We were in Harlem for the first time coming from Kinston NC. We went to Charles Pan Fried Chicken. I had been watching videos for several months of people talking about how good the food was. I finally get to Charles, and the yard bird DID NOT DISAPOINT!!! It was hot, crispy, juicy, and flavorful!! Most importantly, the service was fantastic!! Much thanks to Mr. Gabriel and his staff for the best food experience ever !! read more

Elijah at Charles provided exceptional service with professionalism, and genuine attention to detail, making the entire experience seamless and amazing. read more

Best soul food spot on the upper west side and the team is always friendly. The food is delicious and Elijah is a gem.

Came around 3pm on a Saturday, so there wasn't much of a line and I got to sit in one of the 3 seats to eat. However, the ordering process is convoluted and took more time than I expected to get my food. You order first at the far end before getting to the cashier to pay. I got the classic combo for 2 piece chicken, and you get to pick the part and type. I got pan fried thigh and leg, and did see a sign for a charge for large pieces, perhaps referring to breast? The chicken was tender but wasn't fresh so the skin had gotten a little soggy. I got coleslaw as my side which is a perfectly executed classic coleslaw - tangy, great balance of mayo, refreshing crunch. I wasn't feeling the cornbread at first because it was too fluffy rather than grainy but when I had it the next morning, it tasted even better. Perhaps, I was just a bit uncomfortable sitting there. All this for $11! I'd come back again but maybe to-go and heat up the chicken in an air fryer. read more

Charles’s Pan Fried Chicken - Soul Food Near Me - New York, New York

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Charles's Pan-Fried Chicken was just the Southern comfort meal I was craving. I was immediately warmly welcomed by a staff member, who patiently explained which of the vegetarian sides would be better if I had dietary restrictions. I opted for the classic meal with one piece dark BBQ chicken (I was given a thigh) and one dark meat of pan-fried chicken (given a drumstick), a large hunk of cornbread, and a generous portion of yam. The yam was too sweet for me, but the cornbread was perfect. It was soft and fluffy, not at all dense like what I've had too often at Thanksgiving and from the supermarket. Both pieces of chicken were also perfectly cooked in their own way. The pan-fried drumstick was truly tender and moist; I preferred it slightly over the BBQ to my own surprise (I generally avoid fried food). I wish there was more seating than the three countertop high stools, but on a nice day enjoying takeout from Charles's in nearby Central Park is pretty hard to beat. The shop is very narrow with read more

Charles’s Pan Fried Chicken - Classic meal with one smothered thigh, pan-fried drumstick, cornbread and yam - Soul Food Near Me - New York, New York

This location is a couple of blocks from Central Park. The fried chicken is juicy and tender inside, crispy outside. Combo comes with 2 sides and cornbread and its very reasonably priced. Very tight space tho, only 3 seats so plan to take your food to go. read more

WHEN: Mon @3pm After lots of walking at the Natural History Museum, it was time for a late lunch! This place has very limited seating but we were able to sit at the counter since it's not the busy lunchtime hour. The staff is super friendly and here's what we ordered: PLATE: PAN-FRIED CHICKEN - $18.95 3 Pieces of Charles' Famous Pan-Fried Chicken with 2 sides and cornbread: CORNBREAD - Dense and dry. Not a fan. SIDE 1 - BAKED MAC & CHEESE - Dry. Like it's been sitting out for awhile and I just wish it was saucier. SIDE 2 - MASHED POTATOES + GRAVY - It's mashed potatoes...potatoes that were mashed and topped with gravy. You can't mess that up. PAN-FRIED CHICKEN - Pardon my ignorance, but I don't think I taste or sense the difference between pan-fried and deep-fried, but hey, as long as it's BATTERED AND FRIED, sign me up! It's pretty decent and standard southern style fried chicken but nothing over the top or mind blowing. This PLATE was big enough to share with one other with plenty of leftovers. I wish I knew about the CLASSIC COMBO ($10) and would have ordered that instead. It's 2 pieces with 1 side and cornbread. read more

Charles’s Pan Fried Chicken - Very narrow inside - Soul Food Near Me - New York, New York

