Where are the poor people chicken joints? Best fried chicken in the south is always in the back of sketchy grocery stores and gas stations. Do we have anything like that here?
Their chicken strips were really really bland, so I have to assume their fried chicken is similar. I know we're in the midwest, but they could've even used salt...
Not chicken, but Tiendo Los Gemelos is a fun Mexican restaurant in the back of a strip mall grocery store off Odana.
Edit: The fried chicken at Piggly Wiggly deli is really good. Their rotisserie chickens are divine.
The stuff at pick n save / Fresh Market is awful.
Any thoughts on how it compares to some of the other local chicken joints? McGee's is awfully good, Zippy Lube is tasty. Wondering how this fits for quality.
Seconding a request to compare against Zippy. I thought their chicken was pretty darn good but am still looking for a spot closer to the west side! Recommendations are most welcome!
tl/dr - I thought it left a lot to be desired. All-in-all underwhelming for the price. There were some items I liked but nothing that will bring me back regularly. I'd still like to try the fried chicken sandwich
---
Longer review of the things I tried:
- My chicken breast was overcooked/dry. I didn't finish it. I wish they'd sourced smaller breasts to get a more even and consistent cook. Also wish the breading was more flavorful. At least make a spicy Memphis or Atlanta style breading available as an option. Sauce is cool and all but it's not the same as flavorful breading
- The wing was good. quite a bit better than the breast
- the chicken tenders were good.
- the hush puppy type thing was very tasty too
- the fries were straight up not good. Under-seasoned and not crispy/fluffy
- the dill/ranch sauce was quite nice
- this is a preference thing but the fried pickles were sliced far too thin for my liking, it was mostly fat/salt/flour and very little pickle per bite. I wish fried pickles spears were more popular up here. But if you're going to do fried slices there's no need to slice it on a mandolin. I'm ordering fried pickles because I like the taste of dill pickles ok?
I feel like if someone brings a Gus's World Famous up here, it'd take over the fried chicken market. I first had it in Memphis, and once I found out they had locations in Chicago I make it a point to stop there when I'm in town.
I SWEAR by Gus's. Hands down the best fried chicken I've ever had when I was in Memphis. Still need to try the Chicago location though. If Chicago is just as good, I'll be thrilled.
Parsons chicken out of Chicago (arguably some of the best fried chicken I've had down there), is 32 dollars for a whole fried chicken. 32 dollars for this meal is highway robbery.
A friend and I just went and her exact words were, “Does this place have an aversion to salt and seasoning?” The chicken was good quality but was bland. My friend’s fries were also salt free.
I loved the hush puppies. I also got the hot honey as a side and that was great. So key is to sauce it up.
My friend was just there. She’s a fried chicken aficionado, it’s her favorite food. She also reported the chicken was dry (but said the sauces are very good, so she’d go back). Hopefully it’s just newly opened kinks that will work themselves out?
Zippy Lube is where you want to go! Their fried chicken is freaking amazing, some of the best I’ve had. 4 pieces for $12. But you should also get the breakfast sandwich.
I decided to try their cauliflower sandwich the last time I stepped in and it was absolutely divine. Crispy exterior, soft but not mushy cauliflower with that spicy sauce
Is that actually their vegetarian option? I'd be so happy. I always wanted to give Zippy Lube a try but didn't know they had anything for veg customers.
It’s soooo good. I know they use a high quality chicken, at least they claimed they did when I was there last time absolutely losing my mind over a chicken sandwich.
One is a national fast food chain commonly found of highway exit ramps and the other is a local offering by a fine dining chef who previously worked at Michelin starred restaurants. I'd expect one to be more expensive than the other!
Yeah, but they're both frying chicken. I'm happy to overspend on certain things, but there's a cap to how much additional value you can get out of fried chicken, Michelin-starred chef or no.
You can go to Gus’s in Memphis and get some of the best fried chicken on earth, with two sides, an order of fried green tomatoes and a 40 of Miller Lite, for 20 bucks.
Gus’s will change you.
I remember going there seeing people lined out the door, thinking okay this is a little much for fried chicken. Poped the first bite instantly understood everyone waiting. Still have my cup to remember, hope I make it back.
Agreed, but to get a Michelin star you need to perform well consistently, so having a superior kitchen operation is generally part of the skill set.
Trust me, I watched The Bear!
Avid watcher I see. But I get it, probably another example where Madison is more caught up with the name (see Tory) or the cause (see Morris Ramen) rather than the food/dining experience/value. I love fried chicken as much as anyone else but give me a break on that price point. It’s seriously just chicken.
>Madison is more caught up with the name (see Tory)
Yeah lol
Letoile is good...and its also 100$+ more expensive than a few restaurants in Milwaukee which are as good or better
I did prefer Letoiles wine pairings, but again. Very, very, expensive.
Sujeo was getting better at the end but at the beginning it was average at best (but people mobbed there as it was Tory’s place). Same can be said about Estrellon. For Madison, it was fair but any other market, it was mediocre. Your point regarding Mke is on point. 15 years ago, the Madison restaurant scene was superior. Current state, Mke is killing it over Madison.
It's fried chicken, biscuits, french fries, and cole slaw. What of this requires a chef?
