Susie's Chicken & Fries — Crispy Wings and Comfort Food in Columbia

What to expect at Susie's Chicken & Fries

Susie's Chicken & Fries is a casual counter-service spot in Columbia that specializes in fried chicken wings alongside classic sides and sandwiches. You order at the counter, grab a seat in the dining room or take your food to go, and the kitchen delivers hot, crispy wings in under ten minutes most days. The menu is straightforward — wings by the pound, tenders, sandwiches, and sides like fries, coleslaw, and mac and cheese — with no pretense or complicated ordering.

The wings arrive with a thin, crunchy coating that shatters when you bite down, and the meat stays juicy inside. Susie's doesn't compete on sauce complexity; they offer a few classic options like hot, mild, and lemon pepper, and the appeal is the quality of the fried chicken itself rather than elaborate flavors. The fries are hand-cut and seasoned, and they hold up well even if you're eating them twenty minutes after you leave.

Key Takeaways

• Susie's serves crispy fried chicken wings by the pound with a thin, shattering crust and juicy meat inside.
• The restaurant operates as a counter-service spot where you order at the register and eat in the dining room or take food with you.
• Wings come with a choice of seasonings including hot, mild, and lemon pepper, plus classic sides like hand-cut fries and mac and cheese.
• Wait times are typically short — most orders are ready in under ten minutes, making it a quick stop for lunch or dinner.

Location and hours

Susie's Chicken & Fries is located in Columbia's midtown area, within easy reach of downtown and the Five Points neighborhood. Street parking is available on the surrounding blocks, and the restaurant itself is small and casual — expect a modest storefront with a few tables inside and a counter where you place your order.

Hours vary by season and day of the week, so call ahead or check their social media before making a trip, especially on weekends when they may close earlier than weekday service. The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays, so plan accordingly if you're visiting mid-week.

Wing portions and pricing

Wings are sold by the pound, which means you can order exactly how much you want — a half pound for a single person, two pounds for a small group, or more if you're feeding a crowd. Prices are moderate for fried chicken, and the portions are generous; a pound of wings typically includes eight to ten pieces depending on size. Combo meals bundle wings with fries and a drink, and they cost less than ordering each item separately.

Tenders and sandwiches are also available if you prefer boneless chicken or want something you can eat with one hand. The sandwich options include a basic fried chicken sandwich and variations with toppings like cheese and pickles, all served on a soft roll.

Sides and what pairs well with wings

The side menu is built around what works with fried chicken. Hand-cut fries are the obvious choice — they're crispy outside and fluffy inside, and they're salted well enough to stand on their own without sauce. Mac and cheese is creamy and rich, a heavier option if you want something more filling. Coleslaw provides a cool, tangy contrast to the hot fried chicken and cuts through the richness of the meal.

Cornbread and hushpuppies round out the sides, and both are made fresh rather than reheated. A drink — sweet tea, lemonade, or a soft drink — is the standard pairing, and most combo meals include one.

Flavor profiles and sauce options

Susie's keeps the sauce menu simple. Mild is lightly seasoned and lets the chicken flavor come through. Hot has real heat without overwhelming the meat, and it's genuinely spicy rather than just salty. Lemon pepper is a dry seasoning that adds brightness and works especially well if you're eating the wings cold later or want something lighter than a wet sauce.

The wings can also be ordered plain, which some people prefer if they want to taste the quality of the frying itself or if they plan to dip them in their own sauce at home. Ask the staff which sauce is most popular on the day you visit — they'll have a sense of what's working well.

When to go and what to know before you arrive

Lunch runs from around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and that's when the restaurant is busiest with people grabbing a quick meal on their break. Dinner service starts around 5 p.m. and runs until closing, usually around 9 p.m. on weekdays. If you want to avoid a wait, go early in the lunch window or after 7 p.m. when the dinner rush has passed.

The dining room is small, so if you're coming with a group of more than four or five people, ordering ahead and eating in your car or taking the food elsewhere might be more comfortable. The restaurant doesn't take reservations, and payment is cash or card at the counter — no table service or delivery through third-party apps.

Why Susie's matters in Columbia's food scene

Susie's represents the kind of neighborhood restaurant that defines a city's character — unpretentious, consistent, and focused on doing one thing well. In a food landscape increasingly dominated by chains and trendy concepts, a place that fries chicken the same way every day and doesn't need a long menu to draw a loyal crowd stands out. The restaurant has been in Columbia for years, and regulars come back because they know what they're getting.

The spot also serves as a gathering place for the midtown community, especially for people who work nearby and want a real lunch rather than fast food. It's the kind of place where the staff knows repeat customers by name and where a meal costs less than fifteen dollars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order wings ahead of time?

Most locations accept phone orders, and calling ahead is a good idea during lunch or dinner rush. Ask how long the wait will be when you call, and they'll give you a time to pick up. This works especially well if you're ordering for a group or want to make sure they have enough wings ready.

Are the wings boneless?

No — Susie's serves traditional bone-in wings. If you prefer boneless chicken, they offer tenders and sandwiches as alternatives. Tenders are breaded and fried the same way as the wings and come with the same sauce options.

Do they have vegetarian options?

The menu is built around fried chicken, so vegetarian choices are limited. Fries and sides like mac and cheese and coleslaw can be ordered on their own, but there are no dedicated vegetarian entrees. You might want to call ahead if you're looking for something specific.

What's the difference between a pound of wings and a combo?

A pound of wings is just the chicken. A combo adds fries and a drink, usually at a lower total price than buying each item separately. Combos are a better value if you want a full meal rather than just wings.

Is there outdoor seating?

Seating is primarily inside the small dining room. There may be a bench or standing area outside, but it's limited. Most people either eat inside or take their order to go, especially during warm weather when eating in a car with the windows down is an option.