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Honey Butter Fried Chicken

3361 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
$
Hidden Gems , American

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Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)

Honey Butter Fried Chicken 8.8
Avondale
Honey Butter Fried Chicken is an Avondale counter-service standby where crispy, honey-butter–slathered chicken and rich sides draw lines for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Locals treat it as a comfort-food destination, especially for patio hangs and casual group meals built around fried chicken, corn muffins, and pimento mac.
Must-Try Dishes: Original Honey Butter Fried Chicken, Pimento Mac 'N Cheese, The Original Fried Chicken Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.4 Service: 8.3 Consistency: 9.2 Food Quality: 9 Atmosphere: 7.2 Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Fried chicken plus honey butter and sides in a backyard-feeling patio.
Who should go: Comfort-food fans who love fried chicken and big sides.
When to visit: Early evenings and weekends before peak patio lines.
What to order: Original fried chicken, corn muffins, pimento mac.
Insider tip: Plan for patio seating and share several sides family-style.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Avondale is generally available but can fill during peak dinner hours; allow a few extra minutes to circle nearby residential blocks.
Dress code: Very casual — jeans, hoodies, and weekend wear are totally normal.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak hours but still comfortable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–45 minutes depending on weather and patio demand.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait aside from short rush periods.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — sides, salads, and rotating specials offer real vegetarian choices.
Vegan options: Limited — a few sides qualify but mains are focused on fried chicken.
Gluten-free options: Some items are gluten-free, but fried chicken is not; cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want casual, fun energy — it’s more picnic-vibe than candlelit romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service and first-come, first-served. Expect a short wait during peak times.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — plenty of families dine here, portions are shareable, and the patio feels relaxed.
Best For
Better for: Crispy fried chicken with a signature sweet-savory twist, indulgent sides, and relaxed patio hangs.
Skip if: You want quiet fine dining, fully vegan options, or strictly gluten-free fried chicken.
Honey Butter Fried Chicken 8.8
Avondale
Since 2013, Honey Butter Fried Chicken has drawn Avondale crowds for crispy, antibiotic-free chicken, including lemon-pepper and sticky-soy wings served with their signature whipped honey butter. The counter-service setup keeps things casual while still feeling like a destination for creative, chef-driven comfort food.
Must-Try Dishes: Lemon Pepper Honey Butter Wings, Sticky Soy Wings, Original Honey Butter Fried Chicken
Scores:
Value: 8.4 Service: 8.1 Consistency: 9.2 Food Quality: 9.3 Atmosphere: 7.3 Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Chef-driven fried chicken and wings with cult-favorite honey butter.
Who should go: Fried chicken fans who like creative flavor riffs.
When to visit: Early evenings and off-peak weekends to dodge long lines.
What to order: Lemon Pepper Honey Butter Wings, Sticky Soy Wings, original fried chicken.
Insider tip: Split a strips-and-wings spread and add extra honey butter for dipping.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the neighborhood; can be competitive during peak dinner hours but typically manageable with a short walk.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, tees, and comfy layers are totally appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate — lively counter-service energy but you can usually hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours, especially 6–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait or immediate seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options like sides, salads, and specials depending on the day.
Vegan options: Very limited — most mains and sides include dairy or animal products.
Gluten-free options: Some items may be adaptable, but fried chicken and wings are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want relaxed, fun energy and great comfort food — it’s casual, counter-service style rather than formal or quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service and first-come-first-served. Expect to wait during weekend dinner rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — families are common, the menu is approachable, and the vibe is relaxed and welcoming for kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Creative, chef-driven fried chicken and wings with craveable sauces and that signature honey butter experience.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet, white-tablecloth dinner or strictly traditional Southern-style fried chicken.
Honey Butter Fried Chicken 8.7
Avondale
Honey Butter Fried Chicken is a fast-casual Avondale classic where crispy fried chicken, corn muffins, and rich sides anchor a small comfort-food menu. High-volume crowds and years of press attention haven’t erased its neighborhood feel, especially on the patio in good weather.
Must-Try Dishes: Fried chicken with honey butter, Corn muffins, Pimento mac and cheese
Scores:
Value: 8.3 Service: 8.2 Consistency: 9.1 Food Quality: 9 Atmosphere: 7 Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Cult-favorite fried chicken shop where honey butter and sides matter as much as the bird.
Who should go: Fried chicken fans willing to wait for the good stuff.
When to visit: Early dinner or off-peak hours to dodge the longest lines.
What to order: Fried chicken plate, corn muffins with honey butter, pimento mac.
Insider tip: Order extra honey butter and save a corn muffin for breakfast the next day.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Avondale is the norm; it can be tight during peak dinner hours but usually manageable with a short walk.
Dress code: Very casual — come as you are, jeans and sneakers are totally fine.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak times but you can generally hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes is common during peak hours, especially in nice weather.
Weekday lunch: Often little to no wait, though short lines are typical.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but thoughtful — some sides and salads qualify, but this is a fried chicken–focused menu.
Vegan options: Very limited — this is not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Some items may be gluten-friendly, but the fried chicken and many sides are not; cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something relaxed and casual — it’s counter-service and fun rather than formal or intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only. Expect a line at busy times and plan for patio seating when the weather is good.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — casual seating, friendly staff, and comforting food make it an easy choice for families.
Best For
Better for: Exceptionally crispy fried chicken with honey butter, fun comfort-food sides, and a relaxed neighborhood vibe.
Skip if: You want formal service, quiet dining, or extensive vegan/gluten-free options.