Chris S.
Yelp
Full disclosure: I attended the Canecún 2024 event in Cancún, Mexico, sponsored by Raising Cane's. They covered my all-inclusive trip, including round-trip flights from New York, accommodations at the Moon Palace Hotel, and event-related expenses.
It was one of the most memorable vacations I've had as a reporter. During the event, I got to see Snoop Dogg perform and meet AJ, along with Raising Cane's founder and CEO, Todd Graves. Despite all of this, I found it surprising that there was no catering from Raising Cane's throughout the trip.
Fast forward to my first actual taste of Raising Cane's, which happened after a Broadway show in Midtown Manhattan. The restaurant was conveniently located nearby, so I decided to finally try it for myself.
Walking in, the atmosphere immediately stood out. The Midtown location felt like a signature store--sleek, modern, and lively. The staff were friendly and attentive, reminiscent of the high standard of service you'd expect at Chick-fil-A.
When it came to the food, it was a mixed bag. The chicken was hot, buttery, and perfectly fried, though the flavor itself didn't blow me away. The Texas toast was exceptional, with a rich, buttery garlic flavor that stole the show. The coleslaw was decent--fresh and light, though nothing particularly special.
The Cane's Sauce, however, is clearly the star of the meal. Its tangy, peppery flavor reminded me of a kicked-up Thousand Island dressing, with just the right amount of zest and creaminess. The sauce paired perfectly with the chicken, though the portion size felt small for the amount of food. I found myself rationing it carefully, and in hindsight, I would've skipped the fries entirely to save the sauce for the chicken.
Speaking of the fries--they were forgettable. Bland and lacking seasoning, they seemed more like filler than a true side. If I were to order again, I'd skip them altogether and ask for extra sauce instead, even if it means paying a little more. Adding some pepper helped slightly, but overall, they didn't leave much of an impression.
What makes Raising Cane's unique, however, is the vibe. This is a brand that knows its audience: young, energetic, and fun-loving. From the pop-culture-inspired decor to the overall upbeat atmosphere, it's clear that Cane's isn't just selling chicken--it's selling an experience.
Unlike other chicken spots that compete on flavor complexity or secret spice blends, Cane's leans into simplicity and fun. It's the kind of place where you'd want to hang out with friends after a game or a night out.
For that reason, I'd recommend dining in rather than ordering delivery. Eating on-site allows you to soak in the atmosphere, which is half the appeal. Delivery might satisfy your hunger, but it won't capture the essence of what makes Raising Cane's special.
Overall, while the food itself is decent, it's the energy of the place that sets it apart. It feels more like a social hub than just another fast-casual chain. Whether that's enough to make it your go-to chicken spot depends on what you value most--flavor or vibe.