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Price's Chicken Coop
Category: Restaurants Southern Southern [Edit]
1614 Camden RdCharlotte, NC 28203
Neighbourhoods: South End, Dilworth
(704) 333-9866
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 10 am - 6 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Dive-y
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
118 reviews for Price's Chicken Coop
Review Highlights
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"Hands-down the best fried chicken I've ever had." In 23 reviews -
"Add some hush puppies and slaw and it's a good day." In 20 reviews -
"The sweet tea is sweet but not too sweet." In 13 reviews
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118 reviews in English
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Review from Xiao M.
Urbana, MD
5/16/2012
Great fried chicken at reasonable prices. I'm not a fried chicken expert, but this place was delicious every time. I personally Price's more than Sallie Mae's in NOLA (who sometimes gets the "best fried chicken in America" label).
Some details about this place:
- Cash Only
- Private parking lot in the back (entrance to parking can be difficult to notice)
- Takeout only
- Gets crowded, so be ready to order when you get to the front of the line
- You can order sweet tea at the counter, for other drinks, there's a soda machine on the side. -
Review from Sree N.
Charlotte, NC
5/13/2012
Good fried chicken. Perch dinner is good too.
Not much to add here that hasn't been reviewed already, but I'll mention the basics:
1. Only accepts cash.
2. Gets crowded, so do everyone a favor and move to the side if you're reading the menu and deciding.
3. They close around 6 daily.
4. Even though there's no parking signs on the road, its ok to park and quickly grab your fixing of chicken or fish.
5. Its only a take out joint - no seating. -
Review from Andy M.
Charlotte, NC
4/16/2012
Let me start off by saying that I am from the North and do not know fried chicken like the people in the south. Prices Chicken Coop is a staple in Charlotte. I have been here 3 different times and every time was quick and tasty.
It is only take out and they only accept Cash, they do have an ATM on site.
The chicken is the best I have had and the sides are also great. When I am in the mood for Fried Chicken Prices always hits the spot.
I also believe they close at 6 everyday. Definitely worth a stop if you find yourself in southend. -
Review from James B.
Greensboro, NC
5/21/2012
The BEST fried chicken AND sweet tea I have ever had, hands down. Wow, nothing compares to Prices Chicken Coop, and this very well may be the best fried chicken in the south. I would highly recommend this to anyone - locals and tourists alike.
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Review from Erin S.
Belmont, NC
4/18/2012
Best fried chicken I've ever had. A Charlotte landmark, you must go here. They give you so many sides - hush puppies, tater tots, coleslaw and a roll - that my fiance and I get the half a chicken, white and it's more than enough food. 2 breasts and 2 wings with all those sides. $10! It's a deal and worth every calorie. Eat outside on the grass by the light rail, makes for a great Saturday lunch! Oh and we just bring water with us. There's also fresh tea and a soda machine if you want a soda. Make sure you bring cash! Cash only!
-
Review from Walter W.
Indian Trail, NC
1/13/2012
My God.
There's no better fried chicken on this planet.
I ran into Adam from "Man Vs. Food" downtown a couple of months ago and after shaking his hand, I told him the show MUST profile Price's Chicken Coop. (I didn't get to ask what restaurants they were filming.)
Best bet is the 1/4 white dinner or the 4 wing dinner. You get too much food packed away in a grease-stained (now that's love) cardboard box. Tater tots, hush puppies, slaw, and a roll. I'm not a big slaw fan so they substitute mine for more pups. Why a roll AND hush puppies, you might ask? Take out the meat of the breast and put it in the roll for a quick sammich. (BEWARE: They're a bit stingy on the condiments and napkins.) I have tried to try other things on the menu and was gravely disappointed. Fish and bbq are very average, IMO. There's a reason that "chicken" is prominent in this restaurant's name, dammit. If you get a chicken sandwich, prepare to have it bones and all. It's a greasy, hot mess peeling the meat off of the bone and putting it in the bread, but it's well worth it. AWESOME sweet tea.
This place is a hole in the wall, I will not lie to you. I can appreciate it for it's "charm" but this place has to make money hand over fist. Where does it all go? I'd love to be a long lost relative and inherit the mother lode. The doors only swing inward which makes it a pain in the @$$ entering if it's crowded and exiting if your hands are full. There's no seats. It's strictly carry out. Cash (ATM inside) and carry only. There's a parking lot out back with plenty of trash cans. Worth it, if there's no panhandlers around. They've actually scared them away for the most part, but every rare once in a while you'll be greeted. -
Review from Kieran M.
