Last Updated: January 28, 2026
Looking for the best fried chicken in Ottawa? This 2026 guide maps the city’s Korean double‑fry specialists, Nashville‑style heat, pub wings, and late‑night counters, with the exact addresses, hours, prices, sauces, and local tips that make the difference. You will find where the crunch holds under sauce, which spots are worth a detour after dark, and how to order the right heat and size for your group without guessing.
Ottawa’s fried chicken scene now stretches across Centretown, ByWard Market, Hintonburg, the east end, and into Gatineau. Some spots are built for a sit‑down night with craft beer and hot honey, while others are pure grab‑and‑go value. Use this guide as a map: pick a neighbourhood, pick a style, and build a crawl that fits your appetite. For nearby food pairings, compare this guide with the Korean food guide, the Korean BBQ guide, the burgers guide, or the all‑purpose best cheap eats in Ottawa.
Key Highlights
Caption: Ottawa’s fried chicken scene spans Korean double‑fry, Nashville heat, and pub wings.
TL;DR: Ottawa has 30+ fried chicken options across the city, from Korean double‑fried wings at K, Let’s Eat and GOGIYA to Nashville heat at Holly’s Hot Chicken and pub buckets at Union Local 613 and The Brig. Golden One is the best late‑night budget stop, while Fried Chicken Club wins for sauce variety. If you want the crispiest skin, go for Hot Star’s giant cutlet or Korean double‑fry specialists.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Options | 30+ fried chicken spots across Ottawa + Gatineau |
| Top Pick | K, Let’s Eat (Preston St) for Korean double‑fry + sauce depth |
| Best Value | Golden One (Rideau St) for budget late‑night buckets |
| Best Late‑Night | Union Local 613 and Popeyes 24/7 locations |
| Best Sauce Variety | Fried Chicken Club (40+ flavours) |
Ottawa’s Fried Chicken Landscape in 2026
Caption: In Ottawa, crunch and sauce depth matter more than brand names.
Ottawa and Gatineau now offer a fried chicken lineup that spans Southern comfort, Korean double‑fry crunch, and Nashville heat. The city’s most consistent trend is crispness that survives sauce, which is why Korean‑style double frying dominates the best‑reviewed spots. The second trend is late‑night demand. Ottawa is full of post‑shift and post‑bar eaters, so the winners keep their kitchens open, keep oil fresh, and make ordering simple.
Neighbourhood matters. Centretown and Little Italy anchor the Korean and fusion spots, ByWard Market concentrates brunch‑friendly fried chicken and pub wings, while the east end and Orleans carry value‑first counters that keep families fed. If you want to plan your day, pair this guide with the ByWard Market guide, the Little Italy guide, or the Glebe guide. For suburban loops, the Orleans guide and Kanata guide help build a full evening out.
The core decision comes down to style:
- Korean double‑fry: thin, shatter‑crisp shells that stay crunchy under sticky sauces.
- Nashville hot: spicy oil‑drizzled heat with a crispy, thicker crust.
- Pub wings: best for late‑night buckets and groups who want variety.
- Chains and hot counters: reliable value when you need food fast and consistent.
Korean Fried Chicken and Sauce‑First Specialists
Caption: Korean double‑fried chicken stays crisp even after heavy sauce.
K, Let’s Eat (Preston St, Little Italy)
K, Let’s Eat at 449 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4N5 is a Korean‑fusion standout built around an ultra‑crisp double‑fry technique. Sources list hours as Tue–Sat 11am–7pm, Sun 12pm–6pm, and closed Mondays. Expect a $$ range with tenders $14.99 for 3 pieces, a full bucket around $28.99, 6‑piece wings at $12.50, and combos starting at $16. The go‑to sauces are gochujang glaze and sweet soy garlic, but locals also highlight yuzu honey butter as a unique, sticky‑sweet option that feels less buffalo‑style and more dessert‑leaning.
What makes K, Let’s Eat different is the halal chicken and the overnight marinade that drives flavour deep into the meat. The result is crisp skin without greasy aftertaste, a trait that keeps this spot a favourite for groups and date nights. Reviews call the garlic soy wings “next‑level addictive—crispy outside, juicy inside,” and the kitchen rotates seasonal sauces like mango habanero in summer. The room leans casual, with K‑pop energy, communal tables, and a menu that supports add‑ons like kimchi fries. Notes also point to fresh oil batches daily and vegan cauliflower alternatives for mixed‑diet groups. Parking is metered and tight on Preston, but Preston O‑Train is a 5‑minute walk and bus routes 11/16 are close. Weekend waits can hit 20–30 minutes, so ordering ahead or calling 613‑236‑8158 helps.
The vibe is low‑key and community‑driven: colorful wall murals, a small open kitchen, and a handful of tables that feel like a family kitchen more than a restaurant. Sources name owner Junghee Kwon (over 25 years of experience) as the engine behind the consistency, and locals talk about the constant sizzle and the smell of fresh oil as you walk in. The restaurant is known for whole‑bird orders cut into 16 pieces with a thin, garlic‑seasoned batter that stays light instead of heavy. Sides like kimchi fried rice, japchae noodles, and even yuzu grapefruit ade are often mentioned as the right balance against heavier chicken platters. If you are building a Korean‑leaning night, pair this with the best ramen guide or a bowl from the best pho guide.
