Reviews of Basilisk (Restaurant)

Anna Sampson

Between this and Screen Door, they have the best fried chicken in town. We got the fried chicken salad (which in itself is kind of an oxymoron), and the chicken was so tender and moist! Their salad comes with full greens (arugula, lettuce, spinach, etc.) and as a bonus, it also has a poached egg with slices of avocado. Great deal for only $10.

Joshua Lenker

Everything at the Zipper is awesome but Basilisk is a cut above. The fried chicken here is second to none in Portland, especially when you go for the chicken sandwich. You want fries? They have some A+ crispy fries here. They also have a Galaga machine in the corner and I have the top three scores soooo come at me? Everything about this place is great from the food to the open seating area shared with the other establishments.

andrew gooch

Best chicken sandwich in the multiverse? I think so! decide for yourself!

Chad McIntosh

One of the best chicken sandwiches I've ever had in my life. The fries are also delicious, and I love the Kool-Aid soft serve!

Leondrae Holiday

Chicken is decent but the people taking orders and serving food very disrespectful in my opinion if i pay 50$ at your buisness and i say thank you a million times and you consistently shrug me off like you're to good to say no problem or you're welcome etc, yeah won't get my money anymore. Not sure if they were overwhelmed the two times i ever went but the chicks working need better people skills their attitudes are garbage.

Thaddeus O'Connell

Good chicken

Paula Webb

CHICKEN . Just writing this makes me long for the fried chicken salad. It is ridiculous good and affordable. Yum. The fries are pretty good too.

Young Lane

Hot chicken, tell me what your missing kissing another man while I'm working in the kitchen. Needless to say I love the chicken, especially the hot chicken. Not crazy spicy so you still can taste all the goodness would recommend 10/10.

amy cole

I've been wanting to try this hidden gem for some time and it didn't disappoint. The image doesn't due their fried chicken sandwich justice... my eyes were big, but not as large as the sandwich which gives you the option to share, should you please to do so. I'll be back to try other options on the menu, but doubtful I'll order anything other than this fantastic meal!

Chris Martin

One of the best fried chicken sandwiches anywhere. Put a little Frank's Red Hot sauce and it's heaven.

james norton

Unique and very tasty kinda fried chicken *get the fries"!

Matt Drace

Fantastic every time! Great sandwich and the Dandan fries were mind-blowing.

David Henshaw

Great atmosphere, super delicious chicken! Also, good selection of beer

Darius Jones

Great food, casual atmosphere. We got the spicy chicken plate and fried chicken salad. Both were excellent and some affordable beer options as well. The outside seating great in nice weather but the indoor would be good anytime of the year.

Whvtitiz W

I am a vegetarian posting about the fried tofu sandwich FYI! Friend got the fried chicken sandwich and she thought it was greasy and too salty and the girl loves her salt so that’s saying something. I got the tofu fried sandwich and it was very basic. It had no flavor really... all I tasted was the batter to make the fried part. Kinda sweet? If you like sweet stuff then you may like it. I like savory stuff and it really had no flavor. No toppings on the sandwich. Overall just BLAH!

B Long

This place is delicious. Can be a wait but amazing chicken and fun outside venue

Matthew Braymer-Hayes

Wicked good hot chicken sandwich

Spencer Terry

Basilisk is a small restaurant with a larger common area (shared with a bar called Pay Dirt, and a few other small restaurants). It's in the zipper building on Sandy blvd between 28th & 27th. They specialize in fried chicken. They have a mean fried chicken sandwich (pictured) and a friend chicken salad, and also Nashville style hot chicken. They also have a vegan/vegetarian option with a fried tofu sandwich and DanDan fries.

Noah Burris

The best fried chicken in Portland. But the sandwich isn't even my favorite thing on their menu. The Dan Dan Fries are amazing. I would have never guessed what a perfect combo that is. Even better is their salad. The fried chicken with cold noodles, lettuce, avocado, and their amazing dressing is the best. Also they play great music! Come to try the sandwich, keep coming back for everything else.

Diandra Webb

Food tastes AMAZING!!

