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 (7630)

$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

KimVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Amazing service, good top notch and always save room for dessert

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3.9

3.9 (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

AdrienneVIP

Dined 7 days ago

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 (1558)

$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

Bryce

Dined 7 days ago

Delicious food and excellent service. Will visit again!

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4.7

4.7 (1575)

$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.

Top review

KyleVIP

Dined on Dec 10, 2024

Chaplins always offers great food with good service, and tonight was no exception. They were slammed with large tables from a convention, yet the team still managed to run a very efficient service without compromising on taste or hospitality!

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Silver - Cathedral Commons

4.3

4.3 (1013)

$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

Wendy

Dined 7 days ago

Good casual meal. And another bunch of characters for the limit

The Smith – Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C

4.6

4.6 (3786)

$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

Sonya

Dined 5 days ago

Our servers were nice and the food was ok. Table was waiting for us when we arrived.

Logan Tavern

4.1

4.1 (1819)

$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

Cody

Dined on Dec 6, 2024

Absolutely amazing! The meatloaf is the best I have ever tasted! Highly recommend the ribs and grilled chicken! Grab yourself a Moscow Mule too!

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Popular dish

New York Strip

The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC

4.7

4.7 (1075)

$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.

Top review

Lisa

Dined 2 days ago

The Christmas decor was absolutely beautiful. The lamb was delicious!

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Experience

The Wine Cellar at Greenhouse

Experience

Christmas Eve at The Greenhouse

Experience

Christmas Day at the Greenhouse

Mandu - K Street

4.7

4.7 (666)

$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

Samantha

Dined on Nov 1, 2024

We have always loved Mandu! The food and drinks are always amazing!

Ted's Bulletin - 14th Street

4.7

4.7 (995)

$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

Thana

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

This was my second time dining here (different location). I really enjoyed it and will be back very soon!

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