Royals Hot Chicken

15

157

152

4 months ago

Nice spot. I ordered the slider combo. Came with 2 "hot" level sliders and crinkle cut fries. Sliders were good, chicken was really juicy. Spice level was solid. Came with slaw and pickle. Only complaint was that the bottom bun was a lil soggy. Fries were whatever, not my favorite style but they weren't bad. Also got one of their frozen honey suckle lemonade drinks. This was really tasty. Overall, fun place. Good food. read more

Royals Hot Chicken - 2 Sliders Hot and Fries - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Weston W.

0

21

33

4 months ago

Food was amazing! I was passing though Kentucky for the first time and I wanted to try REAL KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN I was not disappointed, these sliders with the honey butter were the bomb. Mac and Cheese was okay, but the slider was amazing. Best I've ever had. If I'm ever in the area again I'd come back. read more

Royals Hot Chicken - Store Front - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Royals Hot Chicken - 2 Sliders Hot - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Helen S.

21

111

123

2 days ago

Needed a quick bite after placing an order at Wild Hats. This was perfect and FAST! I had the apple butter chicken sliders with a little heat. I can't quite put my finger on the actual spice used in the hot sauce, but it was delicious. The fries were amazing. Crinkle fries with seasoning. Everything we served with a ranch dressing. Recommend! read more

Royals Hot Chicken - Apple butter sliders - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Joe N.

13

145

539

9 days ago

We shared a couple sliders and fries. Medium was perfect. Fries were great. A lil disappointed in the size of the chicken tenders for the price tho. I believe there's is more than one location. Street parking only. read more

Royals Hot Chicken - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Sharon N.

73

305

1293

14 days ago

If you are familiar with the Dave's Hot Chicken Franchise, that's what this local chain is reminiscent of. However we love Dave's so we had high standards to compare this place too. We always get medium heat. But these chicken tenders sliders were not very big if you ask me. But like I said- we were use to Dave's size. If you have nothing else to compare it to, then you will enjoy this place. It's a lil bit on the high end for "fast food" tho. Fries are good, everything came out hot and fresh. PS: Their Ranch is very good. read more

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Kenia C.

130

67

193

30 days ago

Upon arrival to Louisville Kentucky I was starving and craving some chicken...I was lucky to find out that this spot was across my hotel. The food was good specially the opportunity to select the heat level for your chicken. I got one slider with fries and my daughter got three tenders with fries and coleslaw ( she didn't like the coleslaw because have celery in it) price wise wasn't bad for the amount of food and the efficiency of the service! read more

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Clara W.

25

68

145

3 months ago

Food was fresh, hot, and tasty. Service was great. Loved the atmosphere and all the paintings on the walls. Would definitely recommend Royals for anyone that loves chicken read more

Royals Hot Chicken - Two 2 Tenders and Fries lemon pepper style and 2 Tenders, 1 Fish Platter - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jennifer L.

45

37

56

2 months ago

We stumbled across this place when we were trying to find something to eat for lunch after visiting the Belle of Louisville. I'd say the food was good, fresh and not frozen. We both did the "some heat" which was still flavorful but had some heat to it. My boozy slushie was pretty good but I don't really drink much anymore so it definitely gave me a good buzz. I don't know if I could rate this any higher than the iconic Prince's Hot Chicken in Nashville. This is more comparable to Dave's Hot Chicken in Florida. Service as great, we came through and there was no line so we didn't have to wait. The ambience was nice but we had our 6 month old with us so it was kinda hard to have lunch and really enjoy what this place had to offer. read more

Royals Hot Chicken - Boozy Slushie - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Royals Hot Chicken - Front entrance - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Royals Hot Chicken - Pimento cheese + hot honey chicken sliders with seasoned fries - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Royals Hot Chicken - Chicken tenders with loaded fries and Cole slaw - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Anita M.

39

30

164

2 months ago

Amazing local stop in Louisville! I had the honey butter chicken sliders and mac & cheese. My husband got the chicken tenders and loaded crinkle fries. It was delicious. Nice people, clean food stop and affordable. A win/win/win! read more

Royals Hot Chicken - Honey Butter Chicken Sliders, Chicken Tenders, Loaded Crinkle Cut, Mac & Cheese - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Royals Hot Chicken - Chicken Tenders, Loaded Crinkle Cut, Cole Slaw - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Royals Hot Chicken - Menu 7/2026 - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Ed S.

146

750

2425

1 year ago

We were attending the NuLu festival and decided to step into some air conditioning and grab a bite to hold us over to dinner. We waited for a small group to place their order. And we waited. And waited. Heaven for they took a minute to look over the menu board and figured out their order before they stepped up to the register. Finally, we ordered. We went with the two strip meal and asked if one strip could be regular and the other "hot". Sure, but with an up-charge. Seriously? Some bs about the computer program forces split charge. I passed and went with 2 plain strips (as I was splitting our snack when a friend who doesn't do spicy). I got our soft drinks the food was already served. Cold fries. Warm from "under a heat lamp" strips that clearly weren't prepared fresh. Maybe I would have enjoyed a hotter "flavor", but only if they serve fresh from the fryer. If I want warmed over chicken, I can go to KFC. read more

Royals Hot Chicken - Chicken tenders - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Royals Hot Chicken - Menu board - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Melissa M.

9

207

760

1 year ago

Been wanting to try this place I had the Chicken Slider Meal with Some Heat and coleslaw comes on the sandwich which is very good and topped with a pickle and crinkle fries you can upcharge for a different side if desired and they offer alcoholic drinks as well a bar is inside Service great Ambiance nice old school music playing read more

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Carlin T.

4

58

102

1 year ago

OMG so PLEASED we bought the cook book! Server was on point, sat quickly, food came out quick, friendly and fun atmosphere. I can't WAIT to make redeye gravy... it was a first there and dipped my chicken and waffles in it! Fantastic read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 1

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Max B.

11

41

285

8 months ago

Royals is good, spicy food, served kindly and quickly. (It's a simple counter order and basic table service kind of place. Not quite fast food, but nearly as fast and casual.) If you've not had Nashville-style Hot Chicken, Royals offers a great introduction and if you know what to expect, Royals delivers at a competitive level, in a city that has seen a fun history of competition in fried chicken. I recommend the X-Hot these days, but that's not where I started. Somewhat regular trips over many years have made that my goto favorite. (I have done the next and final heat level, Gonzo, once. I recall it was great. I plan to do it again. I save it as a cardio workout for the right sort of low other commitments weekend.) I recommend always checking out what the Sliders of the Month are. The monthly specials generally are quite special and have combined so many fun flavors over the years. Though my heart maybe belongs most of all to the Hot Fish, now no longer just a March special. It's hard for me to write about Royals without some form of nostalgia. This building is my neighborhood fast-ish food shop. It hasn't been Royals the whole time I've lived in the neighborhood, but it has made up for it with longevity in a block I've watched shift a lot around it. I miss some of the businesses that used to be on this block. i appreciate some of the new ones. It's been interesting watching Royals grow up into feeling like an anchor here. (I also still sometimes miss some of Royals original options like the hot tofu and some of their early sides, especially as someone who still ranks fried chicken places by their sides even this side of Yum Brands' Commonwealth-named chicken place also giving up on fresh veggies despite once advertising it never would. But Royals did recently graduate Hot Fish to the year-round menu to make it up to me, almost personally, so there are plenty of good changes as well over the years.) I look forward to how they grow and change in the future, and I hope they'll keep this block cool and with an easy spot for a neighbor like me to count on to catch a fast, spicy lunch or dinner. read more

Royals Hot Chicken - Maple Bacon Cheddar hot chicken Sliders of the Month - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jennifer R.

