Ok...who DOESN'T like fried chicken? If you are one to say you don't...you must be vegan, vegetarian or not into good southern fried foods! I get the whole diet thing. I also get that eating healthier is a big concern for a lot of us, but every once in a while, you just gotta splurge. And if you are going to splurge, why not try some good fried chicken?
I recently had the opportunity to visit Gus's Fried Chicken. Gus's Fried Chicken is located in downtown Memphis, Tn. They have 14 locations located in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kansas, Illinois, Texas, Georgia and Missouri. Gus's Fried Chicken is well known for their spicy fried chicken as well as the long lines from everyone wanting to try their chicken. The building, itself, is a small dive like place, but packs a ton of flavor in their foods.
They have different plate options, individual pieces, lots of side items to choose from and even family meals. One of the side items I've tried, was the mac n cheese. OMG! This mac n cheese was so cheesy! I didn't quite get how many cheeses or what cheeses were involved in making this dish, but let me tell you, this is one side item you will definitely want to try!
I was accompanied by my husband and my 23 year old son, who all chose the spicy chicken. Our appetizer was the fried pickles (spears), which I may add, is one of my favorites when it comes to appetizers. The fried pickles were fried to perfection, crispy on the outside, just the right amount of seasoning...and beware...THEY COME PIPING HOT!
Our waitress, Rere, was very knowledgeable in the menu and our food item choices. She checked on us several times to ensure our food was up to par, that everything was cooked the way we liked it. We also got to meet Amber, the manager for Gus's Fried Chicken, in Downtown Memphis. Very pleasant lady and so glad we met.
As I've mentioned earlier, this is a small building, but was, and is, always packed. People come from all over, just to try Gus's Fried Chicken. I had asked our waitress if she knew how they prepared the batter for the chicken (I really wanted to know how they got the spiciness to come through), all she could tell me, was that it is mixed into the batter (no luck in getting the secret recipe!)
The restaurant reminded me of a quaint blues type place with some Southern charm. It's not elegant or fancy on the inside, but I feel more at home in a more down-to-earth laid back restaurant. Eating with your hands is a must here. The only way to really enjoy your chicken, is to pick it up and start digging in! Oh, and if you haven't had their baked beans...well, you must give them a try. With a bit of thickness and sweetness, they are oh, so good!
ABOUT GUS'S FRIED CHICKEN
The “Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken” recipe is a closely-guarded family secret. Once upon a time, Saveur Magazine asked Gus himself for the recipe. His response? “I ain’t telling!” And neither are his children. Gus’s chicken is a little different each time you try it. It’s got that handmade character – a little of this, a touch of that, a pinch of love, a dash of hot. Once in a while it’ll be so spicy the tears come. Usually, the heat is more gentle, like the touch of an old friend. As Ed Levine wrote for Serious Eats in 2007, “Gus’s Chicken is still perfect, crisp golden-brown on the outside, moist and succulent on the inside, and salted and seasoned with just enough cayenne pepper to let you know it’s there.” Even on the spiciest days, once that signature flavor hits your tongue you know you must finish the crunchy, crispy skin and moist, tender meat. The tears will dry, the tongue will heal. But missing a minute of that soul food tradition? Now that would hurt
Gus's Fried Chicken was recognized in 2009 and 2010 as the 'Best Southern Fried Chicken by Memphis Commercial Appeal and won local awards for it. GQ magazine cited Gus's Fried Chicken as one of the top 5 restaurants worth hopping onto a plane for a meal, back in 2001.
To read more about Gus's Fried Chicken, go visit their site at gusfriedchicken.com
CONNECT WITH GUS'S FRIED CHICKEN
Gus's Fried Chicken
310 S Front St.
Memphis, Tn. 38103
(901) 527-4877
Store Hours:
Sunday-Thursday 11 am - 9 pm
Friday-Saturday 11 am - 10 pm
What do you look for in chicken? Do you like it hot and spicy or original? I'd like to hear your thoughts on your favorite chicken!
If you found this post helpful, or even interesting, please share, tweet or pin. I would be forever grateful!
*** This post is sponsored by Gus's Fried Chicken. I want to give thanks to Jessica Maxwell and Amber for hosting my family and I. As always, opinions expressed are ALWAYS 100% my own.
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