La Reine Chicken Shack

Restaurant · Saint Croix

La Reine Chicken Shack

Restaurant · Saint Croix

2

24-I, Christiansted, St Croix 00820, U.S. Virgin Islands

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La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null
La Reine Chicken Shack by null

Highlights

This family-run gem has been serving up mouthwatering rotisserie chicken and BBQ since 1956, earning rave reviews for its quick service and flavorful dishes.  

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24-I, Christiansted, St Croix 00820, U.S. Virgin Islands Get directions

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24-I, Christiansted, St Croix 00820, U.S. Virgin Islands Get directions

+1 340 778 5717
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Last updated

Mar 14, 2025

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@travelleisure

20 Best Things to Do in St. Croix

"Well known for some of the island's best johnny cakes and rotisserie chicken." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-things-to-do-st-croix-7967842
View Postcard for La Reine Chicken Shack
@afar

"Do Not Pass Go, or The La Reine Chicken Shack This is it. The moment you arrive on-island, do not pass go, do not collect $200 — just get yourself to the La Reine Chicken Shack to immediately immerse yourself in the uniquely local St. Croix vibe. No, this is not haute cuisine, this isn't even a nice looking place, but what it is is an institution sporting the best BBQ chicken on island. Everyone eats here from senators to sanitation workers and all walks of life in between. On Sunday's you can even expect some roast pork added to the menu. Whatever you order, you won't go wrong pairing your styrofoam wrapped meal with a nice rum & Coke!"

The Best Things to Do in St. Croix
View Postcard for La Reine Chicken Shack

Brian Barna

Google
As advertised…awesome rotisserie chicken, can watch it cook around back. Great sides as well (rice, Jonny cakes). Loved the ribs also-really tender great sauce. Efficient service.

Shalonda D.

Google
This place' name kept coming up when we asked the locals where do they like to eat. It is a popular place they were busy but they were efficient. The staff and other guests were all friendly. The food was so delicious 😋 and lots of it. We enjoyed the Dj and the music played. Since it is outside you do have to swat flies but they could not have my food, 😆

Dale Phillips

Google
Get there when they open because when the chicken is gone… it’s gone for the day. Great chicken and sides. We tried the half chicken and picked rice and beans and potato salad. Huge portions at a great price.

samantha

Google
Loved everything about it! Roadside shack basically, big outdoor area with a crazy number of spits with so many chicken slowly turning, makes your mouth water! Even if eating there they package to go which makes sense bc you'll definitely be taking home leftovers. The chicken was crazy good... The skin was so flavorful, the chicken was so juicy. Go early as they run out of lots of stuff bc they are so good.

Timothy Shelton

Google
Food was excellent - some of the best on the island. Atmosphere was just typical Caribbean atmosphere; open seating, decent enough but nothing special. Service was good, very friendly and answered all our menu questions. Some of the locals nearly had an altercation over appropriate attire, so there’s that. Wasn’t uncomfortable, but they weren’t happy with each other. Maybe just unfortunate timing for us. Won’t keep us from going back. Maybe best served to order take-out, because like I said, the food was excellent.

erick cavan

Google
The only regret we had is that we didn't stop here first for our island vacation. So much food that we ate two more meals from the leftovers. Great value and fast service considering how busy they always are and the drink prices are very reasonable compared to other stops.

Tyler Dixon

Google
We had lots of recommendations from locals for this place. Solid rotisserie chicken, nice atmosphere, and good prices. And everything came out quick! Definitely a recommendation from our family. The sides were good, we liked the Mac and cheese, beans and rice. The johnny cakes are fantastic. Unless you really need salad, I'd skip that in favor of another side. The salt fish and plantains are acceptable sides as well. The one thing I wasn't a huge fan of was the ribs. They were ok but nothing special. The staff was good and the facility was clean. There are restrooms out back. If parking is full just find a spot in the side or back yard!

c “cfl” lane

Google
Stopped her for dinner after arriving on the island. The place was packed and the food was flavorful. The chicken is very good as are the other dishes. They can sell out of items so get there before 5 if possible. Open air tables, beverages at the bar are paid separately. No frills mom and pop with good food!
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Chris M.

Yelp
Best food on the island and a great value. The food is top notch and the portions are great. The chicken is super juicy. An ice cold beer to wash it all down! Great local Feel! Always a must stop , even multiple times in a trip to STX!
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Diane S.

