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Name: Chicken in a Barrel
Address: 4-1586 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI, 96746
Telephone: (808) 823-0780
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.43

Chicken in a Barrel

4-1586 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI, 96746

(808) 823-0780
Store is closed

Chicken in a Barrel Menu

Salads

Ceasar Salad

Hanalei Mixed Green Salad

Ceasar Salad

Hanalei Mixed Green Salad
Entrees

Chicken in a Barrel Plate

Sampler Plate

Babyback Ribs Plate

Chicken and Rib Plate

Beef Plate

Pork Plate

Chili Cheese Fries

Hoagie Plate

Chicken in a Barrel Plate

Sampler Plate

Babyback Ribs Plate

Chicken and Rib Plate

Beef Plate

Pork Plate

Chili Cheese Fries

Hoagie Plate
Ala Carte

? Chicken

? Chicken

1 Baby Back Rib

1 Portion Pork

1 Portion Beef

Baby Back Ribs

Rice and Chili

? Chicken

? Chicken

1 Baby Back Rib

1 Portion Pork

1 Portion Beef

Baby Back Ribs

Rice and Chili
Other Items

BBQ Rub

BBQ Rub
Sides

Home-Made Chili Beans

Brown or White Rice

Hawaiian-Style Coleslaw

Chips

Macaroni Salad

Potato Salad

French Fries

Corn Bread

Home-Made Chili Beans

Brown or White Rice

Hawaiian-Style Coleslaw

Chips

Macaroni Salad

Potato Salad

French Fries

Corn Bread
Keiki Menu

Burrito (Chicken, Beef or Pork)

Sandwich (Chicken, Beef or Pork) w/ Chips

Single Sandwich

Grilled Cheese

Burrito (Chicken, Beef or Pork)

Sandwich (Chicken, Beef or Pork) w/ Chips

Single Sandwich

Grilled Cheese
Dessert

Ice Cream

Shave Ice

Brownie

Ice Cream

Shave Ice

Brownie
Beverages - Coffee

Hawaii Coffee

Hawaii Coffee
Beverages- Cold Drinks

Bottled Water

Coca-Cola Classic

Diet Coke

Sprite

Dr. Pepper

Lemonade

Ginger Ale

Green Tea

Rasberry Ice Tea

Unsweetened Ice Tea

Bottled Water

Coca-Cola Classic

Diet Coke

Sprite

Dr. Pepper

Lemonade

Ginger Ale

Green Tea

Rasberry Ice Tea

Unsweetened Ice Tea

Healthy Meal suggestions for Chicken in a Barrel

Salads

Ceasar Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hanalei Mixed Green Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ceasar Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hanalei Mixed Green Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Entrees

Chicken in a Barrel Plate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sampler Plate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Babyback Ribs Plate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken and Rib Plate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Beef Plate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pork Plate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chili Cheese Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hoagie Plate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken in a Barrel Plate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sampler Plate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Babyback Ribs Plate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken and Rib Plate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Beef Plate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pork Plate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chili Cheese Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hoagie Plate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Ala Carte

? Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

? Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

1 Baby Back Rib [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

1 Portion Pork [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

1 Portion Beef [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Baby Back Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rice and Chili [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

? Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

? Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

1 Baby Back Rib [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

1 Portion Pork [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

1 Portion Beef [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Baby Back Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rice and Chili [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Other Items

BBQ Rub [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

BBQ Rub [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sides

Home-Made Chili Beans [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Brown or White Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hawaiian-Style Coleslaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chips [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Macaroni Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Potato Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

French Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Corn Bread [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Home-Made Chili Beans [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Brown or White Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hawaiian-Style Coleslaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chips [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Macaroni Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Potato Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

French Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Corn Bread [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Keiki Menu

Burrito (Chicken, Beef or Pork) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sandwich (Chicken, Beef or Pork) w/ Chips [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Single Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Burrito (Chicken, Beef or Pork) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sandwich (Chicken, Beef or Pork) w/ Chips [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Single Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Dessert

Ice Cream [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shave Ice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Brownie [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ice Cream [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shave Ice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Brownie [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Beverages - Coffee

Hawaii Coffee [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hawaii Coffee [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Beverages- Cold Drinks

Bottled Water [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Coca-Cola Classic [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Diet Coke [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sprite [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Dr. Pepper [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lemonade [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ginger Ale [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Green Tea [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rasberry Ice Tea [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Unsweetened Ice Tea [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bottled Water [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Coca-Cola Classic [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Diet Coke [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sprite [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Dr. Pepper [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lemonade [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ginger Ale [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Green Tea [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rasberry Ice Tea [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Unsweetened Ice Tea [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Visit below restaurant in Kapaa for healthy meals suggestion.

Burger King ( 4-1105 Kuhio Hwy,Ste E20 )

Visit below restaurant in Kapaa for healthy meals suggestion.

Burger King ( 4-1105 Kuhio Hwy,Ste E20 )

Write An Anonymous Review

Len S.

My wife and I had lunch at Chicken In A Barrel BBQ on Sunday 10 May - Mother's Day. We ordered the Sampler Plate: chicken, beef, pulled pork, pork rib, brown rice and chili beans. We also had a coupon from one of the many tourists books/pamphlets for a free chicken sandwich with purchase of an entrÃ©e. Or plan going in was to split the Sampler Plate for lunch and then decide what we wanted as take-away for dinner later. The Sampler Plate was easily enough for two people to split - and we were both hungry. All the meats were tender and juicy. I preferred the beef to the pork; rather unusual for me as I am an Anthony Bourdain kind of guy that likes pork in all of its magnificent forms. I thought the pork could have had a better smoked flavor. I am not a big fan of chicken, but the wing/breast piece we had was moist and tasty. The rib was OK, but I like my ribs to be crispy and that is not the Barrel style of BBQ. The sides were brown rice and chili beans. Fortunately my wife did not care for the chili beans, so I chowed down on what was my overall favorite item. My wife said the beans had too much vinegar, but I thought they were quit spicy - more spicy than the hot BBQ sauce. My wife liked the brown rice as it had soaked up much of the juice from the pulled pork next to it. Back to the plan - with well satiated appetites we decided to order another sandwich - beef hoagie - to accompany the afore mentioned free chicken sandwich as our dinner, along with the Costco Caesar salad we bought a few days ago. The service was prompt, especially as there was only one young lady taking and making orders. Parking may be limited near the shack, but there are more places down toward the beach. There are several shaded picnic tables next to the shack. After knowingly driving by this highly rated Kappa eatery for years, I will not be driving past again without fond memories of that Sampler Plate. Chicken In A Barrel BBQ is now on the list of must stops for every visit to Kauai. Be advised, the online menu prices are about $3 less than current prices, e.g. the beef hoagie online lists for $11.45 but I paid $15.75 - with tax and the included macaroni salad that is not mentioned online.
(4)
barbara k.

We kept hearing about this place, and finally stopped for lunch. Decided to split the Sampler - 1 rib, some chicken, pulled beef and pulled pork, along with brown rice and beans. I love anything smoked, but don't care for barbecue sauce, so had everything naked. It was plenty of food, but didn't have a lot of taste, even smokey taste. Could have used at least salt. The beans were delicious, the chicken was moist. But not a place I'll go back to.
(3)
Lani T.

Sampler plate can easily feed 2 people! Especially when the 2 people have been trying to stuff their faces with all the deliciousness of Kauai before their 5pm flight! The beans could be better... They were out of cornbread when we went on a Sunday which seemed to be a frequent occurrence. The pulled pork, chicken and ribs were great! The shredded beef was good but I wouldn't order that over the others! The spicy BBQ sauce was very nice. Very friendly customer service! Definitely want to go back!
(4)
Jules M.

Get the sampler it was legit. You get all of the meats with 2 sides. After this you can choose what suit you best. The wife and I shared it because we wanted some shave ice which is right next door. This is a must stop eatery!
(5)
Edwina M.

I am so sad that I won't be able to find this in LA. Or that fact that I can find something like this in LA for the price. About 17.00 for a sample plate. Ribs, chicken, shredded pork, shredded chicken, rice, beans, and corn bread. All of it was so good! The ribs were everyones favorite. We especially liked that the proteins aren't being lathered in BBQ sauce. We can put it ourselves in the amounts that we want. Oh and the beans! YES!!!!! Chili beans! Amazing! Probably one of the meals I will miss the most.
(5)
Violet D.

I frequent Chicken and a barrel at least 3x month and it is consistently fantastic each time. We always get half a chicken and a half rack of ribs to go. At home we make our own sides to compliment the meat. Only complaint is that the coleslaw is kind of gross. But I easily make my own. The chicken makes up for it.
(5)
Jesus R.

Amazing chicken! Juicy and tender. Smoked to perfection! I would come back in every trip to Kauai! Side dishes are also really good. Gotta come back to try the ribs.
(5)
A C.

