FOOD+DRINK LO C AL F L AVO R
CHICKEN SANDWICH BLITZ
The fried chicken sammie is having a moment in Charlotte, so our staff decided to find out how the city’s top restaurants spin this beloved sandwich. We ate them buttermilk-brined, battered and breaded, and smothered in sauce, and we enjoyed every bite. See four of our top picks below, and visit our website for the entire list COMPILED BY STAFF
Billy D’s Fried Chicken Sandwich ($15) H AYM AK E R
“Heaping” is the word that comes to mind. Between the potato buns are heapings of celery-seed slaw, pickles, smoked white barbecue sauce, and a massive piece of fried chicken in this Chef William Dissen signature. It fits at the upscale Southern spot in Third Ward because of the freshfrom-the-farm ingredients that separate the sandwich from its fast-food cousins. The chicken comes from Joyce Farms in Winston-Salem. The sandwich comes with seasoned fries (which deserve inclusion on a fry-exclusive roundup), with pepper mash aioli. And yes, those come in heaps, too. 225 S. Poplar St.
The Beaut ($7) B O SSY B E U L A H ’ S
Veteran restaurateur Jim Noble’s 1,200-square foot chicken shack has counter seating as in a Waffle House. You can order your sammie bunless or add American cheese, and your customizable options end there. Each sandwich is made with the Noble family’s buttermilk fried chicken, which has just enough seasoning to enhance the chicken without stealing the show. It’s served on a toasted potato bun with housemade pickles and a swipe of Duke’s mayo. You can pair it with a classic North Carolina beverage like sweet tea or Cheerwine, but that’s it. This menu’s as straightforward as they come. 2200 Freedom Dr.
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CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // OCTOBER 2020
