VERY good fried Chicken! Definitely one of my favorite places to hit for some tasty chicken. Don't usually go here often, but through mutual friends, have tasted the food. Pretty great, I must say. Really delicious fried chicken and coleslaw. Wish it was closer, though. Need to drop by sometime soon, been a long while now for sure... read more

This Damascus hole-in-the-wall is minuscule, with only three parking spaces out front, and room inside for half-a-dozen people to stand in front of the counter (and a tight squeeze for that many). A mixed 20-piece on this first visit was a guilty pleasure. The thin, crisply breaded skin and moist meat are a solid step above fast-food fried-chicken. That said, this isn't free-range natural-feed fair-trade buttermilk-brined chicken. But it's still quite tasty, and much cheaper than those variations would allow. As for sides: the criss-cut fries are a fair approximation of Chick-fil-A waffle fries (but don't taste like peanut oil, so not quite as good). Macaroni salad is reasonable but nothing exciting. Note that inexpensive "small" size is literally a single side serving, maybe 2.5 Tablespoons in a sauce-sized container. Let the aroma of fried chicken guide your decision: this is a chicken shack, and you come here to get fried chicken, Just do it. read more

Disappointed to say the least. Forgot the dressing for the wings but that's nothing. Service was ok, food was horrible. Chicken was bland no flavor, wings barely had sauce on them, mac and cheese awful no flavor period. Fries were soggy. Just plain old yuck for $52 never again. Would not recommend read more

I finally got the chance to go try the fried chicken at this place and..... it was a disappointment nothing especial. I would say it was my first and also last time going there. read more

Excellent fried chicken taste excellent steak fries and cole slaw good sandwiches are great

Not a bad place. Service is always friendly maybe Taco Bell/KFC up the road should take notice. The fried chicken is average to me not bad not great but good. My personal opinion is the people who think this chicken is so great (as I have been told locally) have never been down south or are being bias. Regardless of my opinion overall you get what you expect from this place which is a good thing. Just do not expect a life changing experience. Good chicken Good sides ( not many to choose from) Great Staff Good ten minute wait once you order. read more

Was trying to find a place to grab lunch before a day out of DC and came across Red Rooster. Glad we did. Dismiss the reviews of people who go to a fried chicken place and don't order fried chicken. We each ordered a two piece "dinner" combo, which is available all day. The white meat combo comes with breast and wing. White meat can be dry, but this was not. Chicken is cooked to order and was hot and fresh. Combo came with french fries, cole slaw, and a small roll. Fries were good, cole slaw was cold and crisp, and a great partner to the hot chicken. I'm from the South and have eaten my fair share of fried chicken in my life. Is this the best fried chicken I've had in my life? No, but the food is good, fresh, and the price point is fantastic. Will be back! read more

This hole-in-the-wall isn't pretty in the eyes. They don't have much parking, nor do they have a lot of standing room once inside to order your meal and resist the urge to peek into the kitchen. Their outdoor seating is right next to their dumpster, so judge the wind carefully before choosing a table. All of that being said, once you get your hands on their fresh, juicy, crispy chicken, you'll know why it was worth the trip to the middle of Damascus. The chicken is made to order and their fries and coleslaw are a great compliment to your meal. read more

The chicken is really good, but this place could be so much better with a little effort. The fries are just terrible. Bland frozen with no flavor. And dinner rolls that are just terrible. Go for the best chicken around, but pass on the low effort sides. read more

Just not the same as it used to be. Staff is not kind or courteous. The chicken has made me sick on 2 occasions. Also, according to the owner, the mixed 3 piece meal is a leg, wing, and a thigh... all dark meat so how is it mixed? I hope they make changes and can improve. I won't say I will never go back, but not anytime soon... read more

Sorry, ravers, but I have to interject some sanity into this conversation. I live about a half mile from the Rooster and have eaten their chicken and fries many times over the past 7+ years at scouting and school events. The chicken has always been at least a little overcooked and greasy (an odd combination for fried chicken), the fries limp and greasy. I've only been in the place once--I was craving some barbecue and figured I would try something other than chicken. It was meat swimming in a vat of "sauce" that looked and tasted like mostly grease. Also, it's a really small place so the kitchen is in plain sight. There has to be a twenty-year thick layer of grime (and grease!) covering every fixed surface. I can't imagine the place having passed a health inspection since the Clinton administration. read more

OVERRATED!!! Based on the other reviews I was expecting this chicken to be fried in angel tears. That just goes to show that yelpers can sometimes be hype-mongerers (sorry yelpers!) The chicken was average. Ya I said it. Average. The choice of sides is very limited. This is a country restaurant in a country town and they don't sell biscuits? Whyyyy???!!!??? Slaw was terrible and the rolls I had to pay for were weak. Not worth the drive at all. read more

