Let me put you on to the chicken sandwich that has half of Montgomery County buzzing. When Chowhound called the honey butter sandwich from ISAAC’S Poultry Market the number one chicken sandwich in Maryland and one of the best on the entire East Coast, I had to go see what all the fuss was about.
I pulled up to their Gaithersburg location on Darnestown Road for the very first time, and I get it now. This halal chicken spot’s been racking up some serious accolades since it opened, including Best Sandwich from the Restaurant Association of Maryland and a top 10 finish at the World Food Championships, and none of that’s by accident. The menu’s mostly gluten-free, the chicken’s juicy and packed with flavor, and the prices are genuinely great for the quality you’re getting here. If you’re in Montgomery County and haven’t been yet, that needs to change immediately, lol.
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What Makes ISAAC’S Poultry Market a Standout Halal Spot in Gaithersburg
ISAAC’S is a fast-casual chicken restaurant built around one thing: quality halal chicken done right. The menu leans on roasted and fried preparations, and what sets it apart from your typical fried chicken window is the seasoning. Their specialty blend features za’atar, which gives the chicken a savory, herbaceous edge you don’t usually get at a casual spot. The menu’s approximately 95% gluten-free, which makes this a go-to for a lot of people with dietary restrictions, too.
Beyond the sandwiches, they’ve got wings, whole roasted chickens, salads, sides, house-made frozen custard, bread pudding, and even beer and wine for dine-in. It’s way more full-service than it looks from the outside. The vibe is counter service, fast-casual, and the parking lot’s free and easy. If you’re already exploring what Gaithersburg has to offer, my full guide to eating in Gaithersburg has plenty more spots to pair a trip here with.
What to Order at ISAAC’S Poultry Market
Here’s everything I got on my visit:
Honey Butter Sandwich ($10.95)
This is THE one, and Chowhound agrees. A fried chicken breast dipped in their house-made honey butter, served on super buttery potato bread. The honey butter sandwich is SO good, and the house-made honey butter coating on that fried chicken breast is what makes it. Honestly, I liked this one more than the ISAAC’S sand, and it’s easy to see why this is the sandwich that put them on the map. This is your must-order, no question.
ISAAC’S Sand ($10.95)
The signature sandwich is a fried chicken breast with ISAAC’S sauce, dill pickles, and broccoli slaw on that same buttery potato bread. This was yummy, and I’d still order it again, but if I’m being real, the honey butter version’s the one I’m coming back for. Get one of each on your first visit and decide for yourself, lol.
1/4 Roasted Chicken ($5.60)
This was a legit surprise hit. Dark meat roasted with their specialty seasoning and za’atar, gluten-free and halal, and at $5.60 it’s some of the best bang for your buck on the menu. The chicken’s VERY juicy and the seasoning’s on point. They give you a choice of white or dark meat, and I went dark, which was absolutely the right call. The dipping sauces that come alongside are a great touch too.
Sesame Tenders + Extras
The owner spotted me and generously comped me three sesame tenders, bread pudding, and one of their house-made juices with no added sugar. And honestly, the sesame tenders might be my favorite thing from the whole visit. SO good. I need to come back just to order a full plate of those.
- Bread pudding: classic and comforting, great for finishing the meal.
- House-made juice (no added sugar): refreshing with a full chicken order.
Why I’m Annoyed It Took Me So Long to Go
I had been seeing the buzz around ISAAC’S for a while, and the Chowhound ranking made it impossible not to finally go check it out. I’ll say this: I should have gone sooner, lol. But now that I’ve been, I can tell you it’s every bit as good as the buzz suggests. That kind of warm hospitality’s rare at a fast-casual spot, and it made the whole visit feel personal and special.
If you love quality fried chicken spots in the DMV, you might also want to bookmark my guide to the best Korean fried chicken in the DMV for more great options around the area.
The Vibe and Experience
ISAAC’S runs counter service, fast-casual style. It’s a neighborhood spot, no fanfare, and the energy’s warm and quick. About 90% of orders here are takeout or online, so most people grab their food and go, but there are seats available if you want to dine in. The free parking lot out front makes the whole thing easy, and online ordering is available directly at isaacs.market via Toast (commission-free), or through Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub for delivery. Walk-ins welcome, no reservations needed.
Good to Know
- Location: 📍 12163 Darnestown Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878 (also a location at 15785 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville)
- Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10:45am to 9:30pm, Sunday and Monday 10:45am to 8:30pm
- Halal: Fully halal; halal certification posted on-site
- Dietary: Menu is approximately 95% gluten-free; vegetarian options available
- Ordering: Online ordering at isaacs.market (Toast, commission-free); delivery via Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub
- Walk-ins: Counter service, no reservations needed
- Parking: Free lot at the Gaithersburg location
- Extras: Beer and wine available for dine-in; wheelchair accessible
The honey butter sandwich alone justifies the trip, and the 1/4 roasted chicken at $5.60 is one of the best deals you’ll find in Gaithersburg. Whether you’re a longtime local or just passing through Montgomery County, ISAAC’S Poultry Market’s a halal chicken spot that’s punching way above its weight. And if Firehouse Deli’s already on your Gaithersburg list, ISAAC’S makes for a perfect pairing since Firehouse Deli is another great hidden gem in the area.
Have you guys tried ISAAC’S yet?! Let me know what you ordered by commenting below, Nomsters. And if you haven’t been, send this to your chicken sandwich crew because you’re definitely gonna want someone to split a bunch of things with.