This spot is waaaay overrated. I came here upon the glowing recommendations of several neighbors, who said that this was the best place for fried chicken in the city. It absolutely is not!!!! I got the 5-wing entree with fries, and I was really disappointed with this entire meal. Let's start with the chicken. First of all, the wings were HUGE. You know what chicken looks like it when it's just abnormally large -- like it was pumped full of hormones and steroids and what not on the factory farm?!?! Well that's exactly what these wings look like. They were way too big, and while appearing to be fried perfectly -- weren't actually that tasty. There was a layer of too much fat just under the skin. And the meat (and apparently the batter itself) just didn't have much taste. As for the fries -- which were more like potato-ey steak frites than "fries fries" -- those were just ok. Nothing to write home about. Could have used a tad more salt. But they were "ok" overall. Also the side of greens was unremarkable. Not bad -- but just unremarkable. They certainly were not befitting of the flavor of a true soul food restaurant. So all in all, I felt like this meal was 0 for 3 and just a huge waste of money. Additionally, I picked up the order instead of paying extra to have it delivered. But I didn't like how the front door of the building requires you to go through a small seating area (basically where they closed in the front porch to facilitate outdoor dining), which was chock FULL of way too many people sitting in a small, enclosed place in very close proximity to one another -- all maskless, talking, and eating. It was shockingly terrible! Honestly, it seemed like a recipe for COVID transmission. I have no idea why patrons are putting themselves at risk like that, and I feel sorry for the wait staff that has to work in that small area. It was definitely not a socially-distanced eating situation. I literally held my breath as I made a beeline through the small room of ~20 people all seated in the area in front fo the door, which is off to the far right side of the porch. All in all, this was my first -- and last -- visit to Hitching Post. There's far better chicken, fries, and collards at Oohs and Aahs, and for a fraction of the price. And I don't have to drive as far or walk through a non-socially distanced room full of respiratory droplets to get it! read more

The Hitching Post Restaurant - Fried Chicken Dinner - Southern Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

We had such a great time here and the food was delicious!! The fried chicken was delicious and the service was perfect!! read more

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Be prepared for some of the best fried chicken of your life. Was recommended by a friend and boy is the chicken juicy, tender, skin perfectly and lightly crispy. The fried spinach app is to die for, do try several orders of it. Homemade corn bread is delicious as well. Dish of the day was a fried whole bronzini which was almost better than the chicken. The fish was fresh and still tender and juicy with a perfect crispy exterior. Chandler was a charm at our lunch, highly recommended! read more

Do not forget about your neighborhood watering hole!!! I've been coming to The Hitching Post for about two/three years now. They have pulled off several of my birthday events! Even a charity happy hour!!! Gina makes everyone that she comes in contact with feel special! She's truly a gem and I look forward to the food and service each and every time. My mother ABSOLUTELY LOVES THE MEATY crab cakes!!! My aunts come to get wings. It's truly a family favorite. Priceless. Not too many experiences like that. This last Sunday was incredibly spectacular because we order a takeout order. My granny celebrated her 70th birthday!!!! Thanks for always making my family feel special!!! Great food, great "drank" and great vibes!!!! Oh, I forgot and music!!! read more

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Super nice spot. We had lamb chops, fried whiting and Blackened catfish, collard greens, Mac and cheese, corn muffin, all delicious. Our bartender Sharon was great, very friendly and definitely made a great margarita. Wish we had this place in Florida :( read more

I've been to this restaurant twice now and will definitely never be going back. The food is okay - passable as a restaurant. The big draw is that someone else cooks it for you, but it is very much grocery store level food upcharged for convenience. The service is reliably terrible. Do not come here unless you have a couple of extra hours to spend waiting for your food, attempting to flag a waiter for a drink refill, or to ask again if the kitchen is indeed working on your order and might have it out to you some time that same night. Unfortunately the ambiance leaves much to be desired as well. If you're stuck sitting outside you'll be surrounded by plastic accordion walls that block the nice evening breeze and view and will then have your eyes assaulted by the ever-blinking and color changing lights shining down upon your table as if you were in the middle of a rave. I can't find any reason to recommend this restaurant, unless you enjoy mediocre food delivered to you (maybe) as slowly as possible. They'll definitely forget to bring something you ordered and will likely never check in with you again after initially placing your order unless you make it your mission to get their attention. It's easier to just cook at home, even if you are bad at cooking or hate cooking. Do yourself a favor and go somewhere else or just eat at home. read more

