There’s a new fried chicken and doughnut place in town, so of course we had to check it out! Two great comfort foods in one place, yes please! Some background- Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken comes to downtown LA from the East Coast, having already established itself in Washington DC and Virginia. It was started by two childhood friends that grew up playing hockey together (one even played for the LA Kings!) and were rewarded with doughnuts after games – which apparently had a lasting effect!
The menu features a variety of offerings: Doughnuts that are always offered and some seasonal selections, unique takes on fried chicken, along with a variety of side dishes and chicken sandwich options (you can get a doughnut as a bun!). In addition, they’ve added some exclusive, locally-inspired flavors and menu items just for Los Angeles! Their most popular menu item is the Crème Brûlée Doughnut, having been named “the best doughnut in DC” by the Washington Post. Coming with such high recommendations, we knew we were in for a treat!
We went there for lunch during their soft opening at the beginning of April and decided to try a couple things off the menu (including the crème brûlée doughnut of course!!). We ordered the 2 Piece Fried Chicken meal, Chicken Fingers, and a side of tots! They also have Boylan’s sodas on tap, but we opted for water (getting enough sugar from the doughnuts!)
We were seriously blown away by the fried chicken at Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken. The chicken is juicy and fresh, the breading is the perfect crunchy exterior, with a delectable spice blend that’s just peppery and spicy enough to not leave your mouth too hot! We loved the doughnuts as a sweet finish; nice, light, and fluffy– the favorite out of the five we tried was actually the Smoked Almond Brittle! I’ve never tried an almond doughnut before, it was incredible!
Other notes– it’s street parking only and it can be kind of tricky, it’s right by Pershing Square. I came by motorcycle so parking was a breeze ;). Also, expect your check average to be $11-$12 per person (chicken + a donut each).
Other menu items to try out next time:
Fried Chicken Honey Breakfast Sandwich
Fried Chicken BLT
Cheddar Biscuit
Vanilla Glazed Doughnut
Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken exterior (above) and interior photo (below) via Eater LA by Wonho Frank Lee, all other photos by Amanda Proudfit.
The Crème Brûlée doughnut – each doughnut is individually crisped on top, and is filled with cream on the inside.
Doughnuts in order of appearance: Chocolate Mudslide, Smoked Almond Brittle, Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp, Meyer Lemon Pie, and Crème Brûlée.
Cravings Bistro
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