Decatur’s Newest Fried Chicken Haven: Mothers Best
Attention, food lovers of Decatur! There’s a new spot in town that’s about to make your taste buds tingle. After successfully delighting crowds with delicious pop-ups at the S.O.S. Tiki Bar and Sceptre Brewing, Mothers Best Fried Chicken officially opens its doors on December 6, taking over the former Calle Latina space. But don’t worry, Calle Latina has just moved down the street, so you can still get your favorite munchees!
Fried Chicken Like You’ve Never Had Before
Mothers Best is not just another fried chicken joint; it’s a nostalgic dive into some of the best Southern comfort food you can imagine. This place promises to serve up chicken made with a super-secret 14-spice blend – yes, you read that right, one spice more than KFC uses! And you can dig into it as tenders for $12, in a sandwich for $12, or even grab a bucket that ranges from $25 to $85, complete with bread, sauces, and sides.
According to Ean Camperlengo, one of the masterminds behind this delicious venture alongside Ross Winecoff, “We brine our chicken, spice it, season our flour and buttermilk, and add our signature seasoning on the outside of the chicken after frying.” With a recipe that brings layers of flavor to the table, this fried chicken experience promises to top your fast-food faves.
What’s the Secret to Their Yummy Chicken?
So what makes this fried chicken so special? Well, the not-so-secret ingredient is a sprinkle of brown sugar, which caramelizes beautifully to add depth and richness. But wait, there’s more! There’s hot sauce, fresh thyme, garlic, and soy sauce thrown into the mix for that extra umami kick!
Camperlengo reminisces about growing up in New Orleans, where fried chicken dinners from places like Popeye’s were a cherished tradition. “Mom is a cook, the leader of the household,” he reflects, “We want to invoke happy memories and good-time feelings.” And it sounds like they’re well on their way to doing just that at Mothers Best!
Menu Highlights: More Than Just Chicken
When it comes to menu options, you’re in for a treat! Their fried chicken comes with a crispy outer layer and a tender inside that’s just begging to be devoured. The fried-chicken sandwiches even use breast meat served on thick-cut, Southern-style Engelman’s white bread, all buttered and toasted up with a drizzle of Mom Sauce and some thick-cut pickles.
What’s in this magical Mom Sauce? Think a blend of your favorite fast-food dipping sauces, combining the sweet touch of Chick-fil-A with the peppery zing of Raising Cane’s and a squeeze of Cajun flair. On the sides, you can expect thick crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, red beans, and Spice Rice – Camperlengo’s version of Popeye’s Dirty Rice. Vegetarian options are also in the pipeline, with fried cauliflower on the way!
A Cozy Bar Experience
For those looking to sip on something as they munch, don’t worry; Mothers Best will soon have a small bar menu to tantalize your taste buds even further. While still waiting for their alcohol permit, they’re working on fun cocktail offerings. For example, the Brickey Blast – named after the restaurant’s mascot Brickey the Chickey – is an adult twist on the classic Baja Blast, mixing honeydew-infused rum, pineapple juice, and a Creole shrub. Sounds refreshing, right?
The space itself is designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia, with quirky decor including salvaged booths from an old Huddle House and a few vintage treasures lining the walls. Plus, the bar area can only fit about four stools, which means you can cozy up, grab a drink, and dive into some classic Nintendo 64 gaming while you wait for your meal!
Speedy Takeout Available!
For those on the go, Mothers Best provides a convenient takeout window to grab your favorites without the wait. “The goal was to develop a fried-chicken restaurant that’s better than what people are exposed to, but with a level of hospitality added,” Camperlengo says. So, if you’re in Decatur and searching for a mouthwatering fried chicken experience, you’re in luck. Grab your friends, family, or just yourself – Mothers Best Fried Chicken is ready to serve up some happiness on a plate!