If you want fresh fried chicken made to order and delicious soul food sides, come here. The fried spinach salad was definitely delicious and very unique. Their food was fresh and hot and really good. I ordered a fried pork chop too and it was moist and perfectly fried. I will definitely return! read more

It's become my favorite neighborhood restaurant. I love the fried catfish, whiting, and fried chicken dinners with side orders of collard greens, potato salad, and cole slaw. Beyond delicious! Comfortable seating with an outstanding wait staff is the icing on the cake! read more

This is not the best southern joint EVER but it's my top 2 in DC. Hitching post is dope for all the reasons why most southern food in DC is not: this is an authentic, no frills joint frequented by locals with a solid, affordable menu. It doesn't serve god forsaken brunch. They are not located downtown at the foot of the IMF (yeah I went there). Asians know that if you see other asians at an asian joint, it's good. So if you see black people eating at a southern / soul / creole / cajun joint, it's good. The fried seafood here is possibly the best I've ever had if not in the city. They give you generous portions and it's perfectly crisp, not soggy or dry. The fish is well seasoned. They're not using tabasco which is reason enough to frequent this place. (not that I dislike tabasco but we know that's not what you put on southern or mexican food for that matter.) The service is exactly what I want from a place like this - friendly ladies with a chill vibe. I enjoy coming here after a bar shift and enjoying a nice meal and people watching. These places barely exist in DC anymore. read more

The food was excellent. Everything our table ordered was delicious. The fried chicken, catfish, fried pickles, crab bites were all good. Next time I'm in DC I can't wait to go back. read more

I had the worst experience with the host. She answered the phone nasty and unprofessional. When we inquired about the chicken dinner she hung up and said call back when you check the menu. It was very off putting. The food is usually great but the host is always nasty. read more

Very good food, good service. If the fish was crispier it would be perfect instead of just very good. The chicken is GREAT. PLEASE make the fish more crisp.....PLEASE read more

Service was great - both the server and bartender were friendly and very welcoming. Glad I followed recommendations and tried the chicken platter - so good! Classic southern comfort food. Love that there is yet another neighborhood gem for great food in walking distance. Will definitely be back. read more

Service was good...food was ok. Mac n cheeses was a little dry but the chicken was good

The fried chicken - omg. The collard greens - omg. The cornbread - omg. The blackened catfish was ever so slightly overcooked but tasty. Great place and great service. read more

As a southern girl and someone that considers themselves a foodie when in northern areas soul food isn't my normal go to. But I must say I was presently surprised the wings were Ddevine and the hand cut fries were as well it was all fresh and made to order. The cornbread was amazing as well as the calamari. The Mac and cheese was blah. The atmosphere was nice they played the blues line music and made me feel right at home. Overall it was a great experience and the rum punch was exactly what I needed after a long day. Will definitely come again! read more

The Hitching Post Restaurant - Chicken wings cornbread and Mac and Cheese - Southern Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Very good local spot that's busy. We all got a chicken dinner, all dark meat. The sides aren't very unique just plain good. We came right before 5pm and had a seat but would definitely recommend reservations. Good homey Southern food in DC. read more

Called in and received excellent service. My first time calling and she patiently explained the options and was very friendly. The wings and potato salad were great. The Mac and cheese was okay. I really prefer mine baked with a crust. Parking not the greatest. However, I would certainly order again. read more

Delicious! My husband was born and raised in DC and we'd never heard of this place until a friend recommended it. Best fried chicken and fried pork chops we've had. Make sure to get the Mac and cheese too! We will be back! Thanks Chandler for the incredible service! read more

Kinda confusing to get in with their door situation and very odd footprint inside. Hard to walk around and there was a bday party when I came. Second time here and the staff is still friendly. Their chicken is so juicy, comes out piping hot! Perfect flaky skin. Mac and cheese is horrible. Greens aren't seasoned, can't be. Had to add hot sauce read more