This used to be my favorite chicken place. Under the new management, it's terrible. Customer service is the worst. I had to wait 20 minutes even though my order had been called in 45 minutes earlier -- and everything was ready! Another customer was standing there with me; not only did they get his order wrong, they asked him to pay more since he was under charged. When I got my order home I discovered they've changed the recipe. There is NO seasoning -- not even salt -- in the fried chicken breading. It's totally bland. The onion rings are unseasoned (another change) and the cole slaw is watery cabbage with no flavor -- this is particularly upsetting as they used to make my favorite cole slaw. The restaurant is mismanaged, the food is over-priced, and the flavor is below-average. I could get better at a supermarket deli for half the price. I'll never buy from here again. I'd give zero stars if I could. read more

Once I moved to Damascus, my co-workers kept bugging me to try this place. I was excited to try it only to be let down. The chicken was dry and flavorless. It didn't even have salt on it. The skin was perfectly crispy but again, no flavor. The coleslaw had so much mayo in it, I thought I was drinking mayo from a bottle.. The baked beans were nothing special. The texture was perfect but it was lacking flavor. The fries had an old oil taste to it. I ended up tossing them in the trash with the coleslaw. I will give it a second chance since so many people rave about it. Maybe I went on an off day. Environment: Friendly Food: C read more

By far the best fried chicken ever... they must sprinkling some crack on it because I can't get enough... There's no way to describe it. Nothing comes close to the fried chicken here. This place is a small mom and pop store. This is the only you'll find anywhere. As you walk you'll see workers breading fresh chicken in their super secret crackalicious breading. The shop is very small and is more of a carry out type of shop. They have 2 or 3 very small table in the store. I sat and order about 10 dollars worth of food. The food and service was so good I left a 3 dollar tip. I handed the 3 dollars to the young waitress and she had a "what do I do with this" type of look on her face. I was like "that's your tip".. and she was ecstatic. Overall a great experience. read more

Ok, the first time I experienced the chicken at this place, it was during a after-funeral luncheon for the sister of a good friend. Not the time to write a review..... Today, I drove almost 20 miles out of my way today driving on some of the roads that I drove when I was in high school, (Route 124/ Route 108) WOW WOW WOW WOWWWWWW I ordered the 16 piece bag of fried chicken and I've already eaten 5 pieces while binge watching some shows on Hulu. Grass mowing can wait for another day..... The chicken is not greasy, has enough salt/pepper spice.....it is EXCELLENT. Note* I have eaten them all, KFC, Popeyes, Chicken Basket....... Red Rooster is DA BOMB! Only tables outside to eat, so get this to go!!!!! read more

We must have gotten their leftovers before closing. The chicken wasn't very fresh tasting, like it had been sitting around for a while. Didn't have a good flavor and taste. The fries were stale and old. The Mac and cheese tasted like it was made out the box!! This is not the Red Rooster I remember years back, must be under new management. I wouldn't recommend this place. read more

the chicken was decent but not as good as KFC.. sides had no flavor. over priced.. the restaurant looks quite dirty and messy. Looks like it hasn't had a good cleaning in 30 years.. had higher expectations.. read more

Looks can definitely be deceiving, and this place takes the cake. Lodged in a triangular hut, this place offers fried chicken that I haven't found to be matched anywhere. Not even the Amish Market. Yes that's right. And it's been in business for as long as I can remember; I know my parents went there when they were little too. And they are old. So that is saying something. And my parents still eat it to this day, which is also saying something...that it hasn't gone downhill since. Can't say anything as far as the other items on the menu, but when it comes to chicken...Red Rooster knows where it's at. Only seating options are outside, so expect to carry out. read more

Because it's fresh and made to order. There used to be places like this all over the south. The chicken is super crispy. Someone complained it didn't have a lot of seasonings and I confess I added hot sauce which is available in small packets. But the main thing about fried chicken is the chicken and how it's fried! You can add salt and pepper after it comes out golden brown. I'm happy I made the trip from Virginia! This is old school family-owned and I loved it. read more

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Good food for the price. Their chicken is great of course, but I get their chicken tenders. They're pretty fast considering how busy they can get. The updates to the outside look great, perfect place to get lunch read more

This was my first adventure at Red Rooster. I was in the mood to get out of the house and drove nearly 30 minutes to get here. Off the top, I would say it was worth the trip one time. I will come back, but it'll be while happen to be passing by. I ordered the standard four-piece meal. The fries seemed to be standard frozen fries that were deep fried. They were freshly cooked, nicely salted, and still hot. Though, still package fries. The coleslaw was very good, if a bit heavy on the mayo. As expected, the chicken was the star. The breeding was tasty without being overwhelming. The chicken was perfectly cooked and still juicy. Definitely worth it. Next time, I will just get the chicken and forget the meal. It was delicious and filling. read more

I dream about the days when the Miller's owned this place! The food was awesome and super reasonably priced. Things have changed....... It's ok now - some of the food isn't the same which is disappointing because I thought they were going to keep the same recipes. It's not bad but the prices have SOARED! I stopped by recently to get a large coke and a chocolate milkshake and it was $10. I couldn't believe it! read more

Love the burgers, sausage , shakes and fried chicken. Therefore I dont go often but as a treat its great soulfood read more

