I'm not sure what I can say about Gus's that hasn't already been said at this point? It's a simple but beloved place, and while it's now a national chain, the original location was in Mason, Tennessee about an hour from downtown Memphis.

The second location is on Second Street downtown, and you'll usually find a long line, so be prepared to wait. The theme of the restaurant is Fried Things. Gus's has a handful of appetizers aka crispy-fried vegetables, slaw, baked beans, fries, white bread, desserts, more sides, and the main event: fried chicken.

Gus's fried chicken is practically perfect. Under the crispy, greasy skin is tender, juicy meat that's got more than a hint of spice. Expect to use a huge stack of napkins. The chicken definitely worth the wait: the downtown location is almost always packed with hungry Memphians with greasy fingers.

David Meany

You can order Gus's chicken in all sorts of combinations. If you're alone, I recommend the two-piece white meat meal. If you're with someone else or a few someones, you can't go wrong with ordering an Eight-Piece Family Meal and washing it down with some of their ridiculously sweet tea or a 40-ounce beer.

I recommend the Champagne of Beers, a Miller High Life, as perfect pairing to the kick-y chicken.

Go There:

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken