First Look: Chicken Out in the Loop

As the Delmar Loop continues its renaissance, adding new buildings and living spaces oriented at Washington University students, the team behind Sugarfire Smoke House and Hi-Pointe Drive-In has thrown their own vibe into the mix. Today, Wednesday, June 17, their new restaurant, Chicken Out, opens at 6197 Delmar Blvd.  

With a menu centered around “faster-casual pressure-fried chicken,” Chicken Out will aim to do for chicken what its owners have previously done with barbecue and burgers at Sugarfire and Hi-Pointe.  

A fried chicken sandwich restaurant is something that’s been on co-owner Mike Johnson’s mind for a long time. “Originally, Hi-Pointe was going to be a chicken place,” he explained, but said that they ultimately decided to pivot to burgers and save chicken for another time. When Piccione Pastry closed in September and its corner space became available, Johnson decided to finally go ahead with the concept. 

Chicken Out’s menu takes chicken fingers and patties as its base. A chicken finger plate is available, as well as three chicken salads, including an Asian kale salad and a grilled chicken Caesar.  

Sandwiches include the Chicken Out, which comes regular or spicy and has fried chicken, pickles, Duke’s mayonnaise (Crystal hot sauce mayo on the spicy version) and a Martin’s potato bun. The Cheep & Cheddar includes peppered bacon and cheddar sauce, while the Chicken Club has grilled chicken, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, mayo and bacon. Vegetarian option The Fauxhawk features Hungry Planet plant-based chicken; The Chickrib has Sugarfire smoked chicken with barbecue sauce.  

Sandwiches can be made into meals, which would include a side and a fountain drink. Sides include crinkle fries with chicken salt, mac and cheese, kale slaw and “old skool creamy slaw.”  

Eventually, Chicken Out will offer beer and wine, but probably not cocktails, Johnson speculated. Shakes will include chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and a rotating special.  

Check out the slideshow below for information about seating, hours and more.