Fried Chicken and Waffles ($11) at GT Fish & Oyster
Hidden amid a menu bursting with East Coast seafood staples, a somewhat traditional Southern fried chicken sneaks onto the weekend brunch menu at this River North restaurant. The chicken is plump and tender thanks to an initial soak in brine and amplified by the Japanese chili powder togarashi, which provides a touch of heat. The substantial batter covers the meat in pleated folds and is dotted with bright pops of flaked sea salt. Three generous boneless pieces of chicken rest on an impossibly light puff of Belgian waffle, finished with a drizzle of syrup from Burton's Maplewood Farm in Indiana.
It seems like the entire city is queuing up for the fried birds at Parson’s Chicken & Fish, Crisp and Pecking Order. And with the highly anticipated openings of both Honey Butter Fried Chicken and Leghorn around the corner, the fried chicken craze won’t be dying down anytime soon. But if you don’t feel up to a two-hour wait, some of best chicken in the city can be found where you least expect it. Here's where to go.
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