The Hitching Post Restaurant - Cornbread - Southern Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Go here. Order the Atomic Burger. Have someone else in your party order the chicken and waffles and eat off their plate. I went there with a group of Sailors and we don't eat off each other's plates, so I'll have to go back SOON! Fried pickles are great too. The waiter, Devon (might have his name incorrect) did a great job and made perfect recommendations for a GREAT lunch experience! read more

The Hitching Post Restaurant - A Picture of the bar. Looks like something out of the 1960s or 70s. A TERRIFIC local bar and restaurant! - Southern Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Service bad. The waiter never put my food. The food not all that. I had fish and fries. They not about the customer and they it's not all that. Anyone can try but my experience not good at all. Management terrible and when it comes to customer care with the customer are bad. read more

My husband and I have visited D.C. more than a handful of times, but never got a chance to try this place until now. Based on our dining experience, this gem should have a five star rating! Our server, Antoine, was delightful and gave us excellent recommendations. To start, we had the fried spinach salad and mango chutney shrimp. I would have never opted to order the fried spinach, but when Antoine told us we would probably order it twice - we were sold. The mango chutney shrimp were pleasantly spicy and perfectly cooked. It paired well with the fried spinach. The fried spinach had a delicious crunch that was to die for. I almost ordered another fried spinach! For our entree, we shared the fried catfish with mac and cheese, collard greens, and home fries. All more delicious than the last. This restaurant will be a staple stop every time we visit D.C. read more

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Food: 3.5 Service: 5 Atmosphere/Venue: 2 3.5 overall This place is in my old neighborhood. I have passed it literally thousands of times and never even knew it was a restaurant. I always thought it was a watering hole for the old retired soldiers and airmen that live across the street. So after church I was craving some soul food and this was the first place that popped up in my Yelp search. It's also very close to where I worship, so I gave it a shot. I was a bit put off by the dark, dingy interior, the worn out menus with wrinkled laminated covers and stained and torn paper inserts, as well the cheap, uncomfortable chairs... some of which were starting to fray and come apart at the seams. Looked more like a gritty dive bar than a soul food spot. Not exactly homey or welcoming, and it made me more than a little concerned about how the rest of my dining experience would play out. My server, (I never did get the young lady's name) was an absolute doll and made me feel a little more comfortable about my visit. I ordered fried catfish, mac and cheese, and collard greens. The food came out pretty quickly and it was a much larger portion than I expected. The two fish filets were huge and seasoned very well. The batter was crispy and flavorful; the fish tender and delicious. Added dash of Crystal hot sauce and it was heavenly. The mac and cheese was ok, but definitely needed some salt. Ditto for the greens. Plus, there were A LOT of stalks in the greens. I almost didn't eat them because there were so many. Fortunately, they weren't tough, and I was able to chew them without a problem. However, I prefer my greens with as few stalks as possible.... and smaller leaves. Lemme tell ya, there was nothing graceful about trying to fit a quarter of a collard green leaf in my mouth without getting any of the juice on my white pants. I thought the price was a little high for catfish ($18), especially given the dark and dingy condition of the venue. I wasn't able to really enjoy my food because of the grim and grimy atmosphere. I took most of my meal to go and enjoyed the remainder of it at home, in much more clean and comfortable conditions. If I patronize this establishment again, I will definitely be taking my food to go. read more

The Hitching Post Restaurant - Catfish, mac and cheese, and greens. #SoulFood - Southern Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I love Hitching Post! Happy hour starts nice and early, big plus in my book. The staff is attentive, they always have good music playing and the food is always on point! The fried chicken dinner is definitely worth writing home about!! Add this spot to your rotation for sure. read more

Food ok Ribs not tender at all, chicken basic . Expensive Service friendly Ambiance - neutral read more

