Discover the best fried chicken in Iowa City: The top 5 spots for comfort and soul food

On the walls at Sugapeach Chicken and Fish Fry, the wall reads, “Comfort food relaxes, soul food inspires,” and in Iowa City, residents and visitors don’t have to look far to find comfort and soul food classics. Whether you are craving traditional southern flavors or the spicy kick of Korean-style wings, there's something to satisfy every fried chicken enthusiast.

Here are the five best places for fried chicken in the greater Iowa City area.

The Dandy Lion

While fried chicken might be best known as a lunch or dinner option, the Dandy Lion offers the dish at brunch in the chicken biscuit, a standout on the luncheonette's Southern-inspired menu. The sandwich uses a house-breaded thigh served on a buttermilk biscuit with honey-maple hot sauce, which adds a sweet and spicy kick.

Location: 111 S Dubuque St., Iowa City

Contact: 319-358-6400 or @thedandylionic

Eastwood’s on Main

Eastwood’s on Main in Solon exudes an old-school charm to accompany a menu filled with comfort food. The main standout from the menu is the broasted chicken, a traditional method to the Midwest, a unique twist on the classic Southern favorite. The broasted chicken is available in a two- or three-piece combo for $9 and $11, served with potato wedges and coleslaw. In addition to being a great deal, the chicken has a distinct savory flavor with moist and tender chicken.

Location: 106 E. Main St., Solon

Contact: 319-624-5115 or Eastwood's Sports Bar on Facebook

La Wine

Located on Burlington Street, La Wine is a must-stop for a different fried chicken experience. La Wine serves Korean food from bubble tea to kimbap, but the true standout is the Korean fried chicken. In recent years, Korean fried chicken has become all the rage, and it's easy to see why. At La Wine, various combo options include well-sized wings, Portobello mushroom fries, and French fries. The fried chicken wings start with crunch and then develop into flavorful juice and a mild spice at the end, a whole lifespan of flavor. La Wine doesn't just do wings, but whole and half chicken.

Location: 180 E. Burlington St., Iowa City

Contact: 319-519-6999 or La Wine Bar on Facebook

Royceann's Soul Food

Royceann's Soul Food is owned by current Johnson County Board of Supervisors member Royceann Porter, who opened one of the first businesses in the South District Market in March 2023. Royceann's Soul Food boosts a menu filled with traditional southern flavors inspired by Porter's childhood. The menu is straightforward and offers three fried chicken wings with two sides, like collard greens, candied yams, and mac and cheese. The menu doesn't stop at fried chicken but also has something to satisfy sweet cravings, like banana pudding and strawberry cheesecake. Royceann's Soul Food also offers catering options for events with a more expansive menu.

Location: 947 US-6, Iowa City

Contact: 319-321-2779 or Royceann's Soul Food on Facebook

Sugapeach Chicken & Fish Fry

In 2016, Sugapeach Chicken and Fish Fry opened in North Liberty. Since then, it has been a fan favorite for bringing soul food to North Liberty. Sugapeach offers a wide variety of fried chicken and fish for traditional soul food connoisseurs in a cafeteria-style setting. The chicken is crisp yet juicy, with the breading strongly adhering to the meat; with barbeque sauce and signature hot sauce, Fin and Beak, can be added to give the chicken an added kick. The restaurant offers traditional sides like coleslaw and mac and cheese. In addition, Sugapeach has house-made lemonades that pair perfectly with the main dish, transporting diners to the south.

Location: 650 Pacha Pkwy. #1, North Liberty

Contact: 319-826-1809 or Sugapeach Chicken & Fish Fry on Facebook

Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at [email protected] or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: The top 5 restaurants for fried chicken in Iowa City