Is This the Best Fried Chicken in America? Willie Mae's Scotch House in New Orleans - The Meat Show

Originally a beauty shop, barber shop, and bar, Willie Mae’s Scotch House in New Orleans is now the home to what many claim is the best fried chicken in America. The Meat Show host and professional carnivore Nick Solares drops by to see for himself.
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[@daftmemories]

Went here on a Tuesday afternoon and there was no line at all. We were serviced right away. I absolutely demolished my plate and Nick isn't lying, it really is THAT good.

[@interstategar]

What seasonings did it taste like? It looks like its dipped in buttermilk before entering the fryer. Was there any heat to it?

[@michaelhall5429]

seen this dude eat the most expensive and perfect steaks in the world cooked by renowned award winning chefs. this is the happiest he has ever looked.

[@godmind675]

That's what black people cooking does to ya

[@jordanhansen4717]

Willy Mae's is no joke. I went there a couple months ago and I used similar words that he did to describe it: "an order of magnitude better than any fried chicken I've ever had before." This is especially impressive considering I was in Memphis the day before and had Gus's fried chick which was already some of the best I ever had. Made Gus's look like grocery store fried chicken (which is ironically the best regularly available to me where I live in Wisconsin)

[@joshuastefanick4806]

Dude thinks Peter Luger is the best steaks in America. They went downhill years ago. Best chicken in USA is double fried chicken. It’s on this channel

[@Rocket_scientist_88]

I've never seen a line there. And RIP Miss Willie Mae; we lost her last year. This amazing fried chicken lives on! It is different from any other I've eaten. GAWD it's amazing.

[@liquidpersuasion]

All of the Nick-isms in this video: 00:08 - *Hellacious* line. 00:31 - *Storied institution* 00:51 - Drunk and *beautified* 01:15 - That's pretty *apt* 02:31 - *profoundly* superb 02:40 - *order of magnitude* above 02:49 - *clarity of flavor* 04:08 - *encasement afforded* 04:15 - *third dimension of crunch* 04:43 - *P* *L* *A* *T* *O* *N* *I* *C* *I* *D* *E* *A* *L*

[@RandomGuy-mc2lh]

You are ethereal!

[@subutaynoyan5372]

To be frank, calling something ''storied'' is quite common in English

[@Slimynewtballs]

3:20 Crunchy nodez

[@jaycortes9313]

Nick is a douchebag

[@jaycortes9313]

@@subutaynoyan5372 problem is he's american who's trying his best to have a british accent. For short a douchebag

[@doodbool3719]

this guy should go to the doctor, every food ever melts in his mouth

[@subutaynoyan5372]

Well, he always picks a place that makes things melt in his mouth.

[@godbelow]

I mean, he's a host that goes to the best foodie places ever. So yeh, probably most food melts, as it's a desirable trait.

[@OfHackerKing]

Its his trick to get free delicious food

[@toukairin354]

I really like that moment when Nick paused and just absorbing the surprise hidden from inside the chicken :))

[@amnieto88]

This place is amazing. I went there for a conference (NOLA) and obviously went here. The place is walking distance away from the bus and just in the middle of a neighbourhood. The line there does happen, but when I went there was no line (3ish on a sat or sun I think). The batter is amazing, super light and flaky and crunchy and just the literal best I've ever had. There's also an undercoat of sauce somehow between the meat and the batter that is slightly spicy (you can kind of see it in the close-up shots where he tears the drumstick meat). The meat is super juicy and amazing. The sides are also really good (I had the beans and cornbread I think). I'm not a big fried chicken fan, it's not something I go out to get (I prefer rotisserie) but this place is above and beyond without a doubt

[@samspi9461]

Typically I'm not even a fried chicken fan but this was one of the best meals I've ever had.

[@doctorkhumalo7730]

You know it's good when you wanna laugh and cry at the same time 😂😂😂

[@0RobotWarsIsTheBest0]

Thumbnail: "World's best fried chicken" Video title: "Is This the Best Fried Chicken in America?"

[@Kyssifrot]

Thanks! Confused me as well.

[@zayn2476]

Talk about a spoiler

[@corporategunner5972]

Its really confusing

[@cardion411]

I from the Westbank and remember going to this place years ago. Still, to this very day, the best fried chicken I have ever eaten.

[@Horrortelltales]

Real chicken eaters leave nothing but the bones behind...

[@bririe5296]

SweDawgTv I agree.

[@user-xi2if4tq2g]

He is just sampling the different cuts I assume.

[@alissa6]

"Leave nothing but the bones behind", yeah hehe.... yeah...

[@itzshiro8379]

SweDawgTv not if you're asian... if you're asian you take bones back home to make a soup -Asian

[@Briguy1027]

yeah, watching him waste the food -- although in my heart I know he's sampling it -- really bothers me.

