I get Spicy Water every Thursday at the NoMa Farmers Market, and their kebab sandwich is easily one of the best sandwiches in DC. Simple ingredients executed perfectly--charcoal-grilled meat, thinly sliced toppings, a perfectly dressed salad, and bread that's on an entirely different level. Every bite just works. Employees are fantastic and great to speak with. I need to make it over to the restaurant to try more! read more

Saturday evening in the DMV found us craving something off the beaten path. We were on the hunt for something tropical, flavorful with in built simplicity of home cooking. 11th street offered us street parking and west African food - a fusion of Cote d'voire, Nigeria and Ghana. The restaurant is divided into two sections - upstairs for dining and diameters for carry out. Upstairs it was - and with a window seat on one side and tasteful decor on the other, we got busy with ordering. What an incredible sensory experience! Top marks for the hibiscus drink and ginger juice (the latter is not for the faint of hear - it's got a kick, and is refreshing at the same time!) One thousand percent recommendation in the grilled snapper with a side of plantains and jollof rice! The nutty and flavorful spices complemented the snapper and the spicy side dish would give a jolt with the first bite, but then would become the pleasantly warming! The service was great - friendly and welcoming! The restroom was spotless, and all I can say is go now, and enjoy the homey, hearty, taste of W. Africa right here in the nation's capital! read more

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Everything was phenomenal. Highly recommend this place. The Jollof with beef skewers knocked my shoes off. Amazinggggggggggggg. Also, try the Shrimp & Avocado salad best everrrr!!! read more

This is my go to takeout spot in DC because it is well worth the price and I usually leave with hella leftovers. I love this little taste of West Africa in the middle of the city. My go to is the cassava leaf stew. It is warm comforting, and in my opinion, not too spicy. I love how the shrimp is cooked and the jollof is a must. I always have to get the jollof but I know I should try other things on the menu, it's just so hard to resist. Love this place-- don't come for the service come for the good food. read more

Spicy Water African Grill - Shrimp Cassava Leaf with jollof - African Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I'm a big person on trying different cuisines so when I saw "West African grill", I definitely wanted to try it! I did takeout, which is the bottom part of the building. It's quite a small cozy takeout spot. I got the half chicken - you can choose which side you want so I got the attieke. I never had attieke - it's like a grain. A mixture of couscous and quinoa to me. The dish was great. I liked the onion salad mix that they put to the side with the chicken. The chicken was a bit dry, especially the white meat. But if you add it with some the onion mix, it'll be ok. Quite an interesting place. I could possibly come back and try their subs/sandwiches. read more

When I came to this restaurant for the cassava leaf back in February of this year, it was not really flavorful cassava leaf, but it was tolerable. However, tonight's take out of the same dish was horrible! Who dumped the entire container of salt into the cassava lead? Chef or whoever cooked tonight must a smoker because their taste buds are ruined!!! I was so hurt when I got back to my Airbnb and was ready to enjoy the food ans share with my son who loves cassava lead as well! The plantains were stale and hard. The grilled or smokey chicken was good but I couldn't really eat it because I could not mix it with the cassava lead stew. I noticed a review from last year said the same thing I did about the severely salty cassava leaf. Please do better with regular quality checks and a chef who knows African seasonings have nothing to do with saltiness. If the cook used salt fish in the stew they are supposed to boil the salt fish or dried fish until it is soft enough and then pour out the salt water, not add it to the stew!! Do better! Please! We want to you succeed in your new venture and we don't to get high blood pressure from heavy handed salt in the process. read more

This was my first time visiting this restaurant and I hope it's here to stay. The staff were very friendly and the food was so good! Everything was seasoned well and hot. I wish that service was a little faster and that the look of the restaurant was a little more inviting. The focus is the food anyways, which was top tier! read more

Spicy Water African Grill - Attieke Half Chicken - African Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Came here for lunch and we loved it!! I got the jollof rice either chicken and it was incredible!!! Probably some of the best I've ever had!! I also got a chicken gyro and it was pretty good but nothing too special read more

A hidden gem with delicious food. Shared this platter with my boyfriend and definitely wished we ordered more! read more

Spicy Water African Grill - African Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Very disappointed. I drove all the way uptown from SE. I asked for a half chicken all dark meat with jollof rice instead of fries (willing to pay extra) and salad. The chicken was overcooked and dry. I am so disappointed. I normally do Eastern Market with the salad and never had an issue. Never again will I visit the restaurant. read more