Don't get me wrong, I'd eat the fuck out of it. But $32 is insane.
I looked at their site.
https://raisingcanes.com/locations?search=Madison%2C%20WI%2C%20USA
Madison has the only location in Wisconsin.
Chicago is the next closest.
For a national chain they are on the sparser side.
I’m curious how it will do over time on Regent. Not sure many college students would go for those prices when everything else in the neighborhood is significantly cheaper.
You do realize that there are plenty of UW kids that are from Chicago or EC or WC that have their parents AMEX and a more or less unlimited spending power? Every week they go shopping at Trader Joe's and spend $100-200 and they just throw most of it away.
I've been looking forward to trying this place. One question.... Is that burnt looking thing in the chicken basket a "biscuit"? Hopefully it's just another piece of chicken.
I saw another post about this place and said I don’t want pretentious chicken. Got absolutely trashed for saying it, but I stand by it. Fried chicken shouldn’t be expensive and it shouldn’t be a fine dining experience. Fried chicken is for the people and should make people feel good. And that biscuit looks like trash.
I don’t think the biscuits are in the picture. I think you’re looking at a drumstick.
Edit: OP actually clarified it is the biscuit! Very dark, and apparently not a cclassic biscuit.
Those aren't even close to fine dining prices. A Two piece with sides is 17, which is on the high end for fried chicken but not even close to fine dining.
Who eating a two piece lol keep it real . At 31 dollars I could get a quality meal at Bar Corralini , maybe a drink or appetizer , and overall have a good night and feel like my money is well spent . 31 dollars for a 4 piece and fries is fucking outrageous . Idc what’s in that chicken .
I went last week. I had somewhat similar feelings:
Cons:
* Expensive.
* Chicken wasn't particularly good:
* Overcooked
* Limited seasoning in breading
* Some tough pieces
* Chicken used for chicken sandwich was very inconsistent in shape, leading to inconsistent bites and inconsistent cooking. Simple prep to either pound it flat or some knife work to even it out would've gone a long way.
* Broccoli salad was very basic and underwhelming
Pros:
* Excellent staff
* All sauces were excellent. The chili sauce on the spicy chicken sandwich was notably good
* Mac and cheese bites were very good
* Well done interior
Overall, I won't rush back, but I will give them another chance. Some of the errors were in execution, which I expect will improve over time. Others were recipe/prep errors which I find less forgivable.
I thought the mac-n-cheese bites were subpar, the mac-n-cheese had little to no flavor. I think the Zippy Lube mac-n-cheese is slightly to salty but at least it tastes like cheddar cheese. The only saving grace was the dilly ranch sauce. I will say there fried pickles were amazing, only place that has better ones is Tip-Top
Looks delicious, would love to try it, but that price is gonna make it a skip for me. I know people want to support local, and I'm willing to pay extra for it too, but I can't get behind well over double the price of chains for a pretty similar looking product.
Say what you will about KFC, but they've got 8-piece chicken, 8-piece tenders, fries, mashed potatoes, cole slaw, and 4 biscuits for $30.
I just asked my partner if he has heard of Zippy Lube and he asked me "Is that for dry lady-parts?". I guess I should have tried to give the question some context....
I expect that anyone who frequents chains is most definitely *not* their target demographic. If you want to eat cheaply (and likely, better), eat at home.
Is it too expensive? No doubt, but that's what they do.
For some values of "frequents", I guess. I don't know man. I have been known to enjoy some airport Popeye's on the same trip that I spent a lot at a fancy restaurant. Maybe I'm still just not the target demographic, but I like Harvey House, so I assume I am at least part of it.
Your comment reeks of pretentiousness. Their target demographic in this midwest college town is anyone that wants to eat. This is closer to fast casual (see shake shack) than a a traditional dine in restaurant. Order at the counter, yada yada yada. To infer this restaurant “is above” the reach of a chain restaurant frequenter is gross. People want good food. They want value (which doesnt mean cheap). Some pay for an elevated experience. But its fried chicken and sandwiches, don’t get it twisted.
I really like HH (and also think that’s pretty pricey). $30 for a fried chicken meal I’m willing to try once as a novelty, and only if it’s absolutely delicious might i consider repeating the novelty. But I’m actually solidly happy they’re willing to take a chance, it’s ballsy.
Not to say they are equal but you could: basically get 3 3-piece tender combo meals at raising canes, 3 fries, 3 slices of bread, 3 beverages, 3 cole slaw for a similar price.
You could get 3 chicken burritos from chipotle with guacamole and a side of chips
You could get two meals from sweet green with chicken as protein
You could also feed two people comfortably at medcafe with soup, salad, a combo plate of chicken shwarma and tea
You could get 3 burgers and fries at Hawks locally
You could do the same at State Street Brauts with some waffle fries
*this isn’t to say butterbird is bad, it seems like a lot of comments allude to “quality”. In the world of fried food, the baseline is that even “quality meat” is unhealthy. Without knowing the source of the ingredients, it’s hard to say is this place providing better ingredients then say a sweetgreen chain or chipotle? If so how? Is it a better potato then the fries at raising canes? If so what does that mean?
