The General Store

I havent had the food but agree they are not very friendly. We were not greted and the woman at the register half heartedly answered questions about the menu as if she was doing us a favor by speaking to us. On Sunday’s the chef prepares one single meal and that is the only thing offered-​thats fine, I didnt like what the meal was so we left.
Not necessarily a bad experiance, but I am not as excited about eating here as I was prior to walking through the doors. I will not make an effort as I did this day to go eat here.

The general store used to be a post office, converted into a general store, and later evolved into one of the best breakfast spots in the country. Their cuisine earned national fame on Food Network’s «Diners Drive Ins and Dives.» I couldn’t overlook this cultural landmark.
My friend Epstein recommended we get their signature dish, chicken and waffles with chicken maple syrup. We also got their sweet potato waffles with goat cheese fritters, spiced pecans and red currant jelly. They were amazing dishes. It was like going to heaven, and yet I didn’t have to die.
The situation is so rustic, it feels good to sit down and wait for the smells to manifest on tin plater plates. Drinking juice out of mason jam jars and getting drunk off the flavors made my D.C. experience complete before moving on to Chicago.

I wanted to try this place after I saw a review on it in the Washingtonian for their famous fried chicken. A friend told me it was featured on Diners, Drive-​Ins and Dive but I didn’t catch that episode until after I ate here. After reading some reviews on Unilocal about the fish tacos I was more curious about the fish tacos rather then the fried chicken (my friend ordered the fried chicken). My dish came out with three tacos that had big pieces of fish garnished with radish, guac and melted cheese-​really good. I obviously had to try my friend’s fried chicken cuz sharing is caring (when it comes to food). It was good/​juicy but I wasn’t thaaaat impressed. Lets just say I’ve had better fried chicken. I mean don’t get me wrong, it’s better then KFC/​Popeyes but was it that good to be featured on the food network? Really?
Would I come back? If I’m in the area and I have a craving for fish tacos, then yes. Not so much for their fried chicken.

This place was featured on Diners, Dives and Drive-​Ins on Food Network. Luckily I watched the show after I ate here, so I didn’t have any great expectations of the place.
Decent fried chicken. The chicken was tasty. Nothing out of the ordinary. You can’t really go wrong with deep fried, battered chicken.
Mediocre fish tacos. A couple of pieces of fried fish and house-​made guacamole. A bit too simple for my tastes. Everything was sorta ho-​hum, nothing on the plate really popped out or was very flavorful. A stark contrast from the excellent (but lightly portioned) fish tacos at Persimmon.
Service wasn’t bad.
I still want to try it again though. I hope to find some tasty eats with some of the other items on the menu.

Just got back from Sunday brunch at the General Store. Yup, saw it on Diners Drive Ins and Dives. Read several reviews on here and disagree with several of the unfavorable ones because they don’t accurately rate the experience/​food.
First things first — the General Store is a mix between a Diner and a Dive. I say Dive only because it’s off the beaten path and because they skip some steps that traditional eateries don’t (hostess/​waiter, parking, etc.).
ENVIRONMENT/​AMBIANCE — If you go, know what you’re getting into. This is NOT McCormick and Schmicks or Georgia Brown’s. It’s kind of out of the way (though you COULD walk the 0.5−1mile to the General Store from the Forest Glen Red Line Metro stop). Parking is very tight since the front lot is a walled off triangle with two ways in/​out.
Sunday Brunch is from 9 – 2:30 but as the establishment is part Diner/​Dive, the timing’s off a bit. If you want brunch, get there by 1:30pm b/​c they will shut the line and the restaurant down to accommodate those on the line.
FOOD — Sunday brunch is waffle based. That said, there are different kinds of waffles you can get, not all of them sweet. They have regular, sweet potato and herbed, just to name a few. We got Chicken and Waffles with Chicken Syrup and Herb Waffle with sweet Garlic Shrimp. From the time we got in and stood in line to the time we ate was about 45 minutes.
NOTE: Since this is a Diner/​Dive — there is no host/​waitress. You come in, place your order, and find an open seat. Your order will come up by number and the chef will come out and call it. Very old school.
The chicken and shrimp were flavorful and juicy. I wish they didn’t bake the chicken after they fried it — I would have liked a more crispy skin/​crust. Now I for one was excited to try the «chicken syrup» which is basically chicken stock, cornstarch, and syrup. Now it actually tasted like gravy when I got it, and you didn’t get your own bottle to pour more. Solution? I asked for syrup, which I was freely given. After pouring some on — BAM! I got the taste I wanted. They were definitely on to something when they conceived of the idea, maybe this was a really busy Sunday and they didn’t add enough syrup to the gravy.
The herbed waffle with sweet garlic shrimp was different but GOOD. Especially after we added some sweet syrup to that too. It was a different taste, but delicious none the less. I hope they experiment with some grits (shrimp, grits, and waffle? — WHOAH!).
So overall, the experience was okay, the food was pretty good, and I will be back. It’s not exactly what you think it is from Diners Drive Ins and Dives, but Guy Fieri has a knack for the dramatic, and makes some dishes sound so much above and beyond what they actually are.