26

133

219

1 year ago

Chicken is always hot, fresh, juicy & delicious. The feast BBQ dipping sauce is a must, I recommend also doing the ranch and mixing the two. Wedges were labeled as spicy in the menu, but they more just had spices rather than spicy. Love the crinkle cut french fries. Really you can't go wrong. They offer ample indoor and outdoor seating. Staff is super nice. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Christin S.

Elite 25

85

268

138

2 months ago

I was so floored by how good our meal was here. I got the chicken tender tacos - "some heat", with slaw, and I assume it had ranch on it too - at least it tasted like homemade ranch! And then pickled red onions on top. It tasted so good. I didn't have high expectations because I'm not big on fried foods, but this was WORTH IT. I got the broccoli and bacon salad on the side, and it was also very good. They definitely have delicious, crunchy, flavorful chicken! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Ian C.

0

1

0

15 days ago

The chicken wasn't very well seasoned but somehow had a very strong chili powder flavor, fries came out cold, coleslaw had a pool of water in it. I had very high hope of this place due to the reviews and ambience but unfortunately won't be returning because of my experience here read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Nikkia A.

21

174

558

10 months ago

This is a great place! My only regret was being too full to order more off of the menu but Royals definitely knows their way around a chicken sandwich. The service was also quick and efficient. How can you not love a place where you could get a cocktail and a spicy chicken sandwich? read more

Royals Hot Chicken - 1 Slider Hot and coleslaw - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Royals Hot Chicken - 1 Slider Hot - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 1

Sue J.

0

2

0

2 months ago

My grandson and arrived around 2 o'clock. Ordered the loaded fries and chicken tenders. The loaded fries look like they were left over from the lunch venue. They were crusty, cold and hard everyone of them. The chicken was warm and tasty. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Erika B.

7

55

127

1 year ago

Quick counter service with a very simple menu. Don't let the fact their meals only come with 2 tenders stop you - these tenders are some of the biggest I've ever seen and will definitely be filling. Their seasoned fries are the highlight in my opinion. Lots of barstool community style seating with some booths inside and plenty of tables outside as well. read more

Royals Hot Chicken - 2 Tenders Classic Fried and Fries - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

D And D R.

0

16

14

5 months ago

Where do i begin. Being in a LDR, every meal together counts. Royals has been our go to rendezvous spot whenever we get the chance to stop and chow down. The chicken sliders are our go to, fries always with some ketchup. You may think that 2 sliders might be small or not filling, but trust when i say that we sit like beached whales enjoying the scenic nulu view completely full. The prices are also very good for such a good meal! The staff is always excited to discuss the menu and is in good spirits. Oh we WILL be back. Hungrier than ever read more

Royals Hot Chicken - Decimated 2 Sliders Hot and Fries HOT IS HAWWWT - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Isabella L.

0

20

15

2 months ago

What a fun pit stop in my Kentucky trip. Throughly enjoyed the dip flight with my extra crunchy tenders ... possibly the largest chicken tenders I've ever had! Fantastic read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Anthony C.

22

93

496

1 year ago

Fried chicken was so good here! Staff were friendly and the inside was clean. Chicken was tender and not overly fired or dried out, and we also tried the one level of spice above classic and it was good too. I really would be tempted to try their hottest flavor, as I heard it is beyond spicy and you can't even breathe when you eat it - I say challenge accepted my friend!! read more

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Breanna T.

16

197

482

1 year ago

I've been here on two occasions, each time I've ordered to go during lunch and it's always super packed! My only complaint is the online system doesn't work well, so I typically have to order when I go in. I've tried the salad with the tenders and for some reason I anticipated it to be kale because that's what I ordered right, instead they gave me spring mix! Not a huge deal but still NOT what I was expecting. The second time I went, I ordered a chicken sandwich with the fries and let me tell you...so much better. The fries were HOT and crispy and let's just say I won't be ordering a salad the next time I go. Haha Until next time... read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

John C.

109

196

158

7 months ago

I ate here while visiting the area. I ate here after hearing good things from some people from the area. Finding parking downtown was a little tricky, but not too bad. I got the hot chicken sliders (x-hot, not gonzo) and it was spicy, but very manageable and flavorful. My friend got the gonzo, and was struggling with the heat, but i tried it too and it was still manageable and with good flavor, which is hard with very spicy foods. I also got the strawberry shortcake milkshake, and it was so great. Everything came out so fast and the eating area is nice an open with a good lighted atmosphere. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Roger R.

72

534

1264

2 years ago

Nice place! Ordering was easy and accommodating. Staff pleasant! Chicken is hot; depending on your choice of heat! Service was slow: especially on a take out. read more

Royals Hot Chicken - Menu - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Royals Hot Chicken - Pickup - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Royals Hot Chicken - Dining area - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Royals Hot Chicken - Drink board - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Kurt V.

0

7

0

4 months ago

Great space, fun vibes. I love their sliders. Royals is not only great but also the cheapest spot for lunch in all of Nulu, too.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Tyler V.

0

11

8

9 months ago

The food was astounding. The tenders were large and juicy. I ordered the "little heat" and my wife got the "xtra heat". It had some kick yet didn't overpower the flavor. The service was good. Only a couple people busting their butt to get the food out. It was an order and sit restaurant which is my preferred method read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Sarah W.

49

766

4504

2 years ago

Our party of 12 stopped by Royals during the course of our Sunday afternoon NuLu food tour and several of us plan to return in the next week for a dinner excursion based off of this first-time experience. We sampled 2 tenders, spice level 1 and 2, along with pickles, Mississippi comeback sauce, and a hummingbird slushie. Every item was delicious and I plan to try a level 3 spice level next visit. The restaurant was clean, noise level was mild, and the overall casual setting was a nice reprieve from the Market Street traffic. There is plenty of outdoor seating, as well, and an outdoor mural that is spectacular. Staff were readily available to assist and service was prompt. Really looking forward to next week's visit! read more

Royals Hot Chicken - Outdoor mural - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Royals Hot Chicken - September 2024 - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Royals Hot Chicken - Chicken tender spice level 1 with Mississippi comeback sauce and hummingbird slushie - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Royals Hot Chicken - Indoor casual seating in booths and counter spaces - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Royals Hot Chicken - Indoor counter service - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Royals Hot Chicken - Indoor spaces - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Royals Hot Chicken - Outdoor wall mural - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Royals Hot Chicken - Outdoor counter dining is available - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

See all

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

patrick m.

