A one-of-a-kind Atlantic Beach restaurant showcasing an eclectic menu of quintessential Southern and Japanese comfort foods has garnered nationwide recognition for a customer favorite.
The Hanger Bay Cafe & Gallery, at 2294 Mayport Road, has earned a berth on Yelp Elites’ list of Top 50 Fried Chicken Spots in the U.S.
Named for the area of a ship where the aircraft “live” during deployment, the restaurant describes itself as “an authentic, fast-paced, Japanese Ramen and Southern Fried Chicken joint, with a modern Navy flair,” according to its website.
Hanger Bay was ranked No. 39 on the Yelp list that also included four other Florida restaurants.
Yelp cited the cafe’s reputation for “standout fried chicken, hearty ramen bowls, and creative fusion fare” in the Top 50 listing.
“The Hangar Bay offers guests a cozy, eclectic dining space that doubles as a local art gallery,” the listing noted. “Friendly service, generous portions, and an ever-changing array of local artwork make it a favorite for both locals and visitors seeking a one-of-a-kind meal experience.”
Hanger Bay, which opened in 2016, is known for its freshly made-to-order fried chicken and ramen. Specialties include a four-piece fried half chicken, Bayou Ramen, Veggie Ramen, and Chicken Strip sandwich, the menu shows.
Also featured are fried shrimp and fish, sandwiches, and fried mac & cheese, according to the menu.
As highlighted on its website, the restaurant’s decor is also unique. The “gallery” is comprised of Navy Aircraft lithographs, Art Deco-style posters, photographs of Japan, and Navy memorabilia.
Other Florida restaurants making the Yelp list:
The rankings reflected “an all-time list of the top fried chicken in the U.S. and Canada,” according to Yelp, an online platform where people review local businesses.
“We identified businesses in the fried chicken category, then ranked those spots based on the volume and ratings of reviews given by Yelp Elite Squad members for each business,” Yelp said of the updated July 14 list.
Hanger Bay Cafe & Gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, and closed Monday.
Teresa Stepzinski is the dining reporter for the Times-Union. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @TeresaStepz or reach her via email at tstepzinski@jacksonville.com.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Fried chicken at one-of-a-kind Atlantic Beach restaurant among tops in US, Yelp says
Reporting by Teresa Stepzinski, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
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