Little Howie's Burgers and Chicken — Fried Chicken and Burgers in Sumter

What Little Howie's serves and where to find it

Little Howie's Burgers and Chicken is a casual counter-service spot in Sumter that specializes in fried chicken and burgers. The menu centers on hand-breaded fried chicken—available by the piece, in combos, or as sandwiches—alongside made-to-order burgers and classic sides like fries, coleslaw, and hushpuppies. The restaurant operates as a walk-up or call-ahead order location, typical of South Carolina's neighborhood chicken shops where you order at the counter and wait for your food.

The space itself is small and unpretentious, designed for quick service rather than lingering. Most customers order and take their food to go, though a few tables are available if you want to eat there. The atmosphere reflects Sumter's working-class character—no frills, straightforward food, reasonable prices.

Key Takeaways

• Little Howie's focuses on hand-breaded fried chicken sold by the piece or in meal combos with sides.
• Burgers are made to order and can be customized with your choice of toppings.
• The restaurant operates as counter service, with most customers ordering to go.
• Sides include fries, coleslaw, hushpuppies, and other traditional accompaniments.
• Call ahead during busy times to avoid a long wait for your order.

The fried chicken and what makes it different

The fried chicken at Little Howie's is hand-breaded in-house, which means the coating is applied fresh rather than using pre-breaded frozen pieces. This approach takes longer but produces a crispier exterior and allows the kitchen to control the seasoning and thickness of the crust. You can order individual pieces—breasts, thighs, wings, legs—or get a box with a mix.

Meal combos typically include two or three pieces of chicken, a choice of two sides, and a biscuit or roll. The chicken is fried to order, so expect a wait of 10 to 15 minutes during peak hours. This is standard for places that don't pre-fry and hold chicken under heat lamps; the trade-off is fresher, hotter food when it reaches you.

Burgers and customization options

Little Howie's burgers are built to your specifications. You start with a choice of patty size, then add or remove toppings—lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheese, bacon, and condiments. The kitchen cooks the patty fresh when you order, so again, timing depends on how busy they are.

Burger combos come with fries and a drink. Single burgers are also available if you want just the sandwich. The prices are modest, reflecting the casual, no-frills nature of the operation. Many customers combine a burger with a side of fried chicken or order both to split.

Sides and what to order with your meal

The side selection is straightforward and traditional. Fries are hand-cut or shoestring depending on the day. Coleslaw is creamy and lightly dressed. Hushpuppies—cornmeal fritters—are a regional staple and pair well with both chicken and burgers. Mac and cheese, collard greens, and other Southern sides rotate depending on what the kitchen has prepared that day.

Biscuits and rolls come with most chicken combos and can be ordered separately. Many people use them to make a second sandwich or simply to soak up the gravy or sauce. Ask what sides are available when you call or order, since the selection can vary.

Hours, location, and how to order

Little Howie's is located in Sumter and operates during standard lunch and dinner hours, though exact times vary by day. The restaurant is closed on certain days of the week—call ahead to confirm they are open before making the trip. Phone orders are recommended, especially during lunch (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and dinner (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.) when the wait can stretch beyond 20 minutes.

You can also walk in and order at the counter. Payment is typically cash or card, though policies vary. If you are ordering for a group or want a large quantity, calling ahead gives the kitchen time to prepare and ensures your order is ready when you arrive.

Price range and what to expect

Meals at Little Howie's fall in the budget-friendly range typical of South Carolina chicken shops. A combo with chicken, two sides, and a drink costs less than $12. Burgers and burger combos are similarly priced. Individual pieces and sides cost a few dollars each, making it easy to build a meal for one or feed a small group without spending much.

There are no surprises on the bill. Prices are posted, portions are generous, and the value is straightforward. This is the kind of place where a family of four can eat lunch for under $40.

Why Little Howie's fits Sumter's food culture

Little Howie's represents a type of restaurant that has been central to South Carolina's food landscape for decades—the neighborhood chicken shop. These places are not fancy, do not advertise heavily, and survive on repeat customers who know what they want and trust the quality. They are where locals eat, not where tourists typically end up, and that is part of their character.

Sumter has a working-class history tied to textiles, agriculture, and military presence (Shaw Air Force Base is nearby), and the food culture reflects that. Chicken shops like Little Howie's serve people who want good food fast, at a price that makes sense, without pretense. The hand-breaded chicken and made-to-order burgers show that the kitchen takes the work seriously, even if the setting is casual.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get your order?

Expect 10 to 15 minutes during slow times, and 20 to 30 minutes during lunch or dinner rush. Hand-breaded chicken and made-to-order burgers take time. Calling ahead lets you know the current wait and gives the kitchen a heads-up.

Can you order chicken by the bucket or for a large group?

Yes, but call ahead. Large orders need time to prepare, and the kitchen needs to know you are coming so they can have enough chicken fried and ready. Specify how many pieces and what mix (dark meat, white meat, mixed) when you call.

Are there vegetarian options?

The menu is built around fried chicken and burgers, so vegetarian choices are limited. You can order sides like fries, coleslaw, or mac and cheese, or ask if the kitchen can make a veggie burger or cheese sandwich.

What is the best thing to order if I have never been?

Start with a chicken combo—two or three pieces, two sides, and a biscuit. This gives you a sense of how they prepare the chicken and what their sides are like. Add a burger on your next visit if you want to compare.

Do they deliver or do you have to pick up in person?

Little Howie's operates as a counter-service location where you pick up your order. They do not deliver, though some third-party delivery services may list them. Calling and picking up yourself ensures your food is fresh and hot.