White Fence Farm outside of Chicago

RE: White Fence Farm outside of Chicago (danimal15)

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 13:50:45 GMT

Ram4

I totally forgot another gem in Chicago. This is the last place you'd think of for Fried Chicken. [url='http://www.icon.com/joes/Chicago_home.html'] Joe's Seafood Prime Steak and Stone Crab [/url] is on the corner of Rush and Grand. You will have to pay at least $10-12 to park. Quit whining - be a man, suck it up, and leave it with the valet. Joe's is one of my favorite restaurants for prime steak, but what a shocking find the Fried Chicken was on the menu. I think it's $15, one of the cheapest things on the menu. It comes with nothing on the side of course, you're in a high end place remember? You get a nice plate of chicken, white and dark meat, and the breasts are even cut a unique way. They make the fried chicken to order, so plan on a solid 30 minute wait, and once it's done, it's burning hot. The chicken is moist, juicy, and really crispy on the outside. The breading is sometimes on the bland side, so I like to add pepper. You'll see big time lawyers or investment bankers sitting alone at the bar eating a huge plate of the fried chicken. I guess it is "Fried Chicken for Rich People!" Anyway, I highly recommend it. The rest of the food is amazing as well. I'm not a seafood lover, but many people go there just for the seafood. The steaks are prime and are great. The sides are awesome, with many kinds of potato dishes (I love the cottage fries). The dessert menu is primarily made up of giant slices of pie. Check out the site and menu. They are in Caesar's Palace now too.

Wow - I have to try that! Sounds great.

RE: White Fence Farm outside of Chicago (danimal15)

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 13:47:06 GMT

Oh - and by the way, the total bill for our dinner (not counting the beers my wife and I had while waiting - was $26. This was for six fried chicken dinners. (4 quarter whites, 2 quarter darks). An incredible bargain!

RE: White Fence Farm outside of Chicago (danimal15)

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 13:45:54 GMT

Thanks to everyone on this 7-year old thread who suggested Rips in Ladd, Illinois. After all this time, I finally took my family there this weekend and it was worth the trip (and the 1.5 hour wait on a Saturday night for our meal).

Not only was the chicken wonderful, as advertised, the atmosphere was terrific. Lots of nice people to talk to while waiting, and a wonderful dining room with a good view of the tiny kitchen where they make that unforgettable chicken. I had a quarter light and a quarter dark because I wanted to try both types. I think I enjoyed the dark more than the white, but both were very juicy and flavorful. We will definitely be back. Why this place isn't listed on Roadfood's "official" Illinois restaurants is something I can't understand. It is the epitome of "roadfood." Someone needs to give it a write-up in the Illinois restaurants file.

RE: White Fence Farm outside of Chicago (carolina bob)

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:34:58 GMT

Here's a restaurant that you Chicagolanders ( is that a word? ) should check out for really excellent fried chicken. It's called Popolano's, and it's right here in my backyard - on Torrence Ave. here in Lansing, about a mile south of I-80 / I-94 ( aka the Kingery Expressway. ) The chicken here is great; crispy and meaty with a delicious flavor. IMHO, it's better than either White Fence Farm or Dell Rhea's. The sides are about average, but the creamy chicken and dumpling soup is really good. A word of advice: stick to the chicken and you'll have a fine meal, but DON'T order the spaghetti and meatballs. You wouldn't think a restaurant could screw up a dish that simple, but Popolano's did - never again! Just go for the chicken, and I'm sure you'll come away quite happy. Bob

RE: White Fence Farm outside of Chicago (mary jean)

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:13:49 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by danimal15

Anyone been to Rip's Chicken in Ladd, Ill. lately? We might have a chance to get out there soon, and I wanted to make sure it was still around.

Thanks.

RE: White Fence Farm outside of Chicago (KingCrab)

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:29:59 GMT

White Fence Farm never really impressed me for fried chicken. I agree with some other posters above, Del Rheas in Willowbrook is better, and Ripps Taven out in Ladd, IL. is much better. I live out in LaSalle County, and their are probably a dozen places that are better than White Fence Farm. I often refer to LaSalle County as the fried chicken capital of Illinois.

Some of the better places are:

Cherry Supper Club - Cherry, IL.
Hank's Farm - Ottawa, IL
Caretto's - Ottawa, IL.
Johhnny's Corner Tap(they also serve deep fried turtle) - Marseilles, IL.