[@larinessex3553]

I went waited 15 minutes in line then another 30 minutes for my food. it was absolutely the best chicken ever though.

[@tiffsaver]

Thank for providing this video!! I'm a fried chicken nut. I even bought a BOOK about fried chicken, and after first seeing Willie Mae's on the Andrew Zimmern show years ago, I've dreamt of eating here. So watching your review was particularly nice. It's good to know that some things are actually as good as the hype. One day, I would love to eat here:)

[@farhanmohsin3]

First "Platonic Ideal" of 2017 @ 4:44

[@BigBoyPharma]

Farhan Mohsin I can"t wait for umami

[@blazingasn]

what does he even mean?!?!

[@amarillorica]

greek idealism, perfection

[@randyhendrix5375]

what a douche lol

[@mragunathan1627]

2:30 - "This is profoundly superb chicken"

[@yaboi5047]

2:20 when an out of towner describes what I miss about my home. thanks for telling this story and giving them shine:)

[@jaboomsz]

the lady owner is very humble and pure real happiness in her subtle smile..

[@kevinmcilwain2684]

What's sad is that I went everywhere in NOLA except here . . . couldn't make it on my last day and was devastated! Have to go back.

[@CAOcreations]

people give Nick and the other hosts allot of guff for little to no real reason other than to be nit picky. The best part of Eater is the variety of personalities that each host brings to the channel. Nick you keep on doing you.

[@RayfilWong]

Notable difference is that when Lucas describes fried chicken he describes the flavour profile. Lucas just connects so well with owners. Nick is better at describing red meat.

[@thebonvivant9027]

Rayfil Wong true

[@RayfilWong]

Shannon Louvieñez thx for your vote of confidence

[@nicksmith3746]

Rayfil Wong Lucas is the most boring host ever. He's got no energy.... That's why his videos are so poorly viewed.

[@baophan7768]

Nick Smith Lucas' videos are averaging over 100k per video. How is that poorly viewed. I did notice that Nick's video does have about 50k more than Lucas but that's because Nick been here longer.

[@user-xi2if4tq2g]

Fuck you Nick Smith. Clearly we are on opposing sides of this argument. Lucas Peterson is awesome and you will never stop him. I am a Lucas fan and I say you should go watch something else if you don't like it.

[@Rach3tLiggy]

"Whats the secret?" "Love" *rolls eyes*

[@keithpatrick156]

I always figured it was rice flour

[@otrebela]

Please bring this show back

[@n00binator64]

but was it a peng munch?

[@BeyondKickboxing]

the pengest munch.

[@parthsaraiya]

whaddup bossman

[@cazman182]

Wings n' dat

[@rossuk123]

if peng fucked peng while three hench dudes watched. den dis TING

[@_donjohnny_]

is it a chicken munch, if there's no crep check?

[@kcfamilam5109]

"There's a flavor I associate with a dry dredge... is there something you're not telling me about?" "Well I'm pretty sure I'm doing something I'm not telling you about haha" *cut to shot of the a line cook dry dredging chicken in 1001 spices*

[@kelefane6233]

Hes not kidding. This chicken is worth the hype.

[@markvngnz_894]

First time ever going to Nola and this place changed my life forever, you will never get a better plate of fried chicken & Mac and cheese

[@deanstanley2125]

My hometown and you are only scratching the surface of what New Orleans has to offer

[@ShadowOfAchilles]

Not only is their fried chicken the best, but their god damn red velvet cake is godly!

[@bcgreen1966]

That's what makes Louisiana the best these mom and pops restaurants. Love in the kitchen

[@GregoryLeow]

Drooling.....! Wanna go one day to film this for my channel

[@marywaithaka6363]

August 2017, was my second visit to Willie Mae's. This time I was surprised the chicken was dark, and very very spicy, almost too spicy. Something changed.

[@davidklein1903]

I’m going to NOLA next month for a conference and this a definite on my list, along with Mother’s restaurant.

[@IkePhillipRuffin]

I vouch for this place. Best fried chicken I've even had in my life.

[@kafklatsch3198]

It is that good.... as a world traveler I’ve had many versions of chicken... and for fried... this is the very best...strange thing is that the sides are also spectacular..not mentioned much but very good also ...a “must do” when in the big easy ...

[@jonlivington9179]

There's a loooot of meat left on those bones, Nick!

[@GrandeMastaSexi]

he has to taste it all on video. He isnt going to clear each piece as he goes...

[@benis9965]

i don`t know if im too fat but i would clear everything and then maybe say it`s tasty, not the other way around

[@decimateyktv]

Jon Livington your profile pic matched with your comment

[@npbuds]

Just came back. Now I understand what he means by the batter melts. So good.

[@dimplessamuels960]

This is the absolute truth!!! Best fried chicken I have ever eaten.

[@prestonlhouse]

I have had the pleasure of eating there. It is so...so...damn good!

