Tacoma's Best Fried Chicken [Updated 2025]

Having sampled some of the finest offerings in town, I’ve narrowed it down to twelve must-try spots that will satisfy your cravings.

Each restaurant has its unique take on this classic dish, blending flavors and techniques that reflect Tacoma's diverse culinary scene.

From crispy skin to succulent meat, I promise you’ll find the perfect fried chicken experience for your taste buds in this guide.

So, whether you’re looking for a cozy diner vibe or something more upscale, join me as we embark on this delicious journey through Tacoma's fried chicken landscape!

Dirty Oscar's Annex

Highlights
Fantastic early breakfast
Incredible food
Amazing tater tots
Great mimosas and margaritas
Friendly and attentive service

Dirty Oscar's Annex is like a hidden gem where fried chicken dreams come true! I strolled in, excited for a culinary adventure, and found myself immersed in a lively atmosphere that instantly felt like home. One of the standout offerings here is their fantastic early breakfast, which sets the perfect stage for their celebrated fried chicken.

The chicken was a masterpiece—crispy, golden-brown, with a tender interior that invited each bite to dance on my taste buds. It was seasoned to perfection, with a blend of spices that hit all the right notes. But what truly stole the show were the amazing tater tots that accompanied my meal—crunchy on the outside and delightfully fluffy within, they provided the ideal contrast to the rich chicken.

To elevate my experience even further, I indulged in a refreshing mimosa that complemented the meal beautifully. The service was both friendly and attentive, adding a personal touch that made me feel as if I was being hosted by friends rather than waiting staff.

In short, if you’re on the hunt for the best fried chicken in Tacoma, Dirty Oscar's Annex is absolutely worth the visit!

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Duke's Seafood Tacoma

Highlights
Amazing waterfront view
Fresh and flavorful seafood
Excellent service
Creamy lobster mac and cheese
Perfectly cooked salmon bites

Duke's Seafood Tacoma isn't just renowned for its fresh catches; it's also whipping up some surprisingly delightful fried chicken! As I settled in on the patio with an outstanding waterfront view, the ambiance was as inviting as the aroma wafting through the air.

The fried chicken here boasts a crispy golden exterior that gives way to tender, juicy meat—a testament to the kitchen's commitment to quality. Every bite is bursting with flavor, and you can tell the poultry is cooked to perfection. It pairs wonderfully with the sides, particularly their creamy lobster mac and cheese, which adds a luxury twist to the traditional fried chicken experience.

What truly enhances the experience at Duke's is the excellent service; the staff are attentive without being intrusive, ensuring your meal is as pleasurable as the food itself. While many come for the seafood, the fried chicken deserves its moment in the spotlight. This hidden gem in Tacoma showcases that sometimes, it’s not just about catching fish, but also about serving up a truly remarkable fried chicken feast! Don’t miss out on this delightful culinary escapade!

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Wooden City Tacoma

Highlights
Awesome vibe
Must-try chicken wings
Flavorful, unique dishes
Bone marrow on sourdough
Service could improve

Wooden City Tacoma is not your typical fried chicken joint; it's a culinary haven that will have your taste buds dancing with delight! Upon stepping inside, you're greeted by an awesome vibe—the kind that instantly invites you to unwind and savor every bite.

Now, let’s talk about the must-try chicken wings. These succulent morsels are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, packed with flavor that lingers long after the last bite. What I found particularly delightful was their unique take on flavors, showcasing creativity that goes beyond conventional fried chicken.

But the surprise did not end there. I was entranced by their unconventional offering of bone marrow on sourdough—an exquisite pairing that elevates the meal to an entirely new level. This dish is an unexpected superstar that shouldn’t be overlooked!

While my experience was largely stellar, I did notice that the service could be more prompt. However, the tantalizing menu and inviting ambiance more than compensated for any minor delays.

If you're in Tacoma and craving a delightful twist on fried chicken, Wooden City Tacoma is a must-visit destination! 🍗✨

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Tim's Kitchen

Highlights
Fast and friendly service
Crispy hash browns
Tasty California Benny
Great chicken and waffles
Charming old building

Review of Tim's Kitchen

Stepping into Tim's Kitchen feels like a delightful journey back in time, thanks to its charming old building that adds character to the dining experience. As soon as I took my seat, I was greeted with fast and friendly service that instantly made me feel at home. Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: the fried chicken.

Their chicken and waffles dish is a true masterpiece. The chicken was delightfully crispy and cooked to perfection, paired perfectly with fluffy waffles drenched in a sweet syrup. Every bite was a blissful explosion of flavor! I also had a taste of the California Benny, which adds a unique twist to traditional brunch — a delightful surprise that I didn't see coming!

