm, they serve chicken buckets, BBQ ribs slow-cooked to perfection, fish fry, and mac and cheese. Online ordering, carryout, and delivery are available.

Raising Cane's - Brookfield at 12660 West Capitol Drive (414-944-9238, raisingcanes.com) focuses exclusively on premium hand-battered chicken fingers with signature Cane's Sauce made fresh daily. Open Monday through Thursday and Sunday 10am-1am and Friday through Saturday 10am-2am, they offer the Box Combo (4 fingers, fries, slaw, Texas toast, Cane's Sauce) for around $11-15, Caniac Combo with 6 fingers, and Tailgate Party Packs with 25-100 fingers for groups. As the third-largest chicken chain in the US, they deliver consistently excellent chicken fingers in a quick-service format with drive-thru, app ordering, and delivery available.

Chick-fil-A - Brookfield (124th & Capitol) at 12625 West Capitol Drive (262-373-0609) serves Waukesha County families with the full menu of pressure-cooked chicken sandwiches, nuggets, strips, and waffle fries. Open Monday through Saturday 6:30am-9pm (closed Sundays), this location offers drive-thru, mobile ordering, delivery through DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub, plus catering for events. Additional Chick-fil-A locations serve Pewaukee and Menomonee Falls with identical menus and family-friendly service.

Crafty Cow - Oconomowoc at 153 East Wisconsin Avenue (262-354-8070, craftycowwi.com) brings Nashville hot chicken and craft fried chicken sandwiches to Lake Country. Open Monday 11am-8pm, Tuesday through Wednesday 11am-9pm, Friday 11am-9:30pm, Saturday 10am-9:30pm, and Sunday 10am-8pm, their standout items include the Dill Dip Fried Chicken sandwich, Fancy Chicken with honey butter on a biscuit, Nashville Hot Ramen, and hand-breaded chicken nuggets with five sauce options. The kids menu offers chicken tenders, burgers, and mac and cheese, while Nashville Hot Fish Fry Fridays (with AYCE available) provide a unique twist on Wisconsin tradition. Award-winning cheese curds and Saturday/Sunday brunch round out the family appeal.

The Machine Shed - Pewaukee at N14W24145 Tower Road off I-94 Exit 294 (262-523-1322, machineshed.com/pewaukee) was featured on Travel Channel's "Food Paradise" as "Best Breakfast in America." Open Sunday through Thursday 7am-8pm and Friday through Saturday 7am-9pm, this farm-themed restaurant serves "Chicken Fried Chicken"—hand-breaded with special seasonings and topped with milk sausage gravy—alongside ranch-battered chicken tenders, fried chicken salad, and massive Sunday brunch buffets. The on-site bakery produces fresh breads and desserts, the salad bar provides healthy options, and farm-themed decor entertains kids throughout the meal. Entrees run $15-25, with reservations accepted.

Hot House Tavern - Menomonee Falls (hothousetavern.com) operates from a historic converted building (former city hall/police station) serving a standout spicy fried chicken sandwich with perfect breading and kick. The family-friendly atmosphere features garage doors that open in nice weather, a heated patio with fireplace, and spicy chicken nuggets alongside tempura shrimp tacos and Friday fish fry. Prices run moderate at $12-18 for entrees, with dine-in and takeout available.

Pewaukee and Lake Country Supper Clubs

5 O'Clock Club - Pewaukee at N53W28855 Beehive Drive (262-691-9960, the5oclockclubpewaukee.com) has been a lakeside supper club institution since 1929, serving Great-grandma Mary's recipe slow crisp-fried chicken half known as the "Classic Cluck." The beautiful deck with lake views, multiple fireplaces, and homemade ice cream (try the 8-scoop sampler) create memorable family experiences. Friday fish fry offers perch, cod, walleye, and bluegill options, while baby back ribs round out the comfort food menu. Entrees run $20-35, with reservations recommended especially for Friday and Saturday evenings.