Charlotte, NC
4/18/2012 17 Check-ins Here
If you feel like eating fried chicken, this place is pretty good.
-
Review from Gabriel H.
Manhattan, NY
3/11/2012
Saw a posted news paper clipping that was a bucketlist for Charlotte. For food, it said you have to try Price's Chicken Coop. This place lived up to the hype. Had tastes of the fried dark chicken, the hushpuppies, the cole slaw, the sweet tea and the sweet potato pie. All of these (particularly the chicken, the hushpuppies and the sweet potato pie) were some of the best of that dish I have had in my life. Also went with a friend and we were able to get a lot of food for $7 combined.
-
Review from Mike S.
11/11/2011 10 Check-ins Here
this is a good spot to pick up some food.
STAY AWAY FROM THE BURGERS... the name of the place is PRICE'S "CHICKEN" COOP... not Burger King.
Chicken sandwich = 3wings (bone in) and a bun
Perch dinner is good (u get 5-7 pieces)
But to be honest... its just a chicken spot.. you have to work pretty hard to mess up Fried chicken (especially being a business).
i believe its overhyped. (not meaning its not good). Kinda makes me think of those long lines out the door of Starbucks. (it can't be that good..... can it?)
all in all....... if you're looking for some good chicken.. and TEA (kinda too sweet for my liking) if you don't mind passing other places just to get here...
Comeeeee onnnn downnnnnnn!!!!!! -
Review from Julia M.
9/26/2011
I know this place is a Charlotte institution - it has been around a long time and has a loyal fan base.
However, the only time I went to Prices, I opened my takeout box only to find a large dead black fly in my chicken. Yucky!! No bueno!!
I immediately threw it away and haven't had the appetite to try again.
Maybe it was a fluke, but that was really gross. :-( -
Review from Andrew L.
10/21/2011 1 photo
Fried Chicken; in every city, there is a place that cooks it with the idea, that it should be a great value, and it should hold up, even when packed in a "to-go" container. This is such a place, in fact, it's only a takeout place, so don't bother planning an evening there, unless you like sitting on the sidewalk or dangling out of your car.
I mean, the friend chicken here is good. The drumstick is juicy, meat is tender, and the same can be said about the thigh also. The batter coats it just right; no heavy glops of batter, when you bite in, you feel the skin giving way, to the decedent meat underneath. The flavor is always present, the idea that it's a hug from the inside out, you get. Sure there is a lot of great Fried Chicken places around Charlotte, but this one is the simple, working man's delight.
If you get the dinners, you also get Cole Slaw, Tater Rounds, Hush Puppies, and a nice roll. It's a perfect portion, you aren't going to be asking for me, for at least an hour, but you aren't going to be in a coma either. Their sweet tea is the Maxwell House stuff, which is basically the base for most sweet teas, what you might expect to have been served by family or in my case, southern born friends. Yes I said it, maybe your parents served Lipton, but this tastes just about right in my mine.
If you can get there before the rush, you might see the front of house, without trouble, but with orders made in minutes, you are assured, even if you take a few extra moments, you are still going to be rewarded with yummy food, that will make you happy, and smiling.
Go here, lots of street parking, just off the beaten path, they close at 6pm, so beware. -
Review from Ashley W.
8/19/2011
My boyfriend and I entered the place, and made the mistake of taking 30 seconds to check out the menu. Of course, in that time, multiple lines had formed and we had to stake a place real fast.
We ordered a 1/2 Chicken (dark meat) dinner box, and a 1/4 Chicken (white meat) dinner box. After getting our food, we headed to the car and started scarfing everything down (along with other people doing the same thing).
Roll (Merita) -- nothing special. Cole slaw -- all right. Tater rounds (a ton) -- defrosted from a bag. Hushpuppies -- homemade and delicious, BUT we only got 2 single hushpuppies (a sin!). This chicken was so good that I was sucking the chicken bones that my boyfriend had already finished off. I have no shame.
