If you’re looking for a classic chicken biscuit that screams dirty south, try Pies ‘n’ Thighs. The soul food restaurant first opened in 2006 in a beer closet with only six stools. Since then, this eatery tried expanding to the Lower East Side — but eventually settled back into its roots near the Williamsburg Bridge.
The beef, pork, and chicken is all sustainably sourced. Pies ‘n’ Thighs has also gained a lot of publicity for its old-school cake donuts.
If and when you go, expect a wait. Pies ‘n’ Thighs only seats about 20 people and it doesn’t take reservations.
To avoid the lines, neighborhood residents can order from the pickup and delivery menu (sorry, Manhattanites!). Sometimes, they don’t always deliver, so it’s best to call ahead.
Here are five more things to keep in mind before trying Pies ‘n’ Thighs:
1. Pies ‘n’ Thighs is a Brooklyn hipster’s hangout.
This is a little different than your typical mom-and-pop southern soul food joint. Pies ‘n’ Thighs is located in a quiet, gentrified part of Brooklyn that’s home to a large Hasidic Jewish community.
2. Don’t expect the chicken to be fried like your grandmother’s – at least not on the chicken biscuit.
The chicken biscuit ($7.50) is the best and most popular item on the menu, hands down. The chicken breast is lightly breaded, pan fried (less crunch) and drenched in hot sauce. From here, it’s nestled between two halves of a perfectly-salted, fluffy biscuit with just the right amount of crumble. All of that goodness resting in a pool of melted honey butter swirling with hot sauce at the bottom of your plate? Heaven. (
3. It wouldn’t be soul food without more meat on the menu.
Pies ‘n’ Thighs offers other meaty main dishes like crispy fried chicken and waffles ($13.50) and a fried catfish sandwich ($10). If you’re looking for something without meat, try the Grilled Cheese with Fries ($8.50), the Big Salad ($12.50) or the Superbowl ($13), which is three sides and a choice of biscuit or cornbread. For a little more, you can get the Fried Chicken Box ($14.50), the Carolina Pulled Pork Box ($12.50) or the Fried Catfish Box ($14.50), each of which comes with either a biscuit, slaw or cornbread with the choice of another side.
4. The sides are overpriced, but you should have the hushpuppies.
The $5 sides come in palm-sized portions, with about 20 options to choose from. Staples like the cheese grits and home fries are offered on all three menus, but others like the biscuit, collard greens and corn bread are only offered at certain times. For the most side options, come in on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
5. Other things on the menu are sweeter than the sweet tea.
Try other options to the sweet tea ($3). There’s also the Arnold Palmer ($3), soda ($2.25), coffee ($2.50) or hibiscus iced tea ($3). If you’re still looking for something sweet to top off the meal, Pies ‘n’ Thighs has a decent selection of homemade pies ($4.50-$5.50) and donuts ($3) to choose from.
Pies ‘n’ Thighs
166 S. 4th St. (at Driggs St.)
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11211
All credit cards