Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

"Proclaiming yourself World Famous is quite the power move, but to their credit, Gus’s appears to be in the midst of takeover. The once tiny Memphis shack has been franchised, although not in the Colonel Sanders way. Gus’s still feels like a unique local product in its Fulton Market space, partially because it’s the first location in both Chicago and the Midwest as a whole. Gus’s is a casual Southern fried chicken restaurant at heart, but it feels very Chicago in a former warehouse building typical to this neighborhood. Parts of Gus’s, like gingham tablecloths and paper plates, make it feel like a quick eats spot. But a full waitstaff and bar also make it a comfortable place to sit for a bit. The result is Gus’s serves both the local business crowd at lunch, and those who want to grab a casual dinner at night while still sitting for a cocktail or two with fried chicken and sides. Speaking of the fried chicken, Gus’s makes it fresh to order with their trademark cayenne-heavy seasoning. Rather than offer multiple styles, like an “herb seasoning” and “Nashville hot,” Gus’s has one style, and it has some heat. It won’t burn, but you’ll feel a bit of tingling as soon as you take a bite, so keep that in mind when deciding whether Gus’s is the fried chicken place for you. Either way, there’s no denying it’s good. Food Rundown Fried Pickles Great fried pickles. Start with these or the tomatoes if you can handle more fried stuff to start. Fried Green Tomatoes Trying to decide on one starter? We suggest these tomatoes. Fried Chicken Plate The main event. Get a plate, which comes with baked beans, slaw, and white bread. The skin is crispy and has a cayenne kick, which is noticeable but not overwhelming. A two piece order should be the standard, so get your preference of white or dark meat, and if you get more, mix and match between the two. Seasoned Fried Never hurt. Mac & Cheese On the rather mushy and cheesy side. Nothing wrong with that, but pointing out facts. Not a must order, but good for sharing. Pie Pecan, chess, sweet potato, old-fashioned coconut, and occasionally more. All excellent." - Sam Faye

"Most of the good fried chicken spots in town aren’t really places you sit and eat. They’re more carry-out or delivery situations. Not Gus’s. At Gus’s, you want to take a seat, dine in, and enjoy your fried chicken and sides in the big Fulton Market space. Make sure to utilize the full bar and get some pie for dessert, too." - adrian kane, veda kilaru, nick allen

"Calling yourself “World Famous” is pretty ambitious, but the bird at this national chain deserves it. Each piece from this Fulton Market spot has crackly cayenne-infused skin that shatters like glass and has just enough tongue-tickling heat. The meat is equally flavorful and effortlessly comes off of the bone. Gus’ plates come with coleslaw and baked beans, but if you’d rather just go all in on chicken, they have a 20-piece “snack” option waiting for you." - john ringor, adrian kane

"There are a lot of spots for good fried chicken in Chicago, and Gus’s is the best in the West Loop. It’s a big, casual space that works equally well for taking out or dining in (the benefit of eating here is that you can utilize the full bar). Either way, make sure to get some pie (see above)." - adrian kane

"Newer to the neighborhood, but not new to the country, Gus's had humble beginnings down south in the 70's and now people say this is their favorite fried chicken in Chicago! I personally loved the fried green tomatoes." - Linsey Rosen