Just learned about chicken hut. My stepfather went here the day before and it was so good he wanted to go back the next day with me. This is a little gem in Durham NC serv8ng up some down home cooking. They are a cafeteria style restraint serving up fresh to order fried chicken everyday along side a changing menu of food on the line. The day I went they were serving smothered pork chops, I jad to get the greens and huspuppies for my sides. The portions were crazy and they were generous with the gravy baby. Oh and I had to polish things off with that fresh banana pudding. Yall better stop playing and come down to chcien hut and get you a plate. The staff was full energy and we're genuinely friendly making it a personal experience for everyone. You could even tell that many regulars weee coming and going as the staff chopped it up with everyone there like they knew them. Great vibes and food to match, no wonder chicken hut has been such a staple in the community for so long. read more

Cash only. Open from 11:30 AM and closes at 2 PM. Closed weekends. When you enter, there's a counter where you pay last before you leave. A lovely woman there helps explain the process to those who look lost haha. So you go through the room to the right where there are dining tables and chairs and get in line to what looks like a buffet. 1 entree and 2 sides are included in your order, along with a drink your choice of either a roll or hush puppies. Dessert (cake) is extra. Pig's feet was $18.99 while smothered chicken with gravy was $17.99. Food selection changes daily. You get a ticket with the price, which you then take to pay at said counter. Everything was delicious. Wish we could have tried the oxtails (not available on the day we went) and fried chicken (sold out). The owner was serving huge portions to everyone. They were closing up and gifted us cake slices. Staff there were sweet :). read more

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This is absolutely one of my favorite places to get a home-cooked meal when I don't feel like cooking at home. The family that runs this is so kind and the community absolutely loves them. You're always greeted with respect and a smiling face. The food is always hot and I love that chicken is cooked to order. The flavors are wonderful and not too overpowering. I usually get my food to go, but the dining room is always full of people, clean, and feels like you're visiting someone's home. Definitely a Durham staple and I see why. read more

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Durhams best Fried Chicken Experience! This place is a staple to the STATE! The chicken is always fried to perfection, seasoned with love and hot!!! read more

Visited here one Tuesday afternoon and it did not disappoint. Ordered the fried chicken and it was piping hot and good. Had the Mac and greens and they definitely satisfied my craving for southern food. My husband ordered the fish and yep I helped him eat it. Nice guy at the counter threw in a piece of cake for us, since it was our first visit. The carrot cake was SMACK! read more

The Chicken Hut - Fried fish - Southern Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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5 star service! This is how you do customer service right! We visited for the first time and loaded up on every side to try as well as the fried chicken, fried fish and meatloaf and peach cobbler and Italian crème cake. Collard Greens 2.5/5 Pinto Beans 3/5 Yams 2/5 Green Beans w Potatoes 2.5/5 Mac and cheese 2/5 Hushpuppies 2.5/5 Fried Trout 4/5- very good and not fishy even for someone who doesn't love fish Fried Chicken- 4/5 juicy, crispy and good flavor Meatloaf 2/5- red sauce meatloaf Rice and Gravy- 3/5- fluffy rice with good flavored gravy You get very large portions and I do think it's worth the price. There's no way I could eat even one of these meals by myself but I'm a smaller eater. Each meal comes with a main and two sides , a roll or hushpuppies, and a drink. They make their own drinks and the lemonade is really good but it's sweet so be prepared if that matters to you. Overall, we love the customer service here. This is a local business you should support! Next time, we will try the baked spaghetti. We would reorder the fish and the chicken. Both of those were our favorites. read more

The Chicken Hut - Go in the front door and go to the right to place your order - Southern Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

The food is good, menu changes daily but prices have been pretty steady. Staff is really nice. Haven't had any problems here