For timing, early lunch around 11:30am or post‑2pm weekdays is quietest; the 5–7pm dinner rush can push waits into the 15–20 minute range, and weekends fill up before 4pm. A popular order is Sweet Chili Chicken (whole bird, roughly $35–39) which feeds 3–4 people, plus Yu Rin Gi bites and kimchi fried rice ($13). Heat ranges from mild honey garlic to nuclear soy‑chili, and the safest first order is medium. Locals describe the place as “one of the BEST restaurants for Korean fried chicken in Ottawa,” while noting some drawbacks: no air conditioning in peak summer, basic sides unless you add rice, and a small team that can slow service during rushes. If you are driving, overflow parking on Rochester helps; otherwise, OC Transpo Route 11 near Preston/Dow’s Lake or a quick Uber/Lyft drop‑off keeps it easy.
GOGIYA Korean Fried Chicken and Dolsot (Bank St, Downtown)
GOGIYA is a downtown staple at 155 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5N7, with hours listed as Mon–Thu 11am–11pm, Fri–Sat 11am–midnight, and Sun 12–8pm. Expect a $$ range with 10 wings at $18.99, a whole chicken at $32, tenders combo at $15.50, and a sharing platter at $28. The menu’s core is Korean double‑fried crunch with sauces like fire chicken (blazing red), gangnam style (sweet heat), and a long list from yangnyeom to cheese powder, reported as 15+ options.
Locals emphasize the “sauce variety is insane,” and the wet/dry dual fry keeps bones juicy without sogging. This is a classic post‑work or K‑drama night pick, and the dolsot bibimbap sides make it more than a wing stop. Expect 10–25 minute waits, especially at night, and app orders are said to move quickly. Parking is the usual downtown squeeze (paid Parliament area), so many arrive by bus routes 6/7. If you want a sauce‑heavy order that still crunches, GOGIYA is the benchmark.
Atmosphere notes describe a dim, modern Korean lounge feel with wooden accents and K‑pop playlists—polished but still fast‑casual. Some sources frame GOGIYA as the “full meal” version of Korean fried chicken because the dolsot bibimbap sides are a highlight. Compared with Hot Star, the focus is layered spice rather than size, with a thicker, chewier crust that holds heavier sauces. Mid‑afternoon (2–4pm) is flagged as the easiest time to sit without waiting; evenings can run 10–15 minutes, and some listings note a Monday closure, so confirm hours. A commonly cited order is Gangnam Chicken (half‑bird, about $22) in garlic‑soy or cheese powder, paired with dolsot bibimbap ($18). Heat is described from mild up to “fire chicken” (5/5). Parking and transit notes vary—some mention easier lot access or OC Transpo Route 12 from Hurdman—so check the location you are using. Drawbacks include smaller portions for the price and occasional inconsistent crispiness when rushed, but a Yelp review still calls it “the best KFC in the city—crispy, saucy perfection.”
Hot Star Large Fried Chicken (Dalhousie + Orleans)
Hot Star’s downtown shop is listed at 412 Dalhousie St, Ottawa, ON K1N 9J9, with hours Sun–Mon–Thu 12–9pm, Wed 4:30–9pm, and Fri–Sat 12–10pm. Prices land in the $–$$ range with a giant cutlet at $13.49, combo meal $16.99, 2‑piece pack $22, and family box $45+. The Taiwanese‑style cutlet is pounded thin, potato‑starch crisp, and seasoned with five‑spice or chili crisp. The draw is sheer size and crunch, best suited to solo diners or Instagram‑heavy stops. The “Large Challenge” claims free merch if you finish in 10 minutes. Peak lines run 20–40 minutes; Uber Eats is often easier, and call‑ahead ordering is noted as unreliable. Parking garages in the Market hover around $3/hr, and it is about 8 minutes on foot from Parliament LRT. A TripAdvisor review calls it “the crispiest I’ve had.” Toppings like cheese pull or seaweed add novelty, and listings mention vegan “large” tofu in 2026. It is a practical bite if you’re already near the Market or the Rideau Canal skating loop.
Hot Star is also cited with an Orleans location at 1180 Place D’Orleans Dr, Orleans, ON K1C 7K3, listed at 11am–11pm with a late‑night window often to 1am. Pricing there is reported at $9.99 for the original large, $11.99 for Korean‑style, and $14.99 for a combo with fries and drink. Tips point to mild BBQ or full Korean hot (~7/10) as safe first orders, plus curbside pickup to skip long lines.
The broader Hot Star vibe is high‑volume, counter‑service, almost like a night‑market stall in a strip‑mall package. Notes say the Orleans shop often feels fresher than Dalhousie, while the downtown store draws weekend lineups. If you can hit it around 1pm, waits can drop to five minutes, and the best basic order is the original large ($10) with plum or spicy powder, or a combo with fries or rice. It is built for quick solo or late‑night grabs, with easy strip‑mall parking and bus route 22 mentioned for transit. Drawbacks include a bland base without toppings and longer Dalhousie lines on weekends, but fans still call the portion “huge and crispy every time—worth the hype.”