RE: White Fence Farm outside of Chicago (RSMBob)

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 02:40:05 GMT

I talked to my parents tonight who live in IL and they just went to WFF over the weekend...just a unique place with good food...a family restaurant for all ages for sure. We got to be talking about a place in Downers Grove that sadly closed 20+ years ago...it was better than WFF. Anyone remember "The Last Word" on Ogden Avenue (US Rte 34)? In addition to the incredible fried chicken, they served cinnamon pinwheel rolls with the dinner that were great. They expanded and made half teh restaurant into a buffet-place and it was never the same after that.

One other note about The Last Word...my little sis didn't like fried chicken so she always got a cheeseburger, and it was made more special with a tiny American flag stuck into it!

Amazing what things stick in your memory sometimes.

RE: White Fence Farm outside of Chicago (danimal15)

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:10:18 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by Tommy2dogs

Broasted is actually deep fried under pressure

Indeed. I still consider it fried. It just sounds healthier!

RE: White Fence Farm outside of Chicago (Tommy2dogs)

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 22:41:12 GMT

Broasted is actually deep fried under pressure

RE: White Fence Farm outside of Chicago (danimal15)

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:17:07 GMT

I still haven't been to Rip's or Del Rhea's (I mean to, someday), but for the moment, I have to give a high recommendation to The Lantern in Lake Forest, where we celebrated my younger son's 5th birthday the other night. I ordered the four-piece "broasted" chicken dinner, and although it wasn't deep fried, it tasted just as good. I was very happy with the chicken - the crust was crunchy and light, and the pieces were nice and meaty with no grease. As I ate, I said to my wife, "There is absolutely no reason to drive 50 miles to White Fence Farm when this chicken is almost as good." In fact, the chicken at The Lantern may be a bit better than White Fence Farm. That was my wife's conclusion (she had the two-piece).

RE: White Fence Farm outside of Chicago (brittneal)

Sun, 04 Nov 2007 03:55:59 GMT

Boy this makes me feel old. I remember going to the one in Chicago back in the early 60's. Rmemeber this is before you found chicken everywhere you looked. Tho Col. had yet to explode on the scene. I loved fried chicken and my Mom never made it. We went to the White fence farm a couple times a year. I remember the HUGE bicycles on the walls inside. I remember the shrimp cocktail. Recall the 60's shrimp cocktails? A fluted glass filled with shredded lettuce and broken shrimp pieces mixed in sauce(I loved those things). In the summer we would be seated outside by the merry go rounds and stuff. I was to young to make a review then so all I have is some cherished childhood memories. By the time the one in Denver opened I was in the Biz. I was the chef at Baby Doe's at Mile Hi stadium. I remember taking some friends there and telling them how fabulous it was. All I can say ia reality never lives up to childhood memories. Without cocktails we spent around 50 bux 4 the four of us(this was in '85 dollars when KFC did their more cluck for a buck-2pcs. with mash and a roll for .99). The food was good, but not outstanding. I never returned.

RE: White Fence Farm outside of Chicago (FuwaFuwaUsagi)

Sat, 03 Nov 2007 02:52:24 GMT

Best fried chicken in the outer rim of the burbs is found in Sublette IL at the Gas Station. That gas station does a huge business on Broaster Chicken. Absolutely stunning. Now I grew up on White Fence Farm when they had one in Aurora, I loved Harold's when they were great maybe 10 years ago, but nothing compares to the Broaster chicken at that Gas Station (understand Sublette is so small there is only one Gas Station). Ah, moist, flavorful chicken, with crispy chicken skin that is well seasoned...yum.

RE: White Fence Farm outside of Chicago (danimal15)

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 17:07:38 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by Ram4

I have to tell you, I was not impressed by White Fence Farm when I had it. The chicken was on the bland side, and worst of all, they won't let you pick the pieces you want. I prefer only white meat, and they said I could't do it. I said, "If I give you $100, can I have only white meat?" "No." They make the rules, I understand that, but I was shocked by their refusal since it's never ever happened to me before or since at any other fried chicken restaurant. No big deal, because it wasn't that good anyway. If I loved it, then I'd have to order a lot more chicken (or take my nephew who is a dark meat only guy). Then we can trade. Del Rhea's was also not that great. A big letdown. But I do want to give them another chance soon.

I found a place that does have a unique Fried Chicken recipe in the last place you'd look - Glencoe, IL. It's called[url='http://www.jimmysredhen.com/']Little Red Hen[/url] and I love their chicken, especially the extra crispy breading. They also make awesome steak fries. It's on the greasy side too. At this point, probably my favorite Chicago area fried chicken place. But they don't do the typical sides. No biscuits or mashed potatoes and gravy. The rest of the menu is like a typical Chicago pizza/burgers/hot dogs place.

Little Red Hen? I live in Highland Park and haven't heard of it. Maybe I'll check it out this weekend. Thanks.

