Downlow Chicken Shack

Incredibly seasoned everything with generous serving! Chicken is perfectly tender with a great mix of veggies to balance the flavour. Fries are super tasty and a special shoutout to the super underrated mac and cheese! The place could get a little loud because it's an open chicken so the ambiance might not be for everyone.

Huge, juicy, perfectly seasoned — the best fried chicken in Commercial! Download Chicken is easily one of the best fried chicken spots in the Commercial area. At first, the size of the chicken makes you think the price might be high — but it’s totally reasonable for how massive it is. The seasoning is incredible, the flavors are bold and addictive, and the chicken is juicy on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside. There are plenty of sauce options, everything is full of flavor, and it’s the kind of chicken everyone will love. Seriously, highly recommend! 🍗🔥

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Delicious food, amazing vibes, and super friendly service Yes, prices are a bit on the higher side, but honestly, the experience makes up for it. We waited in line for about 20 to 25 minutes, and it was totally fine. There’s so much going on around you that the wait actually feels fun. You can sit, watch, and enjoy the atmosphere. 😄 Service and vibe The staff were AMAZING. Extremely friendly, joking around, helpful, and just genuinely nice. The kind of place where you feel welcomed right away. 🍔 Food So good. Like, really good. I got the paisano chicken thigh burger, and my boyfriend got the original chicken breast burger. Both were delicious. Juicy, flavorful, and filling. The burger on its own was more than enough. The sauce on the side was amazing. The potatoes were great too, especially the spice on them. One small thing, they have a secret item, some kind of loaded fries or poutine with chicken, and I didn’t know about it. Would’ve tried it if I knew. Still, no regrets, the burger was perfect. 🔥 Final thoughts Great food, great energy, great people. Everything was enjoyable, from the wait to the last bite. I’d happily come back and try more items next time. Highly recommend.

I read a lot of reviews on this place, so we planned a stop when we were in the area. We got there early shortly after they opened and there was only a few people. After we ordered and sat down, there was a lineup out the door. I chatted with a few people while I was waiting and they said this was normal and their chicken is really good. Sure enough, it WAS good. We had the two piece chicken, popcorn chicken and fries to share. The popcorn chicken had a some spices on it, so if kids don't like it, maybe skip the spices. Young lady that took our order was SOOO nice. She knew it was our first time, so she patiently explained which was the best deal for us. There's a few tables, but it gets pretty busy. I would want to go back to try their chicken burger.

Amazing "OG" fried chicken leg burger, skin is so crispy it cracks in your mouth, while chicken leg is super nice, tender and moist, served with a generous amount of slaw and pickles as well to make a wonderful burger 😍 mac & cheese was ok, i might try the fries instead next time. Service was very friendly and enthusiastic, get ready for the whole crew to celebrate you if it's your first-time, or if you order a waffle! Happy to come back for more wonderful crispy chicken!!! 👍🏻

Exceeded the hype. I’m from Toronto, we have a lot of incredible fried chicken so my standards are very high. But this place blew me away. The OG chicken sandwich was so juicy and flavourful. It actually had depth - unlike a lot of fried chicken spots that just throw a bunch of random seasonings in their Nashville blend. It actually had a very deep flavour profile and worked so well with the sweet/sour slaw and pickles. The jalapeño honey sauce was mind blowing. Such a nice compliment to the chicken. They also have toonie Tuesdays where you can get a chicken drum for 2 bucks, that’s value fr. And it was super juicy and flavourful as well. Exceptional service. It was my first time so the staff all yelled “we got a first timer!”, they were so nice and helpful. The guy who took my order helped me with some of his favourites and popular items, and I didn’t feel rushed despite the place being super busy. He also gave me a drink (their in-house canned sweet tea) on the house. What a legend, wish I got his name. White guy with a big beard and glasses. Overall this place goes toe to toe with some of the best Nashville chicken I’ve had. When I’m back in Vancouver will for sure stop here again. A must try!

Great chicken burger! A must-visit spot. The chicken burgers are made with dark meat, giving them a rich and juicy flavor you don’t find everywhere. There’s a bunch of free two-hour parking nearby, but the spots right in front of Downlow are paid. It feels more like a take-out place in my opinion, but I was able to grab a table inside. Definitely worth the stop!

