The customer service is always attentive and kind. Let us not forget about chicken. Also kid friendly space. Keep it up! read more

Charles Pan-Fried Chicken - Veggies Sides NO MEAT - Chicken Shop Near Me - New York, New York

Only thing worth having was the fried and the smothered chicken. All of the sides were NOT tasty. Check photos for ratings! Service was awful - the cook was nice and he took my order. The cashier who was taking orders before him was not friendly when she overcharged me and then tried to keep my change like be so for real... Overcharged and emailed 2 different contact emails about my purchase vs what was charged. Day before Thanksgiving so "cash only" and was only able to take a picture of the register screen, no receipt was available. 2 thumbs DOWN, would NOT RECOMMEND, WONT BE BACK for sure! Check pics for ratings !!! read more

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Had their classic chicken special as well as a catfish plate. Prices were reasonable for soul food in New York and portions were very well sized. I haven't had fried catfish for awhile, much less in New York but theirs is excellent. Good variety of sides and good fried chicken as well. Fast service. read more

Charles Pan-Fried Chicken - Catfish platter with Mac and cheese and okra - Chicken Shop Near Me - New York, New York

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Despite the decent seasonings, the food is ok. It was an hour before closing, not the best side options. Mostly canned seasoned sides. Macaroni was basic as the greens. The chicken was tasty but everything had heavy sodium. The staff had communication matter, which lead to plain fried catfish due to low inventory. Furthermore, didn't receive the pie I ordered but they at least gave me that and greens when I returned. They were accommodating but double check/verify your orders before leaving. There's no public restroom, dine in and take out available. read more

Charles Pan-Fried Chicken - Line station - Chicken Shop Near Me - New York, New York

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I found this off of TikTok and after looking at all the pictures and videos online I knew I had to try them out. The fried chicken is definitely good though. I was a little disappointed that they did not have chicken wings as that is my favorite piece of chicken. It is pretty small inside as it's more to go spot but they do have tables outside to sit at which we did when we ate our food. The chicken is definitely super tender with good seasoning on the skin and the size were also very filling. They do have desserts as well and special drinks, but I did not order those as the food was more than enough. read more

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The chicken was so good and the collard greens were the perfect match. Their hot sauces is soooo tasty it goes perfect with their chicken and collard greens. I will definitely be back when I visit New York again. The service was Great as well. read more

Charles Pan-Fried Chicken - The fried chicken and collard were enriched with so much flavor. - Chicken Shop Near Me - New York, New York

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Best fried chicken in Harlem! Great service , great food, everything is always fresh and on point

One of the nicest spots still around in great ol' Harlem! I got the 3 PC Pan Fried Chicken plate and boy was it nice to still see soul food thrive in this climate. read more

Charles Pan Fried Chicken is still on top in a City crowded with competition in the chicken segment and I recognize it as we close out 2025 as my favorite "go to" spot for fried chicken in the best tradition of southern and soul food cuisine. Charles has been holding strong for a long time since his original location on Frederick Douglass Avenue and now with multiple locations he's still doing it right. Yes, prices have inched up, but where have they not. You can still get the two piece special with a side and cornbread for a little over ten bucks, but you can choose everything in between and up to the family meal at around fifty bucks with ten pieces, three sides and a whole lotta of cornbread. Charles offers turkey wings, ribs and fried fish, but the pan fried chicken is where it's at. I have reviewed the chicken here far fewer times than I visit and the iron skillet frying makes a definite difference on the flavor, imparting an earthy down home impact on your palate and creates a crispness that you will notice if you eat it there and not let the steam diminish it on the way home. Traditional soul food southern fried chicken sees good competition from Melba's in Harlem and Grand Central and Shaw Nae's House on Staten Island, but Charles is still holding court; though, the competition offers better sides than the goodness offered at Charles. You get consistent crisp exterior and juicy interior at Charles with the flavor that brings you back time and again. You can be a chicken connoisseur here at Charles, minus the extended pinky finger, or down home. There are places in town that offer champagne with their chicken and you can take Charles home to your own bottle of chilled bubbly and this pan fried chicken is right at home. This chicken makes you think about chicken you've had at church or your grandparents in the South. Sometimes I wonder how far fetched fried chicken can be with luxury price points approaching and exceeding twenty bucks for two or three pieces and no sides. This is everyone's fried chicken at Charles Pan Fried with modest price points to back it up. As I write this, and as Thanksgiving approaches in two days, I'm thinking about when I'll be at Charles to feast and enjoy this again. It's like that here and is why I keep returning to my fave. 4.2 stars! read more