Spicy Water African Grill - Old dried chicken - African Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

When I saw there was an Ivorian spot nearby, I had to give it a shot. First off, the food is good and I won't deny that. I think it's a bit overpriced for the portion size because a lot of west African restaurants are a bit pricey which is normal because the time and effort it takes to put the dishes together. I understand the process. Maybe I'm just greedy and want more food. Service is a bit lacking and that's my only complaint. You have to walk into a hot, smoky kitchen to order and there's an expectation that you already know what you want and there's not much explanation about the dishes. It's not the kind of place that you come to learn about the cuisine, just to consume and that's fine but not winning the owners/proprietors any bonus points. The bissap didn't hit well especially for the price. The plantains would've been better if they weren't overcooked. He also could've told me that the dish would have plantains on it and I could've saved myself from ordering a side. That was a little shady. I'd go back to give my west African friends a taste of home when they visit but I'm not in a rush. read more

Spicy Water African Grill - Chicken and jollof and some extra plantain - African Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Great service and very kind staff, sat outdoors and service was prompt. Food was decent - snapper was well cooked but chicken could have been cooked more. read more

Spicy Water African Grill - Chicken Jollof Rice Attieke fried Red Snapper (Small Snapper) - African Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Came here before going to a show at 9:30 club. I was not familiar with the spot but was not disappointed. The portion size as well as the taste didn't disappoint. I cannot wait to go back and try more items read more

Spicy Water African Grill - Menu - African Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I haven't been to the restaurant on U-street, but I've been to their farmers market stand at Federal Triangle several times. The line is always very long, but is definitely worth it. I've only ordered the beef sandwich, because it is one of the best sandwiches I've ever had. It is very large, on French bread, and the beef is very tender and flavorful (and it's a generous amount, two and a half skewers). It comes with several vegetable toppings and two sauces that add a lot of flavor. I definitely want to come to the restaurant and try more things so I can update my review! read more

I first heard of Spicy Water (cool name, eh?) from Eastern market and liked them ever since. Thing is, I'm not even really a "sandwich person." But they got me. ME! I had been meaning to go back to Eastern Market eventually to get another fix, but it's not super close to where I live, so I hadn't made it back yet. When I found out about a week ago that they were near my neighborhood? Oh, the decision was already made. Dinner is served. Enter (my belly): Spicy Water. It's been about 2 weeks and two orders later and I'm still satisfied. I tried their beef kebab sandwich for the first time today. The chicken kebab sandwich was the first and second one that I tried, and it was *muah muah*, mm mm. You know what that means. I don't have to tell you what that means. But I'm going to anyway. It was delicious, guys. If you have not tried Spicy Water at Eastern market or their new location right off U Street Corridor--why? Repent. LoL . But really . The sandwich I haven't tried yet is the shrimp kebob sandwich , but this will be rectified soon enough. Happy to have them near my hood!! read more

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So I found this place on instagram I walked in and met the owner who was a nice guy I ordered the meal I saw posted on instagram today The chicken with jollof rice and plantains The meal was $22 which was more than I cared to spend but I wanted to try the food so I went ahead and swiped my card Now the chicken was okay but nothing special about it and the rice was nothing I haven't tasted before but the plantains were good and were the best part of the meal but I only got 3 I probably won't eat there again but I'm glad I tried it I'm giving them 2 out of 5 stars The meal was not worth $22 The posted price was $12 which I thought I was paying and was more reasonable Either way not going back read more

Spicy Water African Grill - Chicken jollof rice and plantains - African Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I'm so disappointed in this Restaurant today. I ordered salmon cassava with jollof rice and I was not happy. It look like chef ‍ was sleeping while cooking because the rice was burnt as well as salty (pic below) , the cassava was toooooo salty n tasteless. Mess had to go in the trash. I don't know what happen to the original chef but I can truly say I'm done with this restaurant. I've tried to many times and they keep messing up. I tried to support my daughter's country but this is not how Ivory Coast food taste at all. I'm pissed I really want my damn money back.i called the restaurant to make them aware and I was told that the lady who prepared the food is fasting because of Ramadan so that's basically why the food was shitty/nasty. I guess we have to come back after Ramadan read more

