Parks Fried Chicken

Every once in a while my wife and I get the urge for fried chicken. Both of us have fond memories of childhood when fried chicken was a staple, on the home menu every week. Having tried some of the chains, we were often disappointed. After reading fantastic reviews about Parks Fried Chicken we finally decided to give it a try. Before I get to the food, let me paint a picture of the business. First, parking is a problem. It's almost impossible to find a parking space open on Paca anywhere close to their business site. I technically parked illegally but with a small car did not extend past the curb and the cross street. There is parking in a garage across from Lexington Market about a block of two further up, but I took my chance and had no problems. I walked about half a block down to Parks and the first thing I saw was a very long line of people stretching from their business out into the street. So I got in line and was surprised that the line moved very quickly. When I got to the counter to order I can see why the line moved quickly. They expect you to give your order quickly. Since it was my first visit I looked at the menu board behind the order taker and did my best to make a selection, ordering four thighs and two legs, and an order of fries. When you pay they give you a receipt that has a number on it, printed in bold. You take your receipt and go down the counter to where, when they call your number, they put it in boxes and a bag and away you go. But when your order shows up, they leave the boxes open so you can douse some available sauces (one mild and little sweet, the other very hot), then they close the boxes and pack it up for you to take. I liked the milder sauce. In retrospect I would have put more of it on the chicken.Now to my rating on the fried chicken. It's good, but not as good as most of the reviews say. The reason is the breading/crust. It's very thick and VERY crispy, to the point that biting it off with your teeth is a bit of a challenge. The chicken inside the crust is good, but the very thick crust was kind of a turn off for us. The other thing is with the size of the pieces we realized we'd over ordered. We could have halved our order and that would have been a good meal size. Given the inconvenience of going there and finding a place to park and the crowd waiting to order, it's unlikely we'll come back. Having said that, I don't want to take away from the rave reviews of other customers. It's good chicken. Just didn't hit our sweet spot.

I've heard legendary stories about parks fried chicken but never had the opportunity to make it before they closed. The time I did have the chance, I was not dissapointed. It's genuinely some of the best fried chicken I've had. Intensely juicy, crispy, fall off the bone tender, and beautifully flavored, I could not find a single fault with the chicken. Service was fast, kind, and no fuss, churning out bargain deal fried chicken at a record pace. The ambiance is thus grab and go, leaving no room for meandering. I quite enjoyed that though, as the chicken is wrapped in aluminum foil and is piping hot, and I rushed home to enjoy it.

Amazing and cheap fried chicken right across Lexington market. Came here for lunch and got my food super fast- in and out less than 5 minutes. For 5 bucks, you get like half a chicken and for 3 more dollars you get fries. The chicken is delicious. Fresh, crispy and juicy. I'm not a potato wedge person, but mixed with the mumbo sauce and seasoning, it hits good. No seating in here itself, but you can eat at Lexington market. Would recommend!

Some of the best fried chicken in Baltimore. Fresh, hot, and perfectly cooked and seasoned. I first tried this as leftover when they opened their storefront, and liked it so much I had to go back a few times. The workers are always so nice when ordering. Not only do they have fried chicken but they also have gizzards which are super solid. I just wish they were a bit closer, otherwise I'd be getting takeout all the time from there. Just a heads up for any future customers, this is a takeout place. Well worth the price though!

The chicken was crispy and steaming hot just like you want it. Got the wings and wedges - squirts of mambo sauce and sides of hot sauce and you are eating a pretty decent meal. The $6 chicken is one for the making it's like 1/2 of the chicken and it's good. Must get if in the Lexington Market Area

Pristine fried chicken. Ladies at counter are sooooo nice. I love this spot. Consistent fried chicken. I really don't get anything else.

This has been my favorite fried chicken spot since i was a kid! For many years i would go here every saturday and they never disappointed. Although i do not go as often as i used to, when i do go, everything is still the same. If you want some good old fashioned baltimore fried chicken , gizzards and chicken necks, go to parks.

I was so excited to be able to pull up park and get a taste of Lexington market without going all the way through. Located on Paca street ... there meters and street parking . Almost no line no wait for chicken . I got chicken gizzards livers and necks mixed and a traditional chicken box with h western fries. Nostalgia at its finest. It was clean inside and the service was friendly . A carry out no seating.

The chicken was ok. Crispy on the outside and tender in the inside. The thighs has too much skin and the seasoning was slightly underwhelming. I do like that they offer regular fries and potato wedges because most chicken places only offer potato wedges, and everybody does not like that. The service was quick, cashier was friendly and polite. Despite being busy, it was clean inside. The Mumbo sauce was really good. Hot sauce not hot enough.

So apparently I was on a foodie crawl this day, so I say this place across the street from lexington market.MAN... the chicken was great, and the chicken gizzards was good as well. I asked the lady if they had any gravy, and she whipped some up.This is another great spot in the hood I would recommend.