Discover the Best Fried Chicken in Washington DC

by The OpenTable Team

Updated January 10, 2020

The nation's capital of Washington, D.C. not only forms the epicenter of power and politics but has also become a hub for award-winning cuisine. Restaurants with the best fried chicken in DC attract politicians and plebeians alike looking for traditional favorites or creative concoctions. But where are the city's smartest, savviest diners headed out to when seeking the best fried chicken in DC? Welcome to the Tastemaker 20. Here, we've gathered information from in-the-know diners to put together this comprehensive list of the best fried chicken in DC. Featuring everything from modern styles to classic recipes, the city on the Potomac has every type of fried chicken dish under the sun. Grab a table and enjoy dinner there tonight!

Central Michel Richard

4.7

4.7 (7632)

$31 to $50

American

Penn Quarter

About the restaurant

One of the top restaurants in the capital city, this acclaimed spot features some of the best fried chicken in DC. The brainchild of celebrated chef Michel Richard, Central Michel Richard boasts a menu of "Michel's Classics." Try the fried chicken with mashed potatoes, grilled branzino with sauce Vierge, or hanger steak with french fries. The American-French accented favorites include Osso Bucco with polenta cakes and short rib bourguignon along with mashed potatoes. Bouillabaisse features branzino, shrimp, mussels, and clams. Pair dinner with a classic cocktail or one of the restaurant's featured Arnold Palmers.

Top review

Keith

Dined 5 days ago

Each of our party of three had the salmon, which was outstanding, after starting with the gougeres and the chicken nuggets-both delicious! We shared the profiteroles at the end, which we enjoyed immensely. Thanks for the attentive, unhurried service

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4.4

4.4 (483)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Logan Circle

About the restaurant

Washington D.C. is a city known for fine brunch options, and Bar Pilar is right up at the top of the list. Fried chicken dishes are highlights on the Bar Pilar brunch menu. Head in during the brunch hour for the buttermilk fried chicken pancake, made with maple-roasted pork belly and pickled jalapenos. The crispy fried chicken sandwich features bacon, avocado, and mango guacamole with mixed greens. Try throwing the fried chicken in with one of the restaurant's signature green papaya salad with fried noodles and peanuts. A "French toast supremo" boasts cheesy scrambled eggs with bacon maple syrup.

Top review

Adrienne

Dined on Dec 15, 2024

We had a lovely dinner, but upstairs was very loud. The combo of crowd voices and loud music made it hard to have a conversation. Drinks were great and fries very tasty. Really enjoyed the Brussell sprouts! Service was good and server very friendly, but felt like she was really in the weeds and therefore unable to pay as much attention to us as she would have liked. But others stepped in to help when she was unable to, so your team was working well together.

St. Anselm - DC

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Mount Vernon

About the restaurant

A refined and classic spot in Mt. Vernon, St. Anselm features a menu full of hearty grilled favorites. Look to the "Bigs from the Grill" section for standouts. Crispy young "BoBo" chicken includes the house "mumbo sauce." A venison chop features grilled pear butter, and the restaurant's specialty tuna steak comes with a chanterelle mushroom vinaigrette. The beef dishes are house favorites. Try the butcher's steak with garlic butter, or skirt steak with grilled tomato vinaigrette. Pair the meal with one of St. Anselm's excellent beers on draft. Try the robust porter "Haxan" from Right Proper or the "Citra Splendor" IPA from Manor Hill Brewing.

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KTbsp

Dined on Jan 1, 2023

The food was outstanding and the waiter was very knowledgeable and helped a great deal. The ice cream cake was outstanding!

Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

4.8

4.8 (1572)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Logan Circle

About the restaurant

This Logan Circle favorite specializes in top-notch oysters and some of the best fried chicken in D.C. The fried chicken brings in a taste of Pennsylvania to the District. A "Pennsylvania Amish chicken dinner" boasts bacon-braised greens, salt-roasted potatoes, and creamy coleslaw. Other highlights of the fried menu include an oyster or shrimp po'boy and the shrimp dinner with classic tartar sauce. Don't miss the Pearl Dive's standout selection of oysters. The restaurant features signature "Old Black Salt" oysters from nearby Virginia and the "Cedar Island" oysters from Port Judith in Rhode Island.

Top review

Stephen

Dined 3 days ago

Roxy was an amazing server. Engaged and made us feel like we were regulars. Food was delicious. Lively atmosphere and apparently happy hour is a draw, which will we find if true out another time.

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4.7

4.7 (1597)

$30 and under

Japanese

Shaw

About the restaurant

Take a trek to 1920s Asia with the inspired, creative Chaplin restaurant. A short walk away from Logan Circle, Chaplin is a stylish spot perfect for a night out with friends and family. Stop in to try some of the "crowd-pleaser" dumplings, like the fried chicken or fried shrimp shumai. Chicken katsu comes breaded and fried with spicy potato salad, broccoli, and curried coconut sauce. There's also a full menu of ramen favorites. Try the house-signature Chaplin, with pork belly chashu, stamina egg, scallions, and bean sprouts. Tori karaage is Japanese-style fried chicken with sweet and spicy sauce.

