Best fried chicken? This SC restaurant ranks among nation’s top places to eat it
A South Carolina restaurant serves “famous fried chicken” — and fans can’t get enough.
So much so, the restaurant now ranks among the nation’s best places to eat the crunchy dish, a new report finds.
Magnolias in Charleston ranks No. 47 on a list of the top 50 fried chicken joints in the United States and Canada, according to results published Monday, July 14.
To determine the fan-favorite restaurants, 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 SC fried chicken joint
Magnolias was the only place in South Carolina to earn a spot on the national list. Yelp said the restaurant, a “landmark” in the popular tourist destination of Charleston, is “known for its elegant take on classic Southern cuisine.”
“Located in the historic heart of the city, Magnolias offers a refined dining experience with a menu that features elevated comfort food, including their famous fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and decadent desserts,” the website wrote in its report. “With its warm hospitality, beautifully presented dishes, and charming Lowcountry atmosphere, Magnolias is a must-visit for anyone seeking a true taste of Southern tradition.”
While the restaurant offers fried chicken on salads and sandwiches, the crunchy food also is the star of its pan-fried chicken liver and buttermilk fried chicken breast dishes, according to online menus.
On Yelp, fans praised the fried chicken for being crispy yet juicy. Many also loved the customer service and ambiance at the East Bay Street restaurant, helping it earn 4.4 out of 5 stars.
When Magnolias launched in 1990, it “ushered in a culinary renaissance” for Charleston. Then in 2022, the restaurant worked to bounce back from coronavirus-related staffing shortages and a kitchen fire, The State reported.
These days, Charleston has been named one of the country’s best cities for food lovers. But the city’s restaurants missed out on the Yelp fried chicken rankings last year. Instead, Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack in Greenville ranked No. 1 in South Carolina, McClatchy News reported.
Across the United States and Canada, Yelp said the best place to eat fried chicken was Howlin’ Ray’s in Los Angeles.
This story was originally published July 17, 2025 at 3:30 PM with the headline "Best fried chicken? This SC restaurant ranks among nation’s top places to eat it."
