Zankou Chicken

Now operating locations in at least 13 cities, Zankou Chicken is famous for its rotisserie chicken, served either whole or half, with sides. Tracing its origins to Lebanon, Zankou is widely believed to have inspired Curb Your Enthusiasm’s “Palestinian Chicken” episode, which saw all of the show’s characters agree – regardless of their political beliefs – that the Middle Eastern chicken was incredible.

If you’ve seen the episode and are visiting Zankou’s Anaheim location to see what all the fuss is about, prepare to have your enthusiasm curbed. The chicken is tender inside, mildly spiced and lightly crispy outside thanks to the rotisserie heat on its skin, but fundamentally similar to whole spit-roasted chickens served elsewhere. Sides (including eggplant mutabbal, hummus, and a ‘famous garlic sauce”) are pretty forgettable, and the counter service can be indifferent. If you arrive with realistic expectations, namely a take-out quality overall experience featuring better roasted chicken than grocery stores are serving now, you’ll have a good chance of leaving satisfied.