Over the Winter break, I had the opportunity to catch up on a bunch of shows. One of them being the latest season of Netflix docuseries, High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America (which is worth a watch). In this series, food writer Stephen Satterfield journeys throughout the United States uncovering the lineage and history behind Black American Cuisine. After all, Black food is American food. An episode this season featured Charles Pan Fried Chicken, a restaurant located in New York’s “Black Mecca”, Harlem USA.
After watching this episode, hearing the story of owner Charles Gabriel and further research through social media and TikTok; I knew it was worth the trip. This gem of Harlem has been serving the community for over 30 years with its owner Charles Gabriel who is widely regarded as the “Fried Chicken King of Harlem” and he sure lives up to that title.
Born in 1947 near Charlotte, North Carolina, being one of twelve brothers and eight sisters; Charles’ zeal for cooking blossomed from watching his mother preparing dinner for him and his siblings. Soon Charles learned the art of cooking, preparing his iconic food that people enjoy today. According to his website, he moved to New York City at seventeen to work for his older brother who had opened a restaurant on the Upper West Side. A few years later, he worked at the legendary Copeland’s Restaurant in Hamilton Heights where he stayed for over twenty years working his way to the position of head cook. He then went solo, cooking in his Harlem apartment and serving food in the front of his building. Luck came his way when he was approached by a woman looking to sell her food truck for $25 per week. Gabriel agreed to buy it, and he was able to scale his culinary efforts, building his presence beyond the Harlem streets.
Business was booming allowing him to open his first-brick-and-mortar restaurant. Charles Pan Fried Chicken, on 8th Avenue between 152nd & 153rd Streets. Recently in 2021, Charles opened a series of Charles Pan-Fried Chicken restaurants: Harlem’s West Side on 125th St, Upper West Side on 72nd St, and Upper East Side on 5th Ave.
I zoomed down I-87 North to the Flagship restaurant which is on W 145th St. & Edgecombe Ave, and it sure was packed! Pictures displayed in the restaurant attested to the establishment’s lifelong history and Charles Gabriel’s career. The aroma of fried chicken welcomed me as I entered. I ordered the pan-fried chicken, catfish with sides of string beans, yams, mac & cheese, black-eyed peas and collard greens (gotta start off the New Year right!). This meal was accompanied with several pieces of cornbread. Yummy!
While waiting for my order, I had the distinct honor to meet the man himself: Charles Gabriel. I expressed my admiration to Mr. Gabriel how honored I was to be in his presence and at his establishment. My first time, not only was I able to try his signature food but I was able to meet him.
Now—the taste! The chicken was seasoned to perfection. It was crunchy, juicy, tender—delicious! Popeyes and KFC can move out the way! The yams, string beans and mac & cheese were flavorful. It screamed down home southern cuisine! Since I was a baby, I’ve always loved cornbread and Charles did not disappoint. Each piece of cornbread is an above average sized portion. And when I bit into it—deliciousness! It was light, moist, decadent and took me back to the days when my great grandmother would make cornbread just for me.
My verdict: 10/10 and I will be back again!
If you ever find yourself in Harlem USA, Upper West or East Side, make it your business to stop into one of Mr. Gabriel’s four locations open seven days a week, and let him know that the “young chap from SUNY New Paltz sent you”!
Website: https://www.charlespanfriedchicken.com
Instagram: @charlespanfriedchicken
Oh wow! I watched the same docuseries. Now that I know the location, I’ll go and try it!
Great read! Made me actually think I was experiencing going to this location with you. I look forward to reading about many more of your upcoming journeys, Sir.
Great article Q! It is awesome that you were able to experience and enjoy a great American establishment. Now you know we have to make a food road trip when you come home! Proud of you!
Charles Pan Fried Chicken is one of the best restaurants in NYC! Your review of this restaurant was on point and will encourage many people to visit this awesome restaurant
Wow!! Loved this article, Q. Simmons!! This place sounds amazing!! I am a foodie to my core and I constantly carry the sign “WILL TRAVEL FOR FOOD”!!! So with that said, I plan on visiting CPFC this Spring!! Hopefully, I can talk him into opening a location in Hot ‘Lanta!! CPFC would kill it here!!!
Great Article Quincy! Very informative! Thanks for the enlightenment on the docuseries, as I must watch! I will definitely be going to Harlem for the fried chicken! Can’t wait to try out Charles Pan Fried Chicken!
Great Review ! Will definitely have to check this spot out!
You hit the nail on the head and made me hungry! I often visit Harlem for their soulful southern dishes and this one is definitely one of my top 3.
What a great and informative article. I’m not the biggest soul food fan but the descriptive delivery makes me want to fly down I-87 as well!! Awesome job!!