Now that you’ve read about new gyms to try in 2018, let’s move on to fried chicken joints to visit this year. Life is all about balance.

Garden & Gun magazine rounded up the best fried chicken in the South, with 10 total locations in S.C., and two of those in the Midlands.

Bernie’s | 📍 Columbia | 803-256-2888

“Pro tip: use the super-fine-cut coleslaw like a condiment for each bite like you would hot sauce (and with hot sauce, too).”

Zesto | 📍 West Columbia | zestowestcolumbia.com

“Eat it with lots of hot sauce and a cheeseburger on the side.”

Aunt M’s at the Kangaroo Express | 📍 Inman | 800-627-3999

“Make sure to get some jo-jos (fried potato wedges), too.”

McCabe’s Bar-B-Que | 📍 Manning | 803-435-2833

“Rightfully renowned for its whole-hog barbecue, this small-town joint also serves the best fried chicken I’ve ever had.”

EDIT: COLAtoday reader Jeremy let us know that "unfortunately, McCabe's BBQ in Manning has closed. There are rumors that it will reopen at some point, but I imagine that's mostly wishful thinking."

Bertha’s Kitchen | 📍 Charleston | 843-554-6519

“Always crispy, juicy, and fall-off-the-bone tender.”

Husk | 📍 Charleston | huskrestaurant.com

“From the sweet tea brine to the careful dredging to the ritual rendering and mixing of five fats, it’s one of the coolest recipes I’ve ever seen…”

Leon’s Oyster Shop | 📍 Charleston | leonsoystershop.com

“Juicy, a little spicy, and a hit of Old Bay.”

Martha Lou’s Kitchen | 📍 Charleston | marthalouskitchen.com

“The hospitality is spot on, the dining room reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen, and the food is to die for.”

OJ’s Diner | 📍 Greenville | ojs-diner.com

“Awesome family-owned cafeteria.”

Stax’s Original | 📍 Greenville | staxsoriginal.com

“The fried chicken breast option is best paired with the creamed potatoes and gravy.”

4 min read / Garden & Gun