Dennis Johnson

Tastiest Chicken Salad in the State of Oregon! I prefer mine without the egg. For a small price add a side of fries. Play the video game for while waiting for our food. Try and beat DAJ's score. Highly recommend

Joseph Edge

I'm always so excited to go to Basilisk when I'm nearby because I can't get enough of the Hot Chicken Plate! Excellent food, friendly staff, and typically energetic, food court atmosphere with a bar (and other eating options) sharing a seating area. Outdoor seating also, so bring your dogs in the summer. Basilisk's storage features a functioning classic arcade game and their 80s cartoon decor is nostalgic. Truly a gem.

paul grim

I thought this was really over-rated. The chicken was mostly breading with very little actual chicken and both the sandwich and fries made me feel like I was sucking on a salt lick. Could not finish either because of the excess salt. Do people really like this much salt? I like salt, but dang!

Gabriel Luciano

If you're a fan of spice, I recommend the spicy chicken. Otherwise the chicken doesn't have much flavor to it. Maybe I have a palate more accustomed to spiciness.

Paul Smith

Great food very reasonable prices, and did I say great food the fried chicken sandwich is the bomb!!!

Sarah Huggins

First time here. Fried Chicken Sandwich was excellent. Can't wait to bring friends back with us!

Mark Brandt

Best fried chicken sandwiches in town

Jennifer Wintrode

Good food. The chicken sandwich is good and love the cabbage slaw. Good came out in good time and hot. Great service!

David Nazworth

Delicious fried chicken -- I got the salad but the sandwiches looked unbelievable. Great portion sizes and fun spot! Lots of seating.

Q Madp

Food ok. Tables not clean. Chicken sandwich nine bucks which was a bit high, but that's price for trendy. Would have been a great sandwich without the pickles on the bottom. (That's where your tongue is). Had to park 2 blocks away. No parking lot.

Magen Gulliford

Buy the sandwich. Get the kool-aid soft serve. I have tried to eat every on the menu over the last year. This eatery is constant in its execution of menu items while having enough food to be diverse.

Christian Poindexter

It was good fried chicken. But the sause on the spicy chicken is very hot!!! (As they advertise) the service was not bad..

Mary B

Amazing fried chicken sandwiches and Dan Dan fries!!! So delicious and so good.

Michael Baker

Funky little spot for what turned out to be a killer fried chicken sandwich. Perfectly moist chicken, crispy breading, well toasted bun and delicious sauce. Cafeteria style seating shared with other restaurants was neat.

Firstname Lastname

Best fried tofu sandwich in town. Dan dan fries are on point. Portions are very generous, consider sharing dishes.

lucas duralia

My favorite fried chicken sandwich in town! I've heard great things about Basilisk for quite awhile now, and finally gave them the attention they deserve last night when I stopped in to give it a try. Everyone who recommended this place to me for the best fried chicken sandwich was right, it really is the best! Don't hesitate to head here for lunch or dinner, you can't go wrong. If you like fried chicken and you like sandwiches, you're guaranteed to leave satisfied!

Ashia Stallard

Their chicken is amazing! Highly recommend is you are having a chicken sandwich craving. This place does not disappoint.

cailin osborne

So someone told me about this place and told me that “the fried chicken sandwich is to die for”. So I obviously got it. The thing is huge, with nice crispy and buttery buns, crispy and well seasoned chicken, and fresh slaw. But here’s the problem. The slaw I felt needed more flavor, it almost tasted like just plain cabbage and the fried chicken felt more like fried breading and chicken. Anyway overall it was pretty good but the chicken which should be the best part fell a little short.

Sarah Gagnon

Fantastic chicken sandwiches in a sweet location. It's a crazy good deal for the price.

Marjorie Berman

Mmmmmm so yummy. I got the fried chicken salad and dandan fries. Crazy delicious flavor & texture combinations. Perfection.

