Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken

Last night my wife, son and myself stopped by Gus's. It was the first time any of us had tried Gus's at any of their many locations across the USA.

The restaurant sits just west of Publican and east of Duck, Duck, Goat on Fulton Market. Visiting at about 5:30 on a Sunday I was expecting to be able to find a parking space in the near vicinity, but that proved difficult. A few minutes of circling the neighborhood produced a spot a few blocks away finally. There are plenty of Valet options in the area, though I don't believe there was one specifically for Gus's. I also seem to personally object to paying for a valet for what I consider to be a "quick" meal.

The room probably seats 75-100 inside, with more seating at a few tables outside as well. Decor is probably best described as Industrial/Urban with a Southern spin. Exposed brick, reclaimed wood, neon, Southern shack look.

There is a full service bar, and also a take-out line/register. It is seat yourself (or at least was when we walked in), so we took some seats at one of the high-tops. The menu is pretty straight forward. Your appetizer choices are fried pickles, fried Okra or fried green tomatoes. Dinner choices are.......Chicken. Thats it. You can choose individual pieces or plates. The plate includes baked beans and cole slaw. Other sides are Mac and Cheese, greens, fries, potato salad or fried okra and can be substituted for a fee w the plate. The three of us all ordered the same meal, 3 piece white (2 breasts, 1 wing) with a medium order of greens for the table

Here is where the issue started. The restaurant was not crowded by any means. At least 1/2 the tables were open, as was most of the seating at the bar and outside. As we sat, we watched plate after plate of food coming out of the kitchen, either to tables or carryout. As we got to the 30 minute mark without food, it was getting a touch annoying. When the table next to us who sat down and ordered long after us got their food we were beginning to wonder. Finally the waitress came up and commented that there was a new fry cook. She explained, that our order would have taken 6 breasts, and he used what was already prepared to fill other orders. She said the next batch of breasts were cooking, but since everything is more or less made fresh, they take 20-25 minutes. She offered us an appetizer or drink, which we declined. After about 15 minutes our food finally arrived. The wife, clearly upset at this point, said they should comp one of the meals or something. The waitress responded that she did not have the authority to do so. We dug into the meals (more on that below) and a few minutes later the waitress came back and said "she would pay for the meals", not we will pick up dessert, or we will discount X, or anything, but more along the line of it was coming out of her pocket. I told her thanks, but I did not want the meal coming out of her pocket, if it truly was not her fault, but the kitchens.

On to the meal. The Chicken itself was fantastic. Crispy, juicy and spicy without being so overly spicy that you couldn't enjoy after multiple bites. It had the right amount of kick that you noticed the spiciness without the characteristic sweat being induced after a few bites like some hot chicken. Very well balanced and tasty. The Coleslaw was good, creamy and a nice offset to the spiciness of the chicken. Beans were not overly sweet, and had a small bit of spice to them as well, just enough to know it was there. Greens were tender and tasty, not overly salty or vinegary. All in all a very, very tasty meal. On quality and taste of the food alone I will be back, though next time it may be carryout.

When we finished, I asked for the check and the waitress re-iterated that she was going to pick it up. I refused to let that happen. We told her the manager should be involved if kitchen issues were causing problems. I calculated the bill, and gave her the appropriate amount plus a reasonable tip.

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken
847 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

We hit there for lunch once a month or so - carryout and we go early, so never any issues with service. I agree, it's pretty much a great, consistent fried chicken every time. We gave up on Peri-Peri after too many inconsistent meals.

I was over at Gus's last week and it did not disappoint. Pretty much what thetrob said in his review. Juicy and flavorful (I only ordered breasts), not greasy, crunchy "armor-plate" like crust with some heat, but not too hot. If you're looking for really hot, you want Nashville style - this is closer to Popeye's hot. I was tempted to try one of their pies for dessert, but went for another chicken breast instead since I am here for the chicken, not the pie. Next time pie. Maybe. For those who don't do beans the fries are frozen mid-size food service fries that if you have to have them, get them well done. My ideal sides for fried chicken are mashed potatoes (with cream milk gravy - TX/OK style) and biscuits. Here I got fries and a piece of white bread. Not as thrilling as it could have been. But it's still fantastic chicken! Hope to return soon with my brother.

The second Chicago location of Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken is open in River North - 401 N. State St. https://chicago.eater.com/2019/3/14/182 ... ate-street