The Belles Hot Chicken combo of spicy fried chicken and wine was such a winner in Fitzroy that the chain opened a second location in the CBD. The vibe is more bar than a restaurant: the bar is stocked and there is plenty of seating. Diners are likely to stick around after smashing a few drumsticks, and the wine list certainly encourages it.
Wines are no more than $13 a glass, and there's Belles Original Draught on tap if that's how you roll. And beer might be just the thing to accompany the main event – Belles isn't called 'hot chicken' for nothing. When you order Belles signature chicken you pick a cut (tenders/drumsticks/wings), choose your spice level (the mildest is 'hot', and the spiciest is 'really f*cking hot') and pick a side. Or you could skip the whole side business and just order a kilo of spicy wings.
Belles Hot Chicken serves traditional sides including mac and three cheese, potatoes and the tangiest, tastiest coleslaw. Vegetarian options are also available.
You can dine in or take away, but trust us, it's worth dining in just for the cocktails, which include boozy slushies. You're going to need the ice to cut through all that heat.