Crispy, tender, and oh-so-flavorful pan-fried chicken. A true UWS classic w/ killer ribs & cornbread.
A beloved Upper West Side institution, this spot is renowned for its signature pan-fried chicken, praised for its tender interior and perfectly seasoned crust. Beyond the star dish, patrons rave about the delicious ribs, collard greens, and cornbread. The casual atmosphere, with limited seating and a focus on takeout, adds to its charm, making it a go-to for a satisfying, classic American soul food experience.
This establishment is celebrated for its exceptional pan-fried chicken, which is noted for its tenderness and flavorful, well-seasoned crust. Other highly recommended dishes include ribs, collard greens, and cornbread. While the focus is on American soul food, there are limited vegetarian options available through sides. Some diners have noted a decline in quality over the years, particularly since the original location closed, but many still find it a solid and satisfying choice.
"The pan-fried chicken is the star, lauded for its tenderness and seasoning. Other highly recommended items include the ribs, collard greens, and cornbread. The family meal deals are also frequently mentioned as a good value."
Customers overwhelmingly praise the delicious, well-seasoned fried chicken and other soul food classics. While some note the service can be slow and seating is limited, the quality of the food consistently earns high marks.
Important Note
Some patrons note that the quality may have declined since the closure of the original location. The restaurant primarily offers takeout, with very limited seating and no bathroom facilities available. Comparisons to Southern standards of fried chicken have been made, with some finding it good but not exceptional in that regard.
"Charles Pan Fried has been a staple for the commenter for several years and remains so."
Positive"Charles Fried Chicken is listed as an inexpensive, eat-standing-up option within the user's specified area."
Positive"This user stated that Charles Pan Fried Chicken serves some of the best chicken in the city, although not in sandwich form."
Positive"This user describes Charles Pan Fried Chicken as solid, but notes that Southern fried chicken is generally superior. They also mention Bobwhite has declined and RedHead is gone."
Neutral"This user argues that it's helpful to manage expectations by stating NYC fried chicken isn't as good as Southern options, comparing it to Katz's as an overrated spot."
Negative"This user defends the previous negative comment about Charles Pan Fried Chicken, stating it's unhelpful to compare NYC options to Southern ones if the OP isn't traveling."
Neutral"This user agrees with the previous comment stating Charles Pan Fried Chicken is not top-tier."
Neutral"This user rates Charles Pan Fried Chicken as solid but not top-tier compared to Southern standards."
Neutral"This user states Charles Pan Fried Chicken is 'absolutely top tier' for fried chicken, though wishes they had a spicy version."
Positive"This commenter also recommended Charles Fried Chicken, specifically mentioning their 2-piece special and limited counter space."
Positive"Charles Pan Fried Chicken was mentioned as a popular option near Levain Bakery."
Positive"Charles' Pan Fried is mentioned as a solid soul food option alongside other popular choices."
Positive"Charles Pan Fried is suggested as a good option for soul food."
Positive"The user is asking for recommendations for the best soul food spots in NYC."
Neutral"Charles Pan Fried Chicken is insisted upon as a historically significant and quintessentially NYC American food experience."
Positive"This user expressed doubt about the availability of tables at Charles Pan Fried Chicken, suggesting it might not be a suitable option."
Negative"Charles Pan Fried Chicken is listed among several restaurant recommendations. However, another user noted that there might not be tables available anymore."
Neutral"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"This user acknowledged that Charles Pan Fried Chicken is not Cajun after it was pointed out."
Neutral"This user pointed out that Charles Pan Fried Chicken is not a Cajun restaurant when it was suggested as an option."
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