O‑FRANGO (Laurier and Gladstone)
O‑FRANGO runs two locations with the same sticky‑glaze identity. The Laurier location is listed at 151 Laurier Ave E, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N8, with hours Sat–Thu 1–8pm and Fri 2–8pm. Prices sit in the $+$$ range with 8‑piece wings at $13.99, a bucket around $25, and loaded fries at $11. The draw is the BBQ or chipotle glazes that coat wings without killing crunch. Locals describe it as “glaze perfection—sticky without mess.” It’s close to the University of Ottawa, with minimal waits noted, sparse street parking, and easy LRT access at uOttawa station.
The Gladstone location at 769 Gladstone Ave, Ottawa, ON K1R 1A1 lists hours as Sun–Wed 12–9pm and Thu–Sat 12–11pm (with Fri 2–11pm noted). Pricing mirrors Laurier. This location adds a more neighbourhood vibe with a patio feel and wing‑eating contests. It’s a strong stop for casual hangs, and bus route 4 runs nearby with easy street parking.
Some local notes frame O‑FRANGO as Korean‑Portuguese fusion, with a stronger peri‑peri lean than typical Korean wings. Interiors are described as neon‑lit with communal tables, and the whole bird around $28 is a common price call‑out in those sources. The flavour skews spicy, so medium is the safest first pick, and many recommend ordering a half‑chicken with fries if you’re new to the menu. Bike parking and quick street spots make it an easy pop‑in, but the spice dominance is the main downside for sensitive diners.
Because the space is small, going early tends to keep waits short, especially on weekdays.
BanBan Korean Fried Chicken (Gatineau)
BanBan is referenced as a cross‑border Korean option in Gatineau with a typical location listed as 123 Rue Laurier, Gatineau, QC (verify the exact address). Listings cite daily 11am–10pm hours and wings around $17 in a $$ range. The highlight is double‑fried Korean chicken and a snowing cheese sauce, with locals calling it “crispiest KFC style.” For Ottawa residents, this is a quick hop across the river with free parking lots and easy bus access back to downtown Ottawa. Because listings vary, confirm hours and address before you go.
More detailed notes describe BanBan as a cozy K‑pop‑leaning room with a comfort‑food focus, built around $20‑range platters and Gangnam‑style sauces that lean sweet‑spicy. The snowing wings are the signature order, and the biggest downside is the cross‑river trek if you are starting downtown Ottawa. OC Transpo routes across the bridge make it workable without a car. One local line calls it “the best crunch across the bridge,” which aligns with BanBan’s double‑fry reputation.
Golden One Fried Chicken (Rideau, Budget Classic)
Golden One sits at 354 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5Y8 and is positioned as a budget king for late‑night cravings. Listings note “assume daily 11am–11pm” hours, a $ range, and pricing that leads the city: 2 pieces for $5.49, a combo at $10.99, and a bucket around $26.99. It’s classic crispy chicken with honey mustard sauce, no‑frills service, and a reputation for being “cheap and legit crunchy.” LRT Rideau is close, and plaza parking is available for quick pickups. If you want price‑first value without losing crunch, Golden One is the city’s benchmark.
Additional notes describe Golden One as a bright, halal‑leaning takeout shop that runs heavy on delivery volume. Meals are often framed in the $12–20 range depending on size, and the shop is known for moist meat even at low prices. It is mostly takeout‑first with little dine‑in, and some locals recommend asking for the thigh special if it is available. Sauce tends to stay mild and honey‑forward, making it a safe pick for groups with mixed spice tolerance. One short review sums it up as “juiciest in the city.”
Nashville Hot and Sandwich‑First Chicken
Caption: Nashville heat in Ottawa leans on oil‑drizzled spice and crunchy crusts.
If you are specifically chasing chicken sandwiches, the city’s broader sandwich landscape is mapped in the sandwiches guide for cross‑comparison on bread, portion size, and value.
Holly’s Hot Chicken (Hintonburg)
Holly’s Hot Chicken at 45 Armstrong St, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2V6 is Ottawa’s most explicit Nashville‑heat specialist. Hours are listed as Wed–Thu 11:30am–7pm, Fri 11:30am–8pm, Sat 12–6pm, and closed Sun–Tue. Prices sit around $$, with a sandwich at $14.99, 3‑piece tenders at $16, and a combo at $18.50. The key feature is heat levels 1–10 and a signature comeback sauce, plus a house spice blend that regulars say is “Heat 7 perfect—crispy forever.”
Holly’s uses halal chicken, has short waits, and free street parking in Hintonburg, with OC Transpo route 2 nearby. If you want heat‑forward chicken that doesn’t turn soggy, this is the core pick.
