So, this place is literally historical - I think most people don't know that. It used to be owned by an actual "Fran", but she's long gone. The guy who owns it now does it right, though, and I think Fran would be pleased. There is no better fried chicken in Dade, Broward or Palm Beach County (except maybe this one place on Okeechobee Road which shall remain nameless), so if you're craving the real deal, get yourself the hook up at Fran's Chicken Haven. Sides? We don't need no stinking sides. Unless maybe it's fries. You can do those. But, don't bother with the rest. Just get your fried chicken and move on. Oh, and it's just as good cold the next day as it is piping hot straight out of the fryer. Just rip that chicken off the bones, and sprinkle some salt on there. Legit goodness. Now for the nitty gritty info: it's a small place, just a few tables and a counter with some stools. Most people get it to go. You can order ahead, and probably should. Prices are OK, not cheap, not expensive, worth it for what you get. They're not open late. They put crack in the chicken - OK, not really, but you could get hooked for real. Or maybe it's crack. :)
(4)
Cliff C.
A Boca institution. Been here so long they have the only neon window sign in town -- having been Grandfathered in before Boca passed the ordinance prohibiting them. Must be doing something right to have made it all these years. The owners may have changed, but the name and the commitment to serving up deep-fried goodness have not. And that's a good thing. Like the neon sign says, Fran's fries up just about every part of the chicken, including gizzards if that's how you roll. I think they have other fried foods on the menu, but I've honestly never made it past the chicken. It's not my Mom's, but it's still pretty damn good. Their sides are just OK (I've had the collared greens, mac salad & coleslaw), but let's face it, you're here for the chicken. Everything else is, well, a side dish. Funny how some folks love this place and others feel quite the opposite. Maybe their expectations were too high. I recommend simply judging for yourself. For me, Fran's is good fried chicken at decent prices -- and that's why I come here.
(4)
Cuong L.
The fried chicken was great. The skin was crispy and the meat was flavorful and not over-seasoned. The one guy working is very nice as well. Even though there were a few pieces left under the heater, instead of throwing it in our to go order, he offered to fry us brand new pieces. Unfortunately, the side dishes were horrid. Fries weren't seasoned at all. The rolls were stale and the cole slaw was warm the last time I was there. My suggestion is just get a bucket.
(3)
Brendan B.
Wow these guys did a great job I just got the fried chicken and I think by far is the best in Boca so glad it's close to my house. Fried chicken is an art and they have mastered it. I ate their before the new management it was not good. This time I was a little reluctant to try but boy am I glad I did! I will be back over and over if the chicken as good as it was today!
(5)
Hunter S.
Fran's fried chicken haven is once again under new management and I have to say they are doing everything right!!! They brought back the original recipe and atmosphere of this classic Boca Raton restaurant. The new owners, 2 brothers, are friendly and eager to serve you. The Chicken tenders are a much much larger portion then the previous owners and were so delicious, I can still taste them. The original recipe brings back so many memories from my childhood. Don't let the look of the run-down plaza keep you from stopping by for some mouth watering, crispy, fried chicken.
(5)
Albert P.
Amazing fried chicken, absolutely amazing. The way I know this is: * there is a line 4 people deep, and even with what looks like 6 industrial 2 basket floor standing deep fryers they can't make the chicken fast enough to keep with demand * the phone is ringing non stop for pre orders * it smells fantastic inside, not like grease or anything gross, it smells like how the best fried chicken in the world tastes * I ordered 4 pieces, ate two, took the rest home, put it in the fridge, and it tasted BETTER the next day Will be back for more
(5)
Jacob K.
Normally I have no problems getting 12 wings. Here, I could only handle 5 of the juiciest fried chicken wings I have ever had. The sauce was a simple Franks red hot but that is all it needed. I almost wish I lived in South Florida so I can go back here. A small update, my stomach revolted against me the following morning in a very uncomfortable manner. Based off the damage done to my stomach I will probably not be going back.
(3)
CV K.
Good fried chicken, hot crispy, no frills, good service & friendly. I've been on several occasions. Now if he could just get some greens the old fashioned way they would get 5 ****.... The bald guy is funny, cute too.
(4)
Clarissa S.
Hits the spot when you're craving home cooked fried chicken. Free "Fried Oreo" when you follow on IG. SUPER YUMMMM We're coming back mañana.
(5)
Alexander C.
Best fried chicken in Boca. A legendary place now back in good hands. Hush puppies are also fantastic, but you're not there for the sides, the chicken is the main attraction here.
(5)
Whitney E.
Best fried chicken around, no doubt! I frequent here every so often and am never disappointed.. Takes around 10 mins from ordering for your food to be ready which in my opinion is great considering the food is made to order. Also, they've recently added some more sides like mash potatoes & Mac and cheese bites which are always good on the side. Definitely a place to try at least once because you'll love it; it's been around forever
(5)
Bradley M.
Update: Have eaten here a few more times with mostly misses on the chicken. Once it was cooked in the oil that they do the deserts in and the chicken tasted sweet and gross. We went back to give them one more chance and told them about The last experience and he basically did nothing for us and made up an excuse. I won't be eating here any more. I guess the first time was just a one time random chance of the chicken being good. Really disappointed in this place don't recommend them any more.
(1)
Kenya E.
Finally tried this place and I'm impressed. I had the chicken and waffles. The chicken was fried nicely and had great favor. The waffles was good but I wasn't a fan of the powered sugar and whipped cream that they put on top. The fried oreo was the best part however. Fran's had a friendly staff with great food and a nice atmosphere. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Tallman F.
it is cooked FRESH when you order .... so it takes 13 mins ....let it cool just a minute or two when they bring it out becoz it's still cooking internally it's not GREAT but it is pretty good ...really. stop & get some .... strange cast of characters frequent this local fried chicken shoppe ....... thats why i ate IN --- to see what i could see chicken is lightly battered .......go .... YOU will njoy
(4)
Matthew S.
The best fried chicken in Boca hands down. Been there a few times but i had the fried chicken and waffles for lunch today and I had to throw a review up. Even the fountain sodas are top notch. MMmm MmMMm good
(5)
Jaime C.
Disrespectful cashier rang my wife, started hitting on her made her feel uncomfortable. First time we were at that place, never going back.
(1)
Mark G.
Great fried chicken. No more birch beer though. They always have specials too. The place is small but there is real silverware and a terrific hot sauce.
(3)
Abdel S.
THE BEST Fired chicken ever. I went there last week to get take out for my family and it did not disappoint.
(5)
Frank C.
Yep the fried chicken here is worth the stop. Thick and crunchy batter. Beats the local kfc by a mile!
(4)
Stewart A.
Yum,my first visit to this landmark 'chikin joint'. If you are fried chicken fan (come on,be honest, isn't everybody?) , finding authentic, real deal, Southern fried chicken is harder that it should be. Make it easy on yourself and go to Fran's Chicken Haven. Right out of the fryer, hot and fresh, the batter was just right, not to heavy or thick, just enough to crisp up nicely. Excellent sides of baked beans, potato(*****) and mac salads. Our cole slaw was overly salted (oops, we think somebody added salt instead of pepper) but we will try again next time (since the previous reviews were good), as it is an essential go-along to this great chicken for a Georgia boy like me. This is good basic comfort food, not sniffy novelle cuisine, and it is meant to satisfy the taste buds, in a down home way. It succeeds. Nice pricing, personable brothers running the place, keeping Fran's tradition alive. Good on them. Next time I'm trying the fried Twinkie, not because I should (I shoudn't), but because I MUST.
(4)
Alyssa A.
Best fried chicken I have ever had! It's made right on the spot and the family deal is were its at. I also had their fried Oreos and I can definitely say it was orgasmic! Haha seriously you have to get them.
(5)
Austin T.
BEST fried chicken in Boca Raton BY FAR. Hole in the wall place that has great owners who are extremely friendly. If you want to have some awesome fried chicken in Boca, you better go to Fran's. Even their chicken fingers are amazing. The KFC went out of business down the street and I don't even wonder why. I don't think this place gets much business but they've been here for a long time. I give them 5 stars for what they specialize in. FRIED CHICKEN BABY.
(5)
Bazil B.
Ate here a couple of months back. We're very disappointed over the taste from the first time we are here. Chicken was sweet as it had been cooked in the same oil they cook their sweet deserts. I won't go back and cannot recommend it to anyone. Disappointed.
(1)
James H.
Absolutely delicious fried chicken. I ate here today on a recommendation and it was awesome. The chicken was cooked perfectly, it was juicy and the skin was well seasoned and crispy. The sides were fine, I personally prefer my mashed potatoes peeled but to each his own. The gravy is what makes it though. They should package this stuff up and sell it. I also tried the buffalo chicken sandwich, also very delicious. The buffalo sauce wasn't overpowering at all and again, the chicken was juicy and crispy on the outside. I highly advise anyone looking for fried chicken to check out Fran's. I've lived here for 15 years, passed this place thousands of times, and I only today tried it. Sorry I've missed it for so long. Don't let appearances scare you away!! This chicken is worth it!!!
(5)
Mario S.
HIDDEN. GEM. Awesome fried chicken. Only downfall is the slightly sketchy shopping center it's located in. Otherwise I'd give it 5 stars!
We don't have it often but sometimes we get a yen for fried chicken and luckily we remembered reading about Fran's. We were with our grandsons and ordered the special of 2 pieces of dark meat. Also ordered 2 breasts and 2 wings, 3 chicken tenders. Happy to report everything was delicious. It's all prepared to order and the chicken was crisp and juicy, especially important for chicken breasts. The seasoning was perfect. Each order comes with fries, cole slaw and a biscuit. The tenders were "a la carte" so we ordered the hush puppies as a side. They were really good too. Nicely seasoned and, like the chicken, not at all greasy. The place is really small, sort of a hole in the wall, but the kind of place you you feel happy to have found. We spoke to Chris, one of the 2 brothers who own Fran's and he was friendly and promised us a deep fried Oreo on our next visit. Can't wait!
(5)
Rachel M.
Three stars for the chicken. Four stars for service Three stars for price. Stopped in during lunch time and it wasn't busy, a few patrons enjoying their meals. The gentleman who seemed to be working alone was welcoming and attentive to both my order and the food which he was cooking. The prices were a bit higer than what I was expecting but he shared the lunch special and its what I ordered. Lunch special is a thigh, fries and a drink as well as a roll. At a little over $6 not too bad... overstimated how hungry I was and added onion rings at $3.50 an order to make my lunch bill just under $10. As soon as I walked into the office, the smell of the food enticed everyone there. Since the fries and onion rings are cooked when ordered they were still hot and tasty. Didn't like the chicken too much: it did seem a bit salty and was just okay. However, they have been around since 1964 so I will unlikely check them out another day to give it one more shot!
(3)
Peter L.
FRAN'S IS BACK If you stopped by Fran's in the last year or so and were as disappointed as I was, give them another try. The new owners have brought back the original recipe and the chicken was fantastic. Of course, the place still looks a bit rough, but who cares - you go for the chicken.
(5)
Lisa M.
I've been wanting to try this place forever and finally did on Saturday night. What a mistake. It was the worst fried chicken I've ever had. It was soaked in grease flavor. Nothing was fresh. The coleslaw, corn muffins were frozen. They were out of Mashed potoaos and gravy if you could believe that. NEVER AGAIN..... Had to have a orange just to get the taste out of my mouth after dinner!
(1)
Victor G.
Ok.. Reading some of these reviews kinda made my blood boil. First thing is Frans is a Fried Chicken place in a strip mall in a crappy part of Boca Raton! Ambiance wouldn't be the first thing I would expect when walking in. Its next to a friggen Quick Mart for Christ Sakes! What did you expect?! Also as per Chris H's review i don't see what the hell someones religion or personal preference in corporate ran steakhouses has to do with fried chicken. And C'mon guys! Popeyes? Publix? WTF!? Ok now on to the Chicken! Frans hands down is the best Fried Chicken I have ever had the privilege of eating. Super airy and crispy breading and amazingly tender and moist chicken on the inside. I come here for Fried Chicken and the Fried Chicken only, so I cant really comment on the sides. The Staff is equally as nice as the food. The owner or her son are usually behind the counter and most of the time behind the fryer as well. The multiple times I have been there everyone has been super nice and the chicken has always been cooked up fresh. I lived in Boca for a few years back and now live in NYC. After moving to NYC a few years ago, i have been on the ultimate search for good Fried Chicken and quite honestly nothing has even came close to Frans. Honestly I'm starting to think my wife is getting tired of hearing about my fried chicken issue and this "Fran Broad"...
(5)
Chris H.
I was told by several Jewish friends in Boca that this was the best fried chicken in the world. I bring that up because they are VERY discriminating about their food, and will not hesitate to send anything back unless it is absolutely, 100% to their personal specifications- much to the chagrin of waiters and chefs alike. Enter Fran's- billed as the best fried chicken in all the world. Maybe it was once, but not anymore. Seriously, if you want good fried chicken just go to Publix supermarket. Fran's is greasy and flavorless. How all these smart people, that will send back a perfect Morton's steak because they claim it is sub-par, have fallen into a mass delusion about this place is beyond me.
(1)
Jamie C.
Good fried chicken. My boyfriend loves it. He's a fried chicken connoissuer. It's in a hole in the wall strip mall. I find it to be on the salty side but good.
(3)
Brom T.
Great Great chicken !! Crisp, moist, NOT greasy. Quick service. The fries were made for me, so they were golden and hot... Friendly staff.... I HIGHLY recommend... Mike
(4)
Mark E.
As a 30-year resident of Chicago (and SoFla) and a fan from day one of Harold's Chicken Shack, so popular and famous it was recommended in orientation at The Univ of Chicago, it's hard to believe that I'm saying it, but this is the best fried chicken experience I've had. The outside surroundings are misleading as I had driven past this nondescript shopping plaza for years, seeing the Fran's sign. The day I finally decided to try it about eight months ago, after reading about it online, the previous owners were literally moving things out. I am so glad these guys have reopened it and it is quite addictive- next time in I'm making sure there are no controlled substances in the recipe- probably tonight!
(5)
Amber G.
Just called twice around noon. No answer. Full voice mail. Not even sure if it's the right number since it's the standard voicemail message and can't access their website.
(1)
Raymond Todd B.