If soul food is what you're feeling...then look no further! Located in the middle of the Petworth - DC neighborhood, off the main drag of GA Ave, is one of the best places in the city to go when craving some good food that comforts the soul. The Hitching Post is a low-key eating spot that offers up serious southern main dishes like Fried Catfish, Chicken, Collards, Mac n' Cheese....and more....to say the least. When stepping into this place you feel like you going to someone's home. Actually, it is a home that was reconstructed in to a restaurant...from the looks of things, back in the 70s! But, don't let the facade and decor fool you because the food is legit and on point. THE ATMOSPHERE Very laid-back, cozy with tables spaces and a bar. You can order to eat in or for takeout. The interior and eat areas are carved out somewhat small, but in an corky way it works! THE SERVICE The service is prompt and the staff is very friendly but at times if you're not always used to someone being warm and fuzzy, then the customer service here may put you off a bit. I say this for the mere fact that it's all about the food at the Hitching Post; not necessarily a top-notch....A+ rated customer service experience when you dine here. You might get someone attentive to you at your table or at the bar when dining and other times.....they maybe ghost....and barely frequent you. Nevertheless, the service is good by my book. THE FOOD The food, in general, is VERY GOOD! You can't go wrong with most of the items served by the Hitching Post. I have had several items from their menu, during my visits, and have been pleased with what I ordered. My favorites are: NUMERO UNO: The Fried Chicken! The fried chicken is made to order and very seasoned. It's crispy on the outside and very moist, juicy and tender on the inside. Cook to perfection! They definitely got a handle on frying chicken...some of the best around....heck! I'm talking Rated G!!..."Grandma" status for sure. Second Best, is the Pork Chops (smothered in gravy by request) for sure! There is nothing like crispy pork chops....bathed in a gravy. It is a sweet taste of heaven on the mouth and finger-licking good at the Hitching Post. The sides to most of their main dishes are okay....I've had better. But I will admit, of all things "that darn corn bread" is delicious! TIP: When it comes to soul/comfort food....& to play things on the safe side....always stick with the collard greens and mac n' cheese! You can't go wrong at any soul-comfort food joint ordering these two items to complement your main dish. OVERALL RATING - 4 1/2 Stars! The Hitching Post offers up great, down-home southern food to be reckoned with any comfort food/soul food spots in the city! This place gets 4 1/2 stars in my playbook. I am deducting 1/2 star for coming out of there smelling like I cooked the food myself.... in my own kitchen! I guess I enjoyed the food and my time so much at the bar....that I stayed too long and ended up coming out of there smelling like I was the Head Chef or on kitchen duty...."Head of Fries" for the second shift! LOL read more

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These 5 stars do not come lightly, they are well earned. From atmosphere, to taste and service, Hitching Post is an amazing place to dine. I was craving southern comfort food and found a home right here. I needed fried fish and I needed it NOW! My boyfriend and I stumbled upon this place and was like why not?! One of the best decisions made via Yelp so far! Good music, BIG portions, quick and pleasant service! Will definitely be returning and bringing my friends, especially when it warms up for a nice gathering over Happy Hour! read more

The Hitching Post Restaurant - Fried chicken and fried catfish dinner with Mac and cheese, potato salad, greens, and fries. Portions look small, but they are delicious - Southern Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Yassssssssssss Now this is soul! Had an amazing time @ The Hitching Spot! Do yourself a favor and make it there! The food is fresh and well seasoned. The music is great. The people are awesome. Food and ambiance made me feel right at home. A true DC gem! Will be back, over and over and over again. Keep it up! read more

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Came here with my boss for a late lunch. The place was empty, possibly due to rain. The waiter was slow to take our order. The prices on the menu were reasonable I must say. My boss ordered the greens and cornbread. I had the Whitting, mac and cheese and greens. The food came out fast and was deliciOus. The mac and cheese was cheesy but not like grandma's and the greens had flavor with a spice kick. Not bad for my first time visiting, this place has history I ran into a couple who had been coming to the place for forty years before renovation. Overall nice and chill spot read more

The Hitching Post Restaurant - Good food - Southern Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I've been to The Hitching Post twice, I'll definitely keep this on my list. So, the first time, I'll admit, it was good but I hadn't really thought about the food much after that. It was probably because of covid and I had been hibernating in Baltimore so i was getting my fix out there. Recently, a friend was visiting and I decided to take her there and I got a reminder of how good the food was. If I'm getting soul food, I lean to the fried chicken or fried catfish. They say on the menu that the fried chicken wings take about 30 minutes and I was too hungry to try the wait so I went with the catfish again, which I remembered being good, but this time it was amazing! It was perfectly seasoned and fried. The mac and cheese was good, I wish I had a bit more but it was a good size. The collard greens were also good. Needed a little salt for me, but the hot sauce worked that out. I'm definitely going back soon to try the wings. Now, the service.... With covid they have some outside seating and we definitely felt like the forgot about the folks outside. The night we went recently, we waiting about 20 mins before anyone came to check on us or give us water. When a server finally came around we were told they were short staffed, only 2 people working tables. The food did come out relatively quickly after that. read more

