Chicago Restaurant Spotlight: Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Chicago has many fried chicken joints. So many in fact, that my cab driver couldn’t believe that I traveled 5 miles for fried chicken. I rarely travel 5 miles for anything (this is one of the benefits for living in downtown Chicago, and living across the street from work) but after all I had heard aboutHoney Butter Fried Chicken, I needed to try it for myself. HBFC hit the scene in September, received rave reviews, and became the go-to place for fried chicken in Chicago. I finally made my way to HBFC last Friday night, and even though it is in the middle of nowhere, I can’t wait to go back.

Honey Butter Fried Chicken began as an underground supper club, known for its fried chicken. The restaurant’s opening was one of the most highly anticipated of 2013. In the months immediately following the opening, HBFC was known for long lines. Now that winter has settled in, the lines are shorter, I only had to wait about 15 minutes on a Friday night.

The fried chicken at Honey Butter Fried Chicken is the main event. It is double buttermilk battered, making the fried crust on the chicken thicker and crunchier. The chicken is brined, resulting in tender juicy meat. The breast and thigh pieces are boneless, so eating is easy. The most unique thing about HBFC is that you are instructed to put the whipped honey butter on the fried chicken. I know, it sounds like a bit much but it is incredible. The sweetness of the butter works well with the slightly spicy fried batter.

The rest of HBFC’s menu follows the theme of rustic southern cuisine. The chicken is served with homemade corn muffins. The menu also includes a selection of side dishes. We tried the Pimento Macaroni and Cheese, which several people recommended over social media, the Roasted Sweet Potato Salad, and the Creamed Corn. The macaroni and cheese was the best of the side I sampled. We ended the meal with apple cranberry cobbler and a giant chocolate chip cookie.

Honey Butter Fried Chicken is casual, but charming. The decor is simple, with wooden floor, wooden tables, a large chalkboard advertising specials. There is a small bar area in the back, and in warmer months you can dine on the back patio. The set up of HBFC is a little different. You wait in line to order, then place your order, and wait to be seated. We waited about 5 minutes at the bar before we got a table. Once seated, the food came quickly. The atmosphere is enjoyable, but it isn’t the type of place where you hang out all night. Patrons are there to eat fried chicken, and then go about their evening. HBFC has a kid’s menu and there were several families there.

Honey Butter Fried Chicken is located at 3361 North Elston Street in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood. They do not accept reservations, or phone orders. You can order in person and carry out. Expect to pay about $20-$25 a person including drinks.