Willie Mae's Scotch House

"Willie Mae’s Scotch House, located at 2401 St Ann Street in Treme, is renowned for its fried chicken, considered some of the best in America. It was initially opened as a bar in 1957 by Willie Mae Seaton, who gained a reputation for the food she served. The restaurant was named one of America’s Classics by the James Beard Award Foundation in 2005. Currently closed due to fire damage, it remains a cultural and culinary institution in New Orleans." - Clair Lorell

"Willie Mae’s Scotch House has been a bastion of batter-fried chicken close to the Treme since 1957. In 2005, owner Willie Mae Seaton was honored as an America’s Classic by the James Beard Foundation. Her great-granddaughter Kerry Seaton Stewart is now overseeing restaurant operations and expanded with a location in the Venice section of of L.A. in 2022. The original New Orleans restaurant is currently closed due to a fire in 2023, but owners are working to reopen it while simultaneously planning a new location downtown." - Beth D'Addono

"Beignets, oysters, and gumbo are all on the Mt. Rushmore of New Orleans’ greatest dishes, and the fourth spot is reserved for the fried chicken at Willie Mae’s Scotch House. Located in the Treme, this place is vintage NOLA at its very best and feels more like you’re eating in someone’s house than an actual restaurant. It closes at 5pm daily and waits can be upwards of two hours during the lunch rush, so we recommend going for a late lunch around 3pm. They’re temporarily closed because of a fire, but you can order their chicken for nationwide shipping." - zella palmer, team infatuation

"Considered by many to be one of the best fried chicken offerings in the country, this Treme landmark’s Coke-based brine and wet-batter recipe sets it apart from nearly every other fried chicken in town — it results in a dark brown crust that coats peppery, juicy pieces of chicken. NOTE: Willie Mae’s is currently closed due to a fire, but in the meantime, stop by McHardy’s, Ll’ Dizzy’s, or Fiorella’s." - Clair Lorell, Eater Staff

"The wet-battered fried chicken at this Treme soul food institution (open since 1957) is the stuff of legend, which is why the line to get inside Willie Mae’s Scotch House usually wraps around the building. The best bet for getting in quickly is to come with a party of two. Do yourself a favor and get the mac and cheese and red beans too. NOTE: Willie Mae’s is currently closed due to a fire." - Stephanie Carter, Clair Lorell