We were full, but still had cravings and were about to go back in and get more. Fortunately, we had restraint -- but we did lustfully look back at the 1/4 Chicken box that was reserved for my boyfriend's mom. (We were good, and fought off the thoughts of substituting KFC in exchange for this heavenly, Southern manna).
***Skip the dinner box and get a whole chicken! Oh, and get an order or 2 of hushpuppies! -
Review from Dan M.
7/7/2011
Being from New England I knew during my time in the south I would have to try some high quality fried chicken. Price's Chicken Coop was the spot the locals informed me about so I made my way over to give it a try.
I ordered a fried chicken sandwich, which was a large over sized breast served between two slices of bread. Bone and all.
Upon first bite I was in heaven. I had never had southern fried chicken like this before and I thought it was just amazing. Crispy and juicy, cooked to perfection.
The chicken was loaded with flavor and everything about it just tasted amazing. Price's Chicken Coop is worth checking out. -
Review from Emiene W.
7/2/2011
I love fried chicken. I love it, especially the wings. So when I heard about Price's slap your momma goodness, I was psyched to try it out.
Ok, $12 for just the bird seemed a bit pricey, but they're independently owned, so I overlooked it. Bojangles has a lot more wiggle room in pricing, because of the sheer volume.
What I couldn't overlook, at the end of dinner, was that it didn't taste better than Bojangles. Now, I do love Bojangles, but I hoped since I was paying more for somewhat home-cooked taste that Price's would be worth the price. It was not. Not bad, just not super-dope-crazy special--no matter what your hipster friends tell you. -
Review from Darren F.
Charlotte, NC
6/26/2011
It's really good chicken. It's not the best I've had - that goes to Paula Deen's restaurant in Savannah, GA. But it's the best I've had in Charlotte, and there's a lot of good fried chicken in Charlotte.
Pros: Never had a bad meal here. Too much food for one person to eat. Hushpuppies and tots are spot on and just add to the carb explosion. I toss the roll immediately. Cheap for what you get - you're not at KFC spending $3 on a greasy chicken box with starchy instant mashed potatoes. It's a dive. I love dives.
Cons: Crazy hours - caters to the lunch crowd in Southend, or someone who can sneak out of their Uptown cubicle for an hour. I think they're closed on Mondays, which makes absolutely no sense but that might be when they're chopping chickens for the week. No place to eat, but you don't want to eat there. Take it to your office and make people jealous. Again, it's a dive. So it's not for everyone I guess. -
Review from Michelle B.
Charlotte, NC
1/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
It has been a while since I have visited the Coop. Primarily because of their hours and open days since I don't live in the area. On my way Uptown, I made a stop with the kids. Since they don't accept cards, I had just enough cash to order two meals for three people...no drinks. We always order the chicken which is always satisfying. The tray is served with the round hash browns but we usually substitute one for the potato salad. Their potato salad is SO GOOD! However, the price and amount that you get are not equal. The serving size is smaller now, probably 3-4 tablespoons at most. This is only enough to feed a one-year old! I was disappointed. I don't plan to visit the Coop anytime soon. It is no longer worth the trip, nor the $. In addition, there were loiterers outside panhandling (against the rules) which is not good for business.
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Review from Rob W.
Today our business needed some food for some good ole' southern boys who enjoy chicken.....So, when they say chicken, there's only one place to go - Price's Chicken Coop.
So what do you feed a bunch of guys......10 Full birds, add a few tater tots, and you have a party. ( I have added photos)
Sure the parking is a little skimpy, sure the place has no tables, sure the place has a no cell phone etiquette policy (which is nice, just look for the signs), sure this is standing room only place, but this place KNOWS chicken. This place has the business plan to succeed,
Do one thing right, and continue to do it over and over and over.....
People do not stand in line for mediocre food or mediocre service, they stand in line to be a part of the culture to have the best Chicken, not just in the Carolina's, but as many will state and put in writing, the whole USA.
They are closed on Sundays and Mondays , so if you are new to the town, been here a while or just seem to know BO....., You need to see why the are rated one of the top chicken spots in the nation.
These folks are only open during Tuesday - Saturday 10am-6pm.
If you want to see what a real entrepreneur looks like, see how many people are working in this small, busy place on any given day.
Chicken Coop = "America's Chicken"
Oh yeah, CASH ONLY!
NCFoodGuy -
Review from Joyce G.
Shreveport, LA
5/23/2011
Ok.....I am a born & bred SOUTHERNER. Child, I don't understand this overpriced place, nor the hype and high praise. While on assignment in Charlotte, my sorority sister said we had to go so we went. I had a 2piece white, the sides that are mandatory and included, a shrimp add-on and no tea. Yes, I'm a southerner that truly doesn't drink tea.
Picture this: it's 1957 and all that entails. Meaning no credit/debit cards. Pedestrians are everywhere (and I feel we should be more pedestrian-friendly in the south). No inside dining. The price boards written during this year are still posted in April of 2011. Just as the fifties, the black people work the kitchen and in the back while the white folks work the register. Chicken is being cooked for eight hours straight and will be placed on a plate and served in a white box. The ladies place bread and sides in the white box before its passed to the front.
Zoom to my visit on April 21, 2011; and I had no concept of how this place operates except for other great Yelpers telling us to bring cash & how we wont be able to sit inside. The tater tots were old and I'd prefer fries, I didn't get the whole hushpuppy thing but knew to expect it from Yelp. Think I ain't country? Thank the Lord I was in my flatbed so I was considering sitting on the tailgate and eating but I am a lady so shame forced me to move around. I ate it in the parking lot of a restaurant in the Woodlawn area, I think Zack 's. Anywhoo, chicken lacked seasoning and I gave consideration that I am from Louisiana so we believe in seasoning. Yet, places in Madison, WI have done better. My chicken was older and luke warm. Bashfully saying: BoJangles is better and thats not saying much. Let me close. -
Review from Robert G.
Riverside, CA
3/2/2012
Best fried chicken that I have ever had! The soup Nazi has nothing on Price's Chicken Coop! bock-ock! Ummmm that's good fried chicken. Seriously.
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Review from Tiffany N.
Denver, CO
Cheap, tasty, delectable chicken that makes my mouth do a happy dance? Check.
Said chicken meal including taters, hushpuppies, slaw and a roll? Check
Cheap coffee for under $.75? Check
Charging for mustard and hot sauce? Check (being a frugal girl, this would bother me but they only charge a modest amount of $.05 so I can justify spending the extra nickel plus it amuses me)
People watching aplenty? Check!
Grease stain on my shirt? Double Check!!!
Price's has everything I want yet don't need that's why it's only a once or twice a year stop for me. However, I didn't go last year so does that mean I can double up this year? We shall see. -
Review from Becky M.
Charlotte, NC
6/7/2011
Advice - Bring Cash, be prepared to stand in line.
Then get prepared for the best fried chicken of your lifetime. I am admittedly not born and bred in the South and no one in my family has a clue how to make homemade fried chicken so my experience in life thus far has been buckets of KFC.
KFC doesn't hold a candle to whatever they have going on at Price's, it is certainly a no frills place, it's takeout only, and it's not open on Sunday or Monday. I have only gotten the quarter chicken white meal for $6.25 with a sweet tea of course, an extra 75 cents. I can afford that!
The meal comes with the chicken, a roll, the most delicious tater tots in the universe, hush puppies, and some pretty tasty cole slaw. It is served in a cardboard box that is already greasy when you leave the place. After you eat you will need a nap and I would suggest only going here once a month at most for fear you will have a heart attack if you frequent it. But it is so delicious, the chicken is juicy, the outside is crispy, and the sides and sweet tea are amazing.
If you are ever in the South End or Charlotte in general you have to make a stop here! -
Review from Mike K.
12/24/2010
I really like Price's. They not only put out some great food, but they're (get ready for a cliche) a genuine institution and really add to the Queen City's culture.
There's pretty much always a crowd of people waiting in line at the counter, and you might think on your first visit that you're in for a long wait, but that's not the case. They keep everything moving right along, and the wait to order is actually the longest part. Once you've placed your order, it only takes a minute or two for them to politely hand you the goods, neatly stuffed into one of their distinctive white boxes.
Unless you are extremely hungry, I'd say the 1/4 chicken dinner will fill you up. The 1/2 chicken dinner is a meal for two.
some people aren't a fan of the sides (the little circular tater tot type things, hushpuppies and slaw), but I think it's all pretty decent. The hushpuppies are maybe a bit bland. But the chicken is the star here. The breading is fantastic, and they manage to perfectly cook the chicken, which is hot, moist, and always delicious.