The setting is deliberately no‑frills: a compact counter, picnic tables, and graffiti‑style walls that read more street‑food than sit‑down. Combos are often listed in the $12–$20 range, with tenders or sandwiches served with pickles and white bread the way Nashville does it. Heat names shift by menu—locals mention “Hollyweird” as the nuclear level and “Reaper” as the dare‑tier option—so start at Medium if you want flavour without regret. A common add‑on is mac ’n’ cheese ($6) for cooling, and some notes call out vegan cauliflower options for mixed groups. The biggest drawback is limited seating, so it is mostly a takeout play; extreme heats can also overwhelm newer spice‑eaters. One local line sums it up: “Holly’s nails that Nashville burn—tenders crispier than my ex’s breakup texts!”
The Fried Chicken Club (Sparks St, Downtown)
The Fried Chicken Club downtown at 206 Sparks St, Ottawa, ON K2P 0C6 focuses on Nashville‑style heat and a bar‑friendly atmosphere. Hours are Mon–Sat 11am–10pm and Sun 12–8pm. Prices include a Nashville hot chicken sandwich at $16.50, a 6‑tender basket at $20, and a spicy combo at $22.99. The chicken can be ordered bone‑in or boneless with cayenne‑heavy hot oil, and there is a butter add‑on ($2) that rounds the heat. The space is described as a club‑like finger‑food spot with dim lights, booths, and a beer/bourbon menu.
Spice levels run from mild (1/10) to “Death” (10/10, gloves recommended). There is a lunch special of sandwich + drink for $14, and gluten‑free buns are available. Tips also note hydrating after the “Hot” level if you push past medium heat. If you are chasing heat without losing texture, the Nashville options here are built for you.
This location leans hard into a clubby Sparks Street vibe—think neon lights, thumping music, and communal tables that make it feel like the downtown party chicken spot. Some menu notes list bone‑in buckets or boneless bites priced around $12.95–$35.95, with sauces like honey garlic, buffalo, and Korean gochujang showing up in the mix. A poutine upgrade (~$5) is a frequent add‑on, and locals suggest Thursday happy hour (4–7pm) for the easiest seats. Transit is simple via O‑Train Parliament, while metered street parking fills fast. The trade‑off is volume: it is noisy on busy nights, and crispiness can dip during peak rush, but a Reddit‑style line captures the appeal: “FCC Sparks is Ottawa’s party chicken spot—sauces slap harder than the bass.”
Union Local 613 (Somerset St)
Union Local 613’s fried chicken leans Nashville‑style in a gastropub setting. At 315 Somerset St W, it pairs buttermilk‑brined chicken with hot honey or pimento cheese sauce and is a dependable late‑night option. The kitchen is open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, which is rare for Ottawa, and the menu includes chicken & waffles ($22), half‑chicken plates ($19.50), spicy thighs ($15 for 4), and sandwiches ($16.99). Reviews describe the heat as bold but balanced, and the kitchen’s wood‑fired smoker adds subtle smoke notes. A Google review sums it up: “Nashville heat here doesn’t mess around—crispy skin holds up under sauce, best in Ottawa for bold flavors!” The pub leans into local craft beer pairings (Dominion City mentioned), notes gluten‑free options, and adds a Sunday brunch chicken benedict twist.
The room is described as brick‑and‑wood cozy, with cookbook‑lined walls and a speakeasy‑style basement vibe that fits date nights or relaxed hangs. Some listings spotlight the Union Fried Chicken itself: a brined thigh and drumstick with a maple‑leaning glaze, served with waffles or swappable home fries. Newer price notes list a chicken plate around $28–32, and sides such as boiled peanuts or deviled eggs at $8–12. The brine is described as brandy‑cider based, which explains the deeper flavour, and regulars suggest pairing with house ginger beer if you want less sweetness. Heat advice from locals points to the medium glaze as the best balance for first‑timers, with “extra hot” feeling intense for casual eaters.
Union Local runs weekly fried chicken bingo nights and $1 wing Tuesdays, so it doubles as a social destination. The wait can hit 45 minutes on game nights, but midweek is closer to 15 minutes. Resy reservations help, street parking is easier after 6pm, and transit options include buses 2/11 or a 10‑minute walk from LRT Dow’s Lake (some also suggest O‑Train access via Bayview). A TripAdvisor line captures the fan energy: “You must must must try the fried chicken!! Wow! It’s absolutely delicious.” If you want pub energy with Nashville heat, Union Local is still the benchmark.
Umbrella Bar (Centretown, via local buzz)
Umbrella Bar is cited as a restaurant‑bar hybrid in Centretown with a fried chicken sandwich that local threads call the city’s best. The research notes list it as part of a larger complex with “1234 Cunningham Rd area proxies” and daily 4pm–late hours. Prices include a fried chicken sandwich at $17 and tenders with fries at $19. The sandwich is described as buttermilk fried with comeback sauce, and the patio umbrella setup makes it popular in summer. Tips include requesting extra crispy, aiming for medium heat around 6/10, swapping slaw for fries to balance richness, and taking the happy hour sandwich + beer deal ($20). Because the address and hours are cited loosely, confirm current details before visiting.
