What should I order at Chicken in a Barrel?
Chicken in a Barrel
Chicken
Highly praised for being juicy, tender, flavorful, and smoky without being dry. Multiple reviewers called it the best part of their meal, noting its perfect char and moist texture, making it a standout BBQ dish.
Loaded Fries
Repeatedly highlighted as amazing and the best loaded fries reviewers have ever had. Noted for fresh ingredients, perfect ratios, a hidden spicy kick, and generous toppings like cheese, cilantro sauce, pico de gallo, and chicken.
Baby Back Ribs
Recommended for being meaty, smoky, well-seasoned, and not drowned in sauce. Reviewers found the ribs tender and top-notch, a classic BBQ favorite that complements the chicken well.
Pulled Pork
Appreciated for its authentic smoked flavor, tenderness, and not needing additional sauce. Seen as a flavorful, well-smoked meat option that BBQ fans would enjoy.
Sampler Plate
Suggested as the best value to try multiple meats at once. Reviewers found all meats juicy and tender, with flavorful BBQ sauces that add a nice kick, making it ideal for those wanting to sample the menu.
Hawaiian Cole Slaw
Liked for its fresh, local flavor with a hint of pineapple, providing a tasty and refreshing side that complements the BBQ dishes well.
Hours
| Monday | 11 AM to 8 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11 AM to 8 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM to 8 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM to 8 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM to 8 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM to 8 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM to 7 PM |
About Chicken in a Barrel
Chicken in a Barrel is a barbecue restaurant in Hanalei, Hawaii, serving lunch and dinner with dine-in, takeout, and outdoor seating. Reviewers consistently praise the smoked chicken, loaded fries, sampler plate, mac salad, and the generous portions, along with the casual atmosphere and local specialty offerings. The menu also includes ribs, pulled pork, pork sandwiches, chili, and fries, and several reviews mention the food as a strong value for the $10 to $20 price range. It is popular with solo diners, groups, tourists, and families.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Comfort food
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
Atmosphere
- Casual
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked questions
What is Chicken in a Barrel known for?
It is best known for smoked chicken and loaded fries, with the sampler plate also coming up often in reviews. People repeatedly mention juicy, tender chicken, smoky ribs and pork, and fries with a little kick that feel especially satisfying after a hike or a long day on Kauai.
What dishes are most recommended at Chicken in a Barrel?
Reviewers most often recommend the smoked chicken, loaded fries, sampler plate, mac salad, and baby back ribs. Other frequently praised items include the pulled pork plate, pork sandwich, sweet potato fries, chili, and Hawaiian coleslaw with pineapple.
What is the atmosphere like at Chicken in a Barrel?
The vibe is casual and straightforward, with most seating outdoors at tables with umbrellas and views of the Kauai mountains at the Hanalei location. It suits solo diners, groups, tourists, and families who want a quick, relaxed barbecue meal rather than table service.
Is Chicken in a Barrel a good value?
Yes, the $10 to $20 price range is generally described as fair for the portion size, and many reviewers say the plates are generous enough to share. People also note that the food is filling, with huge portions on chicken and ribs and enough food in items like the pulled pork plate and loaded fries to feel worth the price.
How busy does Chicken in a Barrel get, and what should I expect?
It can get busy at peak meal times, and some reviews mention a wait for orders when the staff is handling a rush. Even so, reviewers say the food comes out quickly once ordered and that the counter-service setup works well for a fast lunch or dinner stop.
Is parking available at Chicken in a Barrel?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Is Chicken in a Barrel kid-friendly?
Yes, Chicken in a Barrel is good for kids.
Restaurants like Chicken in a Barrel in Hanalei
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