SF Chickenbox

Fried chicken is the name of the game at this North Beach takeout counter - and it’s some of the best in SF. And if you happen to be passing by on Broadway, minding your own business, the smell of freshly-fried meat wafting through the air makes it almost physically impossible to stop yourself from stepping into the small spot and ordering some.

The menu here is simple, highlighting the flawless, juicy fried chicken with crisp breading. There are just four fried chicken sandwiches, chicken combination boxes with sides, and a few salads. We love the Original sandwich, which comes with shredded lettuce and house sauce on a fresh, soft bun and nails all the pillars that make a fried chicken sandwich great. In terms of sides, the creamy, refreshing macaroni salad is our favorite by far, but you can also get fries seasoned with Old Bay, steamed white rice, or coleslaw. Walk down the street to the park and enjoy the chicken while people-watching in Washington Square, or take your to-go boxes home to eat in peace.

Food Rundown

photo credit: Susie Lacocque

Original Fried Chicken Sandwich

The fried chicken sandwiches from SF Chickenbox don’t need a mountain of toppings or any excessive bells and whistles to be incredible, and this one is no exception. Well-fried chicken breast, shredded lettuce, a squishy bun, and top-tier house sauce - that’s it. Get this.

photo credit: Susie Lacocque

Big Box

There are three options here when it comes to ordering fried chicken by the piece: the Chicken Box, the Big Box, and the Jumbo. We like the Big Box - it comes with four pieces and two sides, so it’s enough food to share with another person, and you get more variety. Absolutely get the mac salad to go with the crispy chicken. If you show up to a picnic with this box in hand, we can guarantee you’ll be the most popular person in the park.