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Tue-Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
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Diabetes and heart disease in a box... but yummy.
The chicken is subtly fried - not a whole lot of breading, but very crispy. The chicken has obviously been brined because it is very flavorful and juicy.
We ordered the fried shrimp and 1/4 chicken dinners. It's pretty much all pretty unhealthy.
- fried, totally breaded shrimp or 2 pieces of chicken
- tons of deeply fried tater tots (I think they were fried several times because they were SUPER fried
- a few hush puppies (but that's all you can really eat)
- a white dinner roll (think Wonderbread)
- a little condiment cup of cole slaw
- pickle (the only healthy?? thing in the box)
The fried shrimp was meh... too much breading. Cole slaw - I like KFC's better. But the chicken... I'd have to say it was pretty darn tasty - the best in the country? definitely up there. The iced tea - well, it was too sweet for my tastebuds (it tasted like diluted honey; my 6yo loved it)
The people there were actually quite pleasant and nice - not chatty, but very nice and friendly. There are two soda machines (75 cents for a can) if you want something besides the iced tea.
Though there is no place to eat, outside the storefront there are some grassy areas to sit and eat.
It is worth a trip here simply to experience the line waiting to get your food. All kinds of people and it was quite interesting.
I watched the cooks fry the pieces of chicken and I'm pretty sure they don't season them with anything other than flour, salt, and pepper and the taste of the food reflects that. As another reviewer mentioned, "grease" is not an ingredient! The taste was acceptable.
The hushpuppies were classic North Carolina. I was quite surprised (and disappointed) that they use Sara Lee pre-packaged dinner rolls instead of biscuits typical of southern comfort food.
I can't believe I'm saying this, but I would recommend Bojangles for a southern fried chicken (and biscuits) experience.
Price's Chicken Coop garners three stars for the overall local experience, however, it would be a must do if it did not cut corners by serving Sara Lee's prepacked pecan pie or Costco style bulk buy rolls, instead of homemade biscuits - this is a chicken restaurant and biscuits are a staple with ones chicken dinner in the South, so I'm told.
The multiple chicken dinner offerings are served in square cardboard boxes, similar to small pizza boxes and no dining room or washrooms are available, so plan on bringing some wipes or making a trip to a local gas station to wash up after you chicken lunch. Although I was not aware of this when we arrived, I opted for a chicken sandwich, for minimal mess, however, the sandwich consisted of boned chicken in between two pieces of bread, so I still had to gnaw on the chicken pieces. The chicken itself was prepared well, in that it did not have an overly greasy aftertaste. The sides, which included Burger Kingesque style hash brown rounds and hushpuppies were fine too.
Price's Chicken Coop is a area instutution in Charlotte and should be visited when looking for local attractions. Parking is available in a back lot as street parking is limited to 20 minutes.
Way back when I was visitng Charlotte for the first time I remember driving by this little place with a line out the door. People used to rush out and start devouring their food immediately. On nice days there would be people sitting on the curbs, boxes on hoods of cars or simply folks walking down the street stuffing their face. And yes - i was one of those people. Price's is a charlotte insitution and worth a trip if you are in town and like fried chicken. If not ..i feel bad for you depriving yourself of one of lifes pleasures but oh well ...
This chicken was terrific, crisp outside and moist inside. My issue is the sides. The salads are purchased premade with all of the attendant additives and preservatives. The main thing they make here from scratch is the chicken and while the stuff is delicious, they could and should do more. The health compromise and flavor quality are not worth it. My suggestion if you insist on supporting this place: buy the chicken and make everything else yourself.
i'm no expert on fried chicken being from new york city, but oh my Lord. That is some good chicken. The spices that are included in the chicken and the pockets of juice that are formed after your first bite? Love it, it's addicting and I am so sad that my project in charlotte is ending next week!
Hell yeah!
As they say in the south, "Tastes so good, it makes ya wanna slap yer momma!"
