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Today marks the 11th annual Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-Fil-A and to celebrate, the problematic chain is offering a free entrée, a side and a drink to all customers who come fully dressed as a cow. Seriously. But if you don't want to embarrass yourself in the name of fried chicken (or if you want your sandwich with a side of, say, morals?), we've done some legwork for ya and compiled the best fried bird between bread that you can enjoy today instead, no cow costumes required.
Smorgasbird at Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken
This heaping double-decker, everything-but-the-kitchen-sink creation is piled high with crispy fried chicken, "Game Day Fries"—an entire meal in itself with french fries, zesty barbecue chicken, smoked bacon, cheddar, sour cream, pickled peppers—grilled pineapple, lettuce and tomato. The best part? 20-percent of proceeds go towards the MS Society until the end of the month, when the dish goes off the menu. $15
Fried chicken sandwich with pimento cheese at Bobwhite Lunch and Supper Counter
This East Village counter offers a simple and straightforward version with juicy fried tenders, butter pickles and a side of fries or slaw. The clincher here though is the creamy pimento cheese upgrade for a dollar. Wash it all down with a bottle of Texas-sourced Shiner beer. $11
Chicken buddies at El Cortez
Stephen Tanner and Chris Young's recently opened Bushwick spot marries comfort food and good vibes with a side of kitsch. Case in point: four delicious mini fried chicken sliders come skewered together like a fried-chicken sandwich kebab. $11
Koreano at Fuku
The off-the-menu version of Momofuku creator David Chang's spicy chicken sandwich comes with a tangy daikon radish that rounds out the mild heat. The slab of chicken dwarfs the buttered buns that hold it. $9
Fried chicken and waffle sandwiches at Root & Bone
Southern comfort food experts Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth serve an upmarket take on classic chicken and waffles. Two slider-sized sammies come with cheese-covered boneless fried chicken, pickled green tomato, watercress and whiskey maple syrup all between cheddar cheese waffles. $14