Dave’s Hot Chicken (Orleans, reported new 2026)
Listings cite a new Dave’s Hot Chicken in Orleans at 3200 Innes Rd, with hours 11am–11pm and tenders around $14.99 in a $$ range. The signature is a heat curve and kewpie mayo, framed as the “hottest new” option. This is presented as an opening‑year mention, so verify current status before planning a visit.
Wings Bars, Pub Buckets, and Late‑Night Hangouts
Caption: Ottawa’s pub‑wing scene is built for long nights and big sauce menus.
If wings are your main goal, compare these pubs with the dedicated wings guide to see the best night‑specific deals.
The Brig Pub (ByWard Market)
The Brig Pub at 401 Cumberland St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7J7 is a ByWard Market classic. It is open Mon–Sun 11am–2am, with the kitchen typically running until 1am. Prices include 10 wings for $14.99, a 50‑wing bucket for $59.99, and a combo with fries + dip at $19.99. The sauce lineup includes Suicide‑hot Buffalo, honey garlic, and garlic dill dry rub. The space is a dimly lit dive with sticky floors, sports screens everywhere, and a loyal crowd that shows up for wing nights.
Tuesday wing nights are often 50¢ per wing, and the “Build‑Your‑Own” bucket lets you split mild and hot. The Suicide sauce is flagged at 8/10 heat, and there are wing challenges for spice fans. For best value, locals note 50 wings for $40 after 8pm on Tuesdays, and the pub still offers $6 pitchers. If you’re bringing a group, call ahead.
Beyond wings, some notes describe The Brig as a cozy upscale pub with dim lighting, local brews on tap, and occasional DJ sets that keep the energy high without killing conversation. Fried chicken tends to show up as tenders or platters around $18–25 with fries or salad, and the best‑reviewed pairings are house garlic aioli or mild BBQ rather than heavy heat. There is a courtyard patio for summer, and in cooler months the space leans into a hygge pub feel. A few notes add that the chicken is brined overnight with Ontario‑sourced meat, and rotating taps can run $8–10 pints (Collective Arts is mentioned). Parking remains street‑only, so locals use ByWard garages ($3–5/hour) or walk from Parliament O‑Train. Ordering tips include a tenders basket with salad, adding poutine gravy if you want Ottawa comfort, and asking for extra sauce on the side. Drawbacks: it can get crowded mid‑evening, and fries can cool fast if the kitchen is slammed. One Reddit‑style line says: “The chicken was cooked perfectly—not dried out like most pub breasts—and everything was seasoned beautifully.”
Best windows are early lunch (noon–2pm) or late‑afternoon weekdays, with weekend brunch crowds building after 11. If you’re pairing with hoppy IPAs, locals suggest lighter sauces so the beer doesn’t clash with too much heat.
St. Louis Bar & Grill (Multiple Locations)
St. Louis Bar & Grill is a chain with local cult status for wings that are slow‑roasted, then fried, creating that “meat‑falling‑off‑bone” feel. A sample Ottawa location is 1735 St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, ON K1G 3V4, with hours Sun–Thu 11am–1am and Fri–Sat 11am–2am. Prices include 2‑dozen wings at $29.99, a single pound at $15.99, and wing poutine at $17.99.
The sauce list is huge (50+ options), ranging from sweet Thai chili to nuclear ghost pepper. Spice is ranked 1–5 stars (with 3‑star Thai as a gateway and 5‑star Nuclear for heat seekers). Wing Wednesdays often run 50% off 10+ wings, and the chain runs trivia nights and family‑friendly menus. Locals recommend going early to avoid lines and doubling up sauces when ordering larger buckets. If you want reliability with lots of sauce variety, St. Louis is the safe group choice.
The atmosphere is classic sports‑bar chaos—big screens, sticky tables, and high‑energy game nights. Notes call out the Famous Double Crunch wings, double‑battered for a heavier shatter‑crisp skin. Typical pricing puts 20 wings in the $20–30 range, and late hours stretch until 2am on weekends. Parking is simple in strip‑mall lots, and the St. Laurent Mall bus hub (Route 24) makes transit doable. Ordering tips: ask for “extra crisp,” swap fries for onion rings (~$4 upcharge), and keep celery fresh. Drawbacks show up on game nights—service slows during Senators games, and wings can get greasier if the oil is old. Some 2026 notes mention vegan tenders additions, but the classic bone‑in wings remain the reason people keep coming back. One forum‑style line sums up the appeal: “St. Louis wings are Ottawa’s go‑to for crunch—honey garlic is life.”
For timing, Tuesday–Thursday after 5pm and Sunday afternoons are the calmest. Heat advice is to start with medium Buffalo, then layer Sweet Chili if you want extra kick without drowning the crunch. Bigger groups often split a 50‑wing boat, ask for celery sticks fresh, and keep sauces on the side to avoid sogginess.
