Waldo’s Chicken & Beer Bringing Southern-style Chicken to Aurora (Local Tips & Reviews)

With 10 locations throughout the American South, Waldo’s Chicken & Beer has proved that its scratch-made chicken works for discerning native palates. Come about May 2, market partner Mohammed Berry will introduce the fast casual chain to Coloradoans at 24153 E Prospect Ave. in Aurora (per an Aurora liquor license application). Housed in the former Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q, Berry told What Now Denver that building out a former restaurant helps pave the way for a new place, which gives the Illinois-native more time to get to know the people in his and Waldo’s new home.

“We don’t have to do a ground-up construction, so this will make it quicker to transition,” Berry said. “Looking at opportunities in that market, we visited the mall there, drove around the community, and talked to a few locals.”

A combination of this local love and excellent eats is what’s seen Waldo’s through expansive growth in the last four years. Mark Waldo founded the fast-casual restaurant in 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee with a simple menu offering complex flavors. Waldo’s Chicken fires up its moist and flavorful chicken thighs in two distinct ways — brined in pickle juice, dipped in buttermilk, and hand-coated with signature breading as well as brined in brown sugar then fire-roasted with a butter, garlic, and parsley glaze (per Waldo’s).

Patrons can order bone-in chicken, chicken tenders, and chicken sandwiches. Side dishes like mac n’ cheese, fried pickles, and collard greens all derive from down home, family recipes, and are prepared fresh every day. Along with “always ice cold” beer and drinks, the good vibes are always flowing. Endearing themselves to the local population, Berry and Waldo’s will team up to show off some of the Centennial State’s best craft brew along with national brands. These will be accompanied by canned wines and signature cocktails.

Berry said that he looks forward to introducing the Aurora community to “the fried chicken you’ve been searching for your whole entire life.” After opening in May, the Waldo’s partner plans to hold several events to introduce himself and the new eatery — opening night festivities, friends and family nights, and more.

Once Waldo’s Aurora gets rolling, the company has its eyes on continued Colorado expansion.