Helen's Hot Chicken & Seafood Rock Hill — Restaurant in Rock Hill

This was my first time trying Helen’s Hot Chicken & Seafood in Rock Hill. They have been open at this location for some time now, and I finally had an opportunity to taste their food. I decided to dine in, and as I was waiting to place my order at the counter I noticed a few important signs. 1.) They do not accept cash. This is a card only restaurant. 2.) They made it abundantly clear that there will be a wait time for the food. Why the wait you may be wondering? It’s because they are preparing all of the meals fresh! I am always willing to wait for fresh and delicious food. The nice woman at the counter took my order and gave me 4 levels of spiciness to choose from for my sandwich; Plain, Mild, Hot, and Hella Hot. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to handle Hot or not, so I opted for Mild. (She did tell me you could have the sandwich mild and drizzled with the Hot sauce too. Good to know for next time!) I ordered the Chicken Breast Sandwich Combo, Mild, with all the fixin’s (Cheese, Onion & Pickles) and a side of fried okra. I got my drink from the soda fountain and found a comfortable booth to sit in while I waited for my order. I probably waited less than 10 minutes for my food. It was well worth the wait! You could feel the heat emanating from the styrofoam box the food was served in. The sandwich had a large piece of crispy fried chicken nestled between two soft buns. The cheese was nice and melty across the top of chicken. The thin slices of onion and pickles complimented the savory chicken very well. My first bite of the sandwich was heavenly! The skin was crunchy and flavorful. The Mild spice level was perfect for a newbie like me. It gave off just enough heat that I was grateful for my soda! The sandwich was steaming, the okra was seasoned to perfection, and crunchy too! I enjoyed every bite of my sandwich today. I would love to come back and try the Hot style chicken, the seafood that they offer, and their chicken and waffles! It was a perfect lunch to warm me up on a cold and rainy November day. I will definitely be...

Edit 5/6/2022 Only editing to add that we came back for a second visit and the food may have been even better this time…if that’s possible.

Tried the Chicken and Waffle and the Wingettes this time (along with another Chicken Breast Sandwich). The Wingettes were super juicy and the waffle was out-of-this-world. The lady taking our order asked me if I get cheese on my sandwich. I told her I don’t. She said she wanted me to try it and if I didn’t love it she’d buy my next one.

She won’t be spending any money.

It’s hard to believe that a single slice of cheese can make such a different but something about it just worked…with the Hella Hot Sauce, Bleu Cheese, and Pickles. Just amazing.

We have been here twice and I’ve left extremely happy both times. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to eat in Rock Hill.

Original Review Everything we ordered was well-prepared, freshly-cooked, and absolutely delicious. We had the Chicken Sandwich, Whole Wings (3), and Gizzards. We opted for the Hella Hot Sauce on all 3. We loved it but it isn’t for the Hot Sauce Rookie. The heat is intense but it is full of flavor.

The hours are a little short right now but as long as you plan your visit you’ll be fine.

Everything is cooked to order so allow about 30 minutes for your order if you’re having chicken. A guy came in behind us and ordered shrimp. His order was up in under 10 minutes so the wait time seems to be consistent with cook times for what they offer.

Will...

Helens is a true gem in Rock Hill. Either I'm late to the party or y'all were gatekeeping it lol💐Hands down the best fried Fish and chicken I've had in SC. I'm from Jersey and have struggled to find good fish here in the south. Every Friday night my mom fries fish like it's religion I had to call my mama and tell her she has been 1-upped😂. This place warms me inside and out and reminds me of the fish only a person who truly knows what they are doing can execute. I am Obsessed!! Imma have to start putting on a disguise as much as I want to keep going back 🥸. The prices are great but y'all should tip these folks they deserve it frfr!! The service is excellent they play good music for you to vibe out to and the place is CLEAN!! I wanted a bit more from the atmosphere but if you appreciate a nice lowkeye vibe it's definitely overstimulation free and family friendly with spacious indoor seating. You are garunteed hot fresh food and its always gonna be worth the brief 15 wait. I can go on and on about this spot. Try it for yourself and don't forget to thank the staff. HELEN YOU HAVE MY HEART. Peace and blessings to the hands that prepared the food and all the wonderful staff that make this place what is is. Let me know if y'all hiring cuz I WILL WORK FOR...