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Discover the Best Fried Chicken in Washington DC

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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 (7637)
$31 to $50
American
Penn Quarter
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
Daniel
Dined 1 day ago
Went for lunch on a dreary Saturday and the staff was great and were very accommodating of our two young children.
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
Daniel
Dined 1 day ago
Went for lunch on a dreary Saturday and the staff was great and were very accommodating of our two young children.
Bar Pilar
4.1 (484)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Logan Circle
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
Elizabeth
Dined on Apr 16, 2025
The bartender was the only person in the bar the entire time we ate, but the burgers were great and the drinks were good. Thank you for having some mocktail options! Easy and chill place to get dinner before a show at the 9:30 club.
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
Elizabeth
Dined on Apr 16, 2025
The bartender was the only person in the bar the entire time we ate, but the burgers were great and the drinks were good. Thank you for having some mocktail options! Easy and chill place to get dinner before a show at the 9:30 club.
St. Anselm - DC
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Mount Vernon
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.
Top review
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!
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.
Top review
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
4.7 (1610)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Logan Circle
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
Jill
Dined 1 day ago
Great food, fresh seafood, good service, great champagne selection, reasonable price point.
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
Jill
Dined 1 day ago
Great food, fresh seafood, good service, great champagne selection, reasonable price point.
Chaplin
4.7 (1619)
$30 and under
Japanese
Shaw
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.
Top review
Camille
Dined on Apr 13, 2025
It was my first time dining at Chaplin and it was very authentic and wonderful !
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.
Top review
Camille
Dined on Apr 13, 2025
It was my first time dining at Chaplin and it was very authentic and wonderful !
Silver - Cathedral Commons
4.5 (1031)
$30 and under
American
Cleveland Park
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
KateVIP
Dined 5 days ago
We always get friendly and helpful staff, have numerous favorite menu items and appreciate the reasonable pricing. The Silver is a neighborhood favorite!
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
KateVIP
Dined 5 days ago
We always get friendly and helpful staff, have numerous favorite menu items and appreciate the reasonable pricing. The Silver is a neighborhood favorite!
The Smith – Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C
4.5 (3951)
$31 to $50
American
Penn Quarter
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
Marica
Dined 6 days ago
Really good food - fresh and delicious! Kids said they felt like they were sitting in a Parisian cafe. Great vibe!
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
Marica
Dined 6 days ago
Really good food - fresh and delicious! Kids said they felt like they were sitting in a Parisian cafe. Great vibe!
The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC
4.8 (1113)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Downtown
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.
Top review
LoriVIP
Dined on Apr 19, 2025
This is one of our favorite go-to brunch places. Jorge always takes great care of us. They have the most amazing staff and chef. This place is a DC gem!!
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.
Top review
LoriVIP
Dined on Apr 19, 2025
This is one of our favorite go-to brunch places. Jorge always takes great care of us. They have the most amazing staff and chef. This place is a DC gem!!
Mandu - K Street
4.5 (671)
$30 and under
Korean
Mount Vernon Square
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
TimVIP
Dined on Apr 12, 2025
Excellent Korean food. Very authentic. Service was great.
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
TimVIP
Dined on Apr 12, 2025
Excellent Korean food. Very authentic. Service was great.
Ted's Bulletin - 14th Street
4.6 (1026)
$30 and under
American
Logan Circle
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
GeorgeVIP
Dined 7 days ago
We indulged in an exceptional brunch that included an array of delightful food and cocktails for adults, making for a truly unforgettable experience!
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
GeorgeVIP
Dined 7 days ago
We indulged in an exceptional brunch that included an array of delightful food and cocktails for adults, making for a truly unforgettable experience!

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