Absolutely loved my first experience at the Chicken Hut! From walking in, to ordering, and to eating was nothing but a great time. I was warmly greeted by the staff as they told me the meats and sides they had available. I went with their fried chicken and I was told it would be about ten minutes, but I did not mind waiting. For my sides I got their greens and Mac and cheese. Their plates also include either a roll or hushpuppies; so I went with the hushpuppies. And I am so glad that I did! The hushpuppies were the major highlight of my plate. They were crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. With the hot sauce added it made them pop even more. I quickly ate most of them before my meal was over. The fried chicken was also amazing. It was not overly salty or seasoned and had an amazing crunch. It comes out pipping hot, so I had to take my time with each bite, but it was so worth it. The greens were light and seasoned well. I like that they were not super soft and had a great texture and depth. I could literally just eat their greens and hushpuppies and be so happy! The only side that I thought could use some love was their Mac and cheese. I thought it could've had more seasoning and cheese. It was a little plain. I love that the Chicken Hut is still here serving great food for 65 years! Their love for the community shows in their stellar customer service, fun atomosphere (the music was a mix of 70s/80s rnb that made me not want to go back to work!), and their warmth! I will be back for more food soon! read more

The Chicken Hut - Fried chicken with greens and mac and cheese - Southern Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

First meal in NC for me! Friends took me here and it was their first time too, but it came highly recommended. Ordering is like a cafeteria line. Staff at the front takes your order of protein/sides, and you wait for them to put it together. I opted for a fried chicken plate which included full wings and drums, collard greens, and mac and cheese. The fried chicken is fried fresh, and comes out piping hot! Chicken is juicy and the crunch is perfect. I enjoyed the mac and cheese the most out of the sides. Staff was friendly and offered us complimentary cake as well since it was our first time. These plates come large...so I would actually share a plate with one other person. Parking lot attached as well. Definitely a must visit when you're in the Durham area! read more

Always Excellent service and good food. A truly good down home grandma kitchen. Check it out.

Drove quite a distance only to find out the restaurant was closed for maintenance. The website needs to reflect this. Another party i know experienced the same thing . read more

I have fallen in love with the Chicken Hut in Durham NC. It is now my go to restaurant. The food and desserts are out of this world. Everyone is so nice and welcoming. I would recommend this restaurant to everyone. Everytime that I am in Durham or just making a trip here, I will be stopping by to get something to eat. read more

My first visit. Delicious food. Extraordinary service. I usually don't eat pork or like pork chops but my friends referred me to this place and it did not disappoint. I will come and try there other foods. Menu items change by the day. read more

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Best Southern Style Fried Chicken in the USA. Piping hot, delectable seasoning, crispy, crunch. Cooked to perfection in the best Southern Style breader. For more than 60 years, generations of the Tapp family have been serving their Durham neighbors at the Chicken Hut, where customers arrive and line up for the best homestyle cooking before the doors even open. The celebrated chicken is fried to order, arriving at the table piping hot and perfectly seasoned, with a shatteringly crisp crust, served with a roll for mopping up the liquid gold that sheds off every bite. Get busy and get yourself over town to eat the best you can ever eat at a good price and generously served the way you were raised to want. read more

The Chicken Hut - Best Southern Fried Chicken Wings in the USA! - Southern Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Today, February 5, 2026 I ordered a smothered pork chop dinner and was served scraps. I asked the owner if he had any more smothered pork chops and he stated enough for one dinner. A preacher in front of me had gone down the line with his 2 dinners when I asked ask about the pc's. The preacher returned and asked what was in the gravy, the owner told him pork chops. The owner didn't tell him that I had requested the last order even after I stated to the owner those are mine. He ignored me and gave the whole "in tack" smothered pc to the preacher. He then fixed my order which was several large pieces of fat and a few chunks of meat which I discovered when I got home. It gets better, you know they are cash only. While I waited in line a lady tried to pay with her debit card and was told "cash only...you may go across the street to FL and buy something and get cash back or go over their they have an ATM machine". When she told the preacher the same policy, he when to the owner and the owner told her to take his debit card and charged him a fee of $1.50 for using a card. Really, yes really!!!!! read more

What's not to like? Simple food done well. A little sloppy and wet, but it scratched it the itch I had.