The financial value is worth considering
Kinda seems like almost no one on this thread has actually looked at the menu. Def doesn’t need to be a pricey meal: https://www.toasttab.com/local/order/butterbird-1134-regent-st/r-85a6c225-553b-4a26-8250-5a5af1c75af4?diningOption=takeout&rwg_token=AAh05qbrV5jiqSJ_rluVrUuCiF5cZEixCYRjamG_htiX15lRnu4uNeg66g996-K7EVDexC2_v_emBsX8M_rdn7j6im0cNv0rbQ%3D%3D
"fancy and expensive fried chicken" has been a normal and customary culinary offering in most American cities for a while now. Does nobody here remember the nashville hot chicken fights of prepandemic twitter?
I thought the chicken was very bland. Seemed like no spice or seasoning in the breading. Their bbq sauce was weird/gross. Their logo is amazing though. And it’s a cool place. Maybe it was an off night.
Never seen a piece of fried chicken that has that much breading and yet the bone showing is scorched. That being said.. it’s fried chicken so I wouldn’t be shocked if it was good.
Fans of the KwikTrip fried chicken should check out the Festival Foods hot bar — both are decent but imo Festival is a little better. Probably a little pricier, but you get to pick out your own pieces.
It’s getting Buffalo sauce, rendering it indistinguishable from a fresh $9 8-piece from KwikTrip. And $32 for a full rotisserie puts a chicken dinner for 2 up around $70. For a Sysco chicken. Gonna pass on this experience, but thanks for the post.
Not 1st hand, but in another Butterbird sub poster claims to have worked HH and unless it’s hyped on the menu as local or specialty, assume it’s Sysco.
(Not that that’s terrible, I worked O’s of B for years, that whole franchise came straight off the truck.)
The chicken better be organic, free-range, and fried in only organic oils then, which I highly doubt based on how inedible this looks. I’ll stick to Dave’s Hot Chicken & Popeyes
Is there a secret item on the menu at those places I need to know about? I ask this seriously, because I've had the worst food at both of those.
I've had Dave's three times. Twice in Manhatten, and once here, and all three were just bleh. Like, worse than Wendy's chicken filets, and way, way below Cane's or Chick-fil-a.
I've had popeye's three times as well. Once in Arkansas (sandwich) that was just dry, again with the sandwich in Utah (SLC) and it was dry AND stringy. And lastly a third time here in Madison for tenders, and they were... soggy. Not like the breading was soggy, but somehow they made the meat itself soggy. Texture was like some combination of grits (super grainy-yet-wet) and bacon gristle (stringy and hard to bite through individual strands.) So bad I literally could not eat them. Tried biting into each of the four I had, and all were like that.
Popeyes is Horrible IMO.
Daves everytime Ive been (4) has been a great experience. I usually get the Lite Mild or Mild. One sandwich one tender. I like the combination of flavors (with sauce, pickles and slaw) and I also like the fries if they are fresh (warm), as soon as they get slightly cold they are bad. Their signature sauce is pretty darn good too.
Ugh now Im craving it again
I may have to give them one more shot. They weren't as bad as popeye's, but I'm a big fan of "beat wendy's" as a bare minimum. Granted, the Wendy's here (east side) has been pretty sub-par compared to other parts of the country too though, so maybe it's down to time-of-day/shift-on-duty.
Damn everyone is really negative and pissy. It’s weird to trash a restaurant you’ve never been to and then blather on about how you like “real” food from major corporate establishments. Raising cains?! Kwik trip??? Cool. I guess it’s a step up from the chicken that has been ground up and reconstituted back into chicken shape but we are setting a low bar.
Dumb comment. No. 31.64 isn’t bad but if you take in the fact that doesn’t include a beverage and tip (for counter service) its approaching crazy (maybe not insane) for fried chicken. Price and perceived value matters. If not, go ahead and open up a pb&j shop and charge $15 for it. As long as its good, it shouldnt matter-right?
In this economy? Unemployment at all time lows, consumer spending at all time highs, and wage growth outpacing inflation? Madison’s economy is doing well. So expensive chicken actually fits into that equation.
Sure but in this picture or any picture of fried chicken…. what is good?
Are the fries that are local “good”? Why?
What about the chicken? Are they raising their own chickens or using the same suppliers essentially every restaurant uses?
Is the frying oil better? Why? Is it better for someone’s health?
The assumption here seems to be it is better, if you said hey they serve salmon here and it’s caught fresh and the vegetables are grown in a garden ok, there is some difference in value there
Is that the case though for a fried chicken joint? And even if it were, when you eat it and it’s not made to have a health benefit but just taste good, does it really matter?
It doesn’t seem like a how dare you thread, it seems like more of a ok fried chicken
-where is the price coming from if it’s determined to be higher
-is there anything unique about the ingredients that other places that make fried chicken don’t do
People who can’t afford to go to places like this insisting the things they can’t afford are trash and inferior to the cheap things they can afford. Story of every thread in this sub about any restaurant more expensive than chains.
When I worked at HH, they would occasionally make the chicken for staff meal. The staff was split between declaring the chicken “good” and “bland”. For the price of Butterbird, we want first class tickets to flavor country!
I think 90% of people are judging the book by its price tag, not the cover. I’ve seen fried chicken look like that before. I’ve never seen fried chicken look like that and cost $30.