Yelp
You know you are in the right place when it is full of locals. There will be a line but it's worth the wait. The flavor on the chicken was incredible. My husband and I shared a half chicken with johnny cake special, with coleslaw and plantains as sides. I'll confess to hogging all of the chicken skin, so good. Johnny cakes were a new experience, very soft on the inside, great flavor. Plantains were cooked perfectly. Very reasonably priced. I already want to go back!
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Rachel J.

Yelp
So good! Loved the johnnycakes. Great prices for a family meal. Quick service and a good feel for the island vibes.
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Elena P.

Yelp
The best food we had on the island by far. We tried to go back on Sunday before our flight and sadly they are closed Sundays. Chicken is hot, juicy, and extremely well-spiced without being too salty. I usually avoid chicken skin and even I couldn't help eating some of it. The Johnny cakes were also the best we had on the island - piping hot, perfect texture. Like a beignet without the sugar. Wish I had ordered some of their fresh juices like the passion fruit ginger we saw someone enjoying. Service was quick (10 min wait after placing the order), there were ample tables filled with locals and tourists alike, plenty of parking...you can call ahead to pickup if you prefer. They take cash and card however there is a small fee to use a card (and $12 minimum.)
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Andrea F.

Yelp
On my first day in St. Croix we stopped by La Reine Chicken Shack for a quick bite to eat. Just because it's called a shack, it doesn't mean that the food will taste like it's coming from a shack. We ordered fried fish, Johnnie cake, and several orders of the half chicken. Chicken was perfectly seasoned and moist (no sauce needed). The atmosphere is nothing fancy, but it has plenty of outdoor seating. The staff is courteous with a Crucian attitude. This shack is must go to if visiting St. Croix. Oh and I forgot to add there is a full service bar. I ordered the rum punch.

John G.

Yelp
Truly a classic, local spot and it lives up to its reputation. As you approach the open air establishment, the scent of roasting chickens fills the air. You order and the counter and sit in the bar area or under trees at picnic tables. The employees were delightful and patient. We felt less like tourists and more like friends. The chicken is succulent and smoky. Served with bbq sauce, but doesn't need it. It is what grocery store rotisserie chicken aspires to be. Now, the johnnycakes are the true show-stopper. More like a savory beignet than anything like cornbread. Slightly crunchy, chewy pillows of goodness.

Arthur F.

Yelp
When you see your bartender there and lots of national guard members you know it's got to be good. Half chicken with two Johnie cakes was enough for two to share. Loved the stuffing (like a sweet potato casserole) Cole slaw and baked Mac & cheese. Line moves very fast. Lots of tables available because most customers are on their lunch break and not lingering.
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Dee W.

Yelp
We liked everything and it was the best Johnny cake all week. I was surprised by the pickled onions and the vinegar in the yucca. If I live there, I would definitely try something else.
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Shawn H.

Yelp
It really is amazingly good roast chicken. If you are a jerk fan, ask for their hot sauce. Homemade with fire and flavor. Service was quick and accurate. Full bar. Great hole in the wall joint!
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Meagan E.

Yelp
Hot damn! It's delicious. Totally willing to eat here every day of my visit. Affordable. Flavorful. Not dried out. My arroz con pollo was amazing, I was shoveling it in. The Johnny Cakes my family tried to describe but they are beyond description really. If an elephant ear met a hot water cornbread that was cake instead of cornbread. I mean...?!?!? I hurt my stomach trying to jam in the last bites of everything. Them my cousin gave me half of her Half chicken and it was even tastier!! Seriously. Will be here as frequently as physically possible.
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Nora L.

Yelp
This was the first spot I ate at while in St. Croix. It was a great start to a trip full of amazing food. You can see the chicken slow cooking outside, just dripping with flavor! There's covered outdoor seating which was nice to enjoy and soak in the good weather. I got the half chicken and I finished it all, LOL. The long flight had me starving for sure. The chicken had good flavor and was juicy. Didn't really need the bbq sauce but it was a good addition. I looooved the Johnny cakes. So simple, yet I couldn't stop eating them. I had to order some to go. Can't wait to visit St. Croix again so I can have more!
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Isabella A.

Yelp
The best chicken and Johnny cakes on Island! Friendy customer service, happy atmosphere.
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Bill J.

