I found the best fried chicken in Champaign, IL so you don’t have to

Many people love fried chicken, but few will tell you that they are enthusiastic or particular about it. I, however, am one of the rare few who cares about fried chicken even when I am sober. That is right, the average college student’s understanding of what constitutes quality fried chicken (or any other food types in general) is perhaps similar to that of an infant when it comes to milk.

One might argue that fried chicken is difficult to f**k up, and that even if it’s really bad, there is always the option of using sauces to salvage the situation. Perhaps the combination of heat and oil does have the magical effect of making almost everything taste better, but it has been excessively employed as a facade to cover up (literally, using batter) lackluster food.

I am by no means a fried chicken connoisseur, but I happen to have some experience working in a commercial kitchen, and that experience showed me what decent fried chicken ought to taste and feel like. Admittedly, one man’s meat can be another man’s poison – what I deem quality might be disgusting for you. But, if you appreciate down-to-earth fried chicken, thin and crispy on the outside and velvety and juicy on the inside, please join me on a journey to seek out the best fried chicken joint here in Urbana-Champaign.

After conducting several interviews with friends and random drunk pedestrians, I have narrowed down my search to three locales.

Papa D’s Bar and Grill

Located on Green street, aka the heart of student/bar life, this little establishment caters primarily to the party crowd. Although it boasts of a comprehensive menu of pasta, sandwiches, gyros and salads, etc., Papa D’s is probably best known for its fried chicken strips. While the meat is usually fresh, the batter averages on the thick side. However, at $5.99 for 3 giant strips and a decently short waiting time, it is not hard to explain why Papa D’s has managed to secure a spot in UIUC’s thriving post-party scene.

Papa D’s right on Green St.

Big JJ’s Fish and Chicken

This joint lies in a galaxy far away from campus (10-minute drive), and thus attracts primarily locals and virtually no student crowd. This is sad, because JJ’s  has the best value-for-money fried chicken and fish in my opinion. At 3 pieces for less than $5, every piece of JJ’s chicken is thinly breaded and deeply flavored. It also helps that the owner seeks to engage customers in friendly and genuine dialogues during the wait. This is the place to go if you want to avoid drunk people and get more-than-decent fried chicken or fish.

Big JJ’s on County Rd.

And finally, my personal favorite . . .

Star Karaoke

Don’t be deceived by the name, there are basically two types of people who come here: those who love singing, and those who love fried chicken. The bird is served either in 8 or 16 pieces, and is available in 3 types of sauces – sweet and mild, supreme, and hot and spicy. Star’s fried chicken has a perfectly balanced batter infused with special Korean spices. Waiting time is longer here, but it is well justified. Although Star also charges a heftier price ($11 for 8 pieces and $21 for 16 pieces), I find myself going back time and time again for its premium fried chicken experience.

Star’s 16 piece fried chicken paradise w/ supreme and spicy sauces on the side.

Star right next to Savoy 16 Cinema.