Although the food here is great, the service is terrible. I came on Mother's Day to grab a dinner. After being ignored at the register for 10mins whine the cashier counted money, I was then told that the "Order" line was in the rear, then waited another 10mins for the young lady to take my order. I patiently waited another 20mins while delivery orders were made before mine. After 3 customers were given their orders even though they ordered after me, I politely asked what was the status of my order. The young lady said she didn't remember me ordering and since I waited 45mins, they were now out of Mac and cheese and weren't making anymore. My frustration and lack of accountability will not allow me to patronize this location anymore. Do better people!! read more

Had a taste for fried chicken, did not feel like cooking personally. Ordered take out from Charles Pan- Fried chicken! This fried chicken was delicious! Tastes just like my Grandmother's fried chicken, which was my favorite! This fried chicken definitely hit the spot. I ordered mac n cheese which did not disappoint. My husband had the yams, and said they were really good. The service is excellent! There was a line, and a crowd, which is a great sign, means the food is very good. The atmosphere smells like good old fashioned Sunday soul food. read more

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I had Charles Pan Fried Chicken on my list to visit for a while because it is one of the legends of Harlem. My kids and I visited the store, which was clean, and the establishment was full of people. As you order food, you see the chicken getting fried, and the sides are already cooked in a steam box. As I looked around at the food, I saw the cornbread, and to be honest, the cornbread looked like it was rolled over with a trailer tracker, but we decided to try it anyway. We ordered the family meal, which was forty-five dollars, served with three 16-oz. sides of your choice, and six pieces of Cornbread. We ordered the Collard Greens, Macaroni and Cheese, and Yams. I asked for Potato Salad, but they were all sold out, and I'm honestly glad they ran out. Let me start with the good, so I'll start with the Collard Greens. The Collard Greens were good and very well seasoned. It could have used some vinegar to give the Collard Greens some acidity and boost the flavor. The Macaroni and Cheese was dry. The sides were already made before you ordered them and could have become dry by sitting in the steamer. The macaroni and cheese lacked flavor, and the cheese was inconsistent throughout the macaroni and cheese. There were clumps of cheese, and then some were melted. The noodles lacked flavor, and they seemed overcooked. The Macroni and Cheese was not macking. The Yams were the consistency of a Mashed Potato and again lacked flavor. I couldn't taste the Cinnamon, Nutmeg, or any sweetness. They could have used some love. The Cornbread looked like it had gone through a hard time. I'm unsure if it was how they cut it or if it broke apart in the oven while cooking, but it looked like something rolled over it. The Cornbread tasted simply like nothing. It did not have taste to it at all. Lastly, the Fried Chicken was good, but the skin was falling off. Then, as we kept eating the chicken, I saw it was raw. After that, my kids and I stopped eating and didn't eat anything else. We were so disappointed. Most likely, I will not be back again. I love supporting black-owned businesses, but the establishment has to do better. The customer service was great as we walked in, and the staff was friendly, but I would pass on the food. read more

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So this is not your average chicken joint it is pricey. They used to have a lunch special that was just with taxes that will come to $10 now it comes almost $12 and I think that's the best option where you get two pieces of chicken or turkey wing, and one side with cornbread. Now the mac & cheese for me is a hit or miss; sometimes it hits, sometimes it's OK, sometimes I'm just mad I spent the money. Recently, I tried their catfish tacos and definitely was not catfish, but it was seasoned good. It tasted like I should've done this at home. I would say try it, but I'm not a frequent flyer. The service is always good and fast, no complaints. And the place is clean. It is takeout only, they do have some counter seats at the window and outdoor seating. read more

