Queen Mother's Kitchen

Restaurant · Crystal City

Queen Mother's Kitchen

Restaurant · Crystal City

4

1711 Crystal Dr, Arlington, VA 22202, USA

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Queen Mother's Kitchen by null
Queen Mother's Kitchen by null
Queen Mother's Kitchen by null
Queen Mother's Kitchen by null
Queen Mother's Kitchen by null
Queen Mother's Kitchen by null
Queen Mother's Kitchen by null
Queen Mother's Kitchen by null
Queen Mother's Kitchen by null
Queen Mother's Kitchen by null
Queen Mother's Kitchen by null
Queen Mother's Kitchen by null
Queen Mother's Kitchen by null
Queen Mother's Kitchen by null
Queen Mother's Kitchen by null
Queen Mother's Kitchen by null
Queen Mother's Kitchen by null
Queen Mother's Kitchen by null
Queen Mother's Kitchen by null
Queen Mother's Kitchen by null

Highlights

Specialty fried chicken sandwiches, duck fat fries, honey butter  

Featured in Eater
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1711 Crystal Dr, Arlington, VA 22202, USA Get directions

queenmothercooks.com
@queenmothersdc

10–20 $ · Menu

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1711 Crystal Dr, Arlington, VA 22202, USA Get directions

+1 703 997 8474
queenmothercooks.com
@queenmothersdc
𝕏
@QueenMothersDC

10–20 $ · Menu

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Last updated

Oct 9, 2025

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@eater

Here Are the 2023 James Beard Awards Restaurant and Chef Semifinalists for D.C. - Eater DC

"Rahman “Rock” Harper of Queen Mother’s Fried Chicken in Arlington is also nominated in the same category." - Tierney Plumb

https://dc.eater.com/2023/1/25/23570980/2023-james-beard-awards-restaurant-and-chef-semifinalists-for-dc
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@eater

D.C. Chefs Rallying Behind the AAPI Community Have Raised Thousands for Anti-Racist Organizations - Eater DC

"Queen Mother’s in Arlington is known for its fried chicken sandwiches. During the charity event at Anju, Chef Rock Harper contributed a dish of duck fat fried chicken, cheddar biscuits, and watermelon jam." - Elsie Yang

https://dc.eater.com/2021/5/4/22417666/dc-chefs-aapi-anti-racist-dinner-series-fundraiser-danny-lee-expanding
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Queen Mother’s Chicken Sandwiches Reappear at a Restaurant Incubator in Arlington - Eater DC

"Queen Mother’s, the fried chicken sandwich shop that left virtual food hall Ghostline just a few months after helping to open the chefs’ collective in Glover Park, has moved its operation to another incubator space, the Cafe by La Cocina in Arlington. Chef Rock Harper, a former Hell’s Kitchen winner who ran kitchens at B. Smith’s and Willie’s Brew & Que, is selling brined chicken breast sandwiches cooked in duck fat and canola oil for lunchtime pickups through a GoTab page." - Gabe Hiatt

https://dc.eater.com/2020/12/11/22169522/queen-mothers-chicken-sandwiches-reappear-at-a-restaurant-incubator-in-arlington
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Inside Ghost Line DC, the Huge Kitchen Space For Delivery/Takeout-Only Restaurants - Eater DC

"Longtime D.C. chef Rock Harper has been talking with Gordon about opening a fried chicken sandwich spot for years. Now equipped with a three-fryer station, Harper's opening menu has four sandwiches to start. The chicken is local, cage-free, and raised without antibiotics." - Tierney Plumb

https://dc.eater.com/2020/8/26/21400009/ghost-line-dc-restaurants-delivery-takeout-only-glover-park
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Jessica Martin

Google
Arguably one of the best chicken sandwiches I’ve ever had to date. Hearty, juicy piece of chicken with a thin but crispy shell of a fried layer, all packed with pure chicken flavor. And then there’s the sauce. I got the honey butter and added pickles (I like pickles) and they did less sauce for me. Delicious and filling. And the fresh brioche is worth every calorie. I’d absolutely indulge myself again here and would suggest it to anyone hankering for a good chicken sandwich. Know that there isn’t indoor seating but it’s part of an outdoor park.

Janie Crelin

Google
I ran across Queen Mother’s while Google mapping places to eat near our hotel for months before our trip. The website made the sandwiches look so good, I couldn’t wait to get one! It did not disappoint!!!! I’ll be craving this back in Texas. Can you open one here, please?! The atmosphere didn’t get a high review from me. It’s outdoor seating in this little area that looked very nice online. In person, however, the waterfall was broken and it was quite hot outside. We took our food to go, but I’m sure the outside seating area (which goes along with several food stands/restaurants) is lovely when the weather is nice. On a positive note, the guy that passed out to us was very polite!

Yusef Battle

Google
I came about 12:30pm…was in Crystal City with my teenaged daughters for a STEM event across the street at Amazon Skill Center. I had heard about the food from Queen Mother. The owner had won a season on the show “Hell’s Kitchen”…but I had to try it for myself. The first good sign was they had a crowd gathering to make their orders. I didn’t have a whole lot of time so it was good that the line still moved. I ordered the sandwich w/ Mambo sauce, a side of duck fat fries and a cold, fresh squeezed lemonade. The first thing I looked for was whether the chicken breast would be dry. They passed the test…it was juicy. The Mambo sauce was a pleasant highlight. It wasn’t too sweet or too tart. Even though I ordered extra sauce, the sandwich wasn’t drenched. The duck fat fries were perfect!…a slightly crisp outer shell and a soft center. The seasoning was very tasty and not overdone. The customer service was great. I know what can happen when restaurants get long lines…sometimes the staff can get testy and short and focus only on quick transactions. The gentleman was very pleasant and had a genuine demeanor. You could tell he was doing his best to try to make me happy as a customer. Even though I was a little rushed, I took the time to eat my meal in the water park plaza…it had a “park like” feel to it, so I enjoyed the moment. I will be coming back.

Drake Bry

Google
I ordered the Virginia Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich and a side of fries. The fries were pretty tasty, but the taste of the sandwich was… weird? Maybe I’m just not a fan, but I feel like the blend of savory chicken and sweet vanilla doesn’t really go together. The chicken itself was nice and juicy, though.

Marcus Goff

Google
First time here and the food was okay. The chicken tenders were fried well but lacked season. If the tenders had just a little more seasoning they would've been perfect. The sauce did help with the taste of the chicken. The sauces complemented the tenders well. I also had the honey butter chicken sandwich and wish it had a bit more honey flavor. The fries were fried to perfection and were good. The service was good and in a good location. I will definitely return to try the other sandwiches on the menu.

Brandon Brown

Google
Food and service is the best here. You definitely aren't getting any small fast food portions. One sandwich is definitely filling and the fries are amazing. The Virginia Honey butter sandwich was soo good and the Nashville hot was full of flavor with a kick that makes you want more. Don't forget to wash it all down with some of the best sweet tea in the area. Definitely a place I would return to multiple times. I'm impressed

Laura Burger

Google
My 9 and 10 yo said these are the best chicken sandwiches they've ever had. They had the Virginia honey butter and the buffalo chicken. The chicken was really juicy and not heavily fried. The Virginia butter was really good and unique. My family highly recommends this restaurant

Everett Gray

Google
This restaurant is a great place to eat if you are in crystal city. The queen mother classic sandwich was delicious, the chicken was mouth watering and the sauce was flavorful. The duck fat fries were a great side. Service was fast and there was seating available. The overall atmosphere was great and overall this restaurant is great and I would definitely recommend.