Love chicken in a barrel!! We ate here after a bike ride on the beach. It is a little shack on main road through kapaa. I don't normally eat at places like this due to the quality of food you might get but this was so good!! I got the chicken and my husband got the chicken and ribs. It comes with a side of rice and chili. My kids wanted the macaroni salad. It was all amazing! The chicken was super moist and the portions are huge! The BBQ sauce was amazing. We will definitely be back!!
(5)
Jan B.

Delicious! And I'm a Southerner, so I know my BBQ. We ordered BBQ chicken for two...yummy!
(5)
Silvia D.

Delicious, tender, juicy meats! This is a must when you are here. Food was outstanding, and large portions. You could probably share one meal between 2 people, but we didn't. It was great to have left overs to take back to our condo. The owner is so nice and friendly! We are so glad we stopped here! I would recommend the sampler. Happy customers from Napa, California :)
(5)
Suzanne P.

Decided to try based on the great reviews and being a fan of BBQ. Went on a rainy night in Kapaa, so we ordered the food to go. Ordered the chicken and rib plate and an extra quarter chicken. Got back to our hotel room to eat and found that the chicken was extremely UNDERCOOKED. Had to throw away because we didn't feel safe eating it. The ribs we average, nothing to write home about. Very disappointed, and a waste of money.
(1)
Rits T.

Like everyone said" the best grilled chicken on this island" I admitted it. Super juicy and tender. Great texture and great service. Love how they grill the chicken in the barrel. Must try this place. Do not miss it!
(5)
Helen G.

This is great food. We stopped by to pick up some chicken and ribs to bring home for dinner later. We just got the meat, so I can't comment on their sides-- but the chicken and ribs were GREAT. Smoky, flavorful, fall off the bone delicious. The day we were there they were quite busy, and there was a table set up out front for Operation Christmas Child. The owners were donating all the proceeds from that day to OCC, which made it even nicer to spend my money there! Don't miss this place for some of the best barbecue you'll ever have. The meats are cooked without sauce. There are two big jugs of sauce for you to serve yourself -- one mild, one a bit spicy. Both very tangy and tasty.
(5)
Heather D.

Love me some BBQ! And for such a good price! The chicken was super tender and delicious. My husband and I shared the number 1 combo and there was enough food for sure. I love the whole atmosphere of the roadside walk up window. And they put bible verses on your container :)
(5)
Katey P.

My aunt and uncle found this place and ate here twice in one day! Dalish and they want to come back tomorrow morning for breakfast.
(4)
Scott W.

Great BBQ! The owner was super cool and helped guide us on smoking our fresh piece of fish we caught earlier that day. Lunch was great, huge portions filled us up!
(5)
Gloria S.

We were looking to have some barbecue at a nice place that was very low-key. (After a 8 mile hike) This place hit the spot. five stars!!
(5)
Ziyan C.

They have nice service and the food comes out fairly quickly. We got a sampler plate and unfortunately, not too much stood out. This place is worth stopping by if you want the novelty of eating at a quick, grubby place, with lawn furniture and a trailer that you order out of, but not really worth it for the food. We got the sampler plate: * Chicken - 4 stars Very smoky, fairly moist. * Pulled pork - 2 stars Very dry, very little flavor. * Pork & beef ribs - 2 stars Dry, pretty bland, and we honestly couldn't even tell them apart.
(3)
Lauren M.

Was good food after hiking on the napali coast. We smelt the bbq and had to stop. I got the chicken sandwich it was good kind of dry but the hot bbq made it taste better. The ribs my hubby got were Bomb so tender and good you didn't even need sauce. We didn't get any of the sides so can't say anything about them but 4 stars for ribs
(4)
Howard T.

I never write reviews. With that said: Best. Chicken. Ever. This blew my mind so much I had to write a review. Great tasting, moist, succulent chicken. Don't mind people that say it's still pink, the smoking process keeps it that way fully cooked. The owner/cooking genius is also super nice and friendly. This place will always be the first stop in kauai as long as I live. Just good stuff.
(5)
tony o.

Good BBQ chicken and baby ribs. Dark outside. Plenty of food. Pulled beef is dry and tasteless.
(4)
Reka D.

This place has absolutely delicious beef, pork , chicken, and chili beans! Hidden gem, not a restaurant, but a stand with outside tables. What a special surprise!
(5)
Mark W.

Best place for delicious Chicken or Beef, I don't eat pork so I wouldn't know about that. Prices are great, staff is friendly, tables were clean. Service was actually pretty quick for the area, still laid back atmosphere though.
(5)
Sarah E.

This place was near our hotel, so we stopped by to give it a whirl. We ordered two samplers and some ribs. It was the perfect way to try a little bit of everything and it fed the four of us. The chicken was amazing. It was juicy, flavorful, and most importantly, not burned. The ribs were pretty good too. They have a few different BBQ sauces to use, so try them all! Nothing here disappointed. I highly recommend coming here at least once while you are on the island.
(4)
Christina G.

This place knocked the socks right off my boyfriends feet, that during an 8 day stay in Kauai we ate here twice! Very small operation they have going on at this location. But, I can not say one bad thing about the food. The chicken is smoked right out side in barrels, just like the place is named for. A side of brown rice and chili is given with your meal and it's just the right sides too. The price is worth the meal, from 10-16 depending on the plate you get. Additional sides are available like, corn bread and brownies. No restroom here, a small sink located near the register to wash your hands after eating. Due to the constant on and off raining in Kauai there are umbrellas covering the small picnic tables where you can sit outside and eat. This allows you to eat outside and not have a wet seat. The chickens and roosters that roam around the island freely do tend to walk across the path way of chicken in a barrel from time to time and I couldn't help but tell them to run!!! LOL.
(5)
Mark S.

Very tasty, will go back for sure. A little pricy but that's OK. Outside seating only in this location, very fast/friendly service.
(5)
amy f.

Very tasty food. The meat is perfect, the sauce is savory and delicious. The staff was friendly and helpful. All around good meal for a reasonable price.
(5)
Kylie C.

Delicious. Got the ribs and chicken combo plate and was very pleased. It has that old-timey, smokey flavor without all of the additional sauce that most places give. Definitely worth visiting.
(4)
Heisenberg P.

Great reviews on yelp but I was disappointed. I ordered the bbq beef ribs and i thought it csme with bones. It was pulled beef and it was not good too dry, no flavor. I should have ordered the chicken bbq, that was decent. Tender and juicy but its ok. Overrated in my opinion. Its a small shack situated on the side of a busy highway. U sit in makeshift stools with a shade.
(2)
Kathy N.

I ate here after a long day of adventuring so I looked forward to a very hearty meal. We ordered the Chicken-in-a-Barrel plate, sampler platter, and a side of mac salad. The chicken was very tender. The ribs easily tore from the bone. I wasn't a fan of the pork. The bbq sauces accent the meats well. The portion sizes are huge, so it was great after a long day of exploring. If you're not that hungry, I suggest sharing an entree with another person. Parking is limited.
(4)
Tyson L.

The food was Excellent! service was fast I now know why the have such a high rating on yelp. The sampler was more than enough for two to share. I loved the rib and chicken. The beans were just ok. Our family two kids and two adults was $ 28 not bad at all. It will be a staple for us on our future visits to Kauai. I would say it's a must try!
(5)
Ben B.

Absolutely delicious, and probably one of the most affordable places to eat on the whole island. Completely unpretentious (there's enough of that elsewhere to go around) and authentic. All the meat was incredible. The beans were good too. Two of us shared the sampler plate (and was plenty - we actually still had a couple of bites leftover for afternoon snacking!), so depending on your appetite this is either a $ (if sharing) or $$ location. Two styles of homemade bbq sauce on the side - amazing. Come, enjoy the food and enjoy not being ripped off for being a tourist woohoo!
(5)
Michael K.

Hands down some of the best food on the island! We had the half chicken with brown rice, beans, and corn bread. It was all fantastic! The chicken was super moist and not not overly seasoned. I liked that they offer the sauce on the side rather than smothering it on the chicken. The cashier was very friendly and gave us suggestions. We will certainly be back!! Bonus: There was a cute rooster that we fed a little rice and corn bread too. He didn't seem to mind that we were eating chicken
(5)
Dren M.

We smelled this place before we saw it. The delicious aroma from the smoke alone would have been worth buying. Like many places on the island the seating at the one in Kapaa is outdoors which was perfectly fine with us. I don't throw five stars around very readily and I feel I must give the disclaimer that we only had the chicken. It was AMAZING!!! It was so moist and had an amazing crusted skin with the perfect amount of smoke and seasoning. The side of chili was delicious. The guy at the counter was very friendly and seems genuinely cool. It was also a pleasure to watch him work, or should I say perform a passion, as he was enjoying his job with enthusiasm and a smile. I wish I had purchased a bottle of their seasoning but by the time we were done eating the line was quite long and I figured I could buy online later. I will definitely stock the spice rack with it soon. In the ten days we spent on Kauai my girlfriend and I both agree that this was our favorite place to eat and we wish we had broken our rule of not eating at the same place twice. I guess another trip to Kauai is in order.
(5)
Cory S.

