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CHARLES PAN-FRIED CHICKEN

Updated

Phone: (646) 362-7869

Address: 146 WEST 72 STREET 10023

TLDR

Crispy, cast-iron skillet-fried chicken that stands as an iconic NYC comfort food essential. A must-visit, no-frills destination for high-quality, tender poultry.

Reddit Sentiment for CHARLES PAN-FRIED CHICKEN(based on 63 Reddit opinions)

54% Positive40% Neutral5% Negative

Tags

american 22southern 20soul food 19fried chicken 45soul food 8chicken 5View All

Neighborhoods

Upper West Side

Instagram Posts References

The video highlights the process of frying chicken in a large pan, showing a chef tending to multiple batches, and then showcasing a platter of golden-brown fried chicken along with sides like ribs, cornbread, sweet potatoes, collard greens, and macaroni and cheese. It emphasizes the classic preparation and satisfying meal portions.

Other Article Mentions

Lists, round-ups, and guides where this restaurant is featured.

Mentioned In
The Upper West Side Doesn't Always Get The Restaurant Credit It Deserves, But There’s Never Been A Better Time To Eat In The Neighborhood.
very positive

Charles Pan-Fried Chicken is praised for its tender, well-seasoned pan-fried chicken, along with delicious ribs, collards, and cornbread, served in a charming atmosphere with a unique team ritual.

Bryan KimDate unknown
Read More →
Infatuation

Details

Famous for its unique cast-iron skillet method, this establishment delivers exceptionally tender and well-seasoned fried chicken [1]. While the chicken is widely lauded as a top-tier NYC staple, the menu also features popular sides like ribs, collards, and cornbread [1]. It remains a go-to spot for those seeking authentic, high-quality comfort food in a casual setting [1].

Food Overview

The restaurant specializes in Southern-style fried chicken prepared in a cast iron skillet, which results in a distinct, crispy, and flavorful crust [1]. While the chicken is consistently highlighted as the main attraction, customer experiences with sides like mac and cheese, okra, and yams vary significantly [1].

Highlights / Recommended

"The fried chicken is the standout, highly-regarded dish [1]. Ribs and cornbread are also frequently mentioned as popular accompaniments to the main meal [1]."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • fried chicken(8)
  • chicken(2)

Customer Sentiment

Patrons overwhelmingly praise the fried chicken as a top-tier, must-try NYC experience [1]. However, feedback on side dishes like mac and cheese and cornbread can be inconsistent, and potential diners should note the limited space and lack of seating [1].

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About CHARLES PAN-FRIED CHICKEN

This post highlights the restaurant as a superior alternative to other classic soul food spots, particularly focusing on the unmatched quality of the fried chicken.
Multiple commenters identify this spot as the only place in NYC that reaches authentic Southern standards for fried chicken.
A foundational discussion thread where many locals consistently rank this as their top fried chicken choice in Manhattan.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: Looking For Good Food Recommendations In West

"Good for takeout."

Positive
Jul 21, 2026View Comment →

From post: Solo Dining Recommendations In Upper West Side

"Frequently suggested as a convenient replacement for the original Harlem location, though the reviewer feels everything besides the fried chicken is replaceable."

Positive
Jul 18, 2026View Comment →

From post: Solo Dining Recommendations In Upper West Side

"Listed as a recommendation."

Positive
Jul 18, 2026View Comment →

From post: The Best Juicy Crunchy Flavorful Fried Chicken In

"Considered the only place in New York reaching Southern standards."

Positive
Jun 29, 2026View Comment →

From post: The Best Juicy Crunchy Flavorful Fried Chicken In

"Strongly disagrees with the recommendations, stating the chicken is not good."

Negative
Jun 29, 2026View Comment →

From post: The Best Juicy Crunchy Flavorful Fried Chicken In

"Noted frustration with ordering specific cuts of meat."

Neutral
Jun 29, 2026View Comment →

From post: The Best Juicy Crunchy Flavorful Fried Chicken In

"Described as having a great, traditional flavor profile."

Positive
Jun 29, 2026View Comment →

From post: The Best Juicy Crunchy Flavorful Fried Chicken In

"Mentioned as a location on 72nd street."

Neutral
Jun 29, 2026View Comment →

From post: The Best Juicy Crunchy Flavorful Fried Chicken In

"Mentioned as a point of comparison for chicken."

Neutral
Jun 29, 2026View Comment →

From post: The Best Juicy Crunchy Flavorful Fried Chicken In

"Suggested in a list of fried chicken spots."

Neutral
Jun 29, 2026View Comment →

From post: The Best Juicy Crunchy Flavorful Fried Chicken In

"Recommended as a place to try."

Positive
Jun 29, 2026View Comment →

From post: Sylvias Has Fallen To A New Low And Is Now Going

"The user asserts that Charles Pan-Fried Chicken's fried chicken surpasses even the best places in Charlotte, NC, and compares it favorably to New Orleans chicken, while noting NYC's general limitations with authentic southern food."

Positive
Jun 4, 2026View Comment →

From post: Sylvias Has Fallen To A New Low And Is Now Going

"The commenter praises Charles' fried chicken as unmatched in its class in NYC and generally finds their mac and cheese to be good, though acknowledges it might have been an off day for the sides."

Positive
Jun 3, 2026View Comment →

From post: Sylvias Has Fallen To A New Low And Is Now Going

"This user agrees that Charles Pan-Fried Chicken is superior to Sylvia's."

Positive
Jun 3, 2026View Comment →

From post: Sylvias Has Fallen To A New Low And Is Now Going

"Following a disappointing meal at Sylvia's, the user visited Charles Pan-Fried Chicken and found their fried chicken to be satisfying. However, they noted that the sides (mac & cheese, yams, okra) were not as good as Sylvia's, though acknowledged Charles is known for its chicken."

Positive
Jun 3, 2026View Comment →

From post: Still Havent Found A Great Waffle Place In New

"This user acknowledged that Charles' waffles can be inconsistent, sometimes great and sometimes mediocre. They still rate it over Clinton Street Baking Co. due to being cheaper and not requiring a long wait."

Neutral
May 15, 2026View Comment →

From post: Still Havent Found A Great Waffle Place In New

"In response to a comment about Charles' waffles, this user agreed they were good but stated that if the waffles were on par with the chicken, they would agree with higher praise."

Neutral
May 15, 2026View Comment →

From post: Still Havent Found A Great Waffle Place In New

"Charles Pan Fried Chicken was mentioned for their waffles, with the author considering them good but not great."

Neutral
May 15, 2026View Comment →

From post: Which Places Have Become Part Of Your Regular

"Charles Pan Fried has been a staple for the commenter for several years and remains so."

Positive
May 4, 2026View Comment →

From post: Delish Lunch Upper West Side Dining Solo

"Charles Fried Chicken is listed as an inexpensive, eat-standing-up option within the user's specified area."

Positive
Apr 20, 2026View Comment →