Fresh chicken, speedy service. We visit this restaurant often- customer service is great, the dining room is clean. read more

The wings were really good. Not overcooked like some chicken places do where the meat becomes opaque . The mild sauce was on point and the workers were moving them in and out as the lobby was extremely busy. There's really not a lot of places to sit in this location so you're either standing and waiting inside or outside in your car. All in all good spot to grab some good tasty wings. read more

Harold's Chicken #14 - Harold's chicken Wings (6) - Chicken Shop Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Excellent customer service. Fairly quick service. The chicken, fish and fries seemed freshly cooked to order and seasoned well. Nice and crispy. The shrimp seemed to be frozen and then fried (I assumed due to its distinct shape; it looked like the pre-breaded frozen bagged ones you get in the frozen section of the grocery store). Only 1 booth was open for seating, so noticed most people just did to-go orders. read more

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As a Manhattan Native flying alone for the first time in many years, upon arrival in Chicago, I dragged my tired, grey-haired, lone-elderly-white-lady self a few blocks from my hotel to one of THE BEST ALL-AROUND EXPERIENCES I EVER HAD -- Courtesy of the great staff and great customers inside Harold's Chicken Shack, Hyde Park! I had planned to get 3 dark meat and fries with Mild Sauce, which I saw on their menu online in NYC. But a waiting customer I chatted with urged me to "Get the Weekday Special for $5.75!...4 pc dark meat, fries, 2 slices of bread, and tell them you want Mild Sauce and Lemon Pepper on top of everything!" I asked if he'd order it for me, just as he would for himself! And that turned into us having all the staff and waiting customers smiling, and agreeing, and commenting, and...it was SO MUCH FUN! Waiting customers kept asking me what a little old white lady was doing staying in Hyde Park, and going to the Chicken Shack! I told them BECAUSE I KNEW IT WOULD BE WONDERFUL! ...And it was!!! I took that meal to my room and IT WAS AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS!!!! I will never forget the great food and equally great people (on both sides of the counter!) at Harold's Chicken Shack, Hyde Park!!!!! NOTE: PAY IN CASH! read more

I just ordered a 6 wings, salt and pepper, mild and hot sauce mixed.....I ended up with 7 of the smallest wings.....not fresh.... probably day old .....if I was closer to the location. I would ask for my money back The sleepy woman at the window needs to go home. She keeps yawning... horrible customer service and horrible food.. I will never come her again. This place use to be good. Bye-bye read more

Chicken, fries and sauce was nothing to rave about. Didn't trust the look of the slaw. No refunds. Exchanges only but who would trust an exchange after serving raw fish! Took a soda and left. read more

I've never had fried chicken sauce that tastes like this one! I tried the mild sauce at a food truck festival. The sauce has a sweetness similar to BBQ but lighter (almost cinnamon-y) and I really liked it. The fries were good too. I think you get a good serving for the price. We got our order within a couple minutes at the food truck event. read more

Harold's Chicken #14 - Mild sauce - Chicken Shop Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I ordered 6 wings through Uber eats and my food was old and cold. I literally stayed 10 minutes from this location. Also, the wet wipes are completely dry. I don't understand for the life of me why this location is still open. I do not recommend thanks for wasting my time and money completely disgusted! read more

Harold's Chicken #14 - Chicken wings Wings (6) - Chicken Shop Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Being new to Chicago, it's always nice to experience fast food history as I'm learning about my new home. I thought it was fun that the interior still sings an old aesthetic. I'm sure the vibe would be a bit more fun if people could dine in , but it's a take out only place now. I'm aware that there are different sauces , flavors for the chicken but when I go to a new (to me) place I like having it plain to experience its original flavor. So this is what was ordered : Chicken breast dinner: husband noted the plain flavor but still enjoyed it. It was a large chicken breast and he was able to eat on it for 2 dinners. (Please note he lives with his stomach cancer survivor wife who lives without a stomach, so because of her aka me , his portions of food intake has adapted slightly so that's the background to food portions at a time) I got the nuggets meal (for some reason I'm on a nuggets kick) and an extra leg. I very much enjoyed the leg but compared to the breast it was tiny. I would probably get lemon pepper flavor next time. Or a bucket of lemon pepper wings. I know nuggets are catered to kids not 40 year olds but I'll be honest and admit that I was surprised that I would think McDonalds nuggets taste better than any other restaurant nugget but here we are. They also do not reheat well. Nor are they good cold. So I'll pass on nuggets forevermore from here. But the real chicken pieces are good , and I'll still be back to try more flavors. Prices are very good. I think the service is fine. You may have to wait a bit for the food but it's worth it. If you have a hankering for fried chicken definitely come here. read more