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DavidVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Fabulous food & service!! We celebrated our birthdays here, and our server (who also managed the bar) was VERY attentive & accommodating.

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Silver - Cathedral Commons

4.4

4.4 (1021)

$30 and under

American

Cleveland Park

About the restaurant

A classic and sleek D.C. bistro, Silver is an after-work favorite with a lively crowd and creative menu. It also features some of the best fried chicken in D.C. Head to the "entrees" menu to find the fried chicken macaroni and cheese, with 24-hour brined chicken, cavatappi mac and cheese, and garlic green beans. For a twist on an old favorite, try the truffle bison meatloaf with dill fingerling potatoes and roasted pearl onions. A flaky and buttery chicken pot pie includes Cremini mushrooms, basil, and butternut squash. Try one of the local craft beers with dinner, like the "Citizen Belgian Ale" from D.C. Brau.

Top review

MarcVIP

Dined 1 day ago

It's become the go-to for meals throughout the day. Consistent reliable excellent staff excellent food. Great for singles, couples and families.

The Smith – Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C

4.6

4.6 (3846)

$31 to $50

American

Penn Quarter

About the restaurant

The Penn Quarter outpost of this Washington bistro favorite offers some of the best fried chicken in D.C. Grab a seat in this lively, centrally-located bistro to enjoy the spicy fried chicken sandwich or the "burger supreme" with a short rib blend, raclette cheese, and watercress. Pasta lovers will find a home at The Smith. Go for the squid ink spaghetti, made with sauteed shrimp, calamari, and crumbled garlic bread. At lunchtime, try The Smith eggs Benedict. This twist on the classic includes Black Forest ham, an English muffin, and hollandaise sauce with poached eggs.

Top review

Sandra

Dined 3 days ago

The Smith is one of my favorite places to dine while in DC. The quality of service and food is always amazing. They offer a sufficient variety for groups. Also I don’t know how you hire but you can always trust your server’s recommendation for food and drinks. At least I’ve never been steered the wrong way!

Logan Tavern

3.9

3.9 (1827)

$30 and under

American

Logan Circle

About the restaurant

Logan Tavern is a bustling, lively favorite in the heart of one of D.C.'s most stylish and happening neighborhoods. This classic American-style bar includes a selection of traditional pub classics and a standout brunch menu. Head in for brunch to enjoy the restaurant's signature fried chicken benedict, with easy eggs, spicy hollandaise, and a biscuit. Lunchtime tavern-goers will find a chipotle fried chicken sandwich, Cali turkey wrap, and portabella and eggplant sandwich. The "winter burger" at Logan Tavern features a cumin-rubbed beef patty, apple and fennel slaw, and agave mustard.

Top review

Justin

Dined on Jan 11, 2025

wonderful experience! The pork belly was to die for! excellent friendly service !!!

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Popular dish

New York Strip

The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC

4.8

4.8 (1095)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Only a few blocks from the White House, the Jefferson Hotel is a favorite for the rich and powerful in D.C. Greenhouse is a prime dining spot with some of the best fried chicken in D.C. Take a seat under the restaurant's elegant skylight to enjoy some of Jefferson's fabled brunch meals. Fried chicken and waffles come with sweet tea-brined chicken breast and Tabasco butter. A cast iron-baked egg included tomato pepper ragout, spinach, and feta cheese. For those with a sweet tooth, the apple-cranberry cobbler features an oats crisp and lavender acacia honey.

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Tom

Dined 3 days ago

My favorite venue for a morning breakfast meeting. Service is always excellent, food is superior, coffee is great!

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Experience

The Wine Cellar at Greenhouse

Experience

Valentine's Day at the Greenhouse

Experience

Valentine's Day Dinner at the Greenhouse

Mandu - K Street

4.6

4.6 (668)

$30 and under

Korean

Mount Vernon Square

About the restaurant

Creative Korean dining comes to K Street at this District favorite. A comfortable and welcoming neighborhood place, Mandu offers a relaxing night out with some top Korean dishes. Try the "Dak Jim," spicy simmered chicken thigh, or the "Dak Kalguksoo" with wide noodles and pulled chicken. A bibimbap rice bowl includes assorted veggies, beef, and a sunny-side-up egg with gochujang. Head in for the late-night bar menu to try the Korean tacos or the "mandu," six pan-fried house dumplings

Top review

ManuelVIP

Dined on Jan 2, 2025

Phenomenal experience! Highly recommend their restaurant for a truly pleasant experience

Ted's Bulletin - 14th Street

4.6

4.6 (1012)

$30 and under

American

Logan Circle

About the restaurant

A true Washington D.C. highlight, Ted's Bulletin is a must-go for locals and visitors. With a funky but gripping diner aesthetic and super-cool atmosphere, Ted's is a local favorite with a creative menu. Country-fried chicken includes a boneless breast, mashed potatoes, white gravy, and glazed carrots. The "timeless" menu includes short rib pot roast, fish and chips, meatloaf, and crab cakes. Head in for breakfast or brunch for the must-have, home-made frosted pop tarts.

Top review

PaulVIP

Dined on Jan 28, 2025

Food was great, service excellent still, many years after being open. Had the chicken and biscuits with sausage gravy. I wasn’t mad about it. Definitely recommend.

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