RE: White Fence Farm outside of Chicago (ChiTownDiner)

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 11:41:34 GMT

Dell Rhea's does some nice antique car shows as well.

RE: White Fence Farm outside of Chicago (Jim2903)

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 11:35:40 GMT

Visited WFF about two weeks ago after a long absence -- first trip with my 3-year-old daughter, to relive visits when I was a kid. Food was still great like I remembered.

I've always wanted to try Dell Rhea's but haven't gotten around to it ...

RE: White Fence Farm outside of Chicago (ChiFoodMike)

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 23:38:26 GMT

Uncle Remus Chicken in Broadview @ Roosevelt and 15th and 4144 W Madison in Chicago is good for the $$. Make sure to get the mild sauce. It is pretty darn tasty.

RE: White Fence Farm outside of Chicago (Ram4)

Fri, 25 May 2007 14:11:22 GMT

I totally forgot another gem in Chicago. This is the last place you'd think of for Fried Chicken. [url='http://www.icon.com/joes/Chicago_home.html'] Joe's Seafood Prime Steak and Stone Crab [/url] is on the corner of Rush and Grand. You will have to pay at least $10-12 to park. Quit whining - be a man, suck it up, and leave it with the valet. Joe's is one of my favorite restaurants for prime steak, but what a shocking find the Fried Chicken was on the menu. I think it's $15, one of the cheapest things on the menu. It comes with nothing on the side of course, you're in a high end place remember? You get a nice plate of chicken, white and dark meat, and the breasts are even cut a unique way. They make the fried chicken to order, so plan on a solid 30 minute wait, and once it's done, it's burning hot. The chicken is moist, juicy, and really crispy on the outside. The breading is sometimes on the bland side, so I like to add pepper. You'll see big time lawyers or investment bankers sitting alone at the bar eating a huge plate of the fried chicken. I guess it is "Fried Chicken for Rich People!" Anyway, I highly recommend it. The rest of the food is amazing as well. I'm not a seafood lover, but many people go there just for the seafood. The steaks are prime and are great. The sides are awesome, with many kinds of potato dishes (I love the cottage fries). The dessert menu is primarily made up of giant slices of pie. Check out the site and menu. They are in Caesar's Palace now too.

RE: White Fence Farm outside of Chicago (Ram4)

Fri, 25 May 2007 12:52:03 GMT

I have to tell you, I was not impressed by White Fence Farm when I had it. The chicken was on the bland side, and worst of all, they won't let you pick the pieces you want. I prefer only white meat, and they said I could't do it. I said, "If I give you $100, can I have only white meat?" "No." They make the rules, I understand that, but I was shocked by their refusal since it's never ever happened to me before or since at any other fried chicken restaurant. No big deal, because it wasn't that good anyway. If I loved it, then I'd have to order a lot more chicken (or take my nephew who is a dark meat only guy). Then we can trade. Del Rhea's was also not that great. A big letdown. But I do want to give them another chance soon.

I found a place that does have a unique Fried Chicken recipe in the last place you'd look - Glencoe, IL. It's called[url='http://www.jimmysredhen.com/']Little Red Hen[/url] and I love their chicken, especially the extra crispy breading. They also make awesome steak fries. It's on the greasy side too. At this point, probably my favorite Chicago area fried chicken place. But they don't do the typical sides. No biscuits or mashed potatoes and gravy. The rest of the menu is like a typical Chicago pizza/burgers/hot dogs place.

RE: White Fence Farm outside of Chicago (danimal15)

Tue, 08 May 2007 14:41:59 GMT

Anyone been to Rip's Chicken in Ladd, Ill. lately? We might have a chance to get out there soon, and I wanted to make sure it was still around.

Thanks.

RE: White Fence Farm outside of Chicago (Bloozman)

Fri, 17 Feb 2006 23:54:42 GMT

See my post titled..."The Best Chicken in Chicago"

RE: White Fence Farm outside of Chicago (BTB)

Sun, 25 Jul 2004 13:21:18 GMT

Thought I would put my two cents into the fray regarding good fried chicken in the Chicago metropolitan area. White Fence Farm is fair for chicken, but Dell Rhea's is much better. Harold's Chicken Shack chain serves generally dry and barely passable fried chicken. Surma's in Homewood used to be very good (before they closed down). I have not tried Rip's or Priscilla's. The Lantern Restaurant in downtown Lake Forest serves excellent fried chicken. The Village Tavern in Long Grove serves fried chicken that I think is even a little better and on Monday and Wednesday evenings is even served all you can eat. But the best fried chicken in the Chicago metropolitan area IMHO is down in Schererville, Indiana at the southeast corner of Route 30 and 41. I have been going to Teibel's Restaurant there since I was a kid (30 years ago) and it remains my favorite for fried chicken (which is always served all you can eat -- family style) and their lake perch. I was recently told to go south on U.S. 41 a few miles from Tiebel's and try the fried chicken at a restaurant called "Dick's," which a friend of mine raved about. Will let all know of my findings if I get by that way.

