Work It, Berk: Search results for Fried Chicken Sandwich

Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Fried Chicken Sandwich. Sort by date Show all posts

Friday, August 19, 2022

Eat in Berkeley: The Butcher’s Son Vegan Delicatessen & Bakery

Classic Fried Chicken sandwich made with lettuce, tomato, mayo, pickle chips, and fried chicken on a sesame seed bun

Chicken Parm sandwich made with fried chicken, mozzarella, marinara, and parmesan on a garlic Dutch crunch roll

I visited The Butcher’s Son Vegan Delicatessen & Bakery, a popular vegan spot on University and Milvia in Downtown Berkeley, for the first time in early July. Although I didn't know what to expect, I knew it is well-liked in the area.

I ordered the Chicken Parm sandwich made with fried chicken, mozzarella, marinara, and parmesan on a garlic Dutch crunch roll. Since everything is vegan, I cannot actually tell you what the alternative meat and cheeses were made of, but I can ensure you that they were delicious. I especially enjoyed how they succinctly mimicked the tastes and textures of a traditional chicken parmesan sandwich. I also tried some of the Classic Fried Chicken sandwich — made with lettuce, tomato, mayo, pickle chips, and fried chicken on a sesame seed bun — which was good.

I appreciate how they offer deli classics in new forms, instead of just being an exclusively healthy alternative. (Vegans deserve hearty foods too!) Moreover, I would definitely return in the future, perhaps trying the Panko Crusted Squash & Ricotta sandwich or the Fish -N- Chips made with jackfruit. If you've been to The Butcher's Son, what would you recommend?

The Butcher’s Son Vegan Delicatessen & Bakery

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Yelp

1954 University Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704

Open: Monday - Wednesday 11am - 3pm, Thursday - Friday 11am - 8pm, Saturday - Sunday 10am - 4pm

Check out more posts from Berkeley.

Friday, August 15, 2025

Brunch in San Francisco: Eats, El Mil Amores, Boogaloos, Art’s Café, Zazie, and Mymy

Left: Toastaquiles made with soft-scrambled eggs, fried corn tortillas, guajillo chili sauce, avocado, crema, cotija, and cilantro

Right: Grilled Lemongrass Chicken Sandwich made with Thai green curry, basil, cilantro, serrano peppers, pickled carrots, and daikon, served with fried potatoes

I've been to many a brunch in my day and it seems like time to share some places I've tried recently (i.e. in the past year).

Last May I visited Eats, a brunch restaurant on Clement and 2nd in the Inner Richmond, with a large group of family and friends. I remember being impressed by the Grilled Lemongrass Chicken Sandwich made with Thai green curry, basil, cilantro, serrano peppers, pickled carrots, and daikon, served with fried potatoes. It had a nice, tangy flavor and provided a decent amount of protein to continue my day. Next time, I may try the Caramelized Custard French Toast or the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich.

Eats

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Yelp

50 Clement St., San Francisco, CA 94118

Open: Wednesday - Monday 8am - 2pm

Chilaquiles made with fried corn tortilla, salsa roja (left) and verde (right), choice of meat, scrambled eggs, cheese, sour cream, cilantro, onion, and refried black beans

Left: Huevos Rancheros made with fried corn tortillas, refried black beans, fried eggs, and red poblana sauce

Right: Tres Leches Pancakes

Around this time last year, I visited El Mil Amores Restaurant with my dining companion and a good friend for the first time. Located on 21st and Florida in the Mission, this busy spot serves brunch classics and Mexican favorites alike. We ordered a few dishes: Chilaquiles with both red and green salsa, Huevos Rancheros, and Tres Leches Pancakes. Although I don't remember the specifics, I remember thinking this was a fun environment to catch up with friends like sharing a side of sweet pancakes. The line was long, so I would try to come by early or on a weekday.

