The Right Way to Do Babe’s Chicken

Looking for the best bonafide homestyle, family-style, fried chicken experience in Texas? Look no further than Babe’s. But if it’s your first time, then you better learn the rules. Here’s our guide to The Right Way to do Babe’s Chicken. 

Thank you to Backpack Wine for this sponsoring this post.

Texas is a proud state so no doubt we fancy ourselves the best at a lot of things…

The best BBQ.
The best Tex Mex.
The best Steak.

And most definitely home to the best fried chicken.

Many lists will also reinforce that we’re home to the best place for real, deep south crunchy, perfect fried chicken. 

And the name of that home is Babe’s. That’s right “chicken fried with Texas pride!

While a Babe’s Chicken House can now be found in nine locations around North Texas, the first Babe’s was founded (and still stands) in the Unique Dining Capital of Texas in 1993.

Even typing the words I can begin to aroma of the buttery, crispy fried chicken when you open the door…

Unfortunately, there are only two things that stand between you and the smorgasbord of pickle salad, creamy corn and biscuits make its way to you at the table. 

Your choice of Fried Chicken or Chicken Fried Steak and the WAIT. 

That’s right – it can be a long one, especially if you hit up a Babe’s on a weekend.

There are no reservations and there’s no bar to enjoy a few cocktails to make the ticking clock seem less daunting. 

But wait – it’s the wait that almost makes Babe’s a mandatory food experience…as long as you do it the right way. 

How to do Babe’s Chicken the Right Way

First, if you plan to go to Babe’s (and you should), make sure you don’t eat much that day.

You’re going to want every part of your belly to enjoy the family-style experience you’re gonna embark on. Also know that the menu slightly differs at each location. If you hit up the original, they’re still serving just the staples but they’re just that good you don’t need the extras. It’s just what you expect from a homemade dinner of fried goodness served with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes with country gravy, Grandma’s creamed corn that will change your life (it’s got a slighty sweet, buttery and smooth texture) and perfectly made pillows of buttermilk biscuits that you’ll want to eat with butter, then gravy, and honey (or sorghum.)

But if you go to some of the other spots, you might find rotisserie chicken, green beans, and even dessert. So call ahead just in case you’re looking for something good. However, you can’t go wrong at all – unless of you have a gluten allergy. Then you need to make the call:) 

Second, bring friends and family.

Babe’s is more fun the more people you have with you. It’s a great place to catch up, celebrate, have dinner together which is something many of us don’t make time for anymore and should.

Third, don’t forget the chairs.

If you have a truck, you can always sit on the tailgate while you wait or in the many seats you’ll find outside Babe’s. But there’s no guarantee you’re gonna score a few – especially all together. So bring the chairs. Also bring a deck of cards or anything else that’s gonna keep the kids happy while you wait. Waiting is really half the fun here.

Fourth, one special thing about Babe’s is that it’s BYOB.

That’s right, you can (and must) bring your own beverages (alcoholic ones that is.) While some folks bring beer, some bring bubbles (I’ve done that a few times), but those bottles can be a real pain, too. And let’s not even talk about forgetting the corkscrew.) If you want to make it easy on you and still enjoy your Babe’s experience, pack up a little ice chest of these small cans. Perfectly sized and perfectly paired, Backpack Wine® comes in a 250 ml. convenient, recyclable slimline can and right now in two palate pleasing flavors:  Cheeky Rose® and Snappy White®. 

Best of all you don’t have to remember a corkscrew (or even a glass)! Just grab it and go. 

If you consider yourself a wino, then you might think a “canned wine” is blasphemy, but both wines are from Washington (known for some amazing wines in the Columbia Valley.) The white is a riesling-based wine with a touch of pinot blanc and the rose is also pinot blanc but blended with sangiovese for color and for the floral, strawberry, rose petal flavors that you want from a rose. And the can had nothing to do with the process or changing the taste of the wine.

Fifth, Prepare for a good time!

Babe’s is about being in the moment and enjoying the people, food and experiences you love most. There will be music, dancing, and maybe if you’re lucky, some singing by the staff too. So remember: wear your comfy pants and get ready to smile! (Unless of course, you eat just one more biscuit with honey than you should have.) 

Now that’s the right way to do Babe’s.