0

6

8

5 months ago

10/10 made sure to stop by on my trip from Philly. Great Owners ! Was recommended the pimento cheese, sliders some heat and they were awesome. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Mazzy C.

26

35

94

1 year ago

We were visiting Louisville for the weekend and decided to give this place a shot. The inside was colorful and fun! I loved the mural on the back wall. The staff were friendly and fast. The sliders were sooo GOOD! We will definitely be back again! read more

Royals Hot Chicken - 2 Sliders Some Heat and Fries - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Avery E.

7

126

447

2 years ago

Perfectly located, Royals has been a spot I have been wishing to try for a while. I often tire of chicken and opt for fast food but I wanted something better. I ordered a chicken sandwich with macaroni and cheese. The chicken sandwich is what I had hoped for. The meat is obviously of good quality and is juicy throughout. I did not have any raw or chewy or honey pieces in my sandwich. Every bite was perfect. The chicken seasoning is not overwhelming, it is flavorful and delicious. The breading is great and even, no parts of the chicken appeared soggy or less breaded. This contributes huge to the crunch factor which I loved. Macaroni and cheese passes, better than Kraft and has a home cooked meal feel. Strawberry freeze was the perfect treat to wash it all down. read more

Royals Hot Chicken - Strawberry Freeze - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Royals Hot Chicken - Chicken Sandwich with Mac and Macaroni & Cheese - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Emily F.

69

17

56

1 year ago

The food was good but it wasn't WOW. The service was quick but interactions were minimal. We weren't super impressed but it wasn't bad. read more

Royals Hot Chicken - 2 Tacos Some Heat and Fries - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Royals Hot Chicken - 2 seasonal Sliders Classic Fried and Fries - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Crystal R.

Elite 23

811

770

3734

1 year ago

Royals Hot Chicken.....has some good chicken let me tell you. The Chicken is tender and juicy, along with a side of heavenly dipping sauces. For you spice lovers out there, it's your choice of mild chicken, and/or dangerously hot. To top it off, the Tribute to Vampire art work on the walls is pretty awesome as well. read more

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Lindsay W.

312

925

150

2 years ago

This place was a MUST for us since we have some hot chicken lovers. The menu is broken out in a way wheee you almost have to look at all of it (good job). From picking your item to hotness to sides to drinks. We had a non-hot sandwich and a mild hot tender sandwich. Both were deliciously crispy and came with these pickles that we wish we could have brought home. To drink, we got a chocolate vanilla swirl shake (yum), pink lemonade froth (yum), and an orange soda. Everything tasted great! The only item that was just ok was the apple handpie. The outside of it was so crispy and cinnamon-y and sugary, but the inside was very watery. Probably just a bad batch which happens sometimes. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Hnou V.

122

350

576

3 years ago

Order at the counter and grab your number. There's indoor and outdoor seating. We opted for outdoor. There were cute birds there waiting to see if you'll drop them a few crumbs. I ordered the mild and husband got the medium hot. We're glad both were not overly spicy. We've been burned before. For the sides we got spicy wedges, Mac, and broccoli salad. All were solid sides. My favorite was probably the potato wedges. Bus your own table. read more

Royals Hot Chicken - Chicken sandwich - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Royals Hot Chicken - Tenders - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 2

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Kylie B.

12

230

442

1 year ago

delicious class hot fried chicken tenders to complete your Kentucky experience! I had the two tender meal with a side of mac and cheese. I got my tenders "hot" as someone who likes spice but doesn't like it too hot and I thought this was the perfect level of kick for me. The tenders were juicy, crispy and flavorful. I got the Kentucky honey mustard - class, creamy, paired well with the tenders. I thought the mac and cheese was also good, very simple and nothing special. I also tried the bourbon cherry cola which was surprisingly yummy. Service was so so kind and helpful - we were a big group that had never been and they were patient and happy to help with orders. The inside is kept clean for a greasy place with lots of large tables to accommodate big groups (couldn't help but notice as well lots of tourist groups stopping by for their lunch). Would definitely recommend as a place to try famous KFC. read more

Royals Hot Chicken - Bourbon cola, two ct Jumbo Tender Mac & Cheese - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Royals Hot Chicken - Outside art - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Joe H.

5

274

65

10 months ago

Even is not a huge fan of Nashville hot chicken, this place is stand out and a staple in Lulu. It's hard to decide between all the awesome sauces, but you can't make a wrong decision. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Shel A.

0

14

3

5 months ago

Fantastic! Great "college town" food! And you can get bourbon and milkshakes! Service was wonderful. Great mellow vibe!

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Joanna S.

283

971

481

1 year ago

So good! Excellent meal option in this area. The lowest level of heat is perfect for those who can't handle much heat. Recommend a gooey milkshake to tone down the spice if you go spicier! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jimmie P.

1.8 mi•Highlands- Tyler Park, Bardstown Road

29

240

1020

2 years ago

This place was amazing, and who doesn't love chicken lol ?! Was looking for some lunch and came across this spot. I got the chicken sandwich (some heat)... but for my spice lover, you're welcome to take on the (Gonzo) challenge! The service was quick and the food was delicious (one of the best sandwich's I've had). read more

Royals Hot Chicken - Sandwich chicken (some heat) - American Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Page 1 of 28

See more reviews

More info about Royals Hot Chicken

736 E Market St
Louisville, KY 40202
Directions
(502) 919-7068
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
http://www.royalschicken.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Royals Hot Chicken open?

Royals Hot Chicken opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does Royals Hot Chicken close?

Royals Hot Chicken closes at 9:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.Royals Hot Chicken closes at 11:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Thu, Sun 11:00 AM - 9:00 PMFri-Sat 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Royals Hot Chicken take Bitcoin?

No, Royals Hot Chicken does not take Bitcoin.

Does Royals Hot Chicken take credit cards?

Yes, Royals Hot Chicken takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Royals Hot Chicken have catering options?

Yes, Royals Hot Chicken does have catering options.

Does Royals Hot Chicken serve alcohol?

Yes, Royals Hot Chicken serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does Royals Hot Chicken allow dogs?

No, Royals Hot Chicken does not allow dogs.

Does Royals Hot Chicken have TVs?

Yes, Royals Hot Chicken has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Royals Hot Chicken have bike parking?

Yes, Royals Hot Chicken has bike parking.

Does Royals Hot Chicken have outdoor seating?

Yes, Royals Hot Chicken has outdoor seating options.

Does Royals Hot Chicken have parking?

Yes, Royals Hot Chicken has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Royals Hot Chicken wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Royals Hot Chicken is wheelchair accessible.