El Mil Amores Restaurant

Instagram | Yelp

2780 21st St., San Francisco, CA 94110

Open: Daily 8am - 3pm

Classic Cubano made with roasted pork, smoked ham, pickles, mustard, Swiss cheese, and a grilled roll, served with yuca fries

In early September of last year, I visited Boogaloos, a well-loved breakfast and lunch spot on the corner of 22nd and Valencia in the Mission, with a good friend. They serve the brunch foods you're looking for with a Latin and Caribbean twist. I ordered the Classic Cubano made with roasted pork, smoked ham, pickles, mustard, Swiss cheese, and a grilled roll, served with yuca fries. It hit the spot and was quite sizable. I would recommend Boogaloos for anyone looking for good food in a bit of sunshine.

Boogaloos

Website | Facebook | Yelp

3296 22nd St., San Francisco, CA 94110

Open: Daily 9am - 3pm

Spicy Pork Bibimbap

Last September I stopped by Art’s Café, a family-owned diner on Irving and 9th in the Inner Sunset, with a good friend. They're known for serving traditional American breakfast and lunch items, as well as Korean hits. I tried the Spicy Pork Bibimbap, which came with a sunny side up egg, vegetables, homemade kimchi, and gochujang sauce. As a long-term fan of bibimbap, I remember liking this meal and having an alternative to the American brunch dishes I'm used to. Next time, I may stop by on a weekday and try a Hash Brown Sandwich made with Dakgogi chicken or the pork belly sandwich.

Art’s Café

Website | Yelp

747 Irving St., San Francisco, CA 94122

Open: Tuesday - Sunday 7:30am - 3pm

Left: Maya's Toast à l'avocat made with rustic levain, avocados, pine nut pesto, goat cheese, and eggs over easy, served with home fries

Right: Victor’s Home-Made Coffee Cake with raspberry jam and brown sugar crumble

Later that September I visited Zazie, a popular French restaurant on Cole between Carl and Parnassus in Cole Valley, for the first time. With a good friend who loves Zazie, she knew to order their famous coffee cake, which comes with jam and a brown sugar crumble on top. I tried one of their specials: Maya's Toast à l'avocat made with rustic levain, avocados, pine nut pesto, goat cheese, and eggs over easy, served with home fries. I remember enjoying the food and the experience, which reminded me of so many nice meals I had at La Note and Café Clem in Berkeley over the years.

Zazie

Website | Instagram | Yelp

941 Cole St., San Francisco, CA 94117

Brunch: Monday - Friday 8am - 2pm & Saturday - Sunday 9am - 3pm

Dinner: Daily 5 - 9pm

Another Club Sandwich made with grilled thyme garlic chicken, bacon, guacamole, lettuce, tomato, cranberry aioli, fried egg, and smoked mozzarella, served with fries

I visited Mymy, a popular brunch spot on California at Larkin in Nob Hill, for the first time last November with two friends. With a line out the door, this cozy restaurant is made for the brunch crowd, who will be happy to see favorites like pancakes, grits, huevos rancheros, Eggs Benedict, and more on offer. I enjoyed the Another Club Sandwich, which was made with grilled thyme garlic chicken, bacon, guacamole, lettuce, tomato, cranberry aioli, fried egg, and smoked mozzarella and served with fries. I would stop by again the next time I'm looking for a good brunch selection in the neighborhood.

Mymy

Website | Instagram | Yelp

1500 California St., San Francisco, CA 94109

Open: Daily 9am - 2pm

Check out more posts from San Francisco.

Friday, January 1, 2021

Eat in Berkeley: The Bird

Fried Chicken Sandwich made with free-range chicken in a berbere spice blend, celery, house-made apple slaw, mayo, and pickles on a freshly baked bun

I've tried The Bird, a popular fried chicken sandwich spot, a few times at their original location in SoMa on New Montgomery between Minna and Mission. This past week, I stopped by their pop-up at Super Duper Burgers on Telegraph and Durant, a block away from the UC Berkeley campus.

I ordered the Fried Chicken Sandwich with the regular spice blend (they also have a spicy version) and it was as good as I remember. The sandwich is made with free-range chicken that's fried and coated in their berbere spice blend. It's then topped with celery, house-made apple slaw, mayo, and pickles on a freshly baked bun. It has a good sized piece of chicken and the flavors are quite dynamic.

I would definitely stop by in the future. If you've tried The Bird, what do you recommend ordering?

