Last but by no means least among my list of 18 New Orleans Eats is the great Willie Mae’s Scotch House which has been serving exceptionally satisfying fried chicken and soul food fixings in a modest home setting since 1957.
The setting might be humble but the menu sure ain’t. “America’s Best Fried Chicken” is the “Hot Item” listed on it – at the very top of the page. With a side of red beans and rice with a cornbread muffin, it certainly is a meal to boast about. I no qualms raving about my Willie Mae’s meal and reckon next time I make it back to NOLA a repeat visit (on an empty stomach) will be in order.
Of course, the claim to have the best comfort food in the land is not unfounded. The restaurant received a James Beard Award for being “America’s Classic Restaurant for the Southern Region” with the Food Network and the Travel Channel naming it “America’s Best Fried Chicken.”
Second to childhood memories of my grandmother’s fried chicken (on Dad’s side), I can’t recollect a better, crispier, juicier, piece of chicken than those three I had at Willie Mae’s.
Willie Mae’s Scotch House is located at 2401 St Ann Street, 70119. Find out more at williemaesnola.com.
Save room for one more post! I’ll be back soon to wrap up my series about New Orleans in 18 Eats.