This is some of the highest quality hot fried chicken sandwiches you’ll eat. It has all the elements required: soft bun, good amount of coleslaw, and a huge piece of chicken. Moreover, I love that you can choose between chicken breast or thigh (go with thigh please). Lastly, they offer multiple types of heat. I took the second highest (called “Side Of Milk) heat level and it is quite spicy. I think most people will not be able to go above Extra Hot. I feel the only things that could’ve kicked the sandwich up a notch, for my personal taste is - Use a bit more of the OG sauce to add some creaminess and balance to the spice - Use some kind of chili oil season instead of dry rub. The best part of all this was the really great accommodating staff. I think the owner/manager was some of the friendliest people I’ve met and you can truly tell he cares about the food and the service. Overall, an amazing experience for someone who sets very high standards with hot fried chicken. FYI the sandwich is $19 (after tax) which is a bit steep, but worth it for the size and quality. There are a couple of tables inside and a few more on the patio outside.

The ambiance and customer service is unmatched!! The chicken is crunchy and soft and delicious. Definitely recommend!!

Date brunch with the kids I'm always game for something new and who doesn't like chicken. My daughter has gone to this restaurant with my son before and we were keen to try it together. The place is busy in Vancouver's East side community. I love the city electric fell off the street. Great little small businesses shops, owner operated, all unique in their own way. Bunny , Spanish grocery shops, book stores, to name a few. The restaurant is quite small not a lot of seating which is a bit rough when the weather is not that warm. It was a bit cold but we sat outside at one of their picnic tables. From their big menu we ordered the following items with a round of old fashion ginger beer, yummy not too sweet. Stinger Sando with seasoned crinkle fries. So glad I had my kids there to help eat all the food, it was too much for me. 2 PC and Mac n cheese side and the Rookie of the Year We all got dark meat, all although there was a white meat option. Tender juicy chicken well seasoned and crispy , we all loved our choices. I can't wait to go back to try something new. The staff were friendly and jolly giving you as welcomed pleasing feel. If I had to give a comment that was less than perfect, it was the lack of seating. This place is a MUST GO AT ANY COST! We loved it!!!

THE BEST CHICKEN SANDWICH SHOP in Vancouver. Fight me. Everything from service to the food. There's always a line and take out orders ringing. It's a busy spot and it gives off that chill LA coast burger vibe. Not too much seating, expect to share! Just keep in mind that menu items are seasoned so if you prefer a mild taste, let them know. OTHERWISE get ready for flavour town! The chicken always comes out perfect. Option between breast and thigh! $20-30 per person. Portions are big, make sure to have napkins before you eat, maybe a bib too. These burgers are messy in the best kind of way. Im back here every month now

Such a fun vibe! If you're in the mood for crispy, juicy, spicy chicken, Downlow Chicken Shack is the spot! You can order sandwiches, pieces, or nuggets and pick your spice level from Mild, to HOT to nothing, to pizza flavor. The location is small with two long tables inside and 3-4 benches outside. I thought the mild and medium chicken was SO good. It had a right level of spice and the chicken was very juicy. For sides, I got the truffle fries and slaw. The slaw wasn't my favorite, but the fries had some spice and a slight truffle flavor. Overall, I recommend their Sando and 2 piece combo!

Came here after hearing all about it from friends and was treated to a nice spread of boneless chicken, Cole slaw, and fries (medium dusted) Once you order you can hang out on the patio if you decide to wait outside, they'll scream out the window when your order is ready. There is seating inside too, but it was a bit crowded. I'm kind of particular about my cole slaw, but Downlow's is good - which contains cumin and red pickled onion. We got both regular and I think spicy chili "pile of thighs" boneless chicken which both of which were eaten up with haste. The fries were crinkly and crispy and complimented the meal. Despite the line the food came out quick and really lived up to the hype from everyone. The prices at a glance are pretty high, but I don't think there are a whole lot of chicken shacks around BC and second, it was really good. I'd definitely try a "Sando" from here on a follow up visit.