And, oh, I can’t rave enough about the crispy hash browns. They were golden and crunchy, providing the ideal sidekick to my succulent chicken. If you're on the lookout for mouthwatering fried chicken in Tacoma, Tim's Kitchen should be at the top of your list. With hearty dishes and a charming atmosphere, it’s a culinary love letter to fried chicken lovers everywhere!

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Hans's Place

Highlights
Consistent JoJos
Friendly and efficient service
Affordable family meals
Old school tavern vibe
Ample parking available

Review of Hans's Place – A Fried Chicken Oasis in Tacoma

Tucked away in a cozy corner of Tacoma, Hans's Place delights with its charmingly old-school tavern vibe. Upon entering, you’re greeted with friendly and efficient service that immediately makes you feel at home. What stands out is their consistent JoJos — these crinkle-cut potato gems are a crispy wonder, perfectly accompanying the star of the show: their fried chicken!

Now, let me tell you about the fried chicken. Each piece is seasoned to perfection and boasts a crispy, golden-brown crust that crackles audibly with every bite. The meat inside is succulent and juicy, performing a lovely flavor dance that keeps you reaching for more.

What truly makes Hans's Place shine, besides the chicken’s mouthwatering taste, is their affordable family meals that invite you to indulge without breaking the bank. With ample parking available, this is the spot to enjoy a hearty meal with friends or family.

In a city buzzing with culinary options, Hans's Place holds its own, proving that sometimes, the best fried chicken experience is simply about honoring the classics with a touch of warm hospitality. If you're in Tacoma, this gem is not to be missed!

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The Spar

Highlights
Generous portion sizes
Live music ambiance
Outstanding fish and chips
Good value for money
Charming but unspectacular

Review of The Spar in Tacoma

If you find yourself wandering the charming streets of Tacoma, be sure to stop by The Spar—a delightful venue that offers a fun mix of food and live music. As I settled in, I was greeted by the irresistible aroma wafting through the air, promising a satisfying meal ahead.

Now, let’s talk about the fried chicken. While it's not the sole star of the menu (the fish and chips are outstanding), I must say the chicken holds its own. The portion sizes are generous, making it a fantastic value for anyone with a hearty appetite. The crispy, golden-brown coating was a joy to bite into, revealing tender, juicy meat underneath.

Although the atmosphere is charming in a casual, laid-back way, it lacks a certain flair that one might expect from a culinary hotspot. Still, the vibrancy created by live music adds a lively touch to the dining experience. Overall, The Spar may not be the top contender for fried chicken in Tacoma, but it offers a delightful meal in a welcoming environment, making it worth a visit. Don't miss out on this cozy spot!

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Southern Kitchen

Highlights
Feels like home
Warm and welcoming staff
Consistently good food
Must-try sweet potato pie
Popular and busy atmosphere

Southern Kitchen: A Flavorful Journey in Fryland

Upon stepping into Southern Kitchen, I was instantly enveloped in an inviting atmosphere that felt like coming home. The warm and welcoming staff greeted me with genuine smiles, setting the tone for a delightful dining experience.

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show—the fried chicken. Each bite delivered a crispy, golden texture, flawlessly melding with the juicy, tender meat inside. It's clear that this kitchen has mastered the art of frying, offering a consistently delectable product that’s hard to resist. The rich seasoning dances on your palate, making even the most discerning fried chicken lover swoon.

As I savored my meal, I couldn't help but notice the popular and busy atmosphere—it’s no wonder this spot is a local favorite. The energy is contagious, making it a perfect place to share a meal with friends or just keep to yourself with a good book.

And don’t even think about leaving without trying the must-try sweet potato pie! It's the kind of dessert that envelops you in warmth and nostalgia, a sweet ending fitting for such a heartwarming experience. So, if you're hunting for the best fried chicken in Tacoma, look no further than Southern Kitchen!

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B's Hot Chicken

Highlights
Halal fried chicken
Variety of spice levels
Delicious mac and cheese
Self-service ordering kiosk
Comfortable seating area

B's Hot Chicken is an absolute treasure for fried chicken enthusiasts in Tacoma. Upon entering, I was immediately drawn in by the vibrant atmosphere and the tantalizing aroma that enveloped the space. This is not just any ordinary chicken joint; B's prides itself on serving Halal fried chicken, which is a unique offering for those of us who appreciate every morsel.

I chose the medium spice level, and let me tell you, it was an explosion of flavor—perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The variety of spice levels means there's a heat for everyone, whether you're a spice aficionado or someone who prefers a milder kick.

But let’s not get sidetracked—the mac and cheese was a heavenly side that I simply couldn't resist. Creamy, rich, and oh-so-satisfying, it elevated my meal to new heights. The self-service ordering kiosk added a modern touch, making it easy to dive into my chicken fix without any fuss.