Didi's Supper Club at The Ingleside Hotel, 2810 Golf Road in Pewaukee (theinglesidehotel.com/dining), serves traditional supper club favorites including fried chicken, Friday fish fry, steaks, pork chops, and baby back ribs in a hotel restaurant setting. Their Saturday and Sunday breakfast buffet runs $14 for adults and $12 for kids ages 3-12 (free for ages 0-3), making it excellent value for families. Craft cocktails, room service for hotel guests, and carry-out options add convenience.

Butler Inn - Pewaukee at 742 Glacier Road (262-691-0840) serves classic American steaks and seafood with fried chicken specials in a traditional supper club atmosphere. Open Monday through Thursday 4pm-9pm, Friday through Saturday 4pm-10pm, and Sunday 4pm-8pm, they offer daily specials including fried chicken nights, extensive fish fry options (cod, orange roughy, shrimp, salmon, lake perch, walleye), and live entertainment. The screened patio provides seasonal outdoor dining, with entrees running $18-35.

Blue Heron Supper Club - Big Bend serves classic fish and chicken fry in the quintessential nostalgic supper club atmosphere that Wisconsin is famous for. With generous portions, reasonable prices around $15-25, and that unmistakable old-school charm, this Waukesha County gem delivers authentic supper club fried chicken worth the drive.

Ozaukee County: North Shore and Mequon

The Range Line Inn at 2635 West Mequon Road in Mequon (262-242-0530, the-range-line-inn.restaurantmenu.us.com) operates from a historic building that served as a stagecoach stop before 1840, making it one of the area's most atmospheric dining destinations. Open Tuesday through Saturday 4:30pm-9:30pm (closed Sunday and Monday), they serve deep-pot fried range chicken—half a chicken lightly floured and deep-pot fried with cranberry sauce—alongside chicken and BBQ ribs combos and chicken parmesan. The classic Wisconsin supper club experience includes famous shredded onion rings, homemade warm popover dinner rolls, brandy sweet Old Fashioneds, Friday fish fry, Lobster Wednesday specials, and Saturday prime rib. Entrees run $25-45 for special occasion dining, with reservations recommended.

Washington County: West Bend, Germantown, and Hartford

Pizza Ranch - West Bend at 2020 West Washington Street (262-334-0685, pizzaranch.com) serves "The Country's Best Chicken" on their all-you-can-eat buffet alongside pizza. Lunch buffet runs 11am-3pm and evening buffet 3pm-8pm, with Kids Eat Free Tuesday from 3pm-7:30pm—a major win for family budgets. Adult buffets cost approximately $13-15, while kids pay $1.10 per year of age (ages 4-10) with children 0-3 eating free. The FunZone Arcade keeps kids entertained, community rooms accommodate birthday parties, and they offer Ranch Packs for takeout, delivery through DoorDash, and catering services. Their legendary Cactus Bread dessert is a must-try.

Mad Chicken - Germantown at W182N9606 Appleton Avenue, Suite 105 (262-415-7060, available on DoorDash) serves crispy fried chicken tenders and sandwiches with creative presentations. Their Mad Fire Sandwich brings the spice, while Mad Bowls feature crispy chicken over mac and cheese or waffle fries with loaded toppings. Additional items include Mad MAD Tots, boneless wings, and fried Oreos for dessert. Sandwiches and combos run $12-18, with casual fast-casual atmosphere and delivery available.

Jug's Hitching Post Saloon & Grill - West Bend at 5781 Main Street (262-629-5859, jugshitchingpostsaloonandgrill.com) serves fried chicken dinner for $16.95 or combo half rack ribs and chicken dinner for $23.95 in a historic building dating to the late 1800s. Open Monday through Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday 11am-10pm, and Saturday through Sunday 11am-9pm, they offer All-You-Care-to-Eat Wings for $23.95 with sauces including Nashville Hot, Ghost Pepper, Jamaican Jerk, Hot Honey, and Bourbon. The kids menu features mini corn dogs, mac and cheese, and chicken tenders for $7.95, while the outdoor heated patio with fireplace and live music create a memorable family atmosphere.

