Chicken + Whiskey — Restaurant in Washington

I am so utterly disgusted by the way I was treated in this establishment I barely know where to begin...... After seeing numerous, glowing reviews of this bar on TikTok I decided to give it a try. However, my experience was nowhere near that of those customers. I was stereotyped, belittled and completely embarrassed by both security and management. It all began when I decided to venture into the Speakeasy. It started off about as typical as one would expect. Security ID'd me and even joked about my youthful appearance and how my ID might be fake. After a brief bit of banter I proceeded into the bar, found a spot at the end of the counter, ordered a drink and pulled out my phone to peruse the news of the day. After finishing my first drink, the same security person that I'd shared laughs with earlier in the night about my age came over and said I needed to leave. I thought it was all in jest so I brushed it off. He then advised it was not a joke and I needed to close my tab and exit the premises. I was absolutely stunned as I had not done anything to warrant being asked to go. When I questioned him as to why he replied my presence was making others uncomfortable and claimed I'd been videotaping them while they were dancing. I was floored! The accusations were absurd. I had done nothing other than sit at the bar and mind my business. There was no proof to substantiate either of the claims being made. I even offered to let him go through my phone as evidence of my innocence. Those words fell on deaf ears. After a few coarse words between myself and the security guard, I asked to speak with a manager. He left and when he returned advised that the manager would only speak with me outside. When I exited the manager was outside awaiting me. Again, I inquired about what I did to warrant this treatment. I was once more given some cockamamie bull about filming people. I retorted that I honestly didn't give a single damn about anyone in that place enough to record them. I asked them for proof, security footage, anything to validate these ridiculous assertions. They refused and demanded I leave. The manager eventually admitted even if the claims were false the discomfort of others in my presence was enough to warrant my removal from the building. WHAT?! In my anger, I spewed a few more colorful words at them and stormed off. Anyone else in my shoes would have done the exact same. As one of a mere handful of minorities in this establishment the racial prejudice displayed in this situation was down right sickening. As a 6'0, 195 lb black man it is not incumbent upon me to make myself appear less threatening for the sake of those around me. Even more disheartening is that I am an officer of the law who'd just ended a long shift and was only looking to unwind a bit before heading home. As someone who has sworn to protect and serve others at the risk of my own safety, it was completely dehumanizing to be treated this way. I won’t ever patronize this place again nor will I recommend it to anyone. I will reserve my business for establishments who know how to treat their patrons with dignity and respect, regardless of...

Chicken + Whiskey is a very interesting concept – fast-casual style chicken restaurant in the front, speak easy style whiskey bar in the back. Located on the ever-popular and trendy 14th St corridor, they prepare South American and Caribbean style chicken in a lot of different options – rotisserie, sandwich, plates, etc. The chicken is quite good. If it’s your first time eating here, go with the Pollo a la Brasa – the featured South American rotisserie chicken. Supposedly, the chickens are brined for 12 hours and roasted in oak wood charcoal Peruvian rotisserie ovens. Chicken isn’t the only food that’s done well here. You’ll find some very interesting and delicious side combinations like Arroz Chaufa – steamed basmati rice with soy sauce, rice vinegar, green onion, cilantro, bacon, and sesame seeds. Also, get some Guasacaca (think of it as a variation on guacamole) and pair it with Green Plantain Chips, and you’ll have yourself a nice, big meal.

Once you polish of you chicken and sides, head to the back of the restaurant and you’ll find a faux-freezer door. Inside the speak easy style bar, you’ll find that they offer an extensive international and American whiskey list. Order it any way you prefer – on the rocks, neat, etc. There’s usually a DJ on weekend nights helping set the vibe in the bar. Chicken + Whiskey is open late and still serves the full menu, so there’s no good reason not to stop here to enjoy some chicken...

3.5 stars. I can only speak to the food, which included the mojo chicken, borracho wrap, and the peperonata criolla. The borracho wrap had great potential but the ratio of ingredients was off. There was literally just 1 yucca fry inside, the rest of the wrap was mostly rice. The mojo chicken itself was great, I bet it would be fantastic in a sandwich. The peperonata was... rough. The seasoning is decent but the vegetables themselves were wet and flacid. Very unappetizing.

Update: I am sometimes here against my will because my boyfriend likes the borracho wrap. Last time I got the escabeche. BIG MISTAKE. Honestly, I gag just thinking about it. The brussels sprouts were obviously frozen before being added to the mix, the texture is exactly the same as those disgusting Trader Joe's brussels sprouts you get from the freezer section... extremely soggy and spongy. The picking liquid was mediocre and flavorless, nothing like the description. I had to drown the vegetables in hot sauce to not taste the sins...