Chicago’s Chicken and Waffles: The third location of the Windy City restaurant makes remembering its chicken entrees easy. “Our menu is unique to the point that all the plates are named after somebody from the family or from the company,” says chef Miguel Valdez. Try Tonya’s Choice ($12), three wings with a crispy waffle. 1144 Prospect Ave, Cleveland, 216-600-8600, chicagoschickenandwaffles.com
Mahall’s 20 Lanes: Between all the bowling and beer at this neighborhood hangout, it’s worth finding spare time for the fried chicken (three pieces for $10). “The chicken is made with a secret dry rub recipe,” says kitchen manager Nate Melaragno. Pair it with Mahall’s hot honey sauce, a combo of two hot sauces and honey, for the win. 13200, Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-3280, mahalls20lanes.com
Soho Chicken & Whiskey: Diners will find hints of apple cider, brown sugar, rosemary and garlic in each bite of chicken at this Southern-inspired restaurant in Ohio City. “That’s kind of our signature,” says chef and owner Nolan Konkoski. That’s thanks to a brine full of those ingredients that deliver a tasty bird in dishes such as the Mornin’ ($14), which is paired with a rosemary waffle and Ohio maple syrup. 1889 W. 25th St., Cleveland, 216-298-9090, sohocleveland.com
Southern Cafe: The secret here is in the in-house seasoning blend. “When we fry it, it gives it this really crisp coating, but the inside stays moist,” says chef and owner Tony Fortner. Although guests can opt for a two-piece fried chicken dinner with either white ($10) or dark ($9) meat, both versions are marinated in buttermilk and then fried in the seasoned flour to drive home that classic Southern taste. 11817 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-801-4535, southerncafeohio.com
V’s Gourmet: This small family restaurant has a not-so-small amount of options of fried chicken. Choose from seven breadings such as Cajun, chipotle, honey crisp or coconut crisp, which adds a touch of sweetness. Treat the whole family and order the 16-piece meal ($33), which comes with four sides and eight corn muffins. 15418 Lakeshore Blvd., Cleveland, 216-738-7000, vsgourmetchicken.com