The Bird

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Yelp

2355 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704

Open: Daily 11:30am - 8pm

Check out more posts from Berkeley.

Monday, January 11, 2016

Eat in Los Angeles: Son of a Gun

Linguine & Clams with uni aglio-olio, chili, and breadcrumbs

Fried Chicken Sandwich with spicy B&B pickle slaw and roasted aioli

A couple weeks ago I visited Son of a Gun with my foodie friend Jing. This hip seafood restaurant, located on 3rd Street between La Cienega and Fairfax in Los Angeles, is owned by the same people as Animal on Fairfax.

Since Jing has visited Son of a Gun a few times, she recommended ordering the Linguine & Clams with uni aglio-olio, chili, and breadcrumbs and the Fried Chicken Sandwich with spicy B&B pickle slaw and roasted aioli. Both were quite good. The linguine was prepared well and served with a very flavorful sauce and fresh clams. It was definitely a memorable dish. When initially telling me about the restaurant, Jing compared their fried chicken sandwich to Bakesale Betty's in Oakland. Although I still believe Betty's is unbeatable, Son of a Gun's is quite good. Like Betty's the slaw was not to be disregarded and the sandwich featured dynamic flavors throughout. However, at only $8 to Son of a Gun's $17, Betty's reigns supreme.

The shadowy interior is decorated in a nautical theme with anchors and paintings on the walls.

If you've visited Son of a Gun, what do you recommend trying?

Son of a Gun
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Yelp

8370 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90048
Open: Daily (Lunch) 11:30am - 2:30pm & (Dinner) 6pm - 11pm

Check out more posts from Los Angeles.

Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Eat in Oakland: Hawking Bird

Sandwiched Hawking Bird: fried chicken sandwich made with chicken thigh fillet, mayo, chili jam, and cabbage slaw in an egg bun

I finally tried Hawking Bird this weekend after hearing so many good things from my favorite food bloggers and writers the past few months. Started by James Syhabout, who brought us the delicious and always inspiring Thai cuisine served at Hawker Fare, Hawking Bird is its casual counterpart known for their fried chicken and Khao Mun Gai poached chicken dish.

I tried the Sandwiched Hawking Bird, which is a chicken thigh fillet marinated in garlic and ginger, dipped in a rice flour batter, and double fried. I had this "sandwiched" with mayo, a homemade charred chili jam, and cabbage slaw in an egg bun. It was worth the wait. The fried chicken was juicy on the inside, and flaky and surprisingly light tasting on the outside. The chili jam had a nice sweetness that accentuated the sandwich's already dynamic flavors.

They also serve the sandwich, or fried tofu, over salad or rice. The next time I visit I want to try one of these combinations, along with a side of garlic noodles.

If you've visited Hawking Bird, what do you recommend trying?

Tuesday, May 31, 2022

Eat in Sacramento: World Famous Hotboys

Fried chicken sandwich

Krinkle Kut fries

Bonuts

While in Sacramento, we finally stopped by World Famous Hotboys, a popular fried chicken place that began in Downtown Oakland. Their Sacramento location is on 21st and Kayak Alley in Midtown, right next door to The Morning Fork, a diner we enjoyed.

Aside from their love of primary colors, Hotboys is also known for their Nashville hot chicken that's available at five different spice levels: Southern, Mild, Medium, Hot, and Hot Hot. Since the cashier made Medium seem very hot, I played it conservatively and chose the Southern option for my fried chicken sandwich. It was not hot at all, which is fine by me, and clearly is a well-made sandwich. I also enjoyed the Krinkle Kut fries and the Bonuts, which Janelle Bitker of the San Francisco Chronicle described as a "Southern treat of fried and cinnamon-dusted biscuit dough."

Since this is a very busy place, I would recommend ordering ahead of time. If you've tried World Famous Hotboys, what do you recommend?

Pizzasaurus Rex

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Yelp

1115 21st St., Sacramento, CA 95816

Open: Daily 9am - 9pm

Check out more posts from Sacramento.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Eat in Oakland: Bakesale Betty

Fried chicken sandwich served with homemade coleslaw on an Acme torpedo roll

It's almost an understatement to call Bakesale Betty an institution in the Oakland food scene. Located at the northern end of the Temescal District on Telegraph and 51st, the popular lunch spot can thank their fried chicken sandwich for earning this distinction.

