Harolds Chicken Shack

Reviews

• Nicole S.

  star star star star_border star_border 15 June 2026

  I am not from Chicago. So I don't know where the best Harold's is. This probably isn't it.
  I also don't know the crime rate in the area but the bullet proof glass that I had to order my food through and the two step identification process seemed a bit much for the neighborhood. Better safe than sorry I guess.
  I was disappointed that they didn't have the pizza puff. I got over it. So we ordered 2 - 6 piece wing dinners. Comes with fries and coleslaw.
  
  So let me back up a little bit. Went to their website, no it may have actually been reviews on here. There is a picture that looks unrecognizable. It's a white glob on wax paper. Didn't really think much of it.
  
  Back to what I was saying. Comes with fries and coleslaw. I actually really like Harold's coleslaw so I was looking forward to it. Until I realized that white glob I couldn't recognize was it. They put a literal teaspoon sized amount in a disposable sauce cup with no lid. I would rather they just exclude it.
  The chicken barely made up for the experience. And it's just a take out spot. Not impressed. I will take the drive further next time.

• Jennifer G.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 4 June 2026

  This one star is just for the food because that is the only thing good about this location. For starters they have this extra thick bullet proof glass for absolutely no reason at all! (Maybe the believe they had to be exactly like the locations in the city even tho this location is nowhere near a crime area... let alone high crime). The ridiculous glass allows the woman to be over the top obnoxious acting as if she can't hear a single word you say to the point you have to scream.
  
  Let me just start by saying these are the 2 rudest people EVER that own this place. I really wished these reviews would have an affect because at this point it's a miracle they re still in business. The supply does not meet the demand for a Harold's in the suburbs, and I'm sure this is the reason they are still open.
  
  I have frequented this location many times and dealt with their attitude because of the food. But this last visit was the icing on the cake and I'll live without Harold's unless I travel to the city. I placed a call in order at 9:04pm on my way into my overnight shift. I originally wanted a cat wing combo but was told they were sold out of wings. I asked her what pieces can they sub the wings for. She puts me on hold as if she's not one of the only 2 employees that work there, and comes back and tells me legs or thighs. Although these are cheap dark meats and not the same value as wings and they weren't going to lower the price. I asked for 2 breasts and was told 4.50 on top of the regular price. I was charged $18.50 because they didn't have anymore wings. I didn't mind tho because this is what I wanted to eat. I was told 15 minutes to pick up my order. I stop at the gas station and arrive at 9:19pm. As I'm paying for my food I see her give a nonverbal signal to the man, he goes in the fridge and pulls out 2 breasts. I asked her is he just now dropping my food?? She looks at me dumbfounded and says "ohhhh no we don't operate like that here" with a stupid laugh at the end. In fact he had just dropped my chicken smh. I waited as they cooked the chicken breasts they LIED about not starting when I paid. I was late for work as I wasn't handed my food until 9:35pm. I really wish Harold's had some type of training academy for franchisees. Or thoroughly screened who they allowed to open one of their restaurants. They are the rudest owners of a restaurant I've ever encountered. They are not personable. They have no idea on how to be nice and friendly to customers and show examples of good customer service. They speak to their customers snidely and full of attitude. They hide behind blasting glaring speakers of GOSPEL music as if they are nice religious people when really they bring reproach on the church because they are some of the most non approachable, attitude having, lying people you will ever meet.
  
  Save yourself the trouble in Aurora, go to Popeyes ‍

• Chantille O.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 3 June 2026

  If I could give it a zero I would. The WORST experience of my life. The rudest people I have ever met. I havent even tried the food yet and I am never coming back. First and last time I will ever come back here. I am disgusted in the lack of professionalism this man displayed. I'm sure that's why his parking lot is empty. Inside is dirty.
  Floors that I'm assuming were once white are now black. Worst ever. I'd rather eat at KFC than here. Miserable man.
  
  Update: the chicken was horrible too! Unseasoned. Gave minimal fries
  Atleast have good food if you're going to have an attitude about it. NEVER GOING BACK THERE AGAIN!!!!

• Aaron D.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 2 June 2026

  If you think this Harold's is good you've only been to this Harold's. I try to support my people but sometimes I just can't. This place is so overpriced that you would think Harold himself is in the back killing chickens and serving them fresh. I have been to like 10 different Harold's locations in my life and this one is the worst. The food is not great, they overcharge and the service is trash. Opening a Harold's in this area should be like owning an atm.  They should be making money hand over fist. But drive by there on a Friday or Saturday night and it's a ghost town. Get it together. Man I wish BaBa's were closer to rt59.

• Lee L.

  star star star star star 28 May 2026

  I saw all the negative reviews, but since I rarely make it back here from Cali and because I was stuck in the 'burbs and too far from my go-to place on 57th, I just had to give this a shot.  We came here on weekday afternoon - past the lunch hour and well before dinner.  As such, this place was deserted.  It's a curious location for a business like this, as there is no casual traffic in this strip mall.  Since there wasn't a steady stream of customers, there was no chicken ready for us, but that didn't bother us because that meant we'd be getting some fresh, hot chicken.  We placed our order and came back 20 minutes later.
  
  We opted to get the sauces on the side instead of drenching the chicken.  In retrospect we should have had them drown it for us, so that the sauces would infuse the chicken and the fries.  Anyways, when we opened our bags I was at first disappointed by what I found.  The pieces were quite small.  We got dark halves, and the legs and thighs were tiny.  However, they compensated by giving us each a third thigh.  Nice and appreciated.
  
  As for the taste, it was a satisfyingly familiar flavor, especially the hot sauce.  The fries were crispy and the bread was soft.  I enjoyed every bite, but because of the small pieces I found myself wanting a little more.  But in total, it was just what I needed to recapture some memories of my favorite Chicago comfort food.