Is it wrong that every day, I get to read about the food in the finest restaurants in town, and the biggest lament I have is, “I’ve never been to Popeye’s.”
I’ve been to a Bojangles a couple of times, but those in the know tell me Bojangles is the weak, loser cousin of Popeye’s.
Maybe it’s my solid, Ohio Valley upbringing, but nothing excites me about seeing a menu that reads, “Rare ahi tuna with a wasabi glaze with organic duck liver and sweetbreads from the most delicious of livestock.”
I’m sure that stuff’s delicious. Maybe it’s because I’m a critter, but I have no cravings for that kind of stuff.
Have I eaten in a few of D.C.’s best restaurants? Sure. Were they great? Absolutely. Did I throw up a little when I saw the check? Oh, yes.
I remember when my parents came to visit this past summer, and we ate at the inappropriately named Tastee Diner in Silver Spring. For the four of us, it was about $50 and my father was in shock, and naturally, a little grousey about it. I could only imagine his face if he could have seen the $250 lunch I had once. Once.
It’s like my friend who says “tapas” is Spanish for “overpriced tiny portions.” I just saw this Popeye’s commercial that promises me more chicken than one human could possibly consume, plus sides, plus biscuits, for $9.99.
(There’s something comforting about that “.99″ isn’t there? It’s not $10! It’s $9.99! It’s all a lie!)
Now, I’m sure some of the more refined palates of D.C. who may stop by this blog will be offended that I’d much rather someone take me to Popeye’s than Central. They may even question my sanity, and that’s cool. I do, too, most days.
But I have to know … is Popeye’s worth the hype? I don’t want this to be like the really high-end place I went to with buzz only to be let down. Sure, it’s a cheaper letdown, but it’s a letdown all the same.
(Seriously … this is the kind of stuff that goes through my mind as I occasionally glance at the TV at work. I’m a boring, not complex individual.)
Popularity: 2% [?]
Take it from a black man, GoDub: Popeye’s is all that and more
The chicken is better than anything the Colonel ever dreamed of, the biscuits are to die for, and don’t even get me started on the dirty rice…
TW
Since I trust you for all things black man, I’m going with your ringing endorsement.
There’s one about a half-mile from my office. Maybe if I walk up there, and walk back, I won’t feel as guilty …
Bojangles is great for breakfast, but when it comes to the chicken and biscuits (and sides), Popeyes has it ALL over Bojangles. You definitely need to go.
(When I lived in Baltimore, I had a Popeyes right across the street from my apartment. Let’s just say I ate there far more than I care to admit.)
There are two (maybe more) within about five miles of my apartment. I’ve just never gone there, or I’ve been met with protest when I’ve suggested a Popeye’s feast.
This may be my Saturday solo mission instead of wandering aimlessly through Trader Joe’s.
Popeyes’s isn’t bad, but a tad spicy for my tastes. I perfer KFC and they insanely extra crispy, to hell with that grilled stuff. But for a meal, Popeye’s does leave me full and happy, which is tough cause I am a very picky eater.
I have to jump in on this. I was in Miami and on the way from the hotel to my ex girlfriends new place to meet her hubby (don’t ask)we stopped and got food at Popeyes.
Now, mind you, this street had two, count em, two….Popeye’s a half mile from each other. One on either side of the road. Both packed with eaters.
Needless to say, I used to think that Popeye’s was the “weak, loser cousin” to KFC but after that visit and bucket o’ chicken? I was sold. Good stuff.
[...] Girlofwords confesses: Is it wrong that every day, I get to read about the food in the finest restaurants in town, and the biggest lament I have is, “I’ve never been to Popeye’s.” [...]
[...] Girlofwords confesses: Is it wrong that every day, I get to read about the food in the finest restaurants in town, and the biggest lament I have is, “I’ve never been to Popeye’s.” [...]
I am sad. I’ve never been to Popeye’s either, and I only have a vague recollection of going to a Bojangles at some point in my youth. I try to limit my intake of fried chicken, because I could easily see myself getting entirely too hooked on it.
[...] like to thank the fine team at DCBlogs for choosing my post on how in a city of amazing dining, I just want to go to Popeye’s for its roundup [...]
