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Charcoal roasted chicken from El Pollo Rico
Charcoal roasted chicken from El Pollo Rico
Amanda Voisard/For the Washington Post via Getty Images

Where to Order Succulent Roast Chicken Around D.C.

Find birds with South America, Asian, and the Middle Eastern accents

by Tim Ebner Updated
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Charcoal roasted chicken from El Pollo Rico
| Amanda Voisard/For the Washington Post via Getty Images
by Tim Ebner Updated

Whether it’s served Peruvian-style — roasted over glowing coals with herb-speckled, bronzed skin — Italian-themed, or prepared in a classic French manner, roast chicken is a democratic dish that provides comfort food across many price points. From carryouts to fine-dining institutions, D.C. area favorites like El Pollo Rico and Le Diplomate have built their reputations on roast chicken. More recent arrivals, from Maydan and Chloe to just-opened Nina May and Brasserie Liberté, are staking their own claims to the hearty speciality.

Here’s a list of local restaurants serving the most exciting takes on roast chicken right now.

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Primrose

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Aside from its wine list and its reputation from serving some of D.C.’s top frites, this Brookland bistro has drawn attention for a spicy-sweet whole roast chicken ($50) stuffed with herbs de Provence and served with chicken jus, those thick fries, and salad. —Gabe Hiatt

3000 12th St NE, Washington, DC 20017
(202) 248-4558
(202) 248-4558
View this post on Instagram

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!! If you haven’t heard, our Roasted Chicken for Two is the talk of the town! So we decided to give it its own well deserved photo shoot! . . “The seduction starts with a slow-growing heritage chicken from Virginia that absorbs a bit of sweetness and sass from a brine that mingles brown sugar, Fresno chiles and jalapeño. As the chicken roasts, cooks baste it with hot oil and date juice, giving its skin a caramel hue and welcome tackiness. Carved before it leaves the kitchen, the centerpiece, including velvety slices of breast meat and a garnish of toasted cashew gremolata, is trailed by sublime french fries, a green salad that adds a nice snap to the rich feast and, if you’re smart, a wine paired by the resident grape nut, co-owner Sebastian Zutant.” - Tom Sietsma @washingtonpost . . : @timwalkonwater . . . #Foodies #DCdesign #DCdining #ThePrettyCities #TravelChannel #MyDCcool #DCeats #DistrictEats #IGDC #ChickenDinner #DCwines #RestaurantDesign #Winetime #Chicken #FrenchCuisine #Travelfood #Eater #BYThings #WineBar #AcreativeDC #Winestagram #DCdrinks #DCevents #WineDown #DCfoodporn #WorldsBestBar #FoodNetwork

A post shared by Primrose (@primrose.dc) on

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Huacatay

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Three years ago, this homegrown restaurant arrived in Edgewood, providing the Northeast neighborhood with an excellent takeout or dine-in option for Peruvian-style bird.

2314 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 795-9940
(202) 795-9940

Maydan

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Maydan’s central wood-burning hearth churns out family-style portions of protein, including a whole-roast chicken spiced with turmeric and coriander that comes with a side of garlicky toum.

1346 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 370-3696
(202) 370-3696
Maggie Margolis tends the blazing central hearth at Maydan.
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

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Chicken + Whiskey

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This quick-service eatery unites two South American dining traditions under one roof. Chef Enrique Limardo came up with a recipe for Venezuelan arepas stuffed with Peruvian chicken. The namesake chicken, brined for 12 hours, can be the centerpiece of a meal rounded out with Peruvian-Chinese chifa fried rice.

1738 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 667-2456
(202) 667-2456
Kitchen staff cutting up roast birds at Chicken + Whiskey.
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

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Bistrot du Coin

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This classically French, Dupont Circle mainstay serves oven-roasted chicken with a side of crispy french fries. The late-fall harvest season, when Beaujolais Nouveau is prime for pairing with hearty dishes, is the best time to order it.

1738 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 234-6969
(202) 234-6969

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Patsy's American

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Patsy’s American, one of the latest additions to Northern Virginia’s revered Great American Restaurants group, is part of an enormous three-piece complex in Tysons Corner. A half-portion of Bell & Evans farmbird that’s rubbed with spices, smoked, and slow-roasted sells out quickly.

8051 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182
(703) 552-5100
(703) 552-5100

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Le Diplomate

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The half roasted chicken at James Beard Foundation Award-winning restaurateur Stephen Starr’s Le Diplomate is a favorite for fans of simple, French-style birds. The chicken is cooked with fresh rosemary and butter and accompanied by potato puree with roasted chicken jus.

1601 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 332-3333
(202) 332-3333
Le Diplomate
Le Diplomate
Official

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Nina May

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At this local-sourcing Logan Circle newcomer, chef-partner Colin McClimans is channeling comforting dishes, including a classic take on a whole-cooked chicken served with roast potatoes, mustard greens, and caramelized pan jus over a crusty section of brioche he bakes himself.

