Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers — Restaurant in Washington

Stunningly disappointing. We ate breakfast at the Foggy Bottom location, so when we found this iteration near our hotel, we were eager for another treat. We got nothing but disappointment instead.

I’d complain about our table near the door to the outdoor patio making for regular cold blasts, but that ultimately became unnoticed compared to everything else.

The service was nearly non-existent. Our server’s apron indicated she was a trainer (not a trainee, which may have redeemed her). She was rarely at our table and after ordering drinks and then having an appetizer, we placed our entree orders and didn’t see her again for another 40 minutes. I’d finished my wine and wanted another and had long drained my water glass, so not even Jesus as a dining companion could have saved me. No other passing employees seemed to notice and I couldn’t grab their attention anyway, when I’d given up hope of ever seeing our server again.

The food was equally disappointing. We tried the pimento cheddar biscuits which were unremarkable and served slightly warm, but mostly overcooked and dry. I opted for the Honeypot Fried Chicken and my companion ordered the Margherita pizza for our entrees. It took well over a half hour for the food to arrive and the pizza was visibly disappointing. The slices of mozzarella were ridiculously thin for a Margherita—like pre-packaged sandwich slices—and the sauce was dry and cracked, indicating overbaking. The crust was a decent texture, but also largely flavorless. Margherita pizza should be a tap in on your menu. This looked like amateur hour.

I had more hope for my chicken because the plate looked really good. Disappointment was coming my way too though. The batter was crispy and had a great texture but, apart from the sparse honey, there was little flavor. The meat itself was also surprisingly flavorless, given the farm-to-table vibes this place projects. The sides—green beans and supposed Parmesan grits—were almost cold. The grits were underwhelming. At least the flavorless chicken was hot, though the cut of white meat of the two pieces was unidentifiable. There was one bone, but not where one would expect.

We discussed having dessert, but after the server disappeared again for quite some time and we had long since finished our entrees, we decided to cut our losses and get the check. When the check arrived, a wine I hadn’t ordered was on there in place of the far less expensive wine I’d had. I left a sub-20% tip for the first time since the Hard Rock Cafe in 1994.

I’d give them another shot if it had only been one thing. I try to give a place three opportunities to tell me who they are. But there was nothing enjoyable about this experience, so I won’t extend that courtesy. Maybe your visit would be better, but that feels like a...

Review: Fried Chicken & Waffle at Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers, Georgetown – Great Vibes, But…

We finally made it to Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers in Georgetown after hearing so much about it—and while the vibes were spot on, the food left me a bit underwhelmed.

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🍗 Fried Chicken & Waffle (with Fries & Beans on the Side)

Let’s start with the main event: the fried chicken and waffle. Visually, it looked fantastic—crispy golden chicken paired with a fluffy waffle, the kind of plate that makes you excited to dig in.

But… first bite, and I could immediately tell: the food was just too salty. The chicken, while nicely fried and crisp on the outside, was over-seasoned. The saltiness overpowered the actual flavor of the meat. The waffle was decent—nothing extraordinary—but it did help mellow out the saltiness of the chicken a little.

The sides were a mixed bag. The fries were hot and crispy, but again, a heavy hand with the salt. The beans were okay—tender and well-cooked—but not particularly memorable.

What really disappointed me was the sauce that came with the dish. It was supposed to tie everything together, but honestly, it fell flat. The flavor was bland and a little off—I ended up pushing it aside completely.

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🕰️ Service & Experience

We had made an online reservation, and even then, we waited quite a while to be seated. It was a bit frustrating, especially with a toddler in tow. That said, once we were in, the energy of the place definitely helped lift the mood.

It’s a happening spot—bustling, stylish, and full of that lively D.C. brunch crowd energy. The staff was friendly, the space was gorgeous, and I absolutely loved the overall vibe and ambiance. It’s the kind of place you want to enjoy with friends over cocktails or a long brunch, but probably not when you’re really hungry and expecting quick service.

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📝 Final Thoughts

This place has so much potential. I wanted to love the food as much as I loved the look and feel of the space—but unfortunately, the execution just didn’t live up to the hype, especially for the price point. Between the over-salted dishes, lackluster sauce, and long wait despite a reservation, I left feeling a little disappointed.

Would I go back? Maybe, but next time I’d try something different from the menu—maybe their seafood or flatbreads—and go in with the expectation that it’s more about the atmosphere than the meal itself.

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Rating: • Fried Chicken & Waffle: ⭐⭐☆ (2.5/5) – salty, sauce missed the mark • Sides: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) – fries were crisp but too salty; beans were just okay • Vibe & Experience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5) – stylish, fun, very D.C., but slow service

A great place to enjoy the scene—not so much if you’re coming for...

With a menu heavily weighted towards this Farmers location's seafood and bread theme, Founding Farmers Fishers & Baker's is the hidden jewel of Farmers Restaurant Group- though the bustling atmosphere of other Farmers locations is sadly absent.

Seafood and bread options dominate the menu from appetizers to desserts. Those who have been to other Farmers locations will know that the quality and portions of some group-wide dishes (such as chicken and pasta options) unfortunately vary, sometimes significantly, depending on location. Sticking to the speciality items here is the key.

My wife and I loved the artichoke crab dip, which can easily satisfy 4 (we wound up taking the leftovers home with us) and comes with house focaccia. The crab adds impressive substance and pairs surprisingly well with the artichoke, while the airiness of the focaccia allows the dip to stand on its own merits without overpowering the essential flavors.

We ordered Shrimp Scampi and Gumbo as entrées, both of which were flavorful with generous portions. I should take this opportunity to clarify, as DC diners are likely already aware, that Farmers Fishers & Bakers- like the rest of the Farmers Restaurant Group locations- doesn't compete in the upper-rungs of the DC cooking scene. It's a reliable comfort restaurant, a role that it fulfills without unnecessary pomp or circumstance (unlike the more heavily frequented Founding Farmers location on Pennsylvania Avenue, but I digress...). The dishes offered a good mix of spice (for the gumbo) and cream-consistent flavors (Scampi). The sauce on the Scampi was well composed and emulsified, with no apparent break- though it was a tad on the oily side. The shrimp was lightly cooked to preserve texture and provided a satisfying texture against the context of the sauce.

The location is the one downside. While underground parking is available, and the waterfront complex where the restaurant is located is well-frequented, the presence of Whitehurst Freeway is a deterrent to foot traffic that might otherwise frequent the Georgetown waterfront at night. Other Georgetown restaurants benefit from clients coming in from off the street, but not Farmers Fishers & Bakers, which seems to be one of the least-busy locations of the Farmers group.

The lack of hustle and bustle common to many other Farmers locations leaves Farmers Fishers & Bakers feeling a bit slower, if at times loney- so just make sure you bring a friend to share the...