RE: White Fence Farm outside of Chicago (jslad)

Mon, 19 Jul 2004 16:06:06 GMT

Harold's in Chicago is good if you know which one to to. They're not all the same. I moved from the south side years ago, but the one on 71st and Merrill and the on at c.71st & State (on the east side of the Ryan) are good. I've been to both in the last year. For the price, it's good.

RE: White Fence Farm outside of Chicago (nativeofplainfield)

Thu, 01 Jul 2004 13:23:13 GMT

For those of you concerned about White Fence Farm prices...they are having a great 50th aniversary deal on chicken.

Check it out...
http://www.whitefencefarm.com/chicago/50th_anniv_special.htm

RE: White Fence Farm outside of Chicago (nativeofplainfield)

Thu, 01 Jul 2004 13:20:47 GMT

FYI...White Fence Farm has a web site

http://www.whitefencefarm.com/

quote:
Originally posted by Pwingsx

There's a White Fence Farm here in Denver, too. I haven't been there but one of my sisters has. I had no idea there were a chain! Does anyone know of them anywhere else?

RE: White Fence Farm outside of Chicago (Pwingsx)

Sun, 27 Jun 2004 17:05:02 GMT

I'm no good at directions (I'm sort of challenged that way, but MapQuest or something like that should help you) but here's the address:

Country Manor at White Fence Farm
5403 W Jewell Ave
Lakewood, CO 80232
(303) 936-5485

www.whitefencefarm.com

The website shows stuff on the one in Illinois and here in Colorado.

RE: White Fence Farm outside of Chicago (MoBob)

Sun, 27 Jun 2004 10:03:32 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by Pwingsx

There's a White Fence Farm here in Denver, too. I haven't been there but one of my sisters has. I had no idea there were a chain! Does anyone know of them anywhere else?

Hey Pwingsx...Could ya gimme a location for WFF there in Denver
Thanks

RE: White Fence Farm outside of Chicago (davebil)

Sat, 26 Jun 2004 22:47:10 GMT

Tradition demands that anyone making the trip to Ladd, Illinois for a sit-down of Ripp's chicken must also make the walk to Tori's ice cream parlor 2 blocks down the street. Nothing like an old-fashioned butterscotch or hot fudge sundae to settle a belly full of Ripp's finest!

RE: White Fence Farm outside of Chicago (cocacolakid)

Mon, 07 Jun 2004 14:47:50 GMT

Well I had an opportunity to try Priscilla's a couple of weeks ago. It was very good but not as good as White Fence Farm. I still haven't tried Del Rhea's, I'll have to when I get time but I'm never out that way often.

Priscilla's had a nice batter and tender meat but the pieces were very small. Also, I asked for white meat and got one small breast and two tiny wings. I also had two sides, a very nice green beans (I think they are cooked with bacon for added flavor) and macaroni and cheese. Both sides were very good, the mac and cheese could have had more flavor though. Priscilla's was 8.99 for 3 pieces with two sides and a very small piece of cornbread. Not a great value compared to White Fence Farm's takeout, which I'll post more on below. Priscilla's has a bunch of other entree's as well and they change daily. They have a total of 21 different sides that rotate as well. It's a nice clean place, I think it's an old Sizzler or Ponderosa, easy to get to with a good size parking lot. Very nice staff. The only knock is I wish the chicken was also available by the bucket. Recommended if you are in the area - Roosevelt Rd in Hillside.

Now I looked around to find the phone number to White Fence Farm's carryout only in Downers Grove and found out they have a total of 4 carryout locations in the Chicago area - next to the main resteraunt in Lemont, and also in Riverside, Joliet, and Downers Grove. Addresses and phone numbers are here:
http://whitefencefarm.com/chicago/carryout.htm

3 large pieces with cole slaw, fritters, and your choice of fries or mashed potatoes and gravy is $5.95, a really good deal. The last time I was there the pieces were huge.

They are closed Mondays, open the rest of the week.

RE: White Fence Farm outside of Chicago (danimal15)

Mon, 17 May 2004 16:19:23 GMT

Thanks for the advice on Priscilla's. I'll have to try it.

RE: White Fence Farm outside of Chicago (cocacolakid)

Sat, 15 May 2004 00:23:37 GMT

I found a nice review of Priscilla's on the metromix site:

http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/search/mmx-040123-diningpriscillasultimatesoulfood.story