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This place is money. I went recently for lunch with a decent size group and was fortunate enough to get a table within 7 minutes of walking (typically not the case from what I have been told).
As far as the decor and atmosphere well people do not go there for the ambience they go for the Fried Chicken. It is great!!!
A definite must do if you are visiting Memphis.
Only giving Gus's 3 stars because the leftovers (hers, not mine) made my girlfriend nauseous. The chicken was very good, but I ordered the 3 piece white and got only 2... Grr
Best slaw I've had in the South yet, but the beans were Campbells! Finger-lickin French fries and generic sweet tea. And only okay atmosphere...
I had high hopes for Gus's too, but sorry - didn't blow my mind.
Don't even think about not going here! This place claims to have world famous fried chicken, and they ain't lyin'. Definitely some of the best fried chicken on EARTH!!!
This spicy fried chicken is incredible! The original out in Mason, TN won't give out the recipe, so they drive the spiced batter down to Memphis constantly!
Personally I'm not a lover of the sides. They're fine and all, but the chicken is why I go. Also, I would not bother with pie here, and definitely NOT the ice cream. If you liked sweet tea, its DAMN sweet!
Decor is as if you walked into a decently clean shed. Food served on styrofoam plates. This is clearly NOT why you go to Gus's...
Hands down, the best fried chicken I have ever had! I absolutely love the spice profile that runs deep into the chicken meat.
No wasted energy on the decor, building maintenance, updating the juke box or television set in the dining area. Just the best dang fried chicken available ANYwhere. Gus's ROCKS!
I remember when I lived on the river during my re-visit to Memphis that I couldn't stay away from this place. They really DO have the best down home food around, more specificallyt he spicy fried chicken.
One thing I have to say that I miss about Memphis is the delicious food!
Gus's Word Famous Hot & Spicy Chicken is awesome! I highly doubt you can get ANYTHING like this in Boston. My stomach can only handle this greasy, spicy, fried glory food every once in a while but when it hits the table hot there's no going back. This was my dad's favorite place to go when he would visit me in Memphis. When I go back to Memphis in May I might just have to hit this place up if we are staying downtown.
Another funny story, one time when I went here with my family was during a time when I had decided to temporarily be vegetarian. NOT easy to do at this place. We still went because my dad loves it so much and doesn't get to Memphis frequently. So, I think my meal consisted of fries, coleslaw, and fried green tomatoes. So much for healthy.
So you've probably guessed by now that I really only YELP if I really like a place or really dislike a place. Just too many places that are in the middle. I've had fried chicken at many places in this country and others that claim to be THE BEST! And yes there are some excellent fried chicken joints all over, fancy and hole in the wall places. After a while great chicken is pretty much the same everywhere you go. Gus's is above and beyond any chicken I've ever tasted. Great flavor and spicy, not one or the other but both. And how in the world do they keep it so juicy???? Really! How???? I took mine to go but enjoyed a ice cold beer standing in the front while waiting. Can't beat that.
I am a believer! This is the luckiest chicken in the world. If I were a chicken, this is how I would want to die; purchased by Gus's, spiced, dipped, fried. Oh and I saw Elvis there too.. haha
Tasty, Spicy, Greasy Southern-Style Fried Chicken!
Gus's Fried Chicken is definitely not for those who can't handle their food fried & greasy or spicy. Their chicken doesn't look spicy, but OH BOY it is!
The wait takes a while and there's no parking lot, but parking isn't hard to come by. Gus's definitely has character, and be prepared to get down & dirty if you pay them a visit. I liked their potato salad too!
I'm not even a big fan of fried chicken, but their chicken is good enough to make an addict out of anyone. Perfectly spicy, crunchy, and moist. Try it with the fried pickles with ranch, sounds crazy but it's wonderful.
I wish people could have seen me as I ate this chicken with a huge goofy grin on my face washing it down with unlimited glasses of sweet tea. I miss Memphis!
There is no reason in this world to eat fried chicken anywhere else. This is the gold standard. When I visit Memphis it's my first stop off the plane. I don't bother with sides either; just beer and chicken. So bad for you but oh, so very, very good.
Kind of a divey joint, but it makes no bones about that. What you see is what you get and what you get is good.
I had just gotten landed in Memphis for my first visit to town and was picked up and taken to Gus's for dinner. My group got enough chicken for 4 pieces on average per person and we ate all but 2 pieces.
The breading is fried to perfection and the chicken inside is juicy and flavorful. The atmosphere is a perfect hole-in-the-wall type and the wait staff is friendly and laid back. You can see the cooks in the kitchen frying up a storm and you can also order 40's if you feel like battling the heat. This is a must for anyone visiting. The colonel can only dream of this.
