Honeymoon Chicken at the corner of Georgia and Upshur Streets in Petworth.

After a long period of renovation, delays and Covid, Honeymoon Chicken is set to open at the corner of Upshur and Georgia Avenue (4201 Georgia Avenue NW).

The idea behind Honeymoon chicken is “where funky meets fancy.” They hope to take the art of fried chicken to “a new level of sophistication and creativity.” Led by Chef Rob Sonderman (from Federalist Pig), Honeymoon says they’re focused on quality (farm-raised, cage-free, all natural local chickens), preparation (a three-step process involving pickle-brining for 24 hours, then hand-breading and pressure-frying the chicken) and signature Finishes: “Honey Dust” – a combination of spices including honey powder, smoked paprika, salt and garlic powder, OR the “Hot Honey Dip” – a sweet, sticky and spicy sauce with a touch of smokiness and heat from habanero peppers.

Hot Honey-Dipped Chicken Sandwich (photo courtesy Honeymoon Chicken)

A look at the menu
The owners and Chef Sonderman spent months researching, testing and developing the signature fried chicken recipe in order to “balance sweetness with heat and the juiciness with a crispy fried exterior.” And you’ll find more than just chicken and sandwiches on the menu. For example, they’re offering Mac & Cheese made with gruyere, fontina, sharp cheddar and parmesan, Buttermilk Smashed Potatoes, and lighter options like Cilantro Lime Slaw and Hot Honey Cauliflower. (See their full menu at the bottom of this article.)

A look at the eclectic menu (photo courtesy Honeymoon Chicken)

Some of their featured items:

Honeymoon Chicken Bucket: all natural, cage-free crispy chicken served either honey-dusted or dipped in Honeymoon’s signature hot honey. Choose from the full chicken (8pc) or a sampling of your favorite pieces (wings, drums, thighs, breasts). Served dipping sauces, honey butter rolls or a side of your choice.
Honeymooner Combo: all natural, cage-free crispy chicken served either honey dusted or dipped in Honeymoon’s signature hot honey and choice of side alongside 1/2 bottle of Veuve and custom champagne flutes.
Honeymoon Hot Dipped Chicken Sandwich: crispy chicken breast with signature hot honey dip, spicy pickles, crispy onions, lettuce, and ranch on a toasted bun.
Crispy Mushroom Sandwich: crispy breaded oyster mushrooms, cilantro-lime slaw, pickles, crispy onions and comeback sauce on a toasted bun.

Shrimp Po Boy: cornmeal breaded shrimp, topped with pickles, crispy onions, tomato, lettuce and remoulade on a toasted hoagie roll.

Crispy Mushroom Sandwich (photo courtesy Honeymoon Chicken)

Honey Garlic Chicken Salad (photo courtesy Honeymoon Chicken)

And there’s smaller portions for the little ones…

Honey Butter Chicken Sliders: 2 house-made honey butter rolls filled with signature Honeymoon Chicken bites, served with a choice of fries, slaw, mac & cheese or brussels sprouts.

Kids Crispy Chicken Sandwich: plain crispy chicken breast on a brioche bun served with a choice of fries, slaw, mac & cheese or brussels sprouts.

Plenty for the kids (photo courtesy Honeymoon Chicken)

You’ll also find drinks and desserts on their menu.

Inside you’ll find what they call a “retro chic” interior that includes a 15-seat bar with an immediate view of the restaurant’s open kitchen. (They expanded Slim’s bar all the way across the restaurant.)

For those who don’t want to dine-in, Honeymoon offers a convenient pick-up window along Georgia Ave. Outdoor seating will also be available during warmer months.

Their Student Program includes 10% off for all students (and their families if a student is with them), Monday-Friday, 3:30pm-5pm.

Honeymoon Chicken
4201 Georgia Avenue NW
honeymoonchicken.com
Honeymoon is open daily from 11am-9pm.