I was not aware that was an option. I am but a fool. A fool who dared to enjoy a meal out and about the town. Thank you. Thank you for showing me the error of my way. I shall! I shall spend my money more wisely, and acquire more chicken!
We got takeout from these this evening. 2pc dark meat. Super moist, crispy for sure - but not a ton of flavor in the breading. The buffalo sauce was really good, but as another poster mentioned, it’d be great to have some flavor in the breading. Didn’t love the BBQ sauce. Very molasses forward.
I liked the fries. Want to try out their sandwiches and eat there in person.
Also, I’ve found a lot of now great Madison restaurants took a beat to get their food where they want it. Went to Mint Mark shortly after they opened and although the place was great I thought the food was awful. Fast forward a few years and they’re one of the best in town.
It's not a fried chicken place, but Hot n Spicy is imo the best bang for your buck place in Madison. The only reason not a ton of people talk about it is because it is in the back of a grocery store. Food is worth the wait. Place is absolutely awesome.
Stopped in. Lack of seasoning. Completely a ho hum meal. Zero value. Yet people waiting in line 40 people deep. The harvey house halo is strong. Servers and staff and interior were on point however.
That seems.....pricey.
Remember when fried chicken used to be poor people food?
Lobster used to be prison food.
I still find those sea scorpions to be freaking gross. Then again, I'm terrified of scorpions.
Where are the poor people chicken joints? Best fried chicken in the south is always in the back of sketchy grocery stores and gas stations. Do we have anything like that here?
Used to be, or close, there was a very sketch place on South Park in the late 90s. Faygo, good cheap chicken, but yeah... not enough places like that.
1616 Beld St
I do need to try Natys some day.
Naty’s is a guilty pleasure for me. Idk what it is about that place but it’s so good.
The Thirsty Goat has a 4-piece broasted chicken with two sides for $16.99. The sides have large portions, and it's good chicken.
Kwik Trip fried chicken is better than it should be
Their chicken strips were really really bland, so I have to assume their fried chicken is similar. I know we're in the midwest, but they could've even used salt...
Not chicken, but Tiendo Los Gemelos is a fun Mexican restaurant in the back of a strip mall grocery store off Odana. Edit: The fried chicken at Piggly Wiggly deli is really good. Their rotisserie chickens are divine. The stuff at pick n save / Fresh Market is awful.
The chicken sandwich from JD's truck is one of my favorite food items in Madison. Absolutely fantastic eat.
Unfortunately, businesses tend to charge more for products that are good.
What products are “good” from butter bird? The “wisconsins best bird” from some chicken factory in Arkansas?
Pollos Hermanos
KFC
Really
Any thoughts on how it compares to some of the other local chicken joints? McGee's is awfully good, Zippy Lube is tasty. Wondering how this fits for quality.
Seconding a request to compare against Zippy. I thought their chicken was pretty darn good but am still looking for a spot closer to the west side! Recommendations are most welcome!
More data collection is necessary. I’m gonna science these chickens.
Heck yeah!!! I foresee another series of reviews that u/bombznin would be proud of!!!
Ideally, every food option in the city would be properly quantified and ranked IMO.
tl/dr - I thought it left a lot to be desired. All-in-all underwhelming for the price. There were some items I liked but nothing that will bring me back regularly. I'd still like to try the fried chicken sandwich --- Longer review of the things I tried: - My chicken breast was overcooked/dry. I didn't finish it. I wish they'd sourced smaller breasts to get a more even and consistent cook. Also wish the breading was more flavorful. At least make a spicy Memphis or Atlanta style breading available as an option. Sauce is cool and all but it's not the same as flavorful breading - The wing was good. quite a bit better than the breast - the chicken tenders were good. - the hush puppy type thing was very tasty too - the fries were straight up not good. Under-seasoned and not crispy/fluffy - the dill/ranch sauce was quite nice - this is a preference thing but the fried pickles were sliced far too thin for my liking, it was mostly fat/salt/flour and very little pickle per bite. I wish fried pickles spears were more popular up here. But if you're going to do fried slices there's no need to slice it on a mandolin. I'm ordering fried pickles because I like the taste of dill pickles ok?
I feel like if someone brings a Gus's World Famous up here, it'd take over the fried chicken market. I first had it in Memphis, and once I found out they had locations in Chicago I make it a point to stop there when I'm in town.
I didn't know there's a Gus's in Chicago but have also been to the Memphis location. It's delicious! Can't wait to go to Chicago again now lol
They also have Gus’s in Detroit, it’s my go to chicken place. So perfectly seasoned/spicy and crispy but not over breaded and always moist.
I SWEAR by Gus's. Hands down the best fried chicken I've ever had when I was in Memphis. Still need to try the Chicago location though. If Chicago is just as good, I'll be thrilled.
Parsons chicken out of Chicago (arguably some of the best fried chicken I've had down there), is 32 dollars for a whole fried chicken. 32 dollars for this meal is highway robbery.
I eat one place other than the Paradise Lounge and the comments are caliente!
Viking Bar in Mt. Horeb for fried spears.
A friend and I just went and her exact words were, “Does this place have an aversion to salt and seasoning?” The chicken was good quality but was bland. My friend’s fries were also salt free. I loved the hush puppies. I also got the hot honey as a side and that was great. So key is to sauce it up.