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Chicken was pretty salty for me! I'm not impressed! Yams were delicious & Mac & Cheese was ok!! Cashier was super helpful & friendly!! There was a small 3 seat table for you to eat there!! Spent about $25 for a 3 piece meal w no drink & honey sauce since they don't have ketchup!! read more

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Fried chicken is DELISH! Such crispy skin and super fresh, straight from the fryer! The chicken alone is honestly 5 stars, truly no notes. Sides are good, the Mac and cheese was tasty but honestly pales in comparison to the chicken. Cornbread is yummy too. The wait can be kinda insane though. It takes a while to order and even longer for the food to be fulfilled. Expect to wait 30-45 min at peak hour. read more

Charles’s Pan Fried Chicken - Pan Fried Chicken (3 Pieces), Mac and Cheese, Cornbread - Soul Food Near Me - New York, New York

The chicken is legendary. The pan-fried chicken has that perfect, thin, crispy skin, and the meat is moist and tender. I normally like the $10 2 piece special and a side. But I had a hangry child that wanted part of my food. The chicken was good, the sides were so-so. The mac and cheese was cold, and it had whichever dish that was beside the mac n cheese, some must have spilled into the mac, because I did not like tasting the other dish inside my Mac & cheese. The cornbread is always delicious. Elijah is a gem, upbeat, cheerful, and definitely makes ordering from this location pleasant. The restaurant is primarily a takeout spot but there is a small area to sit, and eat. read more

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The fried chicken was cooked nicely but was just too greasy and unappetizing. Mac and cheese was ok. The cornbread was a bit too sweet and had a bit of a weird texture but I did like it. Service was great. read more

Charles’s Pan Fried Chicken - Soul Food Near Me - New York, New York

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FYI: If you are here on a Saturday- Elijah is the best! It doesn't look like fish fry Fridays is a thing anymore tho.

Service here is southern hospitality at it's best. Even though it's not full dine in the way you get treated makes you want to stay. Stephanie, the lady who took care of me was super sweet and welcoming to me and everyone who walked in while I was there. It was bitter cold outside so I was glad there was a seat for me to sit and eat . ( there are 3 stools total) as this is more of a to-go location. (No bathroom) I got the 2 piece chicken special which comes with cornbread and one side so I chose baked Mac and cheese. I also got a half and half or as I call it Swamp Water- to drink. That drink was definitely made with the intention to refresh your soul,mmmm so good. Sweet and tart , perfection. The chicken was absolutely delicious, I asked for hot sauce and honestly after one dip in the hot sauce I'm glad I didn't pour it all over. The chicken needs zero condiments. It's perfectly seasoned and fried without being greasy or super crunchy/hard. I ate it down to the bones like a kid with no home training as my mother would say. I enjoyed the mac and cheese too, I couldn't finish my cornbread so I brought it home and the next day it waa still soft . Its not super sweet like most cornbread. . My tummy was super satisfied and I promised Stephanie I'd be back. read more

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Stopped by here after seeing a movie. Stephanie was kind and attentive. She as the best We both got 3pc meals that came with 2 sides, as well as cornbread as then we added on a dessert. The chicken was pretty standard. More of a chewy skin versus a crunch, but it was tender and tasted seasoned. My partner said the mac n cheese was decent ("tasted like chick-fil-a"), but everything else we tried was a let down. The greens kinda tasted canned almost like Glory, but not quite. But I ate them bc I needed to eat a vegetable. My bowl was about 75% stems. The green beans were so bad, we both took one bite and stopped eating them immediately. Same with the cornbread and the peach cobbler. I love yams but passed on them because they looked like cut up sweet potatoes with no sugar, cinnamon or anything. Idk, I think that maybe Charles Pan Fried Chicken should just stick to making chicken and nothing else. read more

Charles’s Pan Fried Chicken - 3pc Chicken Plate - Soul Food Near Me - New York, New York

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Wow! I discovered this place through Mealpal dinner and I am so glad I did. Friday's dinner was pulled pork, collard greens, mac and cheese and corn bread. The corn bread is the best ever: fluffy and sort of sweet, the way I like it. The collard greens were well-cooked and flavorful. The pulled pork was tender. It did not have any sauce and I forgot to ask for bbq sauce but I had some sauce at home and it was delicious. The mac and cheese did not disappoint either. The guys who work there are so nice and greet everyone with a welcome to Charles. That Charles sure can cook! I read they have catfish on certain nights. I will be back! read more