1337 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 518-3609
(202) 518-3609
Nina May chef-owner Colin McClimans stirs a pot Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

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Brasserie Liberté

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At both lunch and dinner, roast chicken takes center stage at this recently opened French restaurant with a fanciful style. For $19.95, chef Jaryd Hearn prepares a lavender-honey roast chicken breast served on a bed of braised cabbage and smashed potatoes.

3251 Prospect St NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 878-8404
(202) 878-8404
A half-circle booth with dramatic red seats has a domed ceiling that looks like a fabergé egg. Rey Lopez/Eater DC

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Kinship

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This might be the most indulgent, succulent bird in town. Chef Eric Ziebold prepares a whole-roast chicken with a lemon-garlic panade stuffed under the skin. The $60 platter comes with pommes rissolées (home fries) and frisee salad. It’s fired to order and takes upwards of an hour to prepare, so be prepared for a leisurely meal.

1015 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 737-7700
(202) 737-7700
Whole roast chicken from Kinship
Whole roast chicken from Kinship
Kinship [official]

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Estuary

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Inside the new Conrad Hotel, celebrity chef brothers Bryan and Michael Voltaggio prepare Chesapeake-style dishes, including a roast chicken that’s served with the crispy skin on a bed of sunflower seed risotto and charred broccoli.

950 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 844-5895
(202) 844-5895
Estuary Blue Willow room Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

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Central

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In downtown D.C., the legacy of chef Michel Richard lives on with one of his signature dishes — a perfectly cooked rotisserie chicken served with root vegetables.

1001 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004
(202) 626-0015
(202) 626-0015

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El Pollo Rico (Multiple locations)

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There are many Peruvian-style chicken restaurants scattered throughout D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, and critically acclaimed El Pollo Rico is the granddaddy of them all. Just look for the giant plume of smoke and follow the scent of spice-rubbed rotisserie chicken that hangs in the air. Be sure to load up on the aioli, hot sauce, and fried yuca, too.

932 N Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 522-3220
(703) 522-3220
 Charcoal broiled chicken at El Pollo Rico
Charcoal broiled chicken at El Pollo Rico
Amanda Voisard/For the Washington Post via Getty Images

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Thompson Italian

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The wife-and-husband team of Katherine and Gabe Thompson recently opened a family-style Italian restaurant in Falls Church that’s simultaneously a suburban neighborhood haunt and a destination dining spot. The roast chicken has a distinct Italian-style accent, served with marsala-braised Cipollini onions, polenta, and mushrooms.

124 N Washington St, Falls Church, VA 22046
(703) 269-0893
(703) 269-0893

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Chloe

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Chef-owner Haidar Karoum adds a Vietnamese flair to the roast chicken at this Navy Yard stalwart, brining it in a pho broth and air-drying it before roasting, then adding chile-lime dipping sauce and Asian greens.

1331 4th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 313-7007
(202) 313-7007
Roast chicken at Chloe.
Chloe/Instagram

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Primrose

3000 12th St NE, Washington, DC 20017

Aside from its wine list and its reputation from serving some of D.C.’s top frites, this Brookland bistro has drawn attention for a spicy-sweet whole roast chicken ($50) stuffed with herbs de Provence and served with chicken jus, those thick fries, and salad. —Gabe Hiatt

3000 12th St NE, Washington, DC 20017
(202) 248-4558
(202) 248-4558
View this post on Instagram

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!! If you haven’t heard, our Roasted Chicken for Two is the talk of the town! So we decided to give it its own well deserved photo shoot! . . “The seduction starts with a slow-growing heritage chicken from Virginia that absorbs a bit of sweetness and sass from a brine that mingles brown sugar, Fresno chiles and jalapeño. As the chicken roasts, cooks baste it with hot oil and date juice, giving its skin a caramel hue and welcome tackiness. Carved before it leaves the kitchen, the centerpiece, including velvety slices of breast meat and a garnish of toasted cashew gremolata, is trailed by sublime french fries, a green salad that adds a nice snap to the rich feast and, if you’re smart, a wine paired by the resident grape nut, co-owner Sebastian Zutant.” - Tom Sietsma @washingtonpost . . : @timwalkonwater . . . #Foodies #DCdesign #DCdining #ThePrettyCities #TravelChannel #MyDCcool #DCeats #DistrictEats #IGDC #ChickenDinner #DCwines #RestaurantDesign #Winetime #Chicken #FrenchCuisine #Travelfood #Eater #BYThings #WineBar #AcreativeDC #Winestagram #DCdrinks #DCevents #WineDown #DCfoodporn #WorldsBestBar #FoodNetwork

A post shared by Primrose (@primrose.dc) on

Huacatay

2314 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Three years ago, this homegrown restaurant arrived in Edgewood, providing the Northeast neighborhood with an excellent takeout or dine-in option for Peruvian-style bird.

2314 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 795-9940
(202) 795-9940

Maydan

1346 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009

Maydan’s central wood-burning hearth churns out family-style portions of protein, including a whole-roast chicken spiced with turmeric and coriander that comes with a side of garlicky toum.

