Loved everything about Gus's! I avoid meat mostly, but I was not about to miss trying famous fried chicken! The restaurant is tucked away on a small, empty street. There is plenty of parking in a lot across the street. We went inside and found it to be pretty busy, but we got a table for 4 quickly. The place was clean and homey-feeling and I loved the fact that they used disposable plates, utensils and napkins! It is probably way easier on the crew to clean up, and it adds to the relaxed atmosphere. I had the corn nuggets to start, yum! We finished them easily, they were so good. Then the entree of my chicken tenders, beans, and Mac and cheese came out, along with my sweet tea. The sweet tea was perfect, I drank a whole one during my meal and they gave me another to go in the souvenir Gus's cup. The food was just great, chicken was juicy and perfectly crunchy on the outside. Beans and Mac and cheese, delicious! I ate all of it even though I was stuffed. I even went so far as to order a piece of pecan pie for dessert, but unfortunately our server came back out to tell us they were out of it! Guess it wasn't meant to be (this time)! Our server was really friendly during our whole meal, chatted with us a little and made sure we had a great experience! Bottom line.... Go to Gus's! read more

See all

TtttHHeeEEeeee best fried chicken in the mid south with a spicy punch! Service: typical Memphis attitude, mildly nice. Ambience: casual Pricing: .a 2 pc with sides and a slice of bread will set you back about $13. Depending on white or dark meats. read more

See all

Gus's Fried Chicken was a solid 3 star experience overall. The chicken itself was crispy, flavorful, and definitely the highlight of the meal. The atmosphere was casual and welcoming, making it a comfortable spot to grab a bite. I wasn't really a fan of the mac and cheese, as it leaned way too heavily on the processed cheese flavor and ended up overly cheesy in a not-so-great way. The texture and taste reminded me more of melted processed cheese than a rich, homemade mac and cheese. However, the service was delightful and easily made up for some of the disappointment with the sides. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made us feel genuinely welcomed throughout the visit. While not everything hit the mark for me, the great service and tasty fried chicken make Gus's worth trying if you're in the mood for comfort food. read more

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken - Menu - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

See all

Service 4 Atmosphere 3 Food 2 Had all the chicken setting pre-cooked in a basket along with the okra so they would not have to work real hard and served us as they felt like it cold chicken and bland okra. I was very disappointed this again is the one in Memphis. Conversely, the one in Mesa, five stars all the way across some of the best chicken I've ever had Difference between a good and not good Manager read more

The fried chicken here was really good. I don't really like fried chicken but was very impressed! The skin was crispy and the chicken meat was flavorful! We came early before the lunch peak time and was able to get a table right away. It was still packed but we got our food pretty quickly. I tried the chess pie, which I never tried and loved it! The texture was great and not overly sweet! There are some parking spots in front. A must on your Memphis trip! read more

See all

The place was a small building in downtown Memphis. Parking was limited in front of restaurant but free. The service was good. We were seated quickly and served quickly. The waiter was nice and attentive. He made sure we had what we needed and wanted. Seven is his name. The food was not world famous. The chicken was spicy and bland. No seasoning. The Mac and cheese tasted like boxed Mac and cheese with shredded cheese on top. The greens tasted like can greens not fresh. The best thing was the souvenir cup. I will not return. I gave it 2 stars because it was free parking in front of restaurant and the good service from seven. read more

See all

Fried Chicken fans unite! This place is the bomb! We had to stop here while in Gus's home state to try one of the older locations for the character and, of course, food. I've had this chicken once before while in Kansas City during COVID and had it delivered to our hotel. I remember loving it then and after today's visit, I still love it. I had the 2 piece dark plate with a thigh and drumstick and my sides were beans and slaw. My wife had 2 of the tenders with some dipping sauce. I loved the chicken as it is cooked just right. The food is hot from the kitchen and very tasty. The coleslaw is just a bit sweet which makes it a good balance to the chicken. The beans were tasty as well. I tried the thick and meaty tenders as well and they were good but my heart (and cholesterol levels) belong to the fried chicken. This location had a constant flow of customers while we were there and I bet it is always that way. It reminds me of Ezells Fried Chicken in the Seattle area. Different but quality food with a focus on the bird. We had a sweet server named Alexis who did a great job (give her a raise please!). She really knows the menu and is nice. I bought a T Shirt while here to wear around the Seattle area in hopes that one day Gus's expands up that way. read more

