North Carolina knows a thing or two about fried chicken. From crispy, golden-brown exteriors to juicy, tender meat underneath, the perfect Southern chicken is an art form that not everyone can master. I’ve spent years exploring hole-in-the-wall joints and family-owned spots across the Tar Heel State, searching for that magical combination of seasoning, technique, and love that makes Southern chicken unforgettable.
1. Beasley’s Chicken + Honey (Raleigh)
Beasley’s Chicken + Honey, owned by acclaimed chef Ashley Christensen, has become a Raleigh staple for modern Southern comfort food. Located in the heart of downtown, it serves up expertly brined, buttermilk-dipped, pressure-fried chicken with a signature drizzle of local honey that sets it apart.
Dishes like chicken and waffles with honey butter are perennial favorites. The restaurant blends rustic style with a clean, communal dining vibe that welcomes locals and visitors alike.
While the fried chicken is the clear star, the menu also includes sides like hot collard greens, cheesy grits, and seasonal vegetables.
Beasley’s also plays an active role in the Raleigh food scene through local sourcing and community events. Despite its upscale take, it remains approachable and true to its Southern roots, embodying Christensen’s mission to elevate without alienating.
2. Merritt’s Store & Grill (Chapel Hill)
Merritt’s Store & Grill is a Chapel Hill institution originally established as a country store in 1929, now known mostly for its triple-decker BLTs and down-home atmosphere. While fried chicken is not a daily staple on the menu, it does appear as a rotating special from time to time, particularly during select weekdays or local events.
Regulars know to call ahead or check their social media for updates on specials, as availability can vary.
The real charm of Merritt’s lies in its simplicity: picnic table seating, friendly service, and food that feels like it came out of your neighbor’s kitchen. Whether you’re a student grabbing lunch or a lifelong Chapel Hill resident stopping by, there’s a sense of timelessness in each visit.
Their potato salad, slaw, and sweet tea help round out what feels like a proper Southern lunch. For those lucky enough to catch the fried chicken day, it’s a satisfying, no-fuss treat worth the short wait.
3. Chicken Hut (Durham)
Since 1957, Chicken Hut in Durham has been serving soul food staples to the local community with a focus on consistency, flavor, and family tradition. Founded by the Thompson family, this long-standing eatery offers a cafeteria-style experience with generous portions and no-frills charm.
The fried chicken is known for its deeply seasoned crust – peppery, crispy, and golden – wrapped around juicy, tender meat.
It’s not unusual to find customers who’ve been eating here for decades, sitting alongside newcomers discovering it for the first time. Sides like collard greens, yams, and black-eyed peas round out the classic Southern plate, and are cooked with the same care as the main course.
They also offer daily specials and homemade desserts like banana pudding. Whether you dine in or take out, Chicken Hut delivers a timeless, comforting experience that reflects Durham’s culinary history.
4. Dame’s Chicken & Waffles (Durham)
Founded in Durham, Dame’s Chicken & Waffles brought the sweet-and-savory pairing of crispy fried chicken with fluffy waffles into North Carolina’s culinary spotlight. The restaurant is known for its “shmears” – flavored butters like maple-pecan, orange-honeycomb, and blueberry – that melt over hot waffles and tie every bite together with a rich, sweet kick.
Their fried chicken is juicy and well-seasoned, with a golden crust that holds up beautifully against syrup or sauce.
Though it now has multiple locations across the state, the flagship Durham spot remains a community favorite, especially for brunch. The vibe is casual, the portions are generous, and there’s a clear emphasis on quality ingredients and soulful preparation.
Beyond the signature chicken and waffle plates, Dame’s also offers salmon, shrimp, and vegetarian options, as well as locally inspired sides like grits and greens. It’s not just comfort food – it’s an experience that bridges tradition and creativity with every dish.
5. Keaton’s Barbecue (Cleveland)
Keaton’s Barbecue, located in the small town of Cleveland, North Carolina, is a hidden gem famous for its unique take on chicken – a cross between fried and barbecued. Since 1953, they’ve been serving chicken that’s first deep-fried, then dipped in a proprietary spicy-vinegar barbecue sauce.
The result is crispy, tangy, and slightly fiery – a signature flavor that fans drive hours to enjoy.
Originally founded by B.W. Keaton, the restaurant is still run by family and maintains a humble, roadside charm with picnic tables and an old-school counter. The menu is simple: you choose white or dark meat, then pair it with classic sides like baked beans or potato salad.
Even after being sauced, the chicken retains its crunch, a feat not easily achieved. This one-of-a-kind dish doesn’t fit neatly into any BBQ or fried chicken category – it’s in a class of its own.
6. Skylight Inn BBQ (Ayden)
Most people associate Skylight Inn in Ayden with whole-hog barbecue, but Wednesdays bring a secret weapon: fried chicken. Offered only one day a week, their chicken special has gained a loyal following among locals in the know.
The preparation is intentionally simple – lightly dredged in flour, seasoned with salt and pepper, and fried to a golden, shatteringly crisp finish.
The result is chicken that celebrates texture and technique without relying on excessive spices or sauces. Inside, the meat remains juicy and clean-tasting, offering a perfect contrast to the crunch of the crust. This limited midweek offering is served alongside Skylight’s legendary cornbread and slaw, creating a Southern meal that rivals their barbecue.
Pitmaster Sam Jones keeps the recipe in line with the restaurant’s minimalist ethos, proving that fried chicken, when done right, doesn’t need to be complicated to be unforgettable.
7. The Asbury (Charlotte)
Located inside the historic Dunhill Hotel in Uptown Charlotte, The Asbury combines refined Southern cuisine with a farm-to-table sensibility. Their fried chicken is a standout – brined in buttermilk for 24 hours, then dredged in seasoned flour that includes herbs from their rooftop garden. It’s then fried to a delicate crispness that retains flavor through every layer.
Unlike traditional chicken joints, The Asbury elevates the dish with thoughtful pairings like charred okra, heirloom grits, or sweet potato puree. Chef-led but rooted in regional tradition, the restaurant is ideal for those who want to experience Southern food with finesse.
While the atmosphere is more upscale than most spots on this list, the warmth and authenticity of the food remain. By sourcing from local farms and honoring classic recipes, The Asbury bridges old-school comfort and contemporary culinary craft.
8. Tupelo Honey (Asheville)
The original Tupelo Honey in downtown Asheville helped kick off the city’s now-famous food scene when it opened in 2000. Known today for its honey-dusted fried chicken, the restaurant built its reputation on creative twists to Southern classics. The chicken is brined in sweet tea, creating a subtle, molasses-like sweetness inside the meat that pairs perfectly with its crispy, golden coating.
Their Asheville location, still thriving despite the chain’s expansion, has kept its charm with mountain views, cozy booths, and a locally focused menu. Sides like goat cheese mac and cheese, Appalachian biscuits, and fried green tomatoes round out the experience.
Though more contemporary in presentation, Tupelo Honey maintains the heart of what makes Southern cooking special. It’s a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience tradition with a fresh perspective – and a touch of honeyed flair.
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