ISO Fried Chicken and Chicken & Biscuits

[JeetJet]

Coming from L.A. and I will be in DC next week (Cold and Hungry) looking for some good HOT food. Will be staying at the Hyatt near the Mall / Union Station. I will take a drive to Monticello, so if DC is too far north for some good chicken then maybe I can find it a little more south?

My Thanks,

[hamster]

Has anyone ever tried the Hitching Post? I've read some good reviews and have been thinking about trying it.

[Steve]

Hitching Post is no better than fair.

[Dennis S]

It's been a little while for me, but Flavor's in Arlington. They cook to order (and therefore warn you it'll be a 20 minute wait).

Oohs and Aahs had Chicken and Waffles, but I'm not sure if they still do or not.

[alkapal]

dennis, i went into flavors about three weeks ago, and it seemed really grungy. (is it on columbia pike, near rte 7?)

i left without ordering any fried fish (my intention), but also because i was in a bit of a hurry, and although only one couple was in front of me, it seemed things were slow.....

[Dennis S]

That's the location - just up a hill a bit?

Yep, it's grungy and I'm sure has gotten moreso since I've been last. Little odd bar still against the back wall?

I need to get back there, but really it at least used to be outstanding.

Never have had the fried fish, so I can't help you on that one.

Here's a couple of threads:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/372983

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/537366 (Flavors mentioned in second post, but a good thread for you in general to this current thread).

[DanielK]

Commonwealth Gastropub has the most amazing fried chicken, but I think they only offer it on Mondays.

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Common Wealth
1400 Irving St NW, Washington, DC

[Lori D]

I've yet to make it there, but have heard that Levi's Port Cafe (1102 8th St. SE) has great fried chicken

[monkeyrotica]

As much as I like the place, Levi's chicken is hit-or-miss. One day perfect, one day greasy. Their deep fried porkchops, however, are consistently perfect: crisp, thick, juicy. Get them smothered, with a side of the best mac and cheese in town, and some collards and you can die happy.

Not a fan of Ooohs and Aaahs, but their chicken is consistent.

[mselectra]

Monkey -- can you pretty much tell from looking at the chicken if it a greasy day? I know a stupid question, sorry -- but I'd go for the chicken if it's a good day, fall back on the porkchop if not -- haven't actually been there, obviously, but it's time.

And... if you happen to know if they're open on Sundays...

[monkeyrotica]

I've had pretty good luck with fried chicken at Levi's if I go early (11:30 or 12). After that, they sit under heat lamps and it just aint' the same. The smothered chops are almost always excellent. Spending quality time in hot gravy will keep damn near anything succulent.

They're open Sundays 1pm-6pm last time I checked.

[mselectra]

Got it, makes sense, thanks. Somebody somewhere said closed Sundays, but elsewhere gives those Sunday hours. I know I could just call. This thread makes me think it might be fun to do a new years week fried chicken crawl; so many places I've been meaning to get to, or get back to.

[monkeyrotica]

Give them a call:

Levi's Port Cafe
1102 8th St SE
Washington, DC 20003
[phone]

[mselectra]

Thanks -- I'd looked up the number before, since I didn't want to head over there and find it closed, and it's on my very-soon list. Bit of a hassle to get there from Mt Pleasant, but soon very soon.

[Granite790]

Georgia Brown's is famous for their Fried Chicken. You may find the shrimp and grits you are looking for there also:)

[Gonzocook]

Just down the road from Monticello is Michie's Tavern, itself a historic site. Chicken is all-you-can eat; sides are lackluster, though. You may have to fight tour bus crowds; operating hours are weird--check first.

Agree with Georgia Browns rec., but B Smith's in Union Station would be closer to your hotel. Haven't tried it myself, though.

[Steve]

With all of your posts, it sounds to me like you're looking for some fantastic southern or soul food. Go to Oohs and Aahs, a soul food joint that packs a powerful punch. I recommend the grilled shrimp,the lemon pepper wings, and the broiled crabcake. The best sides are the greens and the rice with gravy. This is a real hole-in-the wall, across the street from the Metro U St/Cardozo Station

[JeetJet]

Yes, "fantastic southern or soul food" is what I am looking for. .I read an old post for Oohs and Aahs and tried to find an address but could not. Grilled shrimp w/ rice & gravy is on my short list. I guess "the Bowl" is there someplace also. I read that Oohs and Aahs has only four stools in front of the kitchen and a table or two upstars -- we are talking small. Without an address how will i spot it? Sign?

[mselectra]

not sure where you're having trouble finding it:

Enjoy!

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Oohhs & Aahhs
1005 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001

[mselectra]

PS: There's supposed to be a place with good sweet potato pie near there (don't know about pecan). Can't remember exactly, but if you're interested, I'll look it up.

[JeetJet]

My-oh-my, some sweet potato pie sounds mighty fine. I am get'n mo excited bout this trip with every post. Please tell me mo.

