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CHARLES PAN-FRIED CHICKEN

Last Updated: 8 days ago

Phone: (646) 590-0662

Address: 146 WEST 72 STREET 10023

TLDR

NYC's go-to for soul food & amazing fried chicken. Craveable comfort food w/ standout sides like potato salad & mac 'n' cheese.

Sentiment Overview(Based on 69 Reddit comments)

52% Positive41% Neutral7% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

american 29soul food 29southern 15fried chicken 45soul food 11chicken 5View All

Neighborhoods

Upper West Side

Details

A New York City institution, this spot is renowned for its classic American soul food, particularly its perfectly fried chicken. While the focus is on the main dishes, reviewers often rave about the quality of the sides, with potato salad and mac and cheese frequently mentioned as standouts. It's a go-to for comfort food that hits the spot, offering a taste of authentic Southern-style cooking in the heart of Manhattan.

Food Overview

The star of the show is undoubtedly the fried chicken, which many describe as some of the best in NYC, with a consistently crispy exterior and juicy interior. Alongside the chicken, sides like potato salad, mac and cheese, and cornbread receive high marks. While the cuisine is primarily American soul food, some reviews suggest a decline in quality compared to the original location.

Highlights / Recommended

"The highly recommended dish is the fried chicken, often described as the best in NYC. Sides such as potato salad and mac and cheese also receive significant praise."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • fried chicken(2)
  • chicken(2)

Customer Sentiment

Customers consistently praise the delicious fried chicken and excellent sides, though some note that the service can be slow. There's a nostalgic appreciation for the classic soul food experience.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

Multiple users enthusiastically recommend Charles Pan Fried Chicken as the best Southern fried chicken in NYC, highlighting the amazing sides.
Charles Pan Fried Chicken is repeatedly mentioned as a top, cheap chicken spot and a personal favorite for fried chicken, with one user reminiscing about a past all-you-can-eat deal.
A discussion about the consistency of Charles Pan Fried Chicken locations. While some find the quality consistent but 'just okay,' others lament a decline since the original location closed and mention slow service.
A commenter specifically praises the potato salad from Charles Pan Fried Chicken, stating it's even better than typical deli versions.
A commenter recommends Charles Pan Fried Chicken and highlights their excellent family meal option.
Charles Chicken is recommended for its fried chicken and soul food, with its location on 72nd Street between Amsterdam and Columbus noted.
Multiple users discuss Charles Pan Fried Chicken in the context of soul food, with one user finding the chicken great and the price excellent, while acknowledging dense cornbread and good mac and cheese.

Recent Mentions

From post: Soul Food In The City

"Charles' Pan Fried is mentioned as a solid soul food option alongside other popular choices."

Positive
Feb 10, 2026View Comment →

From post: Soul Food In The City

"Charles Pan Fried is suggested as a good option for soul food."

Positive
Feb 9, 2026View Comment →

From post: Soul Food In The City

"The user is asking for recommendations for the best soul food spots in NYC."

Neutral
Feb 9, 2026View Comment →

From post: Best Restos For Firsttime Visitor To America

"Charles Pan Fried Chicken is insisted upon as a historically significant and quintessentially NYC American food experience."

Positive
Feb 4, 2026View Comment →

From post: Solo Date Spot Near Beacon Theatre

"This user expressed doubt about the availability of tables at Charles Pan Fried Chicken, suggesting it might not be a suitable option."

Negative
Jan 15, 2026View Comment →

From post: Solo Date Spot Near Beacon Theatre

"Charles Pan Fried Chicken is listed among several restaurant recommendations. However, another user noted that there might not be tables available anymore."

Neutral
Jan 15, 2026View Comment →

From post: Jambalaya Near Lincoln Center

"This user checked out Charles Pan Fried Chicken but was looking for a sit-down place, implying it might not fit that criteria or was not the intended dining experience."

Neutral
Dec 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Jambalaya Near Lincoln Center

"This user acknowledged that Charles Pan Fried Chicken is not Cajun after it was pointed out."

Neutral
Dec 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Jambalaya Near Lincoln Center

"This user pointed out that Charles Pan Fried Chicken is not a Cajun restaurant when it was suggested as an option."

Neutral
Dec 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Jambalaya Near Lincoln Center

"This user suggested getting rice & beans and okra from Charles Pan Fried Chicken as an alternative, although it was later clarified not to be Cajun."

Neutral
Dec 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Just A Good Chicken Wing

"Charles Pan Fried Chicken was recommended as a place for chicken wings."

Positive
Dec 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Weve Been Trying As Much As We Can

"The user found Charles Pan Fried Chicken to be amazing, but did not enjoy the sides offered."

Positive
Nov 15, 2025View Comment →

From post: Thoughts On The Following List

"Reiterates that NYC is not a soul food mecca and having three spots is a heavy representation."

Neutral
Nov 11, 2025View Comment →

From post: Thoughts On The Following List

"User lives in the South but finds the food there not good, and is coming to NYC for soul food."

Neutral
Nov 11, 2025View Comment →

From post: Thoughts On The Following List

"New York is not a soul food mecca compared to the South, and having three soul food spots on the list is already a heavy representation."

Neutral
Nov 11, 2025View Comment →

From post: Thoughts On The Following List

"Charles Pan Fried Chicken is overall really great, especially for the price."

Positive
Nov 11, 2025View Comment →

From post: Thoughts On The Following List

"Seeking recommendations for good soul food or mac and cheese."

Neutral
Nov 11, 2025View Comment →

From post: Thoughts On The Following List

"Charles Pan Fried Chicken is good, particularly the chicken. The cornbread was large but dense and dry, and the mac and cheese was good but the focus should be on the chicken."

Positive
Nov 11, 2025View Comment →

From post: Good Moderately Priced Food Places For Kids

"Charles's Restaurant was suggested as a great place to eat near the Museum of Natural History."

Positive
Oct 28, 2025View Comment →

From post: Making The Most Of Final 3 Days In Nyc

"The original poster mentioned planning to try Charles Pan Fried Chicken."

Neutral
Oct 15, 2025View Comment →