OMG insanely delicious! The guy working was so nice and the food came out fast and amazing. Didn't love the brown rice and chili but the chicken is so well prepared and is probably the best, most succulent chicken I've ever eaten!
(5)
Cindi G.

My husband and I tried this restaurant after reading the Yelp reviews and were so glad we did! The full rack was more than plenty for two to share, and the meat was tender and we seasoned. The BBQ sauce came on the side, and had just enough sauce to give it some "kick". Not too fancy on the outside, but well worth a stopover if you are hungering for some tasty ribs!
(5)
Joe C.

The locals say this is the best place on the island to eat. Maybe...just didn't feel it. Now we had it picked up and delivered to the biplane location. If we would have eaten it there maybe different results.
(3)
Benjamin B.

Great food and the friendliest staff. I had a daily special, Bison Fajitas, which was excellent! Pepper is an exceptional manager. While my Fiance and I were eating lunch, a young kid was there with his parents and was bummed that he couldn't bring his boogie board on vacation with him from California. Pepper magically pulled one out from behind the restaurant and gave it to the kid!
(5)
Customer R.

This place is great! Please please please instead of going to Bubba Burger, do yourself a favor and cross the street for a completely unique and really great BBQ meal with Hawaiian overtones. People are super nice, service is quick, prices are...no worse or maybe a wee bit better than any high season Kauai place, and the food is super good. The burgers are made from local Kauai beef. Also they have huge bbq-smokers running; the proprietor/bbq-Master General goes around offering samples from the smoker. We had a sample of Hanalei buffalo ribeye that was so good we ordered a sandwich to take out. Cute note- they put scripture references on the to go boxes: we got John 3:14, but I think the story of the seven fishes feeding the masses (or maybe seven chickens) would have been more apropos. Anyway, great great place. If we weren't leaving tomorrow we would DEFINITELY go back.
(5)
chrisa m.

Delish! Chicken was so moist and yummy with the BBQ sauce. Pulled pork - amazing. Macaroni salad is a must. Casual, friendly setting with 80s throwback music made it even better.
(5)
Shib W.

This chicken is fantastic! Smoky, moist, well-seasoned, finished to a perfect doneness. Mac salad was very good with a little cider (?) bite. Ribs were good too, but the chicken just knocks it out of the park. Wish they would take this show on the road.
(5)
Camille M.

So delicious! Succulent bbq that melts in your mouth. Everything but the baked good are gluten free as well. Great little stand in Kapaa. Loved the sampler.
(5)
Gregg H.

We ate at the Kapaa and the chicken was wonderful as well as the service.
(5)
Grace H.

This is located just at the end of the Kapaa historical town if you are coming from the airport. As with a lots of more economical food establishment in Hawaii, this is perched on the road side. There are a few benches for you to sit on. Water is free, there is two different type of sauces to go with their great smoke chicken. On the menu, there are also tacos and other stuffs. A chicken plate consist of a quarter of chicken, a portion of rice and beans, and that is only 10 bucks. For Hawaii, that is a steal as most of things are more expensive than the mainland.
(4)
Nick F.

So tender, so good. Roadside bbq cooked in steel drums. Such a unique thing/ find as the seasonings they use on the meats stand out, giving it an edge over most boring tourist crap. The Food here is what stands out, as its basically a shack with a few bbq barells, and some seating...but damn the do the food right. you will like this place or you are a terrible person
(5)
Ruth B.

Fall off the bone chicken and the best BBQ sauce ever! The price is really good too for how much you get. The workers are super friendly and have good relationships with their regular customers.
(5)
Brski B.

I didn't think I'd stop for non-Hawaiian BBQ twice (I tried Scotty's Beachside BBQ a couple days earlier), but I drove by this place many times and it just looked like it would have good food. It's street side, literally, and the smoke from the barrels moves wherever the shifting winds take it. Still, it's a cute place and the people working there were quite lovely. The bad: The ribs were meh, could have been cooked longer and slower and lower and there was a faint taste of lighter fluid and coals (barrel cooking), but no smokiness. It could have been the timing of my arrival (it was early), but that's not my concern as a diner. I did not care for the scoop of brown rice that came with the dinner plates. Not that it was awful, just that I'd rather have cole slaw or bread or some kind of salad (mac, potato, or other). The good: The BBQ sauces were all tasty and the beans that came with the dinner plate were a nice surprise. The beans were meaty and tasted like mild chili - not in itself earthshaking, but a different and good profile for a BBQ dinner plate. The great - the chicken (dark meat) was phenomenal. I'd stop by again just for this chicken. Far superior to the chicken at Scotty's Beachside BBQ down the road. It's hard not to root for a small little business like this - all of it might not be stunningly prepared, but I'd keep going back.
(4)
Jun W.

You have to get the chicken. Normally, the breast meat is known to be dry, but not here. It's tender, moist and smoky. Smother it with their sweet homemade BBQ sauce and you have a recipe for deliciousness. $10 will get you a quarter of a chicken, along with a side of brown rice and chili. They have other meats too such as beef ribs, spareribs, babyback ribs, and a couple of other cuts. I recommend the spareribs. The babyback is a bit dry, the spareribs is more moist since it's got a little more fat in it. Most entrees here range from $10-$15. Closed on Sundays and open till 8pm the rest of the time.
(4)
Brice P.

When people say fall off the bone the food here is what they mean. The chicken and pork was amazing and don't worry you get to see the smoking barrels they cook in too. :) Could put some tops on the garbage cans or move them further from the seating area. Had to constantly battle a swarm of flys just to eat my food
(4)
john h.

Awesome. Picked it up to go and ate it at the hotel. Good, quick, cheap meal.
(5)
Jennifer Y.

Chicken was awesome! You get so much of it. Make sure you get sauce to put on top for extra flavor. The ribs weren't great and the rice is the same if you were to make it yourself. The beans were good and had a sweet flavor to them. Def a place to stop and try. :)
(4)
Gary S.

This place has some awesome food!!!! Great sauce....use the hot( its not hot). Had the sampler 2 days in a row!
(5)
Bich D.

Stopped by here bc I saw the good reviews. Before I even placed my order two other customers (locals by the way) stopped to tell me I made a great choice by coming here. I ordered the sampler plate and it was good. The rice was okay but if you mix it with the chili it is amazing. The BBQ chicken was flavored and juicy! The brisket is Tender. They make their own BBQ sauce too! I tried the mild and it was one of the best BBQ sauces I have had. And what was better than the food? The customer service! Pepper (the owner) was so awesome! He really knows how to treat his customers! Definitely would come here to eat again! The prices are good. The most expensive thing on the menu is $14 which is the sampler plate. Great stop for a fulfilling meal!
(5)
Elaine B.

The place is for real! We had the chicken and babyback ribs for lunch - the meat was out of this world!! The smokey flavor was really intense and the meat was not dry at all! Compliments well with the chili beans and brown rice that come with the meal. Also tried their cole slaw which was amazing! Would go back just for that. Great friendly service and awesome food! Would definitely go back!
(5)
Irene R.

I'm from Texas and this BBQ chicken was pretty much the best I've had in a long time. Really juicy and flavorful, the prices are good too -- 1/4 chicken for 6$. We had sides of potato salad and macaroni salad (4$ each), the potato salad was made with skins on, really good also. The barrels are old oil barrels where the chicken is cooked. The owner is very nice and friendly too. If you're going to Princeville from Lihue airport, this is on the roadside in Kapaa, on the way to Princeville. Beautiful view of the ocean and ample parking near a biking path -- it was the perfect food and rest after our terrible and long United Airlines saga from the continental states to Kauai!!
(5)
Kristin K.

Went here based on Yelp reviews while on vacation, and it did not disappoint. Yes, the food is actually cooked in a barrel!! I was super impressed. We ordered the Chicken and Ribs combo with a side of potato salad and the 3 meat combo. Everything was flavorful, the ribs were tender, and the chicken was super moist. The only downside is that there isnt much seating, and the smoke gets blown at most of the tables, hence the minus one star. Otherwise, friendly and fast service, good food and cool place to check out if youre a tourist!
(4)
Colleen B.

Awesome BBQ! The veggie burrito was good, unusual but super yummy and piping hot. The Sample platter is tasty, but the real winner was the Chicken Sandwich. We had to come back and get some sandwiches for the flight home. Staff here are great, really friendly and hospitable. Two thumbs up!
(5)
Noneya B.

Hands down the BEST Chicken I have ever had! It was moist and full of flavor. It was served with brown rice and chili beans, both of which complimented the chicken very nicely. I also loved the whole BBQ picnic vibe. We sat out on the picnic tables in front and enjoyed our yummy BBQ. My friends tried the pulled pork and said it was tastey as well, but both agreed that the chicken was worth an awesome review on yelp :-)
(5)
Jim W.