Spicy Water African Grill - Salty burnt Jollof rice - African Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I've been here twice and gotten take out both times. The first time I had the chicken salad and the second time I had the beef one (the chicken one was better btw). Each salad comes with a loaf of buttered bread, which I personally could've done without. I ordered each salad as "spicy" and to make it spicy, they use a spicy mayo sauce, which they put way too much on both times. I even asked for the dressing on the side the second time, which to be fair they did, but I didn't realize their dressing was just olive oil and vinegar. My second salad still had way too much mayo on it. I ended up not needing to use any of the dressing. Also, when I ordered online, I had no option to customize my order so after I placed it, I still had to call them and tell them I wanted my dressing on the side. I recommend they put the dressing (and the mayo) on the side for all takeout orders. Both salads were under $20 and quite filling. The salad is just a spring mix, tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers, but they give you a good portion of meat. I also got fried plantains with my first salad which I definitely recommend. The restaurant also has a dine in option with slightly different food options. I haven't tried it yet, but I would in the future. read more

This place has been on my radar for quite some time. Since their beginning in the farmers market in MD. Now that they've expended to the DC area I couldn't hold off any longer and my lord I'm glad I did. Flavorful and succulent all the way to the bone. The condiment especially the pepper sauce was a must try. But be careful, cause if your not built for spicy stuff this one is not to play with. It starts of savory and then the heat just creeps up on you. ''My type of party'' Get out and give this Ivory Coast gem a try u won't regret it read more

Spicy Water African Grill - The prep - African Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Not bad, considering the very few West African options available. The Cassava Leaf needs more of the authentic cassava flavor. The Jalloff rice is not bad but boy oh boy do I miss Sumahs Restaurant. Hope they work on the flavor. Kinda bland~ish... read more

The shrimp and jollof was delicious and the shrimp were in a wonderful red sauce full of peppers and onions. Not too spicy...JUST RIGHT! Tasty sweet plantains top off a delightful dinner. All of this while sitting under a bright orange umbrella. Life is GOOD! read more

Execllent fresh, high-quality grilled chicken and fish. I love their Bisop (Sorrell for the Jamaicans out there!) Ginger drink. Simple, out-door seating.12 read more

The owner of the Spicy Water African Grill in the Eastern Market farmer's market opened his own restaurant here and I'm so glad he did it!! We don't live near Eastern Market anymore but my toddler still craves Spicy Water's grilled chicken and fries. We can now order from them for delivery or drive down to U Street to satisfy our cravings any day of the week! Spicy Water's chicken is flavorful and grilled to perfection. Its fries are the best in the area in my opinion. The owner says he just opened a few weeks ago so he's still working on the set up but will eventually have outdoor seating. I'm looking forward to enjoying their food in their patio seating when the weather is nice. P.S. Yelp search shows there is another Spicy Water located on Rhode Island but the owner says he doesn't operate there anymore. I believe he only has this U St. restaurant and the farmers market at Eastern Market. read more

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Wasn't expecting much upon walking in, but left with a full stomach, full heart, and enough leftovers for another meal or two. It looks like a small hole in the wall when you walk up, because it is. But that's usually where the best food is. The service is no-nonsense, and they know what's good and will make recommendations based on what you're feeling. The patio outside was the perfect place to eat a meal, too. It's close enough to U street so it doesn't feel out of the way, but tucked away enough to not be in the middle of U street's cracktivities. read more

Food is out of this world delicious and the carry-out station downstairs is very fast and efficient. Jerk chicken and jollof plate is a must-order. read more

I order often off of DoorDash, and I have never been disappointed with my experience. The food is great and flavorful, and I always get a generous portion. This place was my introduction into African cuisine and has made me a huge fan! read more

OMG!! I am writing this review while I am eating. I couldn't wait until I was finished. I have been looking for someone who makes Jollof rice this way since Sumah's burned down on 7th Street NW DC. This was my first time trying this place out and I am glad I did. This will be my "go-to spot" for jollof rice. I purchased the rice with beef and the meat is tender and flavorful!! This meal made my week!!! read more