After seeing The General Store featured on «Diners Drive-​Ins and Dives» I venture over to Silver Spring…
Oh my was I disappointed…
My friends and I waited in line outside the restaurant for 30 minutes. Once inside, we get our first glance at the menu. On Sunday, there is a special brunch menu with a majority of entrees revolving around waffles. After you order and pay for your food, you have to find your own seat (no hostess, so just circle around waiting to grab a table before the other 3 – 5 parties who are also circling). Oh, and after investing about 30 minutes in line, its another 45 minutes before your food will be served.
We spent 15 minutes waiting for a table to clear. It took another 30 –40 minutes to receive our food. I had the biscuit waffles and gravy, and the rest of my group had the fried chicken and waffles w/​mashed potatoes. My gravy was blah, the fried chicken was nothing special, and the waffles were, well, just waffles. I got the impression that the maple-​gravy syrup was a big part of the chicken/​waffle combo, but I was not impressed. The three entrees with a side of bacon, two coffees and a bottled juice came just under $ 50.
Overall, the food failed to make up for the long wait, unfriendly staff, drama created by them turning people away almost 1.5 hours before closing, cold décor and inefficient operations. Resist the temptation to give this place a shot… It’s just not worth it.

You can certainly tell which reviewers here have an agenda. This is the only restaurant review in Silver Spring that I’ve read where the not-​so-​subtle mentions of ‘partner’ and ‘gf’ are sprinkled about with wild abandon. (Cross-​posted from the washington post article too, classy.)
We get it, you’re up-​tight suburbanites who inhale sharply when people who aren’t like you walk by. Keep your reviews focused on service, food and value — the adults here would appreciate it.
As for ‘how dare anyone mock customers’ rant, I’d guess from the oversensitivity that the reviewer in question had never worked a service industry job. Guess what, the stereotype of the clueless and demanding customers exists, in plentiful numbers.
With that out of the way, let me tell you about the food. I haven’t tried it all, and I would dearly like to sample some of the other desserts, but here we go:
Fried Chicken — done well, and frankly some of the best I’ve had. Chain restaurants and fast food places like to over-​spice their breadding, which I find mildly suspicious. This chicken has nothing to hide, and the way the meat nearly drops off the bone is a testament to its succulence.
Mac and Cheese — I enjoyed this as well, had an infusion of sharp cheddar in my batch, and the consistency was very mouth-​pleasing with a satisfying finish. This isn’t something you just eat half of and save for later. Buckle in, you’re finishing the entire container.
Chili — I have to take a moment and say I’m a chili fanatic. I’ve had it all, from home-​cooked to restaurant to the chili-​out-​of-​a-​can. This chili had mildly smoky flavor like good BBQ, and a slight peppery undertone adding a bite to the flavor. The beans were cooked well, not too soft (I hate chili that doesn’t preserve some of the texture of the ingredients, usually happens when it is overcooked) and the meat was savory and plentiful. My only regret was I didn’t order two!
Corn Bread — I like bread. And I really love well-​done cornbread. Just thinking about the golden square of slightly-​sweet buttered goodness makes my mouth water. Perfect complement to the chili or chicken.
Rolls — What? Rolls? Yes, they deserve their own mini-​review. You can tell each batch is home-​made. The dough exudes that sweet scent of bakers yeast, coated with real butter. They are better than the ones your mom made. They are the king of rolls. If all you’ve ever had is the pillsbury variety — please, shut down your computer and go get some of these, you won’t be sorry.
There’s more, but now I’m hungry and I need to reheat the rolls I have in my fridge from The General Store :)
Cheers!