Does Royals Hot Chicken have free WiFi?

Yes, Royals Hot Chicken has free WiFi.

More Info

Health Score

Royals Hot Chicken Reviews in Other Languages

Spanish
1 Review

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for American 2,206 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Explore benefits

The Eagle Louisville

4.4(1.9k reviews)

We arrived at the eagle after the Nationals. The ambiance was comforting and the atmosphere…read moreprovided a lot of room for private conversation. The service was swift and the music was enjoyable. On this particular day, we decided to order the food to go and enjoy each other's company at home with the puppy. We will be back as the whole experience unraveled quite nicely.

We had high hopes based on Eagle Louisville's stellar Yelp score. But we walked away disappointed…read morebecause of a major service lapse, curious food seasonings and discrepancies between menu descriptions and actual dishes. We arrived mid-afternoon on a Friday. We had a choice between sitting inside or being seated at a picnic table on the covered deck. We were assigned a high-top table in the dining area past the bar, where a few guys were watching a soccer match. The brine-soaked fried chicken is Eagle's specialty, so we ordered it. I thought the chicken was good,. So per the menu for the three-piece fried chicken meal, you can only order either all white meat or all dark meat. Interestingly, the two people at our table that ordered white meat still got a drumstick with their meat. The last I checked, drumsticks were considered dark meat. For an appetizer, we ordered the hush puppies. They had a nice crunchy texture but were very spicy hot. We also ordered the spoonbread. This was my favorite dish of the day. It was served warm, had a great texture and a light maple flavor. With our meals, we could get two sides. We requested the collard greens, green beans, fries, grits and mac & cheese. Only the mac & cheese was good. The collard greens were way salty and the green beans had odd and unexpected seasonings. Our dining companion was put out, and understandably so, that the menu said the grits came with white cheddar cheese. But instead, though the grits maybe had cheese, they were also loaded with loads of diced jalapeno. They were so over the top spicy, none of us could eat the grits. The fries were strongly seasoned with oregano. WTF? Our entrees came with biscuits. The biscuits were tasty, but unfortunately, because they contained too much shortening, fell apart when buttering them. And that leads up to the service lapse. After we received our check, our server completely disappeared. We waited a half hour for her to re-appear, gave up and asked another server to cash us out. He disappeared and we waited some more. Finally the red-headed server re-appeared and breezily explained she had been out on the deck the whole time. No apology or anything.

See all

Hammerheads

4.4(1.5k reviews)

1.0 mi

Have heard about this gem for 20 years but never tried it until last night. Wife and I sat at the…read morebar - love the atmosphere: spacious dive bar with low ceilings and wood paneling. There are also picnic tables out front. You get a faint whiff of the grill/smoker upon entering. Kylie was our bartender and she was fabulous - knowledgeable, friendly, and answered all of our questions with patience. Wife ordered a mango margarita and doesn't like a lot of tequila, so Kylie went half and gave her a shot on the side in case she wanted to add more. It was wonderful. I had a couple of beers. We started with the fried mushrooms, which aren't what you would expect. It's two large portobellos cut into chunks, battered, fried, and served with sun-dried tomato mayo. They were great. I then ordered a duck taco, brisket taco, and a side of Grippo Fries with smoked mayo. I'd never tried duck but that taco was smack-a-lackin'. The brisket taco was also good, and the fries were fantastic - sweet and spicy, fresh cut, and crispy. Wife ordered a pork belly slider and truffle fries. She enjoyed the slider but didn't care for the fries - just not her thing. The portions here are large. A side of fries will feed three people. We took a hefty portion of them home, as well as some of the mushrooms. We could've sat there at the bar and spent 3 hours socializing and enjoying a smattering of cocktails - love the setting. Look forward to going back and trying one of the burgers at some point.

Such great food and selections of adult beverages. The server was very helpful in recommending…read morethings and was attentive to our table. It's a bit loud, but well worth it. Try a fish sandwich! The crunch on the coating is different than anything I've ever eaten. We really enjoyed the Duck and pork belly sliders. A side salad is big enough for two, depending on your hunger level.

More of the bar

PBLT Sandwich - Definitely overall Pretty good! Needed another slice or two of pork belly but otherwise super tender. Would get again!

See all

Beer served!

Bourbon and Burgers

4.3(101 reviews)

4.7 mi

Another Ole Restaurant Group/Martinez/Lorenzo style place...and, honestly, their menus are all…read morestarting to blend together. Bourbon and Burger's menu is at least 50% identical to Mussel and Burger Bar and has some overlap with Havana as well (both currently or previously owned by Ole Restaurant Group/Martinez/Lorenzo). If you like Mussel and Burger, you'll like this. And pay about $10 more per meal. The burgers are mainly in the $15-$18 range. For JUST a burger. Add an extra $5-$7 for fries and you're looking at a BURGER meal topping out around $25. That's more than you'll pay for a burger at any fine steakhouse. Shakes are $9-$15! $1 extra for ranch! We just spent $120 for 3 people. For BURGERS. I'm not sure who decided on this price point but it doesn't fit. The vibe of the place is very casual. The food itself tasted fine. I don't recommend the zucchini fries. Burgers are too tall - with 2 patties on them. We had to eat them in sections with forks and knives (no thanks). Service was very slow. I don't think our server actually ever checked on us the entire time we had our food. Towards the end of the meal, I noticed the server had taken my soda away. And never brought a new one. I have no idea why. The grass bull outside makes for a fun pic. The restaurant has a great ambiance and offers outdoor seating as well. We won't be back.

First, the atmosphere is great. There is an outdoor seating area, a giant grass bull for pics,…read morebright pops of yellow inside the restaurant. Everything Led me to think, "YES! This is going to be great". Unfortunately, that's where the great stopped. The menu is good. They offer a bunch of different burger options, Several chicken options and bar food apps. However, our service was very poor and slow. My party of 5 started with a chili con queso. It was basic but good. The serving was small for the price. We ordered a variety of meals. 2 chicken strips and fries, one grilled chicken strips and fries. A second order of grilled chicken with loaded sweet potatoes fries. And Lastly, a ground beef loaded nacho. The chicken was extremely dry and the nachos were so greasy. I know, we went to a burger place and nobody ordered a burger... maybe a bad move on our part. Also, every small sauce was $1 and you receive about an ounce. I was a bit surprised when I got the bill and none of the chicken came with any sauce. In all, It's cute enough and in a great location. I will go back to try a burger.... But based on our experience yesterday, I'd pass on the chicken.

1.0 mi•West Main, Downtown

Fried Mahi Sandwich

See all

Sweet potato fries with smoked pineapple sauce

Steak & Bourbon

4.5(123 reviews)

•$$$

Amazing food, atmosphere, and service. This made it my husband's and my third time, and each time…read morehas brought us back. The food is always flavorful and delicious. The complimentary bread-and-butter candle is the star of the show. There is for sure a drink or meal that anyone is sure to enjoy! Steak and Bourbon has become a rotation for a date night!