Upon entering the restaurant, I only smelt grease. I didn't smell any seasonings or aroma from the variety of soul food that was being served. I decided to keep it simple and ordered a chicken box w coleslaw and fries. I also ordered a cup of punch w light ice. To my surprise, the punch was Kool-Aid, and my cup was 3/4 full of ice. The waffle fries tasted ok. The chicken wings were fresh, but they lacked flavor, despite the pepper visualized in the batter on the skin. The coleslaw was mushy. I was also surprised at how small the dinner roll was. I ordered a slice of strawberry cake to complete the meal. However, the cake was stiff and did not taste like strawberries. The ambience was very old and outdated...OneAndDoneForMe! read more

The Chicken Hut - This picture is deceiving!...Heavily battered unseasoned chicken! - Southern Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

So...I just got done eating 3 pieces of fried chicken (dark meat), 2-sides of Mac-n-Cheese and green collards, lemonade, and a peach cobbler. Chicken Hut -- where have you been al my life? I arrived at exactly 11:30 a.m. for lunch and the line was already starting to build up. I missed the turn because it was hard to tell which way was in and out (two entrances with no signs). It will lead you to a beautifully paved parking lot. As I walked in, I could already feel the hospitality as the first person greeted me outside. The interior is clean and looked as if it was just redone. If it's your first time, this is a cafeteria style ordering method where you go through a hot bar filled with all sorts of delicious and mouthwatering -- straight up "soul" food. I was there for the fried chicken so I had to resist the other items. It seems like the menu changes throughout the week. I went with the fried chicken. I was given a slip and had to go to the front to pay, come back and wait for my food. If you're using credit card, there's a small charge but I didn't mind it. Fried Chicken: Very unique style of fried chicken. It's more of a light tempura batter that keeps the chicken juicy on the inside. It paired so well with hot sauce! I drove 10-minutes home and the chicken was still moist and crispy. Collard Greens: Just right! I like mine like this where it's not so salty or smothered in vinegar. Mac-n-Cheese: Legit Mac and Cheese with just the right amount of cheese and bite. I loved the crust to this side. Lemonade: Now -- that's lemonade! Sweet and tangy! Peach Cobbler: Super peachy and flavorful. Overall, it's not the food that makes this place great. In my opinion -- it's the people. I never felt so welcome like I was dining in my own home. Although, it was so busy, the folks working here actually took the time to ask me how my day was going. Shout out to the gentleman who welcomed me, gave me my food, and a complimentary peach cobbler (since it was my first time). The food taste so much better with this type of A+ customer service. I can not wait to return! read more

I saw that this beloved Durham institution was open on a rare Sunday, so I decided to give it a shot. I arrived 10 minutes before opening and there was already a decently formed line. For the newcomer, it can be a bit confusing. The prices and menu aren't listed anywhere in the building, so you just have to guess at what's available based on what you see in front of you. I heard someone after me order peach cobbler from the back, wish I had known that was available. Also, it's cash only which I'm side-eying in 2024...(the IRS told me to tell y'all that Chicken Hut ain't slick). Fried chicken can be ordered at the front if it's only with a side of fries or veggies, everything else is ordered on the side dining room, but then you take your ticket and pay up front, but you have to wait to the side for fried chicken, again it's only cash, just the 1st and 3rd Sundays they open each month, when it rains, on the 2nd Tuesday, of the fifth month of the fourth year. I got their oxtail plate with mac and cheese, cabbage, roll and Arnold Palmer for $20. My husband had their fried chicken, mac and cheese, corn bread and a slice of red velvet for $22. We enjoyed our mains a lot. The oxtail was succulent, seasoned and delicious as was the fried chicken. The sides were disappointingly lackluster. The cabbage left a lot to be desired and the macaroni had so much black pepper, it was inedible to us. The cornbread was just okay, on the drier side and could have been more sweet. We enjoyed the red velvet cake a lot and the Arnold Palmers were mind bendingly sweet--but sort of in a good way? You've been warned that just 30 minutes in there and all of your clothes down to your nickers will smell like you were back there frying chicken with them. I had to change after my husband couldn't stand the greasy smell lol. Overall, I don't regret trying Chicken Hut. I still enjoyed the no frills, slightly confusing, but friendly and familial atmosphere. While the side dishes could use a little more love, their main entrees were incredibly delicious and I'd be happy to come back just for those. read more