Delicious crispy, spicy, juicy chicken! This location on Commercial drive is superior, and the lines out the door show for that. It's a huge difference in quality from their UBC location which I would only rate 3 stars. Their prices went up from inflation since the last I remembered. It's expensive but a good treat if you want quality a chicken sandwich. My boyfriend and I got the: -rookie of the year: the chicken options were breast or light meat. I'm not sure if they change that based on what they have marinated, but it was a bit dry because of that. -Jerk sando: dark or light meat options. Going with the dark meat, the chicken was HUGE and so juicy. I take decently sized bites but it still took me 6 bites of the chicken extending out of the sandwich before I even reached the bread. Of course they have a large range of spiciness and flavours you can choose for all sandwiches. "Side of milk" is quite spicy even as someone who loves spicy food. Once you order inside, you can wait outside at their covered seating area to help free up space inside. Inside is entirely just the kitchen and ordering area, minimal seating. There is one single stall washroom which you'll probably use to wash your hands after! The food is served from a window that reaches out to the covered seating area, which has 3 picnic tables for customers to share and casually eat. It is a 10-15min wait to get orders. If you're driving, they rely on street and residential parking. Commercial drive is quite busy so it's hard to stop outside the restaurant. We biked and there was conveniently a bike lock area right outside the restaurant!

The food was really good. It didn't take long to get the food. after I was eating I was going to get there own lemonade ( it's really good go try it) I was in line then the guy just gave it to me for free thank you so much.

I don't like coleslaw. That's why I ordered the tenders. But I watched the guy put the bun top with coleslaw on top of my tenders....realize the mistake and removed the top and some slaw. The remaining slaw made my tenders soggy by the time I got home. For a place that is so highly regarded it's disappointing to see how apathetic they were to the mistake. It's cool if you make a mistake but make some effort to keep your consistency.

The best fried chicken I've ever had this far. I'm not a big spicy person, so I got the mild chicken and waffle. It came with a jalapeño honey mayo on the side. Unlike other chicken waffles, the waffle is fluffy and had the green onions cooked in it. Personally, I like my waffles on the crispier side, but the chicken got the crisp covered. The service is amazing. The cashier is really nice. She asked if it was my first time, which it is, and she announced it to the other staff and everyone shouted a warm welcome. It is a very laid back restaurant with limited indoor seating but a lot of patio seating. I will definitely visit again if I'm in Vancouver.

I had a chicken craving so I went here to fulfill it! I've only had Downlow once before (a sandwich) and it was so good and the fries were Amazing. This time did not disappoint either--the two-piece thigh and fries combo hit everything I wanted. The chicken was well-seasoned (a little too salty). I got medium spice and it was a perfect spice level for me! In my opinion it was a little too much batter but feels unavoidable because they obviously need to coat the whole chicken piece. Despite this, the batter was thin and crisp and delicious. The chicken thigh was so juicy! Paired with ketchup and their signature DL sauce, you can't go wrong. The fries were equally as delicious! Although they were too crispy for my soft mouth. Unpopular opinion but I wanted more soggy fries, lol! Service was amazing. I ordered online on the bus and my meal was literally ready one minute before I got up to the pick-up window (which is outside on the left!). Can't say too much about the space as there weren't many seats inside and the outdoor seats were full as well. I went home to eat!

I understand why this spot gets such great reviews, here is one more! Friendly service gets them two stars. I said this was my first time and the cashier announced it and the entire kitchen erupted in welcome. So sweet! It was a wait but I walked along Commercial Dr and window shopped. The OG Sammie was waiting for me and it was big. The breading on the chicken was crispy and had only a little heat to it. The pickles made the difference as they cut the richness of the deep fried chicken. I liked the sauce and the perfect bun (big enough and kept its shape) for the very large amount of chicken. There are a few tables inside and picnic tables outside.

I just wanted to try their new burger the boujee Sando (because I'm boujee) but actually I liked the sound of the truffled medium spiced crispy chicken which was a huge piece and truffle mayo, slaw, pickles, pickled red onions on a potato bun. Their burgers are huge here! I also wanted to try their truffled fries which I thought we be truffled seasoned but it's just the sauce that is truffled mayo. The sauce is pretty good but I actually just prefer their regular DL fries and the DL sauce is way better. Also first time trying their popcorn chicken, which would be a nice snack if it wasn't paired with a burger and fries making this a feast but they are super big not really popcorn size, of course DL has to make everything massive size! You really get your moneys worth! And super full after.