See all

The hype is real. You just don't see these types of places much anymore. The food is iconic, the service was fantastic, and the hole-in-wall ambiance is one of a kind. Gus's is just a must stop in Memphis. read more

See all

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken downtown is the BEST fried chicken in the U.S. No exaggeration! Taiwan is my hometown, and I usually crave everything when I go back, but ever since Gus's, I don't even miss Taiwanese fried chicken anymore. The chicken is super flavorful. You can really taste the marinade, not just seasoning on the outside. Crispy, juicy, and dark meat is my favorite! I've tried other Gus's locations and love all of them, but somehow I still feel Downtown location just tastes the most authentic. Also, their cole slaw is honestly the best I've had at any fast-casual spot, and the fried okra is so good. A must-try in Memphis! read more

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken - 3 Piece Dark Plate - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Gus's has some special chicken. I recommend eating it in as the chicken is wonderfully crispy there. It's just spicy enough to be interesting but not overpowering. If you want some great fried chicken, head to Gus's. read more

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken - No Diet Coke. Ripped me off for $3 - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

The food here was amazing and I truly felt as if I were at home. The service here was on point and I truly enjoyed myself. This was definitely the best bite of chicken that I have ever had. Perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside and very well seasoned. Also highly recommend the fried pickles and corn nuggets. Absolutely delicious! read more

Chicken was amazing. I ordered the fried green tomatoes, too breaded for me. Waitstaff was great.

My friends and I came here for lunch on a Friday afternoon. Unfortunately, the soda machine was broken so we were limited to bottled drinks. I ordered the two piece dark set, which comes with beans and slaw. I substituted the beans for greens. The chicken was delicious; very juicy and the coating was crisp. The greens were also good. The slaw was a bit sweet for my tastes, but pretty average overall. Great service and I would recommend to anyone visiting Memphis! read more

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken - Two piece dark with greens and slaw - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken absolutely lives up to its name! The chicken is always perfectly cooked--crispy, juicy, flavorful, and seasoned just right with a little kick that keeps you coming back for more. Every bite tastes fresh and homemade. The sides are just as delicious, especially the baked beans and mac & cheese, and the portions are generous. The staff is friendly, the service is fast, and the atmosphere is welcoming. If you're looking for some of the best fried chicken around, this is the place. Consistently excellent food, great service, and a meal that's worth every penny. Highly recommended! read more

Equal to the best fried chicken, I've had anywhere. I had the three-piece dark plate which comes with slaw and beans. The sides were fine, but not exceptional. I also had a side of mac & cheese which was excellent. The crust on the chicken was excellent, it was juicy inside and spicy, but not too spicy. Friendly place with full table service. Prices quite reasonable. read more

See all

The service was nice! The fried chicken had great flavor. The greens and beans both tasted like they were overloaded with white sugar, and the Mac n cheese tasted like kraft with velveeta. The VIP also had so much white sugar. read more

Oh My Goodness!!! This may have been the absolute highlight of our trip to Memphis. Not Graceland, not Beale Street, not the Bass Pro Pyramid. I had heard about Gus's on Yelp and wanted to try it, so I took my son there on our last night in town. I was blown away! Quiet, unassuming, and tucked away on a somewhat lonely street, Gus's simply offered the BEST FRIED CHICKEN I HAVE EVER TASTED!! I ordered the Three-Piece Dark meal and actually thought about ordering another one to go as it was that good. The batter is slightly spicy and cooked to perfection. How good is Gus's? As I sat there eating, I saw a line of Police Officers coming in to order take-out. When the local cops are getting take-out, you know the place is good. Do NOT come to Memphis without trying Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken. In fact, I might put this place one notch above Graceland on the priority list. read more

I had the chance to spend a few days in Memphis for work. After visiting the Civil Rights Museum, a coworker and myself decided to stop at Gus's to fill our belly's after we had filled our minds. Gus's was packed with museum goers and locals. We arrived slightly before the rush and seated almost immediately. The waitress was friendly and walked us through the menu before helping the next table. We ordered the "World Famous Fried Chicken" a side of fried okra and macaroni and cheese. Let's just say.... The chicken stands up to its name! Well battered, hot, juice, crunchy, and absolutely delicious! The portions were a great size and we had enough to take back to our rooms with us. If you have the chance to get your hands on Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken your mouth and belly will thank you. read more

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken - Menu - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