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My first time here due to an instagram recommendation...I walked a was greeted right away a the young lady was very polite a walked me thru the menu...so I ordered the fried chicken meal with Mac n cheese and collard greens & cornbread....the music playlist was on point an I will definitely be back to explore the rest of the menu....the building had a cool vibe to it... read more

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It's was yummy! And worth to try, service was friendly and the restaurant had a chill calm atmosphere we went at like 12:30 so it was nice and not super busy read more

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I was craving fried chicken. Before I did my grocery shopping at Trader Joe's, I picked up some food to take home. I got a fried chicken breast, side of Mac and cheese, and a piece of corn bread, with a side of hot sauce. About 45 minutes later, when I got home, I ate my meal and WOW!!!!!! The food was fantastic. Definitely coming back whenever I'm in the mood for fried chicken. read more

Damn I've been passing by this place for years and never walked inside until tonight. I wanted to grab a quick bite. I ordered a wing, Mac and cheese and corn bread. Ended up getting three wings and the latter. The woman was so nice she gave me an extra wing and told me to order the special bc it makes more sense. There were other customers that she knew and made smile. Okay let's get to the food. The Mac and cheese was just right. Small noodles , cheesy but not too cheesy with crisp on the top. She blessed my plate. The wings were fine I was expecting a different texture but it's okay the hospitality made up for it. The corn bread was really soft and spongey. I understand every southern state cooks different but this was def a little old school similar to my grandmother. I'll come back next time i'm itching for soul food and save myself a trip to Harlem. Apparently they run out of ribs so I suggest you order them early! read more

I've heard about this place for a couple of years so, I decided to try it today. It's a small take with a small counter that seats about 4 ppl. I ordered the $10 combo which was a turkey wing and collards. I didn't enjoy neither, I like my skin grip on the wing, it wasn't. The collards had a funny taste which I can't describe. My friend had fried chicken, nothing special. Sweet potatoes, which was just that, not candied yams. I don't like writing bad reviews but I was truly disappointed. read more

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Charles pan fried chicken grease ass shout out to JT and the whole team on the 72nd St. location. Food is always consistent with great service. read more

Elijah , Jaylin & the rest of the team were great !!! Will come back again ! Great food and service

I absolutely love this place, this is a take out place so beware. I've never thought about sitting here to dine. It's counter service, and probably seat 4 people in the restaurant. They have the food out so you can see it, and an easy to read menu. I love their fried chicken and ribs. Mac and cheese is good. Two items I don't love on the menu are the smothered chicken - it's like fried chicken smothered with gravy - why cover the fry!? And the other is their okra, which always feels like they pick the oldest okra. I love okra, but it shouldn't be so tough. Sides are $6 and plates of mains start at $18.95 for meat and its $15.00 for a plate of 4 sides. read more

So good! Great value! Elaine is a master at her craft! Got the combo chicken with the best Mac n cheese. Very fast service too.

Fried Chicken is one of my all time favorite comfort foods and this legend had eluded me for the longest time. Not anymore! I try to hit up each and every place that is recognized for being the best. But it's been a challenge the few times I've tried to visit the original. Long waits for food or difficultly with transportation, a few times I tried to ride my bike there but wasn't able to even get takeout. Thankfully this location opened up, but even at this spot, they ran out of chicken once and the wait was 30 mins! A recent visit allowed me to try for the first time and I was not disappointed. I typically don't go for the white meat of the chicken because of the higher skill level involved to keep the meat juicy but they did it right here. My order was super hot and juicy actually, a good sign that it wasn't fried up earlier and sitting there waiting to be served. It also left the skin super crunchy which is the whole point of fried chicken. The side of Mac and Cheese was a really cheesy was stick to your stomach all the way down kind. And the cornbread was no fast food afterthought. Good crumbly texture with a corn taste. I was able to order quickly for this particular visit and enjoyed my meal at the standing table outside on a warm day. I'll definitely be back here or try again to visit the original! read more

