This Is Where To Get The Best Fried Chicken In Virginia

By Jason Hall

August 12, 2021

Basket of fried chicken
Photo: Getty Images

A local favorite has been named as the best fried chicken spot in Virginia.

Mama J's was included among Mashed's list of the best fried chicken in every state, which was published earlier this year.

Mama J's, which is located at 415 N 1st Street in Richmond, promises "homecooking just the way you like it," with an a la carte menu that allows customers to mix and mash dishes.

The restaurant's namesake, Velma Johnson, has been recognized as an award-winning chef, having been featured on numerous other lists including Thrillist.com's "Best Restaurants in America to Try Before You Die."

"The state of Virginia simply doesn't have better fried chicken than what can be found at Mama J's," Mashed's Kori Ellis writes. Their fried chicken is so phenomenal that you'll struggle to go to any other restaurant in the city of Richmond. When you order the fried chicken at Mama J's, you get to pick either white meat or dark meat. Plus, you can pick between dinner rolls and corn muffins. Reviews for this eatery in Virginia are routinely outstanding, with satisfied patrons pointing to the great service and, of course, the great food."

Here is Mashed's full list of the best fried chicken in every state:

  1. Alabama- Martin's Restaurant
  2. Alaska- Lucky Wishbone
  3. Arizona- Bobby-Q
  4. Arkansas- Monte Ne Inn Chicken Restaurant
  5. California- South
  6. Colorado- Juniper Valley Ranch
  7. Connecticut- Black-Eyed Sally's Southern Kitchen & Bar
  8. Delaware- Kick n' Chicken
  9. Florida- The Regional
  10. Georgia- Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room
  11. Hawaii- Shiro's Saimin Haven
  12. Idaho- Honey Eatery and Social Club
  13. Illinois- Evanston Chicken Shack
  14. Indiana- Fireside Inn
  15. Iowa- Bubba
  16. Kansas- Hays House Restaurant
  17. Kentucky- Merrick Inn Restaurant
  18. Louisiana- Willie Mae's Scotch House
  19. Maine- Figgy's Takeout
  20. Maryland- The Food Market
  21. Massachusetts- Brassica Kitchen + Café
  22. Michigan- Green Dot Stables
  23. Minnesota- Brass Rail
  24. Mississippi- Old Country Store
  25. Missouri- Grace Meat + Three
  26. Montana- Roost Fried Chicken
  27. Nebraska- Jack & Mary's Restaurant
  28. Nevada- The Black Sheep
  29. New Hampshire- Puritan Backroom
  30. New Jersey- Treesy's Soul Food Café
  31. New Mexico- Loyal Hound
  32. New York- Bobwhite Counter
  33. North Carolina- Dame's Chicken and Waffles
  34. North Dakota- Brew Bird
  35. Ohio- Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey
  36. Oklahoma- Eischen's Bar
  37. Oregon- FOMO Chicken
  38. Pennsylvania- Bud & Marilyn's
  39. Rhode Island- Winner Winner
  40. South Carolina- Edmund's Oast
  41. South Dakota- The Keg
  42. Tennessee- Prince's Hot Chicken
  43. Texas- Frenchy's Chicekn
  44. Utah- Pretty Bird
  45. Vermont- Nectar's
  46. Virginia- Mama J's
  47. Washington- King's Hardware
  48. West Virginia- Olde Country Diner
  49. Wisconsin- Bassett Street Brunch Club
  50. Wyoming- Pitchfork Fondue
Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.