Don't forget, it's take out only! -
Review from Thomas W.
Charleston, SC
7/10/2011
At restaurants, I typically gravitate towards salads, chicken dishes, and "fresh" choices. For lunch, I'll more often pack yogurt smoothies instead of picking up a burger.
So when I let my "gastronomical" hair down, it's for something over-the-top. Elvis sandwiches, cheesecakes-I like them all with a little less guilt than normal.
When the opportunity came up to take my brother for a proper fried chicken, I was all ears and tastebuds. Price's is as much about the history and environment as it is about the clucking. The whole store is the size of a post office, and lines are more of a clump. The menus are scrawled in Sharpie, and there's other personal reminders by the counter. "We reserve the right to refund your order if you use your cell phone in line." "Cash only." It's a little bit like a Seinfeld episode, but the cashiers are not stern socialists.
I handed over $10 for a sweet tea and a cardboard box of the namesake "chicken dinner:" 1/4 white fried chicken, "tater" rounds, "slaw," cornbread hushpuppies, a roll, with a fork/ketchup/salt bundle packaged like a military ration kit. And loose change.
The chicken's looks, sounds, and tastes good enough to be labeled "Charlotte's best." It peels right off of the bone and the skin crackles like a fire. The sides make it a feast-to-go. The hushpuppies were undoubtedly the second best part.
There are no seating areas inside the building, and it gets packed with customers and hurried cooks. It's kind of like the Apple Store of fried chicken: lots of business and traffic, but you'll get your chicken and be more than pleased with it.
In fact, you may want it all the time. -
Review from David R.
I had to try this chicken! It was good! I got the 1/4 white dinner.
The wing was ok, but the breast was really good! Not too greasy, not overcooked, seasoned well.
I picked at the potato rounds, cole slaw and hushpuppies; they were not bad.
I should have brought cash with me, but since there was an ATM inside, I figured it would be ok....BUT...the ATM inside failed for me; it did not read my card. I went to a BofA ATM and came back.
I did not have a long wait since the dinner was already prepared and boxed.
Price's is worth trying again...just bring cash...don't let the ATM inside fail you as it did for me! -
Review from John H.
11/11/2010
Whenever we have guests from out of town we always get them to try the friend chicken experience of Bojangles and more importantly.... Prices Chicken Coop.
When I first heard about this place from my dad it was hard for me to grasp the concept.... you just have to try the chicken. It's not dine in... just take out but the line is out the door for a reason.
I am not a liver person.... but I hear their fried liver is the best. I'm just in it for the chicken. It's unique and tasty. -
Review from Joshua L.
Buffalo, NY
8/17/2010
I don't even know what to say about this American old timey masterpiece.
It is a fact that I've got hypertension, even at 150 lbs, and have had since I was 18 years of age. My BP looks like a cricket score, no kidding... one would be surprised. Because of that and my desire to get in better health I have gone to extremes to try to live beyond 65 years of age... so I usually avoid these kinds of joints.
I ended up lost within myself, using my teeth to rip off parts of chicken in between catch breaths. I was so happy. I sat in the car, hunched over my armrest, feeling like the Buddha. Honest, I didn't stop eating until it was gone, like a good boy. I ordered the 1/4 white meat chicken dinner, which included two wings and a thigh and sides documented by other Yelpers. Next time I'm going all dark, baby.
Oh, and there will be a next time because I know I won't eat fried chicken again until I can come back here. $7.85 for a full dinner and a tea without ice, including tax. How do they do that? (Their tea was the best I've had on this particular trip, but I'm damn sick of the sweet tea. Northern boy for life, no matter where I go).
Yep - no seating and friendly but insistent and brisk service. My only wish was that I got more than two hushpuppies. Please give me more hushpuppies instead of 300 taters!
5 stars is characterized by Yelp as "Woohoo! As good as it gets!" For me, this epitomizes Price's Chicken Coop. It's apparently been there forever, nothing's ever changed (except for their zealous hatred of mobile phones, changing with the times, but in an ornery way!), places like this are still around but are evaporating in America. Their fried chicken is simple and awesome.
Best fried chicken I've ever had. If someone's got better - you better step up to get your rep up, player!!
