You don't have to look far to find amazing crispy, golden-fried chicken in metro Atlanta (heck, you can have fried chicken at a restaurant in Atlanta every day of the week and not come close to running out of restaurants).
But if you're something a little different, we have two suggestions:
Mary Hoopa's House of Fried Chicken and Oysters, from One Eared Stag owner Robert Phalen, goes beyond the typical fried chicken with its multi-process fried chicken which can be ordered sweet, hot or house-fried. "Every single piece I've ordered has been both impressively juicy and tender while retaining a crunchy, flavorful batter that can stand on its own," AJC food writer Wyatt Williams writes in his recent review. you can also The East Lake restaurant, which opened Feb. 5 , also offers a variety of sides as well as oysters.
For a completely different take, check out Ponko Chicken from sisters Reiko Clark and Maggie Antoine, who give fried chicken an Amer-Asian twist with a panko crust and sweet soy sauce drizzle. Ponko is a "noteworthy alternative to Chick-fil-A or Zaxby's," AJC food writer Wendell Brock wrote in his recent review.
Both spots have some kinks to work out, but if you're looking for a break from your beloved Southern fried chicken, give them a try.
Mary Hoopa's, 2371 Hosea L. Williams Drive, Atlanta. 404-254-5236, maryhoopas.com
Ponko Chicken, 2896 Chamblee Tucker Road, Atlanta. 770-451-4251, ponkochicken.com.
RELATED: Watch Robert Phalen make his hot chicken
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