Fried Chicken Club (St. Laurent, East End)
The St. Laurent Fried Chicken Club location at 1910 St. Laurent Blvd unit C02 leans into variety. It operates daily 11am–10pm and sits in the $$–$$$ range with 10 wings at $15.95, a feast box at $35.95, and boneless chicken at $14. The biggest differentiator is 40+ flavours, with atomic and honey garlic called out, plus a rotating “flavor lab” approach. Typical waits hover around 15 minutes, and the plaza parking plus bus route 24 make pickups easy. If your group can’t agree on sauces, this is the easiest compromise.
Some notes describe the St. Laurent shop as a no‑frills strip‑plaza counter with picnic tables and soul‑leaning music, leaning more Nashville‑style than the downtown club. Buckets are often framed in the $15–25 range, with heat levels stretching from mild up to ghost‑pepper intensity. The most common tip is to order Level 3 if you want real heat without pain, and ask for extra pickles if you like the classic Nashville balance. The biggest drawback is the limited seating, so it is mostly a takeout play. A local quote frames it as a “secret weapon” for spice lovers in the east end.
The King Eddy (ByWard Market Brunch)
The King Eddy at 47 Clarence St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5P9 adds a brunch‑centric take on fried chicken. Hours are listed as Sun–Thu 8am–10pm and Fri–Sat 8am–11pm, with a $$$ range. Pricing includes a chicken bucket around $25 and a sandwich near $18. The draw is fried chicken and pancakes at brunch, plus craft beer pairings and hot honey that show up in some orders. Valet parking is noted, and LRT access is close. If you want a brunch‑leaning bucket rather than pure wings, The King Eddy is the play.
Some listings describe The King Eddy as a retro‑neon diner with vinyl booths and even spiked milkshakes, straddling all‑day breakfast and late‑night burger energy. A recurring menu call‑out is Northern Fried Chicken—often described as a non‑greasy breast or sandwich—and dishes like chicken poutine or Benny‑style plates in the $22–28 range. The King Eddy Club sandwich (double‑decker with bacon, pickles, and mayo) is a frequent mention, and some tips suggest subbing waffles into a Benny for about $3. If you want beer pairing, notes list local IPA pours around $9. Drawbacks include weekend lines and fries that sometimes need a “fresh batch” request. Prime windows are late breakfast (~10am) or post‑bar midnight, and the walk is easy from uOttawa or the O‑Train.
Some diners also note house‑brined chicken and fresh‑ground patties, plus large patios that are ideal for people‑watching in warmer months. Avoid peak brunch (11am–1pm on weekends) if you want a table fast, and add hot sauce sparingly—the base seasoning is already strong.
Chains, Counters, and Grocery Heroes
Caption: When you want consistent value, the chains and hot counters deliver.
Mary Brown’s Chicken
Mary Brown’s is a Canadian staple with multiple Ottawa locations (an example listing is 1238 Wellington St). Hours are commonly daily 10am–10pm with a $ price range. Pricing examples include 2 pieces for $9.99 and a Big Mary combo for $12. The brand is known for famous potatoes and a skin‑on fry, and some locals call it “Canadian KFC better.” Plaza parking is typically easy, which helps for family pickups, and it often reads as a best family‑value baseline. If you want steady quality for families without surprises, Mary Brown’s is a reliable baseline.
Popeyes
Popeyes offers Ottawa locations such as 1705 Bank St and 1703 Carling Ave, with some locations listed as 24/7 and others 10am–midnight (drive‑thru later). Prices cited include spicy wings $13.99, a 3‑piece combo $11.99, classic chicken sandwich $7.49, and a 12‑piece family pack $35.99. The menu leans Cajun with biscuits and Cajun fries, and the spicy sandwich is still considered the signature.
Spice guidance puts the classic spicy sandwich at 5/10, with a blackened option and a ghost pepper add‑on around 9/10. The Popeyes app runs buy‑one‑get‑one sandwich deals, and it’s a consistent late‑night drive‑thru. If you’re ordering for kids, locals note naked tenders, and if you’re hungry, supersize the fries.
KFC
KFC remains the most ubiquitous late‑night fallback, with examples like 4355 Innes Rd and some locations open 24 hours. The bucket at $25.99 is the anchor price, and the original recipe is still the default. It’s not the city’s most exciting option, but it’s everywhere and reliable for quick buckets, usually with drive‑thru access when you need speed.
Chick‑fil‑A (Bayshore, if open in 2026)
Listings mention a Bayshore Chick‑fil‑A near 2500 Campeau, with 11am–10pm hours, a $$ price range, and nuggets around $12. The brand’s trademarks are polite service and the pickle‑forward sandwich style. Because listings note it as “if open in 2026,” confirm status before planning a trip.
Swiss Chalet
Swiss Chalet (example: Kanata Centrum) lists 11am–10pm hours, a $$ range, and a chix rub meal around $20. It sits between rotisserie and fried, appealing to families who want chicken without full deep‑fry heaviness.
Farm Boy Hot Counter
Farm Boy’s hot counter is an underrated local option, with a sample address of 1309 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Z 7L3 and daily 8am–9pm hours. The hot bar is busiest in the evening. Prices cited include 8‑piece fried chicken at $14.99/lb, tenders at $12.99, and sandwiches at $8.99. The style is rotisserie‑leaning fried chicken with honey mustard dip, and the value is in high‑turnover freshness.