The food was excellent but a bit on the pricy side. I would appreciate smaller plate options for less $$. You really do get a lot of food!
They have great specials and desserts, also.

I’ve lived down the street from this place so I’d stop in and grab some fried chicken when they had it. The fried chicken is very good… Everything else I tried was just okay. I was a bit shocked to see this place on dinners drive ins and dives but the Chicken is that good.
The customer service wasn’t bad. But then again I phoned in my order and I’m really not that uptight when it comes to service. What I do know is they sell out of Fried Chicken on most days.

I won’t even dignify this place with an elaborate review. So here it is… THIS PLACE SUCKS!!!
I hope that was helpful.
Good day. :)

WHY HAVE AN OPEN KITCHEN IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE A RUDE BITCH TO YOUR CUSTOMERS!!!
Seriously, never going back here. I can’t believe this woman is still in business. Plus, they ran out of fried chicken in the middle of the damned day and weren’t going to make anymore. Way to run a business, lady!

It’s a shame, really, that this restaurant isn’t a buzzing neighborhood hangout, but after one visit, and you’ll see why.
The fried chicken? Amazing. Probably the best I’ve ever had. Every time I’ve been, it’s been cooked to order and fresh out of the fryer. The first time, I had a revelation that it was similar in style to KFC, and I can imagine that once upon a time, the original KFC was probably this good or even better before mass production brought it down.
Everything else I’ve tried from the sides of Mac N Cheese (I can make better), to the potato salad (avoid), to even the vaunted pies (so-​so) have been of average quality. On their own, they’re nothing to make one return.
As everyone else has commented, the glaring problem with this joint is the cold attitude of the staff, especially the owner/​head chef, who is plainly visible in the kitchen. Note to future restaurateurs, If you’re going to have an open kitchen and plant yourself – as the head chef – in plain sight of customers, in a homey country-​style food cottage, then you had better – AS THE OWNER – not suspiciously regard your customers like they’re about to steal from you.
In their defense, some of the staff are reasonably friendly, but there’s a feeling of unwelcome oozing from the kitchen, enough to make you realize why there isn’t a line out the door for the fried chicken.
Luckily, they have that chicken (and some nice sodas).

I really don’t know why my mom forced me to make the trip when we knew good and well Gillian and her staff were going to rude. Does anyone recall Colorado Kitchen? Anyway, we went for «brunch» this past Sunday. The place is a blink and you’ll miss it so keep an eye out.
When we arrived, the owner and her partner were sitting outside the kitchen texting or god knows what on their phones. As soon as we walk in, they hideout in the back. I say hideout because neither one spoke to us. Or maybe the partner did??? So we were left to figure out that we order and they bring the food to us.
Brunch is waffles only. Herb, Sweet Potato, Buttermilk and something else. My mom wanted Buttermilk with white meat Fried Chicken. «Oh I can’t make the chef choose white or dark. She just makes whatever and you get whatever she fries» Ummm really? Who says you can’t chose white or dark. Turnoff. I settle for the Sweet Potato waffle with goat cheese fritters and my mom get Buttermilk with Bacon Hash. Do not look for mimosas or bloody marys. Beer or wine, and a very limited selection at that… sigh
The food was out super fast and it was hot. No china, everything is served on aluminum plates and in jelly jars… alrighty then. The food was yummy. The hash was great, the goat fritters were good. Could’ve done with more of a sweet potato taste but I think the goat overpowered.
No one came to check on us. No one asked how our food was. When the owner/​cook walked by my mother complimented her on the food. She pretty much gave my mom a look like «Yeah, and?» and said thanks. Too bad it sounded more like «Why are you talking to me?».
Will I make the trek out there again. No. Was the food good? Yes. Is it worth the hassle? Not at those prices. You can find better food, at a better price, with much better service.

