
by Eric Bowman
Last updated: 8:00 AM ET, Thu July 6, 2017
What a week for great eats.
Chances are you devoured burgers, hot dogs and or BBQ to celebrate Independence Day.
Now it's time to stuff your face with delicious fried chicken.
Thursday, July 6, is officially National Fried Chicken Day, which means it's totally acceptable to eat the stuff for breakfast, lunch and dinner. (Then again, some might just call that a regular Thursday.)
Whether you want fried chicken wings, breasts, drumsticks, nuggets or strips, read on below to see where you should travel to consume some of the best fried chicken in the country.
Atlanta, Georgia
The south is filled with tremendous fried chicken recipe,s from small restaurants to big chains and even at grandma's house. In Atlanta, you can't go wrong with the fried chicken plates at South City Kitchen or Busy Bee Cafe, as well as the chicken and waffles at Chick-a-Biddy.
If you're on a budget, though, Publix grocery store has excellent fried chicken. There are also plenty of fast food options around like Chick-Fil-a or Zaxby's, both of which originated in the state of Georgia. Just outside of Atlanta in Hapeville is the original Chick-Fil-A Dwarf House, which is a definite visit for anyone who loves the fast food chain.
And if you're stuck in the airport, make sure to stop by rapper/actor Ludacris' Chicken + Beer for the fried chicken and pecan waffle.
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Austin, Texas
Top Notch is a classic spot for many in the capital city with its 1950's style drive-in setup.
Mrs. P's Electric Cock is a vintage trailer with outdoor tables that is well known for its fried chicken and fun atmosphere. Sure, the name is a bit funky but it's true to Austin and a place you just have to check out.
Other tasty fried chicken spots in Austin include Max's Wine Dive, which has a mantra of "Fried Chicken and ChampagneWhy the Hell Not?!" and also Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken. Yes, Gus's is a chain but don't let that fool you. They wouldn't be planning to triple in size and open locations in China and South America if the recipe weren't phenomenal.
Los Angeles, California
Speaking of Gus's, you can feast on their chicken in LA on Crenshaw Boulevard.
That said, your first fried chicken stop in the City of Angels needs to be Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles. Not only is it tasty, it's also famous throughout pop culture and is iconic to LA, so you might just see a celebrity or two.
Other quality fried chicken eateries in LA include Howlin' Ray's-known for its Nashville style hot chicken-and Crawfords, which has become a hot spot despite only having opened a little over a year ago. (Tasty fried chicken and three dollar beers is an easy way to win people over.)
There are also several Pollo Campero locations in LA (as well as all over the country). Head to their website to download a voucher for 50 percent off their fried chicken meals from now through July 7.
[READMORE] READ MORE Food and Drink Essentials in Los Angeles[/READMORE]
Nashville, Tennessee
If you want to kick up the heat, Nashville is the place to be. Hot Chicken is a big deal in the Music City and no matter which place you try it from, it packs a flavorful, spicy punch.
However, given that Prince's Hot Chicken is widely viewed as the originator of hot chicken, it should be first on your list. Hattie B's is another excellent destination to get your hot chicken craze on, while the hot chicken sandwich at Acme Feed & Seed will leave your mouth watering.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Head to Copeland's for the Chicken Jam, a family friendly event that will help benefit The Al Copeland Foundation.
If you're not in NOLA for this make-shift holiday but will be at another date, The Original Fiorellas' Cafe and Willie Mae's Scotch House both offer up top-notch fried chicken with superb southern food. Willie Mae's was heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina, but after thousands of dollars in donations from foodies from all over, it was restored. (The power of love and fried chicken is a beautiful thing.)
And of course, if you want something fast, Popeyes is your go-to destination in NOLA, as the chicken chain originated in the city back during 1972 by Copeland.
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