Washington's Best Chicken and Waffles [Updated 2025]

As I dove into the world of crispy, golden fried chicken paired with fluffy waffles, I found myself in a delicious adventure that had my taste buds dancing. After reviewing 12 top locations, I can confidently say that Washington, D.C. has some hidden gems that will make your mouth water and your heart sing.

Trust me, I take my food seriously—countless brunches, late-night cravings, and the occasional indulgent cheat day have led me to discover the perfect balance of savory and sweet that these spots offer. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, I promise you’ll find your next favorite meal in this guide. Let's dig in!

Georgia Brown's

Highlights
Warm and welcoming staff
Impressive service speed
Complimentary champagne gift
Live jazz music ambiance
Memorable anniversary experience

Georgia Brown's truly embodies the spirit of Southern comfort, right in the heart of Washington! From the moment I stepped inside, I was met with warm and welcoming staff who made me feel right at home. The impressive service speed had my mouth watering as my order arrived within moments, setting the stage for a delightful culinary experience.

Now, let’s talk about the chicken and waffles! The chicken was perfectly crispy, with flavors dancing on my palate that reminded me of a family gathering. The waffles, fluffy and golden brown, provided the perfect canvas for a drizzle of syrup, enhancing the savory goodness of the dish.

To my surprise, I was treated to a complimentary champagne gift, which made my meal feel extra special. Pairing that with the enchanting sounds of live jazz music created an atmosphere that was nothing short of magical.

I must say, Georgia Brown's transformed a simple dining experience into a memorable anniversary celebration. If you’re in search of a place that encapsulates the essence of chicken and waffles while treating you to a delightful dining experience, look no further than this gem!

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Oohh's & Aahh's

Highlights
Extremely delicious food
Great staff and service
Late-night hours available
Expensive but worth it
Quick service with a caveat

Oohh's & Aahh's is nothing short of a culinary treasure! Right from the moment I stepped in, I was greeted by an inviting atmosphere and a friendly staff eager to serve. The tantalizing scent of fried chicken wafted through the air, promising a delicious adventure.

When it came to the star of the show—chicken and waffles—I was not disappointed. The chicken was perfectly crisp on the outside and succulent on the inside, creating that satisfying crunch with every bite. Paired with fluffy waffles drizzled in syrup, the combo felt like a heavenly match made in food paradise. While the prices lean toward the higher side, I assure you, the experience is worth every penny.

One notable aspect is the quick service, although, during busy hours, a bit of a wait can be expected. But, trust me, the wait is a small price to pay for such delightful flavors. Plus, they conveniently open late-night, making it an ideal spot for those post-outing cravings. If you find yourself in Washington, do yourself a favor—indulge in the exquisite goodness of Oohh's & Aahh's!

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Unconventional Diner

Highlights
Friendly and attentive service
Modern, upscale diner vibe
Fluffy and delicious pancakes
Flavorful Lebanese fried rice
Huge and tasty portions

At Unconventional Diner, the moment I stepped inside, I was greeted by the friendly and attentive service that set the tone for a delightful meal. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between a modern, upscale diner vibe and a cozy neighborhood joint, making it an inviting spot to enjoy a classic dish with a twist.

Now, onto the star of the show: the chicken and waffles. This dish is not just a meal; it's an experience. The waffles are fluffy and delightfully crisp, providing the perfect canvas for the juicy fried chicken. Each bite is an explosion of flavor, and I couldn't get enough of the delicious combination. Additionally, the option to swap traditional sides for flavorful Lebanese fried rice was a surprising and delicious addition to an already stellar plate.

Portions are huge, ensuring that you won't leave hungry (which is always a plus in my book). If you’re in Washington and on the hunt for exceptional chicken and waffles, this place should definitely be on your list. Don't be surprised if you find yourself returning for more—this meal is nothing short of unconventional perfection!

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SUCCOTASH

Highlights
Attentive and friendly staff
Delicious cornbread
Fast, well-prepared meals
Spacious and comfortable booths
Variety of Southern dishes

SUCCOTASH in Washington is a delightful haven for anyone seeking a tantalizing twist on classic chicken and waffles. From the moment I stepped through the doors, the attentive and friendly staff made me feel right at home, ready to guide me through their Southern-inspired menu.

Now, let's talk about the main event: the chicken and waffles. Succotash serves a plate that could only be described as a culinary masterpiece. The chicken is crispy and well-seasoned, with just the right amount of spice to make your taste buds dance. The waffles are fluffy and golden, almost like pillows that cradle the crispy chicken. I couldn’t help but get lost in the harmony of textures and flavors!

What truly elevated my experience was the delicious cornbread served as an accompaniment. It’s a small detail, but it complemented my meal beautifully. The spacious and comfortable booths allowed me to unwind while relishing my food, making each bite that much more satisfying.

In conclusion, SUCCOTASH is not just a restaurant; it’s an experience. If you're on the hunt for the best chicken and waffles in Washington, feel free to make a beeline for this charming spot!

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Ben's Next Door

Highlights
Great service and ambiance
Delicious wings and Mambo sauce
Fun and vibrant brunch vibe
Vast menu options
Clean and comfortable venue

When I visited Ben's Next Door, it felt like stepping into a lively brunch haven. The ambiance was buzzing with energy, setting the perfect backdrop for my eagerly awaited chicken and waffles. The service was attentive yet laid-back, making me feel right at home.

