— Best Fried Chicken
- And the winner is...
- Chik’n & Mi
The Basics
Opened: 2017
Neighborhood: Mellwood-Lower Brownsboro
Self-description: “Asian-inspired comfort foods, from Laotian spiced fried chicken to hearty and flavorful ramen noodle soups.”
Website: chiknandmi.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 3
First nomination: 2018, Best New RestaurantThe Voting Academy Says
“More eclectic than the others in town.”
- And the other nominees are...
- Chicken King
The Basics
Opened: 2002
Neighborhood: East Broadway
Self-description: “Serving Kentuckiana and travelers.”Best of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 1
The Voting Academy Says
“Get it spicy.”
- Indi’s
The Basics
Opened: 1981
Neighborhood: West Broadway and other area locations
Self-description: “Home of spicy chicken.”
Website: indischicken.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 3
The Voting Academy Says
“Always perfectly fried and seasoned. A local staple for sure. And their wedges can stand up against anybody’s.”
- Joella’s Hot Chicken
The Basics
Opened: 2015
Neighborhood: Regional chain (original on Frankfort Avenue)
Self-description: “Where the chicken’s hot and the vibes are warm.”
Website: joellas.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 3
Total wins: 2
First win: 2016, Best Chicken Restaurant
Also won: 2018, Best Fried ChickenThe Voting Academy Says
“Love all of the heat levels.”
- Mellwood Tavern
The Basics
Opened: History traces back to 1885 as the Rendezvous Inn
Neighborhood: Mellwood-Lower Brownsboro
Self-description: “Live music. Food. Drink late.”
Website: themellwoodtavern.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 1
The Voting Academy Says
“Fried chicken, with Southern-style sides, every Tuesday and Thursday. I try not to miss one of those nights — if not both.”
- Royals Hot Chicken
The Basics
Opened: 2015
Neighborhood: NuLu
Self-description: “Nashville-style hot chicken with endorphin-ringing heat.”
Website: royalshotchicken.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 3
First nomination: 2016, Best Chicken RestaurantThe Voting Academy Says
“It’s always the first place my friends beg to go back to when they’re in town — and they even take it on the plane back home with them. And if the chicken is too spicy, Royals can cool you down with a bourbon slushie or milkshake.”