Joella's Hot Chicken - St Matthews image

Joella's Hot Chicken - St Matthews

Restaurant

👍👍 This restaurant has Hattie B's vibes....so if you have ever been to one of those in Nashville, it's similar. The place looked great. The food was pretty good too. The hot chicken was decent sized and pretty juicy...not the juciest I've eaten but still good. I only got to try 2 flavors & neither were... People often mention chicken, good, fried, great, time, fries, staff, sauce, Louisville, heat,


Address

3400 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40207

Website

joellas.com

Contact

(502) 895-2235

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: (Good Friday), 10:30 AM to 11 PM, Hours might differ
  • Saturday: 10:30 AM to 11 PM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 10:30 AM to 10 PM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 10:30 AM to 10 PM
  • Tuesday: 10:30 AM to 10 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:30 AM to 10 PM
  • Thursday: 10:30 AM to 10 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: chicken (33) good (19) fried (11) great (10) time (8) fries (8) staff (8) sauce (7) Louisville (7) heat (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Mark N. 2 years ago on Google
    It had been several years since I last visited Joella's Hot Chicken but did so tonight and was delighted to have done so. The grilled chicken tenders, Ella's Fav heat level, was delicious, tasty, scrumptious, etc! The green beans were flavored nicely to complement the chicken, the collard greens with bacon were primo and the sweet tea was brewed and sweetened to my satisfaction! Staff was patient with me while I reviewed menu options and which sauce to select for dipping the chicken tenders. I can't believe it had been so long since I visited there but I actually plan to return this evening because it was so delicious. I plan to sample the banana pudding for dessert tonight. I hope you find on the menu that which will be as delicious and satisfying to you as I have experienced at Joella's.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Justin E. 1 year ago on Google
    Best fried Chicken in all of Louisville KY. We went to 3 different top rated places and this one had the best tasting. I ordered the 3 Big Wing meal with the touch of heat sauce (Ella's fav) it was just the right amount of heat bursting with flavor. The chicken was cooked perfectly and juicy. Also props to the Mac n cheese. I also would say it was the best I had. Now I got to go back to New Jersey knowing I will not have delicious fried chicken for a while lol
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mike W. 1 year ago on Google
    This restaurant has Hattie B's vibes....so if you have ever been to one of those in Nashville, it's similar. The place looked great. The food was pretty good too. The hot chicken was decent sized and pretty juicy...not the juciest I've eaten but still good. I only got to try 2 flavors & neither were hot enough for me so next time I'll try a hotter one. The Mac n cheese was good & the truffle fries were good too. I think it's a solid place for hot chicken. Definitely my favorite in Louisville so far!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sagnik B. 2 years ago on Google
    It is definitely one of the best places in Louisville to have fried chicken. The hot fried tenderloins are the best. Not too hot, spicy but enjoyable at the same time. I am a huge fan of the Jojo sauce that they give which is technically a mix of BBQ sauce and Honey Mustard. Last but not the least, their Parm garlic fries and creamy Mac-n-cheese are one of the best sides that I had. The servers are pretty friendly and helpful in guiding you to whatever you want to order even if you are ordering takeouts. Interestingly you can call and preorder your food so that your waiting time decreases. Am adding the latest menu for help.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Catherine 8 months ago on Google
    Love this place! The service was nice and friendly. I did ordered the ghost pepper chicken tender. It was really good. It is hot but not too spicy for me. I would love to come back to try the top hottest one.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 dontisha g. 1 year ago on Google
    Me and my girlfriend just left from a lunch date and boyyyyy that was the best chicken hands down. Definitely need to pluck the chicken and salt the greens but everything was so good. Was my first time going and I definitely recommend.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ren T. 1 year ago on Google
    Joella's has amazing portions and they have fried pickles now???? Oh my goodness YES PLEASE! That's only my favorite side ever. The chicken was crispy and juicy and the pickles thick cut and fried perfectly. Can I give a higher rating please?
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ali 1 year ago on Google
    everything was really good! took a star off because it’s overpriced. 12 wings for $50 is bonkers. everyone there was very nice and food came out quickly!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shadrach N. 1 year ago on Google
    In Louisville for a week and someone on our team recommended we stop here. WOW Wings we’re amazing tenders cooked to perfection. Staff and manager were very helpful he took a min to explain how they make their food. A must stop you will not be disappointed.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Austin O. 2 years ago on Google
    Very tasty fried chicken. Good mac and cheese as well.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mara Flores O. 2 years ago on Google
    Super good. Great, friendly staff. You can tell it’s a locals favorite ad it was pretty busy. Great flavors on the chicken. Must go!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Greg F. 2 years ago on Google
    Best Joella's in town. The one in Middletown is good too, but this one is by far the best. Friendly staff, quick service and great food. Definitely would recommend.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anna T. 2 years ago on Google
    Had a wonderful experience at Joella's. The incredibly friendly staff took the experience from good to great! Some of the best chicken strips I've ever had with plenty of awesome sauce options.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John R. 1 year ago on Google
    Some of the best chicken you can get. I absolutely love the tenderness and sauce options for the chicken and fries. Just an amazing little place.

