Five Suburban Chicago Fried Chicken Faves

Evanston Chicken Shack serves a boldly seasoned, crispy bird. [Photographs: Jennifer Olvera]

Is there anyone out there who doesn't love ridiculously crisp fried chicken? My fascination began as a girl, when we docked our boat in a marina near Starved Rock—a.k.a. the fried chicken corridor, where career servers dished up battered birds in supper club environs. And they still do, throughout LaSalle and Bureau Counties. Sure there's plenty of good grub to be had, from Smitty's Place to Lanuti's and Annie's Hide-a-Way.

Fortunately, there are also a handful of fine poultry purveyors just outside city limits.

Check out five of my favorite fried chicken finds in Suburban Chicago by clicking on the slideshow.

• Evanston Chicken Shack
• Hecky's Barbecue
• Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket
• White Fence Farm
• Rip's Tavern