Definitely not my first time eating Charles Pan-Fried Chicken, but my first time eating at this location and not seeing Mr. Charles, who is an absolute sweetheart! Nevertheless, the young lady who greets everyone upon entrance, had great energy and was very helpful. The chicken was on point and as usual, made me think of my mom who could try the hell out of some chicken like Mr. Charles. The mac & cheese was a little lackluster but still good. The cornbread is Yum Yum yummy! Overall and above, I am still a fan . Lastly, the restaurant was neat, clean and well organized . read more

The chicken was just kind of average and a bit small. The side of yams were pretty good but hella sweet. Basically just candy. The cornbeard was pretty solid! Nice and moist. read more

The worst experience you can possibly have when it comes to delivery is not receiving the order as expected and promised. This is the experience I had last night. Second, or possibly equal to that, is when you contact the store, and the manager on duty tells you it is not his problem once the delivery leaves the store, even though you did not receive your order. The manager then proceeds to say he has proof by picture that the order was delivered. Call "ChowNow, there is nothing more I can say or do!" Well, Tony the Tiger GRRRREAT, that he received something. I am still wondering who got that chicken???!!! Really???!!! No offer of the picture, to call the driver to contact ChowNow, or the like. Basically, you are on your own, Toots! ChowNow appears to be the preferred delivery vendor when you select "Order Now" on their 145th location website. I strongly advise that if you can pick up your order, do so. If you prefer delivery, DO NOT USE their website, which defaults to ChowNow. I have never had a problem with ChowNow, until now, or at this location. I appreciate and know that we all deserve quality customer service. Charles Pan Fried Chicken at 145th Street missed the mark. ChowNow offered me approximately 1/4 of what should have been a full refund. Why? Well, they claim to have spoken to the restaurant, and that's what they agreed upon when, before this solution, they pointed me in each other's direction without any confirmed commitment to resolve this problem together. Well, this is just not good enough for me. Stay tuned... read more

Our bestie mentioned to check out Charles Pan -fried cihicken who is a James Beard nominee and Harlems icon. We came in starving, decided to grab a bunch of chicken with the fixings such as okra, mash potatoes, corn bread, and Mac and cheese. I can vouch for the chicken which had perfect crunch not a soggy piece in sight. The sides were just as good if you love soul food. Friendly staff and quick service. What more can you ask for. read more

Good chicken spot. Is it the best in the city, well I mean I haven't had much chicken in New York City, and this didn't blow me away, it was only good chicken with nothing special about it. The chicken: Good crisp, fresh, juicy, well cooked, but no seasoning. Just good pieces of chicken with nothing special. Sides: It's all preference here. The Mac n cheese was sort of good, I liked the blend of whichever cheeses they used, it was good, but it was a bit dry. Yams were yams, potato salad was alright I guess. Cornbread was mildly sweet which was just perfect. Some cornbread is super sweet, some is not sweet at all this was in between. Perfect. Good bake and texture as well. Dessert: Peach cobbler was good, and I don't even like peach cobbler. Overall: Is this worth all the hype I see on social media? No! Is it a good chicken spot, yes. I have no particular complaints. It's all good or decent, but man for all the hype behind this chicken I was expecting some special flavor, and I just didn't get it, and I hear similar things. All in all, still gets a 4, I just wouldn't go out of my way for it again. read more

Charles Pan-Fried Chicken - 4 pc meal with Mac, yams, potato salad, cornbread, and peach cobbler - Chicken Shop Near Me - New York, New York

I loved this place so much!! The chicken is very good and the staff is super awesome and very respectful. The ordering system is very well put together and the food isn't overpriced at all. read more

