Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket

I lived essentially across the street from this place for 12 years before I finally tried it. If I could go back in time I totally would. Got the Chicken dinner and the only problem is that it is way to big fro me to eat in one sitting (although it reheats nicely for leftovers). Nice selection on the salad bar, great biscuits, and the sides are very good too. They also have a very nice beer selection which was a surprising bonus.

Love this place. Great Memorial Day Weekend buffet! Wonderful staff!
Bacon, jalapeño mac and cheese is awesome!

Oldster dining room with a back room and bar area for the younger demographic. We were allowed to come up the the adult section to get to the salad and soup bar. This historic Route 66 building is a must see for road trippers and chicken loving locals alike!
The main thing here is the buttermilk fried chicken. Although the breading is very simple and somewhat bland, the chicken underneath is tender, juicy, and fabulous. (If you could take the breading from White Fence Farm and pop it on this buttermilk soaked chicken, you would have the perfect fried chicken!)
We also had a few appetizers, the highlight being their baseball-​sized corn fritters. Also, I had their soup and salad bar along with my dinner. Their chicken noodle soup is fantastic, with a perfect broth filled with noodles, veggies, and loads of huge chunks of white meat chicken, Their salad bar offerings were rather senior-​centric, but good: Vinegar based salads (bean salad, coleslaw, and the required pickled beets,) and iceberg lettuce with basic salad fixings and dressings.
The menu also offers a choice of wings, which will have to be sampled on another visit. Something tells me they will put the local chain wing joints to shame!

We went here again for dinner on Sunday. I don’t know if they have a new policy or what. Every time we come here, we were given a basket of biscuits before we ordered. This time, the biscuits were brought just after we ordered. My wife’s order was supposed to include biscuits. When she asked about them, our waitress told us that the biscuits we had were the biscuits that came with her order. She didn’t ask if my wife wanted more biscuits… just kinda walked away. My order was wrong when it was brought out.
Our first disappointment here.

Honest review: this is better then kfc n popeyes n more affordable. Ambiance isnt the prettiest service was slow n it was empty service wasnt good. Foods decent the best things were the chicken fried chicken n the sides it came with the mashed potatoes n the corn pudding. What i like is its not that expensive if ur in the area its better then going to a fast food place but i wouldnt go out of my way n idk if id go back
Jalepeno bacon mac n cheese 12.99: i would skip this wasnt good. The macaroni was to overcooked n didnt taste like anything. The sauce that was on the bottom needed salt and seasoning badly it was very bland. The texture of the sauce was odd i think they didnt cook out the flour it was gritty. The top part of the mac n cheese was good there was alot of melted cheese alot of bacon which i liked i jus ate the top part threw away the bottom portion also didnt see alot of jelepenos in it i would jus skip this
Chili 3.99 $ this wasnt the worst chili i ever had wasnt the best. There was a lot of meat in it which was good it was tender and flavorful. Alot of vegtables in it. So it is really filling the problem is that there was alot of cumin in it alot so it was really over powering. Just ur basic chili wouldnt order again
Corn pudding: amaizing but its more like corn bread. This was the best thing we ate! It was nice and moist and supper flavorful. Theirs chunks of corn in it so you can really taste the corn flavor. Then theirs jalepenos in it the spicyness goes perfectly with the sweet corn flavor this is a must order
Mashed potatoes n gravy: the mashed potatoes were nice and creamy liked the addition of the skins but they were bland u definately need the gravy its really flavorful nice n thick. The flour was cooked out so it was a really good gravy only problem was a lil bit to much rosemary. Dry rosemary textually can be awkward n can be overpowering if to much is added really good sides though
Famous Fried chicken: good chicken better then fast food places like pop eyes or kfc but not the best fried chicken that award goes to long man and eagle. Flavor wise it was good its just salt nothing special, thays my issue tasted to plan but still good just would have liked more flavor. The texture of tje skin was awkward it was way to hard the crackers they used for the coating was way to hard ldk how to describe it. It was really moist but was greasy though Good though just the chicken fried chicken was more flavorful so i would recommend that instead
Chicken fried chicken 11.99 $: this was the best thing of the night. It was really crunchy it had a different crust then the famous fried chicken thank god! So crispy but in a good way. It was really moist which is hard to do when its a breast and without a bone in it. The flavor was really good because it had different spices in it this was better then the famous fried chicken!