The ordering fiasco and unwritten house ethics are a treat. I'm asking, please, go appreciate these sorts of places. You'll wish you did when these places go away... and as a mere visitor to Charlotte, I say long live Price's Chicken Coop. -
Review from Jay P.
Quakertown, PA
1/23/2012
Best dang fried chicken you will ever eat. Cash only, take-out only, usually a long line to wait, but well worth every second.
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Review from Leo J.
Glendale, CA
11/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
As far as fried chicken goes, you probably can't find any better in Charlotte area. It's amazing... Personally I would like it a bit spicier but nothing some hot sauce can't fix. Cash only... take out only. Very good good.
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Review from Laticia P.
Charlotte, NC
3/31/2011
Very yummy!
Read about them on Yelp and in the Charlotte eNew's Magazine.
Went for the first time today, I alwayds drive by, but finally stopped.
Walked up and let the cashier know I was a newbie.
She was super helpful letting me know what they had, what options I could pick, and don't forget the tea. :-) Yum
Our dinner plate was filled. Def going back.
P.S. Cash only :-) -
Review from E C.
Charlotte, NC
5/17/2011
Not sure what the hubbub is about this place so took the fam to check it out....ummm big mistake. Chicken is way to greasy and really wasn't that flavorful. Give me Popeyes or KFC or heck even Bo', over it. Sides were not to good either.
if you must go for the experience of it, then shoot, go for it, but I doubt you'll go back again. -
Review from Markey C.
Charlotte, NC
9/11/2011
Was looking for some good fried chicken after moving from the deep south and this was the best. Great price and alot of food and the setup along with location make it feel like a real southern Moms and Pops spot.
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Review from Michelle L.
Arlington, VA
7/12/2010
For all of the hype that Price's generates, I thought the chicken was so-so. However, the experience of going, ordering, and eating is enjoyable- you can watch them breading and cooking the chicken behind the counter!
We ordered two white chicken dinners- came with white meat, cole slaw, a roll, tater tots, and hush puppies. The chicken was not spiced according to my taste- a little bland, but was good and cruncy. The chicken was juicy inside. The cole slaw was full of pickles and did not complement the rest of the food well. The roll was store bought and the tater tots were the frozen kind. The hush puppies were good and homemade as far as I could tell.
Price's is take-out only, and only accepts cash. Plan ahead to have enough and a place to eat. Their online menu is outdated, and everything was about 25-50 cents more expensive than listed online. Be sure you know what you want when you arrive- ordering is fast paced and they rush you because it is a busy place!
I went to Price's with high expectations, but unfortunately was not thrilled. It is a good "Southerrn" meal, but I'm not sure I would go out of my way to go back. -
Review from Erica J.
Charlotte, NC
10/21/2011
Price's is the best fried chicken I have had down here in Charlotte thus far! I love how quick the service is. Not very convenient that its cash only but there is an ATM inside. I find it humorous that you get a package of ketchup attached to your fork by way of a rubber band. This is no four start establishment, far from it, but the chicken and the price is worth returning.
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Review from Pourina R.
Charlotte, NC
4/14/2010 1 Check-in Here
Why the 5 stars you say? Prices never disappoints me. They are ALWAYS consistent. I can actually eat their chicken cold and still be happy. The customer base is super eclectic. The restaurant is subjectively charming and how can you not smile when you see people with shirts and ties sitting on the street curb eating chicken?
As we know there isn't anything special about fried chicken. Don't go buying fried chicken expecting some elaborate 20 step preparation process. Its just fried chicken. But fried chicken is comforting for everyone and always induces some type of nostalgia. Its a simple dish and Prices does it right: Moist, tastes like chicken and not overwhelmed with spices or anything, and lastly crispy batter.
They don't have real sides here. Just slaw, potato salad, taters and hush puppies. Although they offer other menu items, I only get chicken usually. Gizzards (yuck) are okay here too. =)
Thighs are just too greasy for me and breasts are too meaty. I like a 30% meat, 70% skin/batter mixture. So I'm a wing kinda guy and Price's has damn good crispy wings. My only complaint is that they chop off the wing tips. Yes I said it, I love wing tips! I'm still waiting for them to offer fried chicken skin. lol -
Review from Shauna H.
4/3/2010
What a bummer!
So I moved to Charlottes Historic Southend last week and knew right away that I had to try the ever-raved about Price's Chicken Coop.
