Access Atlanta > The Newcomer > Archives > 2008 > May > 14 > Entry
Why did the chicken biscuit cross the Mason-Dixon line?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A bit of news hidden under an interesting headline— Hey! Free food! — caught my eye.
McDonald’s “Southern Style” chicken biscuits, available locally for two years, are rolling out nationwide. If a fast food giant is taking this Southern staple outside the region, they’re certainly expecting them to sell, no matter the geography of tastebuds.
So what does it mean when a regional delicacy becomes popular elsewhere? Is it sharing the wealth — you can take the food out of the South, but can’t take the South out of the food?
Or is a supply-and-demand issue — does a local favorite become less special when it leaves home?
Or maybe I’m asking the wrong question.
Understand, I’m a vegetarian, but even before I gave up meat, I never ate chicken on a biscuit. Meat obviously wasn’t a diet priority, and I’ve never before lived some place where biscuits are a menu standard. Remember, before my internship here five years ago, I’d never even seen a Chik-fil-A. In fact, I think I pronounced it “chick fill uh?” on first glance.
So while I loooove my veggies and tempeh, I value life experience more. That’s why I ate mazgouf in Iraq and burgoo in Kentucky.
If I thought I was eating the quintessential Southern chicken biscuit, I’d chow down. So what do you say? What’s the most authentic, best chicken biscuit to taste around here?
— Don’t forget: You’ve got questions, Newcomer will find answers.
Leave your question in the comments section, or e-mail me at jgumbrecht@ajc.com. Newcomer offers answers for newbies and long-timers alike every Friday.
Permalink | Comments (49) | Post your comment | Categories: Yum!
Comments
By borodawg
May 14, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this
As far as fast food places go, Hardy’s has the best biscuits. We went to the Flying Biscuit one time. Stood on the sidewalk for about 45mins. The food was tol’able (eg four or five shrimp in the ‘shrimp and grits’; salsa tasted like Ragu). Their biscuits suck. It’s what I would imagine one would get if one got a biscuit in Deetroit City.
By Jeff
May 14, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
OK, I may be a heretic on this one as well, but I actually prefer sausage on my biscuits, not chicken.
Now, as far as restaurant biscuits in general, we have a place in Cartersville - unknown how wide spread it is, but Cartersville has at least two of them - called Martins that has some DANG good biscuits.
Another favorite of Cartersville (well, more Cassville really) locals is a place on Hwy 411 just outside White called Wes-Man’s. If you’re up in the area, try it out. Just turn right off 75 at the exit for Hwy 411 (it’ll be the second exit past Cartersville Main Street, though I don’t know the number) and look for thecar painted like a sign on the left hand side of the road. That’s Wes-Man’s. (If you actually get to the city limits of White, you’ve gone too far.)
Dang…. talking about Wes-Man’s makes me hungry!
By Elaine
May 14, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
For an outstanding biscuit, go to Biscuits and More at the corner of Johnson Ferry and Shallowford Road in East Cobb/Roswell.
Their biscuits are delicious and perfect, but I would recommend their ham or sausage biscuit over the chicken. Their country ham biscuits are so good they remind me of Katherine’s Kitchen. (ah…the good old days….)
But honestly, for the best chicken biscuit, Chick-Fil-A is really hard to beat. McDonald’s and Kentucky Fried don’t even come close.
By Lissa
May 14, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
Chick-fil-A really has the best chicken biscuits. Mmmmmmm….!!
By bbb
May 14, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
the best chicken biscuit or any breakfast biscuit is up in murrayville ga between Dahlonega and Gainesville at Reid’s Diner. Cash only- biscuits that are buttery and big as your head, and perfectly fried chicken. Worth the drive one time- be prepared to wait in the drive thru or just go inside and try it for yourself. Best Breakfast Biscuit EVER! besides mama of course
By lennox2
May 14, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
Martins has the best chicken biscuits by far!
By Becky
May 14, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
Jeff, unless the Martin’s that you are talking about is a small family owned place, we have them in Douglasville also..I’m not big on chicken biscuits, so I usually get the tenderloin (sp) or sausage..Although I don’t eat biscuits out that much, as I make my own..It took me years to learn to make them, so now I make them as often as possible..
By Laura
May 14, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
Flying Biscuit for a sit down breakfast (or any time of the day actually) or for drive-thru - Chick-Fil-A wins hands down. The McDonald’s chicken biscuit is not good at all.
By Jeff
May 14, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
Yall stop telling everyone about Martins!!! The lines are long enough. :) I think its one of the best biscuits i have ever eaten (and thats a lot).
By Cory
May 14, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Long live Bojangles’ cajun chicken biscuit and very sweet tea
By martin
May 14, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
Bojangles - Hand down, no questions asked. But people in GA don’t really know about the BO. Get the cajun filet biscuit and ask them to add egg and cheese. Trust me and go with the BO.
By martin
May 14, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
Bojangles - Hand down, no questions asked. But people in GA don’t really know about the BO. Get the cajun filet biscuit and ask them to add egg and cheese. Trust me and go with the BO.