I can't believe I was the 'First to Review' this Harold's Chicken Shack over 17 years ago because I was a regular over twenty years prior when I was a twentysomething grad student at the University of Chicago a few blocks away. Basically I lived on Harold's fried chicken at least twice a week, especially during the bitter cold winters when it just hit the spot. I just returned to campus again this time showing Jamie W. my old haunts in Hyde Park. Of course that meant an essential return to Harold's still at the now semi-vacant strip mall at 53rd and Woodlawn. The space still looks the same with the big bulletproof order window and now with a big carousel to avoid human contact when they serve the huge bags of fried chicken. There were only two window booths for dining because they appeared to have permanently closed the rest of the dining area as well as the restroom. I directed Jamie immediately to sit at the one open booth because I needed to wait in line to make our order. I remembered I had to yell my order through the speaker if I wanted the best chance of getting what I want. And what did I order? The $7.90 Dark Half, of course, because that's what I always ordered all those years ago. Two big thighs and two drumsticks soaked with medium-hot sauce on a bed of soggy fries and topped with cole slaw and two slices of white bread soaked in the same hot sauce (photo: https://yelp.to/pqvIrJDmLD). I even ordered an extra thigh for $2 because I figured I should go for the gusto (photo: https://yelp.to/F_NPXFU5XL). It was so Harold's and so consistently good. I don't know what they do to their chicken, but the meat was so tender and juicy. Buttermilk brine, I'm guessing, and the breading was crispy-crunchy. Hey, I wasn't finished. I ordered something I'm convinced nobody else gets, the $7.40 Small Gizzards, which came with the same extras (photo: https://yelp.to/R1tEeRx9YV). First, I couldn't believe how big a small order was. Again they figured out how to make the gizzards tender with just the right amount of chew. They didn't have many beverage options, so Jamie and I shared a liter bottle of Diet Dr. Pepper, not something we would ordinarily drink. We were stuffed, and the bill came to less than $24. Yep, Harold's lived up to my expectations, and just imagine they maintain the same standards every twenty years. FOOD - 5 stars...Best. Fried. Chicken. Ever....whether it's legs, thighs, or gizzards AMBIANCE - 2.5 stars...hey, we got the booth...SCORE! SERVICE - 3 stars...not as rude as I recall TOTAL - 5 stars...hope it's not another twenty years until my next visit RELATED - Exploring Chicago? Here's my collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/44c4CZO read more

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This is the slowest line I have ever been in. The line completely stopped for 7 minutes, but I've waited for over 15 minutes and moved only 5-6 people. I suggest better training for the employees. I'm glad to have Chipotle in Hyde Park, but I would encourage a supervisor from outside the store to visit on Sunday afternoon because we have had this problem before. This is just the longest wait 29 minutes to get through 15 people to get a chance to order. read more

Good food but be prepared to wait because they cook it fresh. Friendly staff and casual atmosphere.

For the most part my chicken was good. But some pieces didn't seem freshly cooked they seemed refried. It's usually pretty busy so I order ahead. Customer service was cool. The place seems clean and organized. read more

Harold's Chicken #14 - 4wings BBQ sauce - Chicken Shop Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Absolute trash. 1.You wait 20 minutes for not fresh chicken and fries 2. 2 squirts of mild sauce 3.6 French fries with your order 4.disgusting Cole slaw that tasted spoiled 5.They are literally out here taking people's money for awful food. 4 wings are almost 11 bucks. Avoid at all cost!!!! read more

My last visitor this place was not a good experience. They could not find my food after. I told them several times my name finding the girl found my food and she was very rude. Oh well, never mind. read more

No frills, hole in the wall greasy spoon. Usually this is my kind of establishment. This was not the case this time. $4 for one chicken wing. The chicken was hot but just ok. I don't see what all the hype was about. read more

Support Small Businesses Food was great. Service was quick. Pretty much point and order. located near University of Chicago so the foot traffic is good for business. read more

Harold's Chicken #14 - Yummmmmmmmmmmmmm Got the 1/4 chicken with mild sauce on top - Chicken Shop Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Harolds chicken flavoring! I like plain wings to taste the Harolds seasoning better! More seasoning the better for me!

