<b>By Pamela Brownstein</b>

For the past 45 years, Maryland Fried Chicken has been attracting customers along Ribaut Road with its giant, retro chicken sign, and also the amazing smell of fried cookin’ that can even be detected by passing motorists.

[caption id="attachment_16248" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/DSC_0047.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-16248" alt="A plate filled with fried oysters, fried okra, hush puppies, and mac n’ cheese bites." src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/DSC_0047-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a> A plate filled with fried oysters, fried okra, hush puppies, and mac n’ cheese bites.[/caption]

This family owned restaurant was bustling on a Friday afternoon when the Lunch Bunch dropped by for some Southern comfort food. The friendly, efficient employees behind the counter were busy with to-go orders, dine in customers, and the drive-in window.

Nikki had a plate full of fried okra, mac n’ cheese bites, hush puppies and fried oysters. I usually prefer my oysters roasted, but these fried oysters are so yummy and warm with a salty crunch. The mac n’ cheese bites are basically fried balls of homemade mac n’ cheese. While maybe not the most healthy item, these bites are worth the calorie splurge.

Irene tried the fried shrimp with mac n’ cheese bites, and she said the shrimp were really good. Kim’s plate was simple with one big piece of fried chicken and a lot of fried okra around it.

Nikki’s son Dalton also joined our little group. He ordered the Pork Chop dinner with a side of baked beans, and

[caption id="attachment_16249" align="alignright" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/DSC_00551.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-16249" alt="Pork chop dinner with baked beans." src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/DSC_00551-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a> Pork chop dinner with baked beans.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_16250" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/DSC_00521.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-16250" alt="Crispy and juicy pieces of fried chicken with tri-taters and a roll." src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/DSC_00521-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a> Crispy and juicy pieces of fried chicken with tri-taters and a roll.[/caption]

he ate the whole thing.

I had to have The Island News Special, newly created as a thank you to readers and customers for once again voting Maryland Fried Chicken as Favorite Fried Chicken in The Island News 2014 Favorites awards. The special includes two pieces of chicken, one side, one roll and one small drink — a meal that can satisfy any local hungry for quality community journalism. I chose tri-taters — which are awesome hashbrown patties in the shape of triangles — as my side, along with sweet tea as my drink.

The menu is loaded with more meat and seafood options, and there are different specials for each day of the week. As their motto suggests, “The difference is delicious.”

Maryland Fried Chicken is located at 111 Ribaut Road, Beaufort, near the intersection of Ribaut Road and Boundary Street. It is open seven days a week: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call 843-524-8766 for take-out orders or to ask about specials.