This is actually more than just a foodie review. Charles Pan Fried Chicken is actually one of my recommended eateries in my links.
I actually came across this place a couple of years ago at their Upper West Side location, after hearing the boast about having the best fried chicken in New York.
Essentially, CPFC is a soul food spot that has not only friend chicken, but smothered chicken, turkey wings, pulled pork and barbeque smoked spare ribs. The assortment of sides include, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, yams, black-eyed peas, white rice and cabbage.
The restaurant is best known though for the pan fried chicken. It is not deep fried the way you would normally see at some places. At Charles, the chicken is fried in the old fashioned, but huge black frying pans.
How's the food? Well, it made my list, which means, well it is not terrible, lol. For Charles Pan Fried Chicken , I pooled the opinions of my cousin Al and one of my best friends Chloe. The opinions vary.
Chloe went to the Upper West Side location and was disappointed. For her, the chicken had too much garlic. She was also turned off with the yams and the baked macaroni and cheese. She rated it a C.
Al loved everything (chicken, macaroni and cheese and corn bread) and gave the place a B+, in part for the food and also because it is Black owned and operated.
For me, being Black owned and operated is a great acknowledgment, but nothing for me to grade on. You will see that in future reviews.
The Upper West Side location is a little cramped with their set up. The staff greets you when you enter, which is a little annoying for me, but still nice and unique. The chicken was very good. I found it crispy and well seasoned. I usually order ala carte since I don't care for wings, but thoroughly like thighs. I ordered potato salad and macaroni and cheese and was turned off. Potato salad is always a dangerous road and this potato salad has a different texture than what you may normally be used to (softer) and needed more relish, onions and maybe a little sugar. As for the mac and cheese, I was never one to prescribe to the idea that dumping cheese into a pot of macaroni makes it taste better, And I personally hate stringy cheeses in my mac and cheese. Mozzarella has no place in mac and cheese. I prefer a mixture of cheddar cheeses and even a sauce. The sides were....meh, but not bad enough for me to turn people away. The corn bread was good. The lime punch was dangerously sweet. People with A1C issues may want to think before drinking. I rated my experience a solid B. Also, I thought the flagship location on 145 Street is better. In any case, try for yourself and feel free to email your feelings.
Love your comments. I lived in New York all my life and have been cooking with my ancestors since I was seven. I commend Charles Pan Fried Chicken for keeping Soul Food on the map and wish him continued success. Resturants like Copelands, Jack's Nest and The Lunch Room are gone but not forgotten.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I've heard of Copelands but never ate there. I wish I had at least eaten at these places.
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