[@samuelchan9501]

This place has the BEST green beans I have ever had in my life

[@viewerFAC]

It really is the best, and I eat a lot of fried chicken. For anyone reading the comments that gets the chance to go I highly suggest the butter beans and Mac and cheese as the sides. Also have patience, the line to get in can easily be an hour+, if it's gonna be hot out bring an umbrella and a bottle of water, there not much covering to hide from that sun.

[@keithpatrick156]

I ate there about 20 years ago. I still remember those gargantuan curbs, where they've just been pressing asphalt over asphalt for generations.

[@fedup9073]

You know that chicken is good when the presenter starts smiling and dancing in his seat.

[@jamesk5369]

I’ll admit nick is a bit much with the vocab but he clearly has passion and appreciates good food so fair play to him

[@WeLoveGreatFoods]

that chicken looked amazing I have to head down to New Orleans and grab some of that chicken. New Orleans has some of the best food in the world.

[@indigoskye9215]

I grew up in New Orleans and I know Willie Mae's Scotch house. Besides my mama it is definitely the best chicken in New Orleans! The staff is amazing and the food is delicious!

[@lewisallan2210]

Baby Girl I’ve had better chicken at a Brothers gas station or Manchus. And the staff had attitudes like I owed them something.

[@tosht2515]

I've read about this joint but have never been. Looks great obviously. Best fried chicken I've ever had is from Mama Dip's in NC. No nonsense great southern fried chicken.

[@ianzen]

First time seeing nick excited for chicken

[@messi10barcaawesome]

When she was expecting him to say something like the best chicken ever and he says , "the platonic ideal"

[@BRan863]

I used to live across the street from here. When Obama was president he went to have lunch here and secret service was all over the place, what a bizarre experience, but goddamn that chicken really is that amazing.

[@10jodeo]

This place is amazing! Those white butter beans, OMG, amazing!!! No place like this!

[@ebbygal1111]

It's a tourist trap for sure. My husband and I stood in line for over an hour and it wasn't all that great. We go to NO two to three times a year so hopefully we can try Dookie's chicken next time.

[@AMDman18]

Dookie's chicken is also overrated. Willie Mae's is better. Honestly, if you want to come to New Orleans and be SHOCKED, try a Brother's gas station.

[@victoriahollis3454]

Steve Dawkin sounds absolutely delicious including the frogs legs:-) we have a Chinese restaurant that my family love and they do crispy salt and pepper frogs legs which are amazing

[@ebbygal1111]

I'll do that Stephen. To me a lot of the famous places in NO are overrated.

[@AMDman18]

Ebony Arnold Now don't get it twisted, a lot of the famous places are famous for a reason. MOST of the popular fine dining restaurants live up to the hype. But there are many places that don't, as is the case in most big cities. But yeah seeing people rave about places like Dookie Chase and Mahony's Po-Boys I just don't get it. You can go to almost any corner store and get better food.

[@ebbygal1111]

Stephen I know, I've been living in Mobile for almost 17 years and I've been visiting NO for just as long. But some of the most popular places I've been to haven't lived up to the hype that they are getting to me.

[@Gibsonfan1989]

the secret is.... you're in South Louisiana! we have the best food here

[@scottmanzo9311]

I sat in the exact same seat when I was there. It’s literally the best chicken I’ve ever eaten.

[@ad60924]

I love that crunchy sound mmm

[@ObsequiousV4]

WILLIE MAES HERE WITH ANOTHER FANTASTIC PRODUCT

[@djwilson91]

That place is the best. Hands Down!! 🙌🏾

[@ninoluck8507]

leaving all that meat on the wings...disrespectful smh

[@lenafetosh9601]

Nino Luck the outside of the chicken is always the best....

[@Michaelcham93]

lena fetosh thats how you get a black eye for not wasting food

[@gekkethai]

Teach Nick how to eat chicken properly.

[@eater]

He's come a long way. He used to mash it into the table top with both hands before eating it.

[@raihanhartanto5185]

EJ What's wrong with his way of eating fried chicken then?

[@vOHsqd]

he eats chicken like a white guy.

[@tosht2515]

+EJ At least he didn't use a knife and fork. AND he gets bonus points for going straight for the dark meat. 10/10

[@teachercarli]

Eater Love the response. You rock, Eater.

[@donnylee9897]

1:06 he look mad 😂🤣😂

[@brysonlucaslai4908]

Yo nick what camera do you use?

[@tommychen6102]

I went there! It was amazing!

[@F145h1]

Where's the chicken connoisseur when you need him

[@12Mojo]

F145h1 his too busy visiting his local greasy gluttony to really know what quality food is.

[@TVsez]

She might as well of said "GET THE FUK OUT OF MY CHICKEN SHOP!"

