Every week, I document another dish that impressed and satiated me during my food adventures around New York City
The first year I made a Top 100 list (which does not happen any longer sadly), I wracked my brain trying to come up with the best things I ate over the previous 10 years of living in the city.
One place that somehow slipped my mind and has never been written about on this blog is Charles’ Pan Fried Chicken.
I have a very distant memory of heading up to the original location in Harlem and being swept away by the crispy tender fried chicken pieces and hearty sides.
I regretfully never made it back up to Charles’, but now amazingly, Charles’ has made it a little closer to me.
In 2021, Charles Gabriel closed his original location and re-opened two new take-out spots with the same amazing fried chicken. There is now one location in Harlem, but there’s also one on the Upper West Side among the hubbub of 72nd Street.
I walked up here for a little taste of what I remember being the city’s best fried chicken. I had other food plans, so I couldn’t commit to a full platter, but was seduced by the single portions of chicken.
I took a risk by choosing the often dry breast. However, this bone-in hunk of white meat had so much flavor from the slightly spiced crumb to the moist flesh. It really was such a wonder that fried chicken can be this light and satisfying. And you know if the breast is this good, imagine what the thigh and leg taste like.
Charles is still the King and I’m happy he has made his reign further downtown. Still uptown, mind you (for now), but a little bit closer. Price: $2-$17.95
| CHARLES’ FRIED CHICKEN |
| 146 West 72nd Street (between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenue), Upper West Side (646) 590-0662 |
| charlespanfriedchicken.com |