Yelp
This is a well loved stop on St. Croix. The food was really good and it's very busy around lunch. We had the half chicken, and the lobster salad as well. Overall it was very good.
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Eliza N.

Yelp
I recommend this shack. It is mighty fine! Back at La Reine chicken shack yesterday. After searching for a place in the area it was apparent that we wanted to try some other dishes, the chicken being so tasty. The special menu had conch either as stew or in butter sauce. I chose the butter, wanting to taste the seafood more than a stew. It was delicious. Came in it's own container w a side of beans, salad of lettuce and tomato and flavored rice. My partner ordered ribs @ 12:30 Told not ready for a while. Same w the conch. However, the conch was just ready and kitchen help updated. Nice folks here who take orders and get the food to you! The ribs were a miss, not ready! Will try again. Enough chicken for leftover rice and chicken soup.
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patrick m.

Yelp
Chicken chicken chicken - it's so so amazing. I need to add more characters but all you need to know is that this is the best chicken you will ever eat. Period. Now go - eat chicken. You're welcome.
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Conniesha F.

Yelp
Food was great this was the only food I enjoyed in the island . The Johnny cakes was my favorite. Service was a little bit slow but it was worth the wait .
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Francine C.

Yelp
This place gets packed! Why? The food is great! Their Johnny cakes are fab! Salmon ball, wow!!!! Just expect a long line if you come at lunchtime or after 5pm!
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Daron B.

Yelp
The rotisserie chicken and mahi mahi was delicious! The Johnny cakes were served hot and they were the best authentic tasting that we've ever had. We will definitely come back again!
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Roy C.

Yelp
Pro: This is where locals eat! La Reine Chicken Shack offers a heaping helping of local and Puerto Rican favorites. While the fair assumption is that the chicken is the star of the show, given the name of the place, think again! Daily specials rotate and include stew goat, oxtail, kallaloo (pork or seafood), pork chops, and other island favorites. The open-air seating offers the pleasure of a gentle breeze as you dine, but many folks take there's to go. Either way, you're set! Con: The mid-island location makes it near impossible for tourists on foot to get there without transportation of their own. Rent a car! Bottom Line: I eat here. So should you!
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Joshua C.

Yelp
La Reine Chicken Shack is a great place to grab a bite in St. Croix. The chicken is very good and the sides we've ordered are too. They also have a great special which includes 1/2 chicken and two Johnny cakes...more than enough food for a person (my wife and I often share it).
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Linda R.

Yelp
We were trying to visit the La Reine Farmer's Market, but unfortunately it was closed when we arrived. Luckily, Chicken Shack was right across the way. This place had been highly recommended to us by many locals, so we decided to stop by for lunch. At first appearance, the prices seem high for the plates, but based on the amount of food you get, it is well worth it a trip. I ordered the stewed beef, and got about a pound of meat. It was delicious. The meat was soft, the gravy with potatoes, onions and carrots was not too thick or too soupy and seasoned just right. I chose to get a Johnny Cake instead of a salad and the meal came with beans. We also ordered a side of sweet plaintains. I ordered brown rice but got yellow which I prefer. The Johnny Cake was so good, and the plaintains were true plaintains not bananas. I have gone to some places in the US and they try to serve you bananas The other things that are great about this place is number one that it is open air, and the breeze feels great. Second the staff are positive and friendly and seem to love their job and third you can't help but smile with the reggae music playing at the bar. I great experience overall.
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MIlton S.

Yelp
Why was the chicken so funny? She's a real comedi-hen! What do you get when you cross a chicken and a ghost? A poultry-geist! What do chicken families do on the weekends? They have peck-nics! La Reine Chicken Shack is great! Yes, it is a shack, but a shack can create ambiance too, The service is great too! But it's the chicken, finger lickin! About 2 pounds worth of delicious My photo says it all!
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Aubrey C.

Yelp
THE BEST CHICKEN IVE HAD IN MY WHOLE ENTIRE LIFE. AND IVE HAD A LOOTTTTT OF CHICKEN. Literally cried at the beauty of these magnificent chickens. Large assortment of locally made organic drinks, I couldn't choose. I decided to go with Seamoss and was pleasantly surprised. I still think about this iconic meal & wish to return soon to share this meal with my loved ones again.