We were looking for a place nearby, after coming down from sightseeing in the hills, and decided to see what Yelpers had to recommend. On the strength of the 4.5 average rating (and the fact that I love BBQ, and like to try it in every state I visit) we went to Chicken in a Barrel. The raves about this place are so deserved. I totally agree with the reviewer who said that he doesn't normally like chicken breast because it is always dry, but that at this place it was different. Totally. This was chicken breast like I have never experienced -- moist, smokey and delicious all at the same time. Awesome. It also intrigued me that anyone could produce such a moist chicken breast, so I asked how it was done. Apparently the chicken is cooked in a way that keeps moisture around it as it smokes/cooks, and then it is kept on a steam table so it doesn't dry out. But wait, there's more... We actually had the platter which included their beef and pork items too, and they were equally awesome. This is some of the best BBQ I've tasted, and I've tasted a lot. But damn, I've got to visit Hawaii to get it... and the type of native wood they use to smoke it doesn't exist where I'm from (so I couldn't exactly duplicate it even if I wanted to try). Next time on Kauai I will be back. If you live there, consider yourself lucky. The only thing I left was one of the sides, but that was more a matter of personal preference, and should not interfere with the rating. You come here for the meat. Note that it is an eat-outside on picnic tables type of BBQ place, it does not have indoor seating. For me, the food is what's important, and I'll eat at any dive that will blow me away with its food. This one did. 5 stars.
(5)
Braden F.

Tasted great but realize the risk or food poisoning is high. The chicken and rice and pulled pork were all great and moist. My dad got food poisoning from the coleslaw. We narrowed it down the coleslaw since that was the only item he was the only one to have. We didn't even make it back to the hotel before he had problems. So be cautious ordering that side from here.
(3)
Lee H.

The truth is that I didn't get a chance to try the food to review it and probably won't get a chance again. On my last night in Kauai, I was going to go to Chicken In A Barrel to try the chicken and ribs after hearing so much about it and reading all these positive yelp reviews. I had checked on their website earlier for their hours in Kapaa, and it said that it closes at 9 PM. Around 8:20 PM, I called to see if they took credit cards, and the guy who answered said "yes, but we're already closed". I was kinda shocked and extremely disappointed. Ten minutes later, I wound up driving through town looking for other options. As I was passing Chicken In A Barrel, it was totally shuttered, and the guy was leaving already. Call me a stickler, but if you advertise your restaurant to be open during certain hours, you should be open during those hours. It's just bad customer relations when they can't depend on whether or not you'll be open. Maybe the website was wrong, or maybe the employee that night was just lazy and skipped out super early for some early drinking. I don't know. All I know is that I just checked their website again today, and it still says 9 PM closing. It was back on February 6, 2013, when I tried to go. So if you're the owner of Chicken In A Barrel and you're reading this, either update your website or ask the employee that was closing that night what he was doing.
(1)
Mel R.

I'm not one to stop for BBQ spots on the side of the highway, but we had to check this place out after seeing AND smelling it on our drive to Princeville. Glad we did because the food was GOOD. The plates were perfect. We ordered the chicken and beef plates and it came with beans and rice. The chicken fell off the bones and the meat was soft and flavorful. It was the best meal to have after a long day. The outdoor dining area was surprisingly clean. The staff was also really cool and even wrote nice messages on our takeout boxes. Small, worth-noting detail - they had a little outdoor sink to wash your hands. May not seem significant but I was so thankful for it after devouring my food with my hands.
(5)
Josh L.

We stopped by here for lunch and had chicken in a barrel (kinda like a burrito) and a quarter smoked chicken with a side of fundamentalism. The food was excellent, especially the barrel and the beans. Nice little shack with outdoor seating, and the owner is a nice dude who knows how to work a smoker. It was a little odd having John 3:16 written on the take-out container, but can't fault the guy for trying.
(4)
Bill G.

This is my favorite place to eat BBQ on Kauai, but besides the great Chicken and Ribs they make some GREAT Biscuits and Gravy for Breakfast...
(5)
Taylor P.

The best chicken I have ever had. The chicken is moist, tender, and falls off the bone. It isn't a sit down place. It's a stand with picnic tables but the food is amazing.
(5)
A. T.

We had no intention of stopping here but after a few times by, our noses led us in. What a great place. Chicken fell off the bone, unique awesome coleslaw, and best beans ever. Owner was very nice as well. Wish we would have found it sooner.
(5)
J R.

I would eat here everyday if I lived on this island!!! They should really consider coming out to all the other islands, states, and countries... to everywhere in the world!!! They have this food down to an art and it's omgoodness so delicious! Contemplating flying to Kauai now to get some....
(5)
Eric O.

When my kids say that I need to give a place 5 stars on Yelp it deserves it. Absolutely tasty!
(5)
cat m.

We looked it up on yelp and was convinced to try it out by the detailed and positive reviews. It is truly chicken being smoked in a barrel as well as other meats like ribs and brisket. The smoked chick was great. The bbq sauce was tasty but not overpowering. The chicken was very juicy, especially the breasts. Wow. The side dishes were a little bland and really do not compliment the food. -- I would recommend switching out the chili with beans for the coleslaw... all in all a great place to grab lunch at a decent price. It is definately on our list for "go-to" next visit!
(4)
MaomingSweetiepie Z.

must have come on a bad day because we were very disappointed. brisket was tough and stringy. chicken was ok but not amazing. nothing was better than "ok". won't be going back.
(2)
Carrie F.

I had the chicken plate lunch. Chicken was amazing! Tender and juicy. Served with brown rice an beans. Very good! Another day tried their shredded pork sandwich- should've stuck with plate lunch. The bun was soaked and soggy. Stick with plate lunch - no sandwiches.
(4)
Chris V.

Stopped here for a desperately quick dinner after a long day of kayaking, hiking, swimming, and driving. If you want something tasty, quick and reasonably priced, consider a dinner here. Not for impressing dates...just stomachs. The bbq chicken is some of the best i've had. It's fresh out of a barrel and really juicy. The house made bbq sauces are damn good..I recommend the hot bbq sauce because it's not too spicy, and it delivers everything else. I got the barrel roll with beef. It's basically a burrito with just meat chili and more meat. It wasn't impressive as far as portions (I actually felt mildly cheated), but it was finger-licking tasty. The chili is also good. It's simple, and on top of the brown rice (with some extra bbq sauce or soy) is the only thing you need to accompany the chicken. I can't speak for the pork, but I hear it's not as good. Their Fair prices (as in going to the Fair, prices) but things on the Island don't come cheap, and this is good considering. It's family fun and they really take pride in what they're doing. There's also usually a line at dinner. Seating is outside and on benches...where you get to see all the barrel action
(4)
Mai V.

I am giving this place a BIG THUMBS DOWN! I have no idea why this place was rated 4.5 stars, we got take out from this place I think more out of curiosity and the presumption that anything cooked in what looks to be like an oil barrel and gets a 4.5 star rating on yelp must be worth a try... Guess we were WRONG! The chicken and ribs had no flavor at all and was as dry as the hot sand on the beach. And that was not the worst of it! The chicken and ribs smelled and tasted like KEROSENE which made it inedible..EEWWS! So if you want to have kerosene flavored BBQ...go ahead... It's your body anyways... For us it was $38 down the trash...what a waste. Lesson learned, if you see something cooked in oil barrels, it's probably gonna taste like oil!
(1)
Thomas B.

Only outside seating available. I tried the BBQ sampler. Like the sign says, the BBQ is the best. Also, note that there is a coupon in the yellow Kauai Coupon Book available everywhere. I tried to get the burrito, but that isn't available after 4pm. Also, CLOSED ON SUNDAYS!!!!
(4)
Billie D.

Another winner. FANTASTIC chicken. Super friendly folks working the counter. Love it!
(5)
B C.

I know you see it on your drive to / from North Shore. Pull over and stop the car. And do not do this on the last day otherwise you can't go back. We made the mistake of going on our way to the airport. Split a sampler plate with someone. Talk to the chef Pepper (cool guy). I would get less rice and more chili (he can do that for you). Personally, I like the chicken and ribs. GO GO GO. Support a local business. Eat good food.
(5)
Tim H.

Passed this place a few times driving from North-South shore in Kauai on our trip. On our last time back to our place in North Shore, we decided to stop. Glad we did. This was some classic grilled chicken and other meats BBQ. I had the sampler because...well, they offered one and who could refuse a plate of meat?! Honestly though I'd stick with the classic chicken burrito. The chicken was by far the best meat. The portions are plentiful and the staff was great. Hungry, on a budget and in Kauai? Stop by and grab yourself some chicken in a barrel!
(5)
Brandon S.

Had the sampler plate and EVERYTHING was great! I was most surprised by what I was expecting to like the least, the chicken breast. I'm used to dry tasteless chicken breast and usually opt for dark meat. But this was the most moist chicken breast I've ever had. Depending on how hungry you are the sampler plate can be split for two people.
(5)
Elle H.