By martin
May 14, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
Bojangles - Hand down, no questions asked. But people in GA don’t really know about the BO. Get the cajun filet biscuit and ask them to add egg and cheese. Trust me and go with the BO.
By Relentless
May 14, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
Two Words: MR.SWISS,Cumming—well, ok three words.
By Mr Charlie
May 14, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
I’d say Chick-Fil-A has some pretty nice tastin’ chicken biscuits, especially with EXTRA butter and honey! And the bread itself should be soft, not overly baked to the point where it comes out crispy…
By Jamie Gumbrecht
May 14, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
hahahaha, so NOT a fan of sharing the wealth, huh, Jeff? :)
Looks like Martin’s is the winner…
By Poppa Grande
May 14, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
Bobby and June’s Kuntry Kitchen on 14th Street has the best Biscuits in Atlanta. You can have them just about anyway that you want.
As far as chains go, Bojangles probably wins.
By Ashley
May 14, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
Chick-fil-a all the way
;)
By Dawg 'n IT
May 14, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
Combine Bojangle’s biscuit with Chick-fil-a’s chicken. Martin’s has an all around great breakfast menu! Their chicken is good too but I typically go for steak, sausage, or tenderloin with egg and cheese when eatting there.
By Jeff
May 14, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this
Jaimie:
That ‘Jeff’ at 4:17 wasn’t the original ‘Jeff’ - me.
We don’t have a Martin’s to my knowledge down here in South/Central GA, so I have to get my biscuits at the gas station. But hey, they’re decent, at least in the absence of a better option, and it is literally RIGHT on my way to work, just as I get ready to get on 75!
I’m still probably going to have to go to Wes-Man’s when I come back to Cartersville for Memorial Weekend though!
By chris
May 14, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this
lil red barn in lawrenceville. OMG, cat head biscuits done right. Any meat you want, even seafood. just the best. Bojangles, Hardees & Chic fil A round the best of the best. Moved down from Jersey and found chicken 4 breakfast…WooHoo!
By Kay
May 14, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
I’ve tasted the McDonalds southern style chicken biscuit and it’s okay, but it has absolutely nothing on Chick Fil A’s chicken biscuits!
By old fart
May 14, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
F*. For chicken biscuits it’s Chick Filet … all the way.
By Josh
May 14, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
Silver Skillet on 14th has the best biscuits.
By Charmster
May 14, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
Yes…Pleeeease keep Martin’s a secret!!! Their chicken, egg and cheese biscuits are UNBELIEVEABLE and rivaled (sp.?) by NONE. My hubby raves about their pork tenderloin biscuit. Their biscuit and gravy is pretty good too. My hubby said that ‘back in the day’ their biscuits used to be HUUUGE. When I had pregnancy cravings I made the hubby drive from Dunwoody to Mableton to get Martin’s (only to find out there’s one in Norcross).
By alph chic
May 14, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
The best place for biscuits in Alpharetta/Cumming area is the Hardees on Hwy 9 just north of Old Milton Parkway. Spot on every time! Nothing around here even compares. The chicken isn’t the best, but the sausage is great and the biscuits are always amazing. Whoever makes the biscuits there deserves a raise!
By Charmster
May 14, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
Has anyone ever tried the breakfast biscuits from that little bbq place on the corner of Thornton Road and Factory Shoals in Lithia Springs/Douglasville? It has that giant “chef” statue standing outside. Wondering if it’s worth stopping by. Thanks.
By pbred8
May 15, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this
There are 3 great places in Griffin. 1)The Biscuit Shack in Experiment. 2)Anderson’s on Taylor and 3) Jerry’s Shell on Taylor. Take you pick!!!!!!!!!
By pbred8
May 15, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this
There are 3 great places in Griffin. 1)The Biscuit Shack in Experiment. 2)Anderson’s on Taylor and 3) Jerry’s Shell on Taylor. Take you pick!!!!!!!!!
By NC guy
May 15, 2008 12:59 AM | Link to this
I feel as though I need to do my part to spread the word on how ridiculously good Bojangles is. Any time I travel outside the confines of midtown I stop and get one, NO MATTER THE TIME OF DAY! They’re coming into GA slowly but surely, I can’t til they come in and replace those other chicken places!
By Sean
May 15, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this
McDonald’s chicken biscuit is awful, which is weird because that same chicken on a bun is pretty good. I agree that Martin’s (in Kennesaw)probably has the best chicken biscuit I’ve eaten, followed closely by Chick-fil-A and Bojangles.
By Grump
May 15, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this
Try Mamie’s Kitchen on Evans Mill Rd @I-20 in Lithonia. Beats any of the chains.
By JJ
May 15, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this
Martins…..YUM. There’s one at the corner of Buford Hwy, and Jimmy Carter BLvd. Been there for YEARS.
Chick-Fil-A biscuits are way to salty. I have to drink a gallon of OJ with on.
Mrs. Weinners has good biscuits.
