Cotton's Fried Chicken — Restaurant in Minden

I've lived in northwest Louisiana for coming up on a half-century, for nearly all of which Cotton's has been legendary. Inasmuch, theirs is that by which all other fried chicken is measured. Business errands took me through Minden and Homer today, so on my way back I stopped in; no telling when I'd make it up that way again. It'd been quite a few years since my last visit, but just walking inside, when that familiar, tantalizing aroma hits ya, it's like going backwards in time--a lot like coming home. I ordered a 10-piece mix (duh...a given), but also tried the catfish and oysters for the first time.

When my name was called, I stepped to the counter and--just for fun--I asked the young lady who had just prepared my order, "do y'all still do a jam-up job, or will I be disappointed?" Without a moment's hesitation, she retorted, chin up, "Yes we do, and no you wont!" Well, to make a long story short, as soon as walked in my front door (having already sampled plenty on I-20), I called her up to tell her she was right; that I was in no way disappointed, and to thank them for changing nothing in forty years (that I know of).

Now, mind you, while my brand-loyalty and pride flat out prohibits me from endorsing any such notion that suggests anything else could ever hold a candle to that for which "bore the lore," but the fried catfish and oysters were legitimate contenders, and the portions generous (coming from a former /coughbigheaded gm of a successful fish market/carry-out joint of yesteryear, and who doesn't hand out seafood compliments like participation trophies, if ya get ma drift...). But, as expected and as always, the chicken was spot-on perfect! I don't know enough about Minden anymore to tell ya what else is there, but as of July 8, 2020, Cotton's Fried Chicken is there still--which is a mighty, MIGHTY strong argument/reason to...

Well, I have been trying to visit this establishment for almost the last six months. I would either be going through town and they were closed or they would be so packed I knew I could never explain why it took so long to make it back to work. Not today - thank the rain gods… A girl at work would make me a plate of gizzards when I would bring some, and she mentioned Cottons as the best place to get some. I have tried a couple of other places and they were alright, but they just don’t seem to be on the menu at a lot of joints around here. We were snackish, and still 45 minutes from home and what to my surprise - Cottons open and only three vehicles in the parking lot - I whipped in and ordered us a gizzard plate and two med drinks. It did not take long to get my hot package and get back to the car and rip that bag open. We were out playing a game with our phones - so I am gonna chock it up to my phone being busy - my eye beholding the plate of perfectly fried nuggets and my mouth exploding with anticipation of getting one - is the reason I did not snap a pic. I did get the menu board though while waiting… Delicious - the batter - the crunch - the bit of heat at the end…. It was the closest I have ever had to my perfect plate of gizzards and then for other reasons better than. The crunch was just as good 30 min later as it was when I opened them. The seasoning was great. Overall the texture was fantastic - although there were a few that had the chewy tendon that so many people say is why they avoid gizzards all together. It was only a few - which is why I have such high praise. Wish I could share the family secret for taking care of that chewy tendon, and if they share the seasoning and batter secret I just might. Can not wait to go back and get some more gizzards for the picture - and snatch up some chicken or fish...

I have eaten fried oysters here many times and always have been great. I understand the restaurant is now under new management. About four weeks ago I had fried oysters again. My husband brought them home to me. I have never had such bad oysters. They had to have been refried from an earlier cooking as they were very tough and rubbery. Two days later I was hospitalized for salmonella which I was very sick. I have multiple myeloma and food poisoning is very dangerous for me. I was in the hospital for 5 days and still sick at home for a week. NEVER will I have oysters from Cottons again and I am warning you to be very careful about...