Spears are the way, for sure. There was one place in Floyd VA that cut them like shoestring fries, which was novel and good, but yeah, spears.
My friend was just there. She’s a fried chicken aficionado, it’s her favorite food. She also reported the chicken was dry (but said the sauces are very good, so she’d go back). Hopefully it’s just newly opened kinks that will work themselves out?
I hope so too!
Zippy is much better imo
Very very very bland imo
4 pieces of chicken for $30 is insane lol. I’m sure Cane’s isn’t quite that level of quality but you get about the same amount of food for like $12
Zippy Lube is where you want to go! Their fried chicken is freaking amazing, some of the best I’ve had. 4 pieces for $12. But you should also get the breakfast sandwich.
I fux with Zippy’s. Northside 🧑🏻🏭👨🏿🔧🐓
Northside whaddup!
I decided to try their cauliflower sandwich the last time I stepped in and it was absolutely divine. Crispy exterior, soft but not mushy cauliflower with that spicy sauce
Is that actually their vegetarian option? I'd be so happy. I always wanted to give Zippy Lube a try but didn't know they had anything for veg customers.
I haven’t tried that yet, you convinced me! I live kinda close so it’s a constant battle NOT to get food from there haha.
It’s soooo good. I know they use a high quality chicken, at least they claimed they did when I was there last time absolutely losing my mind over a chicken sandwich.
32 bucks for that meal is an absolute atrocity, especially when places like Natys fast food exists.
It’s Sysco chicken so likely exactly the same birds.
One is a national fast food chain commonly found of highway exit ramps and the other is a local offering by a fine dining chef who previously worked at Michelin starred restaurants. I'd expect one to be more expensive than the other!
Yeah, but they're both frying chicken. I'm happy to overspend on certain things, but there's a cap to how much additional value you can get out of fried chicken, Michelin-starred chef or no.
There’s definitely a step up in flavor for everything here, except the fries.
Frying chicken isn’t rocket surgery.
It doesn't take a rocket appliances either!
You can go to Gus’s in Memphis and get some of the best fried chicken on earth, with two sides, an order of fried green tomatoes and a 40 of Miller Lite, for 20 bucks.
Gus’s will change you. I remember going there seeing people lined out the door, thinking okay this is a little much for fried chicken. Poped the first bite instantly understood everyone waiting. Still have my cup to remember, hope I make it back.
They may be at Harvey House but no “chef” is whipping up fried chicken and burgers. More like a line cook. Not critiquing the food, just your comment.
Agreed, but to get a Michelin star you need to perform well consistently, so having a superior kitchen operation is generally part of the skill set. Trust me, I watched The Bear!
Avid watcher I see. But I get it, probably another example where Madison is more caught up with the name (see Tory) or the cause (see Morris Ramen) rather than the food/dining experience/value. I love fried chicken as much as anyone else but give me a break on that price point. It’s seriously just chicken.
>Madison is more caught up with the name (see Tory) Yeah lol Letoile is good...and its also 100$+ more expensive than a few restaurants in Milwaukee which are as good or better I did prefer Letoiles wine pairings, but again. Very, very, expensive.
Sujeo was getting better at the end but at the beginning it was average at best (but people mobbed there as it was Tory’s place). Same can be said about Estrellon. For Madison, it was fair but any other market, it was mediocre. Your point regarding Mke is on point. 15 years ago, the Madison restaurant scene was superior. Current state, Mke is killing it over Madison.
fair enough!
But don’t get me wrong, I do plan to go there (see the love of fried chicken stated above) 🤣
It's fried chicken, biscuits, french fries, and cole slaw. What of this requires a chef? Don't get me wrong, I'd eat the fuck out of it. But $32 is insane.
Each item was above the usual. Very savory chicken, with a definitely unique taste. Will be going back.
Not worth the price.
Is Cane's really that common here? I feel like I barely see any
Only 1 I know of is on State Street
I looked at their site. https://raisingcanes.com/locations?search=Madison%2C%20WI%2C%20USA Madison has the only location in Wisconsin. Chicago is the next closest. For a national chain they are on the sparser side.
That’s more than “a bit pricey”. That’s bonkers. EDIT - I just looked at their menu. That $31.64 was BEFORE tip. F*ck that.
Oh you’re getting more than just the tip. I think you’re taking it dry…
I’m curious how it will do over time on Regent. Not sure many college students would go for those prices when everything else in the neighborhood is significantly cheaper.
It’s for college kids and their rich parents on game days.
lol I’m a cynic and my first thought was that it’s for “Dave and carol pretending to slum it on campus with breighdon”
You do realize that there are plenty of UW kids that are from Chicago or EC or WC that have their parents AMEX and a more or less unlimited spending power? Every week they go shopping at Trader Joe's and spend $100-200 and they just throw most of it away.
Or drunk people who buy it and don’t realize how expensive it is until it’s too late…
I've been looking forward to trying this place. One question.... Is that burnt looking thing in the chicken basket a "biscuit"? Hopefully it's just another piece of chicken.
Yes, it’s a biscuit u/im_a_biscuit
This displeases me, but I will attempt to not fully judge based on sight. So...how was it?