Graham Garner

It was fine, I wasn't impressed. Why can't I just get chicken a la carte? The sandwiches are kind of small, the fried chicken is good, but there are lots of places in Portland that make fried chicken into art and this isn't one of them. There's really nothing to write home about here unless you get off on the vibe, which I think I may be too old for, and really isn't that encompassing anyway. The tattooed guy behind the cash register seemed annoyed, but he was very helpful and wasn't rude, he didn't do anything wrong really, but he didn't exactly communicate a love of his job or excitement to me, and that's the understatement of the year.

Bob Stoss

It’s not terrible, it’s just not Nashville hot chicken. You can only get boneless chicken, and there’s only one heat level (which isn’t very hot). Instead of using a hot oil, they apply a semi sweet sauce - which is just not what you expect when ordering hot chicken. Again, it’s not bad, it just that they’ve taken too many liberties to call it Nashville hot chicken.

Shawn C

Great fried chicken! Love going here for the sandwich and grabbing a beer at the bar. Moist chicken, super crunchy/ dry breading! Coleslaw is good too.

Jennifer Lalime

Best fried chicken sannie EVER!

Cameron Domer

I hear the chicken is good, the tofu needs to be seasoned prior to frying. The Thai fries are legit.

McKinley Kitts

WOW. One of my favorite meals in the world is Nashville hot chicken. When I see a restaurant outside of Nashville offering it, I usually smirk and order it out of morbid curiosity. This time, I was blown away. Firstly, it is hot. They aren’t messing around with the heat level, but it IS manageable. It’s a dry rub, fried chicken tender. They add a house hot sauce that’s something special, really cranks up the flavor (& heat). The breading on the chicken is some of the best I’ve ever had, on top of some delicious Texas toast. All around, a fantastic version of Nashville hot chicken, all the way out in Portland. Don’t forget they also have glass bottle soda, so cool off with a Mountain Dew or Dr. Pepper if you’re feeling ambitious!

Carlos Sarasti

Excellent food paired with a great environment.

Ben Heredia

Good hot chicken, but they just put the hot sauce on top of the regular chicken instead of having dedicated seasoned breading so it could be better.

Saumya Khimsaria

Quick food, good pricing. Limited choices, but all good. They share some of the seating place with other places too. Also, there is a “cozy” fire outside if you enjoy that. P.S. - Ask for hot sauce on your sandwich.

P K

Excellent spot to hang out. Great chicken . Taste great

William Beck

Chicken sandwich was really good. They went light on the coleslaw, heavy on the chicken--it was 6 inches tall. Seating was a little strange but I'm sure in the summertime the outdoor seating and sun are awesome. The fries tore up my mouth--thai peanut sauce, pickles, chopped peanuts, fries (duh), and cilantro. Holy cow...

Daniel Houtsma

Their chicken sandwiches are really good! They were even bigger than I expected. I definitely did not leave hungry!

Anita Johnson

Loved the tofu sandwich! Dan Dan fries are a must!

Lorena Acosta

The chicken sandwich was delicious! The chicken was nice and crunchy but not dry at all. Will definitely be back to try something new.

Lawrence Wan

One of my favorite things to eat in Portland. Fried Chicken Salad!

Miguel G

Chicken sandwich was very good, crispy and flavorful. We definitely recommend this place. We will definitely be back soon.

Drew Kelly

BEST fried chicken in Portland and the Dan-Dan fries are a nutty, fresh, slightly spicy SE Asian version of the normal French fries. Delicious!

Vanessa Jansen

The fried chicken sandwich here is AMAZING! Definitely worth the wait. Have a beer, hangout, and enjoy.

Jonathon Lopez

Amazing Chicken sandwiches. Highly recommend!

Theo Snyder

Fantastic fried chicken sandwich, probably best in Portland.

Alex Wik

The burger and ice cream are a can't miss! The fries not so much! Best part is the ol'fashioned you can grab to swallow it down with

Jim Darrell

That fried chicken salad is fantastic. Great beer. Kids loved the Galaga machine. The quality of the food is amazing considering how affordable it is. Service was fast and friendly too!

Simon Green

This is hands down my favorite spot. The best Nashville Hot in the west. I have never had an issue here, the place is always busy and the food comes out perfect every time. I cannot say enough good things about it.

