Fried chicken is one of the nation’s favourite fast foods. It’s 3am, you’re staggering to the bus stop after one too many drinks, and you need something to perk you up. If you’re not in the mood for a donner kebab or a Maccies, your mind is probably going to fried chicken! But don’t rush off to KFC, because there are so many options to choose from. Here are our top three choices for where to get those little strips of battered goodness after a night on the town in Birmingham.

3. Mr Egg

Don’t tell anyone, but the Mr Egg we know today is not the same one as the Birmingham institution of yesteryear. But it’s okay, the legend lives on, and we can only thank the universe for bringing it back in whatever form it can. The food joint of choice for all visitors to the Glee Club (and even a few Hippodrome patrons), this place has gone beyond the egg and chips of the past, and now serves spicy chicken wings, strips, and popcorn, and wraps and burgers as well. Lament the passing of the original Mr Egg, but be happy that it lives on to serve drunk customers still.

20 Hurst St, Birmingham B5 4BN

2. Bonehead

This is no traditional fried chicken restaurant. The dark walls, neon lighting, and posters make Bonehead look like a mix between a music venue and a skate shop. You might miss it if you keep to the main streets of the city centre, but it’s worth seeking out. Despite closing for 2 years over the pandemic, they opened back up in April this year and returned with a bang. They serve an array of wings as well as legs, thighs, strips, and breasts. Enjoy some classic buttermilk fried chicken tender strips in either a mild original seasoning or a heat-feast of Nashville hot sauce. They also serve fried chicken burgers in five different varieties, and after just looking out the beauty of their Instagram page, you will have no choice but to order one. If your vegan friend is out with you, they can still join in with their cauli-wings or cauli-burger, and don’t forget the dips! Who’s up for some dragon dip?

8 Lower Severn St, Birmingham B1 1PU

1. Broad Street’s Dixy Chicken

Dixy Chicken was established in 1986 by two British Pakistanis who wanted to create a halal fast food spot, and it has now grown into a global brand, serving delicious fried chicken to 10 countries. But you don’t care about that. You know Dixy’s, you’ve eaten at Dixy’s, and you’re thinking “why is a chain restaurant on this list?” Well, because the Dixy Chicken on Broad Street is more than just a fried chicken restaurant, it is a Birmingham icon. Coming here after a night out is up there with shopping at the Bull Ring and hooking up in Snobs (then going to Mr Egg, of course). You simply cannot say you’ve been out in the city without dropping by this place. It’s truly an experience that you have to see to believe. Is the food good? Don’t worry about it.

Birmingham Central, 230 Broad St, Birmingham B15 1AY