On a rainy, gloomy Saturday we were looking for a dinner option that was a little fun and a little further from home than we often venture. But not too far.
Enter Dell Rhea’s, which would be a pain to get to during rush hour Friday, but fits the bill.
Around 6 on a Saturday it was busy but we were seated right away. The space is homey and comfortable, and a little kitschy, with chickens everywhere. Ceramic chickens, not real ones — those are all dead in the back. :)
The menu is mostly chicken, of course (even the soups of the day were chicken dumpling and cream of chicken), but there are burgers, seafood, mac n cheese, and… well, that’s about it. Many kinds of chicken.
We went straightforward — you get biscuits to start, and we ordered pretzel sticks as an appetizer and two chicken baskets.
The pretzel sticks were tasty, and the cheese sauce had some interesting note in it I couldn’t quite place. Ah, but the chicken, that’s what you really care about.
It was brought out steaming hot, with a lightly crispy crackermeal style crust. While I didn’t think the skin/​crust had a *ton* of flavor, it was still good and not overly salty, and the chicken was juicy, tender and really delicious. The fries with it were hot and good but not amazing.
To be totally honest I think the chicken would be amazing with some hot sauce, and we had some leftovers so when I reheated it the next day that’s exactly what I did. (I did spot hot sauce on a server station, so I could have asked for some.)
To me Dell Rhea’s feels homey, comforting, kinda old-​school with good service and tasty food. It was good for what ailed us on a gloomy day.

Very enjoyable place to eat at. All the Food was very fresh and portion sizes were very large also. It was worth the 40 min drive and would love to return one of these days.

I came here looking for kale, celery sticks, and hard boiled eggs. They have none of that here. Dejected and confused, I did notice they have a lunch buffet that included chicken, both fried and grilled.
Really impressive salad bar with crisp clean romaine lettuce and all the right add-​ins. I thought the chicken dumpling soup was perfect. Thin broth based soup with small flavorful dumplings, chicken, and veggies.
Both the fried and grilled chicken were great. Nicely crisped skin on the fried chicken, grilled chicken came with sweetly sautéed peppers. I skipped the dessert table because the fried chicken tasted very desserty. Plus, it’s on the Route 66 list of historic places. The history, grease, protein, and atmosphere melds beautifully here. Go and enjoy!

Good comfort food. If you want a heart attack on a plate this is your place. Wonderful fried chicken.

The place appears extremely clean! Staff beyond friendly and helpful. The salad bar is fantastic — great soups and cold salads! Buscuits need a lot of improvement and fritters were decent but I’ve had better. I had the chicken dinner — hot and fresh out of fryer. Mashed potatoes are great. Will be back!

There is definitely a reason why the ratings are dropping.
Now that there is an array of people trying to perfect fried chicken many restaurants really should be aware, improve, and step up their recipes… If one (Dell Rhea’s) doesn’t want to let go of their original recipe than DON’T but at least make another batter option to better please everyone’s palates.
The chicken was very moist and that’s as good as it gets. If someone really thinks that this is the best fried chicken that they have ever had than they really should get out more and try other recipes. Either that or they are really just trying to hold on to something that they think is special and makes them feel good…
The fried chicken was just salted (slightly over salted), that is as far as the ingredients go. The breading was not impressive, it wasn’t bad, it wasn’t great, it was at best: «just good»… Some may not even care to finish their piece, some may not even find it very appetizing. The darker meat chicken needed to be cooked more so it wasn’t so gooey but the breast meat was cooked properly. Besides the fried chicken being juicy it really doesn’t hold up compared to other places.
If it is not you saying it than someone will be the one saying, «IT WAS IN DINERS, DRIVE-​INS, & DIVES!»
Yes…
BUT relax because it is clear that Guy’s producers, from Diners, Drive-​Ins, & Dives may have just chose this restaurant because it attributed to the Route 66 Special (episodes)… If you notice Guy DOESN’T ALWAYS SAY in all episodes that the food he taste is, «super tasty» or «one of the best» and there’s a reason… Because some of people’s recipes/​restaurants ARE NOT that great!
If you would like to be the next critic to Dell Rhea’s fried chicken than go for it but do not be shocked if it disappoints.
Also, do not think you’re alone if you think the $ 16 chicken dinner is overpriced.
Dell Rhea’s has potential but it really is not impressive. If one is not a novice than they should know that great chicken flavor is not always just about brining it in salt!
Dell Rhea’s is a nice place (not the washroom), has a great staff (excellent customer service), and they have some history but the head Chef/​Cook really should consider stepping out of the box and improving their recipes. Just because it was on television and has survived many years doesn’t make the fried chicken great.
If they add a new batter style to choose from and touch up (improve) their fries, mac & cheese, mash potatoes, etc. then it might be worth a try but until than it definitely isn’t a top choice.
BTW, they should kick up the heat a little or get the fireplace going.
Also, time for a washroom remodel.

