What Are The Best Fried Chicken Joints Near Scotts Valley? (P.S. Happy Belated 'Fried Chicken Day')

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA – Did you celebrate "National Fried Chicken Day" on Thursday? We missed it - didn't know it existed, to be honest.

But we've pulled things together today in case you wish to belatedly celebrate. And below are the restaurants in the Santa Cruz County area with the best fried chicken, according to Yelp reviewers. Read the diners' comments and see if you agree.

Did we miss your favorite? Let us know in the comments ...

And for future reference, National Fried Chicken Day is observed each year on July 6th. More on that here.
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Betty’s Eat Inn - 1222 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95060

"I came to yelp looking for fried chicken and it led me to Betty's. The fried chicken was amazing on Cali standards. Being from Louisiana, it was good fried chicken on my standards. ... So if you are in Santa Cruz and looking for fried chicken this is probably the best fried chicken around."

Kickin Chicken - 1001 Center St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060 - Fried chicken and waffles delivered to your door, late night only.

"I make fried chicken and waffles in my restaurant and you guys blow us out of the water."

Oswald- 121 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95060

"Chicken and Waffles in downtown Santa Cruz??? Heck yeah!!!"

Yesy's - 707 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville, CA 95076

"Been coming here around 8pm over the past year and have raved over their hearty savory breakfast and substantial portions 'best link sausage ever by the way' but it was not until my mom and i fell in love with the fried chicken with out of this world biscuits and gravy (amongst veggies side and soup or salad!) This fried chicken is petite in size but holds a super moist well seasoned and crispy 3 piece chicken ensemble that is the best i've had since soul food lovin nevada! Finally cali has real fried chicken and it's at yesy's no less wow a must have!!!!!"

Jeffery’s Restaurant - 2050 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95062

"I haven't had fried chicken in a long time, so when I saw it on the menu, I suddenly had an uncontrollable urge to order it... I was a little hesitant. Diner chicken isn't usually that great, but what the hell, why not? ... Oh how I was pleasantly surprised! The chicken was perfectly fried, the right amount of flavor and crispiness and the mashed potatoes were real!"

Sushi Blossom - 11 Camp Evers Lane, Scotts Valley, CA 95066

"... Enjoyed their chicken katsu, loved their lightly drizzled sauce on perfectly battered chicken."

Home- 3101 N Main St., Soquel, CA 95073

"We came because i heard they had fried chicken and there is only one other place in Santa Cruz with decent fried chicken. We sat outside and had a great time, mainly because the brick oven pizza was delicious and of course we drank a bottle of wine. Cannot wait to go back and try the fried chicken, wild salmon, oysters, and another pizza."

Pajaro Food Center- 307 Salinas Road, Watsonville, CA 95076

"I love the burritos and fried chicken in the back. The ladies who work here are so nice. This is a great fly-by for dinner. Quick, inexpensive, in-door seating."

Carried Away- 7564 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA 95003

"This is a great lunch spot in Aptos. They always have a choice of a few unique sandwiches which I usually get. The fried chicken sandwich is amazing as well as the battered fish sandwiches with their homemade tartar sauce."

Shadowbrook - 1750 Wharf Road, Capitola, CA 95010

"Got a nice table about four levels down. It's a real big place. The service was prompt and attentive. I ordered the creamy artichoke soup, it wasn't creamy. One order of Caesar salad with chicken, one of crispy fried chicken and two of the 8oz. prime rib; I had one of those. The food came out promptly with no waiting between courses. Everyone loved their food."

Cafe Brasil - 1410 Mission St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060

"Coxinha de Galinha - These were battered and fried chicken pieces. They were nice and hot when the arrived. The outside was fried to a nice golden brown and the minced chicken filling was flavorful. It was a little dry and could've used some kind of sauce but overall good."

Surf City Sandwich- 4101 B1 Soquel Dr., Soquel, CA 95073

"I tried the Johnny Utah today and it was really very tasty. Prior I had always had the fried chicken sandwich which I love. Great service and high quality food makes this a great lunch spot.Give it a try. You won't be disappointed."

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