Where to Find the Best Fried Chicken in Thurston County

It's hard to beat your mama’s fried chicken, but if you’re craving golden, crispy fried chicken while exploring Thurston County, we’ve got you covered.

Where to Find Amazing Fried Chicken

Whether you’re a connoisseur of a classic Southern-style fried chicken recipe or looking for a unique twist like Korean Fried Chicken, Thurston County is home to some seriously delicious spots serving up earth-shatteringly crunchy fried chicken.

From hole-in-the-wall gems to beloved local favorites, we’ve rounded up the top places to satisfy your crispy, golden-fried cravings. So, if you’re searching for the “best fried chicken near me,” look no further—your perfect bite is just around the corner!

Fried Chicken in Lacey

Ikonic Wings

1110 Galaxy Dr NE F, Lacey, WA 98516

This veteran- and locally owned spot us a must-stop for fried chicken lovers. Their double-dipped wings are freshly breaded and available in standout flavors like Honey Garlic, Garlic Parmesan, and the bold Dmac’s Badass Buffalo, while their signature “waddles” (twisty potato wedges) and honey butter biscuits round out the comfort food lineup. With a friendly, community-focused vibe and consistently crispy, made-to-order servings, it’s the ideal destination for anyone seeking top-tier fried chicken.

Beau Legs Fish & Chips

8765 Tallon Ln NE suite g, Lacey, WA 98516

Beau Legs Fish & Chips, best known for their southern comfort food and seafood specials, brings a Southern twist with their satisfying Chicken & Waffles plate—two crispy, deep‑fried chicken pieces perched atop a golden waffle, served alongside a side of grits or eggs for a hearty start to any meal. The combo perfectly blends sweet and savory, making it a standout comfort‑food pick for fried‑chicken fans exploring Lacey.

K-Kitchen

4520 Lacey Blvd SE Unit 24, Lacey, WA 98503

This Korean restaurant offers a standout take on Korean fried chicken—crispy, hand‑painted pieces tossed in a sweet‑and‑spicy sauce that perfectly balances crunch and flavor. Boasts of “finger‑licking good” quality from locals elevate this dish into a must‑try comfort food for fried‑chicken enthusiasts looking for a Korean twist.

Fried Chicken in Olympia

Chicory

111 Columbia St NW, Olympia, WA 98501

Chicory hosts its Hot Cha Cha Cha Fried Chicken pop-up on select Fridays—featuring perfectly crisp, Southern-inspired fried chicken and Southern-inspired sides like pimento mac, grits, collard greens, and piping hot hush puppies. This limited-run offering blends Southern comfort with Pacific Northwest farm-to-table flare, making it a can’t-miss plate for fried‑chicken aficionados. Follow their socials for pre-ordering info.

Aya Sushi

1540 Cooper Point Rd SW, Olympia, WA 98502

A sushi restaurant might not be where you expect to find some of the region’s best fried chicken, but Aya Sushi on Olympia’s west side delivers a standout version chicken karaage—bite-sized chicken pieces marinated, lightly coated in potato starch, and fried to a golden, crisp perfection. Served hot and crispy, each bite offers tender juiciness and a satisfying crunch.

Mekong Thai Restaurant

125 Columbia St NW, Olympia, WA 98501

Mekong Thai Restaurant in downtown Olympia features a flavorful Thai fried chicken wings appetizer—crispy, double-fried wings marinated in a fragrant blend of garlic, lemongrass, fish sauce, and spices, creating a succulent interior and crackling exterior. Served with a tangy dipping sauce, these wings offer a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and citrus notes, making them a must-order for fried-chicken fans seeking a taste of Thailand in Thurston County.

Row

208 State Ave NW, Olympia, WA 98501

A row in downtown Olympia serves a colossal Nashville-style fried chicken sandwich on a soft brioche bun, drizzled with hot honey, stacked with bacon, pickles, onion, and mayo, and accompanied by a generous side of their crispy, house-made fries. Locals praise it for nailing that sweet‑and‑spicy balance, making it a top-tier pick for anyone hunting down a bold fried-chicken experience in Olympia.

Cascadia Grille

200 4th Ave W, Olympia, WA 98501

Cascadia’s Creole fried chicken sandwich, where a crisp, well-seasoned chicken breast meets a soft pub-style bun, delivers a juicy bite every time. Marinated in a special Cajun batter and served with “Cajunnaise”, locals consistently praise it as “crispy, tender and flavorful,” noting that it nails the balance of crunch and spice that makes it a standout pick for fried chicken fans.

Fried Chicken in Tumwater

Zen Ramen & Sushi Burrito

3238 Capitol Blvd SE, Tumwater, WA 98501

Zen Ramen Sushi & Burrito in Tumwater dishes up a creative Chicken Tempura Burrito, stuffing crunchy tempura chicken, sushi rice, pickles, jalapeños, crab salad, spicy mayo, and eel sauce into a substantial, handheld fusion roll—a surprising delight for fried‑chicken seekers. And for those hungry for even more, don’t miss their Chicken Tempura Ramen, which layers crisp chicken atop rich broth, or the fried chicken bao—pillowy, bite‑sized buns filled with juicy fried chicken and slaw.

Abe's Waffles

4242 Capitol Blvd SE, Tumwater, WA 98501

Abe’s Waffles, a popular food truck at Tumwater Craft District, serves their Fowl Play—a golden waffle crowned with a crispy fried chicken breast and a generous pour of table syrup, with bacon available as an upgrade for extra indulgence. This sweet-and-salty classic is a beloved fried chicken crowd-pleaser.

Fried Chicken in South Thurston County

Talking Cedar

19770 Sargent Rd SW, Rochester, WA 98579

Talking Cedar, set inside a sprawling distillery-brewpub in Grand Mound just off I‑5, delivers a hearty fried chicken plate that features crispy, made-to-order chicken paired with classic pub sides like mashed potatoes or fries. It’s a comforting, generously portioned option that hits the spot for fried-chicken fans on a road trip through the Thurston Bountiful Byway.

Rainier City Pizza & Burgers

202 Binghampton St, Rainier, WA 98576

Rainier City Pizza & Burgers boasts a diverse lineup of crispy fried chicken wings, including bold options like Garlic Parmesan, Mango Habanero, Korean Barbecue, and classic Buffalo—all double‑fried to juicy perfection. The wings alone are worth the trip for fried‑chicken wing lovers, but don’t sleep on the Chicken Waffle Campfire Sandwich either.

The Local

307 E Yelm Ave, Yelm, WA 98597

The Local in Yelm serves up a hearty Chicken Fried Chicken plate that features a juicy, breaded chicken breast smothered in rich house-made country gravy and paired with smashed baby red potatoes. This comforting Southern-inspired meal delivers exactly the cozy, stick-to-your-ribs goodness fried-chicken fans crave.

The Masonry Cafe

103 / 105 E Yelm Ave, Yelm, WA 98597

Masonry Cafe in Yelm serves up a crave-worthy Chicken and Waffles Sandwich—a fluffy waffle sandwiching a crispy fried chicken filet, drizzled with their signature hot‑honey maple sauce that elevates the sweet‑savory combo to indulgent heights. Available for both breakfast and lunch, this chicken sammy offers a satisfying balance of crunch, sweetness, and spice.

The Grill at 507

608 E Yelm Ave, Yelm, WA 98597

The Grill at 507 in Yelm elevates its crispy chicken wings by sourcing fresh chicken from nearby Stewart’s Meats, ensuring quality in every bite. Available in a variety of finger-licking sauces, we recommend an order tossed in their signature umami-rich sauce.