Phil’s Chicken House in Endicott has been a venerable institution in the Triple Cities for nearly 50 years and Brooks Bar-B-Que has been the same in Oneonta for nearly 60 years. The Brooks catering truck invades the Southern Tier a few times a year for fundraisers and their restaurant in Oneonta is a favorite spot for travelers on I-88. So, whose chicken reigns supreme?
Phil’s chicken is cooked on a rotisserie and basted with their “secret sauce.” The secret sauce is a variant on what is called the Cornell sauce that was created at Cornell University’s Farm Home Extension service in the 1950s and it is very good. Phil’s offers All-You-Can Eat buffets and menu service. In addition to chicken, the entrees include pork ribs, beef, fish, and ham.
Brooks chicken is cooked over a charcoal fire grill and is basted with the Brooks Chicken Sauce, which is also a variant of the Cornell sauce. Because of the charcoal grill, Brooks has a smoky taste that isn’t evident in Phil’s chicken. The Brook’s Original Bar-B-Que sauce is too sweet for my taste, but they do have other sauces. Brooks does chicken, ribs, pulled pork, bbq beef, seafood, and sandwiches. There is a salad bar that is included with dinner entrees.
Phil's is located at 1208 Maine Rd. (Route 26), and Brooks is located off exit 16 of I-88 at 5560 State Highway 7 in Oneonta.
Phil’s chicken and Brooks’ chicken are both very good. I rate Brooks’ a notch or two higher than Phil’s. Since Phil's is closer to many of us, it's worth visiting. Brooks' is worth a trip!
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