A State-by-State Guide to America's Favorite Fried Chicken

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© Old Country Store

Mississippi: Old Country Store

Down in Mississippi, one legendary spot that every fried chicken lover should visit is the Old Country Store in Lorman. Housed in a weathered 19th-century general store building, this restaurant is run by Arthur Davis – affectionately known as Mr. D – who has rightfully earned the nickname “the King of Fried Chicken”. Using his grandma’s recipes, Mr. D has been dishing out a mouthwatering hot buffet of fried chicken along with Southern sides like okra, mustard greens, and potato salad since the late 1990s. Diners help themselves to all the fried chicken they desire, and it’s some of the most heavenly chicken you’ll ever taste: superbly seasoned, crunchy, and piping hot from the fryer. The Old Country Store has even been featured on the Travel Channel and Food Network’s The Best Thing I Ever Ate – not only for the chicken, but also for Mr. D’s charming habit of serenading his guests with an impromptu song about his love of fried chicken. This buffet-style gem, tucked away off the beaten path, hasn’t changed much in decades, and regulars wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s soul food in its purest form, served with a side of history and heart, making it Mississippi’s favorite fried chicken destination.