For millennia, Chick-Fil-A’s white and red fluorescent sign has been passed under by hungry Wilson students, it’s popularity is mostly unmatched for its plentiful sauces, great chicken, and easy location. But what if we told you there was a better option? You might not believe us, that’s ok. But Beacon editors Evan and Alex had to know the best chicken sandwich in Tenley and we’ve snacked, trekked, and considered our options all over Tenlytown’s stank filled landscape to bring you our results:

Chick Fil A by Evan Veith

The reason that Chick-Fil-A (Chick) is my choice is not because of the chicken sandwich itself, but because of the other accommodation (sauce, fries, milkshakes) that come with your food. It’s very hard to decide which sandwich is better, but one thing is for certain, every other aspect, from the cashiers to the atmosphere of the restaurant is superior.

The first advantage of Chick is how close the Tenley establishment is to school. When I’m going out to lunch, I don’t want to go all the way to Popeyes just to get a sandwich. The convenience of Chick instantly puts them above Popeyes. This, combined with extremely good customer service, makes Chick-Fil-A number one in my mind. 

Not only is their service above that of Popeyes, but the foods that come with the sandwich are better. Even if you prefer the Popeyes sandwich, the foods that come with Chick’s sandwich are far superior. Chick-Fil-A sauce, honey mustard, and Polynesian sauce are all exclusive to Chick-Fil-A, and the sauces that Popeyes offers are nothing to write home about.

The last and the most important reason that Chick Fil A is better is their fries. CFA’s waffle fries are probably the best in the fast-food business. Their unique waffle fries are unmatched in taste, texture, and warmth, especially in comparison to Popeyes. The Popeyes fries are not a proper compliment to their fantastic sandwich, as well as being merely decent. 

No matter which establishment you side with more on the sandwich, you can’t deny Chick-Fil-A’s superiority in their fries, sauces, and service. •

Popeyes by Alex Metzger

This is an all-out sandwich war. One may prefer the mass arrays of sauces and stuffy, hectic atmosphere that Chick Fil A provides but there is nothing like a good crunchy chicken sandwich. It’s bigger, it’s tastier, it’s spicier, and best of all, it’s cheaper! The sandwich itself is 30 cents more in value yet all the sides come in between one to two dollars in the Popeyes spicy sandwich combo meal. Paying for a fountain drink, fries, and the sandwich at Chick-Fil-A might run the unassuming Wilson student back $15, at the Louisiana brand, less than $10. 

Other perks of Popeyes include stellar order to food times (I’ve never waited for more than five minutes for my meal) that really make it a great off-campus lunch option and the best. Best. Did I mention the best? Biscuits you’ll find this far from Louisiana. Buttery, warm, and soft from the moment they are placed in your hands to when they first touch your mouth, these biscuits are the perfect addition to any Popeyes meal. The walk there and back from Wilson will prevent any calorie gain at all I swear, and with the speedy times to acquire your food, you’ll be beating the off-campus lunch line faster than any Chick-Fil-A goer who waits 20+ minutes for their tiny sandwich and then has to engage in the battle royale blob of acquiring said food. While the most popular option will always be Chick Fil A, Popeyes is Wilson students hidden secret, an oasis of great fried chicken, and best of all, free of GDS kids. •