(Continued from Previous Post - Sorry, hit the Max Character Limit.)
Night + Market Song
Much has been said about Chef-Owner Kris Yenbamroong’s hip, vibrant Thai cooking at Night + Market (and its 2 additional branches), but they also happen to serve a Fried Chicken Sandwich (done Thai-style), which we’ve never gotten around to trying yet, so it made sense for us to add it to this journey. 
Pad Pak Kanaa (Chinese Broccoli Sauteed with Garlic and Bird Eye Chili):
Good saute with some Wok Hei (Breath of the Wok), perhaps a touch too much Oyster Sauce, but it had a really nice fragrant spicy kick from the Bird Eye Chili.
Fried Chicken Sandwich (Chiengrai-style Fried Chicken Thigh, Papaya Slaw, Homemade Ranch Dressing, Jalapeno, Cilantro, Tomato):
Night + Market Song’s Fried Chicken Sandwich is mammoth in size, perhaps too tall, as its stacked with not only the Fried Chicken Thigh pieces, but a generous helping of Papaya Slaw, Tomatoes and other ingredients.
First, this is nothing like a usual “Fried Chicken Sandwich,” and I think everyone in our group understood the fan appeal immediately: Bright, tropical Green Papaya Slaw, reminiscent of a good Thai Green Papaya Salad, plenty of Jalapeno Chilies added a real heat, and the sweet-salty with a touch of tart Chiengrai-style battered Fried Chicken Thigh center helped to bring it all together.
The one weakness of this version might be the White Bun, which was dryish, but sturdy enough to hold up to the ingredients without disintegrating. Our server mentions they get it from a local Thai bakery.
Night + Market Song
3322 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Tel: (323) 665-5899
Great White
As we stood for over 45 minutes waiting in line to place an order at Great White, seeing the eclectic Venice crowds - surfers, hamsters, tourists, homeless, and more hamsters - I began to have doubts if this was the right restaurant that was home to Bon Appétit’s “Best Fried Chicken Sandwich” winner.
Glancing at the menu, we all felt more out of place than @JeetKuneBao at Gjusta (which, @JeetKuneBao you’re totally fine hanging at Gjusta!), 
we see their top item is a Blue Smoothie Bowl (Banana, Pineapple, e3 Live Blue Algae, Chia Seeds…), and they have Charcoal Lattes, as in, it’s just pure Activated Charcoal Hand Whisked with Almond Milk & Honey. 
But we pressed on, found a few small benches to pull together and eagerly awaited our food.
Crispy Chicken Sandwich (Crispy Chicken, Housemade Pickles, Lettuce, Great White Sauce, Fries):
This looked visually impressive. The first thing that stuck out was the soft, Sesame Seed Brioche Bun from a local Bakery known as Bakers Kneaded (cute name!). This was excellent, and much better than every single Fried Chicken Sandwich earlier on this journey.
The one downer was that the Fried Chicken Sandwich was actually in pieces (not 1 whole Fried Chicken Breast or Thigh patty), but each of the bites were lightly crispy. There was an earnest attempt at seasoning the Fried Chicken within, but it’s nowhere near as nuanced or interesting as Howlin’ Ray’s Sando. I liked the Pickles with their Great White Sauce (lightly sweet, creamy) playing off of the Fried Chicken pieces within.
If we didn’t have to wait about 1 hour+ for this Sandwich, I’d be glad to have it again, but there’s no way this is better than Howlin’ Ray’s Fried Chicken Sandwich (everyone in our group agreed).
Their French Fries arrived piping hot and they gave a generous amount (included with the Sandwich). This was a standard size Fry, lightly crisped and enjoyable.
Great White Venice
1604 Pacific Ave.
Venice, CA 90291
Tel: (424) 744-8403
Son of a Gun
Perhaps the least talked-about endeavor from Chefs Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, it’s understandable considering their flagship Animal is still going strong, delivering some wonderful dishes for Brunch and Dinner years later. Still, Son of a Gun, their sophomore endeavor focused on Seafood, is still humming along, and they also feature a Fried Chicken Sandwich.