Steak & Bourbon was our selection for a meet up with co-workers. For all of us, the first visit…read more The experience was hit or miss throughout the night - and let's be honest, if we'd paid out of pocket rather than expensing dinner, maybe more of a miss. The old fashioned was a miss for me and two others. We switched to wine. Oddly sweet, bitter mix off and not enough bourbon. My glass of Malbec was much better but it took so long to get I that I drank most of it after dinner. We got the meatball appetizer as well as the one described as an empanada. Most of us enjoyed them. I thought both lacked flavor and wouldn't order them again. The bread - amazing! My steak and frites were good and I ate it all. I'm so happy I got the sauce on the side - that would've ruined the flavor. A bit fatty but filling. Others didn't enjoy their steaks as much - one requested medium rare came almost well and had to be exchanged. Another steak was described as oddly tough, another said it wasn't too fatty. For a steakhouse, it should be the main feature. Service was professional and friendly... and also incredibly slow. I was at dinner over 3 hours and we didn't have dessert! We had long pauses between visits to the table, even in the beginning when we wanted drink orders. The space is also very loud. I strained to hear my co-workers at dinner and my head ached at the end of dinner. That's too bad because the vibe of the restaurant is cool and modern, but I also want relaxing. Based on this visit, I wouldn't bring folks back. It's too expensive to recommend even I choose to visit myself.

Bar seating

Steak & Bourbon Meatballs

See all

Lobster bisque

Holy Grale

4.3(598 reviews)

1.3 mi

Holy Grale is easily one of my favorite spots in Louisville. Every time I visit, I enjoy the great…read morefood and the variety of beers they have to offer.

One of my fav spots! Walk ins are welcome but come early because it gets busy. Perfect for a date…read morenight or dinner with friends. The food is amazing and I love their burger! Lots of seating option and they have an outdoor patio if it's nice. Worth a trip if you're in town or live here!

Shishito & mushrooms in romesco w. sunny egg

See all

Bar area

Toasty's Tavern

4.4(337 reviews)

1.5 mi•Shelby Park

Okay, I finally understand what everyone is talking about. I…read morewent to Toasty's Tavern specifically for the burger and fries because I have heard so many people rave about them, & they were literally everything I hoped they would be! The burger was delicious, but the fries honestly deserve their own paragraph. They have the subtle smoky flavor that immediately reminded me of the smell of campfires at my aunts place in the country when I was growing up. There's just something about them that's just so good.& they absolutely do not need a condiment. They're perfect completely on their own. I also ordered the fried mushrooms as an appetizer & those were delicious too. The only problem was that I very quickly realized I had ordered way too much food for one person, but was I going to let perfectly good food go to waste? Absolutely not. So naturally, I ate all of it. No regrets. The burger, the fries, the mushrooms, everything hit. I completely understand the hype now!

Toasty's Tavern is one of those unassuming spots that turns out to be a lot of fun! They have both…read moreindoor and outdoor seating, although the indoor seating is limited. Bar seating is available as well. The outdoor area has a large Connect 4 game, which is a fun touch while you wait. The atmosphere is casual, energetic, and just plain fun. And the burgers! They're smashed, crispy-edged burgers served with sweet pickles, griddled onions, lettuce, and Toasty's special sauce. We shared a basket of their seasoned fries and added a side of "fry sauce," which is a delicious mix of mayo and ketchup. The menu is very reasonably priced, making this a great place for an afternoon meal without spending a fortune. Overall, we had a great time and really enjoyed the laid-back, fun atmosphere. We'll definitely be back!

0.8 mi•Downtown, East Main

Entrance

Fries

See all

Mango Habanero Margarita yum

Doc Crow's Southern Smokehouse and Raw Bar

3.9(2.5k reviews)

100 percent yes to the shrimp po boy. Shrimp was perfectly battered and fried. Really good size…read more Comes with seasoned chips. To be honest, everything coming out of that kitchen looked amazing so I doubt you can get it wrong.

Food excellent Service top notch…read more Ambiance is like going to a speakeasy and gaining permission to come in. We have eaten here several times on Sundays before UL games and being surrounded by CARDS fans and this ambience is to die for do yourself a favor check it out.

1.3 mi•West Main, Downtown

Beautiful Bar area

Heap N Chips

See all

On a vibey street

Mussel and Burger Bar Downtown

4.5(1.5k reviews)

The lamb meatballs are delicious! The tomato sauce they're resting in....I wish there was more in…read morethe skillet! Our server (who's name I wish I remembered) was very kind and he helped suggest dishes for us, as we aren't from the area and we hadn't been here before! I ordered the Brisket Grilled Cheese and my boyfriend ordered The Dip. Both sandwiches were very delicious. The French fries were exceptionally good.

Recommended to us by our whiskey expert during a previous experience, the Mussel and Burger Bar is…read morelocated in downtown Louisville, within walking distance from the Louisville Slugger museum and factory. My wife and I stopped in for lunch, and found the remodeled inside to be just gorgeous. But the service was just OK, with the quality and size of the mussels being subpar. Moule Frites is one of my favorite dishes, and something I've tried to eat whenever it is available, often sopping up the delicious juices with crusty bread. So was super excited seeing mussel as part of a restaurant name. Sure enough, they have 6 dishes using mussels, with sizes coming in appetizer ($16) and entree ($20). What fills you up in a mussel dish is going to be the bread and french fries, so figured ordering three appetizers for me would be fine (Moles Basquaise, Curry Cream, and Ponzu). My wife does not like mussels, so she ordered 'the Dip' $17.99 (a french dip on a fresh baguette), which came with french fries, so I didn't have to order any. My wife liked her sandwich fine, and she liked her bread much more than I liked it. The fries were just OK as well, a bit greasy and overcooked. The same bread came in half loaf with each of the apps. Would have worked a lot better if the bread had been toasted considering it tasted like regular white bread without any bite or flavor. As for the mussels, they ranged in size from being very small (probably shouldn't have been served) to small, and because of the shrinkage during cooking, there really wasn't much meat. I loved the Basquaise sauce and would absolutely get it again with pasta or rice, just something more filling and better than the accompanying bread. The ponzu and curry cream didn't work...both mention asian influences and I really didn't see it. I intentionally hadn't ordered the meuniere (french white wine and garlic butter) which is what they use for pommes frittes. That would have been a much better choice. As for the service, she was just...there. Not really able to answer any questions, and just worrying about bringing our food out. Didn't really do anything to make it a better experience, considering the nature of this restaurant. I understand sourcing is often at the mercy of whatever the supplier can send you....but these PEI mussels just weren't great. Maybe expand the menu to include other types of mussels (such as New Zealand green mussels) that come frozen, but are consistent in their size and quality. The three sauces I tried would have gone better with them...they were too heavy to take advantage of the flavorful but delicate juice that a live mussel releases as it is being cooked...but would have been good with the meatiness of the NZ variety.

