Zankou’s Chicken

A chain of Armenian Chicken joints.

When I first heard about this Armenian Chicken Chain, I was told that…and I quote… “it’s the best Chicken…evah!”

Okay, not quite. I still reserve that privilege for Stevie Creole Café’s Smoky Fried Chicken plate.

But Zankou’s does make good, as in really good, chicken. It serves up a good, as in really good meal. The Chicken is fantastic…just not best evah, fantastic.

It’s a step-up-to-the-counter-and-get-your-grub-on place. Once again, this isn’t going to be a must-see touristy place. This is a local’s joint. No one comes to Los Angeles for the Zankou’s…my Dad maybe, but he’s weird. You come here for a nice change of pace. If you’re expecting the full-on sit down Middle Eastern experience: go to Carousel, go to Raffi’s, go to Skaf’s.

Me? I’m carrying out most of the time. The places themselves are not that nice, but the Burbank location and the new Glendale location on Glenoaks are exceptions.

But again, you’re not coming here for the décor, you’re coming here for the food, and you’re coming to get it at a nice price.

Now, I will say that their hummus is the best in town. Bar none, just a hair’s breadth above Skaf’s. And they’ve even started serving Kabobs, which are made to order. You’ll have to wait ten extra minutes for one, but they’re worth it.

WHAT SHOULD I GET?: Well, I’ve always been fond of the Chicken Tarna plate, or their great new Kabobs. But most folks love them whole Chicken from Zankou’s.

IMPORTANT SAFETY TIP, PEOPLE: The Glendale location near my crib, just within the last couple of year introduced the concept of taking credit cards. Within the last year, they introduced the concept have two registers take credit cards, not just the one. Innovation!

Also, as the Staff will never tire of reminding you, the Kabobs take ten minutes. I just know that going in, so if I order a Kabob, I’m prepared to kick back and read my iPad for that time.

PARKING: Varies, but most Zankou’s have access to their own lots. The Hollywood location is probably the sole exception, but I haven’t been to them all yet. Parking at the Glendale/Colorado location fills up fast, but like with the Baklava Factory, just remember there is a second level, and more parking toward the back.

MAP DIRECTIONS:
Zankou Chicken
1415 E. Colorado St., #D,
Glendale, CA
91205
(818) 244.2237

Store Hours
10 AM – 11 PM
Everyday

As well as…

901 W. Glenoaks Blvd.
Glendale, CA
91202
(818) 244.0492

Store Hours
10 AM – 10 PM
Everyday

10760 Riverside Dr.,
North Hollywood, CA
91602
(818) 655.0469

Store Hours
10 AM – 10 PM
Everyday

2424 W. Ball Rd. #S & T,
Anaheim, CA
92804
(714) 229.2060

Store Hours
10 AM – 10 PM
Everyday

1001 N. San Fernando Blvd.
Burbank, CA
91504
(818) 238-0414

Store Hours
10 AM – 10 PM
Everyday

1296 E. Colorado Blvd.,
Pasadena, CA
91106
(626) 405.1502

Store Hours
10 AM – 10 PM
Everyday

5658 Sepulveda Blvd #103
Van Nuys, CA
91411
(818) 781-0615

Store Hours
10 AM – 10 PM
Everyday

1716 S. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
90025
(310) 444.0550

Store Hours
10 AM – 11 PM
Everyday