Absolutely the best fried chicken I have ever had (and I've tried alot). We drove about 400 miles to eat here after seeing it on Man vs. Food. Worth the drive and I will be going again just as soon as I can talk my wife into letting me. The perfect spice, crispy breading, and served hot and fresh.
The best fried chicken in the world, period.
Firstly, expect a long wait. Cooking the chicken properly takes a fair amount of time, and larger orders will take a long time. If you just want a couple pieces of chicken and a side, you'll probably get served first, as they rush the short lunch orders through.
If you want take-out, it's best to call ahead and order instead of waiting there. Give them a good half hour and they'll have your food ready for you when you walk in. Expect a fair amount of paper bags, the chicken is far too hot for plastic.
If you don't deal with spicy foods well, you may want to reconsider. Part of the flavor in the chicken has to do with the cayenne pepper in the batter, and it is very noticeable. The way most locals eat the chicken, in fact, is with it slathered in extra hot sauce. Non-Memphians tend to find this unusual, to say the least.
Also, the place is air-conditioned. Usually. If the AC unit is working. Hey, for chicken this good, what's a little more heat?
Don't bother with the slaw and baked bean sides. They're not worth it.
Screw you, Gus's, for making it impossible for me to eat any body else's fried chicken without being severely disappointed. They can't compare! They're bland, and dry, and BLAND! There are hundred's of fried chicken joints out there that I've never tried and you've *ruined* them for me.
Thanks.
DELICIOUS!! A perfect level of spiciness! I don't claim to be a fried chicken expert, I can only remember 1 or 2 other times I've eaten bone-in pieces of fried chicken(not including buffalo wings). But this fried chicken was heavenly! I had the 2-piece White Meat plate. It's cooked perfectly, nicely crisp and the coating stays on. The seasoning gives it the perfect level of spiciness to make it interesting, and if your mouth gets too warm, a bit of slaw will take care of that. The beans and slaw were just average, but nice to have. This is a great way to toss in some variety when rib tasting and is ABSOLUTELY a MUST STOP when in Memphis.
We waited 2 hours. And I'm still giving it 5 stars!
One hour to get seated, another to get our food. Under normal circumstances, the wait would've been a turnoff. But it must've been the sight and smell of the chicken. Because every party waited patiently.
We ordered a 16-piece family meal, side of fries and a 40 to share between the 3 of us. Imagine our surprise when our meal was brought out. (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) So much foood!
The chicken. Soooo frigggin gooooooooood. Yum yum yum! The skin is crispy but not thick with batter like the ones at KFC. The chicken is spicy, but a good spicy where its flavorful with a powerful kick. When you eat it, it doesn't feel greasy at all. All the grease goes to your hands and fingers. The pieces are sooo big. Juicy bites of hot delicious meat. *drools*
Here's our leftover. (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) More than half left.
Next day, popped the chicken into the microwave, just as good.
I've eaten a lot of chicken from a lot of places all over the country. This is by far the best I have ever eaten. I make fried chicken myself about once every two weeks and it just sucks compared to this. I almost wish I had never tried it.
All I can think about is this fried chicken.
First, the bad: there's no air condition, and in the Memphis summer, that is more than necessary. Second, and duly most important, the wait for fried chicken when you're hungry is biblical.
The chicken must be double-battered and double-fried - there's no other way for batter to come out so good without being burnt. And then beneath the medley of spices and herbs, a subtle layer of tender white meat dances on your tongue.
And that's really all Gus's is - fried chicken done right. I felt it was my proper welcome to Memphis.
Gus's was featured on the Food Network, and is a Memphis staple for fried chicken.
Once I arrived at Gus's I had to wait about an hour for a table since there was such a big crowd. I sat down, ordered a Breast and a Wing with coleslaw and baked beans.
The Chicken is pretty fantastic here. The chicken had the right amount of breading. The batter used on the chicken is a little spicy. But a good spicy. Similar to a Tabasco or Franks Red Hot. The chicken was juicy and delicious. This is a must eat if you come to Memphis.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
The baked beans and coleslaw are out of this world good. I actually probably enjoyed them as much, if not more than the chicken.
Soul Food at its best.
Holy chicken, Batman!
On my road trip across the United States, this restaurant took the cake [or shall I say fried the chicken?].
Lodged in an unassuming storefront, you might miss it. But... don't.
This was the BEST fried chicken I've had in my entire life. I give it five stars, despite the wait and despite the less than average side dishes.
Memphis might be known for it's ribs, but I say it should be known as the home of Gus's World Famous Hot & Spicy!
This was our first stop on the long ride to NOLA for jazz fest. My buddy read about this place and wouldn't stop talking about it for weeks. We had to stop in.