Fred Parnon

I had the fried chicken sandwich; my wife had the fried chicken salad -- both were excellent. As a side dish/appetizer, we also shared an order of grilled corn from a vendor next door -- that was great, too. Good music, indoor/outdoor picnic table added to the experience, and made for a fun, delicious lunch. Highly recommended.

Kenneth Nourse

Great place for a unique (and huge) fried chicken sandwich

Monika Ruwaimana

Amazing spicy chicken

Lucas Hill

Get the fried chicken salad. It's the secretly the best menu item.

Blaze S

I got fried chicken salad. Tender, juicy and flavourful. There's spacious dining area in the back.

Shamus Cunningham

Incredible fried chicken particularly the spicy chicken plate

Lexi

This is a funky little spot with an amazing fried chicken sandwich. It's perfectly crispy with great cuts of meat. It wasn't too greasy and I was pleasantly full after I finished. I can't say enough good things about that sandwich. There is a small selection of beer but not many non alcoholic options. It's a food court with multiple options that can fit everyone. They have both indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor seating isn't the side facing Sandy, which is usally very busy, so it has a nice atmosphere.

Zach

Easily the best fried chicken sandwich I’ve had in Portland. The atmosphere was really hip and casual with the communal seating area and it was just generally great. The Dan Dan Fries are also fantastic, and i look forward to going back and trying the spicy fried chicken plate. I recommend this restaurant whenever i get the chance.

Richard blais

Loved the chickens crunch. Awesome job on the fry. The Dan Dan fries were amazing. Never knew peanut butter and pickles would be so great on fries. Only note I could leave is to have varying degrees of spice for their chicken. I was looking for some hot chicken. And while I had some very tasty chicken it was pretty far from facemelting. Hot enough for most but I was looking for a real punch to the face

Dana Usrey

The best fried chicken. Perfect crunch on the batter. The french fries were amazing also!

Chris Rice

Okay, didn't really wow me..I'm a chicken only eater, so I'm well versed in chicken consumption..not a fan of thigh meat, it's cheap, less quality and overall kinda not bueno..would not visit again..staff as chill, they also share a space with a few other places..that's cool tho..

Aimee Franklin

They are amazing and affordable. I had the best chicken sandwich. It was tender, crispy, and juicy!!! $9!!!!!

ryan goldade

It's not as if we have any other hot chicken plate in town to compare to but I'd personally put it up in my top ten "last meal" list. The chicken sandwich is a perfect meal for two and the hot chicken plate is nicely spicy but not too hot for the common palate.

Ruth Hendricks

Awesome fried chicken sandwich! A bit of heat, but not too hot with pickled cukes & slaw. Crunchy, tasty & definitely worth a try.

Christopher Gray

Dan Dan fries are a must! We are from Nashville and their take on hot chicken reminded me of Tennessee. My wife loved her fried chicken salad and our daughter liked her chicken sandwich so much she’s remembered she had left overs (which is big for her.)

Tricky Disko

Love love love both the tofu and chicken sandwiches!

J Wethington

Chicken sandwich. Best in Portland.

Joe Rico

If you love hot / spicy food - Order the Fried Chicken Sandwich with the House Made Hot Sauce. Nashville style fried chicken! important to know if your a fried chicken lover. Different than traditional buttermilk style. I go here far too often and felt obligated to say thank you and show appreciation for their business.

Andrew Wicker

Chicka chicka boom boom. Sammiches are lit af.

Sierra N

The hot chicken it so good! And so is the slaw! Definitely should try!

Mermaid Flows

I have no complaints about the food but at least twice now I have asked different employees to not give me plastic ware or napkins with my to go order. Why would I need a plastic fork and knife when I'm going home to eat? One time they even threw in a couple forks and knives when I was alone. People need to be more aware of the waste they are putting out there.

Lucinda Boyd

The chicken sandwich is the best and the Dan Dan fries are delicious. Great prices and excellent service!

Eric S Cooper

Every element of my fried chicken sandwich was absolutely perfect--batter, crunch, tender filet, spicy kick, balanced slaw, fresh bread. Just brilliant. Add to that a large portion and a great price. High marks all around!

