Tracking Down The Best Fried Chicken Sandwich - A Quest

I've been stalling on this post for awhile. Mainly, I was thinking that it's the start of a new year and with that comes lots of amped-up ideas about exercising more and eating less - less "bad" stuff at least. So I thought no one really needs to read about my quest to find the best fried chicken sandwich.

But I don't often write about what you "need" because it's more fun to write about what you "want". And sometimes what you want is to suspend any ideas about good vs bad food and just simply enjoy a delicious sandwich. 

I grew up in the South, so I know a thing or two about good fried chicken. But what I've learned here in the SF Bay Area, is how quickly good becomes great with the addition of fresh, top-notch ingredients.

All 3 of the sandwich makers listed here understand that concept and they are on my favorites list because of it.

Say BakeSale Betty out loud and everyone within earshot will moan and for good reason. Their tender chicken fillets fried in olive oil and served on a big, chewy roll with a vinegar-based, jalapeno-laced coleslaw ensures there's always a line out the door. 

Gregoire makes so many yummy sandwiches you'll be hard-pressed to choose just one. But trust me, you'll want to try the fried buttermilk chicken with spicy coleslaw on a sweet roll at least once. And while you're tossing dietary caution to the wind, order the crispy potato puffs too! They are basically deep-fried mashed potato balls, but there's nothing "basic" about the taste. They are light and fluffy and delicious and you are going to hate me for telling you.

The problem with this place - other than non-existent parking of course, is they don't offer fried chicken every day. They do publish a menu on their website so you can check it out before you make the trek. If you see the Dogpatch Millionaire - Indian-inspired fried chicken sandwich, with garam masala honey, spicy cabbage and coriander, I suggest you hustle on over to SF because that is one of my top favorites.

Tops so far at least. I don't really see a reason to rush to declare a winner - not yet.