Our Place Sports Bar & Grill - West Bend at 4721 Highway 33 (262-629-5005, ourplacewb.com) serves broasted chicken as their Thursday special and offers All-You-Can-Eat Broasted Chicken every Sunday. Open Tuesday through Thursday 3pm-2am, Friday through Saturday 11am-2:30am, and Sunday 11am-7pm (closed Monday), this family-owned sports bar also features Wednesday wings and French fries specials and Friday fish fry. Volleyball leagues, bands, pool, and darts provide entertainment, with specials typically running $12-18.

Great Outdoors Supper Club - Kewaskum at 8906 Forest View Road (262-334-7977, greatoutdoorssupperclub.com) delivers a "supper club with a twist" experience featuring Nashville Chicken Sandwich—6oz chicken breast with spicy breading, Nashville sauce, and pickles on Texas toast—and Chicken and Waffles at Sunday brunch. Open Wednesday through Thursday 4pm-10pm, Friday 4pm-11pm, Saturday 3pm-11pm, and Sunday 10am-8pm (closed Monday and Tuesday), they offer 16+ beers on tap, prime rib slow-cooked for 19 hours on Saturdays, and a party room for family events and baby showers. The average bill runs $30-50, with reservations recommended.

Gino's Pizza - Hartford (ginospizzahartford.com) serves broasted chicken alongside their fresh-made pizza with dough and sauce prepared daily. This budget-friendly family option, open 7 days a week, also offers chicken strips, wings, and Friday fish fry, with everything made from scratch. Delivery, curbside pickup, and online ordering serve the Hartford, Slinger, and Jackson areas.

KFC - West Bend at 1580 West Washington Street (262-338-1858) and KFC - Germantown at N96W17860 County Line Road (262-253-1000) bring the classic Original Recipe with 11 herbs and spices, Extra Crispy, and Nashville Hot options to Washington County. Family meals run $30-50 with combo meals at $8-12, featuring drive-thru convenience, delivery, and online ordering. Both locations serve the full KFC menu including Famous Bowls, chicken sandwiches, and pot pies.

Racine County: Racine, Mount Pleasant, and Burlington

Golden Chicken - Racine at 3523 16th Street (262-637-9715, goldenchickenofracine.com) is a local favorite established in 2021 serving Southern-style fried chicken "rich in flavor and soul." Open daily 4pm-8pm, they offer chicken by the piece (leg/thigh/wing $1.79, breast $2.69) or in buckets of 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, or 32 pieces, plus tenders at $1.40 each, catfish, and their signature Yogi's Pud'n dessert. Kids meals include a toy and apple juice, with combo meals running $6.49-$7.99. Reviews praise this as the best takeout chicken in West Racine, with delivery available through DoorDash, Grubhub, and Seamless.

Mrs. Betty's Kitchen at 327 Main Street in downtown Racine (262-260-8042) serves Southern soul food including exceptional chicken and waffles for $8.39. Open Tuesday through Saturday 4:30am-4:30pm and Sunday 11am-5pm (closed Monday), this restaurant named after owner Kimyron Bonner's grandmother Betty offers Rickey's Ridiculous Chicken Sandwich (spicy mayo, spicy chicken, pickles, slaw, jalapeños), Jerk Chicken Skillet, Catfish and Waffles, and legendary grits. The Gateway Technical College culinary graduate sources locally from Houmann's Fish & Seafood and Elkhorn-area farms, using cage-free eggs and antibiotic-free meat. Prices run $5.59-$10, making this one of the best breakfast values in the region.

Buckets Pub at 2031 Lathrop Avenue (262-633-8951, bucketspub2ndround.com) is a 39-year Racine institution serving award-winning chicken wings. Open Monday through Saturday 10am-midnight and Sunday 10am-10pm, they offer 10-piece wings for $13 and 20-piece for $25 in flavors including Signature Buffalo, Honey Bourbon, BBQ Sweet Chili, Buckets Lemon Pepper, and the heat-forward Hurts Twice. Their 4-piece broasted chicken dinner with coleslaw and fries and Tuesday BBQ Ribs & Chicken Plate for $8.95 provide excellent value. The 1,500 square foot banquet room seats 80 for family parties, with catering and online ordering available.

