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Big's ChickenBWorth Trying
4606 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213
· Chicken restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (592 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Destination-worthy smoked-and-fried chicken and jojos with bold seasoning; casual counter spot with great happy hour, occasional oversalting and nickel-and-diming on sauces.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Big's Chicken earns its grade through strong food quality and exceptional service speed, delivering hot, crispy comfort food that resonates with locals and travelers alike. However, inconsistent execution—occasional oversalting and portion variability—prevents higher placement, while the casual neighborhood setting lacks destination appeal. It's a reliable, friendly spot for smoked-and-fried chicken and happy hour value, competitive with the area's better casual dining options.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels casual and welcoming with quick counter service, TVs tuned to games, and the smell of smoke and spice drifting from the open kitchen. Reviewers praise the team’s fast, friendly energy and the food arriving hot. One diner put it simply: "Crispy outside, juicy inside, and the jojos nail it." The cooking leans toward smoked-then-fried comfort with house White Gold and Fresno sauces, grilled or fried thighs, and sides like fried broccoli, corn cakes, and mac bites. It is big flavor—sometimes very bold. Most love the seasoning, though a few call it heavy-handed; stick to the grilled sandwich or wings if you prefer a cleaner profile, and the Monday happy hour is a smart way to explore without overspending. Families fit right in thanks to kid-pleasing staples like chicken sandwiches, crispy jojos, mac and cheese bites, and sweet desserts. The vegan veggie bowl and several vegetarian sides help mixed groups, though extremely spice-averse kids may want plain grilled chicken and mild sauces.
At a Glance
- Smoked-and-fried wings and chicken sandwiches earn raves
- All-day Monday happy hour offers excellent value
- Seasoning can run salty or heavy on some visits
- $1 charge for extra sauces and small side portions bother some guests
- Fast service and food arrives hot and crispy
What Sets It Apart
- smoked_then_fried_chicken_technique
- all_day_monday_happy_hour
- house_white_gold_and_fresno_sauces
What People Love
- Crispy wings with smoky depth
- Balanced grilled chicken sandwich with tangy sauces
- Perfectly seasoned, creamy-inside jojos
- Friendly, fast counter service
Points of Concern
- Seasoning can be overpowering; request lighter sauce if sensitive
- Sauce upcharges ($1) and limited free condiments
- Occasional cleanliness lapses and rare cook errors reported
- Side portions sometimes feel small for the price
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$24-35 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Order grilled thighs or grilled sandwich if sensitive to salt.
- Pair wings with cucumber pickles ($2.50) to balance richness.
- Families: split a Half Bird ($16.95-17.95) with two large sides.
- Dessert closer: Buttermilk Pie ($8.50) for a sweet finish.
Perfect For
- Casual chicken cravings with friends
- Quick solo lunch near the hospital
- Family dinner with comfort sides
- Budget-friendly Monday happy hour sampling
Location Insights
Area: Residential-meets-commercial corridor near Providence hospital; relaxed local vibe with steady daytime traffic.
Safety: Generally safe with regular foot traffic; typical urban considerations after dark.
Nearby: Near medical facilities, small shops, and neighborhood bars; easy access via NE Glisan.
CullyCully is a predominantly residential neighborhood with a strong sense of community and a mix of older homes and new developments. The dining scene is casual and neighborhood-focused, featuring local eateries that emphasize comfort food and approachable dining experiences. It is less touristy and more frequented by locals seeking affordable and hearty meals.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–21:00
Tuesday11:30–21:00
Wednesday11:30–21:00
Thursday11:30–21:00
Friday11:30–21:00
Saturday11:30–21:00
Sunday11:30–21:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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