Yesterday was a cheat day and we decided to try out the famous Red Rooster that everyone in the (DMV) local area keeps raving about. We've lived in the area for over 8 years and this will be our first time. So the chicken was juicy and had a good taste but wasn't anything that I would drive out of my way to go try. The slaw was good as was mentioned in some other reviews and for frozen fries they were well seasoned and worth eating. Another plus about this place is that it's actually open pretty late on a Sunday unlike other establishments in the town and it's different then the other fast food garbage around town. All and all this place is ok. Not sure what all the rave is about. Especially about fried chicken. Not exactly the hardest thing to cook. If I do come back it may be to try out some of their breakfast items. read more

Alright, here's the skinny. Great food, chickens the bomb, breakfast is super dank, and the cherry cokes are ridiculously good. Last few times they've jacked up my orders and I just had phone tag with manager and gang that went pretty well after the initial wait since it was around dinner time that I called. He resolved my issue and we both were amenable to the solution he provided. I just wish they were closer. Anyways, thanks for keeping it real RR, and dammit check the to go orders for accuracy. *note should be 5 stars but I'd take 1.5 off for their constant screw ups with the to go orders. Since we can't take the .5 I'll leave it at 4. read more

Not a bad lunch spot. Got a chicken salad sandwich and a fried thigh. The sandwich was good. Kinda had a relish taste to it and a bit too much mayo for my taste but huge portion. The chicken was ok. Reminded me of royal farms. Would like to try their BBQ next time. Bonus: they have crushed ice! read more

Red Rooster - American Near Me - Damascus, Maryland

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This is a very small shop with 3 indoor tables as well as outdoor seating. The fried chicken was good-- thin batter and not heavily seasoned. Someone called this bland, but it was enough salt. Much better than chain restaurant fried chicken. I do like chicken from King's Bar-B-Que Pit at the Lancster Dutch market in Germantown and think the quality is on par-- just different styles. The chicken at the Lancaster (Amish) market is humongous, and I'm assured that their chicken "are fed an all vegetarian diet, with NO antibiotics, growth stimulants, hormones, animal waste or by -products, fish meal, bakery by-products or artificial ingredients." I wouldn't drive across the Bay Bridge for Red Rooster, but it is pretty good. :) The crisscut fries were good as well. Their menu also includes burgers, hotdogs, pies, and breakfast items (which are served until 11am). It is good value, and they don't charge extra for dark meat chicken. read more

We've noticed the last few times we've eaten here that the chicken has not been as good as in the past. Ordered carry out yesterday. Chicken was dark and hard. The meat was super dry. Potato salad was overly sweet and pretty much inedible. It was a Monday night at dinner rush and we were the only ones there. Wondering if ownership has changed again. Won't go back. read more

Best fried chicken ever. Price is great, and service friendly. Small inside seating plenty of outdoors for when the weather is nice. I'm glad I moved to Damascus and the Red Rooster was here. read more

We went here today for the first time and it was awesome!! The chicken was so crisp and juicy! And the baked beans and Mac and chz bites were delicious!! We can't wait to go back! I will say though that it took us a minute to actually go in because the exterior is a bit questionable. But who cares because the fried chicken was AWESOME!! read more

Seriously awesome chicken! Sides are good to just okay (really like the western fries ) but the star is the chicken. Had breakfast here once and was not impressed. If you can get past the years of accumulated grease, this place is a great stop to pick up some yummy fried chicken. read more

service was not that great but the fried chicken and the beans are sooo good. fries are not worth it! limited parking out front. there are two doors (one for dine-in and one for carry out) read more

I was coming here almost everyday for years until I switched jobs. They have the best scrapple! I think her name is Rachel but she knows my order and gets it done quickly. Very personable. That's how customer service should be. read more

Excellent chicken. The fries/rings/coleslaw is good but it taste like it comes from a food distributor. The next time I am only getting the chicken. I will make the sides myself. read more

RUN DON'T WALK!! This chicken is amazing!! Great prices and great food is an amazing combination!

Grease. And lots of it. But grease can make for some flavorful food. And the chicken here proves it. Worth a try if you're looking for chicken, or happen to be in Damascus. read more

Great home-cooked food. Terrible ambiance. lol Sometimes, you just want to stuff your face with tasty fried chicken and you could care less if the dining room looks like it's from the 80s (and looks like it hasn't been cleaned since then, too). Who cares? The chicken's so tasty, as are the slaw, baked beans and sweet tea. Nice how they give you a cute little dinner bun-- perfect for sopping up the drippings. Ryan is such a nice young man. He waited on us and and had intelligent, nice things to say. He made the visit extra-special. Will definitely be back!!! read more

Phenomenal Fried Chicken, best I have had in years. The definition of comfort food. I see some negative reviews here but I can tell you the food is spot on and if you are in the area you should absolutely give this place a try. I waited less than two minutes for my order and couldn't even make it home without eating half of it. read more

I was very disappointed, after reading some of the 5 star reviews I thought I give it a try. We ordered fried chicken, Cole slaw and baked beans. The chicken was friend in the same grease they friend the shrimp which you can taste the shrimp on friend chicken, turned me off on top of being cooked in old grease. (awful combination) The chicken was not seasoned, not even with salt and pepper. The Cole slaw is bitter more on the bland side. The bake beans taste like they're out of the can with beer added. read more