Casual Nashville-style fried chicken spot with affordable combos and kid-friendly options, but quality and portion size consistency vary notably since ownership/menu changes.
The Budlong Southern Chicken delivers crisp, well-seasoned chicken and kid-friendly portions in a casual Lincoln Park setting, making it a solid neighborhood option for quick Southern comfort food. However, portion shrinkage and variable prep quality since the ownership change, combined with limited staff guidance and occasional service lapses, prevent it from competing with higher-rated establishments. Best suited for families seeking affordable, straightforward fried chicken rather than a special dining destination.
Set on Armitage in Lincoln Park, this counter-service spot leans casual with a rustic and homey feel. Staff are often warm and personable, though some visits report distracted counter service. One diner captured the vibe: "Good for a quick lunch, filling and unfussy," even if execution wavers. The cooking focuses on Nashville-style fried chicken with classic Southern sides. Sandwiches like The Original and Yo Mammas deliver crisp heat and pickle-bright crunch when the kitchen is on point, though sides like mac and fried cornbread draw mixed reactions. Expect comfort over flair—more straightforward and satisfying than inventive—at prices typical for fast casual. Families do well here. There is a dedicated kids meal with tenders or bites, plus familiar sides like fries and mac. Portions are kid-friendly, the heat level is customizable, and several regulars bring children routinely. If a child dislikes spice, choose mild and stick to fries, bites, and banana pudding.
Area vibe: Busy Lincoln Park retail corridor with young professionals, families, and students; casual dining and boutique shopping.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, steady foot traffic typical of Lincoln Park.
What's nearby: Near Armitage boutiques, Brown Line Armitage stop, mixed residential and retail attracting neighborhood customers.