J J Fish And Chicken, Charlotte

Like many great restaurants, JJ Fish & Chicken started with a simple recipe for success. Opened by James J. Green in 1982 on Chicago's South Side, its flagship location started as a small store where Green sold fish either fresh or fried in his secret batter for an extra buck.

Now, more than 35 years later, JJ Fish & Chicken sells its famous fried fish in more than 130 locations, including 90 in Chicago alone. Its menu, though bigger, remains simple, consisting of comfort-food favorites like chicken, gizzards, hush puppies, okra, catfish, and shrimp—all battered and deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. It also has become a more efficient establishment, as it caters to both singular appetites as well as families and large groups with meals as big as its 200 chicken-wing dinner.