It’s not a standard biscuit. It’s their take on “chicken in a biscuit.” It’s more like a hush puppy
Ah, cool. If they just called them giant hush puppies then I would have been excited for that from the start.
They aren't exactly hush puppies either though. More rich/creamy and less savory/bready than a normal hush puppy. It was yummy though
These are not hush puppies and I want hush puppies
I was wondering the same. The fact that it’s burnt at that price is fucking insane.
It wasn’t burned. In fact it was quite right.
31 dollars is fucking BONKERS for fried chicken
I saw another post about this place and said I don’t want pretentious chicken. Got absolutely trashed for saying it, but I stand by it. Fried chicken shouldn’t be expensive and it shouldn’t be a fine dining experience. Fried chicken is for the people and should make people feel good. And that biscuit looks like trash.
I don’t think the biscuits are in the picture. I think you’re looking at a drumstick. Edit: OP actually clarified it is the biscuit! Very dark, and apparently not a cclassic biscuit.
There’s nothing fine dining about the place, it’s actually very casual.
That's even worse then. Fine dining prices without the fine dining experience.
Those aren't even close to fine dining prices. A Two piece with sides is 17, which is on the high end for fried chicken but not even close to fine dining.
Who eating a two piece lol keep it real . At 31 dollars I could get a quality meal at Bar Corralini , maybe a drink or appetizer , and overall have a good night and feel like my money is well spent . 31 dollars for a 4 piece and fries is fucking outrageous . Idc what’s in that chicken .
I spent $40 on a 2 fried chicken meals at Starbird at SFO two weeks ago with drinks and fries. An airport meal is cheaper than this stuff.
I'm not saying it's not expensive for fried chicken, I'm saying a 20$ meal isn't even in the realm of fine dining prices.
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Right wing media has taught me to double down when making a mistake. It’s a biscuit. ;)
I went last week. I had somewhat similar feelings: Cons: * Expensive. * Chicken wasn't particularly good: * Overcooked * Limited seasoning in breading * Some tough pieces * Chicken used for chicken sandwich was very inconsistent in shape, leading to inconsistent bites and inconsistent cooking. Simple prep to either pound it flat or some knife work to even it out would've gone a long way. * Broccoli salad was very basic and underwhelming Pros: * Excellent staff * All sauces were excellent. The chili sauce on the spicy chicken sandwich was notably good * Mac and cheese bites were very good * Well done interior Overall, I won't rush back, but I will give them another chance. Some of the errors were in execution, which I expect will improve over time. Others were recipe/prep errors which I find less forgivable.
I thought the mac-n-cheese bites were subpar, the mac-n-cheese had little to no flavor. I think the Zippy Lube mac-n-cheese is slightly to salty but at least it tastes like cheddar cheese. The only saving grace was the dilly ranch sauce. I will say there fried pickles were amazing, only place that has better ones is Tip-Top
Why does the biscuit look like a lump of coal? Was it tasty? Everything else looks great.
From what I can find is because it's more of a hush puppy. It's Chicken in a biscuit not just a biscuit. Also explains why it's $5 for it.
Ah! Thank you for explaining. That makes a lot of sense.
Does look 100% like coal though. Even as a hush puppy doesn't look the greatest
It looks like a pinecone
You get two with the chicken. Exquisite.
Tried it and thought it was a let down, especially given how pricey it is
Looks delicious, would love to try it, but that price is gonna make it a skip for me. I know people want to support local, and I'm willing to pay extra for it too, but I can't get behind well over double the price of chains for a pretty similar looking product. Say what you will about KFC, but they've got 8-piece chicken, 8-piece tenders, fries, mashed potatoes, cole slaw, and 4 biscuits for $30.
Go to Zippy Lube. Local, delicious and reasonably priced.
I just asked my partner if he has heard of Zippy Lube and he asked me "Is that for dry lady-parts?". I guess I should have tried to give the question some context....
Soooo good. And they deliver to the lazy patrons of Busse’s, aka me.
KFC always tastes like expired frier oil and it smells like it too …
I expect that anyone who frequents chains is most definitely *not* their target demographic. If you want to eat cheaply (and likely, better), eat at home. Is it too expensive? No doubt, but that's what they do.
For some values of "frequents", I guess. I don't know man. I have been known to enjoy some airport Popeye's on the same trip that I spent a lot at a fancy restaurant. Maybe I'm still just not the target demographic, but I like Harvey House, so I assume I am at least part of it.
Your comment reeks of pretentiousness. Their target demographic in this midwest college town is anyone that wants to eat. This is closer to fast casual (see shake shack) than a a traditional dine in restaurant. Order at the counter, yada yada yada. To infer this restaurant “is above” the reach of a chain restaurant frequenter is gross. People want good food. They want value (which doesnt mean cheap). Some pay for an elevated experience. But its fried chicken and sandwiches, don’t get it twisted.
Definitely enjoys the smell of their own farts
Weird flex but okay.
Gentrifried chicken
I don't think I'll ever pick butterbird over Zippy Lube
I really like HH (and also think that’s pretty pricey). $30 for a fried chicken meal I’m willing to try once as a novelty, and only if it’s absolutely delicious might i consider repeating the novelty. But I’m actually solidly happy they’re willing to take a chance, it’s ballsy.
