A Shout Out!
I want to give a shout out to one of the best chicken joints in Memphis that most of its citizens have never heard of. Riko's has been around for several years yet is never mentioned in the media for its fried chicken. In fact, I don't believe most Midtowners know what a gem of a restaurant that they have.
What I love about Riko's fried chicken is the flavor. It has a nice combination of salt, cayenne and other unique ingredients that gives it a taste that's comparable to chicken royalty like Gus's and Uncle Lou's. It's spicy (or "kickin'") in a way that is captivating but not overwhelming, encased in a thin coat of breading that isn't overly crispy (I never worry about dropping a lot of crumbs on the floor). To me, it's clearly some of the best fried chicken in Memphis, holding its own with the likes of Jack Pirtle's and The Four Way.
In addition to tasting great, what I like about Riko's is the value. Usually, I order my chicken through apps like Uber Eats or DoorDash who charge a hefty fee for delivery. As you can see in the picture, I got the Four Piece Legs & Thighs that cost $4.99. After adding fries for $2.99, my order cost much less than most fast food restaurants. My bill, including tip, was under fifteen dollars (this cost will vary depending on proximity to the restaurant). That's only a few dollars less than chicken joints like KFC and Popeyes. The only caveat is that Riko's "kickin' chicken" is rarely available to order (despite its lack of notoriety, the restaurant seemingly has its share of fans). However, I always check it just in case a bit of luck is hovering over me. Of course, you can dine in at Riko's itself in its small dining area if you're out and about (which would be really cool if the trolleys were running on Madison Avenue; Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) is a mess). Anyway, that's my two cents about Riko's Kickin Chicken. I hope more people discover this wonderful place.
NOTE: In addition to fried chicken, Riko's also offers chicken wings, fried catfish, burgers and even tacos (giving its neighbor Los Comales a little competition). Although I haven't had any of this, I'm confident that they are as good as the fried chicken.
Check out Riko's Kickin' Chicken on
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