Delicious chicken and waffles.. love the savory onion waffles .. wish the waffles were crispy like the chicken

Mouth watering! I got the original with a fried egg. White meat. Ate every single bite. My husband shared the chicken and waffles with my daughter with bacon on the side, which they were kind enough to put on the actual side for her. They also ate every bite. Waffles we thick and savory - not as good as the . Plus they yell funny sayings at people to make it feel welcoming.

Decided to Google some places to try in Vancouver. Downlow Chicken Shack was within Daily Hive's article! Made our way there early afternoon. It was fairly busy! Two picnic tables out in their patio & some window seating inside. You order inside & they have 2 huge windows to pick up your food from. Wait time wasn't terrible! Less than 10 minutes. Service was friendly & fast Sitting outside on their patio was casual & the weather felt nice! People who sat down were quick to eat their meal, clean their area, & make room for the next person These sandwiches are hefty! Huge pieces of chicken & generous with sauces + slaw. I could barely fit my mouth around the whole sandwich! We ate our sandwiches immediately. When I took my first bite, you heard that perfect crunch from the skin, then you saw the steam coming out from that first bite & the the juices drip down. It was phenomenal. The chicken was seasoned so well & stayed juicy/tender. Their slaw & pickles were a cool addition & added more texture. Go for the jerk chicken sandwich! It was so flavorful & something I've never had before!

I've been chomping down on Down Low Chicken Sandos for awhile now. I wrote a review of DLCs UBC location a few months ago - check it out. Here I was on - The Drive (Commercial Street) on Monday, after having just been here yesterday. I can't keep away. I hadn't had the OG (Original) Sando in months & thought - I need this in my life right now! Gosh it was friggin ahh may zinggggg!!! I'll confess, I acted & sounded like a Pitbull in heat, biting down on this delightful sando! Thank gawd nobody was around cause I could've been arrested for causing a disturbance. DLC Sandos are massive! Not cheap but 100% worth it every now & then. It can honestly be overwhelming when you hold it in your hands & you try & figure out how to attack it! But just one bite into it, I accepted the mission & proceeded to chomp down more ferociously. With sauce dripping all over my hands (make sure you have plenty of napkins!) & face, I looked absolutely disheveled & I didn't care. The sando is comprised of the secret DL sauce, pickled red onions, slaw & pickles. The potato bun - is supplied by Livia bakery & restaurant just up the street. I was just there yesterday - see my review. Because this sando is so gigantic I skip out on the fries. This location is kinda run down, but locals absolutely love it here & hang out eating away while people watching on - The Drive.

One of my go to spots in Vancouver for fried chicken, love the chicken sando. The downlow fries are also a must whenever I go.

My friend really hyped up this spot, and I thought how good could it really be? But once I tried it, I was proven wrong. It was amazing. During my first visit, I tried the chicken sando, and my friend chose the "hot" spice level. It was pretty spicy, but very delicious. The spice isn't the kind that hurts your mouth or overpowers the other flavours. Personally, I would go for the medium spice level. The batter isn't too thick, but the chicken was very crispy and made fresh. The chicken itself was not dry at all, very juicy, and flavourful. All the components of the sando paired really well with the big piece of chicken (I think it has Downlow sauce on the bun). The sandwich itself is huge - I probably would not need a side to go with the sandwich, and would still be full. Although the sandwich itself is a bit pricy at around $15, I'd say it's totally worth it. I took my parents here for a snack on my second visit. We got the 4 piece chicken tenders, and I asked for my pieces to be medium, while theirs were mild. The chicken tenders come with a sauce of your choice and we went with their classic Downlow sauce, which is supposedly their most popular. Again I was not disappointed. The chicken tenders were made fresh, very crispy, the meat was not dry, and had a good flavour. The Downlow sauce paired well, especially with my medium-spice-level piece. I went on a Friday afternoon (~4 pm) and the lineup was out the door. I went again on a Saturday afternoon (~4 pm) and there was no lineup. So it can really vary. I'd say service is quick but since everything is made fresh, the food can take some time. There are 2 picnic tables outside for you to enjoy your meal. I did see a lot of people get takeout, though. I rarely think that places are worth the hype - but Downlow Chicken Shack truly delivers. I can't wait for my next visit!