Tender, juicy chicken... no frills delicious food! Friendly staff. Outdoor seating on red benches. There are umbrellas but it can get hot. There is a sink you can use to wash your hands after your done handling all the yumminess. I thought it was kind of amusing to have a bunch of chickens roaming around (as they do all over Kauai) while we ate our Chicken in a Barrel BBQ.
(5)
Krista H.

OMG this is the best chicken I can ever recall having! This is a fairly new business ... 1.5 years on Kauai, and owned/operated by a family... I think from Southern Cal. They use a dry rub (which you can purchase) and then smoke the chicken for two hours in these industrial sized barrels. The place is basically a small roadside stand with character. Place order at window and dine at picnic tables or take out. We couldn't pass it without eating, it was that great! We had chicken, ribs and most of the sides. Macaroni salad was great!
(5)
Ling W.

For a roadside stand and for what they offer, pretty good. We split a chicken plate, the chicken texture and flavor were amazing! They are offering a limited menu due to a recent arson issue so all we had extra was cornbread. There were no fun toppings for it and it was average. The soda tasted a little weird, they may need to clean their machine...the guy running the place is friendly and fun. We would return for a protein fix!
(3)
Gus M.

This is a Kristian Konservative Kultist place. They have Bible quotes and the Kristian fish displayed everywhere. They even write "john 3:16" on your disposable food plate.
(1)
BOOYAA P.

Fast and easy, not you every day way of eating chicken but the smoked skin is epic. Is it over priced? He'll no! I'm on vacation and this is the best price I have had so far. Just because the food is cooked in a trashcan next to the road is no reason for it to be cheap.
(5)
Michael T.

This place is the real deal. Awesome BBQ. I ordered the sampler to try a bit of everything. My favorite was their BBQ chicken, and pork ribs. Friendly staff too, talked to them about opening a place in Oahu. Hope they do!
(5)
Brooke L.

Best chicken ever! I've got to figure out how to cook chicken in a barrel because this was the best chicken I've ever eaten. The combo comes with brown rice and chili beans. I didn't care for the chili beans, but kind of don't like them anyway. I should have subbed a mac salad. Anyway, did I say EAT THIS CHICKEN?
(5)
Tiffani M.

Holy hot mamma!! This place is ridiculous (in a good way). I will go as far to say that it was the best chicken I have had in a long time. I had the 1/4 chicken plate which came with rice and chili. My husband had the pork burrito plate and we had a side of macaroni and cole slaw. For starters the chicken was moist and tender. I couldn't stop eating. I'm not a cole slaw fan but man oh man their cole slaw is delicious. My husband loved his pork burrito. Just like the chicken it was cooked just right and was tender and moist. Sooooo good!!!
(5)
Gissel G.

Blink and you'll miss this stop off the road. It's a little shack in the corner that looks unassuming, but don't let that fool you. We wanted to taste the wraps, but the staff suggested trying a plate to get a good taste of the food. This is one of the first times that I liked the chicken way more than the ribs. It was all tasty, but the chicken was very delicious and smokey. The winner though, was the coleslow. "island slaw" I think they called it, but don't quote me on that. It had a purple hue, but they swear that they don't add taro (which is my suspicion). Either way, best slaw I've ever had. If I lived on the island, I would buy a tub of this to have at home!
(4)
Matthew C.

I'm giving this place 5 stars on the strength of the chicken alone! I ordered the sampler plate (chicken, ribs, pulled pork, chili, rice) so I could try a little bit of everything. The ribs and pulled pork were both good, definitely above average, but I've been to a lot of other bbq joints with just as good or better ribs and pulled pork (though not in Kauai). They also have bbq sauces on the side, which i recommend getting. They have a mild and a hot bbq sauce. I'd go for the hot. Both sauces are on the sweet side. What sets this place over the top is their bbq chicken! Man oh man, I don't think I've had chicken so tender, moist, and juicy! This place doesn't do anything fancy, just good ol slow cooked bbq! I'd come back just for the chicken alone! If you're in Kauai around the kapaa or lihue area, you have to come to this spot and order the chicken! You won't be sorry!
(5)
Laura W.

As a Texas girl who's lived in the South and eaten BBQ from the Carolinas, Tennessee, Mississippi... you name it, I've tried it. Chicken in a Barrel is easily the best meal my husband and I had while on Kauai, and their BBQ holds its own against anything on the mainland. Get the sampler so you can try everything! Don't miss it while in Kauai.
(5)
David S.

Super nice staff, awesome food, good sauce; what more could you ask for? They were out of everything except babyback ribs...didn't matter, those were excellent anyway. Definitely recommend this place.
(5)
Tim K.

YUMMY!!!! top quality food and very helpful staff. well worth seeking out.
(5)
Laura H.

We went to Chicken in a Barrel in Kapaa -- it was absolutely phenomenal -- the best chicken I have ever had. The BBQ sauce is really good too -- but the chicken is unbelievable. Both times we went there were other couples there who commented that the chicken was the best they had ever had too... The owner is really nice too -- makes the experience very enjoyable. If you are in Kauai, this is a must try. You won't be disappointed!
(5)
Josh T.

The very best chicken I have ever had..... We will return! We got a free chicken sandwich out of one of those free magazines about the island, and it was just chicken on a bun - delish! Just get the chicken, the ribs were okay, but the chicken plate was amazinggggggggggg
(5)
Frances D.

We checked this place out on Yelp because it was busy every time we drove by. We had to stop and see if the reviews were right and they were. We ordered the sampler plate and had the spicy bbq sauce with it. Everything was tender and cooked just right. The sampler comes with chicken, pork, beef and a rib a scoop of brown rice and some chili. We took our items to go both times that we visited; if you eat there you are just on the side of the road. I honestly don't understand the bad reviews because this place is great and probably the most inexpensive meal you will get on the island. Do yourself a favor and try it; I'm a pretty picky eater and don't usually eat at outdoor stands or trucks but I loved this place.
(5)
Bec J.

Such a disappointment... I didn't find this place sooner. AMAZING!!!
(5)
Mike B.

best barbecue in the island!!!! hands down!
(5)
Doug K.

Great ribs and chicken. I love bbq and have multiple smokers myself. Sides were so so. Brown rice was bland and beans were okay. The meal was large and a great value for the area. It is a little shack with only outside seating. I highly recommended the food!
(4)
Ben O.

TL;DR: Order the chicken! I had the chicken & ribs. The chicken is excellent. I tried to pull the leg off the 1/4 piece on my plate and the bone slid out from the meat. Smoked to perfection, perfectly juicy. The ribs were a little dry, but they were served super hot, unlike so many other places. The ribs definitely needed the BBQ sauce, which is good but won't win any awards. The chicken needs no BBQ sauce, just enjoy the smoky goodness. Girlfriend wanted something boneless, so she got the pulled pork. It was good. Nothing remarkable, but tender and served at a good temperature. Also worked well with the BBQ sauce. Both dishes were served with a standard chili (tomatoes, hamburger, kidney beans) and brown rice. They worked as complimentary sides. Staff was super friendly and chill. Prices are fine for (literally) roadside barbecue.
(4)
KJ P.

I like simple food, and the "divier" the better. Love chicken in a barrel. This place is what it says it is--all about the chicken. Unlike some reviewers, I'm cool with the scripture. No one can offend you without your permission.
(4)
Laura S.

I found this place on yelp and I am so glad I did! This place is run out of a little shack and there are picnic tables in the sun. The meat was delicious and all the sauces are gluten free! The owner was super friendly. I will definitely be back.
(5)
Bill C.

After all the high ratings and raves we looked forward to lunch there. We got the Sampler Plate. It was enough food for 2 which was great, so it made for a reasonable priced lunch. But we were underwhelmed. The chicken was tender but not really flavorful. The single rib was nearly tasteless - not even a hint of smoke. The pulled pork and beef were also just OK. Maybe with BBQ sauce it would have been more tasty, but we prefer to focus on the taste of the smoked meat. We had Huli roadside chicken on our last visit and made repeated trips while on our way to the beach. Guess that will be our plan for tomorrow!
(3)
Stephanie H.

Delicious! One of the best roadside places I have ever been to, and that's the truth. If you're a first-time visitor, get what they're known for... chicken (that's barrel cooked to pure juicy tender perfection). I had the chicken hoagie w/ provolone, and the meat was to die for. But, of course, I HAD to try the house BBQ sauce when the guy recommended it... and that, too, was incredible. It had a different tang that the standard store-bought BBQ sauce; you could tell it was house. It is outdoor seating on the coast of Kauai. If you are there eating on a hot day, be sure to take advantage of the ice water they put out for their customers. Nothing like dehydration to ruin a delicious meal!
(5)
Doriee D.

