Convenience Big Store: 🍗 Fried chicken spot closes-ish

Happy New Year! I have no clue what your resolutions are for 2024, but one of them should be checking in more with your favorite food team in Houston. Speaking of which ...

We all got together to discuss our favorite fried chicken places in town. You'll find some familiar institutions in our talk, including Frenchy's and Barbecue Inn. You'll also find some real hidden gems too, like Choong Man Chicken and House of Bowls. See? Something for everyone!

- John-Henry Perera, food editor

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For Starters

Garlic soy chicken at Choong Man Chicken.

Where to find the best fried chicken in Houston

From local restaurants to national fast-food chains, the Chron Food team discusses it all.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 29: TikTok food reviewer Keith Lee is interviewed after attending a game between the New York Liberty and the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena on June 29, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Aces defeated the Liberty 98-81. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Houston ranks high in Keith Lee's 2023 list

The viral food critic loved H-Town when he visited in November.

Russell Roegels, owner of Roegels Barbecue Co. at 2223 S. Voss pulls sausages out of the smoker. Roegels is among the Houston restaurant owners who are grappling with ways to stay in business since Harris Country enters 15-days of limiting service to only take-out and pick-up.

Pitmaster saves firehouse's Christmas dinner

When an emergency call thwarted Christmas dinner prep, a Houston pitmaster came to the rescue.

Janel Prator, owner of The Puddery, center, poses with Ronni and Keith Lee at her Pearland shop.

Owner: Viral dessert shop manifested its success

From Keith Lee to lines out the door, The Puddery has experienced quite a journey.

A group with Houston Asiatown Tours poses in front of Teo Chew Temple in west Houston.

Ultimate 'cheat sheet' to our food scene

Take a tour, play bingo, eat amazing East and South Asian grub.

Astros third baseman Alex Bregman was spotted placing a to-go order ahead of the holiday rush.

All the celebs who've visited Trill Burgers

Alex Bregman, Drake, Shaq and more have been seen there.

Fried chicken spot closes, but it's not over yet

Known for its unbelievable crunch, Dak & Bop is leaving its unique Timbergrove digs for something more familiar: its old stomping grounds.

Last Bite

Here's what else is going on in the fun and wild world of Houston food and beverage:

-- I haven't been to the MarqE in ages, but things are still shuffling around in there. Austin pizzeria chain Aviator Pizza is set to make its Houston debut at the Spring Branch outlet along with a bunch of other businesses.

-- Beer isn't the only thing Houston's making. Ruvani de Silva picked out five distilleries in town that are producing spirits such as bourbon and amaro.

-- PrimoHoagies is opening another Houston location come Jan. 11, apparently inspired by the success of their first location (their words, not mine). From what I've heard, it's a good approximation of the Philadelphia hoagie experience.

-- Montrose's popular The Pit Room is expanding to Memorial City, according to a press release. The second location boasts a 2,610-square foot patio, a sausage grinding station and an ice cream sandwich bar.