I ate here yesterday to support the Dining Out For Life program. The General Store donated 25% of their day’s sales.
I was tempted to sway from my usual dish here, but I couldn’t do it. I got the fish tacos. First time, when TGS only had take out their tacos were $ 8.00. The next time I went, just after they were approved for dine-​in service their tacos were $ 10.00. Okay, I still think that’s a fair price. Yesterday I was a bit taken back to see they were now $ 12. That’s $ 4.00 per taco. They are sooo good though! I think they put more avocados on them now. The mashed up chunks are super fresh. I guess they are still an okay price, but I may try their portabello sandwich next time. It is only $ 9, but who knows, it may be $ 12.00 by the time I make it back.
I checked out their basement tavern while I was there. It is a tiny space, with only two booths and two bar tables. It actually reminds me of the bar my friend has in his basement.
It’s the food that counts and the food is getting lots of praise. I myself can only speak of the fish tacos and they are the best in the DC area.

I’d probably would give this about 2.5 stars, and a repeat visit might cement a more accurate rating of either yay or nay… but after missing Colorado Kitchen for so long, I finally made it down to Gillian’s new restaurant.
It has a great interior with warm inviting yellow, and kitchen cowboy/​general store paraphenalia all over the walls. Very similar and inviting to her past place. THere’s also a nice quaint downstairs bar which has a different menu as well.
However, the service is just odd in that you go to the front and pay, and somehow their suppose to remember who you are and come out with your food. The staff who works in the kitchen will come out and just exclaim CHICKEN? So what if 5 people ordered it?
THe menu also compared to Gillian’s old place is also very limited, and that’s a shame… However the food is still good but it felt as if I was eating in a cafeteria than a restaurant.
Also the location of the restaurant is really bad, and the parking situation is not good. IT’s very confusing, real bad location.

My sister & her husband love their fish tacos and come here often to order take-​out. When my parents and I visited last week, I got to see for myself if I agreed — and yes, I sure did :) For $ 10, you get 3 large size tacos stuffed with fried fish and smothered with guac. Very tasty & very filling. And FYI, leftover fish tacos the next day don’t taste so good so try to eat everything the first time :)
I actually didn’t order the fish tacos but got the «Wild Mushroom Maid Rite w/​Garlic Mayo and Watercress» sandwich ($ 9) — my 2^nd choice b/​c they didn’t have the «Portabello Reuben» (my 1^st choice) available. I wasn’t too much of a fan — it was almost too many mushrooms and it got to be pretty messy with my sandwich falling apart and mushrooms falling out. I didn’t want to see another mushroom again after eating that mess.
I also sampled the tuna casserole (very good), the chicken pot pie (good), the collard greens (flavorful but salty), mac-​n-​cheese (good), and the beer-​battered onion rings (tasty but way too greasy). FYI — sandwiches and tacos don’t come with any sides.
Service was a little disappointing. Not sure why but it seemed to be a big deal when we asked to see a cost breakdown, and also when we asked for plastic utensils — our cashier hesitated and gave us a look like we asked for his firstborn. He then asked «Uhhhh … is this for a meeting? How many do you want?» We said no, it’s not for a meeting, we just need 5.” Sheesh.
Overall I’d still give 3 stars b/​c the fish tacos are definiely worth a visit to The General Store.

The general store turned out to be worth the drive from DC. It’s essentially a hybrid of Ooh’s and Aah’s (not associated with this restaurant) and Gillian’s former Colorado Kitchen. The ambiance is cute and comfortable with a southern accent. Several outdoor-​porch-​esque seating options are available too, which could be a romantic dining option on a cool afternoon. I have to admit, it lacks some of the soulful authenticity one feels in the U street corridor, but the location successfully brings something different to the table.
The corn bread was moist and dense, and the fried chicken has a buttermilk battered texture with substantial breading and a nice crust. The collard greens are flavored with bacon as opposed to ham hock approach, but proved to be delicious… if not quite as rich as the latter approach. The Mac & Cheeses was creamy and flavorful, and served in cute mason-​style jar.
My friend had a shrimp PO-​Boyish sandwich served on a French baguette, which she said was delicious (‘6/​10,’ which equates to ³⁄₅ I suppose).
Overall, the meal was tasty and the staff was polite. I even spotted the chef herself overseeing the cook station. I will return again to try more options… maybe in the Fall to enjoy the surrounding foliage!

Things I liked about the General Store: The stuffed bear. The location.
Things I didn’t like about the General Store: The prices (too high). The portions (too small). I wouldn’t have cared as much about the portion sizes and the prices if the food was really great; unfortunately, it didn’t seem special to me.
At least they weren’t sold out of anything…

It seems odd to go to the General Store for a birthday party celebration, until you realize that all five of us were fans of Colorado Kitchen. So, we all squeezed together into one hybrid, fearful of parking problems there.
We were very happy to find plenty of parking, a short line for food (2 people), and the welcome faces of Robin and Gillian. We made it a point to order different stuff from the menu, making it harder on Gillian, but allowing us to sample each other’s fare.
I can say that the everything we got was magnificent. And, yes, the Fish Tacos stand out. (Maybe it’s the avocado, or the seasoning, or the batter– I’m not sure at all.) The chicken is delicious, and I wound up doing the finger-​picking-​up-​crumbs thing on the plate. If I were to pick on the restaurant, so you all know that we’re not friends (just fans, thanks) with the owners? I wish the chicken were a little warmer when served to me.
But to me, easily the best thing there? The Beef Stew. Oh, man. Now, I cook a mean pot roast, when I’m called upon to perform that duty. But, this beef stew is easily the best I’ve ever had. Next time, I just might buy two and make that my meal.
Rather than motor home and eat that sheet cake from Sam’s club, we each ordered desserts. Of course, we each went with our favorite comfort food type desserts, but still, the taste varied from above average to delicious. Once again, out came the fingers, and all the crumbs dissappeared on all our plates.
We will be making it a point to go here as often as we can. Thanks, you all, for reopening a restaurant that we already love.
And, for those of you who drink, we heard that they now have a neat selection of beer…

We were lucky to get an email last week letting us know that former Colorado Kitchen chef Gillian Clark’s new restaurant, The General Store, was opening yesterday. CK was in our hood and a pretty good place to eat, although the service left much to be desired. Due to some random MoCo regulations, parking permits aren’t in place for the new location, so its to go only, which is perfect – no need to worry about service detracting from the fantastic food.
Jole S. and I ordered the fried chicken with collard greens and cornbread, and a side of mac and cheese. Wow. We heard it was awesome, but we weren’t really prepared for the deliciousness of it all. Jole and his amazing palette picked out some unusual ingredients that may have attributed to the taste, but all I know is that I would not WAIT for lunchtime today to break into our leftovers! Crunchy and flavorful without being greasy, it was some of the best fried chicken I’ve had in years. And the sides were wonderful (I just wish they would include two pieces of cornbread with half chicken orders-​one was not enough!) The collards were delicious, full of crispy bacon, and the mac and cheese was great, and full of onions which turned my dining partner off but meant more for me!
There was a steady stream of customers coming through, and once people can eat in I imagine this place will be just as crowded as CK was. I’m looking forward to going back for the fish tacos, and maybe a little bit more of that chicken goodness.