Thought this would be a nice change of taste and so went ahead and ordered some things. First off the jollof rice was terrible it had leaked out into the bag because they had in the corner of the container some onions and tomato stew with a couple of sweet plantains. The rice was extremely hard and clumped together it had no flavor and not even the onion and tomato mess on the side brought it any flavor. The plantains just like the rice seemed like they were cooked days before instead of fresh. The reason for my two stars is cause the half chicken I got with the African spices were pretty good, it's like having Peruvian chicken but with African spices instead so nothing amazing but still ok. The salad they give with the meal was a pretty decent size they put the dressing on it for you which sucks cause you feel obligated to eat ir right away, I didn't try it so I can't say for sure if it was good or not left it for my brother. Over all kind of disappointed and had high expectations. Maybe their sandwiches are better but not really in a hurry to try. Also no pic cause I wasn't gonna do a review only cause I felt the people were nice so I deleted it but felt I had to go ahead and share sorry read more

Chicken is so dry you might be eating sand. Fries are limp AF. They need to get a real fryer.

The JOLLOF RICE was amazing. The red whole snapper was so delightful. It was not greasy, not spicy, not salty, nor fishy. It was fresh and delightful. read more

You cannot go wrong here. The service was professional and friendly. The beef was so tender. The sauces on point... the fish was fresh, then seasoned and grilled to perfection. I cannot wait to try everything else on the menu. I have a feeling it will not disappoint. read more

We've only gotten takeout, but it's always been great. The half chicken is very flavorful. The chicken sandwich is on really fresh, nice bread. Tried the cassava leaf and shrimp tonight and it was just the right level of heat and smoky. The kitchen can be a little slow, but it's worth the wait! read more

Fantastic - really good beef/chicken sandwich, the spice level is there but not too hot. Everyone should go, we got the chicken and beef sandwich and fries and plantains. Cannot recommend enough, must go. I have been having dreams about the beef sandwich, it's a gift from god. read more

best African food in town! amazing chicken grill and Djollof rice hands down. Must go'

Decided to order from this place via Uber Eats. Read the reviews and thought it was promising. Driest chicken ever. Literally has a crumbly texture and the seasoning was over powered with black pepper. Fries were okay and so was the salad. Chicken and Whiskey was a much better option. read more

Spicy Water was a regular food vendor at the Ronald Reagan Building market. There was always a long line so I never tried it until today. Now I see why everyone was waiting in line. It was delicious. Now that I know there's a physical restaurant location, I can't wait to visit. read more

I've ordered from Spicy Water twice so far. The first time I got a chicken kabob salad which was great and really flavorful and comes with a large piece of bread on the side. My most recent order, they let me know that they were out of shrimp so I couldn't order the shrimp salad which was totally fine so I ordered chicken kabob salad again instead. It was around 9pm and they close at 10pm so they must've run out of the actual kabob and just used the chicken they had leftover for platters because I started eating and realized I swallowed a small bone. I realized the salad had a bunch of bone-in chicken instead of the kabob that I've had before and that is pictured in the menu. The flavor was fine but I kind of wish they just told me they were out of kabob instead of trying to improvise. Heck, I would've ordered the bone-in chicken as a platter if it was all they had but trying to pick out bones from my salad was less than ideal. The bread that came on the side was burnt as well but the side of jollof rice that I ordered made up for it. Hoping this was a one-off instance since it was honestly great the first time and it's an easy takeout spot for the neighborhood. Pricey for a salad/sandwich but decent portion with the bread. read more

I was excited as soon as I heard Spicy Water would be opening in the neighborhood, bringing Ivorian cultural cuisine to U Street. The timing finally worked out to try it last night, and it was a delicious experience. I went with a couple family members and we shared a half chicken with fries, beef kebab sandwich, and chicken kebab sandwich. Everything was delicious, and the portions were generous and substantial. The chicken had a tangy and spicy seasoning and was served with a creamy dip and a hot sauce, both giving it and the fries an extra pop of flavor and moisture. The two sandwiches were also delicious, with the chicken being a little spicier than the beef. All three of us were satisfied and very happy, especially given the late hours. I'm looking forward to returning to try some more of the items on the menu, particularly the Jollof rice, snapper, and attieke. It's great to have Spicy Water African Grill nearby. read more

Unreal. Had the grilled shrimp sandwich and s/o got the half chicken. We shared. Can't wait to try everything else on the menu.

This food is sublime. I reccomend getting the jollof rice with chicken and plantain. 10/10