Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Fried Chicken and Sparkling Wine Pairings in Los Angeles
As the countdown to the New Year approaches, the age-old question looms: what are your plans for New Year’s Eve? While many might turning to extravagant dinners at the city’s top restaurants, there’s something wonderfully charming about a festive gathering at home or a relaxed get-together with friends. This year, consider elevating your celebration with the perfect pairing of fried chicken and sparkling wine—a duo that combines indulgence with joy, making every bite and sip a celebration.
The Sparkling Secret to Fried Chicken
There’s a reason fried chicken and sparkling wine are a match made in culinary heaven. The crisp acidity of sparkling wine cuts through the rich, fried goodness, enhancing the flavors of the chicken and refreshing your palate. This delightful combination is especially well-suited for New Year’s Eve—a time to indulge, celebrate, and create lasting memories.
With a vibrant selection of diverse wine shops and fried chicken spots nicknamed the “chicken capital” of Los Angeles, the opportunities for creating your festive meal are plenty. Here are some top recommendations for pairing fried chicken with sparkling wine from local favorites.
Tallyrand Fried Chicken with 2023 Delphinium ‘California Cremant’
Location: Tallyrand, 1700 W. Olive Ave., Burbank
Wine Shop: Altadena Beverage and Market, 1850 Allen Ave., Pasadena
Tallyrand’s fried chicken is a classic—deep amber, craggy-coated, and downright irresistible, served with mashed potatoes and coleslaw. At $19.95 for three pieces, it’s a staple that never disappoints. Pair it with the 2023 Delphinium ‘California Cremant’ ($45) from Altadena Beverage and Market. This bubbly offers familiar bready aromas with hints of citrus and minerality that perfectly complement the chicken’s crunch.
— Jenn Harris
Gol Tong Chicken with La Famille Mosse ‘Nakatomi’
Location: Gol Tong Chicken, 361 S. Western Ave., #101, Los Angeles
Wine Bar: Bar Etoile / Domaine LA, 632 N. Western Ave., Los Angeles
Bursting with fresh creativity, Gol Tong’s fried chicken features a colorful array of fruits on top—making it as appealing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. Opt for the “director’s cut” platter ($82) to benefit from various flavors, all while enjoying La Famille Mosse’s Nakatomi Chenin Blanc pét-nat ($39), which enhances the fresh toppings and creates a balance with the fried richness.
— Stephanie Breijo
Howlin’ Ray’s Whole Fried Chicken (Mild) with Domaine des Grottes ‘Antilope’
Location: Howlin’ Ray’s, 727 N. Broadway #128, Los Angeles
Nonalcoholic Option: Cafe Triste, 980 N. Broadway
Famed for its spicy offerings, Howlin’ Ray’s also excels at moderate spice with its whole fried chicken ($44). For the mild option, consider pairing it with Antilope ($46)—a nonalcoholic sparkling bubbly that features elegant herbal notes and a crisp finish, cutting beautifully through each crunchy bite.
— Betty Hallock
Banana Leaf Fried Chicken with Pojer e Sandri ‘Zero Infinito’
Location: Banana Leaf, 5835 Temple City Blvd., Temple City
Wine Shop: Lou Wine Shop, 1911 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles
At Banana Leaf, you can dive into a variety of fried chicken styles, from Jakarta-style crunchy Cornish hen to Java-style smashed chicken. Paired with Pojer e Sandri’s ‘Zero Infinito’ sparkling wine ($29), this combination not only satisfies but also invigorates with its floral notes and refreshing acidity.
— Laurie Ochoa
Albertsons on Crenshaw Fried Chicken with Days of Youth ‘The Diver’
Location: Albertsons, 3901 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles
Wine Shop: Triangle Wines, 6235 W. 87th St., Los Angeles
There’s something special about the fried chicken from Albertsons in the Crenshaw District. A crowd-pleaser, this flavorful, well-seasoned option offers an accessible splurge at approximately $23 for 2.1 lbs. Pair it with Days of Youth ‘The Diver’ ($22)—a brisk California brut that complements the chicken’s seasoning while keeping the celebratory spirit alive.
— Daniel Hernandez
Fried Chicken from Alta with Bodkin Wines ‘Cuvée Agincourt’
Location: Alta, 5359 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles
Wine Shop: Adams Wine Shop, 5357 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles
Alta’s fried chicken is designed to impress—with a golden-brown exterior and a signature Fresno-chile hot sauce. To raise the bar, try pairing it with Bodkin Wines’ ‘Cuvée Agincourt’ ($29). This sparkling Sauvignon Blanc brings a zesty edge, harmonizing delightfully with this classic dish.
— Danielle Dorsey
Each of these pairings offers a unique take on the beloved fried chicken and sparkling wine duo, ensuring that your New Year’s Eve celebration is both delicious and memorable. So gather your loved ones, raise a glass, and celebrate the New Year with joy!