4 stars still apply-it’s consistently good, and since my original review 2+ years ago have tried the chicken fried chicken, which is great.
Dee is one of the best servers/​waitresses/​whatever you call someone who is friendly, attentive and great at what they do! We are lucky enough to get her table nearly every visit.

We went to The Chicken Basket on a Friday night. My girlfriend observes lent traditions so we are always on the hunt for good fish. On Friday nights they offer AYCE (All You Can Eat) fish, either cod, catfish or a combination of these two in a «basket» that includes cole slaw and fries for $ 12.99.
We were seated promptly and the place was still buzzing at 8pm. This is a great place for kids, with the bar in a separate size of the building. The decorations are all about Route 66 and «chickens and roosters». This really is a fun place to enjoy a meal an not worry about «the show» that goes along with some diners.
Our waitress behaved as if we were her only table, although she was very busy with several other much larger parties. The drinks came quickly, then the snacks and the food followed shortly there after. Drinks were replaced when they were half full and «would you like seconds» came as I started my final piece of fish. She was amazing.
I had the combo for obvious reasons. The catfish was a little «fishy» but the cod was to die for. Rather than fill up on sides I stuck with the fish. I finished two helpings of fish and was stuffed. I was allowed to take the sides home in a doggie bag for my doggies.
I’ll warn you, this is not a place to take your out of town friends who want to see «Chicago style» pomp and fluff. This is the place you take your friends who like to laugh out loud, eat, drink and have a good time.
I adore this place!
See you again soon…

Best fried chicken I’ve had in my LIFE. They had free soup and salad with meals tonight. So here’s my rundown:
Chicken n’ Dumpling soup: I was not a fan. It was broth based, and the first time I’ve had dumpling soup like that. Not my style. (Was basically chicken noodle soup with dumpling shreds)
Cream of Potato soup: Awesome! Homemade, delicious, and had a little black-​pepper kick to it.
Biscuits: served at seating. Really good. Crispy outside, soft inside.
Fries: Ehhhh. Just normal fresh cut fries without much flavor. I’d recommend subbing the fries if you can.
**CHICKEN: A+++ So authentic, juicy, flavorful. I had the ½ chicken. I’m not a fan of white meat at ALL. But if you blindfolded me and had me eat the chicken breast here, I would’ve sworn it was a thigh. That’s how ridiculously juicy and tender the white meat was. Now imagine the dark meat.
Oh yeah… I’ll be back.

I really do love this place. It is worth the drive from the city. Yes I love the chicken, but I just love everything about this place. The service is always so friendly. Even the customers are nice. Today a man from another table came over and helped Mom get up from her chair when we were getting ready to leave. Very kind.
They sat us by the fireplace. It was so cozy and warm. I could have sat there all night. I downed a bottle of Route 66 Root Beer. There’s nothing like ice cold root beer. Makes everything taste even better.
Stop here for good food and a big dose of history!

Returned again last night, and had an even better experience! This time I did not upgrade to the all white meat, but was still given two large breast pieces, a wing, and a leg. I feel like the biscuits may have gotten smaller since last time? The pieces were coated in thick breading, had a super hot and crispy crust and were just perfect, unhealthy, heaven!
What really enhanced the experience was the fact that it was free soup/​salad bar night! In my mind’s eye, I was seeing limp, old ice berg on the salad bar, but alas! Romaine! Decent fresh veggie options, even a cilantro vinaigrette! All parts were delicious. I tried a bit of their kidney bean salad, pasta and potato salad too, and all were great! They had two soup options to choose from as well. I had the chicken and dumpling soup and enjoyed that as well. It was hot and great. Only gripe would be about the cup size… it was pretty small. Obviously, you could go up for more, but I’d be more interested in having more from the get-​go. This stuff all filled me up so much that I was only able to eat a wing and fries! YAY for leftovers! There will definitely be enough for 3 meals total (Ok, so I already know this because I had chicken for breakfast and will probably have the rest for lunch– worth it!!).
Service again was super friendly. What a great place to have a good meal and relax. :)