With a comfortable seating area perfect for feasting with friends, B's Hot Chicken is a must-try for anyone seeking the best fried chicken in Tacoma. It’s clear that B’s is going to have a lasting place on my go-to list!

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Pacific Southern

Highlights
Good service from staff
Phenomenal hush puppies
Overcooked chicken and gizzards
Disappointing side dishes
Inconsistent food quality

Review of Pacific Southern, Tacoma

When I strolled into Pacific Southern, I was hit with the inviting aroma of fried delights that instantly raised my expectations. The staff exuded a welcoming vibe, making the start of my visit enjoyable. I couldn't resist the phenomenal hush puppies which turned out to be the star of the meal—crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful within.

However, while the ambiance was promising, the fried chicken itself fell short of my lofty expectations. It appeared overcooked, lacking the juicy tenderness that I crave in each bite. To add insult to injury, the gizzards that I eagerly anticipated were similarly overdone, robbing them of their potential flavor.

And let’s talk about the sides: a true fried chicken experience is incomplete without a stellar lineup of accompaniments—but here, they were rather disappointing. This inconsistency in food quality made the meal feel like a missed opportunity.

So, while Pacific Southern has some potential with great service and those amazing hush puppies, I left yearning for the juicy fried chicken dream that remains elusive in Tacoma. If they can refine their chicken game, I’d be back in a heartbeat.

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Anglea's Restaurant

Highlights
Small town diner atmosphere
Friendly and attentive service
Delicious homemade food
Nostalgic 90s vibe
Great variety on the menu

Anglea's Restaurant is a delightful little gem tucked away in Tacoma that offers an inviting small-town diner atmosphere reminiscent of the 90s. As I stepped inside, the nostalgic vibe wrapped around me like a warm blanket. The walls are adorned with charming decor that whispered tales of days gone by, setting the perfect stage for what I hoped would be a memorable meal.

The service was nothing short of friendly and attentive. My server treated me like a long-lost friend, which made the dining experience all the more enjoyable. Now, let’s talk about the fried chicken: it was absolutely delicious. Each piece was cooked to perfection, boasting a crispy coating that gave way to tender, juicy meat inside. The seasoning was just right, making each bite a comforting delight.

What truly sets Anglea's apart is the great variety on their menu. While I came for the fried chicken, I couldn’t resist peeking at what else they offered. If you’re looking for hearty comfort food served with a side of warmth, Anglea’s Restaurant should definitely be on your list. You won’t leave disappointed!

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DND Soul Cuisine

Highlights
Friendly and welcoming staff
Delicious greens and chicken
Unique homemade beverages
Clean and inviting decor
Flavorful and satisfying sides

DND Soul Cuisine beckoned me with its promise of delicious fried chicken, and I must say, it did not disappoint! As I stepped through the door, I was greeted by the friendly and welcoming staff, instantly making me feel at home. The ambiance was cozy and clean, inviting me to settle in and savor the moment.

I ordered their famed fried chicken, which came perfectly seasoned with a crispy exterior that made each bite a delightful joy. Accompanying the chicken was a medley of delicious greens that offered a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meal. Each side was a triumph of flavor, and I couldn't resist trying one of their unique homemade beverages—a perfect pairing!

What truly stood out was the satisfying nature of every element on my plate, emphasizing not just quantity but quality. The chefs at DND truly know how to balance rich, hearty flavors with a touch of Southern soul. If you're on the lookout for some of the best fried chicken in Tacoma, make your way to DND Soul Cuisine. This joint, with its playful spirit and attention to detail, is a worthy stop on any fried chicken quest!

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Buddy's Chicken & Waffles

Highlights
Best chicken in Tacoma
Fluffy, flavorful waffles
Juicy, well-seasoned tenders
Friendly and engaging staff
Unique Cheddar Bay seasoning

As a self-proclaimed fried chicken aficionado, I couldn’t resist the allure of Buddy's Chicken & Waffles during my quest for the best chicken in Tacoma. Upon entering, I was greeted by the friendly and engaging staff, who immediately made me feel at home. The vibe was cozy, with a hint of Southern charm that set the stage for a delightful meal.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show: the chicken! The juicy and well-seasoned tenders practically melted in my mouth, boasting a crunchiness that complemented the succulent meat perfectly. Each bite delivered an explosion of flavor, highlighted by their unique Cheddar Bay seasoning. It was a game changer!

And oh, those waffles! Light, fluffy, and wonderfully flavorful, they were the ideal counterpoint to the savory chicken. Draped in warm syrup, my taste buds danced with joy at this harmonious combination.

Buddy's is a must-visit for anyone serious about enjoying fried chicken. If you’re looking to elevate your dining experience, this gem in Tacoma will not disappoint. Treat yourself—you won’t regret it!