The Chicken Hut - oxtail - Southern Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Our food was overall good, our service excellent, the ambiance is very nice. The lemon aide was tasty too. read more

The Chicken Hut - Fried chicken wings, collard greens, and pinto beans with hush puppies. - Southern Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Would give this 6 stars if possible! Not only is the chicken the best fried chicken i've ever had (the skin is so crispy it's like glass), the customer service is stellar! The kind gentleman that served us gave us free slices of cake for being first-time customers, and you bet we'll be back! And oof that mac and cheese ‍‍ read more

The Chicken Hut - dark meat, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese - Southern Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

When you drive up at opening m, and there's already a line forming before the door is unlocked...that's a great sign that you've hit the jackpot for good food. Can't say enough about how amazing the fried chicken, collards, and Mac and cheese are. (What I got) also, loved the touch of a choice of drink. Pink lemonade was absolutely delicious too. I was asked when I entered if jt was my first time visiting, and when I answered yes was showed around the restaurant and how it's served which was a great customer service point! Would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for great soul food. Just FYI, cash only (like most mom and pop delicious places are). read more

I really wanted to love this place. Everyone is so sweet. You really feel like family here. The chicken is crispy and it tastes so good. It is super greasy though have those napkins ready lol. The mac was disappointing, it was creamy but the flavor was off. The cake was okay, it was super sweet. Shortly after eating I felt terrible, I mean rushing to the restroom... read more

The Chicken Hut - Fried chicken plate - Southern Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Came into NC to visit my sister who lives in Raleigh. I had been asking for some good southern fried chicken to eat. She took me the Chicken Hut. Got their early and not to soon place had a line. They are a cash only business and we were greeted by a wonderful lady who spoke to us like we were family. Walked in and saw it was buffet style service. I ordered the beef BBQ rib plate... so good...see the picture...Deliciousness all over that plate. Tender and savory. I ordered their fried chicken as well and that was some yummy chicken. At the end they asked where we were from and I said San Diego. They thanked us for coming to their restaurant from a far away as we come. Gave us a chocolate and banana cake on the house. That small place has a big heart for filling your stomach and making you feel like you were family enjoying a meal together. read more

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Front the moment we entered the front door, it was welcoming! I love that hospitality...on the serving line was the nephew who explained everything...and the food was Delicious!!! Cooked just right... Keep up the good work! The Bradshaws from Graham, NC read more

The food was wonderful . Great customer service and the sever even gave us some free cake. Thanks again read more

Over the years I have written two 5 star reviews. Here is an update since I've been asked: The Chicken Hut is still a wonderful place to eat! The food of course is the main reason to go, but a close second is the people who work there ,and yes, the customers as well. Look at FaceBook for current specials and mostly accurate weekly menus. Sometimes they do a special breakfast for a special reason like a holiday or other consideration. Sometimes I feel like I'm in a Parish Hall because the table is clean but not fancy, and it's usually packed because the food is so good. Everyone is in good spirits. Also they do takeout for people who are in a hurry. If they see someone they know they may go over to that person's table to chat. Thats an example of the informality. Again, the food is very tasty, Southern style. In addition to fried chicken there is a variety of meats, greens, and other vegetables. The desserts are as good as their reputation. read more

The fried chicken was excellent! Expect a 10-15 minute wait during lunch time. My only complaint is that the collard greens were too salty. However, the mac and cheese was really good. Parking is a bit hard to determine as this place is on a busy street. This place closes early and is only open on weekdays read more

I mean SERIOUSLY... the best fried chicken I've ever eaten. They make it as you wait, so it's not cold and congealed. Piping hot, crispy, with the tenderest meat. I had mac and cheese and collards as sides. Delicious, creamy sauce with just the right tang. Perfectly cooked collards. The staff is very welcoming (cash only). Every day has specials -- today was oxtail stew, so it's on my list for next time. This is the real deal -- a Durham institution worth supporting. read more