Lobster Roll (Celery, Lemon Aioli):
While it’s meant to be an Appetizer, Son of a Gun’s Lobster Roll at $12.50 (+ tax & tip) feels like bad QPR, as it feels like maybe ~30 or 40% the size of a standard Lobster Roll. It’s served as a Maine-style Lobster Roll, cold Lobster meat, dressed in Mayo. It’s very fresh and bright, and a tasty bite, but at that price, it feels like there are better options like Connie & Ted’s outstanding version. (@TheCookie)
Fried Chicken Sandwich (Spicy B&B Pickle Slaw, Rooster Aioli):
This is perhaps even more gorgeous than the Great White Fried Chicken Sandwich. Taking a bite, a nice slight crunch, the White Bun from Breadbar is pliable and on the sturdier side, but soft enough to make each bite pleasant. The Fried Chicken meat within is moist, a simple Salt-based seasoning, and the Spicy B&B Pickle Slaw is a good counterpoint, but there’s just a touch too much of it and it slightly overpowers the Sandwich.
Still this is tasty, and I’d be fine ordering another one of these again, if it weren’t for the price tag. At $20 (+ tax & tip) this is one of the priciest Fried Chicken Sandwiches on this journey. But it was a very respectable Sandwich, and so much better than either of the two over-hyped places (Popeyes and Hotville) that we encountered on this trip.
Son of a Gun
8370 W. 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Tel: (323) 782-9033
Jim Dandy Fried Chicken (Revisit)
For those that haven’t been, Jim Dandy Fried Chicken is one of those OG, old school, to-go only places. They make Fried Chicken and a few sides, and that’s it.
This marks our 10th time(?) or so visiting Jim Dandy over the years, and the one key weakness they have is their inconsistency: Sometimes you’ll go and the Fried Chicken is piping hot and juicy and fantastic. Other times, it’s been sitting under the heat lamp, is warm (not hot), and overcooked.
Fried Chicken Breast, Thigh and Leg:
Fried Chicken Breast (Non-Spicy):
They didn’t have any knives to show a cross section, but Jim Dandy’s Fried Chicken Breast on this visit was juicy, moist, and delicious! 
Suffice to say, it completely blows away Hotville Chicken.
Fried Chicken Leg & Thigh (Spicy):
It was a beautiful batch today, a nice golden brown, the Spicy flavoring at Jim Dandy was a revelation compared to the awfulness at Hotville. A gentle, but noticeable heat, piping hot, crispy, moist and juicy. 
Everyone in our group (we had a couple first timers) agreed Jim Dandy was totally better than Hotville and would be glad to return, especially at these prices (viz., 4 pieces of Chicken for $4.99, or you can go a la carte and get it even cheaper).
If they were ever able to solve their inconsistency, Jim Dandy would be near the top for L.A. Fried Chicken, especially for the price.
Jim Dandy Fried Chicken
11328 Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90044
Tel: (323) 779-5567
Crawford’s
This came up since @JeetKuneBao @Gr8pimpin and others were asking about it, so we added it to our journey for research for FTC.
Walking into Crawford’s and it’s like you were transported to some 1970’s-ish era dive bar.
Fried Chicken Sandwich (Buttermilk Brined Fried Chicken, Coleslaw, Cheese Sauce, Comeback Sauce, Potato Bun):
The Buttermilk batter helped add a decent amount of crunchiness to each bite. But the frying skills of the kitchen were off on this visit (notice the dark spots, and greasiness in the pics). It was also way too much Cheese Sauce and Comeback Sauce, drowning the Fried Chicken. The Potato Bun was mediocre and dryish as well. 
Fried Chicken Basket (Regular & Hot (Mixed)):
Their “Hot” level Fried Chicken (they have 1 more level called “Uncle Mitch”) was really spicy, easily Habenero Chili-level or maybe spicier. It was an immediate, incendiary heat. However, the actual fry was really off: Greasy, oily, the Chicken tasted old (freezer burn maybe). 
Their Regular (Non-Spicy) Fried Chicken suffered the same fate. Notice how dark, oily and unappetizing it looks? It tasted even worse. 
Avoid.
Mac and Cheese:
This was diluted, with no real cheesiness. Just a bit of a buttery creamy sauce. And it was warm (not hot).
Hotville was sitting as the Worst Fried Chicken on this journey so far, but Crawford’s just overtook Hotville for the bottom slot.
Crawford’s
259 N. Pass Ave.
Burbank, CA 91505
Tel: (818) 562-7080
Big Chicken
Opened by one of the most colorful, dominant centers to ever play for the Los Angeles Lakers, Shaquille O’Neal, the restaurant is a humorous nod to many of Shaq’s nicknames. While playing in the NBA, Shaq was known as “The Big Aristotle” “Superman” and “M.D.E. (Most Dominant Ever)”. Towards the end of his career in Boston, he was known as “The Big Shamrock” and with the Phoenix Suns, “The Big Cactus.” 
Still, Shaq always had a special place in the hearts of Los Angeles Lakers fans, and it’s fitting that he returns to L.A. with his new endeavor, the Big Chicken.
