Nothing says down-home country cooking like Southern Fried Chicken.  Marinated, spiced, coated in flour and deep-fried – when done right its comfort food heaven.  When done wrong, its a greasy concoction that your stomach will regret. If you’re looking for fried chicken a step above say what you find in Publix or at KFC or Popeye’s, why not check out our top picks.

Jumbo’s Restaurant

7501 NW 7th Ave
Miami, FL 33150
(305) 751-1127
www.jumbosrestaurant.com
At Jumbo’s you’ll find good old-fashioned soul/comfort food.  Their fried chicken is great, it tastes homemade.  If you want balance out the meal with a dash of health then pair it up with their homemade pasta salad.  Jumbo’s also makes a juicy burger and a Chicken Philly which is huge, messy and amazingly good.  If you want a real taste treat order the fried conch – it’s possibly the best thing on the menu. Just a heads up – Jumbo’s doesn’t accept credit cards.

Magnum Restaurant & Lounge

709 NE 79th St Causeway
Miami, FL  33138
(305) 757-3368
On Magnum’s home-style menu is some of the best fried chicken in Miami-Dade.  Using a recipe from the motherr of the owner, Jeffrey Landsman, the chicken is marinated overnight then coated in flour, garlic and spices and fried for 17 minutes in 350 degree oil.  The result is a juicy bird with a well seasoned crust.  The fried chicken, which is served with mashed potatoes & gravy and vegetables.  It’s a bit on the pricey side but the portions are large enough to feed two people.

Joe’s Stone Crab

11 Washington Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 673-0365

www.joesstonecrab.com
Famous for the Stone Crab Claws with Mustard Sauce, Joe’s also makes some of the best darn fried chicken you’ve ever eaten. It’s also one of the cheapest things on the menu, about six bucks for half a fried chicken.  Since the menu is mostly ala carte, the sides are all good and reasonably priced. If you go, go early.  Joe’s is really, really popular. If you can’t make it for lunch, expect to wait at least 45 minutes to 1 hour if you get there by 5 p.m.

Keese’s Simply Delicious

4350 N Ocean Dr
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL 33308
(954) 776-4616
www.keeses.com
Using an old family recipe, Keese’s has been serving up crispy, spicy fresh fried chicken.  It’s cooked to order, so expect to wait the requisite 17 minutes before your name is called.  Fries are seasoned perfectly with a house mix.  There are a few eat-in tables, but most people order it to go.  Keese’s menu has some Mediterranean touches to it and they also have a nice selection of healthy and vegetarian options.