Iris I.

Yelp
The best chicken and Johnny cake plus food I've eaten in the island always consistent with flavors very sweet kind people. I love it. I recommended 100% very clean. I'm hopping try it. You'll love it. I gave it a 10 out of 10.

Noah M.

Yelp
Got there right when it opened and the line was taken care of quick, was able to grab a drink while I waited. The food was great, got the chicken with side of rice and beans. Johnny cake was all very good! Friendly people as well.
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Rick S.

Yelp
Follow the herd to this place. Yogi Berra should have eaten here. How many eateries on your 'go to' list just do things right? La Reine checks all the boxes.
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Bobby K.

Yelp
Loved the shack. My wife and I split a whole jerk chicken, Johnny cakes and some sides. Chicken was incredibly tasty. Johnny cakes were a nice, slightly sweet counterpoint. Must do on STX.
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Eddie C.

Yelp
There are many options to eat out in STX, but by far this was one of my favorite places to eat. The Chicken Shack has rotisserie style chicken that is juicy, flavorful and tasty. This Chicken is like CRACK and they also serve up the best Johnny Cakes on the Island along with the Rice & Beans, this a must place to eat if you're on the island! Plenty of seating, parking is in front and come hungry because you'll want to try everything on the menu!
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Laura N.

Yelp
I read online that this was the best food on the island and we needed to make a trip so of course we did. While I won't say it was the best food we had in st croix it was good and worth checking out for lunch. I was indecisive and ordered a bunch of things off the menu to try. They had a special with a full rotisserie chicken with a side of rice and beans so I got that. The chicken was good but a lot of food for my family of 3. In my opinion, rotisserie chicken is always delicious so I didn't think this was such different that made it stand out. don't get me wrong, it's yummy but tastes like your normal one you've probably had before. The yellow rice was flavored well and had pigeon peas throughout. The beans were good too in a soupy broth that also had great flavor. We got Johnny cakes which the island is known for. They're like pillowy bread that has a little hint of cornbread flavor. Almost like a pita but much softer. Definitely get these. The sweet plantains are also a must get. Perfectly caramelized. I also got the chicken curry stew which was ok. The meal also came with a little side salad which had no dressing. They have little packets of Italian dressing but you have to ask. The environment was a little overwhelming. It's just a smaller hut on the side of the road. There's plenty of parking in a gravel lot but there's 2 big lines. One is for call ahead/pick up the other is where you order there. After waiting in line for about 5 minutes I went up to the counter and asked for recommendations but the lady behind the counter wasn't too engaging. I ordered my food then sat myself down at a table and waited until they called my number on the receipt. It was hard to hear the numbers sometimes so pick a table closer to the window. It's filled with lots of locals and it's all open air so it can get a bit hot but that's for a lot of restaurants on the island. Definitely check this out if you want a more local, dress down feel.
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Catharine F.

Yelp
Where I come from we think we own the market on chicken but La Reine Chicken Shack makes me pause. Johnnycakes and half roasted chicken with some ice cold bottle of coke, 'nuff said.
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Jevay G.

Yelp
The name says it all. It's a chicken shack. The chicken is delicious! Well seasoned and cooked to perfection over an open fire. The traditional sides (rice & beans) are good too esp the Johnny cake. Do not leave without getting a few extra Johnny cakes for later.
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Devin D.

Yelp
Le Reine Chicken Shack was on every list of places to try in St. Croix and I see why! Gotta try the stuffing and johnny cake.

Tony P.

Yelp
Great food, chicken was delicious and sides were tasty, rice and beans and Cole slaw. My son's favorite was the Johnny cakes.
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Melissa W.

Yelp
No frills amazing chicken. Look the menu up online before coming. Johnny cakes are the perfect side to make lil sandwiches with. You can see all the chickens on the rotisserie around the side of the building. Outside style seating. Full bar.

Kyla H.

Yelp
Amazing and fast service. Some of the best chicken and Johnny cake in town! Great atmosphere to sit and eat and enjoy the breeze.
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Reginald M.

Yelp
Honestly out of all the places on this island, we visited this spot every single day and had the same thing! The chicken! They never missed a beat, and everyday it was juicy with crispy skin! If someone says it's the best chicken they ever had.... Believe them! The Johnny cakes are addictive also along with the rice. They are some of the nicest people and I had a chance to speak to Jeremiah who was tending to the chicken out back. You could tell that he loves what he does and it shows. This was one of the places that made us choose this island over Hawaii by far! You've got to check it out! I'm serious just go!!
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Scott M.

