Best of Ottawa 2020: Chicken and Wings

?After over 20-years writing about life in Ottawa, we think we have a pretty good idea of the best of what this city has to offer. In this weekly series, we share our picks with you — our top hotels, live music venues, local brews, bands and more. Check, share and discuss #OLMBest every week!

Pili Pili Wood Charcoal Grill — 205 Dalhousie Street & 2136 St.Joseph Boulevard

Arguably the most famous chicken restaurant in the city, Pili Pili grills their chicken in a simple, classic and delicious way — with 100% natural hardwood charcoal which gives it its signature smoky, rich taste. Don’t forget to dip the chicken in their house-made pepper sauce for an extra kick of flavour!
Photo: Pili Pili Grilled Chicken

The Fry — 280 Elgin St. &  80 Marketplace Avenue, Unit #16

If you’ve ever wanted to try out Korean-style fried chicken, The Fry is the place! Their delicious chicken comes in a variety of flavours including green onion, soy garlic, spicy, cheese and more. They also offer a variety of unique sides like garlic fries and cheesy corn, and soju!
Photo: The Fry

Foolish Chicken — 79 Holland Avenue

Foolish Chicken is your go-to eatery for finger-licking good BBQ and roasted chicken! The casual setting is comfortable and home-y and it's a great spot if you're craving BBQ, but don’t want to put in the effort to do it yourself.
Photo: Foolish Chicken

TINGZ Restaurant & Bar — 55 York Street

TINGZ is a gem in ByWard Market that you need to check out this summer. Their chicken offerings include jerk chicken platters, three different types of chicken wings, and even jerk chicken-topped macaroni and cheese! Salivating yet?
Photo: ott.eats via Instagram

Zaky Grill & Broast — 1385 Baseline Road, Unit #4

Zaky’s is fresh, halal and, most importantly, DELICIOUS! They serve up their chicken both grilled and broasted. Broasting is a unique way of deep frying the chicken in a pressure cooker and it’s super yummy! Whether you get the chicken on a kebab, in a wrap, or in a burger, you’ll be satisfied.
Photo: Zaky Grill & Broast via UberEats

Crispy’s Burgers & Fried Chicken — 1433 Woodroffe Avenue

If you’re seeking the crispiest chicken in town, the appropriately named Crispy’s has just what you’re looking for. Their fully halal chicken is juicy on the inside and perfect seasoned and crispy on the outside. We love that most of their chicken options are boneless–so easy to eat!
Photo: Crispy’s Burgers & Fried Chicken

Mom’s Chicken — 3059 Carling Avenue

This spot is simple, but perfect for when you’re craving some fried chicken on a tight budget. Mom’s two-piece combo which includes two pieces of chicken, fries, coleslaw and a drink is just $6.99! They also offer their delicious chicken in the form of strips, nuggets and a burger.
Photo: Mom’s Chicken via UberEats

Jerkies Chicken — 105 Mann Avenue

Jerkies is a Carribean and Guyanese fusion spot that is packed with flavour. Whether you order your chicken curried, jerked, or in a roti, you will keep coming back for more. Order your meal with a bottle of Ting on the side to really bring those summery, tropical flavours home!
Photo: Jerkies Chicken

Big Bone BBQ & Wicked Wings — 701 Eagleson Road

If you want to feel like you’ve been transported to the land of BBQ down south, Big Bone is a great option. The team over there specializes in American-style BBQ and their smoked wings are out of this world. Additionally, they have over 20 different sauces and flavourings to choose from ranging from honey barbecue to creamy caesar.
Photo: Big Bone BBQ & Wicked Wings Kanata

India Curry and Kebab House — 39 Rue Clarence Street

Who doesn’t like butter chicken? Curry and Kebab House is as authentic as it gets, with their rich and fragrant recipe that tastes like something you would grow up having at an auntie or grandmother’s house. If you’re craving something a little lighter, their grilled tandoori chicken is another winner.
Photo: livetoeat.to via Instagram