So I'm a fried chicken lover. The 2nd best fried chicken ive ever had came from the back of a liquor store I a small rural town in East GA. This hands down is the BEST!!! I would drive from Atlanta just to eat here again. Our server was the greatest she made us like we were regulars. I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! read more

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

See all

It was my first time coming to this location. ? The place was very very cute and cozy. The staff were very friendly towards my parents and I. read more

Essentially this joint may have created some of the best fried chicken I have ever had anywhere in the United States, and after lots of recommendations from both locals and travelers, I can safely recommend it to others as well. The fact that they cook their fried chicken in peanut oil and still manage to maintain food taste and quality is quite impressive, especially considering many have not been able to replicate such. To start with, every piece of fried chicken, whether dark meat or white meat, was extremely juicy and flavorful, despite not the biggest in size. They do equip each table with a bottle of Louisiana hot sauce, which I ended up using for my chicken sandwich. Speaking of the chicken sandwich, it was an upgraded version of the Popeye's type for sure, and I am saying that as a Popeye's loyalist. It was impeccable. The fried green tomatoes were also very seasoned and maintained the right amount of crunchiness with the crust. Many of the sides ranging from the mac & cheese to the fried okra to the baked beans have been tasty in the most conventional sense as well, especially the fried okra, which was right on in terms of its crunch to softness ratio. The only relatively okay item was the greens, which was understandable since it's hard to cook greens in mass in a restaurant setting. It was a bit plain which might have been caused by the amount of juice it contained. The catfish sandwich tasted more like an upgraded version of filet-o-fish rather than containing actual catfish. The combination of the sauce and the fish (the way they cooked it along with the crust) was giving McDonald's quite a bit. I can see how it can turn some people off. I wasn't bothered by it, though. Regardless, for anyone visiting Memphis I would strongly recommend this establishment. Even among all the food options around the downtown area, especially barbeque, I stuck to fried chicken twice while in Memphis, which spoke to how good the food here was at Gus's. read more

See all

Went there last night and it was some of the best fried chicken I've ever had! The servers were super nice and friendly. My table of three people absolutely consumed our food in minutes - it was so good. The beans that come default with the meals are delicious. Let me mention that I'm a terrible slaw snob - and this slaw was delicious. 100% will return if we make it back to Memphis. read more

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken - Look for the chicken! - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

See all

The young man that served us was great and explained everything. Stater was fried green tomatoes and they were delicious. Dinner was 3 pieces of chicken we split so good I probably could have eaten more. Dessert is a piece of pie. Definitely a treat read more

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken - Half Chicken Plate - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

See all

Didn't even get to try the food. Went in, and an employee told us to sit wherever and we would be served. After about 20 minutes, we left. Service was TERRIBLE. Ambience felt weird. Like, you didn't belong in there. Wouldn't recommend. Try somewhere better and if the owner sees this, fix your restaurant. Will never be returning and will never recommend. read more

Love this fried chicken! The spice is so delish- so glad we came here on our last day. The sides were mediocre- wasn't super thrilled with them, but I did like the fried pickles with ranch. The waitress was great- super friendly and helpful. Oh and I cant forget the chocolate chess pie I think it is?! Heaven- it is like brownie batter on a crust. Esp fresh out of the oven. read more

We were too full, so we shared a 3-dark-piece plate, with coleslaw + mac and cheese (lyft driver's favs, who are we to argue!) DELICIOUS!!! The meat itself is moist and tasty, yet the skin is crunchy and not too oily. It's a small place, but it didn't take too long to get our food. Cindy was so very sweet, then again, everyone was so nice! Just wish we saved some room for dessert read more

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

See all

Divey classic with simple food. Welcoming, not classy! Chicken is super tender. Worth the experience as a one off. read more

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Went for a late lunch during Thanksgiving week after touring the Old Dominick Distillery across the street. The place was humming, always almost at capacity. Very friendly service. Our server recommended the fried green tomatoes and they were piping hot and delicious. I shared a half fried chicken with my husband. Incredible seasoning. After this experience I really don't feel like eating fried chicken anywhere else. So good. read more

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken - Fried chicken. Fried green tomatoes. - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

See all

Shortly P is awesome. Oh and fried chicken is great as well. Must visit while in Memphis. Don't be in a rush! Just let it happen. Cheers from NM. read more

Great service! The Fried Green Tomatoes were INCREDIBLE as well as the chicken tenders plate. I love that the soda comes in a souvenir cup! I would definitely come back if I lived here. read more

