The Chicken Hut

I saw that this beloved Durham institution was open on a rare Sunday, so I decided to give it a shot. I arrived 10 minutes before opening and there was already a decently formed line. For the newcomer, it can be a bit confusing. The prices and menu aren't listed anywhere in the building, so you just have to guess at what's available based on what you see in front of you. I heard someone after me order peach cobbler from the back, wish I had known that was available. Also, it's cash only which I'm side-eying in 2024...(the IRS told me to tell y'all that Chicken Hut ain't slick). Fried chicken can be ordered at the front if it's only with a side of fries or veggies, everything else is ordered on the side dining room, but then you take your ticket and pay up front, but you have to wait to the side for fried chicken, again it's only cash, just the 1st and 3rd Sundays they open each month, when it rains, on the 2nd Tuesday, of the fifth month of the fourth year. I got their oxtail plate with mac and cheese, cabbage, roll and Arnold Palmer for $20. My husband had their fried chicken, mac and cheese, corn bread and a slice of red velvet for $22. We enjoyed our mains a lot. The oxtail was succulent, seasoned and delicious as was the fried chicken. The sides were disappointingly lackluster. The cabbage left a lot to be desired and the macaroni had so much black pepper, it was inedible to us. The cornbread was just okay, on the drier side and could have been more sweet. We enjoyed the red velvet cake a lot and the Arnold Palmers were mind bendingly sweet--but sort of in a good way? You've been warned that just 30 minutes in there and all of your clothes down to your nickers will smell like you were back there frying chicken with them. I had to change after my husband couldn't stand the greasy smell lol. Overall, I don't regret trying Chicken Hut. I still enjoyed the no frills, slightly confusing, but friendly and familial atmosphere. While the side dishes could use a little more love, their main entrees were incredibly delicious and I'd be happy to come back just for those.

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 more food soon!

First meal in NC for me!Friends took me here and it was their first time too, but it came highly recommended. Ordering is like a cafeteria line. Staff at the front takes your order of protein/sides, and you wait for them to put it together.I opted for a fried chicken plate which included full wings and drums, collard greens, and mac and cheese. The fried chicken is fried fresh, and comes out piping hot! Chicken is juicy and the crunch is perfect. I enjoyed the mac and cheese the most out of the sides.Staff was friendly and offered us complimentary cake as well since it was our first time. These plates come large...so I would actually share a plate with one other person. Parking lot attached as well. Definitely a must visit when you're in the Durham area!

My first visit. Delicious food. Extraordinary service. I usually don't eat pork or like pork chops but my friends referred me to this place and it did not disappoint. I will come and try there other foods. Menu items change by the day.

Our food was overall good, our service excellent, the ambiance is very nice. The lemon aide was tasty too.

Best Southern Style Fried Chicken in the USA.Piping hot, delectable seasoning, crispy, crunch. Cooked to perfection in the best Southern Style breader.For more than 60 years, generations of the Tapp family have been serving their Durham neighbors at the Chicken Hut, where customers arrive and line up for the best homestyle cooking before the doors even open. The celebrated chicken is fried to order, arriving at the table piping hot and perfectly seasoned, with a shatteringly crisp crust, served with a roll for mopping up the liquid gold that sheds off every bite.Get busy and get yourself over town to eat the best you can ever eat at a good price and generously served the way you were raised to want.

When you drive up at opening m, and there's already a line forming before the door is unlocked...that's a great sign that you've hit the jackpot for good food. Can't say enough about how amazing the fried chicken, collards, and Mac and cheese are. (What I got) also, loved the touch of a choice of drink. Pink lemonade was absolutely delicious too. I was asked when I entered if jt was my first time visiting, and when I answered yes was showed around the restaurant and how it's served which was a great customer service point! Would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for great soul food. Just FYI, cash only (like most mom and pop delicious places are).

I really wanted to love this place. Everyone is so sweet. You really feel like family here. The chicken is crispy and it tastes so good. It is super greasy though have those napkins ready lol. The mac was disappointing, it was creamy but the flavor was off. The cake was okay, it was super sweet. Shortly after eating I felt terrible, I mean rushing to the restroom...

Front the moment we entered the front door, it was welcoming! I love that hospitality...on the serving line was the nephew who explained everything...and the food was Delicious!!! Cooked just right...Keep up the good work!The Bradshaws from Graham, NC

It was ok, service is great they take cash only, the biggest complaint I have is the servings lacked and the taste was not the usual I am familiar in years past from Chicken hut so I was very disappointed. I paid $16.99 for a hamburger w gravy plate cabbage instant macaroni + $4.00 for pound cake. I requested my collards and cabbage be mixed on one side and macaroni for a second the man said that would count as an additional side so I declined. The Latino server was scared to it the food on the plateI do not blame the hired help.*Prices are not advertised* so when I go to pay and the total comes to $22.56 I started to leave the food right there with the owner instead I gave it to a friend, sad to say I will not be back. I do not mind paying for inflation if the service and food are good but don't give me a $10 plate at best for a family meal and expect the same $$$ I have a huge problem with that⁉ I HOPE THEY READ THIS REVIEW: considering your increased cost your plates should be full 1 pc of ground meat in gravy and a dab of this and that for $17 ain't it a full drink is not included nor the dessert they said yall tightened up, do not let this Durham staple go down like this, its better to bow out gracefully then to decline in what we in the Durham community have known to be great soul did for @ least four generations...