Walking into the Big Chicken, you’re greeted by one of Shaq’s famous lines:
They also put up a nice sign about their All Natural Chicken (@TheCookie):
And while waiting for your food, you can be entertained by Shaq in various hilarious videos as he develops the Big Chicken from early concept to eventual grand opening (in one video he attempts to chase down a Chicken on a farm (he fails)).
Shaq Attack - Fried Chicken Sandwich (Pepper Jack Cheese, Jalapeno Slaw, Spicy Chipotle BBQ Sauce):
Taking a bite: A soft, fresh-tasting Brioche Bun gives way to a lightly spicy note and lightly crispy All-Natural Fried Chicken that’s moist and well-seasoned(!). It’s not overly salty, and the Jalapeno Slaw, the Spicy Chipotle BBQ Sauce adding some smoky sweetness and the Pepper Jack Cheese all combine together to make a tasty Fried Chicken Sandwich!
BC Fries:
Their BC (Big Chicken) Fries are rather interesting: Thin-sliced Steak Fries. It’s a bit unevenly salted during our 1st visit: Some pieces were way too salty, but then most of the Fries were fine (as if they didn’t toss the Salt with the Fries enough).
Shaq Daddy - Fried Chicken Sandwich (Swiss Cheese, Country Ham, Carolina Honey Mustard BBQ Sauce):
The Shaq Daddy Fried Chicken Sandwich stood out in being a pseudo-take on Chicken Cordon Bleu(!), here in this fast-casual restaurant. And it works: Again, a soft, fresh Brioche Bun, the melty Swiss Cheese works with the quick griddled Country Ham slice and then you get the Fried Chicken patty within, which tastes moist, fresh, and is slightly crispy.
If there’s one quibble, it’s that the Fried Chicken could be crispier and crunchier. It’s a bit soft for the exterior batter (not soggy), but not very crispy or crunchy.
Uncle Jerome - Fried Chicken Sandwich (Nashville Hot Chicken, Lettuce, Mayo, Pickles):
The Uncle Jerome had real heat and spiciness. It wasn’t anything stronger than say, Howlin’ Ray’s Level 3 Medium, but it was at least nuanced and much better than Hotville Chicken’s Spicy Sandwich.
2nd Visit:
As with the 1st visit, when we walked in, there were a bunch of Lakers fans. There was some humorous signage on the wall:
Chicken Tenders (3):
Their Fried Chicken Tenders were fine. It had the same type of seasoning on their actual Fried Chicken Sandwiches, but in Tenders form. Be sure to grab a few of their Sauces along the back wall to enjoy with the Tenders.
M.D.E. - Fried Chicken Sandwich (Shaq Sauce, Pickles):
The M.D.E. (Shaq’s “Most Dominant Ever” Nickname) is their simplest / most basic Fried Chicken Sandwich on the menu. But it’s also a good starting point for people just to enjoy the Big Chicken’s basic Fried Chicken Sandwich simplified.
In this form, with just the Shaq Sauce (which tastes a little like a creamy BBQ Sauce), it’s OK. The Fried Chicken is moist and again, nicely seasoned (not overly salty like some places), but it’s still lightly crispy (with no crunch).
Charles Barkley - Fried Chicken Sandwich (Mac & Cheese, Crispy Onion, Roasted Garlic BBQ Aioli):
Charles Barkley, a.k.a. “The Round Mound of Rebound”, is a friend of Shaquille O’Neal’s, and apparently loves Mac & Cheese. Here, Shaq pays tribute to Sir Charles, and the result is a ridiculous, decadent Fried Chicken Sandwich.
Essentially, yes, it tastes like you’re eating a creamy, solid rendition of Mac & Cheese, with some slightly crisped Fried Chicken meat, and some Crispy Onions, and the Roasted Garlic BBQ Aioli is sufficiently garlicky, all on the same soft Brioche Bun, because why not?
It’s actually tasty, but maybe a bit too heavy.
Overall, Lakers center Shaquille O’Neal was not and is not a Chef. The Big Chicken is a fast-casual eatery with a focus on various Fried Chicken Sandwiches. Surprisingly, these are actually decent / solid. The Brioche Buns are actually soft, and taste fresh (not the cardboard disaster that Popeyes is). The All Natural Fried Chicken patty is nicely zesty and seasoned, without being a Salt bomb, and some of the flavor combinations actually hold up quite well, like the Shaq Attack, Uncle Jerome, Shaq Daddy, and even the decadent Charles Barkley Sandwich works.
