Review: Claude & Annie’s
Author: indianapoliseater | Filed under: Food Reviews, Location: Fishers, IN
Claude & Annie’s
9251 East 141st Street
Fishers, IN 46038
http://www.claudeandanniesfishers.com
Claude & Annie’s is a local bar/eatery (primarily bar now) with several locations throughout the city. I have been to the Fishers location several times and recently I was there and feeling a craving for fried chicken and since they advertise their fried chicken as “famous” on their menu, I felt a review was in order to test out this claim!
What I Got: 4 Piece Mixed (dark and white) Chicken Meal, served with a vegetable (I chose to substitute cole slaw), choice of potato (fries) and fried biscuits with apple butter; $8.99.
My first response after getting my plate was, “well, I guess I’m going to go into a food coma tonight.” These were HUGE portions even for a hearty eater like me, and well I finished it, but did eventually lapse into my food coma shortly afterward.
The famous fried chicken itself was delicious. It was one of the most tender and juiciest fried chicken orders that I’ve ever had and they certainly didn’t short me on the size of the chicken pieces (the pieces were a breast, thigh, leg and wing). The breading was extremely crispy and well fried as well. My only complaint, and this is more a personal preference, is that I wish the chicken breading had a bit more of a peppery kick to it (it is sort of bland). As far as cooking execution of the breading was concerned though (crunchiness, doneness, etc.), this was spot on.
My sides consisted of cole slaw and fries and they were pretty much what you would expect. They weren’t outstanding, but they weren’t bad either and certainly took nothing away from the meal. The cole slaw was more of a creamy base instead of a vinegar base (I prefer the latter), but it was still decent.
The one thing that did surprise me was the appearance of fried biscuits (on the left) and apple butter on my plate because I didn’t see them listed on the menu. I am certainly glad they were there though because I LOVE fried biscuits and apple butter and these certainly did them justice. Perfectly doughy and chewy and the apple butter was to die for in that it was both sweet and tart. Frankly, my mouth is salivating as I type this right now (a major drawback to typing out reviews of good meals that you’ve had).
Would I Buy It Again? Yes, without question. Although, I’ll probably order the two or three piece meal next time unless I really feel the need to take a nap after I’m done eating because like I said, this is A LOT of food and it’s at a pretty outstanding price too. I’m always a little suspicious of when menus list a particular menu item as “famous” (I think it is unnecessary), but I can see why Claude & Annie’s makes that claim. They certainly back it up with great flavor.
As for Claude & Annie’s itself, it is not family friendly as of January 1, 2011. They removed their family area and decided to allow smoking throughout the entire bar, so that’s just a word of warning if that stuff bothers you. If it doesn’t bother you, I certainly encourage you to visit. It’s family owned and the staff treats you as a friend/family member once they see your face around a few times and that explains why there are a lot of regulars that frequent the place and help foster the family atmosphere. If you are looking for a new place to eat and/or hang out, give them a shot!
-IndianapolisEater
Tags: apple butter, Bar, claude & annie's, cole slaw, Food, fried biscuits, Fried Chicken, Fries, restaurant
Love the light beer with the “light” meal
Sexes on the Beaches are famous there too…
I’m a fried chicken junkie– so I’ll have to try this out. Thanks!
Kind of surprised. I’ve been to Claude and Annie’s before, admittedly not for a meal, but we got some apps and it just seemed like frozen-then-fried bar fare to me. Guess I should go back and order the chicken dinner.
I usually agree with IndianapolisEater on about everything but cannot here. I had heard the same thing from some people on how great the chicken was. I gave it a shot getting the same exact meal. To be honest, the chicken I was served smelled like it was past date and I was afraid to eat it. You could actually smell the sour smell you smell around meat that is not good. Even when I did try the chicken, it did not taste fresh and I was disappointed by the coating as it lacked any real seasoning although I did like the gravy with my mash. I went last summer expecting it to be a good place to take my family and we ended up walking out of the place smelling like an ashtray. For me, I have a personal policy about not dining at any place that allows smoking so I personally will not be visiting Claude and Annie’s again. Overall, I felt cleanliness in a place that serves food was lacking. However, I will compliment the service and staff as friendly and helpful.
We used to frequent Claude and Annies quite a bit before they took out the family side. The prices were good, the food was excellent and the service was friendly. However, we returned after the family side was removed to find a stinky place where the bartender was our waiter. We waited over an hour for our food and then it was less than excellent. I was very embarrassed because we had friends with us and I had talked the place up. I think they really had something before they changed it. We live very close so we miss it as an option.
There is this phenomenon in other states called “Hot chicken” I really really want to try it.