'King Of Fried Chicken' Opens New Location On 95th Street

OAK LAWN, IL — Oak Lawn offers a new option where third shifters, insomniacs and late night merrymakers can grab a snack or a meal after the bars close. Harold’s Check opened June 2 in the former Cupid Candies space at 4709 W. 95th St. in Oak Lawn’s Green Oak Shopping Center.

The Oak Lawn franchise is owned by Antoine Washington, who also owns the Harold’s Chicken and Sports Bar, 16200 S. Cicero Ave., Oak Forest (Cicero Avenue and 162nd Street).

Harold’s is an institution, especially on Chicago’s South Side, and is considered by many to be the “king of fried chicken.” The original Harold’s Chicken Shack was found 75 years ago by the late Harold Pierce near 47th Street and Kenwood, where he worked as a chauffeur, and mainly out of necessity, as most of the big fast food franchises avoided Black neighborhoods.

“This is the official Harold’s Chicken, not one of those bootleg knock-offs,” say The Black Foodies, food influences which review and showcase Black-owned restaurants in the Chicago area. “Brand new location, same great classic Harold’s delicious fried chicken! The tradition continues.”

The Oak Lawn location serves all of Harold’s classic “yard bird” dishes, all uniquely prepared with its signature golden batter.

Harold’s Chicken is known both for its uniquely prepared chicken and for the unique experience upon entering one of the restaurants. The Oak Lawn location serves all Harold’s classic “yard bird” dinners – quarter and half dark and white, mixed buckets, wing buckets and tenders, and that delicacies of delicacies – gizzards and livers.

Harold’s also carries fish dinners – catfish, perch, shrimp, fish buckets and single piece catfish and perch. Every meal includes fries and coleslaw, along with Harold’s special hot sauce. You can also get okra.

Chicken and fish dinners average around $9.99, Chicken buckets range from $15.99 (8-piece) to $42.99 for a 24-piece mixed bucket. Fish dinners range from $9.99 to $17.99 for large shrimp, fish combos, and 12-piece catfish and perch buckets for $30 and $34, respectively.

Harold's Chicken Shack, 4709 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn, is open from 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to midnight, Sunday. The Oak Lawn location also offers catering and a food truck. Call them at 708-741-7907.