Y'all want some fried chicken, I do. And if you want some delicious fried chicken that reminds you of the south then you need to stop at Fran's Chicken Haven because like the sign says, it is Fran-tastic. Y'all want livers and gizzards, wings, fried shrimp, or fish, awesome, because you can get it by the bucket. Cole Slaw, Collard Greens, rice with black-eyed peas, corn bread muffins tease your taste buds as you read them on the big red wall of temptations. I mention this because you have two choices when trying this place out. First, order a 20 piece bucket and all of the sides and throw a fried chicken party or second, become a repeat customer. I am a repeat customer kind of guy. While, I am a fan of the fran, there are some down sides. The cole slaw is served in a 2 oz plastic ramekin and taste like it was poured from a bag and there is really no flavor to it. My buddy who ate with me liked it, I like my mommas better. My other complaint is that there is no freshly brewed tea. I don't really need sweet tea, but this simple addition to the menu would bring up the star count in my book. I would also love it if there was a southern lady working behind the counter. I did not experience a greasy over salted chicken. I had a delicious juicy flavorful piece of fried chicken right out of the fryer served with a soft roll and perfectly cooked French fries.
(4)
Lucas C.
Very good fried chicken. The side dishes weren't very good, though. I would recommend getting a bucket or so as takeout and providing the accouterment from elsewhere. However, the quality of the chicken was top notch. The style is a crispy batter that is somewhat salty. I intend to come back and get some chicken for a pot luck or picnic. Also, our order was cooked up right when we placed it. Our chicken was straight from the fryers.
(3)
Lisa H.
Just like back in the old days! Superbly prepared fried chicken. It's under brand new management and they have brought it back to the original way of making fried chicken. We also had the corn fritters too which were wonderful.
(5)
Nancy A.
I've lived in Boca for 16 years and recently had my first experience at Fran's. My son told me that the restaurant had been sold recently and is now kosher, which why they are closed on Friday nights and Saturdays. In order to maintain their kosher status, they must be closed on the Jewish Sabbath. According to friends, the menu has not changed much and the man at the counter said the chicken recipe was the same as well. The 2-piece (breast and wing) dinner was wonderful. The chicken was moist and flavorful. The french fries were hot and crispy. The restaurant could benefit from stocking malt vinegar though! The portion of cole slaw was very small and a bit dry. The guy at the counter kept my diet Coke refilled as often as I needed it. The red plastic chairs are a bit uncomfortable and the tables are close together so when it's busy, it's a bit tight. All in all, a great place!
(4)
Tara M.
After living in Boca for 5 years, I thought I would give this Boca area icon a try. I'm not much into chicken on the bone, much less fried, but this was amazing!! It was fresh out of the frier so it was so hot it burned our fingers. There was NO grease - just the juiciest chicken I have ever eaten in my life!! I was able to pull the meat right off of the bone with my fork. The breading was light and flavorful. The staff were friendly and helpful. The only problem I had was with the coleslaw - pretty dry; but the potato salad was excellent! (I got potato salad instead of fries - and at no additional charge I might add and it was a big bowl of it!)
(5)
frank w.
The best fried chicken in town is at Publix. The time of day is marked on every box. Every Publix makes them the same Very flavorful and even the white meat is juicy. No need to select your pieces. Just pick up a box and go.
(2)
Simone W.
Well being from Memphis, Tenness, I've been eating FRIED CHICKEN since the day I was born. Fran's since I was 13 (1973)...you do the math. I now live in California and FRAN'S is a must have whenever I visit which is once or twice a year! One of my biggest fantasies is to open a fried chicken place and guess whose recipe I would want to steal...you got it... FRAN'S!!! You just can't get any better. I would suggest eating at home because you are going to get sick..not from the quality of the food but from just flat out eating too much food! I highly recommend also buying extra because it's yummy cold, too! Ya'll Enjoy!
(5)
Holly W.
Within the past year I have been introduced to more of the local places in the area. Some good, others not so much. Fran's was so good, it prompted me to join yelp and write this review. I am not typically a huge fan of fried chicken. Anytime I would crave it, I would go to Publix. Stopping by was a spur of the moment decision. Yes, it's in a weird, odd plaza. But I had heard about this place, that it had been around for a long time and it was the best fried chicken you could get. Now first off, for any place to succeed and stay in business for that long, there has to be a reason why. the person who helped us was very nice and the place was clean. I ordered a leg and thigh. Got in the car and started munchin. I couldn't even talk I was so involved with the chicken. Amazing. The crunchy sweet skin batter must keep the moisture in the chicken because it's tender and juicy. I am hooked and going back tomorrow for more!!
(5)
Aaron V.
I decided to try Fran's based on a great review in the Sun-Sentinal. Fran's was established in 1964 - and it had a great "hole-in-the-wall" ambiance. You could tell it has been around for awhile, and had not been updated - I could've been transported back to the '60's if it had not been for the flat-screen TV on the back wall. Unfortunately, the chicken tasted like it had been there since 1964. We sat at the counter, so we could see pretty much the entire cooking area. There were a few pieces of chicken under some heat lamps. As we ordered our chicken, we were told what pieces were available. We took our picks, and they were served up right away with some cole slaw in tiny lidded containers and one of those super-soft dinner rolls saturated with preservatives. After we were given our chicken, we could tell more was in the fryer...another customer walked in to place an order and was told fresh chicken would be up in about 10 minutes. We were never given the option of fresh fried chicken. Oh, fries are also included in the dinner, but they had to fry some up (frozen) and weren't ready until we were halfway finished with the chicken. We had also ordered hushpuppies. Those were also frozen and had to be fried. We had ordered them as appetizers, but were served last. The chicken was somewhat dry (but not as much as I had expected, so maybe it hadn't sat under the heat lamps that long). But, the breading had no seasoning whatsoever...no flavor. The coleslaw was bland also. There's not much to review for frozen fries and hushpuppies, so I will forego reviewing those. They had a few other sides on the menu such as collard greens, black-eyed peas, macaroni salad, etc. I couldn't see what any of those sides looked like, so I just didn't have the desire to try any. I'm giving Fran's 2 stars, mainly for the somewhat retro interior. All in all, it'd be better to go to Popeye's. I'm no fan of fast food and chains, but at least Popeye's is fresher, tastier and cheaper.
(2)
kay b.
I found this place by accident. The location is not impression, but it's clean. I'm not into ambiance when it comes to chicken, just wanted some good food. I was pleasantly surprised. Mine was made to order - it was hot, juicy, crunchy, not overly greasy. It had a nice sweet/salty thing going on too. The fries were hot, again not overly greasy - just right. I grew up in the south and have eaten many fried chickens in my day. Take it from a soul food connoisseur, maaannnn.... Fran's Chicken Haven is the business!
(4)
Sam Y.
Mine is the search for incredible fried chicken, the kind were you don't mind a little grease dripping down your hand while devouring the tasty morsels of fried, succulent goodness. Enter Fran's Fried Chicken. You walk up to the strip mall store that is flanked by a sushi place and a pawn shop and wonder, 'what the hell am I doing here?'. Well you are here for some of the best, fresh made fried chicken you will ever taste. The scene upon entering is a simple one, counter with a red lettered menu, a handful and a half of counter stools and a few tables. The place looks like a greasy spoon but then again this is fried chicken not fine dining. Read the simple menu and order a two piece meal with fries and slaw or collard greens or black eyes peas. Everything is freshly made (i think, the jury isn't back in regard to the cole slaw). I opted for the breast and wing, I mean who doesn't like breasts, fries and cole slaw. Since there was no fresh brewed tea, I opted for an orange soda. The guys behind the counter spring into action dropping freshly floured chicken into the fryer and a generous helping of fries. The fries came out first and were crispy, potatoy goodness. I hate limp fries and these were super crispy. Next came out the napalm chicken, so hot and tasty out of the fryer that I wanted to dive right in but new better and let the chicken cool a bit. Ok a few minutes passed and I could wait no longer. I delved into the perfectly crispy skin to find juicy white flesh that was perfectly cooked. Seasoned perfectly and unadulterated. Excellent 'Frantastic' Fried Chicken. Skip all the other places and run on over to Fran's.
(4)
Yi L.
my friend and i went here for lunch today... and apparently, they had just re-opened under new management. i got the 8 piece chicken with bone, while he got the tenders. he said the tenders were "NFG".. my chicken was ok.. very moist.. but i was grossed out by the feathers that were still on the wings. i think KFC down the street tastes better.
(2)
Suzanne Y.
First time eating at this place and I am impressed and happy! This is definitely one of those holes-in-the-wall kind of joint so I don't recommend taking your date here for the first time. This is a small little take out joint with only 3-4 tables in restaurant only. They have a very extensive menu from fried chicken to fried Oreo. We ordered chicken wings and chicken and waffle. we were content and impressed afterwards. They cook their chicken per order so the chicken tasted especially fresh! I am soooo excited to find this little joint. Beware they might accept cash because their credit card machine was out of order. FAU and city of Boca Raton employees get 15% off! Side note: they fry the chicken in front of you so expect to smell a bit greasy (I love it though!)
(5)
Lainy C.
Great fried chicken in Boca. Sign says its been around for 50 years but I never really heard of it until my friend wanted to stop by before going to the beach. Fried chicken is juicy and the crust is good - although the batter is heavier than I usually prefer. The batter is slightly sweet which is interesting. Their prices are very reasonable, and there are a few tables inside for seating.
(4)
Amanda B.
My boyfriend and I are regulars here. We've passed this place for YEARS and never went in, mostly due to the outside. It doesn't look like anything passing by. Maybe a bit scary too. Sometimes the people sitting outside don't make the place to inviting. Finally, after years of passing we go in. And boy, are we glad we did. The BEST fried chicken!!!! Please go and just hang out. The guys that run it are SUPER SUPER nice.
(5)
Alex V.
Finally decided to visit this place. I wanted fried chicken all day and convinced my wife to come with me. Here are my thoughts, They have a large chicken menu from tenders, breast, wings, gizzards, etc... All fried. I had the 3 piece white meat it comes with 2 full wings, one breast, and fries and a soda. It was pretty awesome. It takes 10 minutes but that equals fresh and there is nothing worse than cold fried chicken. We also ordered the fried Mac & cheese and it was ok. You must love Mac to order this. We also ordered fried Oreos. And my wife loved those. We both left very full and saying that we will be back. They have a Sunday special that make sit worth while to come back for a bucket. It is a small place with about 6 tables. I am not a fan of eating in a place that smells like chicken. But it was ok. The guy attending the place was nice and cordial, I did not get his name but I remember he said he was from Pennsylvania. Net net, we will be back.
(4)
George P.
Da BOMB! What more can I say? If fried chicken is what you lust for Fran's will satisfy that craving with the best fried chicken in Boca, and the Boca area!
(5)
Keren R.
Awesome fried chicken and the kids love the fried Oreos. Also a favorite among my oldest and his high school friends!
(5)
Scott G.
Great chicken, friendly staff, awesome old-school vibe takes you to a better, bygone era. Do yourself a favor and stop here next time that fried chicken craving sets in.
(5)
Richard C.
Best chicken around. The restaurant is no frills and basic college like atmosphere. We don't go to view the wall art we go for good fresh chicken. Though there is a TV that usually has a game on. Sometimes you have to wait for it to be cooked but its worth it.
(5)
Patrick B.
This is a hole in the wall restaurant. A clean nice place to grab a bite to eat. I ordered the daily special which was 10 chicken wings without the drums. They were breaded and I did not like them. However, I should never order breaded wings because I never liked them to begin with.
(4)
Amanda M.
Wow!!! Great food! Their chicken tenders are the best I've ever had...and I'm a bit of a chicken tender connoisseur. We ordered a large variety of items for a party we were having (fried chicken pieces, chicken tenders, chicken wings, fried mac & cheese, corn fritters, cole slaw...). Everyone loved everything. The owners & employees are very friendly and welcoming. Our food was hot and fresh. Will definitely be ordering more often now that football season started!
(5)
Danielle R.
Loved this little hole in the wall. Went with a friend for lunch, they cook to order their chicken tenders so keep that in mind. They take a whopping 8 mins!!!! We got the 3 tender meal, which is plenty and was under $7 w/out a drink. Comes with fries and a little side of coleslaw. It was really, really good & we definitely did not finish it all! There's also a million condiments you can put on this--they have it all...ranch, honey mustard, ketchup, buffalo wing sauce, etc. Def would suggest if you have a hankering for fried chicken!
(4)
Bud D.
The fried chicken breast was juicy and tasty, I found the coating on the chicken too be not spicy but a little sweet for my taste, the fries were good and seemed fresh. The reason I gave it only two stars is because the place itself was hot stuffy and your clothes smelled of frying grease after you left, also they need to clean up the place, there was only one person there and he was covered in flour not your nicest presentation.
(2)
Michael O.
Been here a couple times and it's phenomenal. After original owner sold the place the middle owner was so so. The current owners are doing an awesome job. You want good fresh fried chicken Frans is the place to be. 50 years of fried Heaven!
(4)
raymond c.
Great fried chicken always good tender What they need is better sides Someone needs to work on mash and gravy Or like a Mac n cheese homemade stuff would be nice and those are easy and really yummy
(4)
Ron L.
I've only been here once, but I was impressed with the chicken. I had a two-piece dark meat lunch and it was excellent. I requested the fries extra well done, and that's how they came. The cole slaw was very nice and prepared without too much mayonnaise. Service was polite and accommodating. As an example, I wanted two thighs instead of a thigh and leg, and got it with no problem. I sat down at a table and expected to have my name called when my order was ready, but instead a tray with my order was brought to the table. I was asked if I wanted a cup with ice for my soda, and when I said I would, they brought it to me. The reason for my surprise is that this is a small place and there are only a few tables. In short, I was pleasantly surprised at how much the owners wanted to please their customers. Very nice! Personally, I'd prefer it if the french fries were thinner and fresh cut, but the chicken is the star at Fran's and well worth the trip. The next time I'm going to try the wings which looked great!
(4)
Ben M.
I love this place since they got rid of kfc I was like damn no more fried chicken but a friend introduce me to this place and I love it ,they even have chicken and waffles
(5)
Melissa R.
Fran's fried chicken haven is under new management and I have to say they are doing everything right!!! They brought back the original recipe and atmosphere of this classic Boca Raton restaurant. I've eaten there maybe a dozen times since the change in ownership and the chicken is excellent each and every time. The service is friendly and the fried chicken always tender! This is easily the best chicken that I'm aware of in the surrounding area of Boca Raton. Check it out; you're almost certain to be pleased.
(5)
Bill S.
Simply put....Awesome Fried Chicken!!! This location has been here for years and is popular with locals. The only problem is the limited seating inside the restaurant and the need of a remodel or upgrade. Also the parking can be tight at certain times. No matter, it is the food that brings people here and the old fashioned fried chicken here is probably the best you will get anywhere.
(4)
Margie S.
