Discover the Best Fried Chicken in Denver

With its gorgeous mountain views, scenic skyline, and crisp, fresh air, Denver has some of the prettiest terrain in the entire United States. Nicknamed the Mile High City, it soars into the altitudes and offers skiing, live music and plenty of entertainment in the cool LoDo and River North neighborhoods. The dining scene in Denver teems with diversity. These days, one can barely go a few blocks without bumping into a new restaurant, whether a craft-beer-focused gastropub or a high-end Italian restaurant from a celebrity chef. And the best fried chicken in Denver consistently serve crispy, golden-brown bites. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out when it comes to the best fried chicken in Denver? Welcome to the Tastemaker Lists. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. Check out our Tastemaker 20 List of where to go for the best fried chicken in Denver tonight.

The OpenTable Team

12 Restaurants

Updated January 15, 2020

Restaurants:	The Fifth String, Root Down, Acova…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$$
Cuisines:	Farm-to-table, American, Comfort Food…
Neighborhoods:	Highlands…

The Fifth String

$$$$

Farm-to-table

Highlands

4.7

696 reviews

Old Major is one of Chef Justin Brunson’s concepts in the Denver Highlands neighborhood. The restaurant features a refined farmhouse cuisine with a focus on seafood, swine and wine. The menu boasts an in-house butchery and charcuterie program, sustainably sourced seafood and super fresh ingredients sourced from local farms. They serve lunch, dinner, happy hour and brunch and also feature a full bar with a cool cocktail program. And if you’re out to try some of the best fried chicken in Denver, you’re in luck! The Royal Rooster Fried Chicken, served with barrel aged hot sauce, honey and time, is one of the best dishes on the menu.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Root Down

$$$$

American

Highlands

4.8

7517 reviews

Root Down is a casual dining restaurant located on 33rd Avenue in Denver. Their aim is to connect the neighborhood to a dining experience that they will love by stimulating the senses and mingling tastes and good company. They serve globally influenced seasonal cuisine and cook up whatever feels inspiring that day! The restaurant strives to accommodate all dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, raw and gluten free. If you want to try their delicious fried chicken, head here for brunch! The Fried Chicken and Goat Cheese Biscuit is one of the best items on the menu and comes with a fried egg, red chile mushroom gravy and kale carrot slaw.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

View Takeout Menu

Acova

$$$$

Comfort Food

Highlands

4.7

1503 reviews

Acova is a casual dining spot located on Navajo Street in Denver. Situated in an iconic locale in a historic district, the restaurant builds on the rich story of the LoHi neighborhood and brings in new life. It’s the perfect place to bring friends and family from out of town, a date for a romantic evening out or a group get together after work. The interior features vintage flair and contemporary charm that locals love. Order their Honey Stung Fried chicken for a real treat! It’s a buttermilk-battered chicken breast with whipped potatoes, broccolini, sausage gravy, and honey cayenne drizzle.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Linger

$$$$

International

Highlands

4.7

6753 reviews

Linger is the second concept from Root Down’s Chef/Owner Justin Cucci. Located in Denver’s Lower Highlands neighborhood. The restaurant has a vibrant menu reflecting a broad farm-to-street sensibility with a spin on traditional ethnic eats. The interior features reclaimed boxcar floors, a Lite Brite bar top and infinity windows with incredible views into downtown Denver. They serve up a variety of International foods, including tapas served family-style. The Korean Fried Chicken is one of the best items on the menu, served with kimchee, pickled fresnos and Korean Chili Aioli.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

View Takeout Menu

Q House

$$$$

Contemporary Asian

Central

4.7

568 reviews

Q House is an elevated neighborhood spot serving shared style modern Chinese food in a fun, vibrant setting. Located on East Colfax Avenue in Central Denver, Chef Christopher Lin makes tasty plates based on traditional Chinese and Taiwanese foods of his family’s past. The restaurant is a cozy, intimate space with a nondescript interior and minimalist interior. It’s a bustling environment that feels sociable and inviting. You should try a smattering of dishes but make sure to get the crispy fried chicken wings! They come with a black bean garlic oil and tomatillo ginger sauce.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Little Ollie's

$$$$

Contemporary Asian

Cherry Creek

4.6

370 reviews

Little Ollie’s Asian Cafe, located on 3rd Avenue in the Cherry Creek neighborhood, does an Asian spin on the best fried chicken in Denver. Open 7 days a week, Little Ollie’s offers guests a multi-faceted modern Asian dining experience by renowned restaurateur Charlie Huang. It’s a perfect place to stop if you’re out shopping in the famous Cherry Creek North shopping district! Their menu includes tons of Asian specialties like Ollie’s Shrimp and Chilean Sea Bass, as well as a number of fried chicken dishes. Try the Crispy Lemon Chicken or General Tso’s Chicken for an extra flavor kick!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

