These 5 Restaurants Prove Ohio Serves Incredible Fried Chicken

Kentucky might be hailed as the fried chicken capital of the U.S., but Ohio also has an underrated fried chicken scene that foodies flock to from far and wide. It's true: The best fried chicken in Ohio can be found in the most unassuming of places, hidden eateries and stands with a reputation for crispy, finger-lickin' chicken.

From roadside taverns to Amish country restaurants and classic supper clubs—where you can find some of the best fried chicken in Cleveland—the Buckeye State has plenty of chicken opportunities to get in on. Ready to start tasting it all yourself? Here are five local favorites that give Kentucky a run for its money. Locals and tourists love them, and we think you will, too.

1. The Hitching Post - World's Best Fried Chicken, Cincinnati

The Hitching Post is in Cincinnati, Ohio, and has given itself the name of "world's best fried chicken." Undoubtedly, locals agree: This chicken is perfectly seasoned and served with oodles of gravy. It's so popular that folks can order a 100-piece bucket of chicken to share. Pair it with some coleslaw and other delicious Southern sides, and you've got yourself a feast.

This iconic chicken restaurant in Cincinnati, which has been around since 1968, has endured several floods in Ohio. But now it's back and better than ever, ready to serve amazing chicken to all who love and support it! The nostalgic roadside feel will have you reminiscing on simpler times. Visit for yourself and see why its chicken has won local and state awards.

The Hitching Post is open Monday to Friday, from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

2. The Schoolhouse Restaurant, Camp Dennison

The Schoolhouse Restaurant and General Store in Camp Dennison, Ohio, might as well have the best fried chicken in the world! I'm not exaggerating, either. I was first introduced to Schoolhouse's fried chicken as a kid, and between the crispy drumsticks, creamy mashed potatoes, and honey-topped cornbread (all available in unlimited quantities and served on each table's Lazy Susan), this upscale eatery is, for me, the standard by which all other fried chicken in measured.

Between the amazing service, beautifully historic building, and nostalgic feel, visiting The Schoolhouse should be a family tradition for ages to come. It feels like a best-kept secret—and it's certainly an underrated Ohio chicken restaurant. It's open Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

3. DeVore's Hopocan Gardens, Barberton

Barberton, Ohio, has a longstanding history of serving up some of the best fried chicken in the state. In fact, "Barberton chicken," also known as "Serbian fried chicken," has granted the town the name of Chicken Capital of the World! This style of chicken is especially crispy and served with tangy coleslaw, fries, and a traditional side called tomato rice (i.e., rice with a tomato-based sauce and seasoned with hot peppers). The best place to find this meal? DeVore's Hopocan Gardens.

DeVore's has been serving up Barberton chicken since 1942, delighting customers with its delicious meals and special spicy wing sauce—perfect for dipping. It's different from Southern fried chicken (which has more seasoning), but it's just as delicious. Hours are daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

4. Miller's Chicken, Athens

Athens is a college town, so the culinary competition here is stiff. You'll find delicious pizzerias, sandwich shops, taquerias, and coffee shops, but Miller's Chicken might top them all. Unassuming yet impossibly charming, Miller's does breakfast, sandwiches, and seafood. But the star of the show is the crispy, crunchy signature fried chicken.

You can order combo meals with five to 10 pieces of chicken and a variety of cuts, including breast, wings, thighs, and legs. The no-frills hometown eatery also does classic Southern sides, including fresh coleslaw and macaroni salad, plus the occasional soup of the day. You can't go wrong with the fried chicken sandwich either. It's all super affordable, too—the five-piece meal is just around $9!

Miller's Chicken is open Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

5. Village Inn Chicken, Norton

When in Ohio, skip the gas station fried chicken and go straight for the taverns. One of my favorites is Village Inn Chicken in Norton, which is near Barberton's White House Chicken and Hopocan Gardens (see above). Since 1955, this family-owned and operated fried chicken joint has been serving up ridiculously juicy chicken, along with stacked burgers, salty fries, and a bunch of scrumptious sides.

Generations of loyal customers have flocked to Village Inn for the Barberton chicken—it's certainly a tradition for Ohioans to make a pit stop on road trips. The restaurant even has specials like Fish Friday, $5.99 cheeseburgers, and hosts live musicians on select evenings. It's no wonder the food and atmosphere are memorable!

Hours are Monday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Why Ohio's Fried Chicken Scene Is So Underrated

Most people immediately think of the Southern states when they imagine fried chicken. Naturally so, as buttermilk fried chicken with a bit of a kick is super popular in states like Kentucky, Alabama, and Tennessee—Nashville hot chicken, anyone?

The flavors of Ohio fried chicken are a little more understated, which is probably why not many people think of it when deciding on dinner options in the Buckeye State. Good quality meat, crispy breading, and a variety of delicious sides and dipping sauces make Ohio's fried chicken scene what it is. Get it in a busy city like Cleveland or enjoy Amish Country fried chicken in rural areas of the state. All amazing options!

Which of these Ohio fried chicken joints have you been to before? Are there any you'd like to visit soon? Add more to your dining bucket list today, take a foodie road trip, and get to tasting!