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Lunch at Washington, D.C.’s Founding Farmers

Washington, D.C. is my second home. My father grew up on the Southeast side and my grandmother lives about 20 minutes away and has been in the DMV for 70 years. While I have fond memories of holiday breaks in the DMV, I never really explored The District as an adult, especially as a visitor. It was time for me to change that.

I did my googles and asked friends to recommend some of the hot spot restaurants in the District. At the top of everyone’s list was Founding Farmers. While everyone suggested brunch, it came with a precaution that the wait times are almost unbearable. I personally HATE long wait times, because my “hanger” (anger caused by hunger) kicks in quickly. I checked Founding Farmer’s website and discovered most of their popular items were available on their lunch menu, so I picked a late Thursday afternoon to see what all the fuss was about.

Making a reservation at Founding Farmers on OpenTable is strongly suggested, and it made the check-in process hassle-free. As we made our way through the restaurant, I marveled at Founding Farmers’ unique, industrial farmhouse charm. Seated at a low-top table next to the huge windows, we had the perfect view overlooking the hustle and bustle of Washington, D.C.

The great thing about a late weekday lunch is there’s no judgment if you order a cocktail. It’s close enough to happy hour somewhere in the world, right? Right.

Intrigued with the name, I ordered the Coctel Algeria circa 1960. Our waiter raised his eyebrow at my selection, so I knew this wasn’t a “nice” drink. Crafted with Founding Farmers’ proprietary Farm Pisco, orchard apricot Cointreau, orange juice, a splash of lime,  and topped with Angostura bitters, this drink’s kick couldn’t be denied. My drink was as beautiful as it was delicious, but I managed to finish it without snapping a picture. Ugh!

My mother’s cocktail selection was cliché, in only the way a mother could be. To commemorate her trip to the Nation’s capital, she ordered The Constitution. Made with Beefeater gin, chamomile,  muddled ginger, blueberries and  lemon,  then topped with seltzer, this cocktail is very safe for those who prefer their gin presented in fruity, fresh goodness. It’s still gin, so tread lightly.

One thing to know if you ever experience a Foodie Find adventure with me: I go in! I rarely know if I’ll have the opportunity to revisit a restaurant, so if I have company, I hope they bring their appetites.

Our foodie flight included several items highlighted on Founding Farmer’s  Lunch and Dinner menu: ‘devilish’ eggs, skillet cornbread, blue cheese bacon dates, shrimp and grits, and my personal favorite- fried chicken and waffles.

To start things off, I tried Founding Farmer’s classic “Devilish” eggs. The egg filling’s mild mustard taste left a lot to be desired, but the crunch from the raw, diced onions was most definitely a no for me. Grandma’s deviled eggs, these are not.

I sincerely hoped the next appetizer redeemed the deviled egg disaster, because I was not feeling it. The cornbread arrived in its own 6-inch cast iron skillet. Come on, presentation! The buttery cornbread filled with sweet corn kernels and paired with fresh whipped butter, honey, and flaked sea salt was perfect. I could have easily eaten the whole order by myself, but I shared.

The last under card appetizer ended up being my favorite. Those Blue cheese bacon dates!? The bacon was equal parts chewy and crispy, the dates were sweet. Both paired perfectly with the tangy blue cheese and savory balsamic vinaigrette reduction. You really can’t go wrong with a dish that includes great cheese, bacon and a good reduction, but Founding Farmers raised the bar just a tad bit higher.

It’s no secret that I love chicken and waffles, so if they’re on the menu, there’s a 99% chance that I’m ordering it. This is one of Founding Farmers’ signature dishes, and for good reason! With the first bite, it’s obvious why everyone who recommends the restaurant insists that you try this menu item.

The buttermilk-brined chicken breast and thigh are deep-fried to golden perfection. The airy waffles’ malt flavor melted in my mouth, while its deep pockets soaked up the pure maple syrup. The mac and cheese was everything restaurant mac n cheese should be: gooey, creamy, flavorful, and able to be eaten all by itself. Because life requires balance, I chose the watermelon as my “crop” side. Yes, fried chicken and watermelon; I have no regrets.

My mother ordered the shrimp and grits. I can’t eat shrimp, so I hate that I couldn’t taste test this for you all, but she swears it was delicious! She noted that it felt more like shrimp and andouille sausage gumbo over grits, but insisted the flavor was there. Okay, East Coast, you managed not to ruin a Southern classic. Gold star for you.

So is Founding Farmers worth the hype? Sure, but I wouldn’t wait on the streets of D.C. for hours to get a table. If you can manage to catch a late lunch or very early brunch (which is essentially just breakfast), then I’d say this is a must have. As I’m writing this post, I’m daydreaming about that fried chicken with mac n cheese. Goodness, it was that amazing!

Do you like chicken and waffles? If so, which restaurant has the best chicken and waffles you’ve ever tasted? Tell me in the comments below!

Until our next adventure…