Michigan’s Best Chicken Sandwich? You’ll Find it in Grand Rapids

Chicken sandwiches have been having a moment. Seems like every fast food chain has rolled out their own "new and improved" version over the past few years. Sure, everyone has their go-to drive-thru when the craving hits, but sometimes you want something fresh, local, and truly memorable.

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Foodie site Chowhound went on a mission to find the tastiest chicken sandwich in every state. From spicy fried chicken piled high on a buttery bun to flame-grilled creations stacked with toppings, the site dug through reviews and customer favorites to crown the best handhelds across the country.

Michigan's Best Chicken Sandwich is in Grand Rapids

Their Michigan pick is especially exciting for me... because I live right down the street!

According to Chowhound, The Old Goat in southeast Grand Rapids is serving up the best chicken sandwich in the state.

The restaurant has multiple chicken sandwiches on the menu, but Chowhound specifically singled out the Charley Apple Chicken-Heinen Bell Sandwich. And yes, the name is almost as loaded as the sandwich itself.

It features a char-grilled chicken breast topped with hickory-smoked bacon, honeycrisp apple slices, garlic mayo, pineapple barbecue sauce, haystack onions, and gouda cheese, all served on a grilled pretzel roll.

READ MORE: Here's Another Contender For Michigan's No. 1 Chicken Sandwich

According to Chowhound, customers rave about the balance of textures and flavors—sweet, smoky, crunchy, savory—and say it usually leads to ordering even more from the menu on future visits.

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Which I totally get! Some of my personal favorites at The Old Goat are the Brussel Hustle salad, grilled cheese, jambalaya, and deviled eggs, which rotate flavors weekly. The soups are also ridiculously good, with multiple homemade options available daily. I’m especially a fan of grabbing a soup combo with a half salad or sandwich.

Live Music and Gastropub Vibes in Alger Heights

Beyond the food, the atmosphere is a big part of what keeps people coming back. The Old Goat has that industrial-chic gastropub vibe, complete with creative oil-drum lighting, a full bar serving artisan cocktails, and outdoor seating.

READ MORE: Grand Rapids Restaurant Once Again Named Top Seafood Eatery in Michigan

The restaurant has been part of the Alger Heights community since 2015 and has really leaned into being more than just a place to eat. Live music is a regular part of the experience during dinner service throughout the week, with late-night performances on Fridays and Saturdays and live jazz during Sunday brunch.

Other Popular Menu Items at The Old Goat

Everything is made from scratch with a focus on seasonal, comfort-driven food. Along with starters, salads, and burgers, the menu includes Neapolitan-style pizzas, whitefish, brown butter salmon, and gumbo.

Plus, fun specials are announced frequently on The Old Goat's Facebook page.