If you’re a fried chicken enthusiast and find yourself in New York City, there’s a new spot that should be on your radar: Tender Crush in SoHo. Launched by the creators of Black Tap, Tender Crush brings NYC’s diverse flavors into a chicken-focused menu with both crispy fried and grilled options. Located on Broome Street, this fast-casual eatery has quickly made a name for itself, offering everything from iconic tenders and unique sandwiches to homemade sauces that give you a true taste of New York City. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, here’s why Tender Crush fried chicken lovers in NYC will find their perfect bite here.
The Concept Behind Tender Crush
Tender Crush was created by Chris Barish and Julie Mulligan, the husband-and-wife duo who introduced the world to Black Tap’s viral CrazyShakes. They envisioned Tender Crush as an ode to New York City’s melting pot of flavors, blending culinary influences from various cultures across the five boroughs. Executive Chef Stephen Parker, also from Black Tap, has designed a menu that takes a classic fast-food favorite—chicken tenders—and elevates it with premium ingredients, innovative seasonings, and an artisanal touch.
What’s on the Menu?
Tender Crush’s menu is straightforward but filled with bold flavors. The star attraction, of course, is the chicken tenders, which are available in two delicious styles. First, there’s the traditional crispy option, where tenders are brined in a club soda and buttermilk batter for an extra-crunchy coating. For those looking for a lighter option, the grilled tenders are marinated in a lemon-spice blend, adding a zesty kick while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
Each tender order can be paired with a selection of house-made dipping sauces. Some popular choices include the Buttermilk Dill, Lime Honey Mustard, Sweet Chili Pop, and the zesty White BBQ sauce. With 11 sauces inspired by New York’s culinary diversity, there’s a flavor to suit everyone’s tastes.
Signature Tenders and Unique Flavors
One of the highlights at Tender Crush is its “House Hits,” which features tenders tossed in signature sauces inspired by NYC neighborhoods. The Harlem Hot, for instance, is coated in a spicy Buffalo-style hot sauce with a side of whipped blue cheese for dipping. The Jackson Heights Heat brings a Latin American twist with bird pepper sauce, kosher pickles, and chives, topped with zesty white BBQ. For a nod to NYC’s vibrant Asian influence, the K-Town Hot tender is covered in a chili oil-based sauce with a hot kimchi rub.
Each of these tender options offers a new take on classic comfort food, with flavors that pay homage to New York’s culturally rich culinary landscape.
Sandwiches with a New York Twist
For those who crave sandwiches, Tender Crush offers three unique options. The Hot Crush is a spicy delight with a garlic and chili hot sauce, pickles, and a drizzle of white BBQ. The Staten Island Crunch sandwich is a crowd favorite, featuring a Staten Island-inspired hot sauce, pickled banana peppers, parmesan cheese, and roasted garlic. Meanwhile, the Old School NY Crush is a simpler, yet satisfying option, layered with lettuce, tomatoes, and kosher pickles on a soft Parker House roll. Each sandwich is crafted to showcase Tender Crush’s attention to flavor and texture, providing a satisfying alternative to the traditional burger.
Sides and Desserts
Tender Crush also takes classic sides up a notch with offerings like Williamsburg Waffle Fries, Park Slope Spicy Kale, and Tribeca Truffle Mac and Cheese. Each side dish is crafted to add depth to the meal, with options like waffle-cut fries seasoned to perfection or mac and cheese drizzled with truffle-infused cheese sauce.
Don’t skip dessert at Tender Crush! They’ve created a unique treat with their vanilla soft-serve custard, which can be topped with New York-themed additions like black and white cookies, funfetti cake crumbs, and blueberry lemon pie filling. These nostalgic and sweet toppings provide a delicious way to end your meal on a high note.
The Tender Crush Experience in SoHo
Beyond the food, the atmosphere at Tender Crush reflects NYC’s vibrant, fast-paced energy. Located right next to Black Tap, the restaurant features a relaxed yet urban ambiance, designed for diners who want a casual but high-quality meal in SoHo. From the colorful murals to the fast, friendly service, Tender Crush ensures a memorable experience that appeals to locals and tourists alike.
The restaurant’s convenient location near SoHo’s bustling shopping and art scenes makes it an ideal stop for anyone looking to fuel up during a day out. Open daily from 12 pm to 10 pm (and until 11 pm on weekends), Tender Crush is accessible to both the lunch and late-night crowds, providing a tasty option no matter what time you visit.
Craft Beverages to Pair with Your Meal
Alongside their mouth-watering chicken, Tender Crush offers a selection of local craft beers to elevate the meal. Featuring brews from Coney Island Brewery and Brooklyn Brewery, their beverage menu complements the rich flavors of the tenders and sandwiches. For a refreshing twist, try one of their Coney Island Coolers, which come in flavors like Orange Crush Vodka and Watermelon Ginger Tequila. These coolers can even be topped with vanilla custard for a dessert-like twist on your drink.
Why Tender Crush is a Must-Visit for Fried Chicken Lovers in NYC
With its innovative approach to a beloved classic, Tender Crush has established itself as a top destination for fried chicken lovers in New York. Their high-quality ingredients, flavorful sauces, and diverse menu offer a refreshing twist on fast food that’s both satisfying and upscale. For fans of fried chicken, Tender Crush provides a unique experience that stands out in NYC’s crowded food scene.
Whether you’re indulging in the crispy tenders, savoring a sandwich, or simply stopping by for a custard-topped dessert, Tender Crush delivers a taste of New York’s culinary spirit in every bite. It’s clear that the team behind Black Tap has created another hit in SoHo, giving fried chicken lovers a new spot to crush on.
