So I had my first Popeye's meal today....

[grasswire]

....and it was disappointing. Maybe I didn't order the right items. The cole slaw was kind of gooey, and the onion rings were greasy. The bark on the chicken strips was great texture, but I wasn't crazy about the seasoning. Or maybe I was just uncomfortable because it was FREEZING in the dining room with the AC going full blast on a cold day. I mentioned it to the staff, but they did nothing. And when I asked for a nutrition guide (being diabetic) they said they have never had any. !

I may or may not try it again.

Do you have hints about better things to order from the menu?

[Warpy]

1. As I recall, they had a spicy fried chicken that was to die for

They've needed a new cole slaw dressing recipe forever, though.

[Kali]

2. nononononono

give it another try. order the regular chicken (with bones) regular or spicy as you like, they are both delicious but try to eat it soon - for some reason unlike most fried chicken, it is way better fresh and hot than cold or leftover.


and the only side dish to order is the rice and beans. get a large. get two.

uuhhh not sure if this is the place for a diabetic, but otherwise I stand by my advice

[grasswire]

3. yeah, rice and beans are not on my diet!

And lordy lordy, the sodium count on most of the dishes is staggering. (Which is true of most fast food, I suspect.) I looked up the nutrition guide on the Internet after I got home. Ouch.

[SunSeeker]

4. Spicy fried chicken with Cajun rice and red beans & rice.

I think I would order that as my last meal. Then I would go to grease heaven.

Never order Cole slaw or green beans or potatoes as a side. It is a New Orleans style Cajun inspired fried chicken chain, so get what they specialize in. Same goes for any other restaurant you visit--order their specialty.

And if you're on a diet, just don't go there. Don’t even drive by. The smell will get you!

[littlewolf]

5. agree with what others have said:

Spicy chicken, dirty rice, or red beans and rice.
those are the only things I ever order.

[Granny M]

6. IMHO,

you should have made a big spinach salad at home. When did we ever see Popeye eating fried chicken??

[Laura PourMeADrink]

7. Ha - Thought your post was going to be how you ate spinach

for the first time.

Where was the Popeye's ? I have found with fast food - some may be a million times better than one down the street.

When I lived in New Orleans - their Popeye's were excellent - probably because people working their knew how to cook cajun ?

[cbayer]

8. I am so sorry to hear that, because I am passionate about popeyes.

I generally like the cole slaw, but I ordered the onion rings once and will never do it again. I would also stay away from the french fries.

Did you get spicy or mild? If you didn't like the seasoning, you might want to try mild.

Please try again.

Best in my opinion:

Whole pieces of chicken, especially thighs, mild
Green Beans
Red Beans and Rice
Cole Slaw

Love that chicken from Popeyes!

[grasswire]

9. I know you love it!

And I respect your palate!

That's why I've been eager to go try it.

I had mild chicken, and it was the chicken fingers, no bone. The bark is amazing! Very crunchy.

I'll try the red beans and rice, altho I will have to watch the carb count.

Stay tuned.

[cbayer]

10. Despite some criticism above, I think the green beans are great

Try the whole pieces and the red beans and let me know.

Good luck!

[flying rabbit]

11. MMM....

Popeye's biscuits.

[Nac Mac Feegle]

12. I'm a spice fanatic

So I order the Spicy chicken. Red beans & rice is the 'genuine' desired side. And biscuits, because... biscuits.

Their niche is cajun style fast food, so go with the flow. Cajun seasoned chicken or a shrimp po'boy, with the 'genuine' type sides . Play to their strengths.

[cbayer]

13. Welcome to Cooking and Baking, NMF!

I don't think I've seen you here before.

I am a Popeye's devotee living in a place where I can't get it.

Hope to see you around more often.