Last year was a big year for the humble fried chicken sandwich. Popeyes added one to its menu this past summer and sold out in two weeks, sparking a viral Twitter battle with rival Chick-fil-A. Fans finally got another taste of the creation on November 3rd — a Sunday, when Chick-fil-A was conveniently closed. Meanwhile, McDonald’s is trying to get in on the action by testing its own crispy chicken sandwich in Houston and Knoxville this upcoming winter. Though Hoboken residents can’t conduct their own comparisons in town, there are still plenty of crispy, juicy chicken sandwiches to go around. Read on for a list of Hoboken restaurants that serve their own takes on one of this year’s most unexpected food trends.
Spicy Ranch Sandwich at Bareburger | 515 Washington Street
The organic burger chain recently tagged Popeyes in an Instagram photo of this juicy-looking chicken sandwich. Buttermilk-fried organic chicken breast is piled with uncured, all-natural smoked bacon, tomatoes + pickled jalapenos, smothered in organic ranch dressing and Mike’s hot honey, and sandwiched between a brioche bun. If the heat isn’t for you, try one of the restaurant’s other two fried chicken sandwiches: the Santa Fe or the Buttermilk Buffalo.
See More: Where to Find Late-Night Desserts in Hoboken + Jersey City
Home-Style Chicken Sandwich at Grubbs Take Away | 418 Washington Street
(Photo credit: @grubbstakeaway)
Hoboken’s classic fast-food joint {which has recently expanded to Jersey City} lists 10 chicken sandwiches on its menu, and most are available grilled or fried. This one comes with the standard mayo, lettuce, and tomato on a brioche bun.
Jerzey Jezebel at Tony Boloney’s | 263 1st Street
There are quite a few fried-chicken subs buried in Tony Boloney’s massive menu, including the Shoobie {smoked bacon, ranch dressing, fresh mutz, lettuce, and tomato} and the Diving Buffalo {buffalo sauce, blue cheese crumble, fresh mutz, ranch, and celery}. Like most Tony Boloney creations, the Jerzey Jezebel is over the top. It’s got Nashville fried chicken, sour dill pickles, smoked white cheddar, dill aioli, and slaw, all piled on an Atlantic City sub roll.
Hoboken at Zack’s | 232 Willow Avenue
(Photo credit: @zacksoakbarandrestaurant)
This neighborhood tavern named its chicken sandwich after Hoboken, so you know it has to be good. A fancier alternative to the fast-food options listed here, this version gets extra crunch and flavor from fresh Fuji apple coleslaw and a hot honey drizzle.
Buffalo Chicken Sandwich at Carpe Diem | 1405 Grand Street
(Photo credit: @carpediemhoboken)
Locals know this pub has some of the best wings around, but the chicken sandwich is not to be overlooked. The meat is lightly breaded and tossed in house-made buffalo sauce, then topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and chunky blue cheese dressing. Pair it with the sweet potato fries for a top-notch meal.
Read More: A French Fries Tour of Downtown Jersey City
Chicken Sandwich at The Shepherd & the Knucklehead | 1313 Willow Avenue
(Photo credit: @theshep_hoboken)
ICYMI, The Shep has 60 beers on tap, trivia, live music, and a delicious chicken sandwich. Nothing fancy here: just fried or grilled chicken breast topped with lettuce, tomato, onions, oil, and vinegar. Simple, yet tasty.
Bonus
Sando at The House of Hot Chicken | Newark Ave Pedestrian Plaza
View this post on Instagram
This spot serves Nashville-style chicken. Order their “Sando” menu option, as it is a sandwich that includes crispy chicken breast, pickles, coleslaw, and their SOSauce on a brioche bun. You also have the option to choose how spicy you want your chicken sandwich to be.
Have you tried one of these chicken sandwiches around town? Which was your favorite? Let us know in the comments! 
Did you know: We started a podcast about all things news and lifestyle in Hoboken + Jersey City! Listen to the latest episode of Tea on the Hudson here and subscribe.
We release new episodes every Tuesday!