I must reminisce on the past experiences too, and why you need to try this place! Back before the pandemic, I dined here a few times. My first visit my friend & I got chicken sandwiches and "Fries on the Down Low" (secret menu item: all the chicken burger toppings & cut up fried chicken on the Down Low fries ). Unfortunately my friend ordered mild & they gave her extra hot...they replaced it immediately & let me keep her burger...excellent. The burgers have a huge piece of chicken on them, easily fill a hungry adult. On another visit, I sat at the counter, not knowing the owner was the expediter. They pulled up a basket of idk what from the fryer, so I asked....owner said it was chicken skins & gave me a pile to try, for free After coming here throughout COVID, I can say they had the best set up for responsible distancing, were using compostable everything BEFORE it became mandatory, and then there's the Chicken & Waffles I discovered...(check out my first review). The waffles are savoury with cheese that gets crisped between all of those waffle maker's nooks & crannies, OMG!!! I'm drooling just thinking about them. Come here, eat, don't feel guilty...I think these chickens knew they'd be honoured with deliciousness. Parking: free in the lot behind if you wanna gamble with getting a ticket. Otherwise along Venebles or the Drive. My fave is a side-street nearby: I miss all the traffic & my food gets home hot & fresh bc I take Victoria NOT Commercial.

The best chicken sando I have ever had PERIOD and trust me I have tried many many chicken sando places. We ordered the nashville chicken sando and the jerk chicken and also their fries. Everything was delicious. But nothing beats the awesomeness of their nashville chicken sandwich. Tad spicy for folks who have low spice tolerance but DELICIOUS juicy crispy chicken sandwich with a perfect balance of slaw and mayo that just elevates the flavors of the sandwich to the next level. The jerk chicken was also great and was super flavorful again tender juicy crispy chicken in a delicious sandwich. Their fries were amazing and ALOT. We drove from Seattle and this was our first stop on our food trip to Vancouver and it did not disappoint. They have a few tables outside to sit and enjoy your sandwich. Food comes out pretty quickly and disappears in your tummy pretty quick too. Staff is friendly and do not forget to ask them for whats on their secret menu and I am sure that will be delicious too. all in all highly recommend this place and would rate this as the best chicken sandwich I have ever eaten in my life. Already craving these sandos and cant wait to go back.

This place does have quite the buzz and lots of folks waiting outside. I ordered the chicken sandwich with fry chicken skin and egg. My better half ordered the big wing and fries. Everything is by default a bit spicy. Including the fries. The big wing is just one giant chicken wing. It's good but a bit too spicy. The lemon pepper flavor is REALLY peppery. The presentation on the chicken sandwich is disappointing. It's just piece of fried chicken, with egg and everything kinda put in different places, all on top of a piece of bread. It's kinda just thrown around, you can't actually hold it as a sandwich. The chicken itself is good. It's juicy and the skin flavorful , though I think the flavors are too strong. That combined with the poor presentation, means I cannot give it more stars. I think this place does not live up to the hype.

the popcorn chicken was fire. the staff was chill and the music was fire. the spice on the chicken was delicious and a cold coke pulled it all together.

One-line review: A good experience. We ordered the chicken and waffles x2 and ate on their patio. The food was tasty; 'hot' spice level was right. We had tried 'extra hot' before and found it painful to eat; 'medium' was so mild as to be disappointing. The meat to crunch ratio was better than at the UBC Downlow, which featured what looked like big chicken thighs but was mostly batter. Still, you can get more meat at some of their rivals. It was cool to be eating outside, and they are now hosting guests in their dining room, but in the interest of COVID safety... Service was adequate but unremarkable, except for the woman who handed us the food. She was cheerful and seemed genuinely happy to be interacting with customers. We parked for free on Venables. There are metered spots on Commercial. Bottom line: Good enough for a return visit, but there are spots we like even better.

Overall 7/10. Food: Two pieces and a side combo (2 boneless thighs & macaroni salad) for $13.75. Rating: 7/10. The chicken is served on a slice of bread with BnB pickles. The batter is on the thicker side, and I didn't get a lot of thigh meat. Very unfortunate. The chicken piece is boneless, as it says, and it is very interesting as I am used to thighs having bones. Some people may find the bone the best part, but those who find bones a hassle would love DL's boneless thigh. I think all their chicken pieces are boneless. The macaroni salad is the dry kind, not the saucy kind. The chicken was not on par with the hype I've been hearing. I heard the sandwiches at lunchtime are something. I may come back but not in a rush. Parking: There are a few spots at the back and paid street parking on Commercial. Space: Fast food. Small shop with little seating inside and out. People: There's a minimum of 10 people in the kitchen, all wearing DL t-shirts. I think they were singing together at certain times. They have merchandise for sale, including the DL t-shirts if people are interested. They ask for a name after your order is taken. Our order was under the name "Cody," and when we got our order, it said "Cody Banks" on the box. A funny personalized touch. There were a few people in front of us at 5 pm on Friday.