Chicken in a Barrel? CHICKEN? Now why would I want to eat that when I'm on vacation. Chicken in a Barrel was a suggestion from one of our friends that got the suggestion from a lady on the plane. Said it's a must try. We even asked one of our tour guides about the place and he said, "It's a little on the dry side so get extra sauce." Now, WHY would I want DRY chicken? Of course, after nagging and begging, our friend finally got his way. We decided to go to Chicken in a Barrel on our last day in Kauai for a lunch/snack. Now, it's Chicken in a Barrel so you gotta straight up go for the chicken and that's exactly what we did. Between three friends and me, we ordered half a chicken. Okay, you can shoot me now for having any doubts or even remotely listening to our tour guide. The chicken was tender and juicy all around, which surprised me. Most places I've been to, the white meat part of the chicken is never like this. White meat, to me, is always dry and not juicy. But Chicken in a Barrel, they made it tender, juicy, soft, and delicious with or without the sauce. The sauce? Get the spicy one, it is wonderful with the chicken. The dark meat portion of the chicken? Falls right off the bones. We liked it so much that once we were finished, we ordered another one. We didn't try anything else on their menu though. Just the chicken was enough to satisfy us for a while :) Honestly and probably the best chicken I've had. We actually talked to one of the employees and found out that they used local wood (that's in the mesquite family) to smoke their chicken. And wow is it delicious. Now I just wish that they would have this chain in California or somewhere that doesn't require a plane flight to get to. Overall, TRY IT. DO NOT JUDGE the name. DO NOT JUDGE the category of food. TRY IT.
(5)
Doyer Y.

Great beef . Smother it in their bbq sauce. The pork snd chicken are great too. Alll bbq is great. Cornbread and rice too
(5)
Jim R.

The first thing you notice about this small colorful shack is the amazing smells emanating from inside. After driving by several times during our vacation we finally couldn't resist and stopped in for some take out. We got a full rack of ribs and a half chicken for our family of 4 and even with our 2 college boys we couldn't eat it all - probably could have fed 6 people. The moist, flavorful chicken must have been about 2 pounds and the ribs were super meaty with a nice dry rub. Be sure to fill up lots of their little cups with the tangy BBQ sauce (mild or spicy) to bring too-we filled 5 but could have used a couple more given the large quantity of chow. As for sides, coleslaw was excellent but we only ordered 2 containers - I'd recommend one per person. We also tried the house baked corn bread and you will need to fill a little cup with honey to get the full effect. On top of everything else, this was by far the speediest service of any of the food stands we tried and some of the friendliest proprietors. Way to go!
(5)
Samantha E.

Amazing bbq- everything was superb. Guy at the counter says family business... Love that!
(5)
Kayleen T.

I've read plenty of great reviews for this place, so we were looking forward to it. But, let me warn you.... I would eat somewhere else if you plan on coming here on the later side. For us, it was 8:20 pm. They were out of everything. So they sold us a hamburger bun with beef brisket for $6.00 and then a hoagie roll with beef brisket and some onions for $12.00. I didn't even see the $12 sandwich on the menu. The brisket was dry and flavorless. All together we left hungry and feeling a little ripped off.
(2)
Caroline R.

Delicious BBQ! We stopped by, hungry after our bike ride, and enjoyed our chicken and beef barrel rolls. The sauce was delicious as well. What made this place even better was talking with the owner and learning about why he started the shop. He used to BBQ meat in his barrels to feed homeless people on the beaches. One thanksgiving, they fed over 400 people! His friend said that he should start his own place and call it "chicken in a barrel".
(5)
Hector M.

Who stops at a roadside stand called Chicken in a Barrel and orders baby back ribs? Me. We smelled the chicken as we drove by and made an immediate u-turn to make a quick lunch stop. Pepper welcomed us with open arms like family and referred to everyone by the state that they were from..."Hey Kentucky!" "Hey Jersey!" Unfortunately, I called an audible when I saw baby back ribs on the menu (I should have gone with the chicken - the smell of them smoking in barrels still haunts me). The ribs were just OK (they weren't tender or falling off the bone), the chili/beans were heavy on tomatoes, and the corn bread wasn't moist. I definitely need a do over the next time I'm in Kauai.
(3)
Ethan L.

So it's another shack and Q joint in the Kauai hood. Also I discovered while receiving my takeout container a biblical note of John 3:16. So apparently Jesus makes a lot of BBQ on the island. So what's with the Q? Does it deliver. We arrived very late, much later than we wanted, and they were almost closing but still managed to serve us. Chicken was all they had left which is served with sides and house chili. The sides are solid, creamy mac salad, chili has beans which is for me an end game. Still picking around a few bites it has a great flavor and sweet spice (pineapple or some tropical juice?). The chicken was a surprise. My wife got the dark side and I was at first served a large white meat breast portion. Where for my country for dark meat!? I still dove in and was shocked. This here Jesus chicken breast is smokey juicy rich and TASTES LIKE DARK MEAT!! oh how glorious its like turning water into wine or something. The bird comes with a tangy local Q sauce that goes so well. Absolutely fantastic chicken, even though I was hell bent on getting pork. There is a washing sink, So friggin HANDY genius I say!! We were asked to come by sometime again to get pork, which I absolutely would have loved to but never had time for on my trip. Excellent fantastic chicken Q..
(4)
Thomas P.

I wish I could give 5 stars!!! The gentleman at the counter was excellent! The food was ready quickly... So here it is: BBQ beef - a little chewy, decent flavor. Shredded pork- more flavor than the beef, also more tender... Really good with the BBQ sauce... Pork rib- very tasty, very tender... BBQ chicken- WINNER WINNER chicken dinner!!! Super moist, great flavor!!! (I shoulda known "Chicken in a Barrel")... The sauce was very good- I liked the spicy too! My wife loved the chili... I would definitely go back, but probably just order chicken (it was that good)!
(4)
Vy N.

My first meal on Kauai and it was so good. The chef (assuming he is the owner) even came out and chatted with all the patrons. Aside from the very moist and well seasoned chicken, their Hawaiian cole slaw was the highlight for me. I don't like cole slaw, ever. But this one was the exception. I will definitely visit again before my flight home.
(5)
Jemma B.

Delicious!! If you're on the island you have to come here to try their meat! I got a combo plate where you could try a bit of everything and wasn't disappointed! The meat was delicious and juicy. You can't really drive past this place without seeing the smoke from the barrels, so it's hard to miss. Stop in, try something - anything - you won't be disappointed :P
(5)
Leah L.

We got a sampler plate, a chicken plate, corn bread, cole slaw and Mac salad. It wasn't the worst food I ever had, but I certainly wasn't peeing myself over it. It was just regular old barbecue, cooked okay but kind of bland. It needed extra sauce, big time. The cole slaw was pretty good, but I wouldn't recommend driving from the other side of the island to try it. Also, the tables in the place were filthy. As if eating barbecue isn't messy enough, this place was like an OCD nightmare. I'd skip it.
(2)
Jay R.

with 5 others for lunch I ordered the hawaiian cheeseburger it was delicious ..came with fries that i needed help eating - good portion! my husband got the fish tacos which he didnt care for. my friend got the chicken which i got to try, it was nice and moist. over all good experience. sat outside in the shade using their picnic tables
(3)
Brooke N.

I had the half chicken and it was cooked so so perfectly. The beans were maybe the best bbq joint beans I've ever had.
(5)
Brendan M.

Kick ass roadside BBQ! We even loved driving past it every day just so the smoker smell could fill up the car through the open windows : ) This is the only place we went to twice while in Kauai. I can't say anything bad about any of the food we had (pulled pork, ribs, chicken - all good and smoky). The only thing I wouldn't do is fill up on rice (but even their brown rice is really tasty). Definitely do not miss this spot!
(5)
Layne R.

I'm from Kansas and live in Kansas City. We take BBQ very seriously. Chicken in a Barrel did not disappoint this BBQ snob. We ordered ribs, chicken (duh) and some corn bread because it looked good (IMPULSE BUY!). The ribs were good. Not great but nothing to complain about at all. Well cooked and juicy. Good and satisfying... not earth shattering or award winning. If you are hungry for ribs, you will not be going home disappointed with these. But the chicken... Oh, the chicken. Wow. Honestly, the chicken we had there might have been the best piece of chicken I've had. Ever. It was perfectly moist and perfectly cooked. The skin was crispy and holy damn was it tasty!! The ribs were good, the chicken was top notch. I'd say skip everything else and just get the chicken. No point wasting space in your belly for that when you could be eating more of the chicken. I can't tell you how the corn bread thing was because I didn't leave enough room for it.
(5)
Allen D.

This place is absolute take out heaven for barbecue chicken, pork ribs, or beef ribs!we've eaten here twice in the past three days; it's that good. Each time we've had the barbecue chicken and the barbecued pork ribs. Each has a wonderful smoky flavor. The ribs are very lean and tender and quite literally melt and your mouth. This is one of two locations that I know of, The other being in Hanalei. Don't be fooled by the humble parents of this roadside shack. You can very easily pass it right by if you're not looking carefully for it. The only downside that we experienced was that they were a little skimpy on the chili, with only half of a Styrofoam cup being filled up to go with the half chicken plate. We let our server know this the second trip and she comped us with another half cup of chili. I would suggest they start serving chili in full cups. All in all, I highly recommend this place has a great take out choice.
(4)
Zeel J.

