If you have not tried Roaming Rooster, I highly recommend that you do! I have tried many chicken sandwiches (including the raved about Popeye’s chicken sandwich) and I stand firm that Roaming Rooster has the best chicken sandwich in DC. Owner, Michael Habtemariam started out as a food truck in 2015. 4 years later, the black owned business now has a total of 4 trucks and a storefront. I have been eating at the restaurant for about a year now. The space is small, with just a couple of long, rectangular tables and a counter with stools. There is usually a place to sit as most people take orders to go. Initially the lines were not long and the wait time was average (about 5 mins). Now that the restaurant has gained popularity, lines are extending through the door! The staff work efficiently to complete orders, but you may wait close to 20 minutes for your order. It is so worth it!
The menu is small with 5 varieties of a chicken sandwich, fried chicken wings and tenders as well as a few side items. The sandwich options are 1. Fried chicken sandwich 2. Buffalo fried chicken sandwich 3. Honey butter fried chicken sandwich 4. Nashville hot chicken sandwich 5. Club sandwich.
The buffalo chicken sandwich is absolutely delicious and it’s my favorite item on the menu. The chicken breast is buttermilk fried, seasoned to perfection and most importantly, juicy! The bread is lightly toasted, but soft. The highlight of the sandwich is the combination of the buffalo sauce, blue cheese and vinaigrette slaw. (especially the vinaigrette slaw) I strongly recommend ordering the sandwiches as is without substitution. You will not be disappointed. I also like the twice fried, hand cut fries and the collard greens. The collard greens have pork, (which I do not eat) so I have only had a small taste and they too were amazing!
If you are ever in the Woodridge neighborhood in DC, you should stop by and try it out. I promise you will love it. (Restaurant info listed below)
Roaming Rooster: 3176 Bladensburg Rd NE, Washington, DC 20018 (202) 507-8734 | https://www.roamingroosterdc.com/
- Atmosphere: Comfortable and casual. Service is efficient and polite however there is usually a long line. (Sometimes extending out of the door)
- Noise Level: Moderate
- Recommended Dishes: Buffalo Fried Chicken Sandwich (buttermilk fried chicken breast, blue cheese & buffalo sauce); Hand cut Fries; Greens (contain pork)
- Price: $-$$ (Inexpensive)
- Open: Monday – Saturday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm| Sunday 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Reservations: N/A
