Gus's Fried Chicken

When I first walked in it felt kind of shady and you wouldn't expect any good food from here, but once you order and get your food, it will probably be the best fried chicken you have ever had.  The breading sticks perfectly to the chicken and isn't too overpowering.  The cook on the chicken is cooked perfectly and juicy all over.  I have nothing to complain about the chicken.  The only thing that would need to be better would be the sides that I got. I got the fries and they were just normal fries with nothing spectacular compared to the chicken and the bread is just plain white bread.  It would be nice to get some better sides to compliment the chicken.  The atmosphere could be better as well, but honestly the chicken is so good that it off sets all the negatives.

I know there are all different types of fried chicken in this world and I enjoy most of them, but I have found my dream fried chicken at Gus's. I love well-seasoned chicken that doesn't need a sauce and both the meat and skin were so flavorful. The recipe is a family secret (if you want to franchise, they'll send the batter pre-made), but I think the meat is soaked in a brine or buttermilk since even the white pieces were moist. I like that the chicken has only a hint of heat, not like that hot chicken in Nashville. The skin was perfectly coated, crispy and not super greasy. The chicken still tasted good after a few days and flying back across the country... I wish I could have another bite because I think I've already forgotten the taste.

For having so much press, I thought Gus' would be packed but it was quiet during lunch. Nobody rolled out the welcome mat to us tourists. The waitress didn't want to put her lunch down or stop watching Jerry Springer which made me love the place more. She also got the order wrong but that worked out so I could bring the extra chicken home. The other lady was a lot nicer, maybe she's in the family. She told us the location burned down twice and she caused the last one... but at least it gave her some time off. The prices aren't cheap since the 2-piece meals were at least $7. I see they have a few locations outside of TN, so hopefully I'll be able to eat at one of those  someday.

If this place was solely based on chicken, I would give it 4 stars but its a restaurant , so there are other things to consider.  First off the restaurant  itself has the feeling of an old greasy country shack...that is cool! It fits the nature of a southern fried chicken diner. I like the feel and trashy decor.  You would feel like a fool eating greasy crisco fried chicken on white linen unless at a country club or an antebellum home in the heart of Mississippi.

The chicken was great...very crisp crust, spicy, juicy, perfect. Pieces were a little small but still great! What is not good are the sides... They suck! Slaw- you can get better from Kroger, Potato salad- just ok, Baked BBQ Beans- runny and flavorless, and two pieces of plain white bread- really?

Now for the gimmicks.... Paper plates, plastic forks, and paper napkins. Come on guys! Plastic and cheapest napkins ever....I know it's part of the image but it sucks. Plastic and paper is made for picnics, if even then.

I have eaten at many Gus's so wanted to try the Original... Same food, different location, same gimmicks. Still ok though!

Even though there are negatives... I would still go back many times because it is better than KFC and I love fried chicken.