The best fried chicken, the sides are bland the black eye peas could use some smoked turkey and the okra taste like it came out of a can and white rice is just rice. read more

Charles Pan-Fried Chicken - Black eye peas,white rice and okra fried chicken. Tha best thing on the plate was the chicken and there - Chicken Shop Near Me - New York, New York

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I enjoyed my chicken and look forward to trying other things on the menu!! I went in for take out and was able to order and get out pretty quickly. skin was fried fresh and crispy and the restaurant was pretty busy. The sides are presented in a buffet that sits behind a glass in the forefront of the restaurant. There is outdoor seating available and a few seats on the inside. This place is very casual and perfect for a new wave take out spot in Harlem, happy to have found it. read more

Charles Pan-Fried Chicken - fried chicken only - white meat - Chicken Shop Near Me - New York, New York

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This review is overdue because I have been to Charles Pan fried chicken several times and it is definitely some of the best fried chicken I've had in a longtime in NYC. I'm honestly not crazy about their side options but the chicken is definitely worth the visit. The staff members are also very friendly and helpful. Besides the long wait time I cant say that I have experienced any negatives. Highly recommended. read more

I ordered the Fried fish with collard greens, Mac & Cheese. It was my first time trying Fried Catfish. SALTY!! Maybe it wasn't the best thing to order at a chicken spot but I wanted to try something different. Collard greens were on the super tangy/sour side, not really my thing. Mac & cheese was probably my favorite thing in the whole meal. Baked really well noodles al dente cheese pasta ratio perfect . Its was the only thing I finished eating. I was supposed to get a piece of cornbread, however, it didn't show up in the bag. Service was good pretty quick. I took it to go. Can't speak too much on the ambience. I was in and out. read more

Smothered Chicken Plate was delicious and only cost $18.95. Baked Mac & Cheese and Collard Greens plus free Cornbread gave me no reason to complain. The Banana Pudding for $6.00 was delightful. Just wish they didn't run out of peach cobbler but service was solid otherwise. Ambiance in neighborhood is nice. Took pups to park right across the street. read more

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Been on the list for awhile and we finally had a chance to visit. The food was incredible. It nostalgically reminded me of the fried chicken I used to get as a child in southern luncheon cafeterias. The sweet tea was also nicely balanced (sometimes people just put way too much sugar and it ends up syrupy). Definitely get things to split so you can try as many dishes and sides as possible. There is very limited seating indoors (three stools) while there are several picnic benches outdoor. The staff are friendly but it did take a little bit of time to be waited on. Most people seem to do take away. I also found the flavors to be truly southern and well balanced. The yams were extremely well balanced with citrus and were not overly cooked or mushy which can sometimes be the mistake. The potato salad also had the cut of dill which I prefer over mustard forward potato salad however, didn't have full dill sprigs which can make the dill over power the salad. Really enjoyable and nostalgic for me. read more

It was work that brought me to this part of town for lunch. It was a recent article from Eater on the best fried chickens that brought me to Charles. When I saw that the Charles classic only costs $10 and comes with two pieces of chicken, a side, and a cornbread, I knew that ordering the combo was my easiest decision of the day. While we all know that white meat is healthier than dark meat, but does that rule apply when we are eating fried chicken? For the combo, I opted for juicier dark meat and ordered Mac and cheese as a side. A few bites into the chicken and I am convinced that the Eater reporters were right on the money. I loved how the skin had just the right amount of batter where I got that amazing crunch but I was still able to tell that it was chicken skin that I was biting into, not something that's too thick or been sitting in the fryer for too long. The Mac and cheese was not as creamy as ones I am used to eating, yet it was delicious in its way as the cheesy taste really shines through. The corn bread was also good and moist. This might be one of the best $10 combo deals you can find in NYC. You can also enjoy your meal sitting under an umbrella at a picnic table watching the traffic go by in the part of upper Manhattan. read more

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Stopped by here while I was walking around Central Park. Managed to come in and meet Charles himself! The chicken was fried perfectly. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the outside. Unfortunately it was a little bland. Side dish was amazing. Can't ever go wrong with it. read more

