Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Little Engine

    4.9 (43 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Order Little Engine Takeout or Delivery

    Little Engine Photos

    Business Info

    LITTLE ENGINE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Little Engine

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Pineapple habanero wings
    Takia C.

    This is a cute little spot with a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. They have free cars for the kids, cartoons playing, and nostalgic décor on the walls, which we really enjoyed. The menu is fairly simple, and the prices were very reasonable. The staff was also warm and welcoming, which made for a pleasant experience. The rice wasn't to our taste--we honestly couldn't finish it. The hot wings, however, had great flavor, and I really enjoyed them. Because of the friendly service, reasonable prices, and enjoyable atmosphere, I would come back to try other menu items before deciding if it would become a regular spot.

    Samone J.

    We popped by during a weekend not too long ago. This place is vibrantly decorated and cozy. The team was busy, hustling away--the manager or GM (not sure) was even running the register, helping out. We wanted to keep it light and ended up sharing the 4x4, snap peas, and hush puppies. The dry rub used on the chicken and fries is so so good, I can understand why it's a house staple! While we didn't love the house ranch and special mumbo sauce, we devoured every thing! The hush puppies were done right, savory with a warm center... on par with the classic southern staple! Also, the chicken--crispy and juicy! We will absolutely be back!

    6 buffalo wings with wedge fries
    Tori C.

    I saw great reviews for little engine a while back, and after an event on H st., I decided it was a great time to visit. The staff are nice and explain the wing sauces really well..I'm the biggest sucker for wings so I had high expectations. The 6 piece buffalo wings were delicious and lived up to the hype! Crispy but saucy...never soggy. For someone who doesn't like wedges, I really enjoyed these wedge fries. I'll 100% be back on an empty stomach again!

    Definitely coming back again. If you're looking for a nice Saturday or Sunday afternoon chill vibe. Little engine and their food, (especially their breakfast burrito pop up) is the ideal situation. Great for a first date or just a relaxed morning. Their food is flavorful and thoughtfully made. Sure, there was a bit of a wait, but a little patience goes a long way and the food is proof of that. Appreciate the flexibly and great service from Ricardo and the rest of the staff. I definitely will be back again.

    Southwest Chicken Salad
    Larry M.

    When a chef post another chef's rev'ed up rotisserie chicken spot...you might want to pull up!! So that's exactly what I did!! When I saw Chef Matt Adler @adler81 post this spot, i pulled up!! My New Favorite rotisserie chicken spot good folks!! . Where I am: @littleenginechicken . Location Reviewed: 250 7th St., S.E. Washington D.C. . Items Reviewed: STAMP!! Their Southwest Chicken Salad ($15 with jalapeno lime crema, corn, lettuce, tomato, onion, & fried chicken strips dusted in their signature Hazel's Magic Dust). Hearty, mildly spicy, & that dusted chicken tasted like a combination between Old Bay, Lemon Pepper, & Sweet Heat dust...STAMP!!! STAMP!! Their Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap ($15 with Romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, a Caesar salad dressing, & the Hazel Magic dusted chicken strips). PERFECTION!! tasty, savory, & fulfilling! STAMP!! Their Tricked Out Wings ($18.50 for 6 cherry blossom Mumbo sauce wings, & 6 Hazel Magic dusted wings). Crunchy wings with that mumbo sauce that has a hint of real cherry taste, & those deliciously dusted wings!! STAMP!! Their Rev'ed Up Rotisserie Chicken ($17 for flavor dusted half white meat chicken, pickled onions, a tortilla, Full Throttle sauce, & fries). Exceptional delicious!! Well seasoned chicken, well seasoned fries, my new favorite rotisserie chicken spot!! STAMP!! Their Hush Puppies ($5 with sweet corn, & scallions). The absolute BEST hush puppies I've ever tasted. Freshly made, crunchy/soft deliciousness!! . Customer Service: On Point. . Parking: Rough. . Recommendations: The Best Rotisserie in the city!! Accessibility: This spot is wheelchair friendly, & differently abled persons friendly. 5 Stars=STAMP 4 1/2 Stars=LIKE THAT 4 Stars=DELICIOUS 3 Stars=DECENT 2 Stars=PASS 1 Star=NAH #Bigschlimsreviews

    The 4x4, white meat with Sweet Baby Raj chicken and buffalo crispy wings
    Jazmin A.