So, this place is literally historical - I think most people don't know that. It used to be owned by an actual "Fran", but she's long gone. The guy who owns it now does it right, though, and I think Fran would be pleased. There is no better fried chicken in Dade, Broward or Palm Beach County (except maybe this one place on Okeechobee Road which shall remain nameless), so if you're craving the real deal, get yourself the hook up at Fran's Chicken Haven. Sides? We don't need no stinking sides. Unless maybe it's fries. You can do those. But, don't bother with the rest. Just get your fried chicken and move on. Oh, and it's just as good cold the next day as it is piping hot straight out of the fryer. Just rip that chicken off the bones, and sprinkle some salt on there. Legit goodness. Now for the nitty gritty info: it's a small place, just a few tables and a counter with some stools. Most people get it to go. You can order ahead, and probably should. Prices are OK, not cheap, not expensive, worth it for what you get. They're not open late. They put crack in the chicken - OK, not really, but you could get hooked for real. Or maybe it's crack. :)
(4)
Albert P.
Amazing fried chicken, absolutely amazing. The way I know this is: * there is a line 4 people deep, and even with what looks like 6 industrial 2 basket floor standing deep fryers they can't make the chicken fast enough to keep with demand * the phone is ringing non stop for pre orders * it smells fantastic inside, not like grease or anything gross, it smells like how the best fried chicken in the world tastes * I ordered 4 pieces, ate two, took the rest home, put it in the fridge, and it tasted BETTER the next day Will be back for more
(5)
Suzanne Y.
First time eating at this place and I am impressed and happy! This is definitely one of those holes-in-the-wall kind of joint so I don't recommend taking your date here for the first time. This is a small little take out joint with only 3-4 tables in restaurant only. They have a very extensive menu from fried chicken to fried Oreo. We ordered chicken wings and chicken and waffle. we were content and impressed afterwards. They cook their chicken per order so the chicken tasted especially fresh! I am soooo excited to find this little joint. Beware they might accept cash because their credit card machine was out of order. FAU and city of Boca Raton employees get 15% off! Side note: they fry the chicken in front of you so expect to smell a bit greasy (I love it though!)
(5)
Lainy C.
Great fried chicken in Boca. Sign says its been around for 50 years but I never really heard of it until my friend wanted to stop by before going to the beach. Fried chicken is juicy and the crust is good - although the batter is heavier than I usually prefer. The batter is slightly sweet which is interesting. Their prices are very reasonable, and there are a few tables inside for seating.
(4)
Alex V.
Finally decided to visit this place. I wanted fried chicken all day and convinced my wife to come with me. Here are my thoughts, They have a large chicken menu from tenders, breast, wings, gizzards, etc... All fried. I had the 3 piece white meat it comes with 2 full wings, one breast, and fries and a soda. It was pretty awesome. It takes 10 minutes but that equals fresh and there is nothing worse than cold fried chicken. We also ordered the fried Mac & cheese and it was ok. You must love Mac to order this. We also ordered fried Oreos. And my wife loved those. We both left very full and saying that we will be back. They have a Sunday special that make sit worth while to come back for a bucket. It is a small place with about 6 tables. I am not a fan of eating in a place that smells like chicken. But it was ok. The guy attending the place was nice and cordial, I did not get his name but I remember he said he was from Pennsylvania. Net net, we will be back.
(4)
George P.
Da BOMB! What more can I say? If fried chicken is what you lust for Fran's will satisfy that craving with the best fried chicken in Boca, and the Boca area!
(5)
Abdel S.
THE BEST Fired chicken ever. I went there last week to get take out for my family and it did not disappoint.
(5)
Frank C.
Yep the fried chicken here is worth the stop. Thick and crunchy batter. Beats the local kfc by a mile!
(4)
Nancy A.
I've lived in Boca for 16 years and recently had my first experience at Fran's. My son told me that the restaurant had been sold recently and is now kosher, which why they are closed on Friday nights and Saturdays. In order to maintain their kosher status, they must be closed on the Jewish Sabbath. According to friends, the menu has not changed much and the man at the counter said the chicken recipe was the same as well. The 2-piece (breast and wing) dinner was wonderful. The chicken was moist and flavorful. The french fries were hot and crispy. The restaurant could benefit from stocking malt vinegar though! The portion of cole slaw was very small and a bit dry. The guy at the counter kept my diet Coke refilled as often as I needed it. The red plastic chairs are a bit uncomfortable and the tables are close together so when it's busy, it's a bit tight. All in all, a great place!
(4)
Tara M.
After living in Boca for 5 years, I thought I would give this Boca area icon a try. I'm not much into chicken on the bone, much less fried, but this was amazing!! It was fresh out of the frier so it was so hot it burned our fingers. There was NO grease - just the juiciest chicken I have ever eaten in my life!! I was able to pull the meat right off of the bone with my fork. The breading was light and flavorful. The staff were friendly and helpful. The only problem I had was with the coleslaw - pretty dry; but the potato salad was excellent! (I got potato salad instead of fries - and at no additional charge I might add and it was a big bowl of it!)
(5)
frank w.
The best fried chicken in town is at Publix. The time of day is marked on every box. Every Publix makes them the same Very flavorful and even the white meat is juicy. No need to select your pieces. Just pick up a box and go.
(2)
Simone W.
Well being from Memphis, Tenness, I've been eating FRIED CHICKEN since the day I was born. Fran's since I was 13 (1973)...you do the math. I now live in California and FRAN'S is a must have whenever I visit which is once or twice a year! One of my biggest fantasies is to open a fried chicken place and guess whose recipe I would want to steal...you got it... FRAN'S!!! You just can't get any better. I would suggest eating at home because you are going to get sick..not from the quality of the food but from just flat out eating too much food! I highly recommend also buying extra because it's yummy cold, too! Ya'll Enjoy!
(5)
Holly W.
Within the past year I have been introduced to more of the local places in the area. Some good, others not so much. Fran's was so good, it prompted me to join yelp and write this review. I am not typically a huge fan of fried chicken. Anytime I would crave it, I would go to Publix. Stopping by was a spur of the moment decision. Yes, it's in a weird, odd plaza. But I had heard about this place, that it had been around for a long time and it was the best fried chicken you could get. Now first off, for any place to succeed and stay in business for that long, there has to be a reason why. the person who helped us was very nice and the place was clean. I ordered a leg and thigh. Got in the car and started munchin. I couldn't even talk I was so involved with the chicken. Amazing. The crunchy sweet skin batter must keep the moisture in the chicken because it's tender and juicy. I am hooked and going back tomorrow for more!!
(5)
Aaron V.
I decided to try Fran's based on a great review in the Sun-Sentinal. Fran's was established in 1964 - and it had a great "hole-in-the-wall" ambiance. You could tell it has been around for awhile, and had not been updated - I could've been transported back to the '60's if it had not been for the flat-screen TV on the back wall. Unfortunately, the chicken tasted like it had been there since 1964. We sat at the counter, so we could see pretty much the entire cooking area. There were a few pieces of chicken under some heat lamps. As we ordered our chicken, we were told what pieces were available. We took our picks, and they were served up right away with some cole slaw in tiny lidded containers and one of those super-soft dinner rolls saturated with preservatives. After we were given our chicken, we could tell more was in the fryer...another customer walked in to place an order and was told fresh chicken would be up in about 10 minutes. We were never given the option of fresh fried chicken. Oh, fries are also included in the dinner, but they had to fry some up (frozen) and weren't ready until we were halfway finished with the chicken. We had also ordered hushpuppies. Those were also frozen and had to be fried. We had ordered them as appetizers, but were served last. The chicken was somewhat dry (but not as much as I had expected, so maybe it hadn't sat under the heat lamps that long). But, the breading had no seasoning whatsoever...no flavor. The coleslaw was bland also. There's not much to review for frozen fries and hushpuppies, so I will forego reviewing those. They had a few other sides on the menu such as collard greens, black-eyed peas, macaroni salad, etc. I couldn't see what any of those sides looked like, so I just didn't have the desire to try any. I'm giving Fran's 2 stars, mainly for the somewhat retro interior. All in all, it'd be better to go to Popeye's. I'm no fan of fast food and chains, but at least Popeye's is fresher, tastier and cheaper.
(2)
kay b.
I found this place by accident. The location is not impression, but it's clean. I'm not into ambiance when it comes to chicken, just wanted some good food. I was pleasantly surprised. Mine was made to order - it was hot, juicy, crunchy, not overly greasy. It had a nice sweet/salty thing going on too. The fries were hot, again not overly greasy - just right. I grew up in the south and have eaten many fried chickens in my day. Take it from a soul food connoisseur, maaannnn.... Fran's Chicken Haven is the business!
(4)
Jacob K.
Normally I have no problems getting 12 wings. Here, I could only handle 5 of the juiciest fried chicken wings I have ever had. The sauce was a simple Franks red hot but that is all it needed. I almost wish I lived in South Florida so I can go back here. A small update, my stomach revolted against me the following morning in a very uncomfortable manner. Based off the damage done to my stomach I will probably not be going back.
(3)
CV K.
Good fried chicken, hot crispy, no frills, good service & friendly. I've been on several occasions. Now if he could just get some greens the old fashioned way they would get 5 ****.... The bald guy is funny, cute too.
(4)
Clarissa S.
Hits the spot when you're craving home cooked fried chicken. Free "Fried Oreo" when you follow on IG. SUPER YUMMMM We're coming back mañana.
(5)
Alexander C.
Best fried chicken in Boca. A legendary place now back in good hands. Hush puppies are also fantastic, but you're not there for the sides, the chicken is the main attraction here.
(5)
Whitney E.
Best fried chicken around, no doubt! I frequent here every so often and am never disappointed.. Takes around 10 mins from ordering for your food to be ready which in my opinion is great considering the food is made to order. Also, they've recently added some more sides like mash potatoes & Mac and cheese bites which are always good on the side. Definitely a place to try at least once because you'll love it; it's been around forever
(5)
Danielle R.
Loved this little hole in the wall. Went with a friend for lunch, they cook to order their chicken tenders so keep that in mind. They take a whopping 8 mins!!!! We got the 3 tender meal, which is plenty and was under $7 w/out a drink. Comes with fries and a little side of coleslaw. It was really, really good & we definitely did not finish it all! There's also a million condiments you can put on this--they have it all...ranch, honey mustard, ketchup, buffalo wing sauce, etc. Def would suggest if you have a hankering for fried chicken!
(4)
Bradley M.
Update: Have eaten here a few more times with mostly misses on the chicken. Once it was cooked in the oil that they do the deserts in and the chicken tasted sweet and gross. We went back to give them one more chance and told them about The last experience and he basically did nothing for us and made up an excuse. I won't be eating here any more. I guess the first time was just a one time random chance of the chicken being good. Really disappointed in this place don't recommend them any more.
(1)
Kenya E.
Finally tried this place and I'm impressed. I had the chicken and waffles. The chicken was fried nicely and had great favor. The waffles was good but I wasn't a fan of the powered sugar and whipped cream that they put on top. The fried oreo was the best part however. Fran's had a friendly staff with great food and a nice atmosphere. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Stewart A.
Yum,my first visit to this landmark 'chikin joint'. If you are fried chicken fan (come on,be honest, isn't everybody?) , finding authentic, real deal, Southern fried chicken is harder that it should be. Make it easy on yourself and go to Fran's Chicken Haven. Right out of the fryer, hot and fresh, the batter was just right, not to heavy or thick, just enough to crisp up nicely. Excellent sides of baked beans, potato(*****) and mac salads. Our cole slaw was overly salted (oops, we think somebody added salt instead of pepper) but we will try again next time (since the previous reviews were good), as it is an essential go-along to this great chicken for a Georgia boy like me. This is good basic comfort food, not sniffy novelle cuisine, and it is meant to satisfy the taste buds, in a down home way. It succeeds. Nice pricing, personable brothers running the place, keeping Fran's tradition alive. Good on them. Next time I'm trying the fried Twinkie, not because I should (I shoudn't), but because I MUST.
(4)
Keren R.
Awesome fried chicken and the kids love the fried Oreos. Also a favorite among my oldest and his high school friends!
(5)
Scott G.
Great chicken, friendly staff, awesome old-school vibe takes you to a better, bygone era. Do yourself a favor and stop here next time that fried chicken craving sets in.
(5)
Richard C.
Best chicken around. The restaurant is no frills and basic college like atmosphere. We don't go to view the wall art we go for good fresh chicken. Though there is a TV that usually has a game on. Sometimes you have to wait for it to be cooked but its worth it.
(5)
Patrick B.
This is a hole in the wall restaurant. A clean nice place to grab a bite to eat. I ordered the daily special which was 10 chicken wings without the drums. They were breaded and I did not like them. However, I should never order breaded wings because I never liked them to begin with.
(4)
Amanda B.
My boyfriend and I are regulars here. We've passed this place for YEARS and never went in, mostly due to the outside. It doesn't look like anything passing by. Maybe a bit scary too. Sometimes the people sitting outside don't make the place to inviting. Finally, after years of passing we go in. And boy, are we glad we did. The BEST fried chicken!!!! Please go and just hang out. The guys that run it are SUPER SUPER nice.
(5)
Amanda M.
Wow!!! Great food! Their chicken tenders are the best I've ever had...and I'm a bit of a chicken tender connoisseur. We ordered a large variety of items for a party we were having (fried chicken pieces, chicken tenders, chicken wings, fried mac & cheese, corn fritters, cole slaw...). Everyone loved everything. The owners & employees are very friendly and welcoming. Our food was hot and fresh. Will definitely be ordering more often now that football season started!
(5)
Tallman F.
it is cooked FRESH when you order .... so it takes 13 mins ....let it cool just a minute or two when they bring it out becoz it's still cooking internally it's not GREAT but it is pretty good ...really. stop & get some .... strange cast of characters frequent this local fried chicken shoppe ....... thats why i ate IN --- to see what i could see chicken is lightly battered .......go .... YOU will njoy
(4)
Matthew S.
The best fried chicken in Boca hands down. Been there a few times but i had the fried chicken and waffles for lunch today and I had to throw a review up. Even the fountain sodas are top notch. MMmm MmMMm good
(5)
Jaime C.
Disrespectful cashier rang my wife, started hitting on her made her feel uncomfortable. First time we were at that place, never going back.
(1)
Mark G.
Great fried chicken. No more birch beer though. They always have specials too. The place is small but there is real silverware and a terrific hot sauce.
(3)
Alyssa A.
Best fried chicken I have ever had! It's made right on the spot and the family deal is were its at. I also had their fried Oreos and I can definitely say it was orgasmic! Haha seriously you have to get them.
(5)
Austin T.
BEST fried chicken in Boca Raton BY FAR. Hole in the wall place that has great owners who are extremely friendly. If you want to have some awesome fried chicken in Boca, you better go to Fran's. Even their chicken fingers are amazing. The KFC went out of business down the street and I don't even wonder why. I don't think this place gets much business but they've been here for a long time. I give them 5 stars for what they specialize in. FRIED CHICKEN BABY.
(5)
Bazil B.
Ate here a couple of months back. We're very disappointed over the taste from the first time we are here. Chicken was sweet as it had been cooked in the same oil they cook their sweet deserts. I won't go back and cannot recommend it to anyone. Disappointed.
