Fried chicken has a way of inspiring loyalty, especially in the South, where a good recipe can turn a simple meal into a longtime tradition. In Montgomery, Martin’s Restaurant has been perfecting its version for more than 80 years, earning a devoted following for chicken that’s crisp on the outside, tender and juicy inside. Now, the longtime meat-and-three is receiving another round of national recognition, with Tasting Table naming Martin’s the place to find Alabama’s best fried chicken in its recent roundup of standout spots across the country.
The publication considered online reviews, media mentions, and dining awards in selecting its picks. Martin’s stood out for its long history of serving fried chicken, along with the praise it continues to receive from diners.
Of course, the chicken is only part of the appeal. Martin’s is also known for its cornbread muffins, Paradise Salad, sky-high chocolate meringue pie, and a menu full of Southern comfort food that has kept customers coming back for generations.
A Montgomery tradition more than 80 years in the making
(Martin’s Restaurant/Facebook)
The story of Martin’s began in the early 1930s, when Alice Martin opened the original restaurant near Pineleaf Street and Carter Hill Road. In 1939, David Smith purchased the business, keeping the Martin’s name. His daughter, Maryanne Smith Merritt, grew up working in the restaurant, eventually taking over after her father’s death in 1997.
The restaurant moved to its current location in 1990, but its place in Montgomery’s dining landscape has remained steady. For generations of customers, it has been a familiar gathering place for everyday lunches and special occasions alike.
That sense of tradition carries into the menu, too. Along with its famous fried chicken, Martin’s is one of the few Alabama restaurants known to serve pulley bones, the small, tender cut of chicken found between the breasts. Because each whole chicken yields only one, the supply is limited each day.
Merritt has also added her own touches to the menu over the years, including cheese grits, pineapple-and-cheese casserole, and Paradise Salad, a sweet combination of strawberries, pineapple, pecans, and marshmallows.
Where to find Martin’s Restaurant
Martin’s Restaurant is located at 1796 Carter Hill Road in Montgomery, near Alabama State University and Huntingdon College. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, with Sunday hours for its traditional midday meal. It is closed on Saturdays.
For those who appreciate a well-made plate of fried chicken, a generous helping of vegetables, and the familiarity of a restaurant that has served the same community for generations, Martin’s offers a taste of the Alabama meat-and-three tradition that continues to bring people to the table.
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