[mselectra]

Yes, Henry's Soul Food on U Street was what I was thinking of. But I can't vouch for it personally, and I don't recall it ever coming up on CH -- I've just been curious.
Here's a video about it:
http://www.theroot.com/id/49027

[monkeyrotica]

Levi's Port Cafe has plenty of seating, an all-you-can-eat buffet for $14, and excellent fried fish, porkchops, collards, mac and cheese. All for less than what you'd spend at Ooohs and Aaahs and MUCH less than what you'd spend at Georgia Brown's or B. Smiths. And they don't go crazy with the salt either.

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Levis Port Cafe
1102 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

[mselectra]

JeetJet -- Monkeyrotica will usually not steer you wrong, I'd listen to him (but neither will Steve, so you'll have to decide Oohs vs Levi's yourself, hehe). I'll get back to you on the sweet potato pie, no time to look it up right now. Oh -- maybe it was Henry's? Somebody else probably knows better than me.

[FoodieGrrl]

Oh yes! Oohs and Aahs is definitely the way to go. And the staff is super-friendly. Go hungry - every plate/box is a LOT of food.

[flobow]

Can recommend OOhs and Aahs, Levi Ports, Hitching Post and would add Paradise Cafe in All Souls Church on 6th & M NW.

[mselectra]

Thanks for the reminder about Saints Paradise Cafe! But I don't think it's All Souls church, is it?

ETA: Seems to be: United House of Prayer, 601 M NW

[Doh]

I've heard Marvin's chicken and waffles is very good, but haven't tried it myself.

-----
Marvin
2007 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

[monkeyrotica]

If the OP is familiar with Roscoe's in LA, they'll probably be disappointed with Marvin's version.

[JeetJet]

Please talk more about the difference between Roscoe's and Marvin's. For example, Roscoe's fried chicken has a more thick batter than the best and most moist chicken in L.A. made at Pann's.. Roscoe's waffles have the flavor of churros and maybe even the inside texture. Compaired to that what is the chicken like at Marvin's or Levi's Port? What are the waffles like at Marvin's? My Thanks,

[monkeyrotica]

Marvin's chicken: boneless breast meat, juicy, crust was just eh. Crisp, but tasted underseasoned to me. The primary flavor profile was salt. I prefer Popeyes for what it's worth. The waffle was Belgian-ey, thick, tasted alright. I just found the experience crowded and rushed. Service was neither good nor bad, just indifferent. At Marvin's price point, I'd expect a little more hands-on service.

Like I posted before, Levi's can be a crapshoot: the steam table chicken tends to be greasy, but if it's ordered fresh, it's crisp and tasty. Standard chicken seasonings: parsley, sage, tarragon maybe. But really, Levi's is all about the deepfried porkchops. Smothered or not, they still beat the chicken.

[Steve]

I don't think the chicken and waffles at Marvin's is anything special. That is to say, chicken is about like Popeye's but maybe not quite as good. Nothing special about the waffles;they are not Liegoise-style, which is what I prefer. Served with brussel sprouts and a touch of butter sauce. Maple syrup on the side.

In the Oohs and Aahs vs. Levi's question, please realize that my suggestions at Oohs and Aahs are all cooked to order (as opposed to something like meatloaf, which has to be prepared in advance). I think everything at Levi's is buffet-style AYCE, which I tend not to like.

[monkeyrotica]

Levi's does have a lunch/dinner buffet, but you can also order off the menu. The Carolina bbq pork and rib sandwiches, for instance, are made to order. I don't recommend them, but that's another issue. Have yet to try their liver and onions as they never seem to keep the stuff on hand.

[Dennis S]

Is Oohs and Aahs still cooking chicken and waffles? When I had them it was on a special late night only menu. But, like Steve said - they were cooked to order.

[Pesel]

In DC near the Maryland border on Rhode Island Ave. is Bubba Mascoge's. I haven't heard this place mentioned. I like their buffet and their fried chicken legs.

[rewashin]

Oohs and Aahs is horrible. The mac and cheez is disgusting. I really tried to like it but I couldn't. If you like "real" southern food, avoid this place. The only thing I liked was the sweet potato cake. That was awesome.
Levi's is the way to go.

[monkeyrotica]

Didn't care for the mac and cheese at Oohs and Aahs either. Dried on top, gummy on the bottom. Kinda like Horace & Dickies. The greens were just alright, but since the price went up I have even less of a reason to come back. The mac and cheese at Levi's however has always been bulletproof: rich, creamy, toasty on top, but moist underneath.

[Steve]

Trash talkin' will get you nowhere. I'm not a fan of their mac and cheese. either, but I have had numerous great meals at Oohs and Aahs, especially the grilled shrimp, lemon pepper wings, broiled crabcake, and to a lesser extent (but still very delicious) the short ribs and turkey chop. The rice with gravy is exceptional and the greens are top notch. The only item I have not liked there is the broiled catfish, either plain or cajun style.

[monkeyrotica]

What exactly is that "turkey chop" anyway? Did they just run a whole turkey through a rotary saw? It's like cross--section turkey slice, mostly bone. Anyway, mine was dryer than Oscar Wilde.

[Steve]

Very witty, Wilde, very witty. It is a slice of breat meat with a bit of the rib attached. All meat, really, you must have been strangely unlucky. Mine was thoroughly delicious.