    Ugh I wish I could relive my first experience at Little Engine all over again. I came in with my heart set on the chicken Caesar wrap, but when I got there and took a better look at the menu, I knew I had to try the wings. But then, I also felt I had to try the regular rotisserie chicken. I settled for 2/3 and ended up getting the 4x4, and I was so happy with my decision. For $19, you get 1/4 chicken, 4 wings, 1 side, and your choice of sauces. I was super hungry and still had to take some of that to go. I want to start by giving a special shoutout to the staff here. Everyone was super friendly. The cashier was very welcoming and gave me recommendations as I placed my order. Typically, I go into a place knowing what I'm gonna get but I also love some feedback on what's good and how the restaurant recommends you order. I was gonna get the chicken plain, but was convinced to add some sweet baby raj sauce and I was so glad I did. I loved that the cashier had some solid recs ready and that she spoke confidently about the menu. Next, if you're eating the food there, another member of staff will bring you your meal. The young lady that was delivering the meals to each table was super warm and very bubbly, if a customer made a move to go get something, she said not to worry, and that she would handle it. She was very quick and very attentive. Next, the kitchen staff was also very friendly and very quick with the meals. I went to ask them about a to go box and bag and just all in all, it was a very pleasant experience with every member of the staff here. You can tell everyone's genuine interest in working at this establishment and I think service is so important and unfortunately lacking in a lot of places these days. On to the food, the rotisserie chicken was very juicy and flavorful and even though I got some sauce on it, I could tell it would've been flavorful even on its own. I went with buffalo for the wings and they were crispy, saucy and had a great flavor to them - I also liked the quality of the wings themselves. They weren't tiny and they weren't those huge GMO wings you sometimes get at places these days. Honestly, I loved everything on my plate, but I may just come back and order wings on their own next time because they were so yummy! Potato wedges were also a perfect side addition. You'd think you can't really mess these up, but trust me, they are not all created equal and these were the perfect crisp, salt, lightness. Last, I wanna give a shoutout to the dipping sauces. This is like the first place I've come into in recent history that doesn't charge extra for every sauce. They gave me two cups of ranch and the sauce seemed to be a homemade ranch, which I really enjoyed. It wasn't overpowering or overflowing with too many herbs as I've encountered with other house-made ranch. This is a very casual spot that I anticipate coming back to regularly, even if it's just for takeout. I was very impressed on my first visit and I wish this establishment much success, which I know won't be difficult in this area. They have a great team and great food! Give it a try, you won't regret it!

    Austin G.

    To be a restaurant open for lunch in Eastern Market, you have to somehow cater to adults and children alike. It's hard to do, but Little Engine does it well. Popping in for a late lunch on a Sunday in March, here's my nine-year-old daughter and my experience. 1) Food: To feed us both, we ordered the kids quesadilla and the adult one. The kids meal comes with chicken inside, which my daughter usually doesn't love, but she did this time. The fries that it comes with are wedges and tasty. Ask for their ranch sauce to dip them in. The adult pulled chicken quesadilla comes with a great lime crema on top. 2) Drinks: They have bottled water, Coca-Cola products in cans, lemonades, and more. They even have Fanta! 3) Service: It's excellent! The person behind the register was patient and helpful. 4) Space: It's small, but there are several booths and window seating. With big windows, lots of natural light pours in. The walls are decorated with baseball cards and old CDs giving it a retro vibe. There are two unisex restrooms in the back that don't require a code. 5) Area: Even when it's busy, you will eventually find street parking nearby. On weekdays, I usually find a spot along 8th Street SE a block away. Another option is to park in the Trader Joe's garage free for 60 minutes with a purchase.

    Entry
    Markie'Sha J.

    Absolutely amazing. The food was made to order. I ended up getting wings and wedges, and I will say that the portion size was great. As a matter of fact, I couldn't even finish all of my wings. The wings were nicely sauced; the flavor I tried was sweet baby Raj or something of that nature it had like a barbecue like taste. It was actually recommended by the cashier and I was not disappointed. I originally got my food to go, but it smelled so good in there I decided to sit in and eat.

    CD wall - yes we needed to explain this to our 6 year old.
    Evan P.

    This is the Little Engine that CAN and WILL become a regular part of your rotation. Located in Eastern Market, the Little Engine has a cool, 90s nostalgia vibe with a CD wall, wall of 90s sports cards, and 90s movie posters gracing the walls. Look closely in some of the upper nooks and you'll even see some old VHS tapes. They had light music playing from the 90s as well. Service was fast, friendly, and the staff gave great recommendations. While you really cannot go wrong with whatever you order, they help you pick the flavors that you are craving. The food is fantastic! They have rotisserie chickens roasting on a spit and the wings are packed with flavor. The Hazel's Magic Dust was a table favorite with its dry rubbed spices and the Thai peanut, spicy Szechuan, and Sweet Baby Raj sauce all left us looking forward to trying more at our next visit. Great for takeout and a more casual dine-in (with 90s vibes included), the Little Engine is well worth a visit and will be one we come back to again and again!