Let me preface by saying that I'm not much of a Fried Chicken guy. Never ate KFC or anything like that growing up. Too slimey/greasy and I never felt right after eating it. So for five stars, consider me impressed.
We stroll up and a local opens the door for us. Nice guy, chats up the place and tells us he is pretty much there every day. I can see why.
Even though the place was full, we we're seated quickly. Service was very friendly in Southern spirit. Everyone but myself orders sweet tea, a staple of the south. I can't handle too much sugar in my bevs, but I took a sip and tasted great to me.
We ordered fried pickles. It was my first time eating a pickled that was deep fried. Tasty, though I burned my tongue diving into this app a bit prematurely.
For lunch, I ordered the 2pc white meat and it did not disappoint. Flavor was awesome and the chicken was savory. Beans and Coleslaw sided this delicious meal. Very nice indeed!
This was just the beginning of our journey of Southern style eats and what a way to kick it off. Great stop near the river in downtown Memphis. If you're an out of towner like myself, definitely stop by if you're passing through!
Gus's is great fried chicken. I have been to the original (well, original after the original burned down) and the location in downtown Memphis. Downtown definitely has better character and atmosphere. My company actually brings in Gus's every few months for lunch. The chicken has just the right spice to it. Several years ago, Gus's was mentioned as one of the restaurants worth flying to for a meal. As far as road food goes, this place is definitely worth making a special trip for. For what it is (fried chicken) this place is one of the best. My wife prefers Bea's in Chattanooga, but my heart is set on Gus's.
Each time I go to Memphis, I have eat here..... at least 2 or 3 times! Nothing can compare to the deliciousness that is Gus's Fried Chicken! Not KFC. Not Popeye's. Not Wings N Things. Not any of the fried chicken that I have ever eaten on the West Coast!
Let me start off with the chicken. The flavor and tenderness of both the white and dark meat are excellent and juicy. The spice is just perfect....just thinking about it makes my mouth water! I never realized that hot spice on fried chicken could taste so good. I know that Popeye's uses spice on their chicken too, but it does not even come close. And most of the time I feel guilty eating the thick, oily chicken skin at KFC... but I gotta eat it cause it's the best part, right? Well, the chicken skin at Gus's doesn't have that thick, oily coating of crispy stuff. Yes, it's oily (it's fried for goodness sake!) but it's sooooo much better!
The sides of coleslaw, fries or beans are a great compliment.
Street parking is difficult when they're busy, but it's worth the walk. If there's any reason you find yourself in Memphis, you HAVE to go to Gus's Fried Chicken. I love it so much, I ordered a whole bucket "to go" and carried it on the plane back home!!!
Great food! Sevice can be slow, however
Absolutely phenomenal fried chicken! To me, the sign of good fried chicken is that it doesn't feel too heavy as a meal, and this certainly delivered and then some. The spicyness was at the perfect level, so it was pure joy with every bite. The sides were also uber tasty, as was the pie. I loved every moment of dining here - a year later, I'm still waxing poetic about Gus' fried chicken. The only chicken that's come close is the fried chicken at Ad Hoc, but not surprising since it's Thomas Keller.
It's a super laidback place with checkered tablecloths and paper plates where you can just roll up your sleeves and brace yourself for eating some most amazing chicken. And the value can't be beat - my now husband and I each got chicken with sides, two pieces of pie and two beers (OK, so we're not the poster children for healthy eating) and it was like $25 with tip. I hope to go back to visit Memphis sometime in the next couple of years, and this is going to be one of my first stops!
Went here for lunch last Tuesday before heading back to Clarksville, TN...
We saw this restaurant in a TV show on the Food Network and decided to stop by and try it since we were going to Memphis. We ordered the 8 Piece Fried Chicken deal, which also came with some white bread. I placed a side order for Fried Green Tomatoes as well. So far in my lifetime, I have to say this is one of the best fried chicken that I have ever had so far in my life. It was very crispy and spicy and it was also juicy and tender. This ranks up there with the fried chicken I've had at the 5 Spot in Seattle, WA (Honey Stung Fried Chicken). The Fried Green Tomatoes were good...I've only had them twice in my life so far and I enjoyed them as well. I wish there was a Gus's Fried Chicken in Seattle...This is definitely a must-try if you are in Memphis.
Best fried chicken anywhere.
Seriously.
I don't live in Memphis anymore and I only miss the chicken.
Similar to Audra, I ate at Gus's on a whim when passing through Memphis on a road trip. I fired up Yelp to see what is a "must-eat" in Memphis and sure enough, Gus's popped up.
Boy, I was not disappointed. I ordered the 3 piece white meat meal (2 wings and a thigh, or 2 thighs and a wing - I can't remember). What I do remember was how delicous that flaky chicken skin was as I wolfed it down. The meat itself was moist, tender and was bursting with flavor. The meal came with some dank 'slaw, the stereotypical white bread and some decent baked beans.