This place is a little tucked away from the main road. It’s worth finding though!
My first time here I had the beer cheese andoullie sausage soup. Every bite was delicious! You could taste the bite of beer up front then the cheese flavor swarms your tongue and ends with the savory smoky taste of the sausage. I was really impressed with this and I couldn’t wait to see what else they were cooking up!
Out comes a basket of warm fresh biscuits! They have honey and butter on the table and I dug in with both… the biscuits taste much like a KFC biscuit but a lil smaller. Either way they were delicious and paired nicely with the soup.
I ordered a classic chicken dinner, with mashed potatoes, gravy and green beans.
The mashed potatoes, no need for gravy, they are delicious on their own, add the gravy and you get a whole other gear of flavor!
The green beans were glistening with an extra pat of butter on them and they were deliciously buttery and crisp! I could eat a whole plate of these!
The chicken. Piping HOT! However, I have never but into a piece of chicken to be treated to such chicken flavor and juiciness! These are cooked to perfection! PER-​FECTION!!!
The breading is not the center stage here it is a welcomed texture to complement the chickens natural flavor and acts to hold in the juicy deliciousness of the meat! It is a light flavorful breading, crisp and delicious.
Hands down the best chicken dinner I have ever eaten.
Ambiance: Casual family dining.
Food: The food I ate was the best comfort food I could ever want.
Value: Treating a family on these dinners could be pricey. If you want to pay up a little for a taste of delicious home cooking that would rival grandmas. You won’t be disappointed.
I am a fan!

Went for lunch with family members on a weekday. We all participated in the lunch buffet.
Extensive salad bar. Solid fried chicken (and I’m not the biggest fan of fried chicken). Pizza was mediocre. Mashed potatoes– YUM. Jalapeño Mac and cheese– too mushy.
Then. There are the corn fritters. I’d never had them before and OMG. Must have them. So good and they melt in your mouth. Felt like a real southern treat.
Overall, decent meal for a casual day and a reasonable price. And quite a throwback from good old RT 66! I wish I could give three and a half stars. Unilocal needs to give us more options.

Dell Rhea’s is something of a legendary lunch spot, at least locally. My coworkers have raved about this place for years, and a few days ago I finally got the pleasure of heading out with the group for some fried chicken adventures!
The restaurant is really tucked away down a side road, just a few blocks from the busy Rte. 83 and Plainfield Rd. intersection. You’d never even know that it is there, but I think that word of mouth gets many of the customers to check it out. Then their amazing food gets people to return again and again, bringing friends! It has a weird vibe inside, kind of a mix between a diner, a lodge, and a VFW hall. There is a full bar and casino games on one side and a regular restaurant complete with lunch buffet during lunch hours on the other. Seating and parking are plentiful, and this place does a lot of business with the lunch crowd.
Now, the food. I got the lunch buffet, which includes all you can eat for $ 10.99. There is a full soup and salad bar, and also a chicken, pasta, pizza, sides (veggies, biscuits), and dessert bar. The food was great — of course, check out their fried chicken, but their biscuits, steamed veggies, and cookies were fantastic too. A few of the items were low or out when I went up for a plate, which was frustrating, but all in all it was worth the $ 10.99 and I would go back again. This definitely is a place you want to go on your cheat day…

Rustic, old-​fashioned, homely restaurant off what used to be part of the famous route 66, Dell Rhea’s was a destination for me for some time. I overheard there was a «triple-​D» (restaurant on Drive-​in, Diners and Dives) in the area and I knew I would just have to go to give it a try and what do you know, it was pretty damn close to where I was staying.
Was going to go with the famous chicken basket but decided to go for the platter since it came with the Chicken Dumpling soup that was mentioned on Unilocal.Soup — not impressed. The chicken platter came with four pieces of chicken that was well prepared. They were moist and juicy and had a decent fried skin on it but lacked flavor. I thought that although the texture of the chicken was what I would call proper, they just seemed to just be lacking something overall. With the meal I chose the mashed potatoes and the stuffing, both I thought were a bit too salty for my taste.
Service was great but the place was just okay in the end and I think to be considerably overpriced for what it is. If I was not on business travel, I can tell you I would have been pretty upset on what I got and the price that came with it.
Place is not a must go-​to, it’s just a «meh» overall. Try it if you like, I probably won’t be back