Jus Cookin's Restaurant: Great Fried Chicken In Colorado

Ever since Jus Cookin's Restaurant in Lakewood, Colorado made The Daily Meal's list of America's 75 Best Fried Chicken Spots, business has been brisk.

"We've since seen an increase of 75 to 100 percent in fried chicken sales," says owner Steve Modlich who, together with his wife Char, has owned the restaurant since 2004.

Being the last name on this prestigious nationwide list is still quite a coup for this husband-and-wife team, especially since they're located in Colorado which is usually associated with beef rather than chicken.

But it wasn't just The Daily Meal that lavished praised on Jus Cookin's. Food & Wine magazine also thought their food was top drawer when they awarded them 16th position on their America's 75 Best Food Buys list for their fried chicken, turkey, and mashed potatoes.

Modlich, a long-time restauranteur, has been a chef for 27 years. He says his recipe is pretty simple but seems to keep customers happy and coming back for more.

He starts by placing his poultry in brine mixed with black pepper and garlic for a couple of hours. Then he submerges it in an ice bath and gives it an egg wash. This is followed by dredging in flour, breadcrumbs, and adding some "secret" seasonings. Next it's off to the fryer for 4 minutes until golden brown.

They serve their fried chicken with hefty portions of homemade gravy, real mashed potatoes, and coleslaw. I found the chicken to be deliciously crispy on the outside and tender and moist on the inside. I ate everything on the plate as if it was my last meal and, of course, we never know when that might be.

Their menu isn't limited to fried chicken. They are also known for comfort foods such as Yankee pot roast, turkey and stuffing, as well as meat loaf, soups, sandwiches, and desserts.