Most people will say that Nashville, Atlanta, and Memphis are in the South and have the best fried chicken in the U.S. And yes, they have earned that name. However, more and more chicken fans and food reviewers say you don’t need to go that far. In fact, you might find some of the best fried chicken in the United States on Regent Street in Madison, Wisconsin.
Yes, Butterbird Chicken & Bar was just named the best place in Wisconsin for fried chicken by LoveFood, a national food guide that doesn’t stick to the normal food map. They didn’t just use Yelp reviews to make their decision. There were hundreds of places they ate at before they chose one.
The Spotlight Shines on Butterbird
The praise is very important. People visit, eat, and share online based on LoveFood’s “Best Fried Chicken Joint in Every State” series. Most of the time, fried chicken isn’t the main dish in a state known for brats, cheese curds, and Friday fish fries. However, Butterbird has changed that story.
Butterbird doesn’t just serve the usual fare. The Fried Chicken Thigh Sandwich comes with chopped lettuce, tangy dill pickles, and creamy dilly ranch. The Badger Hot Chicken Sandwich has house-made hot chili oil and smoky chipotle mayo. The rules are being changed.
What Makes Their Chicken So Special?
Butterbird focuses on balance, unlike some chicken places that use too much batter or fake crunch. Each piece has just the right amount of coating to make it golden and crispy while still letting the meat’s natural taste shine through.
The different parts of their Fried Chicken Dinner—leg, breast, thigh, and wings—are as much about comfort as they are about skill. This plate comes with house pickles and a warm dinner roll. It makes you remember why this kind of food is called “soul food.”
The vibe is another thing.
It’s Not Just the Chicken — It’s the Whole Experience
When you walk into Butterbird, you feel a wave of warm memories. There are old-fashioned signs, a picture booth in the corner, classic games, and a full bar that make the place feel like classic Americana. It’s both familiar and new at the same time.
College students from UW–Madison go there for a bite to eat after class. Locals bring out-of-town guests to show them a hidden gem in the area, and families come for birthdays, comfort food, and lazy Sunday dinners.
Joe and Shaina Papach, who helped start the business, are also the owners of The Harvey House, which is one of Madison’s best restaurants. They didn’t want to make something too fancy, so they made Butterbird—a place that serves good food without a show and doesn’t try too hard but always delivers.
The food scene in Madison is changing, and Butterbird is in charge.
Madison has become one of the most exciting food towns in the Midwest in the last ten years. People across the country are now talking about how creative the city’s food is, along with its farmers’ markets and beer culture.
Visit Madison says that since 2019, the number of new restaurants in the city has grown by 35%. Many of these restaurants are privately run. That wave includes places that serve fried chicken, but Butterbird’s quick rise to the top shows that it’s more than just a trend when it’s done right.
Locals Already Knew — Now the Country Does Too
Butterbird had already built a strong fan base before the award. In one TripAdvisor report, it says:
“What’s not to love? They have the best fried chicken in Wisconsin, the atmosphere is so cool, and the soft serve is so tasty?”
Someone else from Madison wrote on Instagram:
“The state’s best chicken sandwich.” “Don’t yell at me.”
You get the idea. Butterbird’s best way to market has always been word of mouth, and now that voice is heard all across the country.
What’s Next?
Butterbird has already said they might be opening later. They want to be open every day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. It would be open for lunch and dinner, and there would be a better chance for everyone to get a table during busy times.
There are also rumors of special drinks, new items on the menu, and more seating, but nothing official has been said yet.
A win for local flavors that they deserve
Butterbird’s praise is more than just a pat on the back; it shows that great food isn’t limited by where it’s found. It takes skill, attention to detail, and knowledge of what people desire to eat after a long day: something warm, something crispy, and something that makes them feel at home.
Here’s to Butterbird, not only for having the best fried chicken in Wisconsin but also for putting Madison on the map when it comes to food in the United States.
Tell me about your favorite dish at Butterbird.
Have you had the Badger Hot Chicken Sandwich? Or maybe you keep coming back because of the soft-serve topping.
In the comments, tell us about your favorite Butterbird moment or order, and tag someone who hasn’t been yet.
**This article was written by Kayla McFarland. AI tools were used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.**