I would tell anyone I know to eat here when visiting Memphis. One minor concern was the area of town the restaurant was located in. There were no other business opened that were on the same street as Gus's. They even had a security guard outside the joint. Don't worry too much though - I walked there from Beale St alone and made it alive.
The price was cheap (about $7.50 for my meal - $9.00 with a soda)
As much as I love original KFC, they have to STEP ASIDE for Gus's. AND THE FRIED PICKLES ARE A MUST HAVE!!!!
My soul dies a little every time I eat fried chicken, and I blame it on this place. See, Gus's fried chicken is the ultimate, perfect chicken. Its fresh-fried to order. Its hot. It's finger-lickin'. It's seasonings must have been a gift from the magi. Now that I have been shown the true way of fried chicken -- the Gus's way -- I mourn the fact I ever moved out of Memphis every time I'm forced to use the local grocer or KFC for my fried chicken fix.
The service is slow because Gus's perfection takes time - and it's worth the wait. The chicken is so wonderfully greasy and finger-foody that you will need a large stack of their paper napkins.
I am going to have to say the best fried chicken I ever had. I cannot imagine topping this! It reminded me of the broasted chicken I ate growing up in Yorba Linda at Casa De Liquor & Deli. It was way better than Knott's Berry Farm chicken in Buena Park CA which is famous out here. My only wish is that I could have had a waffle with the chicken much like what you would get at Roscoe's chicken and waffles in Los Angeles, CA. Make sure you order the fried pickles with Ranch sauce and fried tomatoes. If you like it hot, add some of the Louisiana hot sauce.
Of course, this was another great restaurant tip from my wife's Aunt and Uncle.
World Famous?
Says Who?
Says ME.
Colonel Sanders better be running scurrrred. For some reason, people in the South just make better greasy food than us West Coasters - maybe it's something in the water. In any case, I went to Gus with a couple coworkers and you can easily drive by the place if you don't know where you're going. Inside feels like someone converted their dining room into a restaurant and got all the furniture from a garage sale with all the mismatched chairs and tables. But it definitely gives the place some character.
We shared a family platter of chicken, beans, and coleslaw. The chicken was perfectly crisp and the inside bursting with juicy goodness. I'm salivating as I'm typing this (excuse me, gotta wipe the drool off the space bar). Good seasoning but not overly spicy although I'm sure you can request for spicier. http://static.px.yelp....
You southerners sure know how to make some finger lickin good chicken. BBQ and fried goods - what I love about Memphis. Oh, and of course...Justin Timberlake :P
Food is good, not sure it's the "best" chicken, but very worthy. The speed of service is slow and the setting is very gritty. All said though, I'm not sure I can return - it's dirty, very dirty. e.g. They need to teach their servers/bus staff how to wipe a table (e.g. if the cloth you are wiping a table with falls on floor - it's time for a new cloth, I couldn't believe it when she just kept cleaning with it). This is a place where you have to close your eyes and suspend all cleanliness needs if you want to eat here.
I loved it as a customer, and got hooked to the point where I ended up working there some years back.
Best chicken in the world. Absolutely hands-down, no doubt about it. I'm in major, major withdrawal living here in Boston. I can't get near the stuff but my body craves it like the Gus' junkie it is.
The fried rice is amazing if you want to challenge your taste buds' ability to handle heat. Just don't expect it to taste like well... anything the words "fried rice" might suggest.
World class for a reason
true your food don't come in some fancy smancy thing
it comes in a greasy bag i tell you with a straight face and not an ounce of humor this place is GOOD
Being from Memphis originally it surprised me that I had never heard of Gus's famous fried chicken until about 4 years ago. Since then it's been a lusty chicken love affair. I come home and one of the first things on my mind is their amazing, succulent, and down home delicious chicken. Thank God I'm from Memphis otherwise I would have to fly here just to get it. People say it could be the best fried chicken in the world. I have a hard time NOT agreeing with those critics. I have never had better.
Worth a trip if you are within 100 miles of the city just for a special chicken treat. You will not be sorry.
I'm no fried chicken connoisseur, but this was the best fried chicken I've ever had! AMAZING! Every piece was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The batter they use is pretty unique and has some decent kick!
Oh, man. This place is so good. The fried chicken has just the right amount of spiciness to it and is not overly breaded. The price is right and is a must visit for your out of town guests.
Memphis, TN
Category: Museums
Memphis, TN
Category: Barbeque
Memphis, TN
Category: Restaurants
Memphis, TN
Category: Barbeque
Memphis, TN
Category: Restaurants
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