Mobile County is no stranger to fried chicken restaurants. One of the best is a locally owned chain, Hart’s Fried Chicken. The long lines that grace its drive-thru each day at lunch are a telltale sign of its quality.
History of Hart’s Fried Chicken
Hart’s was founded in 1964 by LS Hartzog. According to Hart’s official website, Mr. Hartzog owned several bakeries and over 150 restaurants including Wendy’s and KFC. He even developed the pressure frying system used in KFC restaurants.
In 1972, his brother-in-law and VP of operations, Wayne Johnson, bought the Hart’s Fried Chicken stores in Mobile. The company has been in the Johnson family ever since. There are currently 4 locations remaining in Mobile County, including one in Saraland.
The Menu
The menu at Hart’s Fried Chicken is similar to most other fried chicken restaurants. They offer white and dark meat bone-in chicken that can be ordered in various pieces. They also offer an excellent spicy version.
Sides include tater tots, slaw, potato salad, baked beans, mashed potatoes, and rolls. The tater tots are nothing special. However, Hart’s is one of the few places to offer them and theirs is pretty good. To me, the baked beans are the standout side. Hart’s has some of the best-baked beans in Mobile County.
My favorite item on their menu has to be the chicken tenders. In my opinion, Hart’s Fried Chicken has the best chicken tenders in Mobile County. Better than Foosackly’s, better than Raisin’ Canes, better than anyone else’s. The best.
Hart’s is one of the few places in town where you can still order chicken livers and gizzards. Other options include shrimp and tilapia.
My typical order is the spicy chicken tender dinner with baked beans and tater tots.
Final Thoughts
Hart’s Fried Chicken is a local institution. The only negative I will point out is the wait in the drive-thru. The smell of that delicious fried chicken as you wait to place your order can be torture! The fact that the line is wrapped around the building is a testament to their popularity.
The quality of the food is almost always high. What sets Hart’s apart is the breading on their chicken, especially their tenders. It is a step above the other local chicken joints. With 60 years of tradition, that is not a surprise.
So if you haven’t already, give Hart’s Fried Chicken a try. You will not only get some delicious fried chicken, but also be tasting a piece of Mobile history.