Harold's is a Chicago classic, and this is my favorite of all the locations. The chicken is cooked to perfection, the service is fast, and the price is affordable. Try as many of their different locations as you can, but I would recommend starting here. read more

Purchased 7 wings today 11/15/25 just as the restaurant opened. The chicken was horrible and had to throw away. Tasted like it was either cooked yesterday or cooked in stale oil. Never again. Very poor. Won't be back and don't waste your money. No restaurant in Chicago should be selling bad food like this. Do better or close down. read more

We were told to try Harold's while visiting from Texas. The Gizzards & Wings were more than we expected. I got Lemon Pepper on my Wings. We'll be back on our return trip. read more

Absolutely delicious food had chicken wings bucket I never do sides cause I make my own that way it is fresh not reused but the meat was tender and always the sauce over it was best I get spicy one must try star very nice chicken it is a wait but that is good read more

I'm disappointed about the quality of the catfish. It was fatty and gross. The chicken wings were decent. All and all I wouldn't eat here again. read more

good food and delivery so recommend it - great homemade lemonade and desserts too. friend always gets their tenders

The service was excellent and the catfish was hot and fresh. It took about 20 minutes to complete the order

The best chicken wings in Chicago. I love their chicken and sides and the desserts are unmatched. Taffy grapes are the best

Harold's Chicken Express - Customer Service Review When you walk into Harold's, you already know what you came for: crispy fried chicken, fries, and that legendary mild sauce. The food is usually on point, but the customer service can be a whole different story. Ordering feels like a test sometimes. If you don't say the "magic words" like "mild on the side" or "no sauce" up front, your order might come out the way they think you wanted it, not how you actually wanted it. And if you try to correct it? Nine times out of ten, they'll tell you it's gonna cost extra. That leaves a bad taste in your mouth before you even get to the chicken. The biggest issue: communication. A lot of customers aren't from Chicago or don't know Harold's lingo, so a little patience at the counter would go a long way. A quick, "Do you want the sauce on it or on the side?" would save everyone the argument. Instead, it sometimes feels like the staff are rushing you along, even when the place isn't packed. On the plus side, when the service is smooth, it's smooth--the food is hot, the orders come out quick, and you get exactly what you came for. But too often, the attitude is sharp, and the customer leaves feeling like they did something wrong just by asking for condiments. Bottom line: Harold's is a Chicago institution, but the customer service needs a tune-up. The chicken keeps people coming back, but if they improved their hospitality, it would go from "good food, bad service" to a true 5-star experience. read more

Despite hearing mixed reviews about this place, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the chicken is tastier than KFC's (at least, with the generous amount of sauce poured on top of it). I had the Dark Half chicken with fries. The chicken average, and the fries were soggy but fries nonetheless. Overall, this place would satisfy your fried chicken cravings but nothing special. read more

So hot and tasty. Nice size portion. On time with order. Deliverer was professional. Easy to order.

As always this Harold's 53rd St. In Hyde Park delivers not only hot, tasty chicken wings, fries, and coleslaw, but delivered on time and with a good price to our door within the GrubHub time frame that was constantly text to us. read more

As soon as I landed, I took a car from the airport to Harold's to grab a 3 piece with fries and a Pepsi. When I arrived it reminded me of DMV carryout, something I was introduced to about 9 years ago. ​ ​ ​The chicken was made to order, this location offered ketchup packets instead of putting on the fries while it was hot. I ordered their famous mild sauce on the side. The order came out with two pieces of white bread, which was a distraction to me. I almost burn my mouth.. crispy.. and whole wings.. flat, drum, and tip. ​ ​ ​The mild sauce taste like mumbo sauce... and there is much debate that if the sauce originates from Chi-town or DC. In fact, roughly around the time, I was introduced to the sauce in the DMV, there was a lawsuit between a Chicago-based company and Capital City over the use of the term "mumbo sauce". ​ ​ ​It was a perfect way to start this adventure... the only thing I would have done differently is order more chicken. ​ read more

Harold's Chicken #14 - 3 Wings - Chicken Shop Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The food is great and it taste good I always enjoy this Harolds food that's why I always order from them. They have always fix their wings with that saying Harolds recipe. I love it. read more

Visiting from NYC, I love chicken wings and I must say the wings were crispy and well seasoned. I haven't had fried chicken wings in sometime. I also love the catfish it was also crispy but I prefer my fish a little softer and meatier. The fried okra was overcooked I would not recommend being a okra lover. We'll packaged Sorry I forgot to take pictures read more