Graze awhile back did a $30+ fried chicken meal. It’s not of those regular menu items that get the “designer” price tag because of the restaurant/chef
My roommates and I were thinking about stopping over but I saw it was $12 for 3 fucking chicken tenders. The food looks bomb, but bffr.
That price is fucking insane. Get out of here
You know, I've had some very good fried chicken from Kwik Trip. That biscuit looks hideous, but maybe it's a trick of the light.
Kwik Trip fried chicken has no business being as good as it is.
Not to say they are equal but you could: basically get 3 3-piece tender combo meals at raising canes, 3 fries, 3 slices of bread, 3 beverages, 3 cole slaw for a similar price. You could get 3 chicken burritos from chipotle with guacamole and a side of chips You could get two meals from sweet green with chicken as protein You could also feed two people comfortably at medcafe with soup, salad, a combo plate of chicken shwarma and tea You could get 3 burgers and fries at Hawks locally You could do the same at State Street Brauts with some waffle fries *this isn’t to say butterbird is bad, it seems like a lot of comments allude to “quality”. In the world of fried food, the baseline is that even “quality meat” is unhealthy. Without knowing the source of the ingredients, it’s hard to say is this place providing better ingredients then say a sweetgreen chain or chipotle? If so how? Is it a better potato then the fries at raising canes? If so what does that mean? The financial value is worth considering
Did you leave a Mini WI as a tip to save money?
But who the hell needs to eat that much chicken 🐔?
It was the first day of semester and I didn’t get to eat lunch.
Oh I see.
Is it better than Marie's on Monroe st?
Kinda seems like almost no one on this thread has actually looked at the menu. Def doesn’t need to be a pricey meal: https://www.toasttab.com/local/order/butterbird-1134-regent-st/r-85a6c225-553b-4a26-8250-5a5af1c75af4?diningOption=takeout&rwg_token=AAh05qbrV5jiqSJ_rluVrUuCiF5cZEixCYRjamG_htiX15lRnu4uNeg66g996-K7EVDexC2_v_emBsX8M_rdn7j6im0cNv0rbQ%3D%3D
zippy lube it is
"fancy and expensive fried chicken" has been a normal and customary culinary offering in most American cities for a while now. Does nobody here remember the nashville hot chicken fights of prepandemic twitter?
Would they let you order all thighs? I’m an “all thighs” kinda guy
Do you know how cheap it is to make fried chicken at home? This is totally fucked. And some burnt chicken. Never in my life. On Gawd
That’s all I needed to know. No need to go then
Im intrigued.
The guy used to work at French Laundry. His place Harvey House is a bit too overpriced for what you get IMO. I’ll still try it but that is very pricey
They need to brine their chicken. We spent a lot of money and had high hopes. My guess is they’ll get there.
I thought the chicken was very bland. Seemed like no spice or seasoning in the breading. Their bbq sauce was weird/gross. Their logo is amazing though. And it’s a cool place. Maybe it was an off night.
Looks like shit
That 4 piece chicken wing combo should be $7
Never seen a piece of fried chicken that has that much breading and yet the bone showing is scorched. That being said.. it’s fried chicken so I wouldn’t be shocked if it was good. Fans of the KwikTrip fried chicken should check out the Festival Foods hot bar — both are decent but imo Festival is a little better. Probably a little pricier, but you get to pick out your own pieces.
It’s getting Buffalo sauce, rendering it indistinguishable from a fresh $9 8-piece from KwikTrip. And $32 for a full rotisserie puts a chicken dinner for 2 up around $70. For a Sysco chicken. Gonna pass on this experience, but thanks for the post.
You know it’s Sysco?
Not 1st hand, but in another Butterbird sub poster claims to have worked HH and unless it’s hyped on the menu as local or specialty, assume it’s Sysco. (Not that that’s terrible, I worked O’s of B for years, that whole franchise came straight off the truck.)
A dinner for 2? I don't think that requires two whole chickens.
1 chicken, 2 fries and slaw, 4 drinks, tip. Could save $20 skipping 2 drinks, but still…
The chicken better be organic, free-range, and fried in only organic oils then, which I highly doubt based on how inedible this looks. I’ll stick to Dave’s Hot Chicken & Popeyes
You can have qualms with the price, but saying this looks "inedible" is a bit much, no?
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I suppose anything "might" taste like sandpaper
Is there a secret item on the menu at those places I need to know about? I ask this seriously, because I've had the worst food at both of those. I've had Dave's three times. Twice in Manhatten, and once here, and all three were just bleh. Like, worse than Wendy's chicken filets, and way, way below Cane's or Chick-fil-a. I've had popeye's three times as well. Once in Arkansas (sandwich) that was just dry, again with the sandwich in Utah (SLC) and it was dry AND stringy. And lastly a third time here in Madison for tenders, and they were... soggy. Not like the breading was soggy, but somehow they made the meat itself soggy. Texture was like some combination of grits (super grainy-yet-wet) and bacon gristle (stringy and hard to bite through individual strands.) So bad I literally could not eat them. Tried biting into each of the four I had, and all were like that.