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So I came because when outta town you Yelp, YouTube, TIK TOK the spots that are supposed to be bomb! Charles came up so we tried it! Now if you are looking for a spot to dine in don't look here. They had a small counter that fit 3 people we were able to sit here but otherwise nothing! You're getting your food to go and that's that! Now the food; we ordered some chicken , catfish, and a turkey leg. We had the black eyed peas, greens, string beans, yams and Mac and cheese! As far as the sides go I liked the greens most. The other sides were just mid to me. The chicken for all its fame was oooook nothing to write home about. The turkey leg in the grave was decent! My ultimate favorite food here was the catfish! It was fire! 10/10 I do recommend! Ratings: Fried chicken 6/10 Catfish 10/10 Turkey leg 7/10 Mac and cheese 4/10 Yams 5/10 Greens 8/10 Green beans 7/10 Black eyed peas 5/10 Sweet potato pie 4/10 read more

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Only have had sides here, but they are super yummy. I actually only stumbled in here because of wisdom teeth surgery. Being that I can only eat soft food like mashed potatoes, Mac and cheese, etc., this was a great option For three days straight now, I've gotten their Mac and cheese, candied yams and mashed potatoes and they're delicious. The staff is incredibly friendly and respectful too, reminds me of being back in New Orleans where hospitality and delicious food is commonplace. Thank you for helping me through this surgery!! read more

I came here and ordered the chicken and ribs combo with. I think I preferred the chicken over the ribs personally. The combo came with 2 sides - and I got the Mac and cheese and potato salad. I liked both of my sides! I also came late at night and they had a few peach cobblers left and they were kind enough to give me one! read more

After seeing the owner and founder Mr. Charles talk about his fried chicken on tv, I made it a mission to check it out the next time I came to NYC. Unfortunately I was thoroughly disappointed. After a long day of walking around I was looking forward to sitting down to a good meal, that didnt happen. The location on 72nd only had three stools next to a table connected to the wall. Even though the website said this location was dine-in and take-out. Quite misleading. We had to get the food to go! I ordered the 3 pc meal that comes with 2 sides and cornbread. The chicken was just ok. I felt like it lacked seasoning. I wish I had my hot sauce with me! The yams again, just ok. They were sweet, but literally tasted like sweet potato with sugar. No other spices. The very worst part of the meal was the cornbread and mac and cheese. The cornbread had no taste whatsoever. I kept trying to clear my nose, thinking maybe somehow I had become congested, because I literally tasted nothing! The macaroni and cheese was absolutely disgusting. The cheese tasted like it had expired, or maybe that pot had sat out too long. But when I put the first forkful in my mouth, I had to spit it out in a napkin because it tasted spoiled. My husband tried it as well and he came to the same conclusion. My husband had the mashed potatoes with gravy and black eyed peas as his sides. Both were just ok. As a person who makes homemade black eyes peas quite often, they tasted like canned peas that were warmed up. My son had collard greens and rice as his sides. The rice was plain. The greens were ok. The chicken, which was supposed to be the star of the show, didnt shine so bright. The side dishes were mid at best, and disgusting at worst. I have experienced Charles Pan-Fried Chicken, and I am good for life. read more

Charles’s Pan Fried Chicken - Fried chicken, yams, Baked Mac and Cheese, Cornbread - Soul Food Near Me - New York, New York

I tried Charles Pan-Fried Chicken while visiting the city and was honestly a bit underwhelmed. The sides were tasty and definitely had good flavor, but the chicken itself didn't live up to the hype for me. It wasn't very crispy -- more on the soggy side. I also noticed the chicken seemed precooked and sitting in a pan, which may have been the reason for the lack of crunch. Overall, I was expecting more from the chicken itself, though the sides were enjoyable. read more

Awesome chicken spot! I grabbed takeout for lunch on a weekend, going with the classic combo. I opted for the two-piece chicken with mac and cheese and cornbread. Breast could have been juicier, but the skin was amazing and the drumstick was perfect. Loved the cornbread and the mac was solid. Hell of a deal for $10! read more

Charles’s Pan Fried Chicken - Classic combo - Soul Food Near Me - New York, New York

Placed an order for dinner to get a call 53 minutes later that they are suddenly out of ribs and pulled pork. Did they suddenly run out as my order came up? Complete incompetence from this restaurant staff. Only order from here if you want to play the food lottery because you might go hungry like me. read more

