Super 7: The Best Fried Chicken in Miami
From old-school Miami institutions to newcomers bringing fresh flavors, here are seven spots serving chicken worth every calorie
Sra. Martinez
Michelle Bernstein’s legendary fried chicken makes its triumphant return every Wednesday at Sra. Martinez. The three-course, $48 menu features a charred romaine salad to start, Michy’s famous fried chicken that gets brined, buttermilk-dipped, double-fried for extra crunch, and finished with a honey drizzle that’ll make you close your eyes with each bite, seven with whipped potatoes, gravy, and coleslaw. The mean is finished with some bourbon salted caramel beignets, natch.
Pro Tip: Bring friends so you can try other menu items, but never skip the fried chicken – it sells out fast for good reason. @sramartinezmiami // 2325 Galiano St, Coral Gables
Pack Supermarket
This local institution has spent decades perfecting its Haitian-style fried chicken. Pack Supermarket creates each piece that’s first marinated in a tangy mix of vinegar, lime juice, garlic and Scotch bonnet peppers before getting a light flour coating and fry. The staff keeps things consistent, and the under-$10 price point feels like a mistake they haven’t caught yet.
Pro Tip: Order the pikliz (spicy cabbage slaw) on the side, the vinegary kick cuts through the richness perfectly. // 8235 NE 2nd Ave., Little Haiti
Joe’s Stone Crab
At Joe’s Stone Crab, stone crabs get the glory, but locals know the half chicken for $9 might be Miami’s best food bargain. The secret? A coating made from finely ground Lance sandwich crackers that creates a uniquely crunchy exterior while keeping the meat ridiculously juicy. In a city of $28 appetizers, this humble dish remains a beautiful outlier.
Pro Tip: Order at the takeaway counter to skip the notorious wait times while still getting the same legendary chicken. @joesstonecrab // 11 Washington Ave., Miami Beach
Charlatam
This newcomer in the Roads neighborhood features a large, Latin-inspired menu. But those who know, know the fried chicken is the star. Charlatam’s fried chicken is marinated for 48 hours in mojo, and it comes out crispy, stays juicy when you pull it apart. Three sauces come with it (ají amarillo, barbecue, and chipotle), and the chicken works well with all three.
Pro Tip: The lunch special is popular for a reason — four pieces of chicken for under $20. @charlatam_restaurant // 2525 SW 3rd Ave, Miami
Publix
Yes, Florida’s favorite supermarket made this list. Chefs across Miami will privately admit Publix fried chicken – with its aggressive seasoning, double-breaded crunch, and consistent quality – often outranks many restaurant variations. The skin is filled with flavor from paprika, turmeric and black pepper, while the meat stays tender and juicy. It’s a classic for a reason.
Pro Tip: Get the 8-piece dark meat box, it’s often fresher than the family meal deals and thighs always beat out dried-out breast meat. @publix // Locations throughout Florida
Krispy Krunchy Chicken
This gas station chicken chain delivers Cajun-spiced goodness that transcends its humble surroundings. The Washington Avenue location of Krispy Krunchy Chicken deserves a special mention – not just for the crispy, flavorful chicken, but for the people-watching that comes free with every order.
Pro Tip: The 14th and Washington spot stays open late, so grab a box after bar-hopping for the ultimate night-cap. @krispykrunchychicken // Locations throughout South Florida
TITTS Chicken
Sure, the name is terrible, but the food makes a strong argument for getting over it, especially its fried chicken. The fried chicken at TITTS comes in crispy, juicy strip form or in a chicken wing variety. Pair it with the smacked cucumbers with chili sauce that cut through the grease.
Pro Tip: They offer 20- and 40-piece boxes if you’re dining with a group, or just really, really hungry. @tittschicken // 1250 S Miami Ave, #6, Miami