Some Phoenix restaurants want you to dress up, and some just want you to show up hungry. The spot in this story belongs firmly to the second group, and it has thousands of fans to prove it.
Fried chicken is the reason most people come through the door, and it is the reason many of them come back. Keep reading to learn where it is, what to order beside that chicken, when to go, and how to plan for portions big enough to fill tomorrow’s lunch too.
A Soul Food Address on Central Avenue
Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles sits at 1220 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003, just south of downtown Phoenix, Arizona. It is a casual, down-to-earth soul food restaurant built around one big idea: fried chicken done with care.
The menu also brings hearty sides to the table, so nobody leaves looking for a snack an hour later. Think grits, cornbread, collard greens, mac and cheese, and catfish, all names that pop up again and again in local conversations about the place.
The location is handy for travelers. The airport is roughly 12 minutes away by car, which makes this a popular first stop after picking up a rental.
Plenty of hotel guests in the area also wander over for a meal. Some locals treat it as a weekend ritual with family, grandkids included.
Lo-Lo’s has other locations in different states, and some fans make a point of visiting one wherever they travel. Even so, a few of those loyal diners call this Phoenix spot their favorite of the bunch.
That is a strong compliment for a restaurant that keeps things simple. The address is easy to find, and the chicken is easy to love.
Why the Fried Chicken Steals the Show
Ask the staff what to order, and the answer often comes back fast: the chicken is the specialty. It earns that title on most plates that leave the kitchen.
The pieces are large and crispy, with seasoning that goes deep instead of sitting only on the surface. Many diners call it some of the best fried chicken they have had, and the hot crispy version has its own loyal fan club.
Chicken lovers also find it tucked into other dishes. The Phat Ass Chicken Sandwich arrives huge and stacked, and the hot chicken sandwich is another option for folks who want a little kick.
The Mix It Up plate pairs one piece of fried chicken with one piece of fish. It comes with two sides, which is a smart move for anyone who cannot pick a lane.
Honesty matters here, so it is fair to say not every plate lands perfectly. A few diners have found the chicken drier than they hoped on a given day.
Still, the overall pattern is clear, and the crowd keeps ordering it. When a restaurant puts chicken first in its name, the bird had better deliver, and this one mostly does.
Waffles, Grits and the Famous Pairing
Chicken and waffles is the most talked-about dish in the building, and that makes sense. The restaurant literally wears it on the sign.
Many people order it on their first visit and stick with it every time after. The waffles get described as unlike anything some diners have tried before, while others compare them to a classic diner-style waffle in a good way.
Named specials make the decision a bit more fun. The KK Special, listed as the number one, and Sheeda’s Special both pair chicken with waffles and draw plenty of praise.
Grits are the other breakfast star, earning almost as much chatter as the waffles. Shrimp and grits is a popular plate, and the Kiss My Grits entree has its own playful following.
Breakfast fans can also go for a chicken omelet or biscuits and gravy. One friend’s biscuits and gravy has been known to tempt a whole table into sharing.
On busy days, a waffle can occasionally sit a minute before reaching the table. Most diners shrug and keep eating, because the pairing still does its job.
Sides That Refuse to Play Second Fiddle
Sides at a soul food spot can make or break the meal. At Lo-Lo’s, they carry real weight.
Collard greens are a standout, and they come with or without turkey. That option is handy for diners who skip meat, and the greens get top marks either way.
Candied yams earn some of the strongest praise on the menu. Cornbread is a frequent order too, landing as a solid, reliable choice.
Mac and cheese draws mixed opinions. Some call it a favorite, while others find it less exciting or wish the portion were bigger for the price.
Fried green tomatoes and fried okra round out the Southern classics. The fish bites appetizer is another easy way to start the meal for a group.
Catfish deserves a mention for anyone who wants a break from chicken. It ranks among the most popular items and pairs neatly with any two sides.
For dessert, banana pudding is the go-to finish. It runs on the thinner side, so fans of a firm pudding should know that going in, though the taste still wins people over.
Kool-Aid in a Mason Jar
Few drink menus spark as much nostalgia as this one. Kool-Aid is served here in a tall Mason jar, and it is a big part of the experience.
Red, blue, and purple are the colors that fans recommend most. The drinks are known for being sweet without going overboard.
Plenty of first-timers order one just for the fun of it. Then they find themselves ordering another before the plates even arrive.
The half-and-half is another popular pick, and the portion size is generous. It strikes a balance that keeps it from tasting watered down.
Frozen drinks show up on the menu as well, including one called the 1942 frozen. Some guests leave wishing they had saved room to try it.
Water is always an option, of course. Still, skipping the signature jar feels a bit like going to a ballgame and ignoring the scoreboard.
For families, the drinks are a crowd pleaser with kids. Grown-ups tend to enjoy the throwback just as much, and that shared moment is half the charm.
Music, DJs and a Room Full of Good Energy
Flashy decor is not the point here. The dining room is clean, comfortable, and easy to move around, with a simple and welcoming feel.
Music does a lot of the heavy lifting. Soulful tracks play at a volume that lets conversation happen without shouting.
On some days, especially Sundays, a live DJ takes over. The volume stays reasonable, so the room feels lively rather than chaotic.
Some visits even come with complimentary photos being taken. It is a small touch that turns a weekend brunch into a little event.
The crowd is a real mix. Families with grandkids, groups of friends, church sisters celebrating together, and out-of-town travelers all share the space.
Diners who know the Scottsdale location sometimes say this Phoenix spot feels calmer and less touristy. That makes it a good choice for anyone who wants energy without the rowdiness.
Outdoor seating exists too, which can be handy on milder Arizona days. Either way, the vibe leans relaxed and friendly from start to finish.
Staff Who Keep Tables Happy
Ask regulars what keeps them coming back, and the staff often comes up before the food. Servers here have a reputation for warmth and attention.
Many guests mention being greeted and seated quickly, even with larger groups. A party of six has been seated right away on a holiday, which surprised everyone at the table.
Servers help newcomers navigate the long menu, which runs front and back. They answer questions about meals and desserts without rushing anyone.
Kids get attention too. Some servers help little ones order and keep them engaged in conversation, which parents clearly appreciate.
When the kitchen slows down, staff tend to explain why. Large parties can stretch wait times, and a heads-up makes the delay easier to accept.
Hospitality stretches beyond the table. During a busy event, a family waiting outside was offered a shady spot and water while they waited.
Several servers get called out by name by happy guests. In a restaurant this busy, that kind of personal touch is the secret side dish nobody orders but everyone notices.
Hours, Costs and a Fair Verdict
Timing a visit is simple once the schedule is clear. Monday through Thursday, the doors open from 10 AM to 9 PM.
Friday runs from 10 AM to 10 PM. Saturday starts earlier, from 8 AM to 10 PM, and Sunday goes from 8 AM to 6 PM.
Expect to spend roughly $20 to $30 per person. Some diners find it pricey, and takeout orders may include a small extra fee, so it helps to check the bill.
Portions are the good news on the money side. Plates are huge, and many people head home with a to-go box holding chicken, fish, or mac and cheese.
Lunch and weekend rushes can mean waits of around 20 minutes, plus a slower kitchen. Arriving early on Saturday or Sunday is a smart move.
So, is it worth the trip? With a 4.2-star average across more than 7,700 Google ratings, the crowd has spoken loudly.
Not every plate is perfect, but the chicken, the sides, and the welcome make a strong case. Order the fried chicken, bring an appetite, and plan on leftovers.
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