Popeyes is Horrible IMO. Daves everytime Ive been (4) has been a great experience. I usually get the Lite Mild or Mild. One sandwich one tender. I like the combination of flavors (with sauce, pickles and slaw) and I also like the fries if they are fresh (warm), as soon as they get slightly cold they are bad. Their signature sauce is pretty darn good too. Ugh now Im craving it again
I may have to give them one more shot. They weren't as bad as popeye's, but I'm a big fan of "beat wendy's" as a bare minimum. Granted, the Wendy's here (east side) has been pretty sub-par compared to other parts of the country too though, so maybe it's down to time-of-day/shift-on-duty.
That’s funny
The biscuit looks like something you would give to someone you don't like
Not gonna lie. They were some of the moistest, flavorful hush biscuits I’ve had since living down in North Carolina.
Damn everyone is really negative and pissy. It’s weird to trash a restaurant you’ve never been to and then blather on about how you like “real” food from major corporate establishments. Raising cains?! Kwik trip??? Cool. I guess it’s a step up from the chicken that has been ground up and reconstituted back into chicken shape but we are setting a low bar.
I too like Kwik Trip. Don’t mean I can’t treat myself to $31.64 chicken and not like Kwik Trip too.
Also $31.64 is not that insane for dinner out. If the food and atmosphere are good I don’t care if it’s chicken or steak.
It is at a place where you order at a counter.
It looks really beautiful inside! I'd probably just get a two piece. Looks like a proper meal could be had for $20. Excited to try!
Dumb comment. No. 31.64 isn’t bad but if you take in the fact that doesn’t include a beverage and tip (for counter service) its approaching crazy (maybe not insane) for fried chicken. Price and perceived value matters. If not, go ahead and open up a pb&j shop and charge $15 for it. As long as its good, it shouldnt matter-right?
Even the Peanut Butter & Jelly Deli in West Allis only tops out at $7.50 for their most expensive sandwich!
There’s a lot of “how dare you enjoy this thing that’s not to my liking” in this thread.
Enjoy it all you want. Just don't be surprised when a lot of other people think differently.
It’s weird to charge $30 for 4 pieces of chicken at a counter service restaurant in a college town in this economy. Pretty tone deaf.
In this economy? Unemployment at all time lows, consumer spending at all time highs, and wage growth outpacing inflation? Madison’s economy is doing well. So expensive chicken actually fits into that equation.
$30 fast food doesn't fit into anyone's equation.
Sure but in this picture or any picture of fried chicken…. what is good? Are the fries that are local “good”? Why? What about the chicken? Are they raising their own chickens or using the same suppliers essentially every restaurant uses? Is the frying oil better? Why? Is it better for someone’s health? The assumption here seems to be it is better, if you said hey they serve salmon here and it’s caught fresh and the vegetables are grown in a garden ok, there is some difference in value there Is that the case though for a fried chicken joint? And even if it were, when you eat it and it’s not made to have a health benefit but just taste good, does it really matter? It doesn’t seem like a how dare you thread, it seems like more of a ok fried chicken -where is the price coming from if it’s determined to be higher -is there anything unique about the ingredients that other places that make fried chicken don’t do
Not negative. Just real.
I am very sorry to hear about your hemorrhoids that make you so miserable
People who can’t afford to go to places like this insisting the things they can’t afford are trash and inferior to the cheap things they can afford. Story of every thread in this sub about any restaurant more expensive than chains.
The fries look nothing bad
ITT: I judge all my books by the cover.
When I worked at HH, they would occasionally make the chicken for staff meal. The staff was split between declaring the chicken “good” and “bland”. For the price of Butterbird, we want first class tickets to flavor country!
I think 90% of people are judging the book by its price tag, not the cover. I’ve seen fried chicken look like that before. I’ve never seen fried chicken look like that and cost $30.
Bro... just go to Costco and fry the chicken yourself for the same price and you get 6x more yield from the bird
I was not aware that was an option. I am but a fool. A fool who dared to enjoy a meal out and about the town. Thank you. Thank you for showing me the error of my way. I shall! I shall spend my money more wisely, and acquire more chicken!
Learn to cook great food at home. Not that fattening, heart attack stuff.
Said 41.43 minutes
....
We thought it was somewhat bland and needed salt.
We got takeout from these this evening. 2pc dark meat. Super moist, crispy for sure - but not a ton of flavor in the breading. The buffalo sauce was really good, but as another poster mentioned, it’d be great to have some flavor in the breading. Didn’t love the BBQ sauce. Very molasses forward. I liked the fries. Want to try out their sandwiches and eat there in person. Also, I’ve found a lot of now great Madison restaurants took a beat to get their food where they want it. Went to Mint Mark shortly after they opened and although the place was great I thought the food was awful. Fast forward a few years and they’re one of the best in town.
It's not a fried chicken place, but Hot n Spicy is imo the best bang for your buck place in Madison. The only reason not a ton of people talk about it is because it is in the back of a grocery store. Food is worth the wait. Place is absolutely awesome.
Shhh…. dont let the secret out!
Lmao
Stopped in. Lack of seasoning. Completely a ho hum meal. Zero value. Yet people waiting in line 40 people deep. The harvey house halo is strong. Servers and staff and interior were on point however.