  • 5/5 Shane B. 5 months ago on Google
    I got two thighs, mac/cheese, mashed potatoes/gravy, collard greens, fries, fried pickles, and sweet tea. The chicken was crispy, flavorful, and juicy! The sides were all really good but, my favorite was the collard greens (slow cooked to perfection!). From the start, the service was EXCELLENT! 10 STARS!

  • 5/5 Chaz 7 months ago on Google
    I’ve been coming quite regularly to this location for some time and I’ve never been let down. All the staff are very friendly and fast. They look out for their regular customers which I appreciate. All of us at Handsome Fellows barbershop in St. Matthews love it and we frequent it weekly! Food is always spot on as well!

  • 2/5 Joan C. 6 months ago on Google
    The staff was great. The food on the other hand must be an acquired taste. First time having "hot chicken". Had the "tween" with a side of the hot sauce. Neither was hot at all but the chicken was so salty and oily that it was not edible. My husband couldn't even eat it and that's rare. Perhaps that's how it is suppose to be. Tasted like chicken was dredged in heavily salted spice and was very off putting. Not for us.

  • 5/5 Hunter L. 2 years ago on Google
    Some of the best chicken in Louisville. This place is great from the chicken to the sides and everything in between. Would highly recommend grabbing a bite here. It can get busy at times so just prepare for that. But it’s worth it.

  • 5/5 Kiran V. 6 months ago on Google
    Really good fried chicken from a QSR. Garlic parm fries were crispy. Fried pickles were so-so. Pretty normal mac and cheese and mash potatoes. Loved the sweet tea. Quick and friendly service. Loved the ambience. Could do with a bit more frequent cleaning of floors, tables and toilets.

  • 4/5 Ww W. 10 months ago on Google
    Their "hot chicken" has a good flavor. If you're a fan of heat and real Nashville hot chicken at places like Dave's, you might be disappointed. For example, the ghost pepper here is comparable to Dave's "mild" heat. Unless you're a total neophyte to hot chicken, you won't even break a sweat. The sides are good, the staff is great and the place is kept very clean. My only complaint stems from the lack of heat that you'd expect from Hot Chicken.

  • 5/5 Jenna K. 9 months ago on Google
    We stopped by on our way through Louisville, and the chicken was outstanding! Ella’s Fav had a great flavor with a bit of spice, and my kids enjoyed the Southern. The homemade mac and cheese was good. Plus the place had a great vibe.

  • 3/5 Brett H. 9 months ago on Google
    I still enjoy Joella’s chicken but I feel like the quality of service at the St. Matthews location has gone downhill. I picked up dinner for my partner and I tonight and I felt like I wasn’t really acknowledged by the front staff. None of the employees looked like they were doing anything, although admittedly I came in after 2100 on a Sunday. The floor was pretty sticky and I almost fell on 2 different slick spots. Yes, I’m definitely a clumsy 30-something! Overall, my partner and I still like the food and it’s probably the best chicken-focused restaurant within decent driving distance.

  • 5/5 Alberto V. 1 year ago on Google
    This place will become a must-go for everytime I visit my family here in Louisville. The pieces of chicken are nice, thicc, and juicy. Could have been served a little bit warmer (temperature wise, you choose your own spice level). The sweet tea is also delicious.

  • 5/5 Susan G. 2 years ago on Google
    First time visit. Cashier was very generous in letting us taste the sauces before ordering. Chicken was good. Sauce was good. Parmasean garlic fries were the best fries I've ever had... ever.

  • 4/5 Steph n. 1 year ago on Google
    great tasting fried chicken and waffles! a must try if you’re in town. will definitely come back next time

  • 3/5 Dan C. 1 year ago on Google
    Came here looking forward to some good fried chicken sandwich and sides. The staff is super helpful and willing to offer suggestions on food and sauces. The order came out fresh and to order. There was much oil and grease that was left on the plate. The fries were great. The chicken sandwich was alright, just dripping with oil. Hope it was an off day. The parking is plentiful and a good location.


Call (502) 895-2235 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed outside
  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Somewhat difficult to find a space
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Curbside pickup
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating
    • ✓️ No-contact delivery

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