ChoLon Modern Asian - Downtown

$$$$

Asian

Downtown / LoDo

4.5

4584 reviews

ChoLon translates to “big market” and is the word for the largest Chinese-influenced market in Saigon, Vietnam. At ChoLon, Chef Lon Symensma brings to life his extensive culinary travels throughout Southeast Aisa. The menu features inspired interpretations of traditional dishes found across the region, from dim sum to large family-style plates. The bar and lounge also serves handcrafted, artisanal cocktails developed to complement Symensma’s cuisine. Try the Korean Hot Fried Chicken Sliders, served on a House Made Brioche Bun.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

D Bar Denver

$$$$

American

Uptown

4.7

1862 reviews

D Bar in Denver, located on 19th Avenue in the Uptown neighborhood, serves up a great selection of drinks, dinner and desserts. They have an excellent wine, beer and concoctions menu for all price ranges and occasions. The food menu is interesting and eclectic - they serve what they personally enjoy eating, so it changes all the time. And the restaurant features a super unique dessert bar with their very own pastry chefs. Come in for brunch so you can try their famous Chicken and Waffles dish, which comes in a “Holy Mole” sauce.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Tupelo Honey - Denver

$$$$

Southern

Downtown / LoDo

4.6

2724 reviews

Tupelo Honey, located on Wewatta Street in Downtown / LoDo, is a revival of Southern food and traditions rooted in the Carolina Mountains. They serve up brunches, lunches and suppers for family and friends and pair them with excellent cocktails. The food is always scratch-made, always responsibly-sourced and always Southern. They have a full menu of delicious Southern cuisine, but the standout here is definitely Tupelo’s Famous Chicken. Their “forever free” chicken is brined for over 18 hours and then cooked to perfection. They offer Honey Dusted chicken, Bleu Buffalo chicken, and Sweet and Spicy chicken, served with a sriracha honey sauce and cilantro.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Ophelia's Electric Soapbox

$$$$

Contemporary American

Downtown / LoDo

4.7

1872 reviews

Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox, located on 20th Street in the LoDo neighborhood of Denver, is an 8000 square foot Gastrobrothel featuring vegetable-forward, globally-inspired dishes and a live music venue ‘Electric Soapbox.” Diners can purchase tickets to a show and eat while they enjoy the awesome live music. The building is a historic 1894-era Victorian Airedale structure that was a brothel, peep show and is now a restaurant and music venue. Fried chicken lovers should definitely try their Crispy Chicken and Sweet Potato Waffles, served with Miso bacon, apple butter, superfood slaw and chili honey.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

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Aquarium Restaurant - Downtown Denver

$$$$

Seafood

Downtown / LoDo

3.9

4022 reviews

What could be better than eating dinner under the ocean? The Aquarium restaurant in downtown Denver is just that. Here, diners eat under a 50,000 gallon centerpiece aquarium, which allows exceptional floor-to-ceiling viewing from all tables. While most of the menu is seafood, the Aquarium restaurant offers chicken fried chicken. This juicy meal is served with mashed potatoes, gravy, and veggies. Why not have a home-styled meal while feeling like you're in another world.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Corner Office Restaurant and Martini Bar Denver

$$$$

Contemporary American

Downtown / LoDo

4.5

3100 reviews

The Corner Office is your new after work hang out. This comfortable, chic restaurant offers global dishes and creative cocktails to help ward off a rough day. Looking for a savory option that will keep you full for hours? Try the fried-chicken and waffles. Served all day, this dish is served with a serano-dill slaw and syrup. Be sure to try their grilled cheese and tomato soup to warm up your insides. This gooey, delicious sandwich will help melt away any headaches from your day.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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