Best fried chicken? Two NC restaurants rank among nation’s top places to eat it
If you’re looking for your next favorite bite of fried chicken, you may be in luck.
That’s because North Carolina is home to two of the nation’s best places to eat the crunchy dish, a new report finds.
Biscuit Head in Asheville joins Haberdish in Charlotte on a list of the top 50 fried chicken restaurants in the United States and Canada, according to results published Monday, July 14.
To create the list, the review website Yelp said it studied ratings and reviews that customers left over time. The feedback came from Elite users, who are active on the platform.
Why fans love the NC fried chicken joints
Of the North Carolina restaurants that earned spots on the list, Biscuit Head ranked the highest at No. 8. Yelp said the restaurant is “famous for its giant, fluffy biscuits and inventive Southern-inspired dishes.”
“The menu features a variety of biscuit sandwiches, house-made jams and gravies, sweet treats, and crowd-pleasers like fried chicken biscuits,” the website wrote in its report. “With its playful vibe, creative comfort food, and hearty portions, Biscuit Head is a must-visit for breakfast lovers and anyone craving a true taste of Southern hospitality.”
On Yelp, fans raved about fried chicken they said was crispy yet tender. Many also loved the fried chicken gravy, helping the restaurant earn 4.5 out of 5 stars.
While Biscuit Head has several locations, the nod went to the restaurant on Biltmore Avenue in Asheville, a city recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
In Charlotte, Haberdish landed on Yelp’s list at No. 34. The restaurant isn’t a stranger to receiving acclaim, having ranked among the country’s best places to get fried chicken in 2023, McClatchy News reported.
“Known for its crispy fried chicken, hearty sides, and inventive cocktails, Haberdish offers a warm, rustic atmosphere inspired by mill town roots,” Yelp wrote in its latest report. “Its menu features locally inspired dishes made from scratch, making it a must-visit spot for comfort food lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.”
Haberdish, located in Charlotte’s NoDa neighborhood, serves chicken and waffles, Nashville hot chicken and other fried chicken dishes. The restaurant also offers Southern favorites such as collard greens and hush puppies, according to an online menu.
On Yelp, fans praised the fried chicken for being crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Some customers also couldn’t get enough of the flavor of the chicken at the restaurant, which boasts 4.3 out of 5 stars.
Across the United States and Canada, Yelp said the No. 1 place to eat fried chicken was Howlin’ Ray’s in Los Angeles.
This story was originally published July 16, 2025 at 11:26 AM with the headline "Best fried chicken? Two NC restaurants rank among nation’s top places to eat it."