Brian Gunn

A little hidden in back, but well worth the trip. The chicken sandwich was fantastic. They also have a nice, seemingly original Galaga arcade game to play while you wait.

Rama Wusirika

Some of the best fried chicken in the area. Love the hot sauce but you pay for it in the end.

J King

Have ordered their Fried Chicken Sandwich several times always hot always delicious always - MEATLESS, only fried breading and as much chicken as a single McNugget give me what I pay for please.

matthew siegel

Fried chicken sandwich is on point! Perfectly crispy chicken, tasty slaw on top of a bed of pickles. The bun held up all the way through and the French fries were well done!

Harun Anver

The hot chicken plate was soooooo good. Haven't had this good fried chicken in a long time. 10/10 would come again. We tried a fries from the main menu but that seemed to have a weird texture. But 5 stars for the chicken!

Davyd Loper

If you want one of the best chicken sandwiches in the Portland area, then make your way to Basilisk. There isare 2 other restaurants and a bar with common area seating for all. The menu is simple and the food is great.

Claire Keturi

Best chicken sandwich I ever had. Took my dad and mom here when they were in town. My dad literally went home and tried to recreate the sandwich because he loved it so much. Plus, my roommate told me there is a spicy version now? Consider me dead. Died of excitement.

Colten Tidwell

Great fried chicken menu! From the sandwich to the salad - the food is great. It’s located in a great area and shares a space with Pay Dirt (bar) and a Pizza joint. Parking isn’t too bad but if you get there during the dinner rush you may need to park in neighboring hoods. I also tried both types of fries. Both worthy of your dollar. Prices aren’t bad at all and portions are perfect.

Ngan Khong

They hot fried chickens were really juicy and crunchy. Food comes quick. Very good and fulfilling. The portion is big but you’ll eat it all because of how good it is. Dan Dan fries were different than regular French fries, more like Thai taste, with sweet peanut sauces. Not a lot of street parking. Neighborhood can be really possessive over their parking so be careful.

Dawn Perigo

Crazy good fried chicken sandwich. I was expecting the batter to be thicker and much (harder) crunchier than it was due to the darker color. Pleasantly surprised that not only was it perfectly crispy but tender still and the batter is thin and not overdone. The bun was amazing and the lightly dressed slaw and pickled cucumber just set it over the top. Dan Dan fries with the peanut sauce and chili oil were also fantastic. Honestly the dill pickles on the fries were just the cherry on top. Ran back three days later and had it again. Awesome.

Rob Geraldo

dan dan nooodles be popping

Kevin Washington

One of the best places for fried chicken

Samuel Gillette

Damn good

Monib Sabet

Great food for the price (I tried the chicken sandwich). I liked the place although it was very busy (Saturday night) the food was served in a timely manner. On weekends parking spot could be a bit tricky but there’s spots available in nearby streets. Definitely recommend it.

Dean Rose

Working on the east side means there are a few options for good food. Tried this restaurant specifically for their fried chicken. I was not disappointed. Hot chicken plate packed plenty of heat. Nice outdoor seating area with cover. Bathrooms even have changing tables for those with little kids. It was a mile and a half walk and it was totally worth it.

Kristen Steger

Kool

Crimson Bullet

Amazing chicken! The sandwich looks big when it arrives but it quickly shrinks in your hands after the first bite! As far as cheap eats go this sets the standard.

Kathy Cho

Their fried chicken is seriously something... easy to say they have the best fried chicken salad I’ve ever had. Incredibly flavorful, juicy and perfectly crunchy. The sandwich is simple yet stacked literally and flavorfully. They have an awesome outdoor seating area with plenty of shading on those rare sunny days. Our fur baby enjoyed some sun while we enjoyed lunch!

Girish George

Their signature Fried Chicken sandwich is crunchy and delicious.

