What could be better than fried chicken, really good fried chicken? But great chicken is hard to find, right? My mother made the best I have ever had (of course mom’s would be the best, right?). The Delta Corner in Indianola makes chicken as good as my mom’s and the Old Country Store in Loreman also makes great chicken. I am also a fan of Hertz Fried Chicken and Buffet in Ocean Springs, it’s some of the best on the Coast. When I hear of a new fried chicken place, I am all over it. So. when Armond’s Rock’n Chicken opened on Howard Avenue in Biloxi recently, I got there just as quickly as I could… How cool to have a fried chicken place just down the street?
But Armond’s is not just a chicken place, it’s a bit of a dive bar, comfortable and a tad dark, with two pool tables, and there is also a stage and a regular schedule of live entertainment. It’s a bit of an odd combination, but somehow it works. Armond’s is another welcome addition to Howard Avenue’s renaissance.
Armond’s chicken is made with a family recipe, mildly seasoned, but cooked to order, tender and juicy. A typical Facebook comment is, “Awesome vibe. Chicken is juicy, crispy, and has just the right kick!” That may be the perfect testament to really good fried chicken.
One of the secrets to really, really good fried chicken is that it has to be served immediately. Anything fried sitting under a heat lap is going to be substandard. Another really important rule is absolutely clean oil. If the oil is old or something strong, like fish (Lord forbid!) has been cooked in it, frying chicken in the same oil will produce only a disaster.
The menu at Armond’s is not extensive, but it is a chicken place, right? Most of the options are just about quantity. You can get 2, 3 or 4 pieces of chicken, with one side and a drink from $7.99 to $10.39, those are pretty good prices. There are also family meal options, an 8 piece and 1 side, 12 pieces with 2 sides, and 16 pieces with 3 sides, from $20,99 to $39.99, that’s a pretty affordable way to feed a family don’t you think? There is also fried shrimp and tenders.
If you know me at all, you know I get excited about the sides, and Armond’s has good choices: fries, slaw, sliced fried jalapenos, rolls, and hush puppies. Two pieces of good fried chicken and two or even three sides (I sure don’t mind paying extra!) and you’ve got one heck of a fine meal! Check it out for yourself.