Discover the Best Fried Chicken in Marion, Illinois

If you’re visiting Marion, Illinois, you might be surprised to find top-notch fried chicken at multiple restaurants in the area. Each restaurant puts its own spin on the classic dish, which means you can enjoy an array of flavors while in town. Southern Illinois is well known in the Midwest for making delicious barbecue, so stopping here for fried chicken is well worth your time. Whether you want a simple lunch or a family-style dinner, Marion has a barbecue restaurant for you. Here are some of the best local restaurants famous for their fried chicken.

Riley’s Smokehouse

“Fried Chicken” used with permission via Unsplash by tigerrulezzz

Riley’s Smokehouse is a local restaurant in Marion that prepares an array of classic barbecue dishes. You can order their chicken wings, which they smoke on the grill, in various flavors. Some flavors include the original dry rub, buffalo, mild, and the best-selling mango jalapeno flavor. If you’re in a hurry, you can order ahead or go through the drive-thru to enjoy these iconic chicken dishes. However, if you stop to eat inside, you can enjoy a family-style environment and some delicious barbecue. They’re open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day except Sunday.

KB’s BBQ

If you stop at KB’s BBQ, you can expect all the classic barbecue dishes. This restaurant offers ribs, pork chops, and fried chicken. However, the fried chicken is served exclusively on Monday nights after 5 pm. You can enjoy the Monday special, which includes a quarter of a chicken and sides of your choice. This restaurant has been preparing barbecue since 1998. KB’s BBQ offers large portions and uses traditional techniques like hand-smoking to make delicious barbecue for locals and visitors alike. You might enjoy KB’s BBQ if you want a classic, home-cooked meal.

Andresen’s Cafe

Andresen’s Cafe is a popular local joint in Johnston City, Illinois, just six miles north of Marion. They serve breakfast and lunch daily and dinner from Wednesday to Friday. If you want to stop at Andresen’s, plan ahead. This restaurant opened in 1927 and has been in the exact location ever since. It has a classic diner feel, and it transports visitors back to another time. If you choose to enjoy the ambiance here, you can enjoy generational recipes and home-cooked food. Andresen’s Cafe offers country-style fried chicken on its extensive menu.

Kokopelli Golf Clubhouse Restaurant

The Kokopelli Golf Course has an on-site restaurant that provides lunch and dinner. You can expect a classy environment while enjoying their fried chicken if you dine here. Consider making a reservation during a holiday, like Thanksgiving, Easter, or Mother’s Day to enjoy the restaurant’s themed, buffet-style meals. You can take in views of the golf course while enjoying your chicken. This barbecue is served in a different atmosphere than the local dives, so you might enjoy the change of pace at the Kokopelli Golf Course.

17th Street Barbecue

17th Street Barbecue has two locations in Illinois. If you visit the Marion location, you can plan to order ahead or drive through to get your food. They offer appetizers, salads, and signature barbecue sandwiches. 17th Street has been featured on television due to the quality of its barbecue. If you keep thinking about the fried chicken after trying this restaurant, you can order food or sauce to be delivered right to your front door. The large portions and plentiful seating make 17th Street Barbecue a restaurant for groups or families.

Gabby & Granny’s Kitchen

If you visit Marion over the weekend, consider stopping at Gabby & Granny’s Kitchen for some fried chicken. Only open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, this local restaurant offers all-you-can-eat options for affordable, family-style dining. This family-owned, five-star restaurant provides a comfortable, cozy atmosphere for customers. To enjoy this high-quality food and customer service, be sure to plan your visit so you can enjoy the food over the weekend.

Triple E Bar-B-Q II

One of three locations, Triple E Bar-B-Q II in Marion, Illinois, is a local favorite. The menu features classic fried appetizers like fried green beans, fried mushrooms, and fried pickles. They serve sandwiches and meal deals, and the fried chicken here is served with two sides of your choosing. If you want, you can also enjoy dessert at Triple E. The atmosphere is reminiscent of another time, and the portions are sure to satisfy. If you’re going to try all three Triple E locations, you only have to travel a few miles outside Marion in either direction.

Lord of the Wings

Lord of the Wings is a chicken-based restaurant that offers chicken wings and fried chicken sandwiches. The restaurant provides a variety of sauces to accompany your fried chicken. You can choose the flavor and spice level best for your palate. Depending on your preference, you can order your wings with or without the bone.

Marion, Illinois, and the surrounding areas have many different barbecue restaurants that offer high-quality, fresh, and delicious fried chicken. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, you can find fried chicken at many establishments, each with its own flavor, atmosphere, and choice of sides. If you know of another restaurant that serves some of the best tasting fried chicken in Marion that isn’t mentioned here, get in touch with us at VW of Marion. Sharing your recommendations helps us improve our list of the best fried chicken in town.