I wouldn’t drive out of my way for Big Chicken, but the next time I’m in the area (at the Americana / Glendale), I wouldn’t mind dropping in and picking a Sandwich. They also have Beer & Wine, a variety of respectable local Breweries on Tap(!) (Firestone Walker, Stone Brewing, Santa Monica Brew Works, etc.), and Shaq Shakes and Ice Cream Cones.
Big Chicken
252 S. Brand Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91204
Tel: (818) 245-6886
Blazin’ Chicks
There are so many new fast-casual joints popping up around L.A. trying to cash in on the Hot Chicken craze, usually with variations on some adjective (Kickin’, Blazin’, Crazy, etc.) and a variation on “Chicken”. We normally wouldn’t bother trying a new Hot Chicken place, but we got suckered into trying it after reading about this new place on Eater.
Walking in, it’s another fast-casual place where you order at the counter and take a seat. Blazin’ Chicks has no bone-in Fried Chicken except for Wings (probably easier to control timing / cooking).
They offer 5 levels of Spice.
Fried Chicken Slider (Kale Slaw & Pickles) - Level 2 “Mild”:
The first disappointment is in the mediocre Bun: It’s nowhere near as awful as Popeyes’ new Cardboard Bun, but it’s average at best. Shaq’s Big Chicken Brioche Bun was much better than this (as a point of comparison).
The Fried Chicken patty at Level 2 “Mild” was really spicy: It tasted almost Habanero Chili level of spiciness for only being a Level 2 (Level 1 is “Naked”). The actual flavor was OK. A bit one note, and not as interesting as, say, Gus’s spiciness, and nothing like Howlin’ Ray’s.
Collard Greens:
These were rather tasty, but upon closer inspection it was clear the reason why: It was filled with tons of Pork Fat(!). 
I appreciate great porky flavor, but this was just too much. In our servings we got, it felt like ~30% of the cup was Pork Fat and the rest was Collard Greens. The Greens themselves were otherwise, very soft, long-stewed and fine.
Fried Chicken Tender - Level 1 “Naked”:
Probably the most ridiculously bad QPR on this journey (outside of Son of a Gun’s Lobster Roll), this Chicken “Tender” was $3 for a tiny sliver (see the Pickle on the side for reference). It was also dry, overcooked and chalky.
Fried Chicken Wing - Level 3 “Medium”:
This was shockingly spicy. It didn’t taste as brutal as Ghost Chili Pepper (of which only a tiny hint of it is used on Howlin’ Ray’s Level 4 “Hot”), but it had an immediate, spiking heat that was far spicier than expected. The spice levels are rather extreme here.
The Fried Chicken Wing itself was decently fried, with some slight crunchiness, but it lacked any marinated flavor in the meat itself.
Blazin’ Chicks feels like a concept cashing in on the Hot Chicken craze, for the sake of cashing in. There is no advancement of flavors, nothing standout, and the frying technique is weak compared to Gus’s, Jim Dandy’s and other good places, let alone Howlin’ Ray’s. Avoid the hype (@JeetKuneBao and others).
Blazin’ Chicks
5728 Rosemead Blvd., Suite #102
Temple City, CA 91780
Tel: (626) 872-2096
Kismet
I would’ve never thought that the delicate, Vegetable-centric Israeli, Turkey, Yemen-influenced eatery from Chefs Sarah Hymanson and Sara Kramer would get in on the Fried Chicken Sandwich craze, but thanks to a video from the L.A. Times’ Jenn Harris, we found out that Kismet also serves their own version(!). Wow.
Broccolini (Kumquat, Pumpkin Seed, Mint):
This was a bit of a surprise being served chilled, but otherwise, nicely spiced Broccolini spiked by bits of sweetness from the Kumquat, brightness from the Mint, and an earthy Tahini spread beneath.
(Off-Menu) Fried Chicken Sandwich (Housemade Brioche, Pickled Veggies, Fried Chicken Schnitzel, House-Fermented Tofu Sauce):
This is not on the menu; you have to ask for it and the kitchen apparently only makes a limited quantity of these per day.
In addition, this thing is huge: A massive Fried Chicken Sandwich, and while the Chicken Schnitzel is pounded and rather thin, it’s plenty of food and rather decadent. The Housemade Brioche Toast is buttery and has a nice toasty crunch, you get a bit of the tart and spicy from their Housemade Pickles, a bit of crunchiness from the Fried Chicken Schnitzel studded with White Sesame Seeds, giving it a bit of nuttiness, and then that House-Fermented Tofu Sauce adds a bit of creaminess with some funky tartness.