The free range chicken is battered and fried to perfection and served with a tangy coleslaw composed of green cabbage, red onions, sliced jalapenos, parsley, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and a Dijon mustard vinaigrette on a fresh torpedo roll from Berkeley's own Acme Bread Company. The moist chicken is evenly balanced by the kick of the slaw and the delicate crunch of the bread. They've also cooked up an equally tasty fried tofu sandwich for Oakland's prolific population of veggie-heads.

Word to the wise: if the near constant stream of patrons that spans halfway down the block is any indication, line up early before they run out. Also, grab a cup of water while you're at it. If your spicy threshold is low like mine, you'll need it.

Click here and here for gratuitous shots of the sandwich in question. (You know you want to.)

Friday, October 6, 2023

Eat in San Francisco: The Snug

Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich made with buttermilk fried chicken, pickles, habanero aioli slaw, and a sesame seed bun

Wagyu Double Smash Cheeseburger made with wagyu beef patties, American cheese, dijonaise, arugula, and a challah bun, with a side of tater tots

The Aviation and an Aperol Spritz

My dining companion and I visited The Snug, a cocktail bar with a decent food menu on Fillmore and Clay in Lower Pacific Heights, in mid August. I had not heard of this place before, but was excited to visit after receiving a gift card from a friend and seeing their outside seating.

We ordered a couple of cocktails and two entrees for dinner. I had the Aviation, while my dining companion had an Aperol Spritz, both of which we enjoyed. I tried the Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich made with buttermilk fried chicken, pickles, habanero aioli slaw, and a sesame seed bun, while he had the Wagyu Double Smash Cheeseburger made with wagyu beef patties, American cheese, dijonaise, arugula, and a challah bun, with a side of tater tots. Although I don't remember the specifics, I believe we liked these as well. (Since it was a bit late when we ate, the photos don't do the place justice.)

We thought the service was great, given the extra complexity of using a gift card with a QR code menu. I do wish we received table service because their drink menu is expansive and it would be nice to ask servers for their recommendations. C'est la pandemic...

The Snug

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Yelp

2301 Fillmore St., San Francisco, CA 94115

Open: Tuesday - Thursday 12 - 10pm, Friday - Saturday 12pm - 12am

Check out more posts from San Francisco.

Friday, April 5, 2019

Eat in Oakland: Sideshow Kitchen

Fried Chicken Sandwich made with red cabbage slaw, Sideshow aioli, and Dijon mustard

I tried Sideshow Kitchen, a burger spot and beer garden located on Stanford and 60th in North Oakland, for the first time last week.

I ordered the Fried Chicken Sandwich made with red cabbage slaw, Sideshow aioli, and Dijon mustard. It was incredible. The chicken was moist and fried in a delicious buttermilk batter. The slaw had bits of jalapeño, giving it a nice kick. All of these flavors and textures made for a memorable sandwich. I also enjoyed the crispy fries on the side.

If you've visited Sideshow Kitchen recently, what do you recommend trying?

Sideshow Kitchen
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Yelp

942 Stanford Ave., Oakland, CA 94608
Open: Monday - Saturday 11am - 8pm, Sunday 12pm - 7pm

Check out more posts from Oakland.

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Eat in Oakland: Almond and Oak

Buttermilk Biscuit with butter and house strawberry jam

Fried Chicken Sandwich served with mixed greens

I visited Almond and Oak — a popular brunch spot serving New American food on Grand near Elwood in Grand Lake — with a good friend at the end of March 2024. Although this was my first time here, I had previously visited the restaurant it was before, Penrose, years ago.

I ordered a fried chicken sandwich, while my friend had the Benedict. Although it's been a while, I remember being pleasantly surprised with the meal, as was my friend. The chicken was juicy and perfectly fried. We split a Buttermilk Biscuit with butter and house strawberry jam, which was as buttery as desired.

