May 12, 2022

When you’re in the mood for southern comfort food, nothing beats fried chicken. Whether you prefer light meat or dark meat, spicy breading or regular, there’s no shortage of delicious options to enjoy. We’ve created this guide to help you discover where to find some of the best fried chicken in Cleveland, Ohio, and the surrounding area.

Mr. Chicken

Three pieces of fried chicken sitting in a frying pan on a table
Image via Unsplash by Shardar Tarikul Islam

Mr. Chicken first opened in 1968. This Cleveland classic only serves chicken entrees, and it aims to offer the freshest meat possible. Each restaurant in this local chain uses farm-raised chickens transported from farm to restaurant in only two days. Choose from a selection of dinners with classic fried chicken, chicken tenders, or chicken wings. Pair your choice with a side of mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and a biscuit, and finish your meal with a dessert of funnel fries or an apple churro.

Mr. Chicken has six convenient locations within 30 minutes of the Cleveland area in Euclid, Maple Heights, Northfield, Parma, Twinsburg, and Willoughby. The exact hours vary by location, but most are open daily from 10:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. Be sure to check the specific hours for your area. Mr. Chicken also offers online ordering for pickup and delivery, plus catering services for events.

Hot Chicken Takeover

Hot Chicken Takeover brings the flavors of Nashville to Cleveland. The restaurant serves fresh, all-natural hot chicken dishes on its menu, including thighs, wings, drumsticks, breasts, or sandwiches. Choose from four levels of heat, which include cold, warm, hot, and holy. While each order comes with free bread, pickles, and house-made ranch, consider pairing your meal with a side of baked beans, baked mac, or slaw.

Hot Chicken Takeover’s menu accommodates a variety of dietary needs. For example, the Cleveland locations offer gluten-free boneless options. Vegan diners may also enjoy the plant-based nuggets, which come with a vegan house-made ranch.

Hot Chicken Takeover has four locations in Columbus and two in the Cleveland area. Both Cleveland locations offer catering services called Party Food, plus online ordering for delivery and carryout. The Westlake location is at  242 Main Street, while the Strongsville location is at 17830 Royalton Road in Suite 250. Both locations are open daily from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., meaning you can have fresh chicken for every meal.

V’s Gourmet Chicken

When you’re in the mood for a classic, soul-food-style fried chicken, head to V’s Gourmet Chicken. Choose from six breading options for your dish and select from family or meal options. Each meal comes with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes with gravy or rice and greens, and corn muffins, which you can upgrade to honey biscuits for a small fee. Other available chicken options include wings and tenders, and the restaurant also sells ribs and fish options. Consider adding an appetizer of fried pickles or okra to start your meal off strong.

V’s Gourmet Chicken is at 15418 Lakeshore Boulevard, and the restaurant also offers catering services. It’s open Sundays and Mondays from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. and Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. The restaurant prepares all orders fresh, and its staff recommends calling ahead because the standard wait time is 45 minutes. Call the restaurant at 216-738-7000.

Mahall’s

Mahall’s offers a truly unique experience. Originally opening in 1924, this restaurant also features a bowling alley and live music venue. Its limited menu includes three-piece and five-piece fried chicken meals served with coleslaw and fries. The cooks also serve hand-breaded chicken sandwiches, and you have the option to get the spicy version for an extra dollar. If you’re not in the mood for chicken, consider bar nachos or a burger instead with Mahall’s special Parky sauce. If you dine for brunch, pair your chicken with a delicious waffle.

Mahall’s is in Lakewood at 13200 Madison Ave and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. until 1 a.m. The kitchen is open Tuesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m., and it serves brunch Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. If you’re interested in bowling before or after your meal, book a lane reservation online in advance to secure the best spot.

Angie’s Soul Cafe

Angie’s Soul Cafe has served home-style soul food in the Cleveland area for over 25 years. The restaurant serves a variety of fried chicken entrees, each paired with a corn muffin and your choice of two sides, like collard greens, black-eyed peas, or candied yams. Other chicken dishes include a fried chicken sandwich, baked chicken with dressing, and chicken wings. If you’re interested in a combination of salty and sweet, consider ordering the fried chicken and waffles. Finish off your meal with a slice of delicious sweet potato pie or a serving of peach cobbler.

Angie’s Soul Cafe has two Cleveland locations. The Midtown location is at 7815 Carnegie Avenue and is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. The restaurant’s Uptown location is at  16906 Harvard Avenue, and it’s open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.

If you’re in the suburbs, Angie’s Soul Cafe also has a location in Warrensville Heights. It’s at 23041 Emery Road and opens daily from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. All three locations offer online ordering with the option for pickup or delivery through various third-party services. The restaurant also offers catering services, which include a selection of soul food options like fried chicken, fried catfish, Salisbury steak, and oxtails.

That brings us to the end of our list of spots for the best fried chicken in the Cleveland, Ohio, area. Did we out leave your favorite place? Drop us a line to share your recommendation. We may even update our guide so other Cleveland residents can enjoy your suggestion. At Nissan of Streetsboro, we’re proud to serve the Cleveland area, and we hope this list helped you find a delicious new restaurant to try the next time you crave fried chicken.