1346 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 370-3696
(202) 370-3696
Maggie Margolis tends the blazing central hearth at Maydan.
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

Chicken + Whiskey

1738 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

This quick-service eatery unites two South American dining traditions under one roof. Chef Enrique Limardo came up with a recipe for Venezuelan arepas stuffed with Peruvian chicken. The namesake chicken, brined for 12 hours, can be the centerpiece of a meal rounded out with Peruvian-Chinese chifa fried rice.

1738 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 667-2456
(202) 667-2456
Kitchen staff cutting up roast birds at Chicken + Whiskey.
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

Bistrot du Coin

1738 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009

This classically French, Dupont Circle mainstay serves oven-roasted chicken with a side of crispy french fries. The late-fall harvest season, when Beaujolais Nouveau is prime for pairing with hearty dishes, is the best time to order it.

1738 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 234-6969
(202) 234-6969

Patsy's American

8051 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182

Patsy’s American, one of the latest additions to Northern Virginia’s revered Great American Restaurants group, is part of an enormous three-piece complex in Tysons Corner. A half-portion of Bell & Evans farmbird that’s rubbed with spices, smoked, and slow-roasted sells out quickly.

8051 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182
(703) 552-5100
(703) 552-5100

Le Diplomate

1601 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

The half roasted chicken at James Beard Foundation Award-winning restaurateur Stephen Starr’s Le Diplomate is a favorite for fans of simple, French-style birds. The chicken is cooked with fresh rosemary and butter and accompanied by potato puree with roasted chicken jus.

1601 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 332-3333
(202) 332-3333
Le Diplomate
Le Diplomate
Official

Nina May

1337 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

At this local-sourcing Logan Circle newcomer, chef-partner Colin McClimans is channeling comforting dishes, including a classic take on a whole-cooked chicken served with roast potatoes, mustard greens, and caramelized pan jus over a crusty section of brioche he bakes himself.

1337 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 518-3609
(202) 518-3609
Nina May chef-owner Colin McClimans stirs a pot Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

Brasserie Liberté

3251 Prospect St NW, Washington, DC 20007

At both lunch and dinner, roast chicken takes center stage at this recently opened French restaurant with a fanciful style. For $19.95, chef Jaryd Hearn prepares a lavender-honey roast chicken breast served on a bed of braised cabbage and smashed potatoes.

3251 Prospect St NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 878-8404
(202) 878-8404
A half-circle booth with dramatic red seats has a domed ceiling that looks like a fabergé egg. Rey Lopez/Eater DC

Kinship

1015 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

This might be the most indulgent, succulent bird in town. Chef Eric Ziebold prepares a whole-roast chicken with a lemon-garlic panade stuffed under the skin. The $60 platter comes with pommes rissolées (home fries) and frisee salad. It’s fired to order and takes upwards of an hour to prepare, so be prepared for a leisurely meal.

1015 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 737-7700
(202) 737-7700
Whole roast chicken from Kinship
Whole roast chicken from Kinship
Kinship [official]

Estuary

950 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Inside the new Conrad Hotel, celebrity chef brothers Bryan and Michael Voltaggio prepare Chesapeake-style dishes, including a roast chicken that’s served with the crispy skin on a bed of sunflower seed risotto and charred broccoli.

950 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 844-5895
(202) 844-5895
Estuary Blue Willow room Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

Central

1001 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004

In downtown D.C., the legacy of chef Michel Richard lives on with one of his signature dishes — a perfectly cooked rotisserie chicken served with root vegetables.

1001 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004
(202) 626-0015
(202) 626-0015

El Pollo Rico (Multiple locations)

932 N Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201

There are many Peruvian-style chicken restaurants scattered throughout D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, and critically acclaimed El Pollo Rico is the granddaddy of them all. Just look for the giant plume of smoke and follow the scent of spice-rubbed rotisserie chicken that hangs in the air. Be sure to load up on the aioli, hot sauce, and fried yuca, too.

932 N Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 522-3220
(703) 522-3220
 Charcoal broiled chicken at El Pollo Rico
Charcoal broiled chicken at El Pollo Rico
Amanda Voisard/For the Washington Post via Getty Images

Thompson Italian

124 N Washington St, Falls Church, VA 22046

The wife-and-husband team of Katherine and Gabe Thompson recently opened a family-style Italian restaurant in Falls Church that’s simultaneously a suburban neighborhood haunt and a destination dining spot. The roast chicken has a distinct Italian-style accent, served with marsala-braised Cipollini onions, polenta, and mushrooms.

124 N Washington St, Falls Church, VA 22046
(703) 269-0893
(703) 269-0893

Chloe

1331 4th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Chef-owner Haidar Karoum adds a Vietnamese flair to the roast chicken at this Navy Yard stalwart, brining it in a pho broth and air-drying it before roasting, then adding chile-lime dipping sauce and Asian greens.

1331 4th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 313-7007
(202) 313-7007
Roast chicken at Chloe.
Chloe/Instagram

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