Growing up, we all ordered chicken fingers off the kid’s menu- this is probably where our adult obsession with the meal still resides. Fear not, there’s nothing to be ashamed of! Fried chicken fingers are more than a childhood staple, they are a pick-me-up food, a “remind me of home” food, and of course a good option for some after drinks food with your buddies! Have you ever wondered about which chicken fingers in Tuscaloosa hold the ultra-exclusive title of being the best? Well look no further my friends, we have three options here that will make you wonder: Which is worth it?
Guthrie’s – $5.76
Alabama loves Guthrie’s. Like, I mean LOVES Guthrie’s to an unhealthy obsession. Fast-food chicken fingers can be iffy, but Guthrie’s does it right every single time and for only around $5. The golden fried chicken fingers are incredibly tender and have the perfect amount of fried crispiness on the outside. Plus, they have their “secret sauce” which sounds mysterious as always but is sheer perfection. It is not too sweet or too salty and tastes like a mixture of mayo, ketchup, and garlic- which initially doesn’t sound prize-winning, but obviously, they are doing something right if people rant and rave about it! Being around for over 50 years has gained Guthrie’s a notable presence in the whole state of Alabama. Pro tip: The workers in the back make sure you are getting the fried tenders straight out of the fryer, so be extremely careful before biting into one of these, or else you might accidentally hurt yourself. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Hoos Q – $7
Yes, Hoos Q is known for its barbeque but they also have some seriously delicious chicken fingers! The Chicken Finger Plate is served with five hand-breaded tenders and served with their version of a “special sauce”. With 5 large chicken tenders, you will probably have enough to take home! The breaded tenders are juicy and perfectly cooked with a soft, easily tearable inside. Not too greasy, not too dry and the sauce is the perfect additive. This option is slightly more than Guthries, but you do get five big and flakey tenders. Any place with a “special sauce” seems to be a breadwinner so it’s no question why Hoos Q is a contender!
Southern Ale House – $8
Weighing in only slightly more than the other two is Southern Ale House’s chicken tenders. Of course, we are keeping up the theme with hand-breaded yumminess in our blog but there is a twist on these. Southern Ale House buttermilk brines their tenders before frying to add that extra punch of tenderness to the average chicken tender. Can you guess what else these are served with? If you thought of a special sauce, you’re a winner! The “Slap ‘Yo Mamma” sauce is a light tangy take on the average condiment choices. These tenders are perfectly fried, but definitely not dry. If you’re looking for a good crunch to chicken ratio, Southern Ale House might be in your cards!
Quite honestly, we all love chicken and would probably eat chicken fingers on Thanksgiving if it were socially acceptable! All of these restaurants are well known for their takes on classic chicken tenders. Guthrie’s is a long-time classic in the state of Alabama and has a history of serving up good meals and deals. Hoos Q shows us that it’s not all about barbeque and that they can serve up a mean chicken tender basket. Southern Ale House serves up a marinated, crunchy chicken tender that seems to be a fan favorite as well. We know there cannot simply be one “best” of anything in this town, but we are thankful to have so many options within our community!
Agree with any of our three? Let us know! Have a rebuttal? Share with us your top chicken tender spot in Tuscaloosa!
Founded in Tuscaloosa, and expanding beyond our city limits, its not hard to see why. Shark’s fried chicken, ranging from tenders to liver and gizzards, you’re bound to have some of the best fried chicken in town. Accompanying the chicken, the sides share the same range of usual suspects to oysters and hush puppies thanks to their seafood faire. They are spreading their fried love in Birmingham, and soon beyond that.
A collegiate classic, this staple of the university atmosphere in town is the proud home of some of the best wings of West Alabama. Served under memorabilia and any sauce you choose, their chicken is hard to beat. No wing could be complete without proper sides, and Buffalo Phil’s certainly delivers. From curly fries to beer battered onion rings, you’re bound to find good company for these iconic wings
Five Bar is known for its simplicity in a decadent environment. This mantra finds its way into their Sunday brunch special of fried chicken and waffles. The crispy, fall off the bone chicken meets the sweet and ample waffle with its golden syrup in a union so pure and star crossed its clear why it’s a favorite. The savory chicken skin with its crispy breading could be a meal all on its own. Bold and well seasoned, it’s the perfect yin to the yang of the sweet and heavenly waffles.
This small industrial style space packs a big game when it comes to our food scene and it’s easy to see why. Their brunch special of fried chicken over oven fresh biscuits, or chicken bites battered in Black Warrior Brewing Company’s Brown Ale proves The Avenue Pub knows southern food. The chicken bites make a great introduction to the explosive flavor found in the pub, with the fried chicken and biscuits being at a level that could pose questioning of your love for your Grandmother’s kitchen.