South Carolina knows fried chicken like nobody’s business. While big chains get all the attention, some of the best crispy, juicy goodness comes from small, family-owned spots tucked away in corners of the Palmetto State. These hidden gems have perfected their recipes over generations, serving up that perfect combination of crunchy coating and tender meat that makes Southern fried chicken famous worldwide.
1. Miss Ann’s Fried Chicken – Greenwood
Locals swear Miss Ann’s secret recipe hasn’t changed in 40 years. The small, unassuming building on Main Street might not catch your eye, but your nose will definitely notice the mouthwatering aroma from blocks away.
What sets Miss Ann’s apart is their double-dredging technique that creates an extra-crispy crust while keeping the meat incredibly juicy. Their signature spice blend includes a hint of cayenne that gives just enough kick without overwhelming the flavor.
Family-owned since 1978, Miss Ann’s also serves incredible sides like creamy mac and cheese and collard greens cooked with ham hocks. Cash only, but worth every penny!
2. Yogi Bear’s Honey Fried Chicken – Hartsville
Don’t let the cartoon-inspired name fool you – this Hartsville institution serves seriously good chicken. Their signature honey-drizzled fried chicken creates a sweet-savory combination that’s absolutely addictive.
Founded in 1972, Yogi Bear’s uses a pressure-frying method that locks in moisture while creating that perfect crunch. The honey drizzle happens right after frying, creating a light glaze that complements rather than overwhelms.
Sunday after church brings the biggest crowds, so plan accordingly. Their chicken boxes come with incredible hushpuppies that regulars often order as a separate side. A true South Carolina original!
3. Southern Chicken – Surfside Beach
Beach towns rarely offer exceptional fried chicken, but Southern Chicken breaks that rule spectacularly. This family-run spot near the Surfside Pier has been frying up crispy goodness since 1985, becoming a favorite among locals who guard its reputation from tourists.
Their chicken soaks overnight in buttermilk with a special blend of herbs before being hand-breaded to order. The result? Incredibly moist meat with a perfectly seasoned crust that doesn’t fall off when you take that first satisfying bite.
Try their Carolina Gold chicken tossed in a mustard-based sauce – a unique coastal twist on the state’s barbecue tradition that works surprisingly well with fried chicken!
4. The Chicken Basket – Anderson
Housed in a converted gas station from the 1950s, The Chicken Basket embraces its quirky location with vintage decor and chicken that tastes like your grandma made it. The owners, former textile workers who lost their jobs when the mill closed, turned their family recipes into a thriving business.
Their signature basket features three perfectly fried pieces with a shatteringly crisp exterior and juicy interior. The secret? A cast iron skillet technique that’s becoming increasingly rare in commercial kitchens.
Don’t miss their hand-cut potato wedges fried in the same oil as the chicken, soaking up all those wonderful flavors. Truly a taste of old-school Southern cooking!
5. Carolina’s Chicken and More – Gaffney
Everyone knows Gaffney for the Peachoid water tower, but locals head to Carolina’s when they’re craving exceptional fried chicken. What started as a food truck now occupies a small brick building where lines form before they even open.
Carolina’s stands out for their extra-crunchy cornmeal-enhanced coating with a peppery kick. The chicken itself comes from nearby farms, supporting local agriculture while ensuring freshness you can taste.
A family recipe dating back four generations, their chicken comes with a story about great-grandma sneaking cornmeal from the mill during hard times. Whether true or not, the technique creates a distinctively textured crust unlike anywhere else in the state.
6. Little Howie’s – Aiken
Tucked behind the Aiken train depot, Little Howie’s might be easy to miss but impossible to forget once you’ve tasted their chicken. Howard Williams Jr. (Little Howie himself) still works the fryer at 72 years old, using his father’s recipe from 1962.
The chicken here gets a 24-hour brine in sweet tea before frying – a technique that infuses the meat with subtle sweetness and keeps it incredibly moist. Each piece emerges with a mahogany-colored crust that’s both crisp and substantial.
The restaurant’s walls showcase historic photos of Aiken’s horse racing heritage alongside family pictures. Regulars know to save room for Mrs. Williams’ lemon icebox pie, the perfect ending to a memorable meal.
7. Bernie’s Chicken – Columbia
Columbia residents debate politics, football, and which fried chicken joint reigns supreme. Bernie’s small counter-service spot near the university quietly wins that last argument with consistently exceptional chicken that draws both students and state legislators.
Bernie’s chicken stands out for its remarkably thin, almost translucent crust that shatters like glass when bitten. Unlike thicker coatings, this delicate approach lets the perfectly seasoned chicken shine through while still providing that essential crunch factor.
The restaurant’s spicy version features a cayenne-forward heat that builds gradually rather than overwhelming your taste buds immediately. Pro tip: order the mixed basket with both regular and spicy to experience the full Bernie’s effect!
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