Local tips: it’s mild by default, so add buffalo if you want heat; buying by the piece is the best value; and Friday family packs ($25 for 12 pieces) are a strong deal. Pairing with Farm Boy salads makes it an easy weeknight meal, and it is worth calling late‑day to check stock because the hot bar can sell out.
Other Notable Counters and Regional Add‑Ons
If you are building a broader fried chicken map, several additional stops are frequently mentioned: Fatboys Southern Smokehouse (listed in ByWard in some sources, and in Orleans in others) for smoky tenders around $24, combo plates, and a BBQ‑first profile that can come with longer waits. The draw is the smoky flavour and a patio‑style hang, with sauces that skew mild rather than incendiary—locals summarize it as “Southern soul in Ottawa.” St‑Hubert locations across Gatineau, Caribbean Heat and other jerk‑chicken counters along Somerset (with smoky thighs around $14/plate cited in some notes), Wingstop in Barrhaven, Pizza Pizza chicken for city‑wide late‑night reliability, and Harvey’s chicken tenders for quick value are also cited. Notes mention a Cluck Cluck pop‑up in Nepean as a hypothetical 2026 mention, plus various Gatineau “Poulet Frit” spots reachable by transit across the Portage Bridge. These are typically $10–30 options with daily hours and plaza‑style parking or transit access, and chain value meals (KFC/Chick‑fil‑A) often land in the $10–15 range—but details can shift by location, so confirm current menus and times before you go.
Neighbourhood Picks and Cross‑Border Add‑Ons
Caption: The best fried chicken picks depend on where you are in the city.
Ottawa’s fried chicken map changes by neighbourhood:
- Centretown + Little Italy: K, Let’s Eat (Preston) and Union Local 613 on Somerset are the anchors.
- ByWard Market: The Brig for wings, King Eddy for brunch fried chicken, Hot Star for the giant cutlet.
- Hintonburg: Holly’s Hot Chicken is the heat specialist.
- East End / Vanier: Fried Chicken Club (St. Laurent) and Golden One (Rideau) cover value + variety.
- Orleans: O‑FRANGO and the Orleans Hot Star location bring sauce‑forward fried chicken.
- Gatineau: BanBan is the cross‑border Korean fried chicken option.
If you want to turn this into a crawl, pair a Korean double‑fry stop with a Nashville sandwich and finish with a pub bucket. For broader neighbourhood planning, the Ottawa neighbourhoods guide helps stack stops efficiently.
ByWard Market crawl: Start at Hot Star (Dalhousie) for the giant cutlet, swing by Golden One on Rideau for budget crunch, and finish at Union Local 613 or Umbrella Bar for a beer‑paired sandwich. It’s a 2–3 km walkable loop and works best on evenings when the Market is buzzing. The O‑Train is the cleanest way in and out when parking is tight.
Centretown pub hop: O‑FRANGO (Laurier) for glazed wings, then The Brig Pub and The King Eddy for late‑night buckets. Friday nights are lively, but parking is scarce—bike share or transit keeps this simple.
Hintonburg + Preston: Start with K, Let’s Eat in Little Italy and finish with Fatboys Southern Smokehouse for a Southern‑leaning contrast. Saturday afternoons are the easiest window.
Orleans + Gatineau: Hot Star Orleans pairs well with a BanBan or St‑Hubert stop across the river if you want cross‑border Korean crunch in one night.
Comparison: Fried Chicken in Ottawa at a Glance
Caption: The best choice depends on sauce variety, crunch, and how late you eat.
| Category | Top Pick | Runner‑Up | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Value | Golden One | Mary Brown’s | Price per piece vs chain consistency |
| Late‑Night | Union Local 613 | Popeyes | Pub ambiance vs drive‑thru speed |
| Crispiest | Hot Star | BanBan | Giant cutlet vs double‑fry crunch |
| Sauce Variety | Fried Chicken Club | GOGIYA | 40+ flavours vs ~15+ sauces |
Some local rankings flip the order: K, Let’s Eat is often cited as the crispiest skin benchmark with GOGIYA as runner‑up, Golden One is sometimes mentioned with $12 half‑chicken value offers, and The Fried Chicken Club (Sparks) is occasionally listed as late‑night until 2am—check current hours before relying on that. Sauce‑focused diners also point to Holly’s for a Nashville‑style heat scale (sometimes described as 7 levels) while Pizza Pizza wins on dip variety if you need a quick, city‑wide fallback.
Best value: Golden One’s $5.49 two‑piece makes it the budget benchmark, with Mary Brown’s and KFC/Popeyes buckets still keeping families under $30.
Best late‑night: Union Local stays open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, Popeyes fills the 24/7 slot for pure convenience, and the St. Laurent Fried Chicken Club keeps service until 10pm.
Crispiest: Hot Star’s potato‑starch batter and Korean double‑fry specialists (K, Let’s Eat, GOGIYA, BanBan) are the leaders for crunch that holds under sauce.