Bar area

Mussels!

See all

Inside

River House

4.1(844 reviews)

2.9 mi

•$$$

We visited here for our 21st Wedding Anniversary!…read more Great ambience and plenty of room in the different areas. Drink/wine selection is top notch- we went with the Pinot Noir. Started with the crab dip- great flavor and texture, fresh scallions and shaved cheese which helped build up the crab flavor- even got extra bread for the dip since it was a good sized portion, Baby green salad- fresh, crisp lettuces, cucumbers and tomatoes in a vinaigrette Bacon wrapped pork loin was flavorful and tender on the inside while the bacon was crispy and cooked to perfection. The highlight was the squash - almost like a veggie lasagna. Char grilled cab ribeye- cookedto perfection (medium rare) with potatoes. Balsamic fingerling potatoes- while they had agreat taste and texture- little too sweet. Finished with a key lime pie- heaven in a pie crust- great key lime flavors, meringue was to perfection!

Service: Speedy! Even on a full night after the Kentucky Derby, the service was wonderfully quick!…read moreThe server gave us a few wonderful recommendations of the menu and we enjoyed all of them!! Food: Cornbread- unexpected. This was the free bread corse for the table but it was not expected. This didn't come out until after we ordered our meal. If we had known, we wouldn't have ordered such big meals. Crab & Artichoke dip- Delicious! The dig was luscious and came out piping hot! Definitely burnt my mouth because I was impatient Hawaiian Fish- Big portions! It is true when they say that everything is bigger in the south! The fish was light and free of the fishy scent. The rice was a bit mushy from the cook and the addition of sauce. Angus Filet Mignon- standard. The filet was cooked nicely and the lobster compound butter was a nice touch. On to my next adventure...

3.5 mi•Crescent Hill, The Avenue

Private area

See all

Michter's campfire old fashioned

Hillcrest Tavern

4.3(171 reviews)

My mom and I tried this spot recently on a Thursday evening. And let me start by saying we will be…read moreback!! The customer service was great, food was hot and fresh and the ambience was relaxing. Loved watching the world go by from our seat, surrounded by a nostalgic feeling. We split meals she got the chicken tenders and I got the chicken bacon loaded macaroni. It was all very delicious! We got take out for our husbands one got sliders and the other fish and chips and even after a car ride home they loved their meals. A great spot for any occasion and would be able to accommodate larger parties!

Stopped in for lunch, it was our waitress first day and she did an amazing job! TV going on all…read morethe walls, one with trivia which added to the fun! Our food came out hot and fresh. Everything was delicious but we absolutely thought the star of our meal were the fried portabella mushrooms. They were coated in light batter and not greasy at all. The wings were yummy and the burgers were huge and juicy!

French Onion Soup

See all

Dining room able to handle groups

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

40 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

John A.

57

12

0

4 years ago

The nulu neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky, is home to a rising number of fantastic restaurants, and Royals Hot Chicken is the latest addition to the neighborhood's ever-expanding roster. This Nashville hot chicken shop has really attractive and eye-catching exterior decor that entices customers to go inside. There are perhaps seven to eight different chicken meal type selections, and there are four or five different heat levels. I, for one, went for the plain old fiery flavor of the hot chicken sandwich that I got for myself. The same thing happened to my eldest daughter. It was excellent in quality. Had a pleasant bite to it without being overpowering in any way. A chili-like heat was almost detectable in the flavor. My wife had the chicken tenders, and she thought they were delicious. She did not particularly care for the flavor of the hot sauce, but the chicken was still very good to her. It was, on the whole, a satisfying adventure. The only reason it does not earn a 5 is because the environment inside is unsanitary. The floors are dirty and desperately require some grout work as well as a thorough mopping. The restrooms were filthy and the toilets were running constantly. There is a significant need for increased janitorial efforts at this location. It was a little bit filthy inside of there. They do offer comfortable seating on a patio that is located outside. Therefore, perhaps the next time I eat, I'll do so outside. read more

Pilar C.

113

14

0

7 years ago

The hot chicken was smacking!! Washed it down with a couple of on tap kombucha's (also delish!) the beer cheese Mac was also on point! and the apple hand pies with soft serve!!! Have mercy! I was in heaven! Safe to say I loved the food! The only reason I gave this place 3 stars was because of the rude glances from the staff behind the counter leaving the kitchen. I am still not 100% sure why I got those looks because the dude who took my order at the counter was very nice. As was I. I was thrilled to be in Louisville and to try some Hot Chicken so I felt like my vibe was joyful and I was received well by the first guy I spoke with. It wasn't until I sat down (I was alone) and FaceTime'd my family and started talking with them (in Spanish) about how excited I was that I began to get the rude looks. Now I'm aware of what's being implied here but nonetheless I was a little uncomfortable. But certainly not uncomfortable enough to finish my whole meal! I would love to think that the rude looks were just some serious cases of RBF but I'm also aware of the energy that was exuded. Just a note. I'm no stranger to this kind of treatment and I WOULD eat here again. The food was Phenomenal! I hope that doesn't make me a sellout! LOL read more

Toby H.

63

23

7

10 years ago

Royals is good if you are in the mood for a greasy lunch. I would not put them on the level of Joella's but some of my coworkers do and I respect that. If you want fried chicken you NEED to hit up The Eagle. From sides to the quality of chicken it is just better. I know they are not really the same as Eagle does not do Nashville Hot Chicken but if your going to eat chicken why not eat the best? They are quick once you get through the line and the beer list is worth a star on its own. Its a cool building and the outside is awesome when it is nice outside. Royals does have the best online ordering tool in the business. It is easy to use and they text you when your food is ready. I honestly would not eat here as much but the ordering is just so damn convenient. Overall, everyone should check it out but especially in the spring when you can enjoy the outside area and maybe a bourbon Milkshake. read more

Holly H.

See more unrecommended reviews

68

279

942

21 days ago

We absolutely HAD to try Royals Hot Chicken! We got the #1, and let me tell you--the chicken was juicy, flavorful, and cooked perfectly! I tried both the Carolina sauce and the Kentucky sauce, and I honestly enjoyed getting to try both and see the difference. The service was quick and easy, which is always a plus! The atmosphere was friendly and welcoming, and I really liked the overall vibe. The artwork/decor was definitely a little darker and edgier than most , but nothing bad at all--it actually gave the place some personality! The grim reaper chicken Overall, we really enjoyed Royals Hot Chicken and would definitely recommend giving it a try if you're in the area! read more

Lawrence R.

