Best Fried Chicken and Wings in Melbourne Right Now

Melbourne’s fried chicken scene is stacked, but these are the spots worth visiting when you’re chasing the city’s best, crunchy, saucy bird.

Melbourne is obsessed with fried chicken, from double-fried Korean wings to Nashville-style hot tenders and towering fried chicken burgers. This guide rounds up the best fried chicken and wings in Melbourne right now, covering CBD icons, neighbourhood joints and late-night bars slinging crispy, juicy birds until close.

Best Fried Chicken Melbourne Overview

• Best fried chicken Melbourne CBD: SamSam Chicken & Beer 
• Best for late-night fried chicken: I Love Chicken
• Best for gluten-free fried chicken: Bird Bang’n Chicken
• Best for neighbourhood fried chicken burgers: Sonny’s Fried Chicken
• Best for old-school fried chicken joint vibes: Juanita’s Peaches

The Best Fried Chicken in Melbourne

1. SamSam Chicken & Beer Melbourne

SamSam Chicken & Beer is a classic Korean fried chicken joint where the brief is simple: big portions, cold beer and plenty of sauce options. Come for the ultra‑crisp, twice‑fried chicken (available as whole or half chickens, wings or boneless pieces) and stay for flavours that range from soy garlic and honey butter through to sweet‑spicy and hot wings.

What to order? Well, you can’t go past the mixed platters and “half‑half” orders, so you can try a couple of sauces in one go, backed up by drinking snacks like chips, tteokbokki, kimchi fries and chicken‑mayo rice bowls. It’s very much a walk‑in, share‑everything vibe in the CBD, with a Box Hill outpost offering the same crunchy fix if you’re on the east side of town, and a Northcote venue for those on the north side.

• Address: 209 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
• Phone: 0451 691 174
• Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30 am–10 pm, Fri & Sat 11.30am-11pm, Sun 11.30am-9pm

2. Juanita’s Peaches

Juanita’s Peaches is a Brunswick neighbourhood diner that keeps the focus tight: fried chicken, burgers, burritos and a few very good sides, all under the same roof as cult doughnut outfit All Day Donuts. The star here, of course, is the fried chicken, jointed and seasoned in-house so it lands at the table with a peppery, craggy crust and meat that’s juicy right to the bone.

You can go all-in with a two-piece or “cookout” box loaded with slaw, fries, gravy and every sauce, or keep it handheld with the much‑loved fried chicken sandwich (which is rated as one of the best chicken burgers in the north). Round things out with a side of poutine and corn chips and salsa, then raid the doughnut cabinet on your way out.

• Address: 12 Edward St, Brunswick VIC 3056
• Phone: (03) 8060 6664
• Opening hours: Fri-Sun 11am-9pm, Mon-Thurs 12pm-9pm

3. Sonny’s Fried Chicken & Burgers

Sonny’s Fried Chicken & Burgers in Carlton are the go-to for southern-style comfort food you want from a pub kitchen, with 24‑hour brined chicken, wings and big, saucy burgers coming out of its home at the John Curtin Hotel. The fried chicken is juicy under a well‑seasoned, craggy coating, and you can have it as classic pieces, tenders or Buffalo wings served with Frank’s hot sauce, celery and blue cheese for a near‑textbook take on the bar staple. If you’re hunting for a bargain, wings night is on Wednesdays from 5pm.

Burger‑wise, the Crispy Chicken and signature Sonny’s Burger (spicy fried chicken with zesty slaw) are the goated, backed up by loaded fries, deep‑fried pickles and some veggie options like the southern fried tofu burger. You can just walk right in, no bookings required. It does skews a little grungy and loud, so if that’s not your vibe or you can’t snag a table, the same menu runs for takeaway and delivery.

• Address: 29 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
• Phone: (03) 9663 6350
• Opening hours: Mon-Sun 12pm-10pm

4. Bird Bang’n Chicken

Bird Bang’n Chicken in Brunswick East is a chicken bistro and bar, not just a takeaway joint, and it shows in the detail. The kitchen overnight‑brines its chicken so it hits the table ridiculously juicy with a shattering, well‑seasoned crust, whether you order classic pieces, tenders, wings or a Nashville‑style hot chicken sandwich.

You pick your spice level and sauces from a tight list, including classic southern, hot, extra‑hot and more, then back it up with sides like mash and gravy, slaw and corn bread, which honestly is just as good as the chicken itself. A big part of the appeal is how friendly it is for gluten‑free diners: the fried chicken is done in a separate fryer, the menu clearly marks GF options and coeliac reviewers consistently call it some of the best gluten‑free fried chicken in Melbourne.

We also love Bird because its wing night every night! Well, almost. Monday through to Thursday you can get bottomless wings, chips and slaw for just $32 per person. Be warned, though: every wing left on the table once you’re done eating will cost you a $1, which is a stellar tactic to save on food waste, if you ask us.

