Crispy, Juicy, Perfect: The 9 Best Black-Owned Chicken Sandwiches in the DMV

Fried, crispy, sauced-up, or smothered in honey butter—there’s something special about a chicken sandwich done right. And when it comes to the DMV, Black-owned restaurants are setting the bar high with bold flavors, perfectly seasoned crusts, and sandwiches worth waiting in line for.

Whether you like it spicy, classic, or with a cultural twist, these 9 Black-owned spots in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia are serving up some of the best chicken sandwiches in the area.

1. Roaming Rooster

📍 Multiple Locations | Washington, D.C.
🔥 Must-Try: Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich

If you live in the DMV and haven’t had Roaming Rooster yet, what are you even doing? This fast-growing, Black-owned chicken empire started as a food truck and now has multiple locations across the city. The star of the show? A crispy, free-range, grain-fed fried chicken sandwich that comes in flavors like Nashville Hot, Honey Butter, and Buffalo. It’s the type of sandwich that hits every time—no notes needed.

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2. Queen Mother’s

📍 Arlington, VA
🔥 Must-Try: Virginia Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich

Tucked away in Arlington, Queen Mother’s is all about making a fried chicken sandwich that feels like home. Their Virginia Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich is a masterpiece—golden-fried chicken, slathered in house-made honey butter, and stacked on a soft bun. Pair it with their duck fat fries, and you’ve got a meal worth driving for.

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3. Open Crumb

📍 1243 Good Hope Rd SE, Washington, D.C.
🔥 Must-Try: Classic Fried Chicken Sandwich

Located in Anacostia, Open Crumb brings a Ghanaian twist to classic American comfort food. Their fried chicken sandwich keeps it simple but flavorful—crispy, juicy, and topped with just the right amount of sauce. Bonus points for their baked-to-order mac and cheese, which makes the perfect sidekick.

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4. Doro Soul Food

📍 1819 7th St NW, Washington, D.C.
🔥 Must-Try: Berbere Fried Chicken Sandwich

For a sandwich that breaks all the rules (in the best way possible), head to Doro Soul Food. This spot blends Ethiopian flavors with Southern comfort, and the result is a berbere-spiced fried chicken sandwich that packs a serious punch. If you like your chicken with a little kick and a lot of depth, this is your go-to.

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5. Service Bar DC

📍 928 U St NW, Washington, D.C.
🔥 Must-Try: The Service Bar Fried Chicken Sandwich

This U Street cocktail bar might be known for its drinks, but don’t sleep on the food menu. The fried chicken sandwich here is crispy, perfectly seasoned, and has a cult following for a reason. It’s one of those low-key gems that’ll have you coming back over and over.

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6. Milk & Honey Café

📍 Lanham, MD & Bowie, MD
🔥 Must-Try: Old Bay Honey Chicken Biscuit

Brunch lovers, this one’s for you. Milk & Honey Café is already known for their Southern-style comfort food, and their Old Bay Honey Chicken Biscuit is the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy. Think fluffy biscuit, crispy fried chicken, a drizzle of honey, and a hint of Old Bay seasoning for that true DMV flavor.

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7. Miss Toya’s Southern Kitchen

📍 Multiple Locations
🔥 Must-Try: Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

If you want real Southern flavors, Miss Toya’s Southern Kitchen is where it’s at. Their Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich is a perfect balance of crispy, juicy, and sweet heat, featuring golden-fried chicken drizzled with hot honey and stacked on a soft, buttery bun. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves that sweet-heat combo with a side of Louisiana charm.

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8. DCity Smokehouse

📍 203 Florida Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
🔥 Must-Try: Smoked Fried Chicken Sandwich

A D.C. institution since 2013, DCity Smokehouse serves up some of the best BBQ in the city, but their Smoked Fried Chicken Sandwich is a must-try. This sandwich blends smoky barbecue flavors with the crispy goodness of fried chicken. It’s a unique take on the classic chicken sandwich that’s perfect for BBQ lovers.

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9. HalfSmoke

📍 651 Florida Ave NW #7, Washington, D.C.
🔥 Must-Try: Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich

If you’re looking for a fun, lively spot, HalfSmoke has got you covered. Known for their brunch vibes and gourmet sausages, they also make a buttermilk fried chicken sandwich that is crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor. Pro tip: grab a side of their famous tots to complete the meal.

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Whether you’re craving something classic or looking for a chicken sandwich with a little twist, these Black-owned spots are bringing the heat in more ways than one. The only real question is: which one are you hitting up first?