    6 wings all flats- Hazels Magic Dust
    Kim J.

    I'm a fan! I've had them twice and the food has been consistent. The hush puppies really are that good! I love that I can order all flats with the wings. And the wings are a good size. The rotisserie chicken is also good, not as good as some other chicken spots but still a good option to have in the neighborhood. I do like that you can get a variety of sauces with your chicken. They are .75 extra but worth it. I've had the jalapeño lime and Thai peanut sauce. I will say, if you are ordering for pickup, check your bag and make sure you have everything. I ordered extra sauces and caught that they didn't include but forgot to check for the others. I was looking forward to trying the Sweet Baby Rajs. Good spot overall. I have yet to eat in but they have some dining seats inside and nice options outside. I'll be back!

    Brittney S.

    As a big fan of chicken wings, im now a big fan of Little Engine! I got the 4x4 meal so I could try the wings and the rotisserie because I couldn't decide. They also have different sauces and dry rubs to pick from and I wasn't sure what to get, so the owner actually came over to give his recommendation on the most popular things. The chicken was 10/10! Crispy, flavorful, and hot! The space was also really cool , very 90s and early 2000s vibe with the music and decor.

    12 flats. Expertly cooked. Little baby Raj sauce and Sticky Szechuan. PERFECTION!
    Dakine B.

    Helluva wing spot right next to Eastern Market. Clean space. Incredibly kind employees. And the wings? HELL YES! I stopped by yesterday morning on my way to the airport and got 12 perfectly cooked and sauced wings. And they will accommodate all flats! Hot damn! This little engine sure as hell can!!!

    Dona P.

    uhm. wow. first of all the answer the phone when you call - SHOCKING. second of all the pulled chicken is dairy free gluten free as is the Thai peanut dressing. third of all- this spicy chicken cabbage salad- I had low hopes- but WHOA! FLAVOR BOMB !! the spice the crunch the fresh mint and tang from the dressing the fresh jalapeño just SO Impressive!! Order looks small but it packs a punch. Clean interior, well oiled machine with staff working well together (with a manager making sure orders are coming out correctly). WELCOME TO THE HILL! my new go to salad for sure !

    Buffalo wings and the dry rub

    See all

    Photo of Br H.
    0
    16
    0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Everything is so freaking yummy. Went back to back days. Got to say, very good value too!

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 2 of 2

    Ask the Community - Little Engine

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Chicken Wings 7,500 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Milk & Honey Southern Inspired Kitchen - Genius level sweet potato bread pudding

    Milk & Honey Southern Inspired Kitchen

    3.9(499 reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $$

    Great brunch spot in DC! They played old school R&B, crowded but not too packed and the service…read morewas great as well. It's a nice vibe when you have patrons singing along to old hits! We started off with mimosas. I went with Lavender. As far as food, I ordered the chicken and biscoff waffle. So delicious. My friend ordered the crabcake Benedict, I think... honestly, I don't think I paid much attention because I was captivated and enjoying my plate. Highly recommend a visit to this gem in the city!

    Atmosphere & Service: The location is beautiful, but the managers needs to retrain their staff. The…read morehostess walked us to a table then told us we weren't supposed to follow them...confusing. Then we waited and waited and waited for our waitress. When she came she was sweet but she may have come to the table 3 times in an hour and a half. Why aren't you checking on your tables periodically? Why do we have to walk to the hostess stand to find you? Why does the food take so long to come out when parking fees are atrocious ($30-40)? Why do we then have to wait 15 mins for a to go box and another 15 mins for the check? We also had a bday girl with us and were told they don't have candles or bday cake for them, and proceeded to give us a dessert menu. We then asked to speak with the manager who didn't have much to say or offer. We just want you, sir, to retrain. Food: Food was pretty good but my mom's came out ice cold with the wrong sides. The calamari was chewy and on a bed of uncooked spinach. Was that a garnish or were we supposed to eat it was my question? The chicken and biscuits were good and the salmon hash was good. That sauce on both is really nice.

    Photos
    Milk & Honey Southern Inspired Kitchen - Interior/ Entrance

    Interior/ Entrance

    Milk & Honey Southern Inspired Kitchen - Chocolate cake

    Chocolate cake

    Milk & Honey Southern Inspired Kitchen - Cheesecake Pancakes

    See all

    Cheesecake Pancakes

    Kinfolk Southern Kitchen - Crab cakes - a bit meh on this one

    Kinfolk Southern Kitchen

    3.7(397 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$$

    We had came to the wharf for a concert at the anthem and stopped by for a meal beforehand. Our…read moreserver Jose was very kind and knowledgeable, and he was able to provide reccomendations around my dietary restrictions. Great place!