Rapids Chicken at 3012 Rapids Drive (262-456-0635, rapidschicken.com) is the only 100% Zabiha Halal certified fried chicken restaurant in Wisconsin—a significant find for Muslim families seeking authentic halal dining. Open Sunday through Wednesday 9am-2am and Thursday through Saturday 9am-3am, they serve crispy chicken tenders, spicy wings, Achari Chicken with Naan, Chicken Biryani, gyros, kebabs, and breakfast items. The drive-thru, late-night hours, and budget-friendly prices make this convenient for families, with a connection to HPHC Pickleball facility offering a $5 gift card promotion with membership.

Taste of Soul Bar & Grill 262 at 501 6th Street (available on DoorDash) captures the essence of soul food with signature fried chicken, rib tip dinners ($22), catfish, fried pork chop dinners ($15), and wingettes (6 for $12, 10 for $16). Open 4pm-1:40am, the warm atmosphere features live music on select nights, mac and cheese bowls with meat toppings, loaded fries, and homemade desserts. Happy hour deals on appetizers help families stretch their budgets.

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - Racine operates two locations: 5550 Durand Avenue (262-676-2043) and 920 Washington Avenue, both serving signature New Orleans-style Cajun fried chicken. Open Sunday through Thursday 10am-10pm and Friday through Saturday 10am-11pm, they offer spicy and mild chicken, the famous chicken sandwich, tenders, wings in 6 flavors, boneless wings, Cajun fries, and buttermilk biscuits. Family meals run $20-35 with combo pricing at $8-15, and catering is available at the Durand Avenue location.

KFC - Racine at 3212 Douglas Avenue (262-639-6962) brings the complete Kentucky Fried Chicken menu including Original Recipe, Extra Crispy, Nashville Hot options, chicken pot pie, and Famous Bowls. Family buckets starting around $20 and combo meals at $5-12 provide budget-friendly options with drive-thru convenience.

Kenosha and Pleasant Prairie

Dave's Hot Chicken - Kenosha at 6610 Green Bay Road (262-953-2537, daveshotchicken.com) brings Nashville hot chicken to southeastern Wisconsin with 4.7 stars from over 1,182 reviews. Open daily 10:30am-11pm, they serve halal-certified tenders larger than typical strips, sliders on potato buns with pickles and kale slaw and Dave's Sauce, and seven customizable heat levels from No Spice to Reaper. The kid-friendly environment includes highchairs, wheelchair accessibility, and milder options for children. Combos run $10-15, with top-loaded milkshakes (Oreo, M&M) satisfying sweet cravings and late-night hours accommodating busy family schedules.

Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers - Kenosha at 6303 75th Street (262-417-9646, raisingcanes.com) opened in December 2023 as the second Wisconsin location, creating over 100 local jobs. Open Sunday through Thursday 10am-midnight and Friday through Saturday 10am-1am, they specialize exclusively in hand-battered premium chicken fingers with signature Cane's Sauce made fresh daily. The Box Combo with 4 fingers, fries, coleslaw, Texas toast, and Cane's Sauce runs $11-15, while Tailgates for 8-32 fingers ($15-$45) serve family gatherings. The double drive-thru ensures fast service, and the dining room features local Kenosha memorabilia and art.

Chick-fil-A - Pleasant Prairie at 9114 76th Street (chick-fil-a.com) serves Kenosha County families with the signature pressure-cooked chicken sandwich, spicy chicken sandwich, nuggets, strips, and waffle fries. Open Monday through Saturday 6:30am-10pm (closed Sundays), this family-owned franchise by the Miley family offers kids meals, breakfast items including chicken biscuits, and exceptional customer service. Mobile ordering, curbside carry-out, drive-thru, and catering accommodate all family needs at combo prices of $8-12.