If I'm looking for brunch in the area, I would be sure to check out Almond and Oak, opting for a new dish like the Shrimp & Grits or the Quiche. Some of the salads on the dinner menu are also appealing.

Almond and Oak

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Yelp

3311 Grand Ave., Oakland, CA 94610

Open: Tuesday - Friday 5 - 9pm, Saturday 10am - 2pm & 5 - 9pm, Sunday 10am - 2pm

Check out more posts from Oakland.

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Eat in Los Angeles: Peaches’ Smokehouse & Southern Kitchen

Grilled Cheese made with homemade pimento cheese and Pullman bread

Fried Chicken Sandwich with garlic aioli and house-cured pickles, served with waffle fries

After finishing my Red Velvet Latte from Perkup Coffee & Tea, I tried the Grilled Cheese at Peaches’ Smokehouse & Southern Kitchen, another food truck participating in Street Food Cinema. It was pretty good. The cheese had a spicy kick that made the sandwich that much more dynamic. My friend tried the Fried Chicken Sandwich and waffle fries, which I believe she enjoyed as well.

This was pretty much the perfect food to accompany an outdoor screening of a classic teen movie like Bring It On.

Lookin' for more photos from Peaches’ Smokehouse & Southern Kitchen? Follow me this way.

Peaches’ Smokehouse & Southern Kitchen
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Yelp

Times and locations vary

Check out more posts from Los Angeles.

Follow Work It, Berk:

Friday, December 28, 2012

Eat in Berkeley: Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen

Hush Puppies served with honey butter

Jambalaya with sauce piquant, roasted chicken, tasso ham, and andouille sausage

Buttermilk Fried Chicken served with ginger-vanilla sweet potato mash, tasso ham cream gravy, and Blue Lake green beans with Parmesan

I'm kind of in love with the South, even though the closest I've been is Florida. (I'm pretty sure that any southerner will tell you that Disney World and Miami Beach don't exactly count.) Although my concept of how those below the Mason-Dixon live is fueled mainly by what I've seen on Hart of Dixie and viral videos like the one below, I'm fairly certain that my love is still true. While these examples are rather contemporary, my interest started when I first developed the twang that still sticks with me today. (My mom teases me for adding more "e" in "milk" than a typically generic Californian accent should allow.)

Although I've begged my parents to join me on the three-part tour of the South I planned years ago, I'm certain that Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen is the closest Southern thing I will experience in the near future. Located in Berkeley's downtown on Shattuck and Kittredge, Angeline's serves Louisiana cuisine that's light enough to satisfy the health-obsessed California palate, while still giving homage to its hearty southern roots. The two times I've visited I tried a dish that is as delicious as it is fun to pronounce: jambalaya. The Creole staple features three types of meat in a bed of spicy rice. On my most recent trip, I also tried the Hush Puppies, which translates to balls of fried cornmeal in Californian, and buttermilk fried chicken that can easily give a certain North Oakland fried chicken sandwich shop a run for its money.

While the entrees are fairly priced considering all of the potential leftovers, Angeline's ambiance takes you to a world a few steps out of Berkeley while remaining right at its center.

Because everyone needs a little bit more Southern livin':

Monday, July 14, 2014

Eat in Berkeley: Brazil Fresh Squeeze Cafe

Tri-Tip Sandwich with "The Works" (#84)

The Tri-Tip at Brazil Cafe is one of those legendary sandwiches you must try if you live in Berkeley. It's ranked next to favorites like the Fried Chicken Sandwich at Bakesale Betty in Oakland's Temescal District and anything at Grégoire in Berkeley's Gourmet Ghetto. In fact, I'm not sure why I haven't talked about it sooner. (When I first started thinking about reviewing local eateries, Brazil Cafe was in my top ten places worth mentioning.)

The Tri-Tip goes by many names and comes in many forms. I've always ordered #84 – Obama's favorite, according to Pedro the owner – which I believe comes with all the fixins like pineapple, jalapeños, and sour cream. The sandwich itself has the best beef tri-tip you've ever had, along with lettuce, tomatoes, and grilled onions in freshly baked bread. They add a tangy sauce that brings all the flavors together perfectly.