Wow... this chicken is amazing. Seriously good. I got the chicken and rib plate, and was amazed by the chicken. Don't get me wrong, the ribs were good too, but the chicken stole the show. Combined with the spicy bbq sauce, classic.
(5)
Victor K.

First, the picture on Street view, as of 7/3/13, was incorrect. The restaurant is on the corner I had the chicken and ribs and, thanks in no small part to the hot BBQ sauce which was EXCELLENT. My wife had the chicken burrito which she was only moderately happy with. One kid had the veggie burrito which, again with the help of the Hot BBQ sauce, she really liked. My youngest had the chicken burrito which she enjoyed but it did have some bone in it so be mindful. All in all a good experience.
(4)
Mike G.

This place literally serves chicken barbecued in three large barrels that might have been from WWII full of charcoal. It is pretty tasty; skip the ribs and go for the pulled pork (my favorite) and of course their famous chicken. The spicy sauce is tasty but the lemonade tastes like powder.
(4)
Rex L.

Ordered the sampler plate, everything was wonderful. During our meal the owner came out to see if we needed any thing! Such a nice pleasant experience. I will for sure go back!
(4)
Kathleen T.

Loved the chicken with rice and chili beans. They were out of ribs so we'll have to go back.
(5)
Kathleen S.

So delicious!! The chicken was flavorful, moist!! The sleeper winner though, were the ribs...these rival any southern bbq's ribs :) Nice little area to sit and enjoy the Kauai weather and the owner was just as friendly and kind as could be.
(5)
Mike J.

Great tasting and consistent food. Everything we've tried there has been great with the exception of the beef ribs which were OK but not excellent. Good value for Hanalei.
(5)
Steve T.

Just landed an hour ago and had the best BBQ lunch in ages!! Food is awesome, service fast and courteous!
(5)
Jesse L.

The only negative thing I have to say is that the awesome smell from this roadside restraunt makes me hungry when I'm not:) Always delicious!! Everything on the menu is awesome! I'll be back for more soon
(5)
Gil C.

Wow!! After a few hours on the Kauai bike path, this is like a gift from foodie heaven! your choice is simple here; get the chicken and rib combo platter, a tall glass of ice water, and plenty of the spicy BBQ sauce. If you are riding on the bike path it is located right behind the Kauai cross fit. bonus points for the friendly duo running the place and also for having a sink out front to wash your hands! I highly recommend treating yourself and stopping in.
(5)
Betty N.

**THIS CHICKEN WAS BOSS IN KAPAA** BBQ food stand off the Kuhio Highway beckoned us. Red benches out front. ORDERED (INCLUDED SIDE OF RICE AND CHILI): **CHICKEN PLATE ($9.50) We thought it was a bit too pink and brought it back. They told us that it was supposed to be pink. All right. Tasted fine. Juicy and smokey. Really good. **SHORT RIBS PLATE ($12) My homeboy, Marco, makes the best ribs on the planet, so I compare all the ribs to his. And no, these ribs could not hold up. It was good with BBQ sauce, but it was NOT the best ribs I've had. Preferred the CHICKEN over the RIBS. The chili tasted a bit on the tomato side, but was good. Not too salty. The brown rice was a good accompaniment as well. Friendly staff. Country music played in the background. Good lunch. RECOMMEND.
(4)
Greg R.

The wife and I shared a sampler platter, with an extra rib and coleslaw. All the food was great, and there was a lot of it. I would have no problems recommending this place to anyone.
(4)
Jocelyn T.

After sun bathing at Ke'e Beach, we got really hungry and decided to stop by Kapaa for some food. We saw Chicken in A Barrel coming up and decided to try this place out. We were greeted by Pepper, one of the owners and was introduced to his brother. I went for the chicken plate and my husband got the rib plate. Both were amazingly good, the chicken just fell off the bone and the BBQ sauce was such a perfect compliment to them. I especially love the spicy sauce. Pepper was also hanging out with us, friendly guy, easy to talk to. Gave us the low down on how they came here from Central California to open their business and how his family also followed him here to make a living. Another highly recommended place to check out in Kauai.
(5)
Lawrence S.

I can only attest to the chicken, because when I've been there, I've ordered 1/2 chicken to take back to my condo. It has a smoky flavor, and is done to the point where it is falling off the bone. If you're in Kapaa, definitely a far better option for take-out chicken than any of the grocery stores or driving all the way to Costco in Lihue. Wouldn't particularly want to eat there, though. Outdoor picnic tables, plastic disposable utensils, and loud country music was blaring when I went there today.
(4)
Colorado J.

Had the sampler plate - on the plus side it is enough for two and the chicken was really good. On the negative side - most other things. The pork and beef were over-cooked and the rice was bad. I would not go back - although the smells driving by are enticing.
(3)
C L.

Tastes good.
(4)
Amanda W.

Try the coleslaw, absolutely the best we've every had. Pork was great, not as good as being cooked in an imu, but pretty darn good. The chicken was heavenly, fall off the bone. Ehh for the ribs. I guess corn bread sells out by Friday, so we will go back to try it
(5)
Roger V.

best bbq chicken sandwich ever.
(5)
Grey S.

Call me the outlier given the other reviews but my family didn't like this place very much. Although it was supposed to be barbecue, the meats were not barbecued as much as they were roasted with very little actual sauce. Sauce was on the side and not bad but it should have been cooked into the meats. The chili on the side was good. It was pricey but I expected as much.
(2)
Grace D.

Almost didn't try this place. Judging from appearances, I thought there's no way the food would be good here. But it was so good, we ate here 3 times in a week! First we had the 'chicken plate', then tried the 'sampler plate'. Both are really good, but I would just pay a few bucks more and get the sampler. You also get chili beans and brown rice. The third time we ate here, we also got the cornbread. It was really good, but it was almost too much food. Btw, went to both locations - Kapaa and Hanalei. Both are really good, but kind of like Kapaa better.
(5)
Gary T.

stumbled onto this place and wow! Excellent chicken, excellent pulled pork, terrific sauces (I don't recommend the cole slaw). The portions are ample and the taste is wonderful -- take out heaven -- grab some and eat at the beach -- whoo hooo!
(5)
Michael V.

The smoked chicken is right on point. Super friendly people and huge portions. The beef was ok, but I live in Texas.... So I'm spoiled when it comes to smoked brisket. I'd recommend it no doubt.
(4)
Sharky P.

DELICIOUS. The combo platter includes a little of everything, and was big enough for two meals PLUS a midnight snack. I like a little zing but not too much heat, and the "hot" BBQ sauce was just right. Potato Salad was a little different than what I've had in the past, but really tasty. Why not 5 stars? Okay, here's the thing - "John 3:16" was handwritten on my takeout containers. Look, you have a Jesus fish on your menu. I get it, it's fine, be your Christian self. That isn't my belief of choice, but NBD if you want to make it known at your restaurant that it is yours. However, marking up my food that I'm taking back to my home feels a little in-your-face... Great grub, tho.
(4)
Cathy S.

A year since our last visit (due to geography not desire) and the BBQ chicken is still amazeballs. How they can keep their smoked white meat chicken so moist is a question for the ages. Combine the chicken and their hot BBQ sauce and you have one of the best pieces of chicken that I have ever tasted. After we had finished our meals my husband, while chatting with the woman at the window, casually mentioned that normally he prefers dark meat chicken but he thought that the white meat that was included in his combo plate was fantastic. The next thing he knew, she was handing him a box containing a thigh and drumstick so he could have some of their dark meat too! No matter where we are staying on the island we will always drive to Kapaa for Chicken in a Barrel BBQ.
(5)
Michael C.

Delicious; chicken is much better than the steak (IMO).
(3)
Matt V.

I've cooked like this on canopies in az and ca for years and these guys perfected it. Owner big mike was awesome and the food was better. the perfect amount of smoke flavor, very subtle, is acheved by using local wood chips and seasoned barrels. A must stop on the island. BBQ the way it should be, simple! Don't foget to try the chili.
(5)
David D.

There are barrels and they do have chickens in them. If you are hungry and want some fast food with great flavor this is the place to go. We ordered the mixed plate with chicken, beef ribs and pork and that proved enough for two.
(4)
Azita R.

I don't know, I wasn't impressed. Our chicken wasn't cooked all the way through and the parts that were just tasted like a rotisserie chicken, not a strong smokiness to it. Had to add a lot of BBQ sauce to give it some flavor.
(2)
Sarah T.

