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Charles Pan-Fried Chicken

Last Updated: 16 days ago

Phone: (212) 281-1800

Address: 340 WEST 145 STREET 10039

TLDR

Harlem's soul food gem, famous for its top-tier pan-fried chicken & classic Southern sides. A no-frills takeout favorite.

Sentiment Overview(Based on 17 Reddit comments)

59% Positive18% Neutral18% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

american 7soul food 5southern 5fried chicken 8chicken 3sides 3View All

Neighborhoods

Harlem

Recent Articles

Details

Charles Pan-Fried Chicken is a renowned Harlem establishment celebrated for its authentic Southern soul food, particularly its signature pan-fried chicken. It's a no-frills spot where the focus is squarely on flavor, offering hearty plates that often include classic sides like collard greens and cornbread. While many praise its value and traditional taste, some reviews mention a decline in quality or issues with temperature, suggesting consistency might vary.

Food Overview

This eatery specializes in traditional Southern soul food, with its pan-fried chicken being the star attraction. Customers frequently recommend the chicken and classic sides like collard greens and mac and cheese. However, there are some critiques regarding dry mac and cheese and lukewarm chicken, indicating a potential for inconsistency.

Highlights / Recommended

"The $10 Classic Combo, featuring fried chicken or smothered turkey wing with a side and cornbread, is a popular and well-regarded choice. Customers also frequently praise the traditional Southern sides."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • mac and cheese(2)
  • chicken(2)

Customer Sentiment

Overall, customer sentiment is largely positive, with many recommending the soul food and value. However, a few customers have reported issues with food temperature and dryness, suggesting occasional inconsistencies.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

Several users recommend Charles Pan Fried Chicken as a place that fulfills the 'meat & three' Southern food concept, praising its value and traditional offerings.
Charles Pan Fried Chicken is mentioned as a highly recommended spot for Southern food in the city.
This post highlights Charles Pan-Fried Chicken for its traditional Southern New Year's dishes and mentions their banana pudding and peach cobbler.
One user reported a disappointing experience with dry mac and cheese and lukewarm chicken, contrasting with the general hype for the restaurant.
A comment suggests Charles Pan Fried Chicken, noting that their sides are excellent and their family meal is a great value.
Charles Pan Fried Chicken is recommended as a Southern fast-casual option.

Recent Mentions

From post: Traditional Southern New Years Day Meal In

"Charles Pan-Fried Chicken in Harlem is suggested as a decent option for traditional Southern food, although it requires travel from Washington Square Park."

Neutral
Dec 27, 2025View Comment →

From post: Traditional Southern New Years Day Meal In

"A user recommended Charles Pan-Fried Chicken, stating it serves traditional Southern New Year's dishes like collard greens, black-eyed peas, pork, and cornbread. They also mentioned it likely has banana pudding or peach cobbler."

Positive
Dec 25, 2025View Comment →

From post: What To Eat Around City College

"Charle's Pan Fried Chicken is worth visiting for its sides alone, and the family meal is considered one of the best values in the city."

Positive
Aug 25, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Southern Food In The City Shrimp And Grits

"Charles Pan Fried Chicken is listed as a recommended place for Southern food in the city."

Positive
Jun 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Does Meat Three Exist In Nyc

"The commenter adds that Charles Pan Fried Chicken offers a plate with two sides for $10, calling it "Cheap and very good.""

Positive
May 22, 2025View Comment →

From post: Does Meat Three Exist In Nyc

"The commenter would typically recommend Charles Pan Fried Chicken but experienced "lukewarm chicken and dry mac" during a visit to its 145th Street flagship location."

Negative
May 22, 2025View Comment →

From post: Does Meat Three Exist In Nyc

"The commenter confirms that Charles Pan Fried Chicken offers "plates" with meat and two sides, allowing for additional sides, aligning with the "meat & three" concept."

Positive
May 21, 2025View Comment →

From post: Does Meat Three Exist In Nyc

"The commenter states that Charles Pan Fried Chicken is the closest option they've found to the desired "meat & three" Southern food."

Positive
May 21, 2025View Comment →

From post: Does Meat Three Exist In Nyc

"The commenter shared the official website for Charles Pan Fried Chicken, likely to support its recommendation."

Positive
May 21, 2025View Comment →

From post: Hyped Places That Did And Didnt Live Up To The

"User AllAboutTheQueso reminisces Charles Pan-Fried Chicken used to be amazing at its old Polo Grounds location with a buffet, but feels quality declined and prices rose after moving."

Negative
May 6, 2025View Comment →

From post: Hyped Places That Did And Didnt Live Up To The

"The user kli9641 found that Charles Pan Fried Chicken (Harlem, 145th) didn't live up to the hype, receiving super dry mac and lukewarm chicken."

Negative
May 6, 2025View Comment →

From post: Interesting Eats Along The Great Saunter Route No

"Recommends Charles Pan Fried."

Positive
May 3, 2025View Comment →

From post: Ethnic Fast Casual In Manhattan

"Recommends Charles Pan Fried Chicken in Harlem as a Southern fast-casual spot."

Neutral
Apr 29, 2025View Comment →

From post: Restaurant Recs For My Sad Sis

"Charles pan-fried chicken is recommended for take out."

Positive
Mar 21, 2025View Comment →

From post: Restaurant Recs For My Sad Sis

"Love that Charles Pan fried chicken but it’s not eat-in."

Positive
Mar 21, 2025View Comment →

From post: Restaurant Recs For My Sad Sis

"Charles Pan Fried Chicken is recommended."

Neutral
Mar 21, 2025View Comment →