Ezell's Chicken

Yes, I went in with high expectations. With all the raves I've heard, it was hard not to. But to be clear, I had no idea Oprah had given this place her seal of approval. I'd just heard they had really good chicken...Understatement!\r \r I started with the sides, since that's usually what I'm most critical about. I loathe store-bought potato salad & am very picky about gravy (a staple in any southern gal's diet). But the flavors, they we're ALL there. We each had 2 sides so we were able to try them all (& believe me I was skeptical), but they were great! The rolls, light & airy. The chicken, fried to perfection.\r \r My only complaint is their ""spicy"" chicken, not all that spicy. But overall...a definite A- Pros: They were really busy, but still got our food quickly. more

I don't write reviews for places, but this little chicken joint is full-time flavor - REAL DEAL. I ate at the 23rd Street location and, wow, that's some chicken. Tender, flavor from skin on in !!! \r \r I had two spicy breasts, fries and peppers. The fries and peppers were bought from some generic food supplier - won't be ordering them again. The chicken is succulent, crispy, dripping with juice, etc. The flavor stays with you for minutes after each bite. Really, really good chicken. \r \r I lived in Thailand for four months and ate LOTS of amazing food. I've missed the chicken wings and legs they sell on the streets. The Thai is better than Ezell's, but the spices used are very similar and the overall experience is close enough that I'm not missing real chicken. I've been lots of places and eaten lots of cuisine, so my taste buds are educated. I'm not a big fan of Oprah, who made this place famous, but I LOVE Ezell's. Pros: Best chicken outside of Thailand Cons: Nope more

What is all the hoopla about? Just because Oprah ate at an Ezell's take out/dine in restaurant, it should win the palate of even the most finicky diner? Doubt that. Ezell's chicken is comparable to the chicken you can pick up at Safeway's deli counter or at QFC's. Average, run of the mill, mediocre are adjectives that come to mind after eating at Ezell's. And the white meat was fighting its way down my throat because it was soooooo dry. I would even say that KFC's chicken has more spark to it than Ezell's. This chain is definitely over-rated. Don't be lulled or serenaded by others who rave about this chicken; apparently they don't get out much. Pros: Parking Cons: Lack of Taste; Too Dry more