    Wings | Espresso Express | Busy…read more Wings - The smoked wings were delicious and easily one of the highlights of the food menu. They make for a great appetizer to share with a group of 2-4 people or a perfect small meal if you're not looking for something heavy. Highly recommend giving them a try. Espresso Express - This is an interesting and creative take on an espresso martini. Instead of vodka, they use reposado tequila, which adds a richer and more complex flavor profile. The result is an outstanding cocktail and probably one of the top five espresso-based drinks I've ever had. Without question, this was the highlight of the meal for me. Busy - We arrived around 6:00 PM on a Saturday night during the summer and were pleasantly surprised to walk in and find seating for our group of eight. The restaurant was bustling with people coming and going throughout the evening, but the space is much larger than it appears from the outside, allowing it to handle the crowd well. Pro Tip: If you're on a date or hoping for an easier conversation, ask for seating in the side dining area. It is noticeably quieter than the main dining room and outdoor seating areas. Pro Tip: Don't judge the size of the restaurant from the exterior. The inside is surprisingly spacious and can accommodate larger groups better than you might expect.

    Photos
    Kinfolk Southern Kitchen - Inside

    Inside

    Kinfolk Southern Kitchen - Cornbread

    Cornbread

    Kinfolk Southern Kitchen - Covered patio seating area

    See all

    Covered patio seating area

    Side Door Pizza

    Side Door Pizza

    4.5(145 reviews)
    0.7 miNavy Yard
    $$

    I Was Craving Pizza & Wanted To Try Something Different For Once. I've Been Hearing About This Spot…read moreFor Years But Never Actually Went... Until Now. Today Was The Day. Street Parking Only & It's Definitely Hit Or Miss. I Got Lucky & Found A Spot, But It Is Metered So Be Prepared To Pay. This Spot Is Literally A "Side Door" Located On The Side Of Scarlet Oak. Super Unique Setup With Cool Lights That Make It Easy To Spot. It's Different From Your Typical Pizza Place, Which I Actually Liked. Since It Was Monday, They Had Half-Off Pizzas If You Dine In & I Had To Take Advantage Of That. CHEESE PIZZA I Ordered A Cheese Pizza & Lemon Water. This Is Detroit-Style Pizza, So Don't Expect New York Style. It's Thick, With A Generous Amount Of Mozzarella Cheese & Tomato Sauce. Honestly, It Almost Felt Like A Cheesy Bread Situation But In A Good Way. The Crust Was Buttery With A Slight Crisp On The Outside & Soft Inside, Which Was The Perfect Balance. The Ingredients Tasted Fresh, & It Was Very Filling. The Size I Got Came With 4 Slices, & Honestly, 2 Slices Was More Than Enough. I'd Definitely Come Back & Bring My Son This Feels Like A Spot He'd Love, Especially If He's Into Breadsticks & Cheesy Pizza. The Staff Was Decent, Though I Didn't Interact Much. The Overall Setup Is Interesting, A Full Restaurant Vibe Inside With This Separate Pizza Concept On The Side. Different, But It Works. I'm Glad I Finally Tried It, Unique Setup, Solid Detroit-Style Pizza, & A Great Deal If You Catch It On The Right Day. Just Have To Be In The Mood For Detroit-Style Pizza.

    Wow! We got into town for the weekend and wanted to grab lunch. It was cold and raining and we…read morewanted something easy. Once we found Side Door Pizza on Yelp and read all the reviews we were sold. It was a quick walk from our hotel and we got take out. We enjoyed our pizza from our hotel (they really only have take out and dine outside). The pizza was so good we contemplated getting it a 2nd on our way out as a lunch on the road.

    Photos
    Side Door Pizza - Inside

    Inside

    Side Door Pizza
    Side Door Pizza

    See all

    Wingo's - 4-Piece Chicken Tender Special

    Wingo's

    4.0(527 reviews)
    4.0 miGeorgetown
    $

    The wings here are really good, and you can tell the chicken is well seasoned. My group's favorites…read morewere the garlic parm and hot honey. My friends and I also had an amazing experience with the owners of Wingos. They were so sweet and friendly. We walked past this place earlier in the day, and their shop stood out to us because of the shredded chicken mural on the wall. It made me laugh and ended up being a memorable detail that I now associate with a great visit. I recommend this spot to anyone looking to support a local business with delicious wings!