Visiting from Cali and stopped in for dinner based on yelp reviews. The service was excellent and the restaurant is very family friendly with the option to sit on the patio. Great music playing in the background. The food was okay...not much seasoning. The cornbread was tasty but I've never been to a soul food restaurant with no candied yams on the menu. Go figure?? read more

Found this spot looking for chicken and waffles and oooohhh weeee! They only have waffles on the weekend but honey!! The hubby and i each had fried chicken with two sides and it was hands down the BEST chicken I've had in all of DC! I'm sure somebody's grandma is in the kitchen! The service was great, the cabbage and costs and cornbread was great and I can't wait to go back! Do yourself a favor, make a reservation and go immediately! A definite A+ from us! read more

Got take out on a Saturday night, called in my order was ready in 30 minutes. Staff is warm and cheerful. We got the 4 piece fried chicken dinner with collards and coleslaw; smoked neck & beans with rice; and fried pickles. Everything was perfectly crispy and seasoned. The chicken was meaty and moist. Sides were great compliments. The fried pickles were long spears, came with a tasty dipping sauce too. Order was about 8 spears. The star of the meal was the smoked neck and lina beans. Great portion for a small plate too. Bravo to Hitching Post!! Will be back soon! read more

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Just had a great dinner at Hitching Post. Sat outside and enjoyed the neighborhood sounds. Food was great. We both had the Fish and Fries. The CORNBREAD is FANTASTIC! We'll be back! read more

The Hitching Post Restaurant - Southern Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Yelp is definitely in the blessing business. I had a taste for fried catfish but didn't feel like driving to another planet to get some GOOD fish. Soooo, found this based on all the wonderful reviews. Thank you Fellow Yelpers!!! I stopped in one night, grabbed a seat at the bar then chatted with the bartender while waiting for my to-go order. This was nostalgic for me because it, literally, reminded me of my aunt and uncle's basement. Trust me, that's not a bad thing. It had all the elements: drop ceilings, a juke box, low lighting and bottles of alcohol. And when I ordered my fish dinner while sipping wine and Lou Rawls came on, I knew it was going to be delicious. Bad food isn't made somewhere you hear Lou Rawls. And bad it wasn't. I got the catfish dinner which comes with two sides. Of all the sides, I chose fries and coleslaw. But. Let. Me. Tell. You. That was some of the best fried fish I've had in a while. It was seasoned perfectly and fried evenly without a lot of breading. If you like thick cut potatoes, you'll love the home fries because that's exactly what they are - perfect for me. And, I'm picky about coleslaw but, again, I trust a place that plays Lou Rawls. I was disappointed. It was sweet and not dry - just the way I like it. Now I would say I'll be going back soon but I've gone again since this first visit so I must like it a lot. read more

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Great consistent food. The chicken is bomb!!! Best chicken in the city. There are so many faves I have here! I love this place. Perfect neighborhood spot. Will recommend to anyone!!! read more

This place is great! My family ordered the fried whiting, blackened catfish, and the crab cake sandwich. For sides we ordered the fries, collard greens, Mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes. The fish was exquisite! I always hate ordering fried fish at normal restaurants because it's too greasy or overly breaded. This place fries it just right! Also, in my opinion, a true test of a soul food restaurants worth is to try their mashed potatoes and collard greens. They were spot on! The collard greens were prepared correctly, and the potatoes were scrumptious! I'll be back read more

Fried Chicken. Mac & Cheese. Yum. Friendly staff and even friendlier crowd. Love this spot. Can't get enough! read more

The Hitching Post Restaurant - Catfish sandwich with fries. Delish! - Southern Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I dropped by the Hitching Post recently for dinner. It was just me this time. I was seated promptly (around 7:45pm on a Sunday) near the bar in a booth. I ordered the whiting with two sides (for me mac & cheese and collards) and a lemonade. I loved it all. The food didn't take long to come out. Everything was hot and seasoned appropriately. I ate the whole plate. read more

The Hitching Post Restaurant - Whiting, Mac & cheese, collards. So yummy and hot! - Southern Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia