Reviews

First Bite: The Region’s First Raising Cane’s Is Worth the Hype (and Long Line)

After one mouthwatering meal at Raising Cane’s Sterling location, we can understand why the fast-food chain has a cultlike following.

By Dawn Klavon January 3, 2023 at 8:23 am

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers just opened in mid-December in Northern Virginia, but its reputation precedes it. Diners flock to the poultry emporium on a busy corner in Sterling for the simple menu of crispy fried chicken fingers, chicken sandwiches, crinkly fries, Texas toast, and coleslaw. The already popular spot lives up to the hype, with tender, lightly crisped, and delicately seasoned chicken fingers being the star of the show.

We ordered the box combo, consisting of four chicken fingers, crinkly fries, coleslaw, and Texas toast, with Cane’s sauce and a fountain drink. While all the items were fresh and tasty, the chicken fingers were the clear standout. Try the Cane’s dipping sauce for added zip — the secret blend comes on the side and delivers a peppery pop to every bite. Full transparency: we wish Cane’s offered additional sauce options like their famous competitor located across the street from the restaurant.

raising cane's sandwich and fries — *Photo by Dawn Klavon*

Crinkly fries look like a school cafeteria version with their wavy exterior but display agreeable crunch and salt. The coleslaw tasted average, offering nothing notably distinct, but the garlic-buttery Texas toast was outstanding — fluffy on the inside, crispy on the outside. See what all the talk is about — give Cane’s a try for an elevated casual dining experience with superior chicken. 45545 Dulles Eastern Plz., Sterling

See This: three disco balls in the ceiling

Eat This: chicken fingers, crinkle cut fries, Texas toast

Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m-midnight

Combo meals: $6.49–$15.89

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Dawn Klavon

Contributing Writer

Dawn Klavon is a seasoned writer and reporter with more than 20 years of experience in print and broadcast journalism. She contributes to a wide range of publications, including Northern Virginia Magazine, PEOPLE, Virginia Living, Bethesda Magazine, Arlington Magazine, and several military-focused outlets. Earlier in her career, she reported for multiple San Francisco Bay Area television stations, including KLXV, KKPX, and KFCB. She holds an MLA from Harvard University and a BS from Boston University.