(1)
James H.
Absolutely delicious fried chicken. I ate here today on a recommendation and it was awesome. The chicken was cooked perfectly, it was juicy and the skin was well seasoned and crispy. The sides were fine, I personally prefer my mashed potatoes peeled but to each his own. The gravy is what makes it though. They should package this stuff up and sell it. I also tried the buffalo chicken sandwich, also very delicious. The buffalo sauce wasn't overpowering at all and again, the chicken was juicy and crispy on the outside. I highly advise anyone looking for fried chicken to check out Fran's. I've lived here for 15 years, passed this place thousands of times, and I only today tried it. Sorry I've missed it for so long. Don't let appearances scare you away!! This chicken is worth it!!!
(5)
Mario S.
HIDDEN. GEM. Awesome fried chicken. Only downfall is the slightly sketchy shopping center it's located in. Otherwise I'd give it 5 stars!
The fried chicken breast was juicy and tasty, I found the coating on the chicken too be not spicy but a little sweet for my taste, the fries were good and seemed fresh. The reason I gave it only two stars is because the place itself was hot stuffy and your clothes smelled of frying grease after you left, also they need to clean up the place, there was only one person there and he was covered in flour not your nicest presentation.
(2)
Michael O.
Been here a couple times and it's phenomenal. After original owner sold the place the middle owner was so so. The current owners are doing an awesome job. You want good fresh fried chicken Frans is the place to be. 50 years of fried Heaven!
(4)
raymond c.
Great fried chicken always good tender What they need is better sides Someone needs to work on mash and gravy Or like a Mac n cheese homemade stuff would be nice and those are easy and really yummy
(4)
Ron L.
I've only been here once, but I was impressed with the chicken. I had a two-piece dark meat lunch and it was excellent. I requested the fries extra well done, and that's how they came. The cole slaw was very nice and prepared without too much mayonnaise. Service was polite and accommodating. As an example, I wanted two thighs instead of a thigh and leg, and got it with no problem. I sat down at a table and expected to have my name called when my order was ready, but instead a tray with my order was brought to the table. I was asked if I wanted a cup with ice for my soda, and when I said I would, they brought it to me. The reason for my surprise is that this is a small place and there are only a few tables. In short, I was pleasantly surprised at how much the owners wanted to please their customers. Very nice! Personally, I'd prefer it if the french fries were thinner and fresh cut, but the chicken is the star at Fran's and well worth the trip. The next time I'm going to try the wings which looked great!
(4)
Ben M.
I love this place since they got rid of kfc I was like damn no more fried chicken but a friend introduce me to this place and I love it ,they even have chicken and waffles
(5)
Melissa R.
Fran's fried chicken haven is under new management and I have to say they are doing everything right!!! They brought back the original recipe and atmosphere of this classic Boca Raton restaurant. I've eaten there maybe a dozen times since the change in ownership and the chicken is excellent each and every time. The service is friendly and the fried chicken always tender! This is easily the best chicken that I'm aware of in the surrounding area of Boca Raton. Check it out; you're almost certain to be pleased.
(5)
Bill S.
Simply put....Awesome Fried Chicken!!! This location has been here for years and is popular with locals. The only problem is the limited seating inside the restaurant and the need of a remodel or upgrade. Also the parking can be tight at certain times. No matter, it is the food that brings people here and the old fashioned fried chicken here is probably the best you will get anywhere.
(4)
Kilt K.
We don't have it often but sometimes we get a yen for fried chicken and luckily we remembered reading about Fran's. We were with our grandsons and ordered the special of 2 pieces of dark meat. Also ordered 2 breasts and 2 wings, 3 chicken tenders. Happy to report everything was delicious. It's all prepared to order and the chicken was crisp and juicy, especially important for chicken breasts. The seasoning was perfect. Each order comes with fries, cole slaw and a biscuit. The tenders were "a la carte" so we ordered the hush puppies as a side. They were really good too. Nicely seasoned and, like the chicken, not at all greasy. The place is really small, sort of a hole in the wall, but the kind of place you you feel happy to have found. We spoke to Chris, one of the 2 brothers who own Fran's and he was friendly and promised us a deep fried Oreo on our next visit. Can't wait!
(5)
Rachel M.
Three stars for the chicken. Four stars for service Three stars for price. Stopped in during lunch time and it wasn't busy, a few patrons enjoying their meals. The gentleman who seemed to be working alone was welcoming and attentive to both my order and the food which he was cooking. The prices were a bit higer than what I was expecting but he shared the lunch special and its what I ordered. Lunch special is a thigh, fries and a drink as well as a roll. At a little over $6 not too bad... overstimated how hungry I was and added onion rings at $3.50 an order to make my lunch bill just under $10. As soon as I walked into the office, the smell of the food enticed everyone there. Since the fries and onion rings are cooked when ordered they were still hot and tasty. Didn't like the chicken too much: it did seem a bit salty and was just okay. However, they have been around since 1964 so I will unlikely check them out another day to give it one more shot!
(3)
Peter L.
FRAN'S IS BACK If you stopped by Fran's in the last year or so and were as disappointed as I was, give them another try. The new owners have brought back the original recipe and the chicken was fantastic. Of course, the place still looks a bit rough, but who cares - you go for the chicken.
(5)
Mark E.
As a 30-year resident of Chicago (and SoFla) and a fan from day one of Harold's Chicken Shack, so popular and famous it was recommended in orientation at The Univ of Chicago, it's hard to believe that I'm saying it, but this is the best fried chicken experience I've had. The outside surroundings are misleading as I had driven past this nondescript shopping plaza for years, seeing the Fran's sign. The day I finally decided to try it about eight months ago, after reading about it online, the previous owners were literally moving things out. I am so glad these guys have reopened it and it is quite addictive- next time in I'm making sure there are no controlled substances in the recipe- probably tonight!
(5)
Cliff C.
A Boca institution. Been here so long they have the only neon window sign in town -- having been Grandfathered in before Boca passed the ordinance prohibiting them. Must be doing something right to have made it all these years. The owners may have changed, but the name and the commitment to serving up deep-fried goodness have not. And that's a good thing. Like the neon sign says, Fran's fries up just about every part of the chicken, including gizzards if that's how you roll. I think they have other fried foods on the menu, but I've honestly never made it past the chicken. It's not my Mom's, but it's still pretty damn good. Their sides are just OK (I've had the collared greens, mac salad & coleslaw), but let's face it, you're here for the chicken. Everything else is, well, a side dish. Funny how some folks love this place and others feel quite the opposite. Maybe their expectations were too high. I recommend simply judging for yourself. For me, Fran's is good fried chicken at decent prices -- and that's why I come here.
(4)
Cuong L.
The fried chicken was great. The skin was crispy and the meat was flavorful and not over-seasoned. The one guy working is very nice as well. Even though there were a few pieces left under the heater, instead of throwing it in our to go order, he offered to fry us brand new pieces. Unfortunately, the side dishes were horrid. Fries weren't seasoned at all. The rolls were stale and the cole slaw was warm the last time I was there. My suggestion is just get a bucket.
(3)
Brendan B.
Wow these guys did a great job I just got the fried chicken and I think by far is the best in Boca so glad it's close to my house. Fried chicken is an art and they have mastered it. I ate their before the new management it was not good. This time I was a little reluctant to try but boy am I glad I did! I will be back over and over if the chicken as good as it was today!
(5)
Hunter S.
Fran's fried chicken haven is once again under new management and I have to say they are doing everything right!!! They brought back the original recipe and atmosphere of this classic Boca Raton restaurant. The new owners, 2 brothers, are friendly and eager to serve you. The Chicken tenders are a much much larger portion then the previous owners and were so delicious, I can still taste them. The original recipe brings back so many memories from my childhood. Don't let the look of the run-down plaza keep you from stopping by for some mouth watering, crispy, fried chicken.
(5)
Amber G.
Just called twice around noon. No answer. Full voice mail. Not even sure if it's the right number since it's the standard voicemail message and can't access their website.
(1)
Raymond Todd B.
Y'all want some fried chicken, I do. And if you want some delicious fried chicken that reminds you of the south then you need to stop at Fran's Chicken Haven because like the sign says, it is Fran-tastic. Y'all want livers and gizzards, wings, fried shrimp, or fish, awesome, because you can get it by the bucket. Cole Slaw, Collard Greens, rice with black-eyed peas, corn bread muffins tease your taste buds as you read them on the big red wall of temptations. I mention this because you have two choices when trying this place out. First, order a 20 piece bucket and all of the sides and throw a fried chicken party or second, become a repeat customer. I am a repeat customer kind of guy. While, I am a fan of the fran, there are some down sides. The cole slaw is served in a 2 oz plastic ramekin and taste like it was poured from a bag and there is really no flavor to it. My buddy who ate with me liked it, I like my mommas better. My other complaint is that there is no freshly brewed tea. I don't really need sweet tea, but this simple addition to the menu would bring up the star count in my book. I would also love it if there was a southern lady working behind the counter. I did not experience a greasy over salted chicken. I had a delicious juicy flavorful piece of fried chicken right out of the fryer served with a soft roll and perfectly cooked French fries.
(4)
Lucas C.
Very good fried chicken. The side dishes weren't very good, though. I would recommend getting a bucket or so as takeout and providing the accouterment from elsewhere. However, the quality of the chicken was top notch. The style is a crispy batter that is somewhat salty. I intend to come back and get some chicken for a pot luck or picnic. Also, our order was cooked up right when we placed it. Our chicken was straight from the fryers.
(3)
Lisa H.
Just like back in the old days! Superbly prepared fried chicken. It's under brand new management and they have brought it back to the original way of making fried chicken. We also had the corn fritters too which were wonderful.
(5)
Sam Y.
Mine is the search for incredible fried chicken, the kind were you don't mind a little grease dripping down your hand while devouring the tasty morsels of fried, succulent goodness. Enter Fran's Fried Chicken. You walk up to the strip mall store that is flanked by a sushi place and a pawn shop and wonder, 'what the hell am I doing here?'. Well you are here for some of the best, fresh made fried chicken you will ever taste. The scene upon entering is a simple one, counter with a red lettered menu, a handful and a half of counter stools and a few tables. The place looks like a greasy spoon but then again this is fried chicken not fine dining. Read the simple menu and order a two piece meal with fries and slaw or collard greens or black eyes peas. Everything is freshly made (i think, the jury isn't back in regard to the cole slaw). I opted for the breast and wing, I mean who doesn't like breasts, fries and cole slaw. Since there was no fresh brewed tea, I opted for an orange soda. The guys behind the counter spring into action dropping freshly floured chicken into the fryer and a generous helping of fries. The fries came out first and were crispy, potatoy goodness. I hate limp fries and these were super crispy. Next came out the napalm chicken, so hot and tasty out of the fryer that I wanted to dive right in but new better and let the chicken cool a bit. Ok a few minutes passed and I could wait no longer. I delved into the perfectly crispy skin to find juicy white flesh that was perfectly cooked. Seasoned perfectly and unadulterated. Excellent 'Frantastic' Fried Chicken. Skip all the other places and run on over to Fran's.
(4)
Yi L.
my friend and i went here for lunch today... and apparently, they had just re-opened under new management. i got the 8 piece chicken with bone, while he got the tenders. he said the tenders were "NFG".. my chicken was ok.. very moist.. but i was grossed out by the feathers that were still on the wings. i think KFC down the street tastes better.
(2)
Victor G.
Ok.. Reading some of these reviews kinda made my blood boil. First thing is Frans is a Fried Chicken place in a strip mall in a crappy part of Boca Raton! Ambiance wouldn't be the first thing I would expect when walking in. Its next to a friggen Quick Mart for Christ Sakes! What did you expect?! Also as per Chris H's review i don't see what the hell someones religion or personal preference in corporate ran steakhouses has to do with fried chicken. And C'mon guys! Popeyes? Publix? WTF!? Ok now on to the Chicken! Frans hands down is the best Fried Chicken I have ever had the privilege of eating. Super airy and crispy breading and amazingly tender and moist chicken on the inside. I come here for Fried Chicken and the Fried Chicken only, so I cant really comment on the sides. The Staff is equally as nice as the food. The owner or her son are usually behind the counter and most of the time behind the fryer as well. The multiple times I have been there everyone has been super nice and the chicken has always been cooked up fresh. I lived in Boca for a few years back and now live in NYC. After moving to NYC a few years ago, i have been on the ultimate search for good Fried Chicken and quite honestly nothing has even came close to Frans. Honestly I'm starting to think my wife is getting tired of hearing about my fried chicken issue and this "Fran Broad"...
(5)
Chris H.
I was told by several Jewish friends in Boca that this was the best fried chicken in the world. I bring that up because they are VERY discriminating about their food, and will not hesitate to send anything back unless it is absolutely, 100% to their personal specifications- much to the chagrin of waiters and chefs alike. Enter Fran's- billed as the best fried chicken in all the world. Maybe it was once, but not anymore. Seriously, if you want good fried chicken just go to Publix supermarket. Fran's is greasy and flavorless. How all these smart people, that will send back a perfect Morton's steak because they claim it is sub-par, have fallen into a mass delusion about this place is beyond me.
(1)
Lisa M.
I've been wanting to try this place forever and finally did on Saturday night. What a mistake. It was the worst fried chicken I've ever had. It was soaked in grease flavor. Nothing was fresh. The coleslaw, corn muffins were frozen. They were out of Mashed potoaos and gravy if you could believe that. NEVER AGAIN..... Had to have a orange just to get the taste out of my mouth after dinner!
(1)
Jamie C.
Good fried chicken. My boyfriend loves it. He's a fried chicken connoissuer. It's in a hole in the wall strip mall. I find it to be on the salty side but good.
(3)
Brom T.
Great Great chicken !! Crisp, moist, NOT greasy. Quick service. The fries were made for me, so they were golden and hot... Friendly staff.... I HIGHLY recommend... Mike
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Margie S.
So, this place is literally historical - I think most people don't know that. It used to be owned by an actual "Fran", but she's long gone. The guy who owns it now does it right, though, and I think Fran would be pleased. There is no better fried chicken in Dade, Broward or Palm Beach County (except maybe this one place on Okeechobee Road which shall remain nameless), so if you're craving the real deal, get yourself the hook up at Fran's Chicken Haven. Sides? We don't need no stinking sides. Unless maybe it's fries. You can do those. But, don't bother with the rest. Just get your fried chicken and move on. Oh, and it's just as good cold the next day as it is piping hot straight out of the fryer. Just rip that chicken off the bones, and sprinkle some salt on there. Legit goodness. Now for the nitty gritty info: it's a small place, just a few tables and a counter with some stools. Most people get it to go. You can order ahead, and probably should. Prices are OK, not cheap, not expensive, worth it for what you get. They're not open late. They put crack in the chicken - OK, not really, but you could get hooked for real. Or maybe it's crack. :)
(4)Cliff C.
