Harold's Chicken Shack #36 (Wicker Park)
Harold’s Chicken Shack #36 is a longtime Milwaukee Avenue favorite for made-to-order, crispy-juicy wings, signature mild sauce, and beloved combos like white meat with catfish, lemon pepper, and fried okra. Regulars praise the friendly staff and hot, fresh food, but plan ahead: waits can reach 40 minutes or more, especially with delivery, making this best for patient takeout fans rather than a quick meal.
What 616 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“I THINK this is one of the original Harold’s of Chicago: THINK. Absolutely drop dead traditional made to order only fried chicken. Priced right, carry it out and always tip your bartenders well.”
“I've been eating Harold's since I was about 8 yrs old. I'm in my late 50s now. This particular location, I am glad to see it stood the test of time on North Milwaukee Ave.....Over 20 yrs now. Continue being great!!”
“Jasmine at the Wicker Park location on Milwaukee is an absolute delight of a person!! Not only did she make me laugh and smile immediately, but I watched her interact with every other person in line behind me with the exact same bright and kind energy. I work in the service industry and I know how difficult it can be to come in every day and work so hard with such a good attitude. She made the entire experience and I will be back because of her! Give her a raise!!”
“Everything was so fye! I'll never go to another Harold's location. This the one”
“This Harold's has really good food. Their wings are always cooked perfectly been going to this location for years now since moved from south side Chicago”
“I’d reccomend the white meat/catfish combo with extra lemon pepper and a side of fried okra, a can of pepsi and pineapple crush is always my go to.”
“I couldn’t take any pictures because we ate everything as soon as we got home. The chicken was absolutely amazing and juicy and crunchy. The hot sauce they gave us was perfect, and I don’t do well with spicy. The fries could have used a little seasoning but the chicken does all the work here. I recommend ordering ahead of time since it is a bit of a wait because everything is made fresh! Highly recommend, it was so delicious.”
“Harolds Chicken 🐔 Number 1# in my book that's my opinion I love me some Harolds ❤️ ?”
“They cook to order, It's a long wait 40 minutes! But you are going to get 🔥 Hot fresh food!!!”
“Dem wangs was 🔥🔥🔥 They were fresh, delicious and hot!!! Had mild & buffalo sauce mixed and drizzled over the chicken and fries….. perfect!!! Really didn’t need it cause the seasoning was so good by itself!!! Those ladies were GREAT! Patient, helpful and friendly. I was smacking so hard that I forgot to take pictures lol”
Sounds like your kind of place?
Star it — your hit list is where dinner decisions get made.
One email a month — new openings, hidden gems, and where locals are actually eating.



More good rooms in Noble Square, minutes away.





