Try the Chicken Sandwich at Queen Mother’s Kitchen

Queen Mother’s Kitchen is a fast-casual fried chicken counter at 1711 Crystal Dr. inside National Landing’s Water Park, opened in August 2020 by James Beard Award-nominated chef Rahman “Rock” Harper as a loving tribute to his mother, Carole Harper. The concept is focused and intentional: all chicken is antibiotic-free, cage-free, and non-GMO, fried in a combination of duck fat and canola oil that produces an uncommonly juicy, deeply flavored result. The menu is compact by design — four chicken sandwich variations (classic, Nashville hot, Virginia honey butter, and spicy mambo), crispy chicken tenders, and sides including duck fat fries and coleslaw — but each item is executed with a level of care rarely found at fast-casual prices.

Northern Virginia Magazine called the Queen Mother’s Classic Chicken Sandwich one of the most indulgent and best in the region. Harper, who won Season 3 of Hell’s Kitchen and has appeared widely in media, is also committed to sustainability: packaging is eco-friendly paper and plant-starch utensils, with a goal of going entirely plastic-free. The restaurant also operates a Queens Market featuring local and Black-owned products available for pickup. Hours are daily 11 a.m.–9 p.m. The Pentagon City Metro station (Blue/Yellow lines) is nearby. Visit queenmothercooks.com or call (703) 997-8474.