First of all, THERE IS A COUPON! We found a coupon in one of those "tourist" books for a free chicken sandwich. However, we forgot about it until afterwards. Friend and I were very sad. But the good news is that even if you don't have a coupon, it's worth trying! One of the few food places we enjoyed in Kauai. The four of us split two Sampler Plates which was just enough for 2 people per order. The chicken was absolutely tender, moist, and. Boyfriend said the baby back rib was also a hit. Located right off the road and everything is outdoors! Outdoor orders and outdoor seating. We even got to see the owner go into his little fenced area with all the barrels and cook the chicken there. Awesome!
(4)
Antonio D.

really a great deal . We got plenty of food. We also got a combo plater and it was a lot of food .Locals also recommended this place and ver much agree this place is great on the tummy and also on the wallet.
(5)
Taylor L.

This place is divey, which is awesome for BBQ. The prices are moderate, but the customer service and taste are excellent. It's in a great part of town for walking around, and the outdoor picnic tables are cosey. I love this place; highly recommend. I got the chicken and my wife got the pork. Both were excellent. They offer multiple BBQ sauces as well as other sauces.
(5)
Mandy B.

So good! Would definitely return. Maybe tomorrow. My husband and I shared the 1/2 rib, 1/2 chicken. With 2 scoops of brown rice. Plenty of food for two. They were out of beans and cornbread by that time (5-ish?). Brownie. Yum. Their menu was limited due to a case of arson (it was their first day back after having been closed for several weeks).
(4)
Buffy M.

Seriously fall off the bone goodness! BBQ so good it could make a vegetarian become a carnivore. Chicken & Rib #4 combo. YUM! And as if that wasn't enough meat, its served with a cup of chili with more meat. Bone suckin' goodness! Even the chicken joints were so tender that I ate them as well.
(5)
Duane H.

This place has lots of local color and good food too boot. Got the sampler plate and it was more than enough for both Stormy and I. Delicious.
(4)
Kevin O.

I had the chicken and ribs special and it was amazing! They were super fast and the guy working there took the time to talk and tell us about the history of he place and gave some great info about the island as well. They are easy to get to right off the highway and in walking distance of the beach. A must stop if you are on Kauai
(5)
Josh O.

Chicken In a Mother-Effin' Barrel is how this place was referred to by me and my wife by the end of our honeymoon. Great BBQ served by an awesome guy in a tiny shack who moved to paradise and seems like he's living the dream!
(5)
Mertani G.

We liked that this place was easy to locate off the highway. The bbq was good enough, but the portions were small for the price you pay. If you're craving bbq while in kauai, this would be the place to go to.
(3)
Sean L.

The juiciest chicken i have ever had. Great smokey flavor. 3/4 of a chicken is all you need. Chicken falls right off the bone, do not need a knife. Chili is also super good! Great service! Very friendly cashier, Patrick i believe. PS: will try to have a more detailed review in the future =]
(4)
Sarah K.

We found this place in our guidebook and then happened to drive by it...and it was the only thing open. The chicken is just as described by the name (the sweet girl working showed us how they make it...indeed in a barrel) and by the book (the meat falls off of the bone). It was extremely delicious! I'd recommend sticking to the plate and not the barrel roll though. Both my friend and I didn't really like the sauce that was in it I guess. Anyway, the dude and girl working were super friendly. Would definitely go back...but not to order the barrel roll!
(4)
t. w.

Very good meat and the beans I've ever had (chili, really). Had the chicken and ribs, which were absolute knockouts. The only turnoff is the in-your-face "praise the lord" and bible references on the packaging. Maybe that is not the best place for that. Given that, the people that work there are very friendly. If they are supporting recovering or reintegrating of the folks who work there, I'm a big fan. Definitely will be back.
(4)
Melissa M.

This place is great! Small with lots of goodness coming out of it. Sit outside on a picnic bench and eat your deliciousness. The chicken is RIDICULOUS! So juicy and flavorful. I left 4 stars because the ribs were decent, but not the best ever. I guess chicken is their specialty as the sign indicates. The people working there (not sure if they owned it) were really nice. Very laid back, friendly. Great price for a plate of any meat you want with rice and beans! Definitely recommend.
(4)
Jonathon E.

Great service. Chicken plate was great! #2 plate that had everything was also really good.
(5)
Martin H.

We picked up 4 half chickens for a quick lunch at our rental property. Service was fast and friendly and the chicken was awesome. We fed 8 people for lunch with a little bread and potato chips and still had a quarter of a bird left. The spicy BBQ sauce is addictive! I would definitely go again and try some of the other menu items based on this experience.
(5)
Ann R.

We went here today based on Yelp reviews and were not disappointed. It is a small building right by the road with outdoor seating. Service was friendly and cheerful; we were helped by Pepper and his young son. We got a look at the barrel smokers and a little history of the family run business. He said they first started out as a ministry to the homeless, serving the barbecue on the beach but so many people raved about the chicken and ribs they started the business. My husband and I both ordered the chicken and rib plate which comes with a scoop of rice and a small bowl of chili. Both the chicken and the pork ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender and infused with a delightful smoky flavor. There were two barbecue sauces, mild and spicy that were made in- house, both very good and the spicy wasn't too hot for comfort. The chili was flavorful and we mixed a little of the rice in with it. The fountain drinks came with free refills. All in all a great dining experience at my favorite kind of restaurant---small, family-run, great food and friendly people. Add to that the fact that you're on Kauai, one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and you have yourself a memorable meal in paradise! Go, now, you won't regret it!
(5)
Dan M.

We stopped here before heading up into the mountains for some horseback riding, which in hindsight wasn't the best idea... But it was worth it. Seriously good eats here. We opted for the sampler with a baby back rib, pulled pork, shredded beef and BBQ chicken, alongside a generous portion of rice and chili. We ate about half of everything and then my wife pointed out the rib was missing. She said maybe they just pull it off the bone for you and it's just hidden in the massive pile of dead animal in the box. I went back up to the window and asked about it. The guy took the box from me, closed the window, went in the back for a few, then came back up with a refilled box of food along with the missing rib. He apologized and said the guy filling orders was new, but I wasn't complaining with all that free grub! Awesome on their part. Rib - delicious. Falls right off the bone. Pulled pork - the way it should be. Smokey, but not like licking an ashtray smokey. Shredded beef - decent, but nothing amazing. Throwing some sauce on it helps a lot. BBQ chicken - some of the best I've ever had. Just get there before the lunch rush so you're not being choked out by the meat smoking in the barrels near the side of the road. There's a few tables away from the barrels where you won't have to put up with that. Funny incident while there; one of Kauai's most popular pests decided to walk into the seating area while we were there. A dude eating next to us threw some chicken on the ground and it was more than happy to eat it up. Cannibalism LOL.
(5)
Christine C.

Follow your nose and be rewarded. This was one of the best meals we had Christmas week. I had the sample platter - the Chicken and pulled pork were the BEST! You have to try the beans - slightly spicy - wish I had ordered more! Stop by, the guys are nice, the food is GOOD.
(4)
Brian R.

Absolutely perfect. The staff was super friendly and was asking us all about our vacation. Food was excellent, we really liked the Chicken in a Barrel plate. Highly recommended. This is a must go place.
(5)
Connie W.

As a homesick Texan, I've been longing for melt-in-your-mouth brisket, smokey chicken, good baked beans... all the good stuff, ever since I moved to Hawaii. I'd never been brought to tears by food until I met Chicken In a Barrel. For one, it smells just like a barbecue joint, an indication that they actually smoke their meat instead of baking it and slathering it with sauce. We decided to share their sampler plate as it wasn't quite lunchtime yet, but looking back I'm pretty sure my boyfriend didn't get to eat anywhere close to his fair share. Oops. The brisket is juicy and tender with a wonderful char on the outside. (I think this is where my eyes started getting misty.) Ribs are fall-off-the-bone, and the chicken has smoke flavor infused all the way through. Served with brown rice and beans (or chili?). So delicious I didn't even need their barbecue sauce. I'm secretly miffed that the one place that matches up to my memories of Texas barbecue is on another island from home, but what would be worse is never finding Chicken In a Barrel at all.
(5)
Tank T.

Don't let the appearance of this stand fool you. They make excellent food! Try the BBQ sauce. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Karla B.

My husband and I stopped at Chicken In a Barrel on our way back from Hanalei -- best stop for road-side food we have ever made! We ordered the half chicken and baby back ribs. WOW!! The chicken was super moist and tender -- the ribs were lean and juicy -- doesn't get any better! Met the owner Big Mike and his son Pepper -- very cool guys -- family business making awesome food -- Gotta try it!!
(5)
Travis H.

Hands down some of the best chicken I've had, so juicy!
(5)
Melody P.

Yum! Look for the free sandwich with every dinner plate coupon in the yellow Kauai tourist coupon book! Wonderful cheap breakfast burritos too!!
(5)
A T.

Holy crap, this was some killer BBQ! We spotted the smoke billowing from the big oil barrels just before we caught a whiff of the mouth watering smell, and then we saw the name. "Chicken in a Barrel"? Sort of funny considering there were dozens of chicken roaming around. They may as well claim it's "super fresh free range chicken". And was there ever oil