I had high expectations- since Ive heard nothing but great things about this place.
I went this Saturday for lunch and ran into a crowd (expected) but I heard the line went fast- and just figured it was a good sign! After about 15 minutes of fully-expected wait time I made my selection the 1/4 lb white chicken meal complete with a roll, hushpuppies, and coleslaw for only $6!
I walked down to the Common Market to grab a drink and sit outside to eat my meal- (CM rocks by the way!) ...
When I actually ate my chicken I was more than disappointed. While I am never one to completely disregard an eating establishment because its a so-called hole in the wall (as this is) I do expect it to be sanitary. I immediately encountered a large black curly hair (that was definitely not mine) ... I was so disgusted- I put that piece in the garbage and tried to regain some of my appetite and at least give the other piece a try. The chicken was fairly dry and definitely nothing special. There wasn't a lot of meat at all - and Ive had better chicken at KFC which isn't saying much. ...The Coleslaw had no carrots or anything and was ok in flavor- basically a sweet watery-mayonnaise shredded cabbage mixture...nothing great. The highlight of the meal were the hushpuppies- which were perfect in every way.
I do feel like I will give this one more chance since everyone else claims it's so great...maybe I just had one outlying bad experience. -
Review from Chad E.
12/20/2008
I have to say that Eric is about as spot-on as it gets.
I don't really like fried chicken with bones either. I'm a breast (no bones) man myself. But I love me some Price's chicken. That's how good it is. There's nothing quite like forcing yourself into that mass of humanity and coming out with a greasy box of chicken (and fixin's) and running through the meadow to your family in Freedom Park and digging in. Unfortunately there seems to be less chicken in the box when you arrive at the park than when you left. I don't understand how that works.
Nonetheless - it's greasy. That's what makes it good. Deal with it.
The Coop doesn't close at any particular time, no matter what anyone says. They close when the chicken runs out, so if you want chicken, you get there early.
In other words, don't get your underwear in a bunch to get there just before the doors close, because there is a very good chance that it's all going to be gone. These people have been doing their job for a long time - they aren't going to run out right at closing time. That's when they go home. That means everything is shut down and cleaned up then. The chicken will have been long gone by then.
On the process - it's like the Soup Nazi, without the need to stand in line and move two steps to the left. It's more like a somewhat-controlled mob. Have your cash ready and when you get to the counter, place your order. If you get to the counter and don't have your order, be prepared for someone else to take your place. And don't go getting upset, okay? You've now been warned.Listed in: 2008-12, Eat Mor Chikin, The DL on the QC, Get Your Nom On
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Review from Chris S.
Charlotte, NC
11/4/2010
This place does not live up to the hype.
Long lines in a dirty restaurant to get greasy chicken.
I got the perch and my friend got the chicken. I tried both and didn't like either.
Seriously don't be fooled that it's going to be good. -
Review from Catherine W.
Thousand Oaks, CA
2/16/2009
A solid fried chicken establishment. Despite the long lines, service moves fast. A good value with local flavor. I ordered the meal with chicken, hush puppies, coleslaw and tater tots. The chicken is very crispy and well-seasoned. Personally, I like a little heat and spice, but this was very good (and greasy).
The sweet tea is WAY too sweet for me, but then again, I'm from the west coast, so sweet tea is a foreign concept for me to begin with.Listed in: Charlotte - Must Trys
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Review from Corey Tess T.
Phoenix, AZ
1/25/2010
I have never been into the store, but I have had friends bring me food from here and it was some of the best fried chicken in the world, coming from Los Angeles, I liken it to Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles.. the sides were all good too.. everything is super tasty, but you feel like you gained 5 pounds after you eat it.. it is Southern comfort food heaven.. friends that came to visit when I lived in Charlotte would insist on getting some chicken and hush puppies there before heading to the airport.. one of those local gems.
Good portions for people who want more for their money.. but prepare for a wait especially around lunch time.. I have heard the line is Loooooong. -
Review from Dixi S.
Long Beach, CA
11/4/2011
I took a tour around Charlotte, and the guide gave this place mad reviews as we drove by. After the tour, I just had to go back and try it. It was good, but I really expected more. I thought it was a little salty. But, I really did like the batter. I would say it's one of the best one I've had.
