Charles' Pan Fried Chicken — Review by Eating With Tod
New York, United States — Fried Chicken
Charles' Pan Fried Chicken in Harlem lives up to its reputation as some of the best fried chicken in New York City. The 79-year-old owner Charles serves chicken prepared using his mother's unchanged recipe and a unique shallow frying method in cast iron pans, resulting in perfectly crispy and juicy chicken that is seasoned throughout.
What was great: Crispy golden exterior with juicy, well-seasoned meat cooked to the bone; authentic family recipe passed down from Charles' mother; excellent service and welcoming atmosphere; entertaining team energy
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The star of the show is Charles' signature pan fried chicken, prepared using a shallow frying technique in massive cast iron pans. When the reviewer bit into a piece, they were immediately impressed by the crispy golden exterior that provided an audible and satisfying crunch. The chicken itself proved to be remarkably juicy with seasoning that penetrated all the way down to the bone, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile. The team also highlighted a jerk sauce option, which the enthusiastic staff announced with their signature catchphrase 'Saucy!' The reviewer noted that adding jerk sauce to already exceptional fried chicken felt almost unnecessary given how good the plain version was.
The Experience
Upon entering Charles' Pan Fried Chicken, visitors are immediately greeted warmly by the staff. The atmosphere is welcoming and energetic, with the team displaying genuine enthusiasm and personality. Charles himself, the 79-year-old owner, is a notable presence in the restaurant. Despite his age, he maintains the energy and appearance of someone much younger, which he attributes to tasting his chicken every single day. The backstory adds charm to the experience - Charles grew up in a family of 20 siblings and received the chicken recipe from his mother when he was just 7 years old, a recipe that remains completely unchanged decades later.
Value & Pricing
Specific pricing information was not mentioned in the video, though the quality and reputation of the establishment suggest it offers good value for exceptionally well-prepared fried chicken.
Notable Moments
The owner Charles revealed his secret to looking so young: 'I have to eat it every day. I taste it every day. I always taste my chicken every day.'
When sauce is ordered, the entire team enthusiastically shouts 'Saucy!' adding to the fun, celebratory atmosphere of the restaurant.
The reviewer also noted that Charles' Pan Fried Chicken is expanding internationally, with plans to open a location in London.
The Verdict
Charles' Pan Fried Chicken is an absolute must-visit for fried chicken enthusiasts in New York City. The combination of an authentic, unchanged family recipe, skilled preparation using traditional cast iron shallow frying, and genuine hospitality from the owner and staff makes this restaurant stand out. This establishment is perfect for anyone seeking authentic, high-quality fried chicken and a memorable dining experience with real character and history.