Lucas Delgado
Chicken Annie's and Chicken Mary's are two restaurants in Pittsburg, Kansas, that have been friendly rivals for over 70 years. Both restaurants serve fried chicken, and locals in this tight-knit community have traditionally picked a side. The restaurants are located right across the street from each other, and the debate over which restaurant is better has inspired a book, 'The Chicken Sisters', and continues to divide Kansans.
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What You'll Learn
Chicken Annie's and Chicken Mary's are located right next to each other
Chicken Annie's and Chicken Mary's are two restaurants located right next to each other in the heart of the US' Great Plains, near Pittsburg, Kansas. The restaurants have been the subject of a friendly rivalry, with locals in this tight-knit community having to pick a side. The two restaurants are less than 600 feet apart and are said to have similar menus, with the chicken tasting relatively the same.
The restaurants were started by two women, Annie Pichler and Mary Zerngast, who began selling fried chicken from their homes in the 1930s and 1940s, respectively. Both women faced the task of providing for their families and soon developed a loyal following for their delicious fried chicken. Annie and Mary's restaurants grew out of their family homes, and as their businesses expanded, they rebuilt their original houses into modern restaurants in the 1970s.
The restaurants have a similar aesthetic, with vast dining rooms that lack much character or décor. Both play country music and have large quantities of plain makeshift tables and metal-framed chairs. Chicken Annie's has more personal touches, like chicken-themed décor, and Chicken Mary's offers a little more booth seating and outdoor seating.
The chicken at Annie's is described as being more lightly coated, with the emphasis on the leaner, moister chicken, while Mary's chicken is thickly coated, with large chunks of deep-fried skin and batter. The sides at Annie's are reported to be more successful, with plumper and juicier green beans and more flavourful potato salad. However, the mashed potatoes at both restaurants were not well-received, with Annie's tasting strongly of margarine.
The service at both restaurants is provided by young college students and is pleasant but not remarkable. While Chicken Annie's has been praised for its hospitality, with a waitress going out of her way to accommodate diners, Chicken Mary's has been noted for its efficient service, with food runners bringing dishes to the table without much interaction.
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Chicken Mary's has outdoor seating, while Chicken Annie's does not
Chicken Mary's and Chicken Annie's are two restaurants in Pittsburg, Kansas, that have been friendly rivals for decades. They are located right across the street from each other and are known for their delicious fried chicken.
While both restaurants have their unique characteristics and offerings, one notable difference is that Chicken Mary's offers outdoor seating, whereas Chicken Annie's does not. This gives Chicken Mary's a slight edge, especially for customers who prefer dining al fresco.
Chicken Mary's outdoor seating option provides a pleasant alternative for those who want to enjoy their meal in the open air, especially during warmer months. It can be a refreshing change from the typical indoor dining experience and can accommodate customers who prefer a more spacious or scenic environment.
On the other hand, Chicken Annie's focuses on providing a cosy indoor dining area. While they do not have outdoor seating, they excel in creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere inside. Their dining room is spacious, and they have added personal touches like chicken-themed decor and curtains, giving the restaurant a unique charm.
Ultimately, the lack of outdoor seating at Chicken Annie's may not be a significant drawback for some customers, especially those who prioritise food quality, indoor ambiance, or other factors. However, for those who enjoy dining outdoors and prefer a more open and airy environment, Chicken Mary's outdoor seating option may be a deciding factor when choosing between the two establishments.
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Chicken Mary's has more booth seating
Chicken Mary's and Chicken Annie's are two restaurants in Pittsburg, Kansas, that have been friendly rivals for decades. Both restaurants serve fried chicken and have similar menus, with slight differences in the sides and decor.
Chicken Mary's offers a little more booth seating than Chicken Annie's. While both restaurants have large quantities of plain makeshift tables and heavy metal-framed chairs, Chicken Mary's has a few more booths. In addition, Chicken Mary's has some outdoor seating, giving it an edge over Chicken Annie's in this regard.
Chicken Mary's sports amazing 1970s decor, with a pleasant, though unremarkable, atmosphere. The restaurant can get quite busy, and the service is generally efficient and friendly. The chicken at Chicken Mary's is known for its thick coating, with large chunks of delicious deep-fried skin and batter. The meat is also especially fatty, and the sides, such as mashed potatoes and green beans, tend to be bland.
On the other hand, Chicken Annie's has more personal touches in its decor, such as chicken tchotchkes and cute chicken curtains. The restaurant has a loyal following and a hospitable staff, although service can be forgetful at times. The chicken at Chicken Annie's is more lightly coated, allowing the flavour of the meat to shine through. The sides, including green beans and potato salad, are generally more successful in terms of taste and freshness.
