The Chicken Hut — Restaurant in Durham

Heads up: this business is CASH ONLY.

However it is 1000% worth it. This place was recommended to us and it took us a while to find the time to visit as it’s only open for lunch M-F.

There is parking behind the building, on the street, or even the Food Lion parking lot. We didn’t realize it was a cash only establishment (don’t let that dissuade you!); we went to food lion and did cash back $40.

When you walk in there is a counter in front and a dining area to the right. You are to proceed to the dining area and join the line. There is no printed menu and the staff taking your order were extremely patient and welcoming, despite being slammed. They make fried chicken to order so it will be about 20-25 before you food is ready. They had other options if you’re pressed for time: baked chicken, baked spaghetti, BBQ ribs, and more. Your box (essentially a plate meal) comes with 2 sides of your choice (we did mac n cheese each, fried okra, and collards), along with a roll or hush puppies.

As you move down the line, you can pick up something sweet like a slice of cake or cobbler. Your meal includes a drink (lemonade, sweet tea, fruit punch, or water). They hand you a ticket with your order total which you will take back to the counter when you first entered. Our two plates (dark piece meals) were $16.99 each. Do not scoff at the price as this was a hefty amount of food for the price and they make it all in house and fresh.

The service was phenomenal and we were even treated to a slice of cake as it was our first visit. We will be eating here again, and would recommend to anyone looking for classic southern...

First visit, forgot it was cash only. Went on a journey looking for my bank’s drive up atm.

Returned and the fried chicken was sold out. But the owner said there was a long line for the fried chicken hours ago when it opened. On the buffet line were baked thighs and drumsticks in gravy, fried gizzards or beef tips. The baked spaghetti looked good but not enough left for a serving. I selected beef tips and the pieces are large, similar to stew meat. The gravy is very good. The rice does not come with the tips so it became one of my sides. My 2nd side was macaroni and cheese. I was fooled because they finished it in the oven to brown the top but it’s my least favorite style due to the cheese sauce. Yet very traditional in NC restaurants. It also came with a small toll and a choice of drinks. I chose the punch, cherry kool-aid in a 8-10 ounce cup. I also wanted to try the collard greens. They were just ok for me, prepared conservatively without meats, onions, garlic or vinegar. I don’t mind stems but if you do, they come with them.

There were nice size cake slices for dessert. Plus the option to order fried shrimp or fish from the kitchen.

I do recommend trimming the large hedges in front of the restaurant especially at the edge of the lawn. It obstructs the view when trying to pull out of the narrow driveway. When I came back from the bank, there was a van already in the driveway who didn’t see that I was already proceeding to turn in and vice versa. A large mirror for the driveway could help as well.

There was plenty of parking available...

Absolutely loved my first experience at the Chicken Hut! From walking in, to ordering, and to eating was nothing but a great time. I was warmly greeted by the staff as they told me the meats and sides they had available. I went with their fried chicken and I was told it would be about ten minutes, but I did not mind waiting. For my sides I got their greens and Mac and cheese. Their plates also include either a roll or hushpuppies; so I went with the hushpuppies. And I am so glad that I did!

The hushpuppies were the major highlight of my plate. They were crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. With the hot sauce added it made them pop even more. I quickly ate most of them before my meal was over. The fried chicken was also amazing. It was not overly salty or seasoned and had an amazing crunch. It comes out pipping hot, so I had to take my time with each bite, but it was so worth it.

The greens were light and seasoned well. I like that they were not super soft and had a great texture and depth. I could literally just eat their greens and hushpuppies and be so happy!

The only side that I thought could use some love was their Mac and cheese. I thought it could've had more seasoning and cheese. It was a little plain.

I love that the Chicken Hut is still here serving great food for 65 years! Their love for the community shows in their stellar customer service, fun atomosphere (the music was a mix of 70s/80s rnb that made me not want to go back to work!), and their warmth! I will be back for...