The Chicken Hut - Lunch rush! Opens at 11 30, cash only. - Southern Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Well hello, new favorite restaurant in Durham!!! First of all, it may be a little confusing when you first enter so here's a quick breakdown of how things work here. When you first enter, go into the room on the right and get in line. There's no written menu - only a cafeteria style line with different daily specials and fried chicken and fish, so I suggest you check out their website online to see what the daily specials are (or else you have to ask what everything on the line is). The chicken and fish are fried fresh, so if you want those, you tell the people working the line and they'll make you some. Luckily for me, one of my favorites - oxtail - was served on the day I went. I went with the oxtail (I got the last of the day - so come earlier before closing if you want to make sure they don't run out!), with mac and cheese and collards for my sides. I'm used to Jamaican oxtail stew so this oxtail is different - it's less fall apart tender but it feels heartier. The gravy is absolutely delicious and I was definitely dunking my dinner roll all up in it. I saw some other people asking for extra gravy on their sides, which is something I'd do, depending on the sides I get. The Mac and cheese is perfectly creamy and just tangy enough that it doesn't fall flat. The collards tasted rich and not too bitter - which is a true feat considering I didn't see any pork in it. To my surprise, the meal also came with a drink - either a small lemonade or a sweet tea. In the end, lunch ended up being only $10 for oxtail, two sides, a dinner roll, and a drink - which is a great deal considering the portion size (and since most places do oxtail for $13 at least). I loved the atmosphere too - while nothing pretty, it was definitely a place where you could tell most of the people were regulars (and, how can I resist Whitney Houston on tv) - and I think I'm soon going to be one too! The staff was also really sweet and helpful, which put the finishing touch on a delicious meal. ----- Edited to add that just writing this review made me hungry so I headed back there for lunch today and got the ribs and they're perfect - the meat is moist and tender enough to be fall off the bone (but not overly so to make it mushy)! One of the guys I talked to last time even remembered me and was so friendly! read more

Best fried chicken I have ever had. Super friendly staff and a super friendly environment. Music was great too.

A family owned and black owned business that has been in the Durham community for decades, The Chicken Hut has hands down the best fried chicken. Working from home during the pandemic has been a blessing in disguise since it's much easier to make it during their lunch hours to pick up the food (The Chicken Hut is a walk-up). On Fridays, they have oxtail as well, but the fried chicken still has my heart. I would recommend getting both oxtail and fried chicken-I promise it will be enough food for four adults with the sides! If you haven't been recently, they are now taking credit cards for payment. AND they have a huge parking lot right behind the building. read more

The Chicken Hut - Dinner box! IG: @betterwithju - Southern Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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It was ok, service is great they take cash only, the biggest complaint I have is the servings lacked and the taste was not the usual I am familiar in years past from Chicken hut so I was very disappointed. I paid $16.99 for a hamburger w gravy plate cabbage instant macaroni + $4.00 for pound cake. I requested my collards and cabbage be mixed on one side and macaroni for a second the man said that would count as an additional side so I declined. The Latino server was scared to put the food on the plate: I do not blame the hired help. *Prices are not advertised* so when I go to pay and the total comes to $22.56 I started to leave the food right there with the owner instead I gave it to a friend, sad to say I will not be back. I do not mind paying for inflation if the service and food are good but don't give me a $10 plate @ best for the cost of a family meal and expect the same $$$ I have a huge problem with that⁉ I HOPE THEY READ THIS REVIEW: considering your increased cost your plates should be full 1 pc of ground meat in gravy a dab of this and that for $17 + tax, ain't it--a full drink is not included nor dessert that said yall tightened up‼ Please do not let this Durham staple go down like this, its better to bow out gracefully then to decline in what we in the Durham community have known to be great soul did food for @ least four generations serving our childcare centers repast and events... read more