A Boca institution. Been here so long they have the only neon window sign in town -- having been Grandfathered in before Boca passed the ordinance prohibiting them. Must be doing something right to have made it all these years. The owners may have changed, but the name and the commitment to serving up deep-fried goodness have not. And that's a good thing. Like the neon sign says, Fran's fries up just about every part of the chicken, including gizzards if that's how you roll. I think they have other fried foods on the menu, but I've honestly never made it past the chicken. It's not my Mom's, but it's still pretty damn good. Their sides are just OK (I've had the collared greens, mac salad & coleslaw), but let's face it, you're here for the chicken. Everything else is, well, a side dish. Funny how some folks love this place and others feel quite the opposite. Maybe their expectations were too high. I recommend simply judging for yourself. For me, Fran's is good fried chicken at decent prices -- and that's why I come here.
(4)Cuong L.
The fried chicken was great. The skin was crispy and the meat was flavorful and not over-seasoned. The one guy working is very nice as well. Even though there were a few pieces left under the heater, instead of throwing it in our to go order, he offered to fry us brand new pieces. Unfortunately, the side dishes were horrid. Fries weren't seasoned at all. The rolls were stale and the cole slaw was warm the last time I was there. My suggestion is just get a bucket.
(3)Brendan B.
Wow these guys did a great job I just got the fried chicken and I think by far is the best in Boca so glad it's close to my house. Fried chicken is an art and they have mastered it. I ate their before the new management it was not good. This time I was a little reluctant to try but boy am I glad I did! I will be back over and over if the chicken as good as it was today!
(5)Hunter S.
Fran's fried chicken haven is once again under new management and I have to say they are doing everything right!!! They brought back the original recipe and atmosphere of this classic Boca Raton restaurant. The new owners, 2 brothers, are friendly and eager to serve you. The Chicken tenders are a much much larger portion then the previous owners and were so delicious, I can still taste them. The original recipe brings back so many memories from my childhood. Don't let the look of the run-down plaza keep you from stopping by for some mouth watering, crispy, fried chicken.
(5)Albert P.
Amazing fried chicken, absolutely amazing. The way I know this is: * there is a line 4 people deep, and even with what looks like 6 industrial 2 basket floor standing deep fryers they can't make the chicken fast enough to keep with demand * the phone is ringing non stop for pre orders * it smells fantastic inside, not like grease or anything gross, it smells like how the best fried chicken in the world tastes * I ordered 4 pieces, ate two, took the rest home, put it in the fridge, and it tasted BETTER the next day Will be back for more
(5)Jacob K.
Normally I have no problems getting 12 wings. Here, I could only handle 5 of the juiciest fried chicken wings I have ever had. The sauce was a simple Franks red hot but that is all it needed. I almost wish I lived in South Florida so I can go back here. A small update, my stomach revolted against me the following morning in a very uncomfortable manner. Based off the damage done to my stomach I will probably not be going back.
(3)CV K.
Good fried chicken, hot crispy, no frills, good service & friendly. I've been on several occasions. Now if he could just get some greens the old fashioned way they would get 5 ****.... The bald guy is funny, cute too.
(4)Clarissa S.
Hits the spot when you're craving home cooked fried chicken. Free "Fried Oreo" when you follow on IG. SUPER YUMMMM We're coming back mañana.
(5)Alexander C.
Best fried chicken in Boca. A legendary place now back in good hands. Hush puppies are also fantastic, but you're not there for the sides, the chicken is the main attraction here.
(5)Whitney E.
Best fried chicken around, no doubt! I frequent here every so often and am never disappointed.. Takes around 10 mins from ordering for your food to be ready which in my opinion is great considering the food is made to order. Also, they've recently added some more sides like mash potatoes & Mac and cheese bites which are always good on the side. Definitely a place to try at least once because you'll love it; it's been around forever
(5)Bradley M.
Update: Have eaten here a few more times with mostly misses on the chicken. Once it was cooked in the oil that they do the deserts in and the chicken tasted sweet and gross. We went back to give them one more chance and told them about The last experience and he basically did nothing for us and made up an excuse. I won't be eating here any more. I guess the first time was just a one time random chance of the chicken being good. Really disappointed in this place don't recommend them any more.
(1)Kenya E.
Finally tried this place and I'm impressed. I had the chicken and waffles. The chicken was fried nicely and had great favor. The waffles was good but I wasn't a fan of the powered sugar and whipped cream that they put on top. The fried oreo was the best part however. Fran's had a friendly staff with great food and a nice atmosphere. I'll definitely be back.
(4)Tallman F.
it is cooked FRESH when you order .... so it takes 13 mins ....let it cool just a minute or two when they bring it out becoz it's still cooking internally it's not GREAT but it is pretty good ...really. stop & get some .... strange cast of characters frequent this local fried chicken shoppe ....... thats why i ate IN --- to see what i could see chicken is lightly battered .......go .... YOU will njoy
(4)Matthew S.
The best fried chicken in Boca hands down. Been there a few times but i had the fried chicken and waffles for lunch today and I had to throw a review up. Even the fountain sodas are top notch. MMmm MmMMm good
(5)Jaime C.
Disrespectful cashier rang my wife, started hitting on her made her feel uncomfortable. First time we were at that place, never going back.
(1)Mark G.
Great fried chicken. No more birch beer though. They always have specials too. The place is small but there is real silverware and a terrific hot sauce.
(3)Abdel S.
THE BEST Fired chicken ever. I went there last week to get take out for my family and it did not disappoint.
(5)Frank C.
Yep the fried chicken here is worth the stop. Thick and crunchy batter. Beats the local kfc by a mile!
(4)Stewart A.
Yum,my first visit to this landmark 'chikin joint'. If you are fried chicken fan (come on,be honest, isn't everybody?) , finding authentic, real deal, Southern fried chicken is harder that it should be. Make it easy on yourself and go to Fran's Chicken Haven. Right out of the fryer, hot and fresh, the batter was just right, not to heavy or thick, just enough to crisp up nicely. Excellent sides of baked beans, potato(*****) and mac salads. Our cole slaw was overly salted (oops, we think somebody added salt instead of pepper) but we will try again next time (since the previous reviews were good), as it is an essential go-along to this great chicken for a Georgia boy like me. This is good basic comfort food, not sniffy novelle cuisine, and it is meant to satisfy the taste buds, in a down home way. It succeeds. Nice pricing, personable brothers running the place, keeping Fran's tradition alive. Good on them. Next time I'm trying the fried Twinkie, not because I should (I shoudn't), but because I MUST.
(4)Alyssa A.
Best fried chicken I have ever had! It's made right on the spot and the family deal is were its at. I also had their fried Oreos and I can definitely say it was orgasmic! Haha seriously you have to get them.
(5)Austin T.
BEST fried chicken in Boca Raton BY FAR. Hole in the wall place that has great owners who are extremely friendly. If you want to have some awesome fried chicken in Boca, you better go to Fran's. Even their chicken fingers are amazing. The KFC went out of business down the street and I don't even wonder why. I don't think this place gets much business but they've been here for a long time. I give them 5 stars for what they specialize in. FRIED CHICKEN BABY.
(5)Bazil B.
Ate here a couple of months back. We're very disappointed over the taste from the first time we are here. Chicken was sweet as it had been cooked in the same oil they cook their sweet deserts. I won't go back and cannot recommend it to anyone. Disappointed.
(1)James H.
Absolutely delicious fried chicken. I ate here today on a recommendation and it was awesome. The chicken was cooked perfectly, it was juicy and the skin was well seasoned and crispy. The sides were fine, I personally prefer my mashed potatoes peeled but to each his own. The gravy is what makes it though. They should package this stuff up and sell it. I also tried the buffalo chicken sandwich, also very delicious. The buffalo sauce wasn't overpowering at all and again, the chicken was juicy and crispy on the outside. I highly advise anyone looking for fried chicken to check out Fran's. I've lived here for 15 years, passed this place thousands of times, and I only today tried it. Sorry I've missed it for so long. Don't let appearances scare you away!! This chicken is worth it!!!
(5)Mario S.
HIDDEN. GEM. Awesome fried chicken. Only downfall is the slightly sketchy shopping center it's located in. Otherwise I'd give it 5 stars!
(4)Marqus R.
Because of my damned gallbladder being nearly seventy years old, this aging Yelpite is generally compelled to shy away from fried foods, particularly the skin of fried chicken. Naturally, removing the skin from fried chicken also removes most of the seasoning, goodness and flavor of it as well, so I found Fran's fried chicken to be of particular delight. Not only is the chicken meat itself some of the best ever, so is the light, crispy skin of the chicken which they tell me is achieved by a scalding of the chicken prior to prior to frying. Yes, the chicken is somewhat greasy as is anything deep fried, but far less so than most while at the same time being far better in taste and flavor. As for Fran's itself it is all about the chicken; so don't think of anything but chicken. It's located in a rather seedy section of Boca, part of a run down strip mall and has the general ambiance of an off road truck stop. Being basically a take out place it only has about four cramped in two seat tables along with a not more than six rather after thought looking counter seats. Fran's is anything but plushy, however, the friendliness of the place, in particular the cook and counter staff, more than make up for the any lack of décor.
(4)Kilt K.
We don't have it often but sometimes we get a yen for fried chicken and luckily we remembered reading about Fran's. We were with our grandsons and ordered the special of 2 pieces of dark meat. Also ordered 2 breasts and 2 wings, 3 chicken tenders. Happy to report everything was delicious. It's all prepared to order and the chicken was crisp and juicy, especially important for chicken breasts. The seasoning was perfect. Each order comes with fries, cole slaw and a biscuit. The tenders were "a la carte" so we ordered the hush puppies as a side. They were really good too. Nicely seasoned and, like the chicken, not at all greasy. The place is really small, sort of a hole in the wall, but the kind of place you you feel happy to have found. We spoke to Chris, one of the 2 brothers who own Fran's and he was friendly and promised us a deep fried Oreo on our next visit. Can't wait!
(5)Rachel M.
Three stars for the chicken. Four stars for service Three stars for price. Stopped in during lunch time and it wasn't busy, a few patrons enjoying their meals. The gentleman who seemed to be working alone was welcoming and attentive to both my order and the food which he was cooking. The prices were a bit higer than what I was expecting but he shared the lunch special and its what I ordered. Lunch special is a thigh, fries and a drink as well as a roll. At a little over $6 not too bad... overstimated how hungry I was and added onion rings at $3.50 an order to make my lunch bill just under $10. As soon as I walked into the office, the smell of the food enticed everyone there. Since the fries and onion rings are cooked when ordered they were still hot and tasty. Didn't like the chicken too much: it did seem a bit salty and was just okay. However, they have been around since 1964 so I will unlikely check them out another day to give it one more shot!
(3)Peter L.
FRAN'S IS BACK If you stopped by Fran's in the last year or so and were as disappointed as I was, give them another try. The new owners have brought back the original recipe and the chicken was fantastic. Of course, the place still looks a bit rough, but who cares - you go for the chicken.
(5)Lisa M.
I've been wanting to try this place forever and finally did on Saturday night. What a mistake. It was the worst fried chicken I've ever had. It was soaked in grease flavor. Nothing was fresh. The coleslaw, corn muffins were frozen. They were out of Mashed potoaos and gravy if you could believe that. NEVER AGAIN..... Had to have a orange just to get the taste out of my mouth after dinner!
(1)Victor G.
Ok.. Reading some of these reviews kinda made my blood boil. First thing is Frans is a Fried Chicken place in a strip mall in a crappy part of Boca Raton! Ambiance wouldn't be the first thing I would expect when walking in. Its next to a friggen Quick Mart for Christ Sakes! What did you expect?! Also as per Chris H's review i don't see what the hell someones religion or personal preference in corporate ran steakhouses has to do with fried chicken. And C'mon guys! Popeyes? Publix? WTF!? Ok now on to the Chicken! Frans hands down is the best Fried Chicken I have ever had the privilege of eating. Super airy and crispy breading and amazingly tender and moist chicken on the inside. I come here for Fried Chicken and the Fried Chicken only, so I cant really comment on the sides. The Staff is equally as nice as the food. The owner or her son are usually behind the counter and most of the time behind the fryer as well. The multiple times I have been there everyone has been super nice and the chicken has always been cooked up fresh. I lived in Boca for a few years back and now live in NYC. After moving to NYC a few years ago, i have been on the ultimate search for good Fried Chicken and quite honestly nothing has even came close to Frans. Honestly I'm starting to think my wife is getting tired of hearing about my fried chicken issue and this "Fran Broad"...
(5)Chris H.
I was told by several Jewish friends in Boca that this was the best fried chicken in the world. I bring that up because they are VERY discriminating about their food, and will not hesitate to send anything back unless it is absolutely, 100% to their personal specifications- much to the chagrin of waiters and chefs alike. Enter Fran's- billed as the best fried chicken in all the world. Maybe it was once, but not anymore. Seriously, if you want good fried chicken just go to Publix supermarket. Fran's is greasy and flavorless. How all these smart people, that will send back a perfect Morton's steak because they claim it is sub-par, have fallen into a mass delusion about this place is beyond me.
(1)Jamie C.
Good fried chicken. My boyfriend loves it. He's a fried chicken connoissuer. It's in a hole in the wall strip mall. I find it to be on the salty side but good.
(3)Brom T.
Great Great chicken !! Crisp, moist, NOT greasy. Quick service. The fries were made for me, so they were golden and hot... Friendly staff.... I HIGHLY recommend... Mike
(4)Mark E.
As a 30-year resident of Chicago (and SoFla) and a fan from day one of Harold's Chicken Shack, so popular and famous it was recommended in orientation at The Univ of Chicago, it's hard to believe that I'm saying it, but this is the best fried chicken experience I've had. The outside surroundings are misleading as I had driven past this nondescript shopping plaza for years, seeing the Fran's sign. The day I finally decided to try it about eight months ago, after reading about it online, the previous owners were literally moving things out. I am so glad these guys have reopened it and it is quite addictive- next time in I'm making sure there are no controlled substances in the recipe- probably tonight!
(5)Amber G.
Just called twice around noon. No answer. Full voice mail. Not even sure if it's the right number since it's the standard voicemail message and can't access their website.
(1)Raymond Todd B.
