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Chicken shops are proliferating around the Bay Area, and with them comes everyone’s favorite, must-have preparation of the bird: The epic, fried chicken sandwich.
Whether yours is found at a diner, trendy fast-casual chicken joint or a fine dining restaurant, we’re guessing you have an opinion on what makes an incredible sandwich. Should it be made from breast or thigh? What kind of bun is ideal? Slaw or cheese? And how much are you willing to pay?
With so much variety to choose from and so many important opinions, one thing is certain: This calls for a sandwich contest, bracket-style. We asked readers to nominate their favorite Bay Area fried chicken sandwiches, and they responded with nods to Berkeley’s Pinky and Red’s, San Jose’s Paper Plane, San Francisco’s Split and oh so many more.
Now we’re pitting 16 spots against one another to see which deserves the title of Best Fried Bird — and asking you to be judge, jury and eater. Be sure to hit the “done” button at the end of the ballot to submit your vote. First-round voting for the Sizzling 16 closes at noon on Feb. 8. Voting for the Amazing Eight begins at 6 a.m. Feb. 12.
