There are some meals that you remember forever. These dining experiences transcend simple nourishment and provide some of the the most flavorful, memorable and downright delicious meals that you’ve ever had the fortune to ingest. TomKen’s in West Allis is that kind of experience. This place won Milwaukee’s Wing Fest six years running. This local Wisconsin watering hole is as simple as it comes. You’ll find great drinks and great chicken. Known as the “The Friendly Fried Chicken” spot, TomKen’s is no-frills and no-nonsense. They do what they do and they do it well. If you love a thin, crispy batter, big fries and a roll to sop it all up, you’ll love the deliciousness that is TomKen’s.
Located right across the street from the Wisconsin State Fair Park grounds, you could drive right past this place without really noticing. It looks like any number of other bar and grill type spots that are scattered all over Wisconsin. But if it's a summer day and you have the windows down, your nose will let you know you've gone too far.
Non-descript, though updated and comfy, TomKen's is exactly the type of local spot we Wisconsinites are used to. There are regulars who dot the bar and the beer rotation is heavy on locally-made brews. But the second you walk through the door you can smell what makes this place so heavenly.
The fried chicken here isn't as covered in batter as you might find elsewhere - it's the perfect amount to add texture and crunch but not add weight to an already heavy meal. It's perfectly fried and comes in a basket with fries, a roll and some cole slaw. It's the perfect meal and I love the touch of it coming out wrapped in its own napkin liner to help keep the heat in as long as possible without making it soggy.
Of course, TomKen's has won so many wing awards I can't even keep track of them, so coming here to get some fried up wings is a definite option. You can get them naked, but when I place does fried so darn well, it's hard to turn those down.
You'll find a bevy of sauces that are regularly on the menu and then weekly specials that run the gamut from expected to outrageous. They're always delicious and well worth taking a chance on.
TomKen's was named one of the top 31 fried chicken spots in America by Thrillist and when you head here you'll understand why. It's basically crispy perfection and though you'll end up full, you won't regret one bite. This is the chicken you'll compare all other chicken to - and most of those other chickens will fall short.
Bring a group and get a table full of deliciousness to share, but make sure you have quick reflexes because once your friends get a load of the flavor these guys are serving up, the wings won't last long. Grab a basket or two of fried chicken to share and be in fowl heaven. There's just nothing like TomKen's anywhere in the state and a trip here is a bit like a pilgrimage. Discover for yourself why it's one of the top chicken places in the country!
