Belles Hot Chicken Fitzroy

Aaron Turner and Morgan McGlone were chefing at fine-dining restaurants in Nashville, Tennessee, when they became addicted to the local fried chicken. When they returned home, they took over the old Belle’s Diner space on Gertrude Street to create the first Belles Hot Chicken in 2014.

Belles has been going strong since then, with a second location in the CBD and two more in Sydney (one in Barangaroo and another at the Glebe Tramsheds).

As the name implies, this chicken is far spicier than the versions found in American states such as Kentucky. Once you’ve chosen your cut of chicken (drumstick, wing or tender), there's a choice of heat (“really hot” isn’t even the limit), followed by a selection of condiments including a double hot sauce and a blue cheese dressing.

Belles’ bird packs an intense, dry crunch, differentiating it from the soggier versions around town, but the fried mushroom delivers the same satisfying texture and kick. Also on the menu are Belles’ sandwiches; comforting sides such as mac ’n’ three cheese; and a raft of snacks involving pickles, fries and more hot chicken. Special items, such as the two-pound platter of wings, are best tackled by a few sets of hands.

The brand was among the first to champion new world wine producers in Australia, and the Fitzroy location has swathes of wine bar character: dark timber cladding, chocolate-coloured leather banquettes and white tiles along the lengthy centrepiece bar.

You’ll find a fluid list of excellent wines from around the country, backed by a smaller selection of Southern-style cocktails and boozy slushies. If you’re chasing a beer, try the house draught. It’s a crisp lager made in collaboration with Adelaide’s Pirate Life Brewing.