Alexandria VA – Alexandria’s restaurant scene is about to get even more exciting. One of Washington, D.C.’s most celebrated fried chicken restaurants, Honeymoon Chicken, has announced plans to open its first Alexandria location in 2026 at Carlyle Crossing, located at 2461 Mandeville Lane.

Founded in 2022 with Chef Rob Sonderman at the helm, Honeymoon Chicken earned a coveted Bib Gourmand designation, a recognition awarded to restaurants that deliver exceptional food at a great value. The restaurant has become known for combining carefully prepared fried chicken with inventive flavors that keep diners coming back.

A Recipe Built on Patience and Flavor

Every piece of Honeymoon Chicken begins with Halal chicken that is brined for 24 hours before being coated in the restaurant’s signature crispy breading and fried until perfectly golden.

Guests can customize their meal with several signature finishes that have helped define the brand. Among the favorites is Honey Dust, a proprietary seasoning blend featuring honey powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and other spices that create a sweet-and-savory finish. Another standout is the restaurant’s famous Honeymoon Dip, a sticky, sweet, smoky, and spicy sauce made with habanero peppers that delivers just enough heat without overpowering the chicken. Those looking for even more sweetness can order their chicken “Honeymoon Style,” tossed in the restaurant’s hot honey sauce.

More Than Fried Chicken

While fried chicken is the star of the menu, guests will find plenty of other tempting options. Meals are available as bone-in white or dark meat combination buckets, alongside crispy chicken sandwiches, fresh salads, and sweet corn waffles. Side dishes include roasted cauliflower drizzled with hot honey, seasoned wedge fries, cilantro-lime slaw, creamy mac and cheese, and buttermilk smashed potatoes. For diners seeking something unexpected, the menu also features elevated offerings like crispy chicken poutine, strawberry burrata salad, and even caviar accompaniments.

The expansion into Alexandria reflects the city’s growing reputation as a destination for nationally recognized restaurant concepts while giving Northern Virginia diners easier access to one of the District’s most talked-about eateries. Although an official opening date has yet to be announced, anticipation is already building among fried chicken enthusiasts eager to experience what made Honeymoon Chicken one of Washington’s standout dining destinations.

According to their website, they: “transform the humble art of fried chicken into a culinary masterpiece. From inventive sides like roasted cauliflower with hot honey to plussed-up classics like a traditional 8-piece combo — it’s about as upscale as something served in a bucket can get. This is fried chicken, all dressed up with someplace to go.”