We could go on all day about how great Gus’s is (heck, we could eat there all day!). But in a nutshell, this nationally acclaimed chain serves up Southern fried chicken and down-home cooking that are as comforting and delicious as comfort food gets.
Begun as a beloved mom-and-pop side hustle 60 years ago in Mason, Tennessee, Gus’s has grown to 30 locations and earned the coveted designation of best fried chicken in the country. The Downtown Santa Ana location opened in 2020 and quickly reached local-staple status, becoming a favorite among families in the community and our grateful stomachs.
If you take fried chicken seriously, nay – if you like Southern cuisine or great food at all, this is the place for you! We dished up five reasons why Gus’s should be your next comfort food-fix:
1. That Chicken
What is it about the chicken that keeps customers coming back time and time again? For starters, it's the secret recipe, which was developed in the sweltering heat of Tennessee summers and perfected over years of testing and tweaking. And let’s get one thing straight: this isn’t Nashville hot chicken. With its unusually thin and crispy skin, tender meat, and spicy but manageable kick, Gus's chicken is a Memphis-style, hand-battered, and made-to-order experience of its own.
The thinner batter makes for addictively crispy skin, while the spiciness is noticeable but kind to the heat-averse. (There are abundant bottles of hot sauce on each table for those who want to turn it up a notch.) Served Southern-style on top of a slice of white bread, the chicken is perfectly complemented with an array of rich, classic sides: mac n’ cheese, baked beans, collard greens, and potato salad among them. House-brewed iced tea and sweet, Southern-Style chess pies round out a meal that’s sure to leave you simultaneously full and eager for more.
Photo Credit: @gusfriedca via Instagram
2. The Vibe
Beyond the food itself, Gus's Fried Chicken has a certain charm and character that sets it apart from other fried chicken joints. Like any good Southern get-together, the Santa Ana Gus’s has filled its old brick building with checkered tablecloths, warm welcomes from the friendly staff, and a laid-back atmosphere that's perfect for catching up with friends or enjoying a family meal.
3. They are the champions
Gus’s welcoming Tennessee-potluck vibe belies some pretty impressive accolades: two-time winner and current champion of the National Fried Chicken Festival (considered the “Superbowl of Fried Chicken”), ranked the 12th Tastiest Restaurant in America to Chow Down by the Travel Channel, and named one of the top 10 restaurants in the world worth flying to for a meal by GQ Magazine.
4. They’re all about community
Opening the Gus’s location in Santa Ana during the COVID-19 pandemic was tough. Manager Mynor Espinoza remembers working 12 to 15-hour days for a month straight, juggling multiple roles when staffing was tight. Despite the uncertainty, Gus’s still gave back to the community (and generously!). Concerned about the many students who would go hungry when schools shut down, the Santa Ana Gus’s and the other three in the Los Angeles area all served free meals to children from noon - 8pm every day. “They didn't have to buy anything,” Espinoza says in Spanish. “If they were hungry, we served them.”
5. Special Attention
Gus’s stands out not just for its speedy service and wallet-friendly prices, but also for its irresistible specials, particularly the 20 piece deal. Perfect for families or large gatherings, this special offers a generous serving that promises both variety and value, making it a crowd-pleaser that's tough to overlook.
In the world of fast food, it's rare to come across a restaurant that has as much history, soul, and addictively delish Southern comfort food as Gus's Fried Chicken. Whether you're a local resident or a first-time visitor to Santa Ana, be sure to stop by Gus's Fried Chicken and experience the legendary eats for yourself!
Photo Credit: @gusfriedca via Instagram
Gotta try
-The chicken (duh)
-Southern chess pie (the coconut in particular is as comforting as it gets)
Photo Credit: @gusfriedca via Instagram
Good to Know
-Gus’s was recognized by the mayor of Santa Ana and Councilmember Hernandez for their donations to community events.
Where It’s At
102 N Sycamore St Santa Ana CA 92701
(949) 336-3936
Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken
Have you enjoyed Gus’s Fried Chicken and other gems in Santa Ana? We’d love to hear about it! Tag @oursantaana on insta, and we may feature you in our content!
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