Washington, DC
For Fried Chicken in Washington, the local food press points to Kung Fu Tea X TKK Chicken, bumblebirds, and Sweet Home Cafe. Picks from The Infatuation and Washingtonian, updated July 2026.
Editor’s picks
Press picks, until locals rank their own Top 5s. Sourced from the local food press. As seen in The Infatuation and Washingtonian. Updated July 2026.
Kung Fu Tea X TKK Chicken · Chinatown
A Taiwanese fast-casual counter in Chinatown's Luna Hall offering original, crispy mild, or crispy spicy fried chicken with Popeyes-level consistency. The grease still glistens through the lightly breaded crust when the box opens, and the crispy chicken sandwich holds up as well as the whole pieces.
bumblebirds · Capitol Hill
Carla Hall's fast-casual counter on Capitol Hill dry-brines its chicken with a tenderizing powdered vinegar, landing thighs that come out juicy and crunchy without turning too salty. The OG Bumble sandwich layers peppery slaw, pickles, and Havarti.
Sweet Home Cafe · National Mall
The Southern restaurant inside the National Museum of African American History and Culture proves museum food does not have to be an afterthought, with fried chicken that holds its own against standalone spots. Order it with the collard greens and banana pudding.
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