    This place is a carryout place pretty much. Out side of the few tables they have out front on their…read moresidewalk, there is no where else to eat there. You will find a few parking spots on the street in front of the restart and within a reasonable walking distance. They serve wings and tenders with a large selection of sauces to choose from. I placed my order online, so it was ready by the time I got there. I just double parked, like most people do in the city, ran in and got my food. The staff there was very nice. The inside customer area is very small, but I was in and out. I ordered 10 wings, which I thought I ordered in 2 flavors. however it only came in one, mambo. That is ok. The wings were very delicious. I mean like finger licking delicious, packed with flavor. I also got a side of mac and cheese, which was also really good. It was cheesy like I like it, fresh and tasty. All in all, I really enjoyed my meal here. I am always skeptical when a see a restaurant claiming to have the best of something. This restaurant claims to have the best. After eating my meal, I would say there is some truth to that. I highly recommend checking this place out.

    Photos
    Wingo's
    Wingo's - Hot Honey Wings, Lemon Pepper Wings

    Hot Honey Wings, Lemon Pepper Wings

    Wingo's

    See all

    Canopy Central Cafe and Bar - Seared Salmon with Carrots and Yuzu Fried Rice

    Canopy Central Cafe and Bar

    3.4(120 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$

    Cute place for cocktails and mocktails overlooking the wharf. It is located on the second floor…read moreof the hotel building. The ambiance is relaxing and quiet, so it's a nice getaway from the crowd that is usually seen at The Wharf. Prices are fair considering the location, and servers are friendly!

    This is a great spot for great views, great service, good drinks and a decent menu. It's also a…read moregood place to do work. Perfect for any size group, but you should a reservation during busy periods or when there's a big event happening at the Wharf. I've been here several times. The service is always great. The staff is very friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating. The menu is full of options for breakfast, brunch and dinner. I've only been there for brunch and dinner. They have a brunch deal of $45 for an entree and bottomless mimosas. The scramble was disappointing. It was listed as an entree but the portion was really like a side. If I didn't add the eggs it would've been extremely light. It also wasn't as flavorful. I don't see it on the menu anymore. The curried crab and squash soup was amazing. I'd get that anytime. It's packed with flavor, plenty of crab and it's a decent size. The poke nachos are solid. The steak tacos are bomb and the fried rice with chicks or salmon are also great. For drinks, the seasonal cocktails are good. I enjoyed the Figues which has bourbon, cognac, fig simple syrup and bitters. Overall is a solid spot at the Wharf if you want good drinks, decent food and good views.

    Photos
    Canopy Central Cafe and Bar
    Canopy Central Cafe and Bar - Oven-Roasted Chicken with red smashed potatoes and broccolini

    Oven-Roasted Chicken with red smashed potatoes and broccolini

    Canopy Central Cafe and Bar - Oh that? CORNHOLE GREEN!

    See all

    Oh that? CORNHOLE GREEN!

    Bonchon Navy Yard

    Bonchon Navy Yard

    3.9(617 reviews)
    0.9 miNavy Yard
    $$

    This is a carryout Asian joint co-located in a pub named Hill Spirit Unlimited. There is very…read morelimited metered street parking within walking distance of this restaurant, and those spots are at a premium. You order and/or pick up your food. They serve Korean Fried chicken, chicken sandwiches, fries, bao, chicken tenders, and some Korean dishes. I placed my order online and got 8 wings, some fries, and street corn. They have a few sauces to choose from for your wings including soy garlic, spicy, Korean BBQ, or yangnyeom. I got the yangnyeom sauce on my wings. The staff there was ok. They did their jobs, not overly friendly, but not mean either. My food was ready in about 20 minutes. Even though there was seating available, I took my food back home to eat. My food was really good. The wings were crispy, and the sauce was sweet and spicy, as I like it. The corn was also tasty and very cheesy. The cole slaw that came with the wings was ok. It was edible, but I have had better. The fries were decent, but it is really hard to mess up fries, even though I have seen it done. This joint has an easy process for placing food orders. The food is better than average, and I really liked it. They lost one star because the service was just mehhhh or not memorable.

    We came here for lunch. Had the pork pot stickers for an appetizer and they were crunchy and hot…read moreand we loved them! My husband ordered the spicy chicken fried rice and said it was very good. I had the soy garlic chicken steamed buns and they were fabulous! Worth a visit! You order and pay by QR code, but a server will take your order if you prefer. Everyone was nice and it was a pleasant experience.

    Photos
    Bonchon Navy Yard
    Bonchon Navy Yard - Pork belly bao buns! My sister loves them.

    Pork belly bao buns! My sister loves them.

    Bonchon Navy Yard

    See all

    Little Engine - chicken_wings - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...