Best thing I've ever put in my mouth I cannot imagine a better tasting fried chicken the chicken was juicy and the fries were extremely well seasoned best place ever

Great food. Good atmosphere. Friendly people. What's not to like? They have cool specials every month as well with local chefs or other people.

Long story short : - overrated food - great service and friendly staff - price is bit expensive We went here and got the nashville sandwich and the chicken strips. It was good to be honest but it wasn't that special! It was fine quality chicken nothing wow about the seasoning ,on the contrary too much spicy powder! Prices were a bit above average ( but everything is getting super expensive these days so can't really say) Does it beat the other regular fried chicken franchise ? I dont believe so!

First time here and ordered Piled of Thighs (10pc) and Piled High Pile (10pc w/ 4 sides) for takeout After 20 min drive, chicken was still crispy and not soggy. The chickens were very moist and delicious. Ordered miles and hot for spice level. Hot was not really hot but good to know for next time to go to next level of extra hot For sides - fries come in a box for sides and ordered Mac salad with sweet n sour slaw which was small like a small side at other places. If I knew that, I would pick all fries as the 2 salads did not feed more than 2-3 people Fries were average but still crispy too when I got home. Salads were ok. The place is busy. Anticipate 15-20 min wait to place order and get your order. Street meter parking available. No dining but have 2 benches outside to be seated to eat right away.

Tasty fried chicken on commercial drive! Made fresh so I placed an order online and was notified of my pick up time. Online ordering was super quick and easy. I got two medium spicy boneless thighs for two people. Total was $9.90 and it was quite well portioned. Good crunch and yummy pickles.

i still stand by my take that downlow has the best fried chicken in canada. was probably slightly better (and way cheaper) pre-covid/influencers so this is more of a 4.7 than a 5 but still top tier. menu items rating: the og 10/10 jerk sando 7/10 pizza sando 9/10 (although they didnt have it today when i went?) fries 8/10 loaded fries 6.5/10

This place has pretty damn good chicken. So good that my husband came here twice in a day because he wouldn't stop raving about it. Both times he got the classic chicken sandwich with different spice levels, but later determined that the spicy option was a little too spicy for him. I got the chicken and waffles myself and although I would have preferred some sweetness in the form of a syrup, it was still delicious. Also, if it's your first time, make sure you let the cashier know ;).

What's better than a big fried chicken sandwich from Downlow Chicken Shack? I'll wait... Downlow Chicken is my favourite place to get a huge chicken sandwich! Their sandwiches are always SOO HUGE, crispy and well-seasoned. I always get the mild chicken sando whenever I come here and I can never finish the entire thing in one sitting (I save it for later). That's how big it is! They've gotten really popular the last few years so there's always a decent sized line no matter when you go. So be prepared for a little bit of a wait! MILD CHICKEN SANDO + CHICKEN THIGH These sandwiches are HUGE and such a bang for your buck. I always get the mild sandwich because I feel like the spicy ones are waayy too spicy for me! One time i made the mistake of getting the spicy thinking it wasn't going to be THAT bad and I cried spicy tears for hours and had a bad tummy ache for a few days. Their chicken is always so crunchy, large, filling and delish. Definitely my go-to for a fried chicken sandwich in Vancouver.