Y'all want some fried chicken, I do. And if you want some delicious fried chicken that reminds you of the south then you need to stop at Fran's Chicken Haven because like the sign says, it is Fran-tastic. Y'all want livers and gizzards, wings, fried shrimp, or fish, awesome, because you can get it by the bucket. Cole Slaw, Collard Greens, rice with black-eyed peas, corn bread muffins tease your taste buds as you read them on the big red wall of temptations. I mention this because you have two choices when trying this place out. First, order a 20 piece bucket and all of the sides and throw a fried chicken party or second, become a repeat customer. I am a repeat customer kind of guy. While, I am a fan of the fran, there are some down sides. The cole slaw is served in a 2 oz plastic ramekin and taste like it was poured from a bag and there is really no flavor to it. My buddy who ate with me liked it, I like my mommas better. My other complaint is that there is no freshly brewed tea. I don't really need sweet tea, but this simple addition to the menu would bring up the star count in my book. I would also love it if there was a southern lady working behind the counter. I did not experience a greasy over salted chicken. I had a delicious juicy flavorful piece of fried chicken right out of the fryer served with a soft roll and perfectly cooked French fries.
(4)Lucas C.
Very good fried chicken. The side dishes weren't very good, though. I would recommend getting a bucket or so as takeout and providing the accouterment from elsewhere. However, the quality of the chicken was top notch. The style is a crispy batter that is somewhat salty. I intend to come back and get some chicken for a pot luck or picnic. Also, our order was cooked up right when we placed it. Our chicken was straight from the fryers.
(3)Lisa H.
Just like back in the old days! Superbly prepared fried chicken. It's under brand new management and they have brought it back to the original way of making fried chicken. We also had the corn fritters too which were wonderful.
(5)Nancy A.
I've lived in Boca for 16 years and recently had my first experience at Fran's. My son told me that the restaurant had been sold recently and is now kosher, which why they are closed on Friday nights and Saturdays. In order to maintain their kosher status, they must be closed on the Jewish Sabbath. According to friends, the menu has not changed much and the man at the counter said the chicken recipe was the same as well. The 2-piece (breast and wing) dinner was wonderful. The chicken was moist and flavorful. The french fries were hot and crispy. The restaurant could benefit from stocking malt vinegar though! The portion of cole slaw was very small and a bit dry. The guy at the counter kept my diet Coke refilled as often as I needed it. The red plastic chairs are a bit uncomfortable and the tables are close together so when it's busy, it's a bit tight. All in all, a great place!
(4)Tara M.
After living in Boca for 5 years, I thought I would give this Boca area icon a try. I'm not much into chicken on the bone, much less fried, but this was amazing!! It was fresh out of the frier so it was so hot it burned our fingers. There was NO grease - just the juiciest chicken I have ever eaten in my life!! I was able to pull the meat right off of the bone with my fork. The breading was light and flavorful. The staff were friendly and helpful. The only problem I had was with the coleslaw - pretty dry; but the potato salad was excellent! (I got potato salad instead of fries - and at no additional charge I might add and it was a big bowl of it!)
(5)frank w.
The best fried chicken in town is at Publix. The time of day is marked on every box. Every Publix makes them the same Very flavorful and even the white meat is juicy. No need to select your pieces. Just pick up a box and go.
(2)Simone W.
Well being from Memphis, Tenness, I've been eating FRIED CHICKEN since the day I was born. Fran's since I was 13 (1973)...you do the math. I now live in California and FRAN'S is a must have whenever I visit which is once or twice a year! One of my biggest fantasies is to open a fried chicken place and guess whose recipe I would want to steal...you got it... FRAN'S!!! You just can't get any better. I would suggest eating at home because you are going to get sick..not from the quality of the food but from just flat out eating too much food! I highly recommend also buying extra because it's yummy cold, too! Ya'll Enjoy!
(5)Holly W.
Within the past year I have been introduced to more of the local places in the area. Some good, others not so much. Fran's was so good, it prompted me to join yelp and write this review. I am not typically a huge fan of fried chicken. Anytime I would crave it, I would go to Publix. Stopping by was a spur of the moment decision. Yes, it's in a weird, odd plaza. But I had heard about this place, that it had been around for a long time and it was the best fried chicken you could get. Now first off, for any place to succeed and stay in business for that long, there has to be a reason why. the person who helped us was very nice and the place was clean. I ordered a leg and thigh. Got in the car and started munchin. I couldn't even talk I was so involved with the chicken. Amazing. The crunchy sweet skin batter must keep the moisture in the chicken because it's tender and juicy. I am hooked and going back tomorrow for more!!
(5)Aaron V.
I decided to try Fran's based on a great review in the Sun-Sentinal. Fran's was established in 1964 - and it had a great "hole-in-the-wall" ambiance. You could tell it has been around for awhile, and had not been updated - I could've been transported back to the '60's if it had not been for the flat-screen TV on the back wall. Unfortunately, the chicken tasted like it had been there since 1964. We sat at the counter, so we could see pretty much the entire cooking area. There were a few pieces of chicken under some heat lamps. As we ordered our chicken, we were told what pieces were available. We took our picks, and they were served up right away with some cole slaw in tiny lidded containers and one of those super-soft dinner rolls saturated with preservatives. After we were given our chicken, we could tell more was in the fryer...another customer walked in to place an order and was told fresh chicken would be up in about 10 minutes. We were never given the option of fresh fried chicken. Oh, fries are also included in the dinner, but they had to fry some up (frozen) and weren't ready until we were halfway finished with the chicken. We had also ordered hushpuppies. Those were also frozen and had to be fried. We had ordered them as appetizers, but were served last. The chicken was somewhat dry (but not as much as I had expected, so maybe it hadn't sat under the heat lamps that long). But, the breading had no seasoning whatsoever...no flavor. The coleslaw was bland also. There's not much to review for frozen fries and hushpuppies, so I will forego reviewing those. They had a few other sides on the menu such as collard greens, black-eyed peas, macaroni salad, etc. I couldn't see what any of those sides looked like, so I just didn't have the desire to try any. I'm giving Fran's 2 stars, mainly for the somewhat retro interior. All in all, it'd be better to go to Popeye's. I'm no fan of fast food and chains, but at least Popeye's is fresher, tastier and cheaper.
(2)kay b.
I found this place by accident. The location is not impression, but it's clean. I'm not into ambiance when it comes to chicken, just wanted some good food. I was pleasantly surprised. Mine was made to order - it was hot, juicy, crunchy, not overly greasy. It had a nice sweet/salty thing going on too. The fries were hot, again not overly greasy - just right. I grew up in the south and have eaten many fried chickens in my day. Take it from a soul food connoisseur, maaannnn.... Fran's Chicken Haven is the business!
(4)Sam Y.
Mine is the search for incredible fried chicken, the kind were you don't mind a little grease dripping down your hand while devouring the tasty morsels of fried, succulent goodness. Enter Fran's Fried Chicken. You walk up to the strip mall store that is flanked by a sushi place and a pawn shop and wonder, 'what the hell am I doing here?'. Well you are here for some of the best, fresh made fried chicken you will ever taste. The scene upon entering is a simple one, counter with a red lettered menu, a handful and a half of counter stools and a few tables. The place looks like a greasy spoon but then again this is fried chicken not fine dining. Read the simple menu and order a two piece meal with fries and slaw or collard greens or black eyes peas. Everything is freshly made (i think, the jury isn't back in regard to the cole slaw). I opted for the breast and wing, I mean who doesn't like breasts, fries and cole slaw. Since there was no fresh brewed tea, I opted for an orange soda. The guys behind the counter spring into action dropping freshly floured chicken into the fryer and a generous helping of fries. The fries came out first and were crispy, potatoy goodness. I hate limp fries and these were super crispy. Next came out the napalm chicken, so hot and tasty out of the fryer that I wanted to dive right in but new better and let the chicken cool a bit. Ok a few minutes passed and I could wait no longer. I delved into the perfectly crispy skin to find juicy white flesh that was perfectly cooked. Seasoned perfectly and unadulterated. Excellent 'Frantastic' Fried Chicken. Skip all the other places and run on over to Fran's.
(4)Yi L.
my friend and i went here for lunch today... and apparently, they had just re-opened under new management. i got the 8 piece chicken with bone, while he got the tenders. he said the tenders were "NFG".. my chicken was ok.. very moist.. but i was grossed out by the feathers that were still on the wings. i think KFC down the street tastes better.
(2)Suzanne Y.
First time eating at this place and I am impressed and happy! This is definitely one of those holes-in-the-wall kind of joint so I don't recommend taking your date here for the first time. This is a small little take out joint with only 3-4 tables in restaurant only. They have a very extensive menu from fried chicken to fried Oreo. We ordered chicken wings and chicken and waffle. we were content and impressed afterwards. They cook their chicken per order so the chicken tasted especially fresh! I am soooo excited to find this little joint. Beware they might accept cash because their credit card machine was out of order. FAU and city of Boca Raton employees get 15% off! Side note: they fry the chicken in front of you so expect to smell a bit greasy (I love it though!)
(5)Lainy C.
Great fried chicken in Boca. Sign says its been around for 50 years but I never really heard of it until my friend wanted to stop by before going to the beach. Fried chicken is juicy and the crust is good - although the batter is heavier than I usually prefer. The batter is slightly sweet which is interesting. Their prices are very reasonable, and there are a few tables inside for seating.
(4)Amanda B.
My boyfriend and I are regulars here. We've passed this place for YEARS and never went in, mostly due to the outside. It doesn't look like anything passing by. Maybe a bit scary too. Sometimes the people sitting outside don't make the place to inviting. Finally, after years of passing we go in. And boy, are we glad we did. The BEST fried chicken!!!! Please go and just hang out. The guys that run it are SUPER SUPER nice.
(5)Alex V.
Finally decided to visit this place. I wanted fried chicken all day and convinced my wife to come with me. Here are my thoughts, They have a large chicken menu from tenders, breast, wings, gizzards, etc... All fried. I had the 3 piece white meat it comes with 2 full wings, one breast, and fries and a soda. It was pretty awesome. It takes 10 minutes but that equals fresh and there is nothing worse than cold fried chicken. We also ordered the fried Mac & cheese and it was ok. You must love Mac to order this. We also ordered fried Oreos. And my wife loved those. We both left very full and saying that we will be back. They have a Sunday special that make sit worth while to come back for a bucket. It is a small place with about 6 tables. I am not a fan of eating in a place that smells like chicken. But it was ok. The guy attending the place was nice and cordial, I did not get his name but I remember he said he was from Pennsylvania. Net net, we will be back.
(4)George P.
Da BOMB! What more can I say? If fried chicken is what you lust for Fran's will satisfy that craving with the best fried chicken in Boca, and the Boca area!
(5)Keren R.
Awesome fried chicken and the kids love the fried Oreos. Also a favorite among my oldest and his high school friends!
(5)Scott G.
Great chicken, friendly staff, awesome old-school vibe takes you to a better, bygone era. Do yourself a favor and stop here next time that fried chicken craving sets in.
(5)Richard C.
Best chicken around. The restaurant is no frills and basic college like atmosphere. We don't go to view the wall art we go for good fresh chicken. Though there is a TV that usually has a game on. Sometimes you have to wait for it to be cooked but its worth it.
(5)Patrick B.
This is a hole in the wall restaurant. A clean nice place to grab a bite to eat. I ordered the daily special which was 10 chicken wings without the drums. They were breaded and I did not like them. However, I should never order breaded wings because I never liked them to begin with.
(4)Amanda M.
Wow!!! Great food! Their chicken tenders are the best I've ever had...and I'm a bit of a chicken tender connoisseur. We ordered a large variety of items for a party we were having (fried chicken pieces, chicken tenders, chicken wings, fried mac & cheese, corn fritters, cole slaw...). Everyone loved everything. The owners & employees are very friendly and welcoming. Our food was hot and fresh. Will definitely be ordering more often now that football season started!
(5)Danielle R.
Loved this little hole in the wall. Went with a friend for lunch, they cook to order their chicken tenders so keep that in mind. They take a whopping 8 mins!!!! We got the 3 tender meal, which is plenty and was under $7 w/out a drink. Comes with fries and a little side of coleslaw. It was really, really good & we definitely did not finish it all! There's also a million condiments you can put on this--they have it all...ranch, honey mustard, ketchup, buffalo wing sauce, etc. Def would suggest if you have a hankering for fried chicken!
(4)Bud D.
The fried chicken breast was juicy and tasty, I found the coating on the chicken too be not spicy but a little sweet for my taste, the fries were good and seemed fresh. The reason I gave it only two stars is because the place itself was hot stuffy and your clothes smelled of frying grease after you left, also they need to clean up the place, there was only one person there and he was covered in flour not your nicest presentation.
(2)Michael O.
Been here a couple times and it's phenomenal. After original owner sold the place the middle owner was so so. The current owners are doing an awesome job. You want good fresh fried chicken Frans is the place to be. 50 years of fried Heaven!
(4)raymond c.
Great fried chicken always good tender What they need is better sides Someone needs to work on mash and gravy Or like a Mac n cheese homemade stuff would be nice and those are easy and really yummy
(4)Ron L.
I've only been here once, but I was impressed with the chicken. I had a two-piece dark meat lunch and it was excellent. I requested the fries extra well done, and that's how they came. The cole slaw was very nice and prepared without too much mayonnaise. Service was polite and accommodating. As an example, I wanted two thighs instead of a thigh and leg, and got it with no problem. I sat down at a table and expected to have my name called when my order was ready, but instead a tray with my order was brought to the table. I was asked if I wanted a cup with ice for my soda, and when I said I would, they brought it to me. The reason for my surprise is that this is a small place and there are only a few tables. In short, I was pleasantly surprised at how much the owners wanted to please their customers. Very nice! Personally, I'd prefer it if the french fries were thinner and fresh cut, but the chicken is the star at Fran's and well worth the trip. The next time I'm going to try the wings which looked great!
(4)Ben M.
I love this place since they got rid of kfc I was like damn no more fried chicken but a friend introduce me to this place and I love it ,they even have chicken and waffles
(5)Melissa R.
Fran's fried chicken haven is under new management and I have to say they are doing everything right!!! They brought back the original recipe and atmosphere of this classic Boca Raton restaurant. I've eaten there maybe a dozen times since the change in ownership and the chicken is excellent each and every time. The service is friendly and the fried chicken always tender! This is easily the best chicken that I'm aware of in the surrounding area of Boca Raton. Check it out; you're almost certain to be pleased.
(5)Bill S.
Simply put....Awesome Fried Chicken!!! This location has been here for years and is popular with locals. The only problem is the limited seating inside the restaurant and the need of a remodel or upgrade. Also the parking can be tight at certain times. No matter, it is the food that brings people here and the old fashioned fried chicken here is probably the best you will get anywhere.
(4)Margie S.