[@puzzymonsta69]

That wouldve been funny af

[@DILLIGAF785643]

Profoundly superb

[@bradenleonard6286]

People joke about black folks and fried chicken, but honestly us white folks wish to God we could make chicken that good. I've been there once and it was a great experience.. great hospitality, and the chicken goes without saying.

[@abdulbakheit8573]

Profoundly Superb

[@latranquilagr28]

next time I go home I'll give them a try...I just remember them being a bar, but never went there

[@philwauke]

frazzled pots75 you won't be sorry

[@ВиталийГн]

What book she is talking about? Thank you for the answer

[@gabe2308]

Crazy thing is that Dooky chase which is also famous for its fried chicken is right across the road

[@Kanal7Indonesia]

If I ever get to America, I want to go to new orleans

[@Philo68]

Is it fried in peanut oil? I’ve heard that method is the Holy Grail of fried chicken. I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure but I wouldn’t mind!

[@mississippiqueen2u]

I saw this episode and commented years ago. However, last year my best friend drove from Louisiana to Mississippi bringing me an entire meal! It was piping hot when he left, but still nice and warm when it got it to me. Best lunch date ever! The entire office smelled like someone’s grandma’s kitchen. I didn’t heat up anything. Just started eating. It was nicely wrapped up. The drip paper with the logo was spot on. The logos on the box and bag made it feel so bougie!!! Loved it!!!!! I can’t imagine eating it straight out the grease! 🔥 Thanks Anthony!!!

[@safetydave720]

Awesome!

[@TheShmoo123]

My son and I devoured the chicken here, then the next day we got our bums wet.....floating down the street in a taxi 🚖 in a rain storm,a truly authentic Treme experience, scary though!

[@tonyanderson191]

I love her attitude!

[@alexl9330]

can someone please tell me how they get a wet batter to be so crispy and craggy?!

[@subutaynoyan5372]

Loove

[@swentojr]

Man’s at 1:06 was not havin it lol

[@dee9ak]

What the secret ingredient: LOVE!! Me: LIAR!!!

[@music_and_so_much_mo318]

that chicken thigh looked sooooo delectable....

[@brendanwasnothere]

THE ETHEREAL DECADENCE COMMINGLING WITH THE ENCHANTING WARMTH OF THE SPICES 7/10

[@BruceNorris1990]

I was going to get fried chicken for dinner, but decided to go healthy and got a fooking grain bowl instead, and now KZbin recommends this damnit I really want fried chicken now

[@interstategar]

The batter mix looks to be kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, dry mustard, onion powder and a touch of hot sauce combined and mixed with the chicken, then mixed with buttermilk and tossed into the fryer. That's my guess.

[@aliciab4676]

Is there any way to suggest a place to go to, because I know a restaurant with AMAZING fried chicken.

[@kriscarrdublr]

I just had this today...the secret is clearly LOVE

[@numtot2172]

Mary Mac’s Tea Room in Atlanta is another contender

[@BrentKung89]

Why do i keep watching these?

[@bigskygemsmontana9464]

My girlfriend rarely cooks because I do. Lol Well she does the best fried chicken 🍗. Very secret recipe, cooked in lard,oil etc in a cast iron.

[@markbanfield4670]

Looks amazing... Do they deliver to Ontario???

[@puzzymonsta69]

Nein. Go to NO u maple syrup lovin mfer

[@henryc1000]

4:20 "listen to this" lol

[@margaretthompson9032]

it is ive had it and it is a MUST

[@christianhuang9673]

HI WILLIE MAE'S HERE WITH ANOTHER FANTASTIC FRIED CHICKEN!

[@no-bozos]

It may be the best restaurant fried chicken, but the best fried chicken in the world is my mother's. (She is from New Orleans.) After 60 years of living, and watching A LOT of people eat my mother's fried chicken, they all say the same thing. It's the best they've ever tasted. I make the best gumbo, and red beans and rice though. I also make the best griat, but most of you have probably never heard of it.

[@happycook6737]

My momma passed and didn't write down any of her recipes. You may want to ask your mom to share them with you so they can be shared in your family over generations.

[@davidmorgan3328]

Looks great what oil or fat was this being cooked in?

[@pjny21]

You haven't had fried chicken until you go here. Deadass.

[@mrplummer1988]

life changing chicken...thats a huge compliment

[@beatrizfores]

i heard my name in the CRUNCH! must try this!

[@bhanson4917]

Before I went to Willy Maes I thought I'd had fried chicken. Apparently I hadn't ever tasted fried chicken in my life.

[@marielmaguna9349]

What they put on the chicken brine is curri an salt?

[@TheAmos1968]

This guy has the dream job of the world!

[@dragonballgt132]

Nick: Yeah juicy fried chicken, with deep umami, and funky favour

[@shaheerrahman4278]

Stop cutting the lady off while she's trying to explain her eatery smhh