After driving by the green shack one random day and wondering why there was a big lineup down the street, I put two and two together after an acquaintance raved about the best fried chicken (and shared many of their Instagram pictures to boot). Finally, the fiance and I buckled up and made a trip out to the Downlow Chicken Shack to try the highly recommended fried chicken. A minor mistake on our part may have been the fact that we didn't come hungry, so we avoided ordering the more intriguing combo names (re: pile of thighs) so we chose two pieces and a side of fries. When we went there was no seating inside the restaurant at all: it was either order ahead, or order at the window and wait for pickup. How was the chicken you ask? I give props to the cashier for helping us navigate the menu and decide on the level of spiciness for the fried chicken. When she heard I was a wimp when it came to spiciness, she suggested we go with the classic (no additional spices, hint of honey). Despite still feeling full, I appreciated the lightly friend chicken thighs that weren't swimming in deep fried oil, and the classic was a great choice and not spicy one bit. Hands down it was more delicious than what you would find at the food court or at a chain establishment, but I'm holding out on naming this the best fried chicken. My only disappointment has to do with the fries/menu. When I tried tasting the fries, I found they were a lot spicier than I expected and I could only partake in a handful overall (a few a time). It was only upon a second look at the menu that I discovered there was no choice for the spiciness level of fries: it was medium spice, and I had missed that from trying to read the entire menu printed on a standard sheet of paper. While there were a few menus posted at strategic locations, I wonder if it would help if the menus were printed on bigger sheets of paper (or multiple). If I come back, I will make a point of trying another side, like one of the salads. After visiting, I'm certainly glad for the experience, and I can understand why the lineups can get so long!

Finally made it here! I got the Original Sando with chicken thigh and it was so crispy and juicy! I chose their new spice level Thunder and it wasn't too spicy for me so maybe I'll try hot next time! Also had a bite of the Cool Ranch with chicken breast and there was definitely more meat in this sandwich. We also got some fries and the seasoning was addictively tasty! My only complaint is that these were messy to eat haha

To be honest, the chicken didn't live up to the hype. First, they only offer breast meat and boneless thighs. I ordered thighs because that what I usually get at a chicken joint. They were overcooked and dry (for a thigh). It seems like they sacrificed the moistness of the chicken itself, in order to get the crunchy crust. Fried chicken should be about the chicken, not just the crust. I won't repeat.

Without exaggeration, this place has one of the best fried chicken sandwiches I've ever had. I tried the Original sando, and I have to say that it blew me away. The chicken is well-seasoned and delicious, spicy, super juicy, and once you get a bite with the toppings and the DL sauce, you might go back to buy another sandwich before you finish the one in your hand. As the chicken sandwich was the only item I purchased, I can't comment on the chicken pieces, tenders, or any of the sides. But, to be honest, get the chicken sandwich and you'll be a very happy diner. They can have quite a long line-up, so make sure you go with a lot of time to spare if you go during busier hours. Cheers. Check out @foodpharaoh on Instagram for more food!

Got the 4 piece stipend with the chimichuri powder. Pretty solid. Really liked it. I don't think that they'll ever make something I don't like. The chicken is always on point, and the flavourinf they add is solid. I don't think I've gotten anything spicer than medium because I'm too scared, but they used to have chicken strips that each had a different heat level, so I'd get that.

Best Burgers from Vancouver. Specially: Original with Extra Hot Sauce. 100% Recommended

This review is for their pop up tent kitchen behind Steel & Oak which I got to try this past weekend. I assume their product would be identical to their store chicken. One whiff when walking past their grill and I was sold. Staff are friendly and professional. The chicken is all deep fried the same way, then the corresponding spices are added. The options are Mild, Medium, Hot, Extra hot, and None. I think of it as spiciness level 1, 2, 3, 4, 0. I had their 2 piece chicken (spiciness levels 1 and 3) to see what it was about. 1 was actually pretty good. 3 was a wee bit too spicy. Not so much I couldn't eat it, but at that point it was masking the taste of the chicken. I would recommend spiciness levels 1 or 2. Batter is tasty. Pieces aren't too greasy either, which is great. Quite similar to Win Win, but the spices here make this place stand out. I also had the mac and cheese. Decent sized portion. I liked how it wasn't too salty like most other places. Served with some pink (pickled?) onions on top. Will give their actual store a try one of these days.

Best fried chicken spot I have had for a long long time after trying at least 20 different ones. My other comparable offer is from another hole in a wall shop in New Orleans. The fried chicken is definitely higher priced but man it is crunchy and fresh and juicy inside and everything from sides to pickles are all extremely fresh and well flavored. I would recommend just getting the fried chicken instead of the sandwich. The chicken piece is quite large so it is a struggle to eat and the pure chicken you will appreciate much more. The service is always surprisingly good. The staff are really nice and they have this cute tradition for yelling together "first timer" to welcome folks who tried the food for the first time.