Wingstop - Kenosha at 5901 75th Street, Suite 150 (262-697-8900, wingstop.com) specializes in Buffalo-style chicken wings with 11 signature flavors including Lemon Pepper, Original Hot, Atomic, Cajun, Garlic Parmesan, Mango Habanero, and Spicy Korean. Open daily 10:30am-midnight, they serve classic bone-in wings (6-100 pieces), boneless wings, crispy chicken tenders, and chicken sandwiches alongside seasoned fries, Cajun Fried Corn, and Louisiana Voodoo Fries. Wing combos run $11-15 with family packs (50, 75, 100 wings) at $40+ for parties. Over 10,000 ratings on DoorDash speak to their popularity.

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen - Pleasant Prairie at 10366 77th Street (262-697-1657, cheddars.com) serves hand-breaded scratch-made fried chicken in a casual dining atmosphere. Open Monday through Thursday and Sunday 11am-10pm and Friday through Saturday 11am-11pm, their standout items include Country Fried Chicken with gravy over mashed potatoes, hand-breaded chicken tenders in classic, buffalo, or honey hot styles, chicken pot pie, and Monte Cristo fried sandwiches. Every meal comes with free honey butter croissants—a family favorite. Kids menu, high chairs, and gluten-free options accommodate all family members, with entrees running $11-18.

The Spot Drive-In - Kenosha at 2117 75th Street (262-654-9294, spotdrivein.com) is an 80+ year Kenosha institution established in 1945, offering classic American drive-in fried chicken with nostalgic carhop service. Open daily 11am-2am and 365 days a year (even in Wisconsin winter), they serve chicken sandwiches for $5.89, chicken nuggets, wings, Buffalo wings, and chicken dinners alongside steak sandwiches, double cheeseburgers, and homemade root beer. Carhop service brings food to your car on a tray that attaches to your window—an experience kids absolutely love. Ice cream and malts cap off the retro experience at budget-friendly prices of $5-15.

KFC - Kenosha operates three locations: 4405 52nd Street (262-658-1324), 8026 39th Avenue (262-697-9109), and 12303 West 75th Street (262-857-9449). All serve the complete Original Recipe and Extra Crispy menu with family buckets, combo meals, and drive-thru convenience at typical KFC pricing.

Quick Reference: Best Options by Category

Nashville Hot Chicken: Dave's Hot Chicken (Downtown Milwaukee, Menomonee Falls, Kenosha), Hot Head Fried Chicken (Bay View), Great Outdoors Supper Club (Kewaskum)

Korean Fried Chicken: Char'd (Third Ward), Todd I Believe I Can Fry (Bay View), Tsaocaa (East Side)

Classic Southern/Soul Food: Daddy's Soul Food & Grille (Milwaukee), Mrs. Betty's Kitchen (Racine), Soul Good Kitchen (Milwaukee), Golden Chicken (all locations), Gold Rush Chicken (Bay View)

Wisconsin Supper Club Fried Chicken: Maxie's Southern Comfort (Milwaukee), 5 O'Clock Club (Pewaukee), Clifford's Supper Club (Hales Corners), Range Line Inn (Mequon), Great Outdoors Supper Club (Kewaskum), Buckatabon (Wauwatosa)

Best for Large Family Groups/Catering: Gold Rush Chicken (35-piece pans), Golden Chicken locations (buckets to 36 pieces), Raising Cane's (Tailgates for 25-100 fingers), Buckets Pub (banquet room for 80)

Best Budget-Friendly: Mrs. Betty's Kitchen ($5.59-$10), Golden Chicken Racine ($1.79/piece), Chick-fil-A, KFC, Popeyes

Best Late Night (past 11pm): Rapids Chicken (until 2-3am), The Spot Drive-In (until 2am), Raising Cane's (until midnight-1am), Wingstop (until midnight)

Halal Options: Dave's Hot Chicken (all locations), Rapids Chicken (only 100% Zabiha Halal in Wisconsin)

Best Wings: TomKen's Bar & Grill (6-time Wing Fest champion), Buckets Pub (award-winning), Wingstop, Jug's Hitching Post

Hours, prices, and menus are subject to change. We recommend calling ahead or checking restaurant websites before visiting, especially for supper clubs and locally-owned establishments. Many local restaurants use their own delivery teams rather than third-party apps, often resulting in better food quality upon arrival.