Shealy's PDQ Too: Midlands Fried Chicken and Wings

What Shealy's PDQ Too serves and where to find it

Shealy's PDQ Too is a casual fried chicken spot in Leesville, South Carolina, about 30 minutes west of Columbia. The restaurant specializes in fried chicken, wings, and sides—the kind of straightforward menu built around a single thing done well. You order at the counter, grab a number, and eat in a simple dining room or take your order out.

The location sits on Highway 378 in a small commercial area typical of rural Midlands towns. Leesville itself is a quiet community in Lexington County, the kind of place where a good fried chicken restaurant becomes a regular stop for people passing through or living nearby. The restaurant has been a fixture there long enough that locals know exactly what to expect when they walk in.

Key Takeaways

• Shealy's PDQ Too serves fried chicken and wings with traditional sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread.
• The restaurant is located in Leesville on Highway 378, about 30 minutes from downtown Columbia.
• You order at the counter and can eat in the dining room or take your food with you.
• The menu is small and focused, with fried chicken as the main draw rather than a long list of options.
• Hours and daily specials vary, so calling ahead before your visit is a good idea.

The chicken and wing options

The fried chicken comes in pieces—breasts, thighs, drumsticks, wings—and you can order by the piece or in family-size portions. The wings are crispy on the outside and cooked through, the kind of straightforward preparation that doesn't rely on heavy sauces or complicated flavors. If you're coming specifically for wings, Shealy's PDQ Too treats them as a main item rather than an afterthought.

Portion sizes are generous. A single order of chicken or wings comes with enough food to make a meal, and the family packs are built for sharing or for someone planning to eat leftovers. The pricing is modest—typical for a counter-service fried chicken restaurant in a small town.

Sides and what comes with your order

Fried chicken at a place like Shealy's PDQ Too doesn't stand alone. The sides matter as much as the protein. You'll find collard greens, mac and cheese, coleslaw, and cornbread on the menu—the traditional Southern accompaniments that balance rich fried food. These aren't afterthoughts; they're cooked fresh and meant to round out the meal.

Most orders come with a choice of two sides, so you can build a plate that works for you. The cornbread is a particular draw—dense, slightly sweet, and the kind of thing people remember after they leave. Biscuits are usually available too, useful for soaking up gravy or just eating on their own.

When to go and what to expect

Shealy's PDQ Too operates as a lunch and dinner spot, though hours can shift seasonally or by day of the week. The restaurant is busiest around typical meal times—lunch between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and dinner starting around 5 p.m. Weekends tend to draw more traffic than weekdays.

The dining room is casual and no-frills. You're not paying for atmosphere; you're paying for food. Tables are simple, the décor is minimal, and the focus is on getting people fed quickly. It's the kind of place where you might see families, construction workers on lunch break, and people who've driven from nearby towns specifically for the chicken.

Getting there from Columbia

From downtown Columbia, take I-20 west toward Aiken. Exit onto Highway 378 toward Leesville. The drive takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic and your starting point. Leesville is small enough that once you're on Highway 378, the restaurant is visible from the road—you won't need to hunt through side streets.

Parking is available in front of the restaurant. There's no reservation system; you walk in, order, and wait for your number to be called. On busy days during peak meal times, you might wait 10 to 15 minutes for your food, but the line moves steadily.

Why locals choose Shealy's PDQ Too

In a region with no shortage of fried chicken options, Shealy's PDQ Too has stayed open because it does one thing consistently: it fries chicken well and serves it with sides that taste homemade. There's no gimmick, no elaborate sauce menu, no attempt to be trendy. The restaurant appeals to people who want fried chicken the way they remember it—crispy, hot, and paired with vegetables and bread that actually taste like food.

The restaurant also serves the Leesville community itself. It's a place where people know the staff, where regulars have their usual orders, and where the owner has built a business on reputation rather than marketing. That kind of stability in a small town means the food is probably worth the drive if you're in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to call ahead or can I just walk in?

You can walk in without calling, but during lunch and dinner rushes you may wait 10 to 15 minutes for your order. Calling ahead during peak times lets you know how long the wait is and gives the kitchen a heads-up if you're ordering a large family pack.

What's the best thing to order?

The fried chicken and wings are the main draw. If you're undecided, start with a mixed order of chicken pieces and wings, pick two sides (collard greens and mac and cheese are popular), and add cornbread. That combination gives you a sense of what the restaurant does best.

Are there vegetarian options?

The menu is built around fried chicken, so vegetarian choices are limited. Sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and coleslaw can be ordered, but the restaurant is primarily a meat-focused fried chicken spot.

Can I order online or do I have to go in person?

Most small counter-service restaurants like Shealy's PDQ Too operate on a walk-in or phone-order basis rather than online ordering. Call ahead to confirm current ordering methods and hours before you make the drive.

Is Shealy's PDQ Too the same as other PDQ locations?

Shealy's PDQ Too is an independent restaurant in Leesville. There may be other PDQ restaurants in South Carolina, but this location operates on its own and is known locally for its fried chicken and traditional sides.