So, this place is literally historical - I think most people don't know that. It used to be owned by an actual "Fran", but she's long gone. The guy who owns it now does it right, though, and I think Fran would be pleased. There is no better fried chicken in Dade, Broward or Palm Beach County (except maybe this one place on Okeechobee Road which shall remain nameless), so if you're craving the real deal, get yourself the hook up at Fran's Chicken Haven. Sides? We don't need no stinking sides. Unless maybe it's fries. You can do those. But, don't bother with the rest. Just get your fried chicken and move on. Oh, and it's just as good cold the next day as it is piping hot straight out of the fryer. Just rip that chicken off the bones, and sprinkle some salt on there. Legit goodness. Now for the nitty gritty info: it's a small place, just a few tables and a counter with some stools. Most people get it to go. You can order ahead, and probably should. Prices are OK, not cheap, not expensive, worth it for what you get. They're not open late. They put crack in the chicken - OK, not really, but you could get hooked for real. Or maybe it's crack. :)
(4)Albert P.
Amazing fried chicken, absolutely amazing. The way I know this is: * there is a line 4 people deep, and even with what looks like 6 industrial 2 basket floor standing deep fryers they can't make the chicken fast enough to keep with demand * the phone is ringing non stop for pre orders * it smells fantastic inside, not like grease or anything gross, it smells like how the best fried chicken in the world tastes * I ordered 4 pieces, ate two, took the rest home, put it in the fridge, and it tasted BETTER the next day Will be back for more
(5)Suzanne Y.
First time eating at this place and I am impressed and happy! This is definitely one of those holes-in-the-wall kind of joint so I don't recommend taking your date here for the first time. This is a small little take out joint with only 3-4 tables in restaurant only. They have a very extensive menu from fried chicken to fried Oreo. We ordered chicken wings and chicken and waffle. we were content and impressed afterwards. They cook their chicken per order so the chicken tasted especially fresh! I am soooo excited to find this little joint. Beware they might accept cash because their credit card machine was out of order. FAU and city of Boca Raton employees get 15% off! Side note: they fry the chicken in front of you so expect to smell a bit greasy (I love it though!)
(5)Lainy C.
Great fried chicken in Boca. Sign says its been around for 50 years but I never really heard of it until my friend wanted to stop by before going to the beach. Fried chicken is juicy and the crust is good - although the batter is heavier than I usually prefer. The batter is slightly sweet which is interesting. Their prices are very reasonable, and there are a few tables inside for seating.
(4)Alex V.
Finally decided to visit this place. I wanted fried chicken all day and convinced my wife to come with me. Here are my thoughts, They have a large chicken menu from tenders, breast, wings, gizzards, etc... All fried. I had the 3 piece white meat it comes with 2 full wings, one breast, and fries and a soda. It was pretty awesome. It takes 10 minutes but that equals fresh and there is nothing worse than cold fried chicken. We also ordered the fried Mac & cheese and it was ok. You must love Mac to order this. We also ordered fried Oreos. And my wife loved those. We both left very full and saying that we will be back. They have a Sunday special that make sit worth while to come back for a bucket. It is a small place with about 6 tables. I am not a fan of eating in a place that smells like chicken. But it was ok. The guy attending the place was nice and cordial, I did not get his name but I remember he said he was from Pennsylvania. Net net, we will be back.
(4)George P.
Da BOMB! What more can I say? If fried chicken is what you lust for Fran's will satisfy that craving with the best fried chicken in Boca, and the Boca area!
(5)Abdel S.
THE BEST Fired chicken ever. I went there last week to get take out for my family and it did not disappoint.
(5)Frank C.
Yep the fried chicken here is worth the stop. Thick and crunchy batter. Beats the local kfc by a mile!
(4)Nancy A.
I've lived in Boca for 16 years and recently had my first experience at Fran's. My son told me that the restaurant had been sold recently and is now kosher, which why they are closed on Friday nights and Saturdays. In order to maintain their kosher status, they must be closed on the Jewish Sabbath. According to friends, the menu has not changed much and the man at the counter said the chicken recipe was the same as well. The 2-piece (breast and wing) dinner was wonderful. The chicken was moist and flavorful. The french fries were hot and crispy. The restaurant could benefit from stocking malt vinegar though! The portion of cole slaw was very small and a bit dry. The guy at the counter kept my diet Coke refilled as often as I needed it. The red plastic chairs are a bit uncomfortable and the tables are close together so when it's busy, it's a bit tight. All in all, a great place!
(4)Tara M.
After living in Boca for 5 years, I thought I would give this Boca area icon a try. I'm not much into chicken on the bone, much less fried, but this was amazing!! It was fresh out of the frier so it was so hot it burned our fingers. There was NO grease - just the juiciest chicken I have ever eaten in my life!! I was able to pull the meat right off of the bone with my fork. The breading was light and flavorful. The staff were friendly and helpful. The only problem I had was with the coleslaw - pretty dry; but the potato salad was excellent! (I got potato salad instead of fries - and at no additional charge I might add and it was a big bowl of it!)
(5)frank w.
The best fried chicken in town is at Publix. The time of day is marked on every box. Every Publix makes them the same Very flavorful and even the white meat is juicy. No need to select your pieces. Just pick up a box and go.
(2)Simone W.
Well being from Memphis, Tenness, I've been eating FRIED CHICKEN since the day I was born. Fran's since I was 13 (1973)...you do the math. I now live in California and FRAN'S is a must have whenever I visit which is once or twice a year! One of my biggest fantasies is to open a fried chicken place and guess whose recipe I would want to steal...you got it... FRAN'S!!! You just can't get any better. I would suggest eating at home because you are going to get sick..not from the quality of the food but from just flat out eating too much food! I highly recommend also buying extra because it's yummy cold, too! Ya'll Enjoy!
(5)Holly W.
Within the past year I have been introduced to more of the local places in the area. Some good, others not so much. Fran's was so good, it prompted me to join yelp and write this review. I am not typically a huge fan of fried chicken. Anytime I would crave it, I would go to Publix. Stopping by was a spur of the moment decision. Yes, it's in a weird, odd plaza. But I had heard about this place, that it had been around for a long time and it was the best fried chicken you could get. Now first off, for any place to succeed and stay in business for that long, there has to be a reason why. the person who helped us was very nice and the place was clean. I ordered a leg and thigh. Got in the car and started munchin. I couldn't even talk I was so involved with the chicken. Amazing. The crunchy sweet skin batter must keep the moisture in the chicken because it's tender and juicy. I am hooked and going back tomorrow for more!!
(5)Aaron V.
I decided to try Fran's based on a great review in the Sun-Sentinal. Fran's was established in 1964 - and it had a great "hole-in-the-wall" ambiance. You could tell it has been around for awhile, and had not been updated - I could've been transported back to the '60's if it had not been for the flat-screen TV on the back wall. Unfortunately, the chicken tasted like it had been there since 1964. We sat at the counter, so we could see pretty much the entire cooking area. There were a few pieces of chicken under some heat lamps. As we ordered our chicken, we were told what pieces were available. We took our picks, and they were served up right away with some cole slaw in tiny lidded containers and one of those super-soft dinner rolls saturated with preservatives. After we were given our chicken, we could tell more was in the fryer...another customer walked in to place an order and was told fresh chicken would be up in about 10 minutes. We were never given the option of fresh fried chicken. Oh, fries are also included in the dinner, but they had to fry some up (frozen) and weren't ready until we were halfway finished with the chicken. We had also ordered hushpuppies. Those were also frozen and had to be fried. We had ordered them as appetizers, but were served last. The chicken was somewhat dry (but not as much as I had expected, so maybe it hadn't sat under the heat lamps that long). But, the breading had no seasoning whatsoever...no flavor. The coleslaw was bland also. There's not much to review for frozen fries and hushpuppies, so I will forego reviewing those. They had a few other sides on the menu such as collard greens, black-eyed peas, macaroni salad, etc. I couldn't see what any of those sides looked like, so I just didn't have the desire to try any. I'm giving Fran's 2 stars, mainly for the somewhat retro interior. All in all, it'd be better to go to Popeye's. I'm no fan of fast food and chains, but at least Popeye's is fresher, tastier and cheaper.
(2)kay b.
I found this place by accident. The location is not impression, but it's clean. I'm not into ambiance when it comes to chicken, just wanted some good food. I was pleasantly surprised. Mine was made to order - it was hot, juicy, crunchy, not overly greasy. It had a nice sweet/salty thing going on too. The fries were hot, again not overly greasy - just right. I grew up in the south and have eaten many fried chickens in my day. Take it from a soul food connoisseur, maaannnn.... Fran's Chicken Haven is the business!
(4)Jacob K.
Normally I have no problems getting 12 wings. Here, I could only handle 5 of the juiciest fried chicken wings I have ever had. The sauce was a simple Franks red hot but that is all it needed. I almost wish I lived in South Florida so I can go back here. A small update, my stomach revolted against me the following morning in a very uncomfortable manner. Based off the damage done to my stomach I will probably not be going back.
(3)CV K.
Good fried chicken, hot crispy, no frills, good service & friendly. I've been on several occasions. Now if he could just get some greens the old fashioned way they would get 5 ****.... The bald guy is funny, cute too.
(4)Clarissa S.
Hits the spot when you're craving home cooked fried chicken. Free "Fried Oreo" when you follow on IG. SUPER YUMMMM We're coming back mañana.
(5)Alexander C.
Best fried chicken in Boca. A legendary place now back in good hands. Hush puppies are also fantastic, but you're not there for the sides, the chicken is the main attraction here.
(5)Whitney E.
Best fried chicken around, no doubt! I frequent here every so often and am never disappointed.. Takes around 10 mins from ordering for your food to be ready which in my opinion is great considering the food is made to order. Also, they've recently added some more sides like mash potatoes & Mac and cheese bites which are always good on the side. Definitely a place to try at least once because you'll love it; it's been around forever
(5)Danielle R.
Loved this little hole in the wall. Went with a friend for lunch, they cook to order their chicken tenders so keep that in mind. They take a whopping 8 mins!!!! We got the 3 tender meal, which is plenty and was under $7 w/out a drink. Comes with fries and a little side of coleslaw. It was really, really good & we definitely did not finish it all! There's also a million condiments you can put on this--they have it all...ranch, honey mustard, ketchup, buffalo wing sauce, etc. Def would suggest if you have a hankering for fried chicken!
(4)Bradley M.
Update: Have eaten here a few more times with mostly misses on the chicken. Once it was cooked in the oil that they do the deserts in and the chicken tasted sweet and gross. We went back to give them one more chance and told them about The last experience and he basically did nothing for us and made up an excuse. I won't be eating here any more. I guess the first time was just a one time random chance of the chicken being good. Really disappointed in this place don't recommend them any more.
(1)Kenya E.
Finally tried this place and I'm impressed. I had the chicken and waffles. The chicken was fried nicely and had great favor. The waffles was good but I wasn't a fan of the powered sugar and whipped cream that they put on top. The fried oreo was the best part however. Fran's had a friendly staff with great food and a nice atmosphere. I'll definitely be back.
(4)Stewart A.
Yum,my first visit to this landmark 'chikin joint'. If you are fried chicken fan (come on,be honest, isn't everybody?) , finding authentic, real deal, Southern fried chicken is harder that it should be. Make it easy on yourself and go to Fran's Chicken Haven. Right out of the fryer, hot and fresh, the batter was just right, not to heavy or thick, just enough to crisp up nicely. Excellent sides of baked beans, potato(*****) and mac salads. Our cole slaw was overly salted (oops, we think somebody added salt instead of pepper) but we will try again next time (since the previous reviews were good), as it is an essential go-along to this great chicken for a Georgia boy like me. This is good basic comfort food, not sniffy novelle cuisine, and it is meant to satisfy the taste buds, in a down home way. It succeeds. Nice pricing, personable brothers running the place, keeping Fran's tradition alive. Good on them. Next time I'm trying the fried Twinkie, not because I should (I shoudn't), but because I MUST.
(4)Keren R.
Awesome fried chicken and the kids love the fried Oreos. Also a favorite among my oldest and his high school friends!
(5)Scott G.
Great chicken, friendly staff, awesome old-school vibe takes you to a better, bygone era. Do yourself a favor and stop here next time that fried chicken craving sets in.
(5)Richard C.
Best chicken around. The restaurant is no frills and basic college like atmosphere. We don't go to view the wall art we go for good fresh chicken. Though there is a TV that usually has a game on. Sometimes you have to wait for it to be cooked but its worth it.
(5)Patrick B.
This is a hole in the wall restaurant. A clean nice place to grab a bite to eat. I ordered the daily special which was 10 chicken wings without the drums. They were breaded and I did not like them. However, I should never order breaded wings because I never liked them to begin with.
(4)Amanda B.
My boyfriend and I are regulars here. We've passed this place for YEARS and never went in, mostly due to the outside. It doesn't look like anything passing by. Maybe a bit scary too. Sometimes the people sitting outside don't make the place to inviting. Finally, after years of passing we go in. And boy, are we glad we did. The BEST fried chicken!!!! Please go and just hang out. The guys that run it are SUPER SUPER nice.
(5)Amanda M.
Wow!!! Great food! Their chicken tenders are the best I've ever had...and I'm a bit of a chicken tender connoisseur. We ordered a large variety of items for a party we were having (fried chicken pieces, chicken tenders, chicken wings, fried mac & cheese, corn fritters, cole slaw...). Everyone loved everything. The owners & employees are very friendly and welcoming. Our food was hot and fresh. Will definitely be ordering more often now that football season started!
(5)Tallman F.
it is cooked FRESH when you order .... so it takes 13 mins ....let it cool just a minute or two when they bring it out becoz it's still cooking internally it's not GREAT but it is pretty good ...really. stop & get some .... strange cast of characters frequent this local fried chicken shoppe ....... thats why i ate IN --- to see what i could see chicken is lightly battered .......go .... YOU will njoy
(4)Matthew S.
The best fried chicken in Boca hands down. Been there a few times but i had the fried chicken and waffles for lunch today and I had to throw a review up. Even the fountain sodas are top notch. MMmm MmMMm good
(5)Jaime C.
Disrespectful cashier rang my wife, started hitting on her made her feel uncomfortable. First time we were at that place, never going back.
(1)Mark G.
Great fried chicken. No more birch beer though. They always have specials too. The place is small but there is real silverware and a terrific hot sauce.
(3)Alyssa A.
Best fried chicken I have ever had! It's made right on the spot and the family deal is were its at. I also had their fried Oreos and I can definitely say it was orgasmic! Haha seriously you have to get them.
(5)Austin T.
BEST fried chicken in Boca Raton BY FAR. Hole in the wall place that has great owners who are extremely friendly. If you want to have some awesome fried chicken in Boca, you better go to Fran's. Even their chicken fingers are amazing. The KFC went out of business down the street and I don't even wonder why. I don't think this place gets much business but they've been here for a long time. I give them 5 stars for what they specialize in. FRIED CHICKEN BABY.
(5)Bazil B.
Ate here a couple of months back. We're very disappointed over the taste from the first time we are here. Chicken was sweet as it had been cooked in the same oil they cook their sweet deserts. I won't go back and cannot recommend it to anyone. Disappointed.
