The Fried Chicken Sandwich: Who's Got the Best in SF?
Photo taken with my trusty iPhone 4
Inspired by my Bun Mee experience last week, I'm diving into another classic: the fried chicken sandwich. It might not have the glamorous French-Vietnamese collision of the bánh mi, but it definitely has an immense amount of buzz thanks to Bakesale Betty in Oakland.
Of course, SF now has its share of Bakesale Betty wannabes. Yesterday, I was sitting on the sidewalk in the sunshine at Little Skillet lapping up a box of their most excellent fried chicken, while 7x7's art director Nicholas was enjoying LS's fried chicken po'boy. Of course I had to have a bite. It's rich but very good.
Then, on the way back to the office, we stopped by 3-Sum Eats, Ryan Scott's new truck. I asked what we should try and a few minutes later, I was leaving with another perfectly good fried chicken sandwich in hand (this time, a pounded breast encrusted in corn flakes).
Over at the Thursday Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, Ryan Farr of 4505 Meats assembles a sandwich of fried chicken, slathered with mayo, a coriander vinaigrette and pickled jalapeno. (My husband just ate one on my behalf and sent a pic as proof.) Mmmm. Pickled jalapeno. I'm learning the key to all successful fried chicken sandwiches is something bright and crunchy and vinegary to contrast the richness of the fried chicken.
In a few minutes, I'm headed over to Memphis Minnie's in the lower Haight to try their version. I hear the chicken is smoked first. Like 4505's, it's also only available on Thursdays, so if you want it go now.
Then there's Radius, The Front Porch, Naked Lunch, Kitchenette, Plow, Rhea's Deli, Show Dogs and Macellato. I'm not sure I can make it through all of them, but I'm on a quest. Am I missing anything here? Let me know soon because I'm feeling an oncoming heart attack.
Your web log is very really good. I like looking at it but, the text appears to be kind of strange using the safari word wide web broswer
By on March 31, 2012
Bakesale Betty=hype, so many good places one in particular stuck in my head. It's on Columbus and Jackson can't remember the name but they had a delicious chicken and fish sandwich. small place nice guys great food
By on April 13, 2011
Seconding Citizen Cake's fried chicken sandwich, which I believe is called a Cobb sandwich. It's definitely king of the hill. All hail EF.
By on April 13, 2011
Cafe 15 by the Federal Building in Oakland has an unbelievable Fried Chicken sandwich, possibly better than Bakesale Betty (sounds crazy, I know). Only problem is the place is incredibly small (only 6 tables), but definitely worth it. Great burger & breakfast sandwich there as well, but the fried chicken sandwich is easily one of the best in the Bay!
By on April 11, 2011
my fave chicken sandwich thus far in SF is at Hard Knox Cafe, specifically the one on Clement...i like it better than Little Skillet
By on April 11, 2011
4505 Meats!
By on April 11, 2011
The chicken sandwich at Bake Sale Betty's in Oakland is awesome!
By on April 10, 2011
I can't believe no one has mentioned Citizen Cake's fried chicken sandwich. It's the best. They don't officially call it a fried chicken sandwich. They call it something more gourmet-sounding now that they're located in Pac Hts. Whatever they're calling it, it's pretty divine.
By on April 08, 2011
The area around South Park is like a Bermuda Triangle of fried chicken sandwiches. Nova, on Second Street, has a crazy delicious, super salty one annnnnd: tater tots.
By on April 08, 2011
When we get the urge for a fried chicken sandwich -- which is very often -- it's definitely time to cross the Bay Bridge and head to Oakland. Not only does Bakesale Betty's make the best in Northern California, hands down, but you can get a nice cookie or pie and lemonade to go with it. Plus, the staff is really cool
By on April 08, 2011
Hotel Utah's KFC sandwich. Mmmmm....
By on April 08, 2011
It's all about the 4505 Meats Fried Chicken Yum Yum, period! Juicy chicken thigh fried to perfection and topped with saucy goodness. Another good thing about their sandwich: it's hot! The last few times I've had bakesale betty, the chicken is at most room temperature. I like my fried chicken to be hot and juicy.
By on April 08, 2011
A must-try is from Sandbox Bakery in Bernal Heights. They put fried chicken, a little slaw and some harissa between two rice patties and tie it together with a strip of nori. heavenly.
By on April 08, 2011
I'm a huge fan of BarBersQ in Napa and their rockin fried chicken sandwich. It features pepper vinegar coleslaw with a touch of jalapeno and cilantro. Yum!
By on April 08, 2011
Auntie April's Chicken and Waffles 4618 third street 94110 ( b/w McKinnon and Newcomb, in the 'hood.). Authentic soul food / great fried chicken.
By on April 08, 2011
If you're sticking to SF then you've done an ok job. But if you're talking bay area then head over to the East Bay for Bake Sale Bettys. But the best of them all? Little known place in Alameda called Culina's in the Marketplace on Park ave. (I may get run out if Alameda for giving this one away) it is worth the trip, hell I'll even buy you your first one!
By on April 07, 2011
Macellato's chicken wich? I think everyone should copy that wich? sorry U foodies that think U know enough to write about places but really buy a sandwich (fried chicken) from every one of the places mentioned ley your friends try them blind taste they don't know the place it comes from just try it I did and you'll be surprised like I was how many people will pick the one they like because is one of many no prejudice or favor to a name just plain side to side tasting ....I hate that all of my friend blind tasters picked "Macellatos" is that a real name????
By on April 07, 2011
Shout out to the 4505 Meats chicken sandwich as well. Love that thing.
By on April 07, 2011
I am addicted to 4505 Meats Fried Chicken Yum Yum, every Saturday for months now I enjoy one. It is always so juicy and perfectly crunchy, the fresh salad on top with all the veggies from the farmers proves to me these guys really care and know what they are doing. I love you 4505 Meats!
By on April 07, 2011
You should definitely try the fried chicken sandwich at Eats on Clement and 2nd Ave in the Inner Richmond!
By on April 07, 2011
4505 Meats Fried Chicken Yum Yum is the best in SF and East Bay, hands down!
By on April 07, 2011
I like the Pollo Empanizado Quesadilla at Papito - http://papitosf.com - on Potrero hill. From the menu, it's "fried chicken, chipotle remoulade, salsa roja, guacamole, purple cabbage slaw" - and it's also amazeballs.
Not exactly a sammich, but so. very. good.
By on April 07, 2011
Hey Sara - I just replied to @7x7Magazine on Twitter. Not sure if you personally monitor that account. I love the fried chicken bocadillo with spicy slaw at Bocadillos.
By on April 07, 2011
By far the best Fried Chicken sandwich in SF is at Naked Lunch...Trust....
By on April 07, 2011
I've been on my own personal quest for quite some time to find the best fried chicken sandwich. My all time favorite is Show Dogs, which blows Bakesale Betty's away with its perfect mix of slaw and pickled ginger. I suggest you also add 15 Romolo's Chicken Biscuit sandwich to the list with its delicious spicy honey and having a cocktail alongside doesn't hurt. I'm interested to see what you find and you've given me a few more to add to my list.
By on April 07, 2011
I've heard that the BRASS*KNUCKLE food truck has a very good friend chicken sandwich!
By on April 07, 2011
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