0

88

79

5 months ago

Royal's Hot Chicken definitely lives up to the hype. We stopped in because it was convenient to our hotel, but it ended up being a highlight of the trip. The quality of the chicken is what really sets this place apart--it was incredibly tender and seasoned to perfection. We tried the chicken tacos and the two-tender meal, and both were fantastic. I opted for the "Hot" while my wife went with "Mild," and both heat levels were spot on. It's the kind of spice that has great flavor without just being "burn." Pairing the meal with a well-made Old Fashioned was the perfect touch. Louisville has plenty of hot chicken options, but this place is a standout. Highly recommended! read more

Ben L.

386

7

0

9 years ago

There's no denying this spot's reign as Nulu's king of the chicken. The sides I've tried are amazing. And both salads kick so much ass. For somewhat fast food I feel like it's got all the bite and awesome sauce mouthfeel (literally) as your junk chicken fast food spots, but you can definitely tell it's prepared with way way way more love. That being said. Three bucks per chicken finger? They need to either lower prices or beef up the portions a little. Still, though. Five stars. So delicious read more

Eric Z.

252

2

4

10 years ago

Royals is the absolute bomb when it comes to crispy hot chicken. I wouldn't recommend getting the two hottest levels, I made that mistake. The "hot" was right at the perfect level of still really hot but not uncomfortable. The spicy wedges were perfect and the pimento cheese grits were good as well, although I wouldn't say I'd order them again. Service was great as well and the place looks awesome. Hooray! read more

Brittany S.

Elite 21

106

76

44

6 years ago

I've written a review for Royals before. I've ordered food for dinner twice since we have been on the Stay Healthy at Home order and just wanted to say thanks for remaining open and delivering food! My meal was great both times. I got the two tacos and a side meal. Will forever be a loyal customer! Hope to be able to visit in person again soon! read more

Kristjen K.

152

6

3

7 years ago

Best hot chicken in the Louisville area imo but about 3 months ago they got rid of my favorite sides: baked sweet potato w/ sorghum butter and cucumber salad, also my favorite dipping sauce: green goddess. Not as many healthy options now and pretty sad about it. Don't go nearly as often as I used to. read more

Pippa M.

0

4

0

1 year ago

One of our first stops whenever we're in Louisville! Royals makes the best hot chicken I've had. I also appreciate their transparency with allergens, and how easy this information is to find. It's a fun lunch date spot, and a great place to take visitors who are new to the city. read more

Larry W.

0

3

0

8 years ago

Really good chicken, extra juicy and crispy. Unique sauce offerings and sides as well. Located in the heart of NULU so a great spot for lunch for me since I work downtown. Have outside dining too which is always a plus in my book. read more

Courtney M.

247

10

0

7 years ago

Classic Louisville spot, and with good reason. Unique and delish dishes with a casual setting. Almost no healthy options, so skip it while dieting. Fun drink selection with sangria slushies! read more

Nique S.

0

1

0

2 years ago

Because they food is made very well and very good and their service is very unique and good I would love to come there every time of the month I get a chance to read more

Gerry B.

0

28

0

7 years ago

Great service and really good food. I like the food but really the people working there made it an awesome experience. I would highly recommend them. read more

Aaron B.

0

1

2 years ago

I LOVE THIS PLACE! We travel from Indianapolis multiple times a year and Royals is always a must stop! Highly recommend to anyone!

John L.

210

9

0

7 years ago

DELICIOUS. The way they cook their chicken is unique, and their sauce is amazing. Always get 2 chicken tacos and 1 side.

R D.

40

34

5

5 years ago

The best fried chicken sandwich ever! Actually, the best chicken sandwich ever! No, it's just the best chicken ever.

Paul-Michael O.

225

4

0

8 years ago

Deliciously prepared chicken and adult slushies. Staff is friendly. Cool atmosphere. Definitely a solid choice.

Tyler R.

11

146

4

2 years ago

If someone asks me for a local fried chicken spot to define Kentucky culture, I always send them to royals.

Gelina R.

165

27

14

8 years ago

Love the hot chicken! This is a fan favorite of my family and friends who come to visit. Great atmosphere.

Royals Hot Chicken - tradamerican - Updated September 2026

People who viewed Royals Hot Chicken also viewed

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken - Louisville

4.2

(186 reviews)

Holy chicken!! This was one of the best fried chicken that I've had. Very crispy. Very tasty. Very…read moregood! Tons of tables inside. Sit down and order at table.

My favorite thing at Gus's is the ala carte offering for pieces of chicken, which lets me pick a…read morebreast and a leg while others can pick another combo. Overall, I can't recommend this as a "must do" spot for chicken and its sides are a let down. The chicken was crispy on the outer layer and while not dry, not moist either. Maybe it had been sitting for a bit? It did have a kick to it, a bit more than I remember compared to previous orders. Fries are bad. Seasoned? Not so much - but crispy and thicker like being at a school concession stand. The slaw was creamy and watery, so if you're into vinegar style this isn't the option for you. The sides are small and my husband was vocal about the cost after seeing the tiny container. If you visit and dine in, it's a super casual atmosphere with an open floor of tables. Parking is an available in front of and around the restaurant.

Louie's Hot Chicken & Barbecue

4.4

(344 reviews)

Good food. Quick service. Mark was great. Very friendly. Offered free refills on drinksread more

I was craving a chicken sandwich and ended up finding Louie's Hot Chicken & Barbecue while I was in…read moretown. I'm glad I gave it a shot. I ordered the hot chicken sandwich along with their smoked wings, which were highly recommended. The wings definitely lived up to the recommendation. They were cooked very well, had great flavor, and were easily the highlight of my meal. The ranch was good too, and they even gave me some extra without charging me, which I appreciated. They also have your standard Coca-Cola products for drinks. As far as the chicken sandwich, it seemed more like chicken tenders served on bread rather than a traditional chicken breast sandwich, but it was still good. The sauce helped bring everything together, and the heat level was just right for me--not too mild, but not overpowering either. One thing to know before you go: there isn't any indoor seating. This is more of an order-and-go type of spot. They do have a few picnic-style tables outside if the weather is nice, but most people will probably grab their food and head out. Overall, I enjoyed my experience. If I'm back in Louisville and craving some smoked wings, I'd definitely stop by again. Those alone are worth the trip.

Joella's Hot Chicken - St. Matthews

4.0

(645 reviews)

Why am I just now trying Joella's? We went there for the first time this evening. I ordered the…read morechicken nuggets and they were literally the best I've ever had. My husband ordered the bone in wings and said they were really meaty and had a great taste. We will definitely be back!

We came here for dinner. The chicken was good. My husband got Parmesan fries. The flavor was really…read moregood, however they were so very greasy and we didn't even eat half the serving. We got dessert... a 20 count of churros, 10 cinnamon and sugar and 10 Oreo. When they brought them out they had given us 20 Oreo churros. They quickly tried to make it right by giving us 10 cinnamon and sugar churros. But when they brought those ones they had no cinnamon and sugar on them. Lol So when I told the people at the front they again tried to make it right. Which at this point it was kind of comical. Gotie ended up bringing us 20 fresh and incredibly yummy cinnamon and sugar churros. They were definitely worth the wait and were amazing! Just like Gotie! He was definitely the GOAT! We also got banana pudding, it was good but would have been better with actual bananas in it.

