The Budlong Southern Chicken — Restaurant in Chicago

The Budlong has always been someplace I’ve kept close to me. I went there for the first time to what I believe was one of their first Chicago locations in Broadway back in 2016. As this was my most recent visit this month of March 2021, their chicken was just as good if not better from my original visit. I know, I know, is that even possible that the chicken could be even better? But believe me it is! This was their location on Armitage. I arrived when. They opened at 11 but was not the first one there. Due to covid, the indoor dining was limited to 3-4 tables which is understand able. I didn’t not feel one bit uncomfortable while eating there as I felt the social spacing is more than adequate. Now as for the chicken I did order their quarter chicken plate that comes with a drum and thigh. I had it middle or second from the top heat level which is perfect for me. Now, please note, the chicken is hot as it comes right from the cooker. I got a call and had to break into the chicken 5-10 minutes after it arrived and it was still steaming under that beautiful Nashville spiced surface. Juicy isn’t even the right word to describe how perfectly this chicken is cooked. I’m going to just have to use the term “bananas!” which is what I told my friend whilst on the phone with him. For me, it doesn’t get better than The Budlong Hot Chicken if I lived closer I would be having it more often/every chance I get! I did have the cherry cola and banana pudding. I do have photos below and I wanted for you to please excuse my photo of the decimation as I wanted to capture the sauces that were provided which I suggest you not miss. That photo captures a little of the plate after I crushed my chicken 😄 For me, this was the perfect way to start my weekend but as I think of it, it was one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time since the pandemic. I’m attaching a picture just so you can see what every Nashville Hot Chicken should look like. For me, this is the benchmark for Nashville Hot Chicken and I am very lucky to have it here in Chicago. As I told my friend when I sent him this photo -...

Womp Womp.

Ok just to be clear this review is for brunch. The service here is good, they are really nice and friendly so no issues.

The problem and reason for this rating is all the food that was NOT chicken here.

For brunch, I opted for the chicken tenders and grits with the classic heat on the chicken.

The chicken was seasoned beautifully, great crunch on the outside and still hot when we got it. The head level for me on the classic heat was just enough to know its there but still enjoy your food. I would probably go up one more notch.

The grits, however, are a whole different story. They were so bland and lacked flavor. I am not sure the type of grit used, it was very smooth but it was an odd texture. I tried mixing the chicken with the grits but it was still just a pocket of bland lackluster flavor.

My friend ordered the chicken and waffles that came with a pepper butter. Same issue here. The chicken was great, the waffle was gross and not what you expect from such a simple classic dish like chicken and waffles. The pepper butter was aggressive and overpowering.

Overall, I would say come here to have good chicken. It is a bit expensive but the chicken was really good. I would NOT get any sides. They seem like they do Chicken very well and the sides are lackluster at best. I would save the time, get the chicken and maybe prep...

Used to be one of my favorite hot chicken sandwich places in the city. It used to be pricier but the quality was worth it.

Upset that the quality has gone down tremendously and they have stripped away the classic heat choices they used to have (I used to get the X-Hot each time and now I am stuck to only being able to order the classic). I think in general having flavors like Garlic Parm and Honey BBQ make it seem like they are trying to compete with Wingstop or something.

Not only this, but they have gone ahead and raised the prices to over $13 from what used to be advertised as $9.99 for a clearly cheaper sandwich. At this point why not just bump it back up to the old $15 and give your customers the quality sandwich you used to have? Half the time I get a flat piece chicken where all I taste is the bun since that's what the sandwich is for the most part now.

I will say the fries and ranch are still good and don't have any negative things to say there.

I am not usually someone to go out of my way to leave reviews but seeing a restaurant I used to love turn into just another cheap (in terms of quality, not price) fast food option is sad. Hope new ownership listens to this post and the others that are similar which I...