Charles Pan-Fried Chicken - Chicken Shop Near Me - New York, New York

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THANK YOU!! Today, I needed some good food! Drove from Westchester county, just for some great food & my soul was happy! The place wasn't packed, got there about 1pm per July 4th. I was immediately met by a young lady who greeted me & asked what would I like to order. She was extremely professional & pleasant. Ordered one thigh, side of Mac n cheese & a limeade. Paid with cash & gave my change as the tip just cause of the service. The food didn't even make it home. On the drive back to Westchester, I opened up that Mac n cheese & was instantly surprised! WHYYYYYYYY....this taste like my recipe without the egg & less cheese. Amazing! Finished that off before we got to the Riverside Drive. Mind you this was for me, but I'm also sharing with my daughter who's driving. Next was the chicken!!!! Lawd have mercy that crunchy skin. Moist on the side. Bought tears to my eyes. It was so good. And I had to share that too. Smdh. Next time I know better to get more. Limeade was good. Missing something from the last time I was there. I think it was a different juice. Highly recommend the food. Customer service is excellent! Will definitely be back for a 3rd time. Next time I can hopefully catch it on a day like today where I can sit & eat in there. read more

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The chicken itself is very good. The pan fried breast was so moist and crunchy. I will come back for that specifically. I ordered the 2 piece with one side. My one side was the baked Mac and cheese, honestly it was not great. It was very dry. Coming from Houston I have tried a lot of soul food. And the only thing that felt soulful was the chicken. I had also tried the greens from my partners order. The greens were ok. The cornbread was good and moist but my partner got a bad piece, it was rocked hard. I would like to give this place a second try. Also the service was ok. The people don't seem like they enjoy working there. read more

This was my first visit to Charles pan fried chicken. This is the only fried chicken that tastes like my mom's. Next time, I will pass on the sides (the yams were too sweet and I prefer a more creamy macaroni and cheese). Still, the star of the show is the fried chicken. read more

Street parking is available. We went on a Sunday, so, there wasn't a challenge with finding a spot across the street. We ordered one chicken classic and chose one wing, one thigh, and a side of collard greens. Cornbread was included. We found this out after we sat to enjoy the meal. Additionally, we ordered--yams and a slice of cornbread(because we didn't know it was included with the classic). Overall the food was yummy. The service was impressive considering that there were only three staff and the place was packed. There is one cook and two other staff handling taking orders, preparing the food, and checking you out! It took less than 5 minutes, literally. The staff are also very patient, attentive and thorough. The chicken is nothing that I've had. It is amazing!! The wing and drums are on the smaller side in size which I like because I huge pieces of chicken make me think they're stuffed with hormones!! The pairing sauces are not needed but the hot sauce and jerk sauce were my favssss out of the three options. The collard greens did not have meat which I liked because this gives people who don't eat meat an additional option on the menu!! The yams were tasty. I would compare their yams to a level just below Boston Market. This location is definitely added to my list to visit every time I'm in town. read more

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Chicken was crispy and succulent . Corn Bread slaps. I was looking fwd to some smoke turkey neck in the collards but it had none. Over all is was a good plate limeade was . Service was great place. I'm looking fwd to going back and try some other stuff in the menu. read more

Wow, that was some really good fried chicken! I was the area for work and drove by an available parking spot right at the corner so I took that as my sign that I was finally going to cross another Harlem Soul Food spot off my list. Warm greeting followed by great customer service. I peeped how delicious the generous pieces of chicken were actually being fried in a large cast iron pan and know that's exactly what I needed. The chicken was fried perfectly and thoroughly with a flavorful crispy skin. I opted for the Mac & Cheese, Potato Salad and Collard Greens which were solid. Don't leave without a beverage or a piece of cornbread, both were yummy. Next time, I'm coming back for desserts! read more

Charles Pan-Fried Chicken - Pan Fried Chicken Plate - Chicken Shop Near Me - New York, New York