• Address: 179 Weston St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
• Phone: 0456 209 712
• Opening hours: Tues-Thurs 12-9.30pm, Fri-Sat 12-10.30pm, Sun-Mon 12-9pm

5. Buza Chicken

Buza Chicken is a Queen Street spot that punches well above its weight, dishing up some of the Melbourne CBD’s best Korean fried chicken alongside a full line-up of classic Korean comfort food. The kitchen marinates its chicken for at least 12 hours before double-frying, so you get a crunchy coat, with with tender, well-seasoned meat underneath.

What to order? Regulars swear by the house Soy Smoke flavour – a sticky soy-garlic glaze with a hint of smoke – plus the Sweet & Spicy, Snow Cheese and Spring Onion options, all served with bottomless little cubes of pickled radish and shredded cabbage to cut through the richness.

If you’re not just here for wings, there’s plenty to build a full meal around: kimchi fried rice, sizzling beef or spicy chicken bulgogi, cheesy corn and a beer list that makes the chimaek (chicken-and-beer) combo an easy no-brainer.

Buza has grown into a small chain with additional sites in Fairfield, Springvale, Maribyrnong and more, but the original Queen Street restaurant remains the go-to for a Korean fried chicken feast right in Melbourne CBD.

• Address: Shop 3/365 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000
• Phone: 0461 410 769
• Opening hours: Sun-Thur 5.30-11pm, Fri-Sat 5.30pm-12am

6. Jang Gun

Jang Gun is an iconic spot for Korean fried chicken in Melbourne CBD. The menu features classic Korean dishes like bubbling hotpots, bulgogi and kimchi stews, but the fried chicken is the move, coming in whole, half or boneless options with glazes like sweet chilli, fire‑spicy and sticky garlic.

Pair it with banchan, kimchi pancakes and corn cheese if you’re settling in with a group, and a few bottles of soju or Korean beer. Open well past midnight most nights, it’s one of Melbourne’s CBD’s best spots for Korean fried chicken. Just be warned: get there during a peak hour and be prepared to queue. It’s just the name of the game for the best fried chicken.

• Address: 3/21 Healeys Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
• Phone: (03) 9642 0081
• Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 11:45 am–3 pm, 5 pm–12:30 am, Fri-Sat 11:45 am–3 pm, 5 pm–2 am

7. HanBaoBao

HanBaoBao CBD pit-stop turning out hand‑rolled Chinese chicken burgers and fried chicken for loose change prices. The signature move is those steamed, bao‑like buns, rolled in-house and baked to order, wrapped around a thick fried chicken thigh in flavours like Original, Fragrant Spicy or Sichuan Pepper – think KFC crunch but with lighter, fluffier bread and more interesting spice.

Beyond burgers, the menu runs cheap wings, drumettes, popcorn chicken and nuggets, plus sweet potato chips and Portuguese egg tarts, making it easy to build a late‑night feast without blowing the budget. Everything on the core menu is halal, and with two locations – Russell Street open daily until 11.30pm and Elizabeth Street trading even until 1am – perfect for a late-night bite or post bar-hopping feed.

• Address: 369 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000
• Phone: (03) 9848 4904
• Opening hours: 11.30am-1am

8. I Love Chicken

I Love Chicken is a late‑night K‑fried chicken house, bringing family recipes and plenty of soju energy to a tucked-away spot off Lonsdale Street. The kitchen leans into “son-mat” – that home‑style, hand‑made flavour – marinating fresh Australian chicken for around eight hours before frying so it comes out ultra‑crispy with juicy meat underneath.

You can order whole or half chooks, bone‑in pieces or boneless bites in sauces like Honey Soy, Sweet Chilli, Volcano (for spice chasers) and classic Original, with the Half‑and‑Half option a favourite for mixing two flavours on one platter.

The lemon chicken, soups, bibimbap and shoestring fries are also must‑orders, and with the kitchen running until around 2–3am every night, it’s become a go‑to Melbourne CBD spot for Korean fried chicken, beer and soju long after most shops have closed.

• Address: 617 Lonsdale St/39 Rose Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
• Phone: 0481 711 726
• Opening hours: Sat 5pm-3am, Sun 5pm-2am, Mon-Wed 12:30–3 pm, 5 pm–3 am, Thurs-Fri 12.30pm-3am

9. Seven Star Pocha

Seven Star Pocha is a rowdy, neon-lit Korean bar in Chinatown (the OG spot) where the fried chicken and soju are very much the main event. Their Korean-style chicken is boneless by default, double-fried for maximum crunch and served with a choice of sauces like sweet chilli, honey soy, creamy onion and “snowing” cheese powder, plus super-spicy Buldak for those who want a real hit of heat.

