Dining “Out” at Home: 5 Must Try Takeout Fried Chicken Joints

Per Governor Greg Abbott’s plan to reopen Texas, restaurants are among the businesses allowed to open back up. But as we all continue safe social distancing practices, many restaurants have chosen to continue to offer ways for you to “dine out” at home, rocking some mighty fine takeout and delivery options. In our Dining “Out” at Home series, we’ll cover some of the best to-go options in town, from the juicy burgers that hold up in transit to restaurants bringing happy hour to your door.

From the extremely hot to the admirably crisp and juicy, these local eateries do not disappoint when it comes to the fried bird (and there’s even a breakfast spot in the mix). Get your fried chicken fix to-go by calling in or ordering online.

Dining “Out” at Home: 5 Must Try Takeout Fried Chicken Joints

• Better Luck Tomorrow in The Heights – Dynamic bar and restaurant duo Bobby Heugel and Justin Yu have transformed their buzzy cocktail bar and kitchen into a takeout Chicken Shack for the time being. So while you still can, you’ll probably want to get in on some of their chicken. Try the Fried Chicken Sandwich, which comes with “lots of dill pickles” and a buttermilk sauce; or the Aromatic Hot Chicken Sandwich, which promises to be plenty hot thanks to spices and a “very spicy” pepper giardiniera. There’s also the Fried Whole Chicken Dinner for four, featuring the tasty bird and three sides—think honey butter biscuits, dukkah-spiced baked sweet potato, and steamed corn with black pepper aioli—for $45. Place orders for curbside pickup online, or call 713-802-0845 (phone line opens at 11am).
• The Breakfast Klub in Midtown – Why yes, you can (and should) have fried chicken for breakfast. This local cult favorite fried chicken & waffles joint has been known for its weekend line outside the door for years now, but with takeout becoming more and more prevalent, it’s now easier than ever to get your tbk to-go. Just order online or call 713-528-8561 and you can start your day with wings & waffles, wings & French toast, wings & pancakes, or wings & grits, plus other menu favorites from pork chops and omelets to grilled katfish and biscuits & gravy.
• Dak & Bop in The Heights – Korean fried chicken should make its way into your fried chicken game, if it hasn’t already. The twice-fried, hot and crispy chicken can be ordered by the wing, leg, and tender, with flavors including soy-garlic, medium spicy, and hot n spicy; and there are sandwiches, bowls, and sides like poutine, Korean street corn, and kimchi pancake that you’ll want to order, too. Place takeout orders online.
• Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken in Washington Corridor – This greasy-in-a-good-way fried chicken joint comes by way of Memphis, but it feels plenty at home here in Houston. The next-level crispy, battered and fried chicken pieces—each spiced with a secret hot blend—are available by the piece, plate, and half-chicken, with some tasty tenders on the docket, too. Make it a meal with sides from fried okra and potato salad to mac’ and cheese and seasoned fries. Call 832-740-4022 for takeout or order online via DoorDash.  
• La Lucha in The Heights – Fried chicken & Gulf seafood is the name of the game at this 19th street chicken shack gone upscale. The Pollo Especial really is special, a nirvana of crunch, juice, and spice, offered by the half or whole and served with dreamy biscuits, pickles, smoked oyster mayo, honey sambal, green harissa, and jam for smearin’ and dippin’. Order online and add on peel ‘n’ eat shrimp and bubbles because you can.