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Ordered: Charles Classic Combo (~$10): 2pc chicken, 1 side (mac & cheese), and cornbread Aya's take: Finally trying the infamous Charles Pan-Fried Chicken! To start off, there was a bit of a line that moved pretty slow. It definitely could be more efficient but the workers were vibing and didn't seem concerned. The Charles Classic Combo is a solid meal to get for a first timer like me! We got 2 thighs which were absolutely phenomenal. They were crispy on the outside and gloriously moist and tender on the inside. They were also super hot and fresh which I appreciated. The hot sauce definitely elevated the bite; I definitely suggest asking for some on the side. The portion of mac & cheese was great; enough to share among 2 people. As far as the flavor, it was fine but nothing to write home about. The cornbread sadly disappointed me. It didn't taste fresh or fluffy or sweet but it's quite a big portion. Some honey would've really helped. All in all, The pan-fried chicken is devour worthy and gave me a new standard to what fried chicken should taste like. read more

Charles Pan-Fried Chicken - Charles Classic Combo (~$10) - Chicken Shop Near Me - New York, New York

This restaurant has been there for years. I really enjoy Charles Pan-Fried Chicken. That food is very tasty. All my friends love it. They also have numerous side dishes. I love the food presentation as well. Keep up the good work! read more

I've visited this restaurant on many occasions and when I visit, I come a long way. I normally get fried chicken, Mac n cheese, a vegetable and I ENJOY it! This time I ordered turkey wings, Mac and cheese and yams. I was so disappointed, the best thing was the yams and they could have been just a tad bit more sweeter and a little more cinnamon added, the Mac had a taste that I've never tasted before from this franchise, I tasted like a rue was made that was made with flourthe turkey wings were bland BUT they were tender and the gravy was AMAZING and on top of all that , I wasn't given my cornbread!!! I dont know if my experience today has anything to do with chef rotation or recipe change but I wont be coming back for a while, drove too long, sat in too much traffic and payed too many tools for mediocre food read more

My job catered from this place for breakfast and lunch today and food was amazing! The grits were really good. You can taste bits of the corn! Pan-fried chicken especially the chicken breast was a bit dried but still had flavor. It was not enough breading on my opinion. Wish it was crispier with more breading to chew on. The yams were watery and soft. Baked Mac and cheese was very cheesy and a bit salty because of the cheese. Meal was paired with a piece of cornbread that was a bit hard. Wish it was softer and fluffier. read more

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I absolutely love this place-- a gem in Harlem. The service is 10/10- so friendly and welcoming. We ordered the 3 piece and smothered chicken. Upon ordering, we were excited because the food looked fresh and made with love. Now to get into the desserts, the strawberry cheesecakes is 10000000/10- literally unexpected. I was thinking it would be good but I might come back here just for that! Overall, I recommend this place- you will surely enjoy it! read more

We ordered delivery take out and it was fantastic the food we got was 10 piece pan fried chicken along with several sides such as mac and cheese potato salad and collard greens. personally i was not a fan of the mac and cheese and the potato salad had a vinegar after taste to it but nonetheless it was made very well the collard greens and fried chicken were the star of the show and was absolutely delicious packed with flavor. i liked the corn bread too. Looking forward to dining at the star location soon! A++ read more

Charles Pan-Fried Chicken - Chicken Shop Near Me - New York, New York

Food and service were great. I ordered 2 fried chicken breasts and it was better than I've ever had. The chicken was plump and juicy and I believe that rosemary and garlic along with salt and pepper were used to season the chicken. The skin was perfectly crispy and the chicken wasn't greasy at all. What was surprising was that the breasts were so tender and juicy. 95% of the time only dark meat tastes so juicy, I also ordered the 1/3 size portion of the ribs but so far I've only tasted the bbq sauce and it's great. The cashier was very sweet, helpful, and apologetic that the pulled pork had already sold out. Prices were fair and I didn't feel like I was being ripped off at all. read more