The Early Word on Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Finally opened on September 14, Honey Butter Fried Chicken is the brick-and-mortar child of the underground Sunday Dinner Club. Owners Christine Cikowski and Josh Kulp faced some delays in construction, but have quickly made up for lost time with their already popular Avondale spot. The menu boasts "the ultimate fried chicken experience," along with a rotating list of something-for-everyone sides and specials. The bottom line seems to be that if you haven't been, you'd better go. Check out the early word on Honey Butter Fried Chicken:

The Good News: After a tour and tasting, Daily Candy's Emily Fiffer literally wrote a song detailing the perfection of Honey Butter Fried Chicken. The lyrics highlight how the food and atmosphere live up to the hype, even complimenting the free parking and sink in the dining room ("Greasy hands are so taboo"). [Daily Candy]

The Bad News: Well, the news on Honey Butter Fried Chicken so far is overwhelmingly good. The only bad news gathered is that you might feel the urge to eat too much of it. RedEye contributor Michael Nagrant illustrates the progression in a series of GIFs. [RedEye]

The Namesake News: According to Joe Roy of Serious Eats, the chicken is good. "Really, really good." Roy writes that Chef Josh Kulp "wanted to make sure it packed more than a greasy crunch. A spice laden buttermilk brine ensured it was plenty flavorful, while a healthy shake of smoked Hungarian paprika post-fry added enough complexity to appease his palate." [Serious Eats]

The Side Dish News: Tasting Table was quick to point out the delicious side dishes before even talking about the chicken. The staff raves about the vegetables, "specifically, the seasonal rainbow that accompanies any well-composed plate at the new Avondale restaurant." For now, this includes roasted corn tossed with dill vinaigrette and heirloom tomatoes, Chinese broccoli with roasted red pepper sauce and fresh chevre, diced sweet potato roasted and then slicked with lime vinaigrette and kale-cabbage slaw with yogurt-cumin dressing and dried pomegranate. [Tasting Table]

The Ambiance News: Sean Cooley of Thrillist describes the "reclaimed barn wood and customized yellow pine furniture with hexagonal honeycomb wood grain patterns," and declares that "even the furniture will make you hungry." Cooley also notes the "giant magnetic wall" on the outdoor patio which guests are encouraged to decorate. [Thrillist]

The Waiting News: Even if there is a long line to order at the counter, Kate Bernot of RedEye assures us that once seated, the meal will arrive "with a speed that rivals Jimmy John's 'freaky fast' guarantee." As for those of us not in a rush, Bernot notes, "A rear bar and 110-person-capacity patio are prime for lingering. Even as the weather chills, heaters—and a few rounds of the bourbon-spiked Damn Good Sweet Tea—should keep people warm outside." [RedEye]
· All Honey Butter Fried Chicken Coverage [-ECHI-]
Eater Chicago intern Janna Kaplan contributed to this story.