I came here JUST for fries to go with my Oscar night hamburgers. I had not been here in ages and I was in the area (not sure it merits a special trip anymore). I ordered medium fries and peach cobbler. With a credit card it's a $5 minimum so I had to add a dessert. ;) I ordered fries with mild sauce and waited. I wondered how old the $.25 candy was in the machines: Ike and Mike, M&Ms, Skittles. I was tempted but I had a funny feeling the candy was from last century! After they called my order I asked if the sauce could be on the side. The lady said it was an extra $.97 ! Seriously?? I said never mind, and she must have thought I meant NO SAUCE because when I got home (this was hours later) I didn't find ANY SAUCE with the fries! They were fine from the oven but with no sauce (and no Oscar host) it wasn't the same. read more

Harold's Chicken #14 - Chicken Shop Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Good food but the customer service was very disgusting. The women in there are so RUDE and disrespectful. Very shameful.

This is my goto Harold's Chicken spot when I go home to Chicago. I've been going to this location since I was a teenager in the 80's. After all these decades they still make great chicken. The place is in a safe location in the Hyde Park area of Chicago. As many know Chicago is challenged with plenty of violence throughout the city but this location has always felt safe. Every time I fly into town to see family and friends this is usually my 1st stop after checking into my hotel to grab a post flight bite . I've been going to this location for over 30 years. I highly recommend it!!!! read more

Another spot that was suggested to me by friends during my time in Chicago. There were a couple of these locations scattered throughout the city, so I chose the one in Hyde Park. The small space was crowded with people waiting on their orders. I decided to go with the chicken gizzards to hopefully expedite the ordering process. I was wrong, so terribly wrong! The wait for food took about 25 minutes to finally get what I ordered. Once I got it, everything was covered in their "mild", sauce which was more like a sweet Barbecue sauce. It got everywhere and overwhelmed the actual taste of the chicken. I also grabbed a piece of fried chicken just for the experience, but it was very similar. It's an okay place to check out, just be weary of the wait. read more

Harold's Chicken #14 - Chicken Shop Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hole in the wall chain restaurant that originated in Chicago. Sunday-Wednesday they have a special $5 for 1/2 Dark fried chicken. All of their chicken on the menu comes with fries and a side of coleslaw. The fried chicken comes with 2 slices of white bread too. 1/2 Dark comes with 2 thighs and 2 drums. They have a list of seasonings and then sauce to add to your chicken when you order, I got salt and pepper with hot sauce on the side but I recommend getting salt and pepper with mild sauce ON the chicken OR get lemon pepper with mild sauce on the side. The mild sauce is AMAZING!! It's slightly sweet, kind of tangy, definitely unique. The hot sauce is just Louisiana hot sauce so nothing special. The fried chicken itself had a great flavor and was perfectly crispy and moist inside. It wasn't overly oily either. I wish we had this spot in California, I paid $6.25 total for my meal. Coming back if I ever see a Harold's! read more

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This Harold's has surely seen its ups and downs over the last few years but as of September of 2020 they have turned things around for the good. I ordered wings with mild sauce twice in one week from here and I was not disappointed. My wings were fresh, medium sized and not tough at all. They were crunchy and had just the right amount of mild sauce on them. These wings were special. Biting into one of these wings gave me a nice thin crunch with a sweet and tangy punch followed by meat that melted in my mouth. This chicken brought back memories of being a kid in Chicago and ordering wings with mild sauce after school in the 90's. Yep, they got it right. If your looking for legit quality fried chicken, please visit this place. Make sure that you are prepared to wait for your food as it can take a while after ordering before you get it. I usually call in my order and once I walk in the store and pay, I wait about 10 minutes or so before receiving my food. The wait is worth it for fresh wings. My only issue with this Harold's is the price. It's more expensive than most wing places near it but don't get it twisted, they are clearly the best wings in the neighborhood as of September 2020. read more

Harold's Chicken #14 - 6 Wings with Mild Sauce - Chicken Shop Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

So you don't go to Harold's for the ambiance or the cleanliness or the greasiness of their walls or benches or their bullet proof window where you place and pick up your order. This was my first time ever at any Harold's. I had to turn my family onto their chicken and sauce after my coworker shared her chicken with me one day at work. I was in heaven. That being said No. 14 while still good does not measure up to the Harold's food truck that parks on Ellis Ave at the University of Chicago. I tried both the hot sauce on the side and the mild sauce on the chicken and I have to say that the mild sauce on the chicken from the Harold's truck was so unbelievably good. read more

Harold's Chicken #14 - Chicken Shop Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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