Clay Garlow

Hold the hot sauce people. I've eaten some the best friend chicken across the country from Hattie B in Tennessee to Willie Mae's in New Orleans. While this wasn't a life changing spiritual journey of chicken like one experiences in those restaurants this was definitely the best thing I've put in my mouth since moving to Portland. The chicken is fried perfectly to be juicy and tender. The breading is excellently seasoned and the slaw and pickles serve as a perfect compliment on a hearty bun able to stand up to the juicy nature of the sandwich. Staff was super friendly and food was prepared very quickly

Juane V

Great food, great taste. Highly recommended “.

Kalei Libby

I love the Zipper! I eat at Basilisk once every few months and it is always good. I usually prefer the chicken sandwich but when my friend orders the salad, I get jealous because the portion is huge and includes fried chicken on top. I’m also a fan of their Kool-Aid soft serve.

Steve Johnson

Best chicken(sandwich) I've ever had!

Deb Perry

Best fried chicken I've had in Portland so far!! Get the Fried Chicken Sandwich!!

Joe Krehbiel

Amazing chicken sandwiches! They are huge and delicious! Well worth the $9, and the atmosphere and vibe of the place was really chill.

Dylan Wilson

It had amazing chicken, great service and an amazing atmosphere. The chicken why extremely, not greasy and not dry. The outside was quiet nice and was dog friendly. Overall it was a great restraunt.

Don Nguyen

Friendly staff, tasty hot chicken sandwich. I'll definitely come here again when in town. The chicken was cooked to perfection. The Mac salad reminds me of Hawaiian style Mac salad...just missing some chicken! All washed down great with a bottle of Dr. Pepper!

Shelby Starbuck

One of the best fried chicken sandwiches Ive ever had.

Justin Wilhere

Awesome chicken sandwich as big as your head! Can't wait to go back.

Daniel Burke

Fantastic chicken! The hot chicken was definitely HOT but very tasty. The kool aid soft serve is a must

Mark Aalto

Great sandwich and Rick and Morty painting to boot!

Dylan Schultz

You might be tempted to get the chicken sandwich or the hot chicken. Both are good but I recommend you get the fried chicken salad. Trust me, it's nuts.

Jonathan Kuniholm

Solid chicken sandwiches made of dark meat instead of dry breast meat. Hot sauce that's really hot, and an attitude that says, "yeah, we like Cherry Kool aid enough to put in cream enough to celebrate it." And you do have to really like Kool aid to like it. But they'll give you a taste so you can figure it out of you don't know already.

Anders Pearson

I'd like them to to cut their sandwiches up for their customers first (bite sized pieces please)

Billy Crawford

I wish I could share a picture of the food, but it was so good that I forgot to take one. Do yourself a favor and get the chicken sandwich!

Michaela Higgison

Delicious chicken sandwich. They do not have much selection regarding food or drinks. All the drinks are in a can or bottle. Great outdoor seating and speedy service.

Darby McCann

The. Best. Spicy fried chicken. House made fresh pickles. I don't even like pickles and I love their pickles. They make koolaid flavored soft serve which is pretty much the best thing to follow a plate of spicy chicken.

Bob

2nd best nashville style fried chicken I've had. Good value as well. Will return as long I'm in the neighborhood.

Jeff Adams

The spicy chicken is pretty top shelf if you dig heat; not quite habanero, picks on the jalapenos at recess. It's in a sort of incubator with a few other restaurants and a bar that share a common eating area that I won't call a food court but feels like a sort of lodge. This extends to outside but away from traffic. Check out the antiques and oddities shop around the corner when you're done.

Michelle Burris

Fried chicken and noodles on a salad you say? Yes! So good!!! Dandan fries are the best and who wouldn't like kool aid softserve?

Evan Neale

Basilisk could stop serving chicken altogether and their Dan Dan Fries would keep them in business. The chicken sandwich is great, with a very generous amount of excellent fried chicken, but the fries are on another level. We extended our stay in Portland by a day so we could have the fries again, and I'll miss them when we're gone. Jesus they were good.

Megan Penno

Huge burgers and tasty chicken! The burgers are so filling we couldn't eat all of them. The fries are also huge so if you're sharing I would just get one order! This is in a great area with many food options, you can order your chicken then grab a beer from the bar next door while you wait.