I'm not so sure what all fuss is about this place. The time I went, I could not finish both the fried chicken and fries as they put way too much seasoning salt on it, it was actually kinda ridiculous. Maybe it was my one order that they over-seasoned it, but haven't been back since.

One of the best chicken sandwiches I've had. There's usually a line and pretty busy so be prepared to wait. The DL fries are a good bang for your buck! Loaded fries with chicken on top for around $12? Always get a side of pickles to take in between bites so you don't get tired of it. I'm a huge fan of dill so the mac salad was a hit for me. The sandwich itself was juicy but too big for me to finish so definitely shareable.

Don't let the line deter you from trying Downlow Chicken Shack because it is definitely worth the wait! Hubby and I were both craving for fried chicken so we trekked to Commercial Drive to check out DCS. Once you enter, you'll see a line for the cashier to place your order and get a number. The line was near the door when we got in but it moves quickly. We decided to eat in so we ordered the two by four - classic and fries with sauce on the side and mac salad for the hubby. They only have a few tables inside so gotta be quick. The chicken was great! It was flavorful, juicy and greasy. The skin was crunchy too. Yum! The fries were tasty as it had their seasoning while the hubby found the mac salad okay. Definitely a great place for fried chicken. Can't wait to go back for more.

Best chicken I've had in Vancouver, hands down. I was recommended this place from a couple different people and really glad I checked it out.

Such a delicious place!! There's very much a hole in the wall vibe which definitely reinforces the quality. I ordered the cannibal sando and everything about it was amazing!! The chicken was super crispy and the sauce tasted really good. Honestly, my only complaint is how huge it is and difficult to stuff into face. Again, the lively atmosphere ameliorates the experience. The staff was very nice and friendly. Even though they seemed super busy, they were very helpful when we had questions. The menu is not overly complicated but almost everything can be customized to your tastes. Overall a great experience and can't wait to go again～～

We heard a lot of press that this was one of the best fried chicken in town so we had to check this out. So we went there and it was very busy with a lineup. We were able to get our order and I got the hot Cannibal chicken sandwich. Man, was that good! So think a beautifully fried chicken breast (choice of thigh if desired) and it was SUPER juicy! Hard to find especially with a chicken breast. The breading was nice and crispy and the Cannibal means you get fried chicken skin with it too... Cannibal... Hannibal... anyone?!? Also loved that this came with a fried egg so this was a massive chicken sandwich that requires 2 napkins. The spicy sauce was great and just the right level of heat for me. My friend order the fries which was delicious. Thinking Church's chicken crinkle cut fries crispy and dusted with spices and drizzled with their sauce. I decided to have the Mac as a change of pace... I preferred the fries! All in all, a fantastic chicken sandwich and worth the hype! And the sign in the washroom was hilarious.

Nothing in my home state of California compares to this place and it's chicken sandwiches. I wish this was near where I live, but I'll have to wait until my next Vancouver trip.

Prompt service, line up wasn't too long (10mins) on a stat holiday. I tried the original burger (medium spicy, dark meat) and see why this place is a hit. Crispy medium thick batter that is spiced with some type of bbq sauce on top. Meat is not your typicaly flat fillet. I chose dark meat and it had a more natural but uneven shape to it which no one does. It was juicy and tender. Topped was a type of coleslaw (marinated cabbage) but was very light in marinate so as not to overpower the chicken's taste. This is also unique that I've not seen before. Bun was fresh, soft and good size. All ingredients seem fresh. The only drawback for me was that the burger in general was too salty- likely the batter?, so much so I couldn't finish. Other than this it would have been perfection. 18$ tax and tipped for 1 burger- tis a high price or new standard these days I suppose. Will be back to try something different.

OK wow it took me so long to get here because I was often either not in the area or scared I'd have to line up for a long time but it worked out for me where I was in the neighbourhood and there was no line because we had just beat the lunch rush and it was one of the best chicken sandwiches I have ever had. The staff are super kind and very welcoming and they have a small section to eat indoors and a little patio outside as well with multiple wait for their orders especially if they are taking it to go. The original chicken sandwich was what I had ordered and it was so huge. The chicken was crispy and moist and well seasoned. I had also ordered the combo with fries and a side of macaroni salad and these were the perfect additions. The macaroni salad had a bit of heat and was great for just a drink on its own and the fries were perfect out again well seasoned. I highly recommend visiting them!