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June 16, 2022

Our Love Letter to Harold's Chicken Shack: A Chi Institution

City Cast Chicago

Our Love Letter to Harold's Chicken Shack: A Chi Institution

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Harold’s is more than a chicken spot — It’s a Chicago institution. There are stories of NBA MVP Derrick Rose getting bottles of their famous mild sauce brought to his home. Kanye West set a music video at Harold’s. It’s even been name-dropped by a certain former U.S. president. But somehow, even with dozens of franchise locations, it’s been able to maintain a community feel and remains a must-try for anyone coming to the city (but newcomers be warned: you better know your order before you get to the counter). Shakeia Taylor recently wrote about Harold’s legacy for the Eater. She and journalist (and City Cast friend) Arionne Nettles talk with host Jacoby Cochran about the history of the iconic chicken joint, their orders, and where the best (and worst) locations are. Plus, we hear from a former Harold’s franchise owner.


In the newscast, we mentioned the lobbying efforts for the 2024 DNC to be held in Chicago. You can revisit our episode with City Cast Las Vegas — who’s also in the running — here.


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