Tybois: I hear it’s spicy, but spicy’s alright by me.
I’m a spicy kinda girl.
Tyler: I do trust you when it comes to eatin’, ’cause of your deep love of Chili’s. Nobody else but you loves Chili’s as much as I do.
Michael: This may settle it. I may have to just come to NoVa and we can break this Popeye’s drought together.
The breading on Popeye’s is superior to KFC’s, and the biscuits are much better. And oh yeah, nice and spicy. It’s one of the places that I’ll eat at in an airport if I need fast food because at least so far even the airport Popeye’s are good.
How are we not related? I had always wanted to eat at Taco Bell. I remember that when we finally got one in Morgantown, I couldn’t find anyone in my family who wanted to go with me, so it wasn’t until I went to college that I finally ate my first Taco Bell. I had 2 tacos supreme, nachos supreme, and a drink, all for $2.42. I kid you not. Despite the brick that laid on my stomach for the next 36 hours, I deemed it essential to my diet and ate there at least once a week for the next 9 years. And then my metabolism put me in check. I have been clean now for over 8 months.
Simon: You had me at “breading.” I really need to walk myself up the street and just do this today.
Lara: This is definitely my Taco Bell moment. I had a hard time even polling hungry co-workers for anybody willing to trek up there to get it and got a few people saying, “It isn’t that good.” I have to know. I have to try this.
Hah! For some reason, Taco Bell was taboo in my home growing up as well. This despite (or perhaps because of) my sister once working at one. She always advised us “never eat the beef,” but I try to just take a hot-dog approach to it and not think about it.
Damnit.
Anyone have a coin?
Chilis or Taco Bell for dinner.
Damnit!
I blame the fairly plain dining patterns of my family on the Irish heritage. Irish cuisine: Like British cuisine, minus the curry.
How odd. I just had Popeye’s today. I NEVER have Popeye’s. It is worth every delectable fat filled, artery clogging bite BUT ONLY if you also get the cajun fries.
I would only go with cajun fries. Mmm. I thought about it today, I really did … but that was a long, long walk from 15th and K with it freezing like it is.
There’s one right down the street from the Springfield office. There’s also one across the street from my apartment. Nick is hooked, I have to try to convince him not to get it so often because I just can’t handle THAT MUCH fried chicken. But the mashed potatoes ARE delicious
There are cajun fries there!?!
So, we just got a Popeye’s down here in my county, which, for those who experience the side it’s on, would be completely befuddled that there is a Popeye’s there. It’s not somewhere you’d go to buy fried chicken. Nonetheless, this got me thinking–I’d never had their food, and had always heard mixed reviews. I got out of an appointment around lunch time about a month ago and needed to grab something quick. Popeye’s was in eyeshot and I thought, “YES…CHICKEN!”. So I wander over, the place is totally packed, drive thru wrapping around the building, etc. I walk in, and look at the menu board–here’s where I caveat that I don’t know why I was expecting anything else–every picture was various shades of tan and brown, lumpy and fried. Yes, I know that’s the point of eating there. But somehow I just couldn’t bring myself to order, despite the throngs of eager people waiting to get their food. It just didn’t look appealing. I mean, I’m critter, but I’m Charleston critter.
At least SHOW me a picture of crisp lettuce and a sweaty tomato, even if you’re not going to put it on any of the food.
You are so my quote of the day for “at least SHOW me a picture of crisp lettuce and a sweaty tomato, even if you’re not going to put it on any of the food.”
As i eagerly BB messaged you from the drive through, I begged Erik to take me and I lost my Popeye’s virginity last week. I chose the giant friggin combo meal to truly get the experience. Spicy, of course. I had a thigh, leg and breast. (Could you imagine me trying to eat a chicken wing with Bell’s Palsy? Hilarity and irritation would insue.) I didn’t know about the cajun fries motherlode, perhaps next time.
I really do think that I like KFC’s grilled chicken better, but if I have to get fried chicken, it would be the Popeye’s spicy. I also had the mashed with cajun gracy (My nose let off steam) and the red beans and rice which was AMAZING. Hands down, the best part was the biscuit. Just wish they gave out that horrible butter substitue like they do at KFC. That truly makes biscuit heaven!