In conclusion, while both restaurants have their unique charms and followings, Chicken Mary's offers a slightly more comfortable dining experience with its additional booth seating and outdoor area.
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Chicken Annie's has more personal touches, like chicken tchotchkes
Chicken Annie's and Chicken Mary's are two restaurants in Pittsburg, Kansas, that have been friendly rivals for decades. They are located right across the street from each other, and both serve fried chicken.
Chicken Annie's has more personal touches, like a large collection of chicken tchotchkes and cute chicken curtains. The restaurant also has neon and bar lights with Clydesdales. The chicken at Annie's is much more lightly coated, and the emphasis is more on the chicken itself, which is leaner and moister. The sides at Annie's are also considered more successful, with plumper and juicier green beans, and a slightly more flavoursome Germain potato salad.
While the restaurants are very similar, with comparable chicken and sides, Chicken Annie's has a few more personal touches and a unique history that gives it character. The restaurant was started by Ann Pichler, a Hungarian immigrant, who began selling sandwiches and later, in 1935, pan-fried chicken to miners and travellers. A local doctor and fan of Annie's cooking suggested the name "Chicken Annie's". Annie's granddaughter recalled that Annie's waitresses always wore crisp white dresses and aprons.
Chicken Annie's has been described as a Kansas institution, with a loyal customer base that has spanned decades. The restaurant has a strong sense of family and community, with a deep respect for its food and customers.
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Chicken Mary's has better fried chicken, according to some
Chicken Mary's and Chicken Annie's are two restaurants in Pittsburg, Kansas, that have enjoyed a friendly rivalry for several decades. Both restaurants serve fried chicken and have similar menus, with slight differences in the sides and decor. While some people prefer Chicken Annie's, others argue that Chicken Mary's has better-fried chicken.
Chicken Mary's is known for its thickly coated fried chicken with large chunks of deep-fried skin and batter that practically fall off the bone. The chicken is said to be very juicy and flavourful, with a focus on the chicken itself rather than the coating. The sides at Chicken Mary's, such as the mashed potatoes and gravy, corn on the cob, and German coleslaw, are also reported to be tasty. In addition, Chicken Mary's offers outdoor seating and a pleasant dining atmosphere.
One reviewer noted that the chicken at Chicken Mary's was "very thickly coated, with large chunks of delicious deep-fried skin and batter practically falling off the bone." They also mentioned that the meat was especially fatty, and the sides, such as mashed potatoes and gravy, were bland. However, they acknowledged that if you love coating on your fried chicken, Chicken Mary's might be the better choice.
Another reviewer, a native of the area, stated that he had eaten at both restaurants and preferred Chicken Mary's. He noted that the chicken was crunchy and flavourful, and the sides, including mashed potatoes and German coleslaw, were tasty. The restaurant was also packed, indicating its popularity among locals.
Chicken Mary's has a rich history, with roots tracing back to Mary Zerngast, an Austrian immigrant who settled in Kansas with her husband, a German immigrant who worked in the mines. When her husband's health declined, Mary took charge and started selling fried chicken to provide for her family. Her reputation for delicious fried chicken quickly spread, and her restaurant became a Kansas institution.
In conclusion, while both Chicken Mary's and Chicken Annie's have their loyal followers, some people believe that Chicken Mary's has superior fried chicken. The thick coating, juicy meat, and flavourful sides at Chicken Mary's have won over the hearts (and taste buds) of many diners. The restaurant's longevity and continued success are a testament to its popularity and the quality of its food.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicken Annie's and Chicken Mary's are two restaurants in Pittsburg, Kansas, that are famous for their fried chicken. They were started by two women, Annie Pichler and Mary Zerngast, who were neighbours and are said to have had a friendly rivalry.
Chicken Annie's and Chicken Mary's are located right next to each other. They have similar menus, and the chicken tastes quite similar. However, there are slight differences in the sides and decor. Chicken Annie's has more personal touches, like chicken tchotchkes and curtains, while Chicken Mary's has a little more booth seating and outdoor seating.
This is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Chicken Mary's serves chicken with a thick coating, while Chicken Annie's serves chicken with a lighter coating. Some sides at Chicken Annie's, like the green beans, are considered to be better, while Chicken Mary's serves delicious-sounding German coleslaw. Chicken Mary's is also said to have better decor, rocking its own amazing 1970s style.
