Popeyes is good, but these Richmond-made chicken sandwiches are better
RICHMOND, Va. — So you’ve heard about Popeyes chicken sandwich craze. Also, in an abrupt ending, you’ve also heard the sandwich has been pulled from menus — officially sold out. While long lines at Popeyes grabbed national headlines, a whole host of competitors like Wendy’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Hardees jumped into the sandwich slug fest hoping to capitalize on #hotsandwichsummer.
Well, you are hearing it here first. The Popeyes sandwich is fine — but you didn’t miss anything. In Richmond, we are lucky to have some line-worthy chicken sandwiches.
The Cobra Cabana
901 W Marshall Street
Richmond, Virginia 23220
In a very overt gesture to a certain chicken spots’ politics, Cobra Cabana does a Gay-Fil-a. The owners of Cobra Cabana have created a far less droopy version of the iconic sandwich. The impossibly tender (and brined) fried chicken breast is relatively unadorned, served with thick pickles and waffle fries. They also rep a very solid vegan version and house-made Polynesian sauce.
Salt and Forge
312 N 2nd Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
You’ll need a knife and fork for this one. It’s a napkin shredder. A fat, briny piece of lightly-breaded chicken shares a not-too-fat toasted brioche bun with ranch and bacon. With old-school rap on the radio and the exceptional coffee, Salt and Forge is worth your time. Their new food truck means you can also get this sandwich on the road.
The Chicken Box
3000 3rd Ave
Richmond, Virginia 23222
I’ve said it more than once. Don’t sleep on this 3rd Avenue spot. The Big Chic is a behemoth to behold. A huge piece of fried chicken with iceberg lettuce slapped in a too small bun. You can add American cheese but it just detracts from the house sauce or Big Chic Sauce. Get a drink. The cup is priceless.
La Bete Food Truck
Some chicken sandwiches are just fine, this one is killer. Beast mode. It needs two hands. The chicken is buttermilk brined, then fried, then stacked on a flat bun. The only problem is it’s elusive — sometimes they have it, sometimes it’s a taco. You can find their location on streetfinder.com.
Nomad Deli
207 W Brookland Park Boulevard
Richmond, Virginia 23222
Register to vote and get some chicken? That’s a solid plan. It’s also a solid chicken sandwich. This is chicken with frills from the grill. The Big Fried Chick is a hefty fried chicken breast which comes with some pretty stellar peppers, onions, and mushrooms all piled on a garlic roll.
Lunch and Supper
1215 Summit Avenue
Richmond, Virginia 23230
Talk about HUGE. This “Pickled and Brined” could feed two easily. Straying from the ever so common chicken breast, this sandwich is a fried chicken thigh slathered in pepper jack, bacon, pickles and topped with comeback sauce —essentially mayonnaise, chili sauce, paprika, some hot sauce for good measure and other goodness.
Who serves your favorite chicken sandwich? Let Eat It, Virginia! know.
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