Yelp
Several menu options but the 1/2 chicken fried bread (called "johnnycakes") combo is clearly the house special, $9. Place and price geared towards locals, a rare find amongst all the expensive tourist traps of Christensted.

Julie N.

Yelp
Casual clean relaxed island atmosphere. Great variety in the menu all at a good value. Staff had their system down to a science. Lines move quickly and orders are 100% accurate even during a super busy lunch rush. As for the food , husband and I ordered the whole chicken with 4 Johnny cakes special and added a side of homemade potato salad. Total about $25. Fed both of of 2 full meals with extra for snacks. ( Johnny cakes for breakfast etc). Best chicken and potato salad that we've ever had ( and were mid 50's lol). Johnny cakes were new to us and delicious!! We can't to go back on our trip next year!!
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Glenn B.

Yelp
Holy portions! Order at the front, find you a seat, and pick up at the next window over. Attached full bar with friendly staff! It's a staple of St Croix and gotta add it to the "Yup we've been there" list!

Catherine R.

Yelp
When you drive by this place and there are a load of cars, do NOT think to yourself "oh, it's too crowded, let's go somewhere else!" Just pull in and get in line! The food is the kind of food that makes you wish you had 4 stomachs and could just keep eating! We had the roasted chicken, the stewed chicken, and the roast pork...we could not pick a favorite! The rice and beans were amazingly flavorful! The staff were friendly and quick -- our food only took about 15 minutes despite the long line and people waiting! There is a small fee for using a credit card (which is common on the island) -- not a negative, just mentioning it :) There is ample seating and the vast majority of it is in the shade! It is rare that we eat at a place more than once when on vacation, but we will definitely be going back before we leave!

Jai C.

Yelp
Went there for lunch and it was so good!! We got the stew chicken and the 1/2 roasted chicken and it was delicious!! The rice is so flavorful and soft and the chicken was perfectly seasoned and tender. They were quite busy but the food came out pretty fast. There were plenty of tables to sit either in the patio area or outside :) definitely recommend!

James D.

Yelp
Excellent food. One of the only restaurants on the island that you can actually believe the excellent reviews. Mostly locals picking up their lunches.
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Bishop S.

Yelp
This food is AWESOME. Fresh severed, hot and delicious. Many choices to consider. Ox tails were the bomb with rice and beans. Fried or baked chicken, Mac and cheese. Pull up, get there early as food goes fast.
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Val V.

Yelp
We always bring visitors here. Must try it. We've been here twice in the past week. Be careful near closing they might run out of chicken. Order on the run for pickup if you think you'll be cutting it close. Wish they had a quarter chicken portion and black beans.
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Tonitini C.

Yelp
The taste was great, location was good, large parking lot for all the visitors. The chicken could be a little bit more moist but the portions were really good to share for two people.
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Diana G.

Yelp
This place was highly recommended to us. We went for lunch. You order at the window and wait till your number is called. The menu is at the register. It is Hard to take your time ordering when there's a line behind you, so be ready. Staff isn't too friendly or helpful. They do have tables where you can eat, but from the looks of it, all the orders are prepared to fin We shared: 1/2 chicken with rice and beans Mahi mahi with rice and beans The amount of food you get for the price was impressive. They definitely aren't skimpy. Now we both felt that the both the chicken and the mahi were dry. You really have to use condiments to moisten it up a little. The rice as beans were delicious. The rice had pigeon peas. The beans had little pieces of potatoes. I loved the onions my mahi mahi dish came with. All the seating is outside. Expect some flies. They do have a full service bar. Parking is available on site. Their bathrooms were clean and stocked. It is a cash only restaurant. They do have an ATM on site.

Catherine F.

Yelp
Best Chicken EVER. Crave it often and have to make the special trip from NOLA. 1st stop when we land.
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Brooke G.

Yelp
we always go a few times when on island and it' consistently tasty. easy to eat outside and just get lots of napkins.
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Scott W.

Yelp
Fun and good rotisserie chicken!! After you order a chicken and some Johnny cakes go around the side and see how they cook the chickens. It's great.