Now, onto the main event: the chicken and waffles. They serve delectable wings that come drizzled with their signature Mambo sauce, a tangy and spicy delight that complements the crispy, golden crust of the chicken perfectly. The waffles were soft and fluffy, serving as the ideal base for the juicy chicken.

What struck me most was the vast menu options—it’s hard to choose when everything looks tempting! Whether you're in the mood for a classic chicken and waffle combo or something a bit more adventurous, this place has you covered.

To top it off, the venue was notably clean and comfortable, making it suitable for both casual bites or celebratory brunches. Overall, Ben's Next Door has won my heart (and taste buds) with their delightful take on this classic dish, making it a contender for one of the best chicken and waffle spots in Washington.

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Lincoln

Highlights
Chic atmosphere
Average service
Small portion sizes
Tasty food options
Good appetizer selection

What a delightful culinary adventure! Stepping into Lincoln, you're greeted with a chic atmosphere that sets the perfect backdrop for a brunch date or a casual outing with friends. The modern décor complements the innovative menu, making it easy to feel right at home while indulging in their famous chicken and waffles.

While the service was average, my taste buds were dancing in delight when the food arrived. The small portion sizes caught me off guard, but the flavors more than made up for it. The chicken was juicy and well-seasoned, nestled atop a fluffy waffle that was perfectly cooked—combining the right balance of crispness and softness.

I also appreciated the appetizer selection, which, though not the star of the show, charmingly whetted my appetite for the main event. If you’re searching for a place that truly celebrates this Southern classic, Lincoln is a solid choice. Just be prepared to savor every bite and perhaps order a bit more than you anticipated. Overall, Lincoln serves up a refreshing twist on chicken and waffles that’s definitely worth a visit!

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American Best Chicken & Waffle

Highlights
Lack of food quality
Rude service experience
Long wait times
Spoiled salad greens
Unpleasant atmosphere

American Best Chicken & Waffle is a place that promises tantalizing bliss in the form of chicken and waffles—at least, that’s what I hoped for when I walked through the doors. Unfortunately, my experience left me feeling a bit more “meh” than “m-m-m-mmm!”

First off, the service was a challenge. The staff seemed more invested in their phones than in providing a welcoming atmosphere. As I waited not-so-patiently for my meal, I began to wonder if I would have better luck at a drive-thru—at least there, I’d have the option to honestly sandwich my hunger between two cardboard boxes!

When the food finally arrived, the chicken—while crispy—lacked that juicy punch one desires, and the waffles? Let’s just say they could have used a little more love. The salad greens were not fresh, and as someone who appreciates a delightful crunch, finding spoiled greens was a major letdown.

In conclusion, American Best Chicken & Waffle had all the right ingredients for success but missed the recipe badly. I left feeling unsatisfied, hoping for another opportunity to chase my chicken and waffle dreams elsewhere.

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Lincoln's Waffle Shop

At Lincoln's Waffle Shop, the chicken and waffles are a delightful matchup that dances on your palate. The crispy fried chicken is succulent and perfectly seasoned, creating a heavenly contrast with the fluffy waffles that are drizzled in warm maple syrup. The vibrant atmosphere adds to the charm, making each bite feel like a celebration. I particularly loved the tenderness of the chicken paired with the subtle sweetness of the waffles—truly a match made in culinary heaven! If you're hunting for a playful twist on a classic, this spot deserves a top ranking on your brunch list in Washington!

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Milk & Honey Express

At Milk & Honey Express, I discovered a delightful twist on the classic chicken and waffles. The crispy fried chicken complemented the fluffy, golden waffles perfectly, creating a delicious harmony of flavors. I was especially enchanted by the house-made syrup, which added a sweet touch without overshadowing the savory elements. The vibrant atmosphere and friendly service made my meal even more enjoyable. If you're searching for a spot where comfort food reigns supreme, Milk & Honey Express is a must-try. It’s a place where every bite feels like a warm hug, and I can't wait to return for another round!

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Founding Farmers DC

At Founding Farmers DC, the chicken and waffles were a delightful homage to comfort food. The crispy fried chicken perfectly complemented the fluffy, warm waffles, creating a symphony of textures and flavors. Drizzled with maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar, each bite felt like a hug on a plate. The ambiance? A charming mix of rustic and modern that invites you to linger. It's a brunch spot where satisfaction reigns supreme. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this dish is a must-try. My taste buds are already longing for a return visit!

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Yardbird Table & Bar

At Yardbird Table & Bar, the chicken and waffles are a delightful masterpiece. The crispy, golden-brown chicken boasts an irresistible crunch, while the fluffy waffle provides the perfect canvas for a drizzle of maple syrup. Every bite is a harmonious blend of sweet and savory that dances on the palate. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it an exciting backdrop for a culinary adventure. Not to mention, the service is as impressive as the food! If you're seeking a soul-satisfying experience, this spot deserves a top place on your chicken and waffles bucket list.

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Ted's Bulletin - 14th Street

At Ted's Bulletin - 14th Street, the chicken and waffles are a delightful union of comfort and flair. The crispy fried chicken sat atop a fluffy waffle, drizzled with a heavenly maple syrup that danced on my tongue. Each bite was a harmonious blend of sweet and savory, making it hard to resist. The vibrant atmosphere and friendly staff added to the experience, inviting a sense of nostalgia. If you’re seeking a brunch that feels like a warm hug, this spot is a must-try. I left with a satisfied smile and a newfound love for this classic dish!

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