Been trying to go here for a couple of months. It just hasn't worked out on our trips to Durham. Well worth the wait. First of all everyone there was extremely nice, friendly and helpful. Ordered out food and it came out quickly and steaming hot. That chicken was crispy, hot and juicy. Highly highly recommend. Told the folks we'll be seeing them again in a couple weeks when we get back into town. read more

Chicken Hut you still got it! I saw an ad on Facebook to support local small businesses and that is exactly what I've been doing. The picture of the chicken & fish sent me to 2010 when they catered my graduation party! The food was delicious then and delicious April '25. The staff was so warm and friendly, and she asked if it was my first time. I said no, it's been a lot of years, but my son's first time. We were impressed with the food options, and the professionalism of the staff taking the orders. Our food was freshly cooked crunch perfect fried chicken, fried fish, cabbage was my "momma's cabbage" then the mac & cheese. The desserts were on fire too! That carrot cake & red velvet cake was on point too! Lastly, the atmosphere, was definitely inviting. The music & videos gave us a trip down memory lane of all the greats kept us there for a while enjoying it all! Chicken Hut, Thank you for still being in the NCCU community! I'll be back real soon! read more

I have been going to The Chicken Hut for years because they make the best fried chicken I've ever tasted. My husband also loves the oxtails. You get a lot of food for a reasonable price, & the people who work there are very friendly. read more

What an amazing place. Everyone who works here is incredibly friendly. It was fascinating to hear about the rich history of this 70+ year old establishment. The food was delicious! The only problem is that I have to wait for my next visit to NC to get some of that amazing fried chicken. read more

Cash only, so come prepared! Very friendly and welcoming staff! Some of the menu items vary from day to day. I've been twice since moving to Durham a few weeks ago. Chicken is juicy and flavorful! Homemade pound cake and carrot cake are both delicious! read more

How in the world did I drive by the Chicken Hut in the nearly 30 years I've lived here always saying, I've gotta stop here sometime and not do so? More than I can count! Truth be told, I did stop a few times in the evening only to find them not open and thinking it was a fluke, until I called and found out the hours. Anyway, today was finally the day we went for lunch! I felt kind of foolish not knowing the protocol of where to order, that there isn't a menu per say, only the cafeteria style line where the owner tells you whats on the menu that day and points it out, as well as what they can fry up. Eat in or take out I guarantee you'll be satisfied and want to come back - soon! We both got the fried chicken (two legs and a thigh or light meat if you prefer) and two sides, dinner roll and a drink, either sweet tea or sweet lemonade, neither comes unsweet so we opted for water, all for $8.59 each. Desserts that looked sooo good are available too for around $2.29. The food here is homemade, we're talking grandma's house and they were up front at the register where you pay on the way out! Everyone working the line is nice as the pie they make while staying focused on keeping things moving at a good clip. They've really got a system that can't be beat for the lunch crowd. Grab a table after ordering the fried food (a very short wait), the food is up in no time flat. I've eaten a lot of fried chicken in my life in many parts of the country and This is the most delicious Ever - anytime, anywhere! I loved the crunchy coating which is neither too salty or spicy, if at all, so the flavor of the juicy perfectly fried chicken isn't hidden, it's just pure fried chicken! Man oh, man, it's yummy making sounds good! The sides I choose were amazing too. The cabbage was so delicious and again, nothing to mask the flavor of the cabbage itself, just lightly spiced with red pepper flakes. The mac and cheese is THE mac and cheese of all time! OMG, it's creamy, cheesy, just a little bit salty and peppered to perfection. There was so much food leftover that it'll be enough for dinner. Couldn't even sample the cake we got and saving that for tonight too. Seriously, don't wait like I did driving by for years saying you're going to stop one of these days. When I think of all the chicken I could have been eating there all those years and would have been a long time regular like so many clearly are. Thank you Chicken Hut, your food is beyond excellent! Next visit, the ribs! read more

The Chicken Hut - Cost of two chicken dinners and one dessert. - Southern Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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There service was super fast! Their barbecue chicken was so nice as well.. All was good