I've visited the shack many times during college as well as their old restaurant on Shattuck, which has since moved further along University. I've also had the Mango Smoothie, another delicious and refreshing treat in which they're known.

Eating a delicious sandwich at Brazil Cafe is the perfect treat for a warm summer day. Just remember to ask for extra napkins. You will need them.

Here are a few more photos of this glorious sammy at slightly different angles. Yum.

Brazil Fresh Squeeze Cafe
Website | Facebook | Yelp

2161 University Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704
Open: Daily 11:30am - 8:30pm

Check out more posts from Berkeley.

I created a map with all the restaurants I've reviewed on Pinterest (128 pins!). I think it's pretty sick, no?

Follow Work It, Berk:

Monday, August 15, 2022

Eat in Oakland: Lovely's

The Original Fried Onion burger with American cheese, onion, pickle, ketchup, and mustard on a potato bun

While I had been hearing about smash burgers for a few months, it wasn't until mid-May that I first tried one at Lovely's, a burger spot next to the Two Pitchers Brewing taproom and beer garden on Webster and 24th in Oakland. Based on what I've heard from experts close to the source, smash burgers are different from traditional burgers in that they're composed ("smashed") on a flat grill, so they're more likely to seem cobbled together. This, plus the restaurants' use of high-quality ingredients, makes them taste fresher and juicier than a typical burger from a fast food chain. It seems like there aren't many brick and mortar places that specialize in the smash burger — many are pop-ups — so it's nice to see that they're easy to come by at Lovely's.

I believe I tried the Original Fried Onion burger with American cheese, onion, pickle, ketchup, and mustard on a potato bun when I visited. I remember it did taste better than a burger I'd get elsewhere and I understand that burger fiends seem to enjoy their offerings. I'm not big into burgers made with beef (I prefer veggie burgers) and I don't like lines (theirs felt like it took 20+ minutes to order and more to be served), so I probably won't be returning soon.

Maybe the service is faster now and if so, I would try a fried chicken sandwich or even a hot dog for kicks. What a great way to celebrate summer: classic American emoji food. If you've been to Lovely's, what would you recommend trying?

Lovely's

Website | Instagram | Yelp

2344 Webster St., Oakland, CA 94612

Open: Wednesday - Thursday 4 - 9:30pm, Friday - Saturday 4 - 10pm, Sunday 12 - 4:30pm

Check out more posts from Oakland.

Friday, May 23, 2025

Eat in San Francisco: Freshroll Vietnamese Rolls & Bowls

Garlicky Noodz made with grilled honey chicken, pickled onions, broccolini, and green onions

Fresh Sandwich made with grilled pork, NamNam Sauce, pickled veggies, cilantro, cucumber, and a toasted French baguette

Last May, I had Freshroll Vietnamese Rolls & Bowls, a casual Vietnamese restaurant at the Metreon on 4th in SoMa, for the first time. With locations in the Financial District and Berkeley, Freshroll serves a variety of rice and bowl dishes perfect for a delicious weekday lunch.

I ordered two items: the Garlicky Noodz made with grilled honey chicken, pickled onions, broccolini, and green onions, and the Fresh Sandwich made with grilled pork, NamNam Sauce, pickled veggies, cilantro, cucumber, and a toasted French baguette. Both were made with fresh ingredients, had dynamic flavor profiles, and elevated the quick weekday lunch.

Next time I stop by, I may have the Garlicky Noodz again or try the Pork Fried Rice and a Vietnamese Cold-Brew Iced Coffee.

Freshroll Vietnamese Rolls & Bowls

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Yelp

157 4th St., San Francisco, CA 94109

Open: Monday - Friday 11am - 8pm, Saturday 11am - 7pm

Check out more posts from San Francisco.

Navigation

Friday, August 19, 2022

Friday, August 15, 2025

Friday, January 1, 2021

Monday, January 11, 2016

Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Tuesday, May 31, 2022

Friday, December 14, 2012

Friday, October 6, 2023

Friday, April 5, 2019

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Friday, December 28, 2012

Monday, July 14, 2014

Monday, August 15, 2022

Friday, May 23, 2025