For the longest time I've seen this restaurant on social media even on commercials on my local cable station. I'm a diehard foodie and I decided to go and try it. I'm glad I did. I met Stephanie who was most helpful in explaining some of the items and even got me to try okra. Okra is a hard shell for me, but it was terrific. I got the three piece combo up charge for the bigger pieces with lima beans and yams smothered. I wasn't quite sure what to expect with smothered, but the gravy is outstanding as well as the chicken fantastic. I cannot wait to go back and try something else. I wish they had more seating though. Stephanie, thanks again. You are a true asset to an already great experience. read more

This location is near the 72nd subway stop. A small place with 2-3 seats by one wall (already occupied) and 2 tables outside (can eat while standing) so took my order to go. Wasn't too hungry so after checking menu online, was thinking of getting maybe a couple of wings and a side but saw their advertised $10 combo so got it - 2 pc dark chicken, with a side and cornbread. Went after 8pm and most of the sides looked finished, like the collard greens, so picked okra. Chicken was not flavorful and most of the skin was not crispy so a bit of a letdown. The okra tasted sweet. Cornbread was good. read more

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TWU Local 100 had their Family Day on June 1st, 2024, at the scenic Maimonides Park, in the heart of Coney Island, adjacent to all the big rides. Charles's Pan Fried Chicken was one of the vendors at the event. They served their pan-fried chicken with sides (potato salad, baked Mac and cheese, collard greens, yams), funnel cake fries, burgers and hot dogs, fish and chips, pulled pork with coleslaw, barbecue chicken, strawberry cheesecake, and banana pudding. I had their pan-fried chicken with potato salad and baked Mac and cheese, funnel cake fries, fish and chips, and strawberry cheesecake. Everything was very good, but my favorite was the potato salad, baked Mac and cheese, chips aka fries, and the strawberry cheesecake. The strawberry cheesecake was in little cups and it had really good flavor. Charles's Pan Fried Chicken also collaborated with 360 Degree Video Booth Rental. It was a lot of fun to do a 360 degree video. The staff at Charles's Pan Fried Chicken and 360 Degree Video Booth Rental were both wonderful and friendly. read more

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Best ribs I have ever eaten I lived the chicken I loved all of your sides and desserts Cheesecake was unbelievable But those ribs I can't say enough Can't wait to go back read more

It's a cozy little spot on the Upper West side that serves crispy, crunchy fried chicken and all the trimmings. Between the four of us, we ordered half the menu. Talk about fast service, by the time we got there it was all ready and waiting. A big shout out to Stephanie for her kindness and hospitality. Hooked us up with the sides and condiments. Pleasantly surprised with the portion sizes. But that classic southern fried chicken taste makes this place a stand out. The baked Mac and the collard greens really stood out and the pan fried Chicken plate is enough for two. The Sweet Potato Pie is made fresh daily. They have other locations that I wish we could try, but our time here is limited. 10/24 read more

Idiots working behind the counter came in ordered two thighs two drumstick special get to the counter. She's giving me breasts. I I said I ordered size and drumsticks she said no we don't have any thighs. I'm like why didn't you tell me? read more

My 2 star rating does NOT reflect my opinion of the quality of the food!!‼ What a sad, sad SURPRISE! So very disappointed! Went to Charles's for fried fish and ribs. Sunday, after church experience. Only fish on menu was catfish. Don't do bottom feeders. Why not give your clientele at least one healthier choice?? Very sad!!! NO ribs at all‼. Whattttt??? I was so taken aback and flabbergasted and disappointed with both pieces of information. Ordered two full dinners. One BBq chicken, and one pan fried chicken, 2 additional sides, and one additional piece of pan friend chicken. After being rung up for payment I was informed NO Mac and cheese. Wait time would for that be 5-6 minutes. Waited for that time, paid the bill which was over of over $55 and left, only to find out once I arrived at destination, 40 minutes away, that my additional piece of fried chicken, had not been included. Food was eatable. Experience was NOT to be repeated! Additionally!!! I requested the greens be drained well to ensure no mess for entire food platter container. End result!!!, the Juice from the greens dripped through the double bag creating a mess in car. I'm done with Charles read more

Fabulous lunch special. I had 2 pieces with mac & cheese and corn bread. $10.00. The fried chicken was great and the mac & cheese was so good and cheesey. read more

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