Grind Burger Kitchen

4.1

(787 reviews)

Whenever I'm in a new city, I always try to check out a spot that's been featured on Diners,…read moreDrive-Ins and Dives, so a visit to Grind Burger was an easy choice while I was in Louisville. I had no idea the veggie burger was the one featured on the show, so as a vegetarian, I was especially excited to try it. I swapped the veggie patty onto the Mushroom & Swiss burger, and it was hands down the best veggie burger I've had in the decade I've been vegetarian. Our group all ordered different burgers, along with the fries and Brussels sprouts, and every single plate was a hit. They have super unique sauces to try as well, I am not a huge pickle fan but the dill pickle hot sauce was my personal favorite. I also recommend grabbing a brown butter toffee cookie on your way out. The restaurant has a fun, laid-back atmosphere with great music, colorful murals, a lively bar area, and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives playing on the TVs, which was a nice touch. It's also located in a cute part of downtown Louisville that's worth exploring. The service matched the food. Everyone was welcoming, happy to answer our questions, and made sure we had everything we needed. This will definitely be on my list for a return visit the next time I'm in Louisville.

When arriving I noticed it was a very popping place, lively & many people outdoors for the bar…read moreNextdoor. The inside is like an industrial style bar & the murals & decor were interesting and quirky. I really loved their chicken katsu sandwich, very thick and tender. Nicely made!! I enjoyed their kale salad mixed with toppings. My partner order the burger and that was delicious, their patty is thin which I prefer for burgers & they had a spicy mayo and smoked ketchup which paired well with both entrees! definitely has a kick to it! I would love to eat here again & try other items on the menu, I definitely want to give the Cuban sandwich a try.

Joella's Hot Chicken - Middletown

4.1

(376 reviews)

Hot chicken, great sides, and COKE that actually tastes like Coke!…read more First off, the service was super quick, which is always a win when you're hungry! I got the Southern Style Chicken Sammie with pickles and added slaw, along with a side of mac & cheese. Let me just say... OH MY GOODNESS, that mac & cheese is SO GOOD! The chicken sammie was heavy -- like, this thing was no lightweight! The pickles gave it a nice tang, and the slaw was more of a classic diner-style slaw. It added the perfect cool, creamy layer to the sandwich and really pulled everything together. Hubby went for the Ghost Pepper boneless wings and fries at Heat Level 6 out of 7, so he definitely wasn't messing around! He really liked the slow-building burn of the heat. But by the end of the meal? His eyes were watering and his nose was running! Apparently, Level 6 is no joke! The fries were thin, crispy, and had a really nice seasoning on them. And I have to give a special mention to the Cokes. They have that crisp, ice-cold, carbonated taste that Coke is supposed to have. You know exactly what I mean if you've ever had a Coke that just hits different. These were GOOD. Overall, a really good meal -- great chicken, an amazing mac & cheese, tasty sides, quick service, and a Coke that deserves its own shout-out. We'll definitely be back!

08/26/2026 We had 16 of the Residents from Swan Pointe's…read moreHOA join in to eat at Joella's Hot Chicken. It's a fast food restaurant that only serves chicken. They have many sides including thin fries, Parmesan garlic fries, Creamy Mac & Cheese, and Sweet Vinegar Slaw. Their chicken is available in wings, drum sticks, Sammie's, you can add chicken (fried or grilled chicken ) to the Kale Crunch Salad. They also have Chicken and Waffles which my husband and I ordered. That is our favorite entree to eat at Joella's Hot Chicken. Marv and Sawyer took the orders, and Dany delivered the food to the tables. They did a good job bringing the utensils, the sauces and clearing the tables. Rachel is their District Manager and lives in Indianapolis. She is a big supporter of Swan Pointe. We had a nice time sitting with some of our newer residents and getting to know them.

Feast BBQ

4.2

(1.2k reviews)

They call it the 2nd best BBQ in Kentucky , but we call it the best we have ever had!!…read more The brisket deserves a bite all by itself before you add sauce. Melts in your mouth and well seasoned. We loved the Mac and cheese, my wife is particular about that and this met her standards. The vinegar slaw was perfectly tangy and refreshing. And the sweet potato fries are exactly what you need to dip into those sauces. Get the hot bbq sauce and add the vinegar sauce!! Even as I type I have a nice warmth in my mouth and throat. It made me star dipping everything in the sauce- slaw included!! Burgoo is fantastic!! With a gentle heat, I would get it alone if it came in a big bowl! With so much meat, corn, Lima beans, and carrots but it is the broth (sauce?) that gets you hooked. We had the Ale8-1 Burton slushy, which is sweet and refreshing on a hot day. And for desert we had to try the bourbon bites! Wow! Try to save room. Love the music in the background and casual atmosphere which would be fun for families or friend to meet. They service is friendly and helpful for us newbies! Wish we lived near by, so order up and enjoy!

Great place for groups (2 to 8 people) to kick back and chat with friends or out-of-town visitors!…read moreThe restaurant is very spacious, offering comfortable bench seating with both indoor and outdoor options.If you are sharing, the large mixed meat platter is a good way to sample everything (smoked chicken, pork, sausages, pickles, mac cheese, potato tots...) and easily feeds 4 to 6 light eaters. My only disappointment was learning that they only serve ribs on Sundays. Location-wise, it is highly accessible--just a 15-minute walk from downtown or a quick 5-minute Uber ride. Would eat there again!

Momma's Mustard Pickles & BBQ

4.1

(553 reviews)

Momma's gets it right every single time! My husband and I…read morestopped in for lunch. There were just a few other diners when we first arrived but the place filled up quickly for lunch rush. I ordered the smoked turkey sandwich with fried and green beans. I added a side of ranch and mustard. My husband had the pulled pork sandwich with fries and baked beans. He added spicy pickles and ranch. The sandwiches were excellent. Smoked to perfection while staying juicy. The sides were delicious. Ranch and mustard is made in house and it shows! Knox waited on us and was attentive and thoughtful. The restaurant is casual and feels like a warm neighborhood place. Louisville has many bbq restaurants to choose from but others can be inconsistent and lacks the cool energy of Momma's. If you want an outstanding meal every time, you'll get that at Momma's.

Mamas is still banging it out strong while they're off all the other restaurants that do what they…read moredo are fallinginto the wayside mamas is still blowing it up. Service is fantastic. The place is packed all the time the food comes out super hot and delicious portions have not changed. Their price on their main items has stayed the same if not, gotten a little cheaper They did not gouge everybody through everything that's going on with the economy. I love it. The one out on Hurstbourne Lane is the king of them all you're ready for some good barbecue this is still the go to place.

Rubbies Barbeque & Brew

3.9

(186 reviews)