See all

Wings and Tenders!!!!! This review is to go order I enjoyed Gus in Detroit, which was my first time having it, so I was happy to find it close to my hotel while I was visiting Memphis as I walked around. It's on a busy street and small on the inside. When you first walk in, it is open seating, so if you have a big party of more than 8-10, I would call because they were busy. I got my food to go shot out to Zoi. She was lovely and welcoming when I entered and immediately got my order. There are also two benches outside if you want to get a little sun while you wait for your to-go order, and there's a seating area by the door as well. I was so happy to have my food at the hotel, only to realize they had forgotten my fries . But that's okay because the tenders, mac n cheese, and Cole slaw were delicious. read more

See all

Definitely visit for the ambiance and of course, the fried chicken. The fried chicken was awesome, and service was great. The sides were all ok, nothing special. But the great fried chicken will bring me back here again. read more

Gus's isn't just fried chicken, it's a full-blown love story. I first tried it in New Orleans and had to chase the memory to Memphis. The thigh (the gold standard, let's be honest) was perfection, the fried green tomatoes were seasoned like a chef's mic drop, and Whitney S.--our sweet-as-sugar server--was only rivaled by the sweet tea. Gus's, you've once again proven that crispy dreams do come true. read more

See all

Offering several locations in the south, Gus's chicken is a must have! This location, downtown Memphis, offer easy access with metered street parking. Grab a table and order a pile of chicken! Nice spicy bite, crispy skin deep-fried to the color of bourbon, and offering a hint of heat that will satisfy all! The restaurant is very casual, picnic colored table cloths, mismatched chairs, along with plenty of interesting wall decor, and a tin ceiling is all you need! Orders are taken tableside and delivered piping hot. Wine and beer is available. This location does a very swift to go business as well. Just love those green fried tomatoes as an appetizer which hit the spot every time. Our server was super friendly and pleasant and make sure that we were topped off at all times. This is a mandatory requirement when you're in town.! read more

See all

As good as it gets. Dark meat and unsweetened tea. After we finished and got back in our car. I went back in and got the exact meal I just ate to go. When it's this good ive got to double down. Perfect service, classic feel. you know where you're at. Thinking about moving to Memphis now. read more

Used to be my favorite place to eat. Now they en become too greedy and have raised the prices while serving us baby chicks

Walking into Gus's Fried Chicken in Memphis feels like stepping into a lively Southern tradition. The air is thick with the irresistible scent of spices and sizzling oil, and the chatter of hungry diners fills the cozy room. I grabbed a seat, ready for that crispy, spicy chicken everyone raves about. The first bite was a perfect crunch--a little heat that tickled my taste buds without knocking me out. Juicy, tender chicken inside, with a golden crust that seemed to have been kissed by fire and love. The sides? Creamy mac and cheese that felt like a warm hug, tangy coleslaw to cut through the spice, and baked beans sweet enough to make you smile. The vibe was casual and welcoming, checkered tablecloths and all, like eating in a friend's kitchen but with the benefit of not having to do the dishes. Locals and visitors alike swapped stories over heaping plates, making it feel like more than a meal--it was a Memphis experience. By the time I left, lips still tingling and belly full, I knew Gus's wasn't just fried chicken. It was a rite of passage, a spicy, crunchy love letter from Memphis straight to my taste buds. Five stars, hands down. read more

Some of the best fried chicken I have ever had. Unreal seasoning. Baked beans and coleslaw were outstanding. Our server, Shorty (or Shawty? Sorry, white guy here :/), was attentive, quick, and very kind. Such a simple but pleasing environment. You walk in and can see the whole restaurant. Plenty of seating. Cool decor on the walls. No extra frills. I wish this restaurant was in my hometown. read more

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken - Two piece dark meat with coleslaw and baked beans - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Wanted to try a bunch of sides and smaller portion of chicken. Friendly accommodating hostess set me up with a DIY sample platter and it was delicious. Slaw, fried green tomatoes, were classic, and very good. Fried chicken was excellent, moist, super crunchy, a little surprised it wasn't even hotter... But would absolutely come back and ask them to turn up the heat a bit. read more

Now this is good fried chicken. Moist, crispy, a little spicy and quick service. I had the white meat 2 piece with beans and greens. It was all really tasty and hit the spot. We shared an order of corn nuggets. 4 people had trouble eating them all but oh so yummy! Highly recommend. Get over here and have yourself some excellent fried chicken! read more