I'm not generally a fried chicken fan, but the thought of picking up a chicken here just sends my mouth to salivating! I don't know what they do to the chicken before they batter it, but whatever it is, it's nothing short of amazing! Most places you've got blah chicken after you peel off/eat the skin- at the Chicken Coop, their chicken is melt in your mouth amazing! It's the kind of chicken where you catch yourself sucking on the bones! (Sometimes it's worth the shame of bad manners for that last little bit of deep fried heaven!) Hands-down the best fried chicken I've ever had.
For those that aren't fans of dark meat, you can order a "whole white chicken" for a little bit more. Prices are insanely low for this quality - I guess it's because they keep it simple and stick to what they're good at!
The other reviewers have it spot on: Always crowded, but line moves fast. Cash only. Park in the lot behind the alley, take it to your car & eat it there. Have your order ready when you get to the front, or they'll skip you. Don't you dare talk on your cell phone while placing an order. (Remember Seinfeld's Soup Nazi? Yeah, it's a little like that!)
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.
for all of you nimrods who would give this place anything less than 5 stars, its obvious you have no idea what good chicken tastes like....KFC or Bojangles better!!&^&*!#%????...you GOTTA be kidding me.."they use Sara Lee rolls instead of biscuits"...they're there to FRY CHICKEN, not bake bread..."the tea was too sweet"..ITS SWEET TEA, its exactly what sweet tea should taste like so either man up, or shut up.."its greasy"..no sh-t, its fried chicken!!..i've eaten fried chicken just about everywhere its made in the US and this is the best i've found..plus they give you a boatload of food for around $7-8.....don't listen to the naysayers here, they're obviously brain-damaged
This may just be the best fried chicken joint in the southeast. Although it is not in center city, if you have a taste for good chicken or fish, you will need to visit Prices Chicken Coop. Now when you get there, there will be a line just so you know AND they don't have tables set up, BUT the food is definitely worth it. I'm talking white or dark chicken, chicken liver, chicken gizzards, chicken chicken, fish sandwiches, perch, shrimp, chopped BBQ (where are my keys?) and burgers.
Definitely check them out if you get a chance.
Thelonius likey Prices (licking fingers)
This is the best fried chicken in the country. Greasy yes. Tasty yes. You don't go here for atmosphere or even to sit down. You go here for the chicken. They hand it to you in a paper bag and by time you get back to your car the bag is soaked through with oil. But when you taste the chicken all your thoughts of heart attack will vanish.
Greasy, heavy and artery-clogging. Every time I have their dark meat chicken dinner, it makes me wonder why I let myself do that again.
And it's so worth it. The way fried chicken meals are supposed to be, if you ask me. Mmm, tasty.
There's a huge line there all the time for a reason.
But they do have it down to a science. The line goes fast.
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.
This is real "Southern Food"....
A great place to get your fried chicken groove on and is a true institution in Charlotte. This is a great place to go and grab some take out (no dining area) in the heart of Charlotte. Prices will own a place in my heart because it was my first ever experience with Carolina BBQ. Remembering the chopped pork with the spicy/tangy sauce makes my belly smile at the thought of it. Almost makes me shed a tear in my sweet tea. Which there is none up North with all these Yankees in Boston which is ironic I thought Yankees were from NY? Who knew... So bottom line: drive, bike, run, walk or crawl go to Prices and you will not be sad you did.....
I was not impressed- I have had Price's Chicken Coop several times and I am always left wondering "What's the fuss about?" It even was written up in Gourmet! I don't understand. Perhaps one of my main objections is the hours of operation which forces many people to eat this stuff cold. I like it hot and crispy, and the skin is greasy and not crispy at all and fairly bland. Not flavorful enough for me and while the outside is greasy it still managed to be dry.
The chicken is well worth all the accolades (Food Network), the sides are disappointing.
Not sure again whay the hype is about. I have seen this place even in Bon Appetit magazine! I have tried this place twice now and I think I may just prefer, gasp, KFC. Sorry you charlotte die hard fans.
This is the best fried chicken in town! Whenever I go during lunch, the line extends out the door onto the sidewalk.