It’s like no other “Fried Chicken Sandwich” for sure, and it’s rather interesting, but at $26 ($20 + Mandatory 20% Service Charge + Tax), this is the most expensive Fried Chicken Sandwich on this journey. 
To be fair, it’s decadent enough that it could feed 2 people, but it also feels like you want something else (like the Broccolini, or another tasty Kismet Appetizer or Small Plate) to complete the meal.
Kismet
4648 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Tel: (323) 409-0404
https://kismet.family/kismet-about
Huckleberry Cafe
One of Santa Monica’s beloved neighborhood Breakfast / Brunch Bakeries, Pastry Chef-Owner Zoe Nathan (Rustic Canyon)'s Huckleberry has been putting out wonderful Pastries and Breakfast items for years. They just happen to also have a Fried Chicken Sandwich that we’ve enjoyed before in the past.
Matcha Latte (Almond Milk):
Excellent, fragrant Japanese Matcha Green Tea with a wonderful steamed Almond Milk.
Organic Fried Chicken Sandwich (Mary’s Organic Fried Chicken Sandwich, Spicy Cabbage Slaw, House Pickles, Bill’s Bee Honey Huck Hot Sauce, Housemade Aioli on a Toasted Brioche Bun, Mixed Greens):
This is just an excellent Fried Chicken Sandwich, and it’s Organic as well. It starts with one of L.A.‘s best Pastry Chef’s (Zoe Nathan) and her crew’s Housemade Brioche Bun, which is so fresh and soft. The Spicy Cabbage Slaw, some piquant from the Housemade Pickles, the Bill’s Bees Honey Hot Sauce adds some nice round heat, a bit of creaminess from the Housemade Aioli, and that Mary’s Organic Fried Chicken patty within that’s got a good crunchiness, and moist, juicy meat within that’s beautifully seasoned. It is not as good as Howlin’ Ray’s, but it is very good!
The side of Mixed Greens (included) helps to give you a good serving of veggies with your meal.
Huckleberry Cafe
1014 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica CA 90401
Tel: (310) 451-2311
https://www.huckleberrycafe.com/
Republique
We had already had Chef-Owner Walter Manzke’s version of the Fried Chicken Sandwich before, but on this journey, after trying so many other places, it was important to see how it compared to the rest. And some of our friends couldn’t wait for a chance to try more of one of L.A.'s best Pastry Chef’s offerings.
Hikari Matcha Green Tea:
Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake:
Oh yes! For those that didn’t know, Pastry Chef & Co-Owner Margarita Manzke’s legendary Salted Chocolate Caramel Cake was so popular for Dinner, it started dominating and “cannibalizing” sales of their other Desserts so it was taken off the menu (according to our server). It’s been gone for our last 3 visits, but it’s available for Brunch / Lunch right now! (@PorkyBelly @TheCookie @A5KOBE @attran99 and others)
It is as decadent and ridiculous as before: So chocolatey! The lovely Salted Caramel, moist, rich Dark Chocolate Cake! One of the best Desserts in L.A.
Fried Chicken Sandwich (Cabbage Slaw, Sweet Pickles, Potato Chips):
Being one of the top L.A. Pastry Shops / Bakery, it starts with the excellent Housemade Poppyseed Brioche / Pan de Mie Bun: Rather voluminous, but soft and pliant, and it holds up to the ingredients within, the Cabbage Slaw gives way to a crunchy Fried Chicken center with a zesty seasoning and moist Chicken within. Eaten together, it’s delicious!
Their Housemade Potato Chips are crispy and fresh, without being too oily.
2nd Visit:
We had to return one more time to make sure for consistency.
Fried Chicken Sandwich (Cabbage Slaw, Sweet Pickles, Potato Chips):
It’s gotten even better: Again the excellent fluffy Housemade Brioche Bun, the slight nuttiness from the Poppyseeds, the Fried Chicken within is crunchy and juicy, and has decent bit of spice. The confluence of flavors coming together, and the excellent execution make this a stellar Fried Chicken Sandwich!
Republique
624 South La Brea Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Tel: (310) 362-6115
Overall, another fun Fried Chicken Journey, even if we did get sick (at Hotville). Some overall thoughts on this journey:
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L.A. is blessed with so many good-to-great Fried Chicken Sandwiches around town. They were all better than Popeyes (except for Crawford’s perhaps).
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None of the Fried Chicken Sandwiches were even close to Howlin’ Ray’s.
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None of the Bone-In Fried Chicken on this trip was as good as Howlin’ Ray’s.
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Favorite Fried Chicken Sandwich (outside of Howlin’ Ray’s): Republique (w/ Huckleberry being a close 2nd).