Fried chicken is having a moment in Miami. Restaurants across the city have heeded our needs for comfort food and introduced specials that satisfy our cravings for the American classic. More than just the fried bird, these deals include soul-warming sides like doughy biscuits fresh out of the oven and refreshing slaws to balance out some of that unctuousness. The best part, these fried chicken meals make for great shareable dinners everyone you’re hunkered down with can enjoy together. Most of these specials are only available on Friday and require advance purchase—so act fast.
Michelle Bernstein Catering
Chef Michelle Bernstein’s fried chicken is legendary in Miami. It was first introduced at her namesake restaurant, Michy’s, as a weekly summer special. When that shuttered, she began serving it solo at Sweet Liberty in South Beach (she and husband David Martinez are partners), but it was never the same without all the fixin’s. Now she’s doing it all over again with her catering company and delivering the full meal right to your door on Fridays, beginning this week. Choose from a half-bird dinner for two ($49) or a whole bird for four ($95) and get a watermelon salad with cucumbers and feta, tangy coleslaw and southern banana pudding to share. Meals are first-come, first-served; and delivery is free anywhere in Miami-Dade. To order 305-213-2512, order@mbcmiami.com.
The Surf Club
Thomas Keller’s famous buttermilk bird served at his James Beard-anointed Napa Valley restaurant, Ad Hoc, is now available at the Surf Club on Fridays. Brined for 12 hours in an herb-lemon sauce, it’s dredged in seasoned flour twice, dunked in buttermilk and fried until golden-brown and crispy. This chicken is the kind of dish you’ll dream of marrying and whisking away to a far-flung, secluded place so you never have to share it with anyone. It comes with a weekly changing salad or soup, two sides and a dessert for $29 per person, or $49 for a 10-piece bucket. To order 305-768-9440, exploretock.com/thesurfclubrestaurant.
Phuc Yea
This MiMo spot has dominated the family-meal game during lockdown, but none has been more popular than its Friday Viet-Cajun chicken for two ($65). The comforting combo includes buttermilk-marinated chicken spiced with lemongrass and Cajun seasonings, Phuc Yea’s famous biscuits with a side of Chinese sausage butter, creamy slaw and gooey croissant bread pudding to finish. The three-course meal can be preordered for $55, and it’s recommended because only 30 are sold each week and they sell out fast. Curbside pickup, takeout and delivery are available. To order 305-602-3710, phucyea.com.
Ariete
Every Friday, the Coconut Grove restaurant serves up buckets and bubbles, a lovely pairing of fried chicken and sparkling wine to-go. Choose from three ($15) or six ($25) pieces made Nashville-style (read: hot!) or seasoned with salt and pepper, and served with a side of creamed corn, roasted carrots and pickled cauliflower. While bubbly isn’t included, it’s only $15 a bottle to add. To order 305-529-6923.
Root & Bone
The South Miami restaurant reopened for dine-in service this week, but guests can still take advantage of its takeout family supper. The deal ($40) feeds four and includes mac and cheese, a daily vegetable, coleslaw and biscuits, plus a whole fried bird. To order 786-785-1001
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