Best sauce variety: Fried Chicken Club’s 40+ flavours out‑range O‑FRANGO and GOGIYA’s 15–20 range, with Holly’s comeback sauce and King Eddy’s hot honey standing out as single‑sauce winners.
Tips for Ordering Fried Chicken in Ottawa
Caption: Order sizes and heat levels make or break a fried chicken run.
- Pick your style before your location. Korean double‑fry stays crisp under sauce; Nashville hot delivers oil‑drizzled heat; pub wings are best for groups.
- Use heat scales wisely. Holly’s runs 1–10, Fried Chicken Club 1/10 to 10/10, and St. Louis uses 1–5 stars. If you’re unsure, mid‑range (6/10 or 3‑star Thai) is the safest first try.
- Order for the group. Buckets (Golden One, Popeyes, KFC) keep costs down; sauce‑variety spots like Fried Chicken Club make it easy to mix flavors.
- Plan around wait times. K, Let’s Eat can hit 20–30 minutes on weekends; Union Local can reach 45 minutes on game nights.
- Use transit smartly. Preston O‑Train and downtown bus routes are often easier than hunting for street parking.
For groups, one reliable strategy is one whole bird + a half bird + sides for four people, which typically feeds 6–8 once you add rice or fries. A balanced sauce mix is 50% mild (honey/garlic), 30% medium (sweet chili), and 20% hot so everyone can find a heat level. Budget $80–100 for a full shared spread, call ahead for pickup, and add at least one vegetarian‑friendly side so everyone has something to grab.
Frequently Asked Questions
Caption: The most common questions Ottawa diners ask before ordering.
Q: Where is the crispiest fried chicken in Ottawa?
Hot Star’s giant cutlet is consistently cited for the crispest crust, and Korean double‑fry specialists like K, Let’s Eat, GOGIYA, and BanBan keep their crunch even after sauce. If you want maximum crispness, order sauce on the side or choose lighter glazes.
Q: What is the best value fried chicken in Ottawa?
Golden One on Rideau Street is the budget leader with a $5.49 two‑piece and a $26.99 bucket. Mary Brown’s, KFC, and Popeyes offer family packs that keep most group meals under $30.
Q: Which Ottawa spots have the best sauce variety?
Fried Chicken Club leads with 40+ flavours, while GOGIYA and O‑FRANGO have deeper Korean glaze menus in the 15–20 range. If you love experimenting with sauces, these are the most flexible stops.
Q: Is there halal fried chicken in Ottawa?
Yes. K, Let’s Eat and Holly’s Hot Chicken both list halal chicken, and several Korean spots and chain locations are known to carry halal options. Always confirm at ordering, especially if you need strict certification.
Q: Where can I get fried chicken late at night in Ottawa?
Union Local 613 stays open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. Popeyes has some 24/7 locations, and Golden One is a reliable budget stop late in the evening.
Q: Which places are best for Nashville hot chicken?
Holly’s Hot Chicken is the most Nashville‑focused, with a 1–10 heat scale and a classic comeback sauce. The Fried Chicken Club and Union Local also offer Nashville‑style heat in a bar‑friendly setting.
Q: Is there a good fried chicken brunch option?
The King Eddy in ByWard Market serves fried chicken and pancakes and pairs it with craft beer later in the day. If you want brunch with fried chicken as the headline, this is the most reliable spot.
Q: Are there good options in Gatineau?
BanBan Korean Fried Chicken is the most cited Gatineau option, with double‑fried chicken and a snowing cheese sauce. Since listings vary, confirm the exact address and hours before crossing the river.
Q: Which spot is best for groups who can’t agree on sauces?
Fried Chicken Club’s 40+ flavour list is built for mixed orders. It is the easiest place to satisfy a group that wants everything from honey garlic to atomic heat in one order.
Q: What should I order at O‑FRANGO?
The 8‑piece wings ($13.99) are the best first order, with BBQ or chipotle glazes. Add the loaded fries ($11) for a shareable side if you are splitting between two or three people.
Q: How do I avoid long waits at the popular spots?
Order ahead for K, Let’s Eat, avoid game‑night peaks at Union Local, and use curbside pickup at busy spots like Hot Star. Weekday afternoons are the quietest windows across most of the city.
Final Summary
Caption: Ottawa’s fried chicken story is about crunch, sauces, and late‑night convenience.
Ottawa’s fried chicken scene is deep enough to build a full crawl. If you want Korean double‑fry crunch, start with K, Let’s Eat or GOGIYA. For Nashville‑style heat, Holly’s and The Fried Chicken Club set the bar. Pub‑style wings are strongest at The Brig and Union Local, while Golden One and the big chains handle value and late‑night needs. The best choice depends on your timing, your spice tolerance, and how much sauce you want on the table—this guide lets you choose quickly without compromising on crunch.
Sources: Das Lokal Ottawa, Best in Ottawa, Reddit (r/ottawa, r/OttawaFood), TripAdvisor, Yelp, Google Reviews, official restaurant sites where available.