The sleeper favourite is the soy sauce and spring onion version, but you can go Half & Half if you’re torn between flavours. The tteokbokki, spicy chicken feet, hotpots, rice balls and corn cheese all must-trys too, and long opening hours plus walk‑in only seating make it a natural choice for late‑night korean fried chicken and drinks in Melbourne CBD.

• Address: Shop H/535 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
• Phone: 0412 278 419
• Opening hours: 12–3:30 pm, 5 pm–3:30 am

You’ll also like:
18 Best Beer Gardens in Melbourne
13 Best Ribs in Melbourne
20 Best Hidden Bars in Melbourne

10. The B.East

The B.East is a wild Brunswick East rec room with a focus on burgers, beers and live music – and the fried chicken fits that brief perfectly. The main drawcard is the Clint Beastwood, a southern fried chicken fillet burger stacked with Westmont pickles, jack cheddar, thousand island sauce and buttermilk slaw; which is known as one of the northside’s essential fried chicken burgers.

If you’re here for wings, Wednesdays are the night to go: their “$1 Wings Wednesday” runs from 12pm until 9pm, dishing up saucy chicken (and vegan) wings in multiple flavours for pocket change. Add loaded fries, mac‘n’cheese bombs and a few house beers, and you’ve basically got the perfect pre‑gig feed before the free live music begins.

• Address: 80 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC
• Phone: +61 3 9036 1456
• Trading hours: Sun-Thurs 12pm-9.30pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-11pm

11. F.A.T Fried & Tasty

F.A.T Fried & Tasty is Brunswick East’s ode to old‑school southern fried chicken. The wings are a highlight: you can get them original, Buffalo (tossed in the in‑house hot sauce with ranch on the side) or “hot hot” if you want serious spice, all with a craggy, well‑seasoned coating that stays crisp even under sauce.

Most chicken orders come with a side, so it makes sense to lean into the diner vibe with their cult poutine (chips, cheese, gravy), mac and cheese, or classic slaw, then maybe push things over the top with chicken and waffles or a thickshake if you’ve still got room.

It’s halal‑friendly (the chicken itself comes from a halal butcher, though pork and alcohol are served on site), and between the hip‑hop soundtrack, orange booths and late‑night hours, it’s an easy choice when you’re craving American-style fried chicken.

• Locations:
  41-47 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
  360 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
• Phone: +61 1300 328 462
• Trading hours: Sun-Thu 11am-9.30pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10.30pm

12. Belles Hot Chicken

Belle’s Hot Chicken is Melbourne’s original Nashville-style hot chicken specialist, and it still pulls some of the longest queues for anyone who likes their fried chicken with serious heat. The chicken is brined, dried and floured before being fried and dusted in one of several spice levels, from no‑chilli Southern and mild “Traveller” up through Hot, Really Hot and the infamous Really F**kin Hot.

You choose your cut – wings by the pound, tenders, drumsticks or the excellent spicy chicken sandwich – then load the tray with Belles Salt fries, house slaw, potato and gravy or Nashy loaded fries, plus a dipping sauce like Mississippi Comeback, ranch or blue cheese.

There are three Melbourne locations to get your fix: the original Gertrude Street diner in Fitzroy, a busy CBD outpost on Elizabeth Street and Little Belles in Docklands, all pouring tap beer and natural wine alongside that trademark orange‑and‑chrome diner fit-out.

• Address: 150 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
• Phone: (03) 9077 0788
• Opening hours: Fri-Sat 11:30 am–9.30pm, Sun-Thurs 11:30 am–9 pm

Why Trust MoM’s Recommendations

This guide combines our own visits with in-depth research, including reviews from trusted food writers and customer feedback. We’ve focused on consistently busy venues, well-rated over time, and known for doing fried chicken as a core part of the menu. Across the list, we’ve looked for a balance of styles (Korean, Nashville, American-style and pub classics), price points and neighbourhoods so you’re not just seeing one pocket of the city. Where possible, we’ve also highlighted useful details like spice levels, gluten-free options, late trading hours and good dishes to order. If you’d like to know more, you can read more about our editorial policy here.

Best Wings & Fried Chicken Melbourne FAQs

Looking for More Than Fried Chicken in Melbourne?

Melbourne is full of incredible places to eat, drink and play! Here are our faves!

Melbourne’s Best Restaurants

• Best Fine Dining in Melbourne
• Cool Restaurants in Melbourne
• Best Korean BBQ in Melbourne
• Best Steak in Melbourne
• Best Italian in Melbourne
• Best Greek in Melbourne

Fun Things to Do in Melbourne

• Fun Things to Do in Melbourne
• Best Live Music Venues in Melbourne
• Best Paintball in Melbourne
• Date Night Ideas Melbourne