(1)James H.
Absolutely delicious fried chicken. I ate here today on a recommendation and it was awesome. The chicken was cooked perfectly, it was juicy and the skin was well seasoned and crispy. The sides were fine, I personally prefer my mashed potatoes peeled but to each his own. The gravy is what makes it though. They should package this stuff up and sell it. I also tried the buffalo chicken sandwich, also very delicious. The buffalo sauce wasn't overpowering at all and again, the chicken was juicy and crispy on the outside. I highly advise anyone looking for fried chicken to check out Fran's. I've lived here for 15 years, passed this place thousands of times, and I only today tried it. Sorry I've missed it for so long. Don't let appearances scare you away!! This chicken is worth it!!!
(5)Mario S.
HIDDEN. GEM. Awesome fried chicken. Only downfall is the slightly sketchy shopping center it's located in. Otherwise I'd give it 5 stars!
(4)Marqus R.
Because of my damned gallbladder being nearly seventy years old, this aging Yelpite is generally compelled to shy away from fried foods, particularly the skin of fried chicken. Naturally, removing the skin from fried chicken also removes most of the seasoning, goodness and flavor of it as well, so I found Fran's fried chicken to be of particular delight. Not only is the chicken meat itself some of the best ever, so is the light, crispy skin of the chicken which they tell me is achieved by a scalding of the chicken prior to prior to frying. Yes, the chicken is somewhat greasy as is anything deep fried, but far less so than most while at the same time being far better in taste and flavor. As for Fran's itself it is all about the chicken; so don't think of anything but chicken. It's located in a rather seedy section of Boca, part of a run down strip mall and has the general ambiance of an off road truck stop. Being basically a take out place it only has about four cramped in two seat tables along with a not more than six rather after thought looking counter seats. Fran's is anything but plushy, however, the friendliness of the place, in particular the cook and counter staff, more than make up for the any lack of décor.
(4)Bud D.
The fried chicken breast was juicy and tasty, I found the coating on the chicken too be not spicy but a little sweet for my taste, the fries were good and seemed fresh. The reason I gave it only two stars is because the place itself was hot stuffy and your clothes smelled of frying grease after you left, also they need to clean up the place, there was only one person there and he was covered in flour not your nicest presentation.
(2)Michael O.
Been here a couple times and it's phenomenal. After original owner sold the place the middle owner was so so. The current owners are doing an awesome job. You want good fresh fried chicken Frans is the place to be. 50 years of fried Heaven!
(4)raymond c.
Great fried chicken always good tender What they need is better sides Someone needs to work on mash and gravy Or like a Mac n cheese homemade stuff would be nice and those are easy and really yummy
(4)Ron L.
I've only been here once, but I was impressed with the chicken. I had a two-piece dark meat lunch and it was excellent. I requested the fries extra well done, and that's how they came. The cole slaw was very nice and prepared without too much mayonnaise. Service was polite and accommodating. As an example, I wanted two thighs instead of a thigh and leg, and got it with no problem. I sat down at a table and expected to have my name called when my order was ready, but instead a tray with my order was brought to the table. I was asked if I wanted a cup with ice for my soda, and when I said I would, they brought it to me. The reason for my surprise is that this is a small place and there are only a few tables. In short, I was pleasantly surprised at how much the owners wanted to please their customers. Very nice! Personally, I'd prefer it if the french fries were thinner and fresh cut, but the chicken is the star at Fran's and well worth the trip. The next time I'm going to try the wings which looked great!
(4)Ben M.
I love this place since they got rid of kfc I was like damn no more fried chicken but a friend introduce me to this place and I love it ,they even have chicken and waffles
(5)Melissa R.
Fran's fried chicken haven is under new management and I have to say they are doing everything right!!! They brought back the original recipe and atmosphere of this classic Boca Raton restaurant. I've eaten there maybe a dozen times since the change in ownership and the chicken is excellent each and every time. The service is friendly and the fried chicken always tender! This is easily the best chicken that I'm aware of in the surrounding area of Boca Raton. Check it out; you're almost certain to be pleased.
(5)Bill S.
Simply put....Awesome Fried Chicken!!! This location has been here for years and is popular with locals. The only problem is the limited seating inside the restaurant and the need of a remodel or upgrade. Also the parking can be tight at certain times. No matter, it is the food that brings people here and the old fashioned fried chicken here is probably the best you will get anywhere.
(4)Kilt K.
We don't have it often but sometimes we get a yen for fried chicken and luckily we remembered reading about Fran's. We were with our grandsons and ordered the special of 2 pieces of dark meat. Also ordered 2 breasts and 2 wings, 3 chicken tenders. Happy to report everything was delicious. It's all prepared to order and the chicken was crisp and juicy, especially important for chicken breasts. The seasoning was perfect. Each order comes with fries, cole slaw and a biscuit. The tenders were "a la carte" so we ordered the hush puppies as a side. They were really good too. Nicely seasoned and, like the chicken, not at all greasy. The place is really small, sort of a hole in the wall, but the kind of place you you feel happy to have found. We spoke to Chris, one of the 2 brothers who own Fran's and he was friendly and promised us a deep fried Oreo on our next visit. Can't wait!
(5)Rachel M.
Three stars for the chicken. Four stars for service Three stars for price. Stopped in during lunch time and it wasn't busy, a few patrons enjoying their meals. The gentleman who seemed to be working alone was welcoming and attentive to both my order and the food which he was cooking. The prices were a bit higer than what I was expecting but he shared the lunch special and its what I ordered. Lunch special is a thigh, fries and a drink as well as a roll. At a little over $6 not too bad... overstimated how hungry I was and added onion rings at $3.50 an order to make my lunch bill just under $10. As soon as I walked into the office, the smell of the food enticed everyone there. Since the fries and onion rings are cooked when ordered they were still hot and tasty. Didn't like the chicken too much: it did seem a bit salty and was just okay. However, they have been around since 1964 so I will unlikely check them out another day to give it one more shot!
(3)Peter L.
FRAN'S IS BACK If you stopped by Fran's in the last year or so and were as disappointed as I was, give them another try. The new owners have brought back the original recipe and the chicken was fantastic. Of course, the place still looks a bit rough, but who cares - you go for the chicken.
(5)Mark E.
As a 30-year resident of Chicago (and SoFla) and a fan from day one of Harold's Chicken Shack, so popular and famous it was recommended in orientation at The Univ of Chicago, it's hard to believe that I'm saying it, but this is the best fried chicken experience I've had. The outside surroundings are misleading as I had driven past this nondescript shopping plaza for years, seeing the Fran's sign. The day I finally decided to try it about eight months ago, after reading about it online, the previous owners were literally moving things out. I am so glad these guys have reopened it and it is quite addictive- next time in I'm making sure there are no controlled substances in the recipe- probably tonight!
(5)Cliff C.
A Boca institution. Been here so long they have the only neon window sign in town -- having been Grandfathered in before Boca passed the ordinance prohibiting them. Must be doing something right to have made it all these years. The owners may have changed, but the name and the commitment to serving up deep-fried goodness have not. And that's a good thing. Like the neon sign says, Fran's fries up just about every part of the chicken, including gizzards if that's how you roll. I think they have other fried foods on the menu, but I've honestly never made it past the chicken. It's not my Mom's, but it's still pretty damn good. Their sides are just OK (I've had the collared greens, mac salad & coleslaw), but let's face it, you're here for the chicken. Everything else is, well, a side dish. Funny how some folks love this place and others feel quite the opposite. Maybe their expectations were too high. I recommend simply judging for yourself. For me, Fran's is good fried chicken at decent prices -- and that's why I come here.
(4)Cuong L.
The fried chicken was great. The skin was crispy and the meat was flavorful and not over-seasoned. The one guy working is very nice as well. Even though there were a few pieces left under the heater, instead of throwing it in our to go order, he offered to fry us brand new pieces. Unfortunately, the side dishes were horrid. Fries weren't seasoned at all. The rolls were stale and the cole slaw was warm the last time I was there. My suggestion is just get a bucket.
(3)Brendan B.
Wow these guys did a great job I just got the fried chicken and I think by far is the best in Boca so glad it's close to my house. Fried chicken is an art and they have mastered it. I ate their before the new management it was not good. This time I was a little reluctant to try but boy am I glad I did! I will be back over and over if the chicken as good as it was today!
(5)Hunter S.
Fran's fried chicken haven is once again under new management and I have to say they are doing everything right!!! They brought back the original recipe and atmosphere of this classic Boca Raton restaurant. The new owners, 2 brothers, are friendly and eager to serve you. The Chicken tenders are a much much larger portion then the previous owners and were so delicious, I can still taste them. The original recipe brings back so many memories from my childhood. Don't let the look of the run-down plaza keep you from stopping by for some mouth watering, crispy, fried chicken.
(5)Amber G.
Just called twice around noon. No answer. Full voice mail. Not even sure if it's the right number since it's the standard voicemail message and can't access their website.
(1)Raymond Todd B.
Y'all want some fried chicken, I do. And if you want some delicious fried chicken that reminds you of the south then you need to stop at Fran's Chicken Haven because like the sign says, it is Fran-tastic. Y'all want livers and gizzards, wings, fried shrimp, or fish, awesome, because you can get it by the bucket. Cole Slaw, Collard Greens, rice with black-eyed peas, corn bread muffins tease your taste buds as you read them on the big red wall of temptations. I mention this because you have two choices when trying this place out. First, order a 20 piece bucket and all of the sides and throw a fried chicken party or second, become a repeat customer. I am a repeat customer kind of guy. While, I am a fan of the fran, there are some down sides. The cole slaw is served in a 2 oz plastic ramekin and taste like it was poured from a bag and there is really no flavor to it. My buddy who ate with me liked it, I like my mommas better. My other complaint is that there is no freshly brewed tea. I don't really need sweet tea, but this simple addition to the menu would bring up the star count in my book. I would also love it if there was a southern lady working behind the counter. I did not experience a greasy over salted chicken. I had a delicious juicy flavorful piece of fried chicken right out of the fryer served with a soft roll and perfectly cooked French fries.
(4)Lucas C.
Very good fried chicken. The side dishes weren't very good, though. I would recommend getting a bucket or so as takeout and providing the accouterment from elsewhere. However, the quality of the chicken was top notch. The style is a crispy batter that is somewhat salty. I intend to come back and get some chicken for a pot luck or picnic. Also, our order was cooked up right when we placed it. Our chicken was straight from the fryers.
(3)Lisa H.
Just like back in the old days! Superbly prepared fried chicken. It's under brand new management and they have brought it back to the original way of making fried chicken. We also had the corn fritters too which were wonderful.
(5)Sam Y.
Mine is the search for incredible fried chicken, the kind were you don't mind a little grease dripping down your hand while devouring the tasty morsels of fried, succulent goodness. Enter Fran's Fried Chicken. You walk up to the strip mall store that is flanked by a sushi place and a pawn shop and wonder, 'what the hell am I doing here?'. Well you are here for some of the best, fresh made fried chicken you will ever taste. The scene upon entering is a simple one, counter with a red lettered menu, a handful and a half of counter stools and a few tables. The place looks like a greasy spoon but then again this is fried chicken not fine dining. Read the simple menu and order a two piece meal with fries and slaw or collard greens or black eyes peas. Everything is freshly made (i think, the jury isn't back in regard to the cole slaw). I opted for the breast and wing, I mean who doesn't like breasts, fries and cole slaw. Since there was no fresh brewed tea, I opted for an orange soda. The guys behind the counter spring into action dropping freshly floured chicken into the fryer and a generous helping of fries. The fries came out first and were crispy, potatoy goodness. I hate limp fries and these were super crispy. Next came out the napalm chicken, so hot and tasty out of the fryer that I wanted to dive right in but new better and let the chicken cool a bit. Ok a few minutes passed and I could wait no longer. I delved into the perfectly crispy skin to find juicy white flesh that was perfectly cooked. Seasoned perfectly and unadulterated. Excellent 'Frantastic' Fried Chicken. Skip all the other places and run on over to Fran's.
(4)Yi L.
my friend and i went here for lunch today... and apparently, they had just re-opened under new management. i got the 8 piece chicken with bone, while he got the tenders. he said the tenders were "NFG".. my chicken was ok.. very moist.. but i was grossed out by the feathers that were still on the wings. i think KFC down the street tastes better.
(2)Victor G.
Ok.. Reading some of these reviews kinda made my blood boil. First thing is Frans is a Fried Chicken place in a strip mall in a crappy part of Boca Raton! Ambiance wouldn't be the first thing I would expect when walking in. Its next to a friggen Quick Mart for Christ Sakes! What did you expect?! Also as per Chris H's review i don't see what the hell someones religion or personal preference in corporate ran steakhouses has to do with fried chicken. And C'mon guys! Popeyes? Publix? WTF!? Ok now on to the Chicken! Frans hands down is the best Fried Chicken I have ever had the privilege of eating. Super airy and crispy breading and amazingly tender and moist chicken on the inside. I come here for Fried Chicken and the Fried Chicken only, so I cant really comment on the sides. The Staff is equally as nice as the food. The owner or her son are usually behind the counter and most of the time behind the fryer as well. The multiple times I have been there everyone has been super nice and the chicken has always been cooked up fresh. I lived in Boca for a few years back and now live in NYC. After moving to NYC a few years ago, i have been on the ultimate search for good Fried Chicken and quite honestly nothing has even came close to Frans. Honestly I'm starting to think my wife is getting tired of hearing about my fried chicken issue and this "Fran Broad"...
(5)Chris H.
I was told by several Jewish friends in Boca that this was the best fried chicken in the world. I bring that up because they are VERY discriminating about their food, and will not hesitate to send anything back unless it is absolutely, 100% to their personal specifications- much to the chagrin of waiters and chefs alike. Enter Fran's- billed as the best fried chicken in all the world. Maybe it was once, but not anymore. Seriously, if you want good fried chicken just go to Publix supermarket. Fran's is greasy and flavorless. How all these smart people, that will send back a perfect Morton's steak because they claim it is sub-par, have fallen into a mass delusion about this place is beyond me.
(1)Lisa M.
I've been wanting to try this place forever and finally did on Saturday night. What a mistake. It was the worst fried chicken I've ever had. It was soaked in grease flavor. Nothing was fresh. The coleslaw, corn muffins were frozen. They were out of Mashed potoaos and gravy if you could believe that. NEVER AGAIN..... Had to have a orange just to get the taste out of my mouth after dinner!
(1)Jamie C.
Good fried chicken. My boyfriend loves it. He's a fried chicken connoissuer. It's in a hole in the wall strip mall. I find it to be on the salty side but good.
(3)Brom T.
Great Great chicken !! Crisp, moist, NOT greasy. Quick service. The fries were made for me, so they were golden and hot... Friendly staff.... I HIGHLY recommend... Mike
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