But my all time favorite biscuits are from two places. Larry’s Biscuits at Friendship & 985, and I can’t rember the name of the other place, but its up at the corner of Thompson Mill & South Bogan Road (Buford area). I think it’s called Hog Mountain Biscuits……
By yeahright!
May 15, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
Bojangles has the best chicken biscuit. Chick-Fil-a’s is too doughy. I’ve tried Mc’Donald’s biscuit, it’s good, too!
By saywhat
May 15, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this
Bojangles - the best of any type of biscuit - especially Chicken Biscuits - the Chicken is Cajun style spices. And a note to Martin - yes - Georgians do know what Bojangles is - we have 3 in Rome GA. If you find a Bojangles - you have to stop and try it.
By Susan
May 15, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this
Bojangles. No Question. I was just looking online the other day and they indicate they have just opened one in Marietta. I will be making the trip up as soon as I can. Now if I could only get Neese’s sausage…
By VoiceOfReason
May 15, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
Headed to McDonald’s right now since they’re giving away chicken biscuits with the purchase of a drink. Later today, its the same deal with the regular chicken sandwich. Tasty? Who cares, its free. Maybe I’ll check back in later with a report.
By Chains
May 15, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
Try a Chick-fil-A Chicken biscuit, Add Crispy Bacon and egg, add I pack of mayo on top….A cholesterol jaquzzi…..the mayo is the secret….
By Becky
May 15, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
Chamster, yes I’ve tried the biscuits from the place that you are talking about..They have a great taste & are a good size, BUT they fall apart while you are eating them..So for this reason, I usually get the hot links, egg & cheese on toast..It’s worth your time to stop..
By Paddy
May 15, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
Bojangles the best of the chains. Mrs. Winners, you have lost your mind… you would have to be very hungry or a newcommer to go there.
By ADL
May 15, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
I got a free chicken biscuit at McDonald’s this morning, and it was worth what I paid for it. The chicken was very good, very similar in taste to Chik-fil-A (I guess you can get Mickey D’s chicken on Sunday when the A is closed). The biscuit wasn’t very good at all. I prefer Hardee’s and Martin’s.
By TM
May 15, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
Bojangles really is the best! I moved from Georgia to Boston about a year ago, and I still miss the Cajun Chicken Biscuit, sweet tea, and Bo-Berry biscuit. I would eat breakfast at the one in Athens at least once a week. Whenever I come home to Georgia, I make it a priority to eat at Bojangles, so if you’ve never been, do yourself a favor and go.
By Carolina Girl
May 15, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
After moving to ATL 21 years ago, I had to say bye to Bojangles for a while, but we now have stores in the area. They are the best hands down. My other biscuit fav is at the BBQ Kitchen on Virginia Ave near the airport. Anytime we are flying out/in, this is our stop. Wonderful homemade biscuits and veggies. I am not into chicken on a biscuit, but prefer a egg, cheese and thick slice of tomato or just plain with butter and jam.
By Gary
May 15, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
I’ll second the post about Martin’s in Cartersville. Their chicken biscuit is a food run I have to make to the family every Saturday morning.
It is the best!
Wes-Man’s is good too.
By VoiceOfReason
May 15, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
TO ADL:
Agreed. That chicken biscuit was so bland, I actually added jelly and I NEVER add jelly, it just seems weird (I’m from CT). Anyway, the jelly didn’t help. Its not gross, but its a waste of time and money when you have other options. It was hot, kinda greasy and crispy so I assumed it would be just delightful but it was the most useless boring breakfast I had and I’m mad I wasted so many of my daily calories on that. Oh, and I bought the coffee so I could get the chicken free, the coffee sucks too but at least I knew that going into it. People, they’re doing it again with the chicken sandwiches in the lunch/dinner hours but I won’t be there. I’ll head over to Dunkin Donuts for my free coffee.
By ADL
May 15, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
To Voice of Reason: I actually had my Dunkin Donuts coffee before I went to McDonald’s this morning. I bought sweet tea to get the free biscuit, but even that didn’t help. Maybe McDonald’s was expecting a lot of free biscuit customers, made them ahead of time and stuck them under the heat lamp. It doesn’t matter to me, I’ll never get another one.
By fes
May 15, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
Bojangle’s has the best biscuits by far, especially the cajun filet. Chickfila biscuits are very inconsistent and often doughy and overly big. Hardee’s breakfast and Martin’s are right behind the Bo. The McD’s chicken biscuit is terrible. Don’t bother.
And Susan is right on point. If only we could get some Neese’s around here…
By borodawg
May 15, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
Since yall brought up Martins, yep they’re good and we have one in Jonesboro. There’s also M&M Biscuits, a little shack below J’boro almost to the racetrack. Dang good biscuits of all kinds. McD’s shouldn’t even be in this conversation.
By Cristopher Boyer
May 25, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
Bojangles is great, though I’d have to say that Popeye’s is better for “cajun style” chicken. I dunno if Popeye’s is still down there or not, there’s only two up here in Michigan that I know of, and neither are in areas I really care to stop in for a bite.
For the record, there’s no Bojangles up here either. =/