Harlem's go-to for soulful, pan-fried chicken & classic Southern sides. Worth the trip for the "fried chicken king's" specialty.
A true Harlem institution, this spot is renowned for its soulful, pan-fried chicken that boasts a perfectly browned crust and incredibly moist interior, a result of slow cooking in cast-iron skillets. While the chicken is the star, don't overlook their recommended combos featuring pulled pork or ribs, and be sure to pair them with classic sides like black-eyed peas, grits, okra, or mac 'n' cheese. It's a taste of Southern tradition served up with Harlem flair.
This establishment is celebrated for its soul food, with a particular emphasis on its signature pan-fried chicken, often described as tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked. Recommended dishes include the chicken, pulled pork, and ribs, often served in combos with Southern sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and grits. While the chicken is a crowd-pleaser, some diners have noted that the mac and cheese can be dry, and chicken lukewarm on occasion.
"The pan-fried chicken is universally acclaimed. Customers also frequently recommend the pulled pork and ribs, often as part of a combo with traditional Southern sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and grits."
Customers consistently praise the quality and flavor of the pan-fried chicken, often calling it the best in NYC. While some mention the sides can be inconsistent, the chicken itself receives overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Important Note
Some customers have reported inconsistent experiences with sides being dry or the chicken being lukewarm. There are also comments suggesting a decline in quality or increased prices after a move from a previous location.
"A chef and native New Yorker highly recommends Charles Gabriel's original location for its very good and inexpensive shallow-fried chicken, noting that while the sides aren't great, the chicken is the main draw."
Positive"This user agrees that the sides at Charles Pan Fried Chicken are bland and dry, specifically mentioning the mac & cheese. Despite this, they find the chicken to be exceptionally good."
Positive"A commenter emphatically states that Charles Pan Fried Chicken is the best fried chicken in NYC."
Positive"While Charles is excellent, the sides are noted as exceptionally poor. However, the quality of the chicken itself is highly praised, making up for the side dishes."
Positive"Charles is recommended for a first-rate, satisfying fried chicken experience with good sides. The commenter highlights it as a top choice."
Positive"This user recommends Charles Pan Fried Chicken as a top contender for fried chicken in Harlem."
Positive"Charles Pan Fried Chicken was recommended as a dining option in the Hamilton/Washington Heights neighborhood."
Neutral"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"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"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"Charles Pan Fried Chicken is listed as a recommended place for Southern food in the city."
Positive"The commenter adds that Charles Pan Fried Chicken offers a plate with two sides for $10, calling it "Cheap and very good.""
Positive"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"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"The commenter states that Charles Pan Fried Chicken is the closest option they've found to the desired "meat & three" Southern food."
Positive"The commenter shared the official website for Charles Pan Fried Chicken, likely to support its recommendation."
Positive"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"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"Recommends Charles Pan Fried."
Positive"Recommends Charles Pan Fried Chicken in Harlem as a Southern fast-casual spot."
Neutral
