Popeyes (Athens, GA)

 3160 Atlanta Hwy, Athens, GA 30606

 

 

Popeyes is a US fast food chain that specializes in "Louisiana-style" (i.e. cajun) fried chicken. It currently has more than 3,000 locations, the vast majority of them in the US, but mow extending to some 30 countries too. Simply stated, it is a spicy KFC. I have eaten at various Popeyes since coming to the US, but have never been a fan. Most fried chicken is lukewarm and stale by the time you order it and the fries and sides are mediocre. 

However, the last two times I got sandwiches, in particular the Spicy Chicken Sandwich ($3.99) and the, new, Cajun Flounder Sandwich ($4.49). When prepared fresh, both are great sandwiches. The chicken sandwich is a serious challenger for then Chick-fil-a Spicy Chicken Sandwich -- crust is thicker and it has a spicy sauce -- while the Flounder sandwich had a good amount of fried fish with cajun seasoning (the tartar suace was weak). Both definitely among the better fast food sandwiches that any of the major US chains serve.

 

VERDICT: 78 (87)

Fast food is always tricky. Much depends on how long your food has been waiting for a customer. Overall, Popeyes is fairly average, but these two specific sandwiches are affordable and tasty!