Another day, another lunch to be had, Fresno friends! Today I lucked out because my son was home from college and able to meet me for lunch. I wanted to try somewhere I had never eaten before, and this time, Harry’s Hen House was the destination.
If you look Harry’s Hen House up on Google Maps, you might see a West Shaw address listed as temporarily closed. Don’t be deterred. Harry’s is very much open, just in a new northwest Fresno location inside the Save Mart shopping center at Bullard and West.
Harry’s signature menu item is their whole fried chicken, but that is far from the only option. The menu also includes tenders, half fried chicken, tender sandwiches, chopped chicken bowls, mac and cheese, fluffy pilaf, and seasoned fries. For those who seek it out, it is also worth noting that Harry’s serves Halal chicken, which makes it a great option for more inclusive family dining.
We arrived on a Wednesday just after the lunch hour, and there were a couple of other parties dining inside. The restaurant is on the smaller side but very clean. The modern furniture and light-colored interior make it feel comfortable and open, and definitely a place you could enjoy sitting down for a meal.
Next door, in an adjoining suite, is The Baklava House, with display cases full of beautiful baklava varieties, including lemon and raspberry. While it sounded amazing, I could not partake due to a nut allergy, but it was definitely visually appealing.
At Harry’s, you order at the counter and your food is brought to you when it is ready. The cashier who greeted us was friendly and genuinely wanted to make sure we got exactly what we wanted. I mentioned that I was interested in trying both the mac and cheese and the fries, and she suggested customizing a chopped chicken bowl with both. I worried the fries might get soggy, but they stayed crispy! (My bowl was huge and packed full by the way – easily two meals worth for me.)
My son ordered the four-tender meal, which came with toast and fries. Both meals included a side of their mild, creamy house sauce. We were asked if we wanted our chicken regular or spicy, and we both chose spicy. I would describe it as more well-seasoned than truly hot, with a very approachable level of heat that even spice-sensitive eaters could enjoy.
Things I especially liked about Harry’s Hen House:
• The prices. You can get a whole fried chicken plus three sides for $14.99. Portions are generous, and all meals came in under $15.
• The fries. Well-seasoned, piping hot, and crispy. A standout for both my son and I.
• The chicken. The breading was just right, not too thick and not too light. Crispy, juicy, flavorful, and made with high-quality, tender meat. No questionable bites.
• Customer service. Warm, kind, and helpful from the moment we walked in.
If you are in northwest Fresno and looking for a new local, family-owned restaurant to try, craving great fried chicken, or hoping to feed the family a substantial and satisfying meal at a reasonable price, Harry’s Hen House is well worth a visit.
Harry’s Hen House is open Monday through Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm and is located at 2040 W. Bullard Ave.
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