The only reason I didn't give it 4 stars is because they don't accept credit cards and I wish they'd offer fries instead of tater tots.
Note: Remember this place is CASH ONLY....I give them a thumbs up for being a good business and taking my roll of nickels, two dollar coins, and quarters!
Hmmm....A great addition to all the different selections of FRIED CHICKEN in the Charlotte Region. Finally had a chance to try out Price's...and must say I am a fan. Its not much of a sight to see, and you might even be skeptical as you are walking up to the building...but rest assured you will like it. They only serve to-go, box style....and if you don't mind getting a little dirty you can eat in the car. I ordered a Quarter Chicken Dark Meat and it was on point. The sides were good, nothing fabulous...slaw, potato rounds, dinner role, and slaw. You get ketchup at no charge, but remember Texas Pete Hot Sauce pack will set you back a BIG $0.05!! The sweet tea was really sweeet....but the ice started watering it down.....other than that....its good place, where you can get good food, and it is a definitely a hole in the wall joint! But aren't those sometimes the best?
I'm not a big fan of fried chicken (I prefer the chicken breast off the bone), but there's ALWAYS a line at Price's, no matter what time you go past it, so we had to try it. Plus, I'd heard rave reviews for their chicken.
There's no seating (it's all take-out) and they close early for dinner (6:00 p.m.), so you'll need to stop on the way home from work if you work 'til 5:00!
Anyway, we picked up some fried chicken one evening and brought it to Freedom Park to eat on a picnic table. It made for a nice summer picnice and, for fried chicken (which I already mentioned I'm not a big fan of in general), it was very good. It had a lot of flavor and everyone enjoyed the casual hands-on dinner. We tried the potato salad, too. It was also good (although we didn't use our hands for that).
All in all, if you're a fan of fried chicken, Price's is a good place to go.
I really *really* wanted to like this place. The reviews were so positive and the business really has that we've been here forever feel.
The chicken was tasty but a little dry and didn't seem to be seasoned at all. The hush puppy was good not great. Enjoyed the tator tots but then again, they were just tator tots.
I can't say this place is better than any fried chicken joint (even Bojangles) but it is historic.
If you're within two blocks of this landmark restaurant, it's likely that you're being lured in by the smell of tasty fried chicken. The lines can be long and overwhelming, particularly on sweltering summer days, but once you get your cardboard box filled with fried chicken and sides, it's worth it.
Know what you want before you get up to the counter and have cash ready. They don't take plastic. Also, there's no where to eat at Price's. You'll likely be tempted to start eating the greasy meal in your car.
Oh this chicken was so finger licking good. It didn't taste like it was processed with chemicals like KFC does. This place was hella buzy on a Saturday afternoon.
My only complaint is that I got a chicken burger which is actually just a chicken leg (with bones) put in 2 buns, so I had to pull out the meat.
Oh, that's good chicken. Moist and greasy with a nice crunchy coating. Can't be good for you, but makes a great treat if you feel you need one.
The ordering experience is worth going. Organized chaos. Aside from the handwritten "no cell phones" sign, once you walk in the door you don't know if it's 2009 or 1950.
Nothing better for my tummy than a box of fried stuff. Chicken (dark meat of course), tater tots, and fritters all in little pizza box to go. Killer....though my tummy said he would have to add an addition if I ate there more than once a month.
Enjoy
I remember going to Price's when I was a kid with my grandparents not knowing anything about its reputation. I would get a chicken sandwich and of course some sweet tea and eat in the car with my grandparents. As I got older, I started to enjoy my trips to Price's more and more. Now that I'm an adult, I have seen Price's famous chicken in Bon Appetit magazine and the long lines waiting to get some chicken and sweet tea. Being a native Charlottean, I have a special place in my heart for Charlotte landmarks such as Price's. In addition to it being a Charlotte landmark, the food is cheap and delicious. So what if you have to take your food outside or in your car to eat? Its all part of the Price's experience. The hushpuppies, sweet tea, and chicken are delicious and worth the wait and money. The hushpuppies are big and flavorful. The chicken is moist and succulent. The sweet tea is sweet but not too sweet. The fish and shrimp are also really good. Make sure to bring cash since they do not take cards and be prepared to wait in line.
This is about the best friend chicken you can find. I think they brine the chicken first, because it's got a salty flavor. Chicken was crunchy. Hush puppies were to die for. Really good.
PS - Bring cash.
Greasalicious.
I don't eat meat, but I eat at Price's for the sheer anti-glamour. Their potato salad is other chicken fixin's remind me of eating at my mom's church on a Sunday afternoon. It might not be great for a pickier vegetarian, but I've made many a meal out of potato salad and slaw and the greasy glow of lips of my loved ones. It's worth going just to see what the hype's all about.
In response to Kendra on what they do before battering it, my Grandfather worked there in the 1970's. There is some sort of secret brine marinade in big plastic drums. They load up the raw chicken in that at night, and it soaks at least overnight--maybe more time?
This place is so good. There's a bunch of fried food places around here- but Price's Chicken was on of the best I've had. This isn't no KFC (even tho that's good too!). The crispy chicken was very crispy and their dipping sauces were perfect. I have to try all of them and there wasn't one I didn't like. The biscuits and hush puppies melt in your mouth. Cheap, too-
Man this place is so overrated. The gas station on south and east has way better chicken!! I'm also not a big fan of their potato rounds(the gas station has wedges). I also feel like I'm in 1950 as the two cashiers are white old ladies and the 7 people sweating in the kitchen are all black. There is also no dining-in. Not thats a problem with me, just giving the heads up.
Price's is great because it is a Charlotte legend. The chicken is greasy, the tea is sweet, and the potatoes come in tot form. The only draw back here is that they arent open for that many hours and are closed on Mondays (I think on the weekends too). Price's will always remind me of my elementary school picnics in Latta Park.
Best fried chicken in town...but, seriously, I can only eat it once every few months. Let's just say...so much grease and fat, I can actually hear my heart clogging up. But if you know you're going to need to take a double dose of your cholesterol medication, then it's nothing but good!!! Also, this is probably the only place in Charlotte that I'd say you WANT to go during the rush of lunch. There are some true characters both as patrons and employees...go, stand in line, check things out...but be ready to order when you're up! They will not take any delays so just be prepared.
Price's is one of the few places in Charlotte where you can find a cross section of every demographic within the Queen City. There's a reason why this spot has been in business for as long as it has, the food is great. Price's has been featured on the Food Network as well as major print publications and there isn't anywhere in the Metro Area that you can find a better Fish Sandwich. ENJOY!!!!!
This place is known throughout Charlotte for having the best fried chicken around, and I have to say that I was not impressed. The line is long, and for the wait just wasn't worth it.
EXTREMELY greasy. I felt like I was doing years of damage to my body by eating the fried gizzards here.
It is good though, don't get me wrong. Like another reviewer said, you can't eat here every day (unless you want to be obese by week's end).
Also it is very cheap. You can get a full meal with sides for under $10.
Picture yourself on a line with a mix of people of all races, all economic backgrounds... you are tugging at your shirt, praying for some airflow in the hot North Carolina summer. You step up to the counter and an older woman with a hairnet grabs a pad and you say "White meat chicken dinner". She says "Quarter or Half?" You look at your waistline, and retort "Half - white meat... and a sweet tea please". She reaches back behind herself and grabs a white cardboard box among stacks of boxes. You can see beyond her that fry cooks are frantically throwing things into these same boxes. She approaches with the box, grease stains abound and you pay and leave (there are no seats here). You can't believe that your mouth can create this much saliva as you race back to your office/house/school/park. You tear open the box to find deep fried nirvana. Crispy, golden fried pieces of chicken with succulent meat that falls off the bone, french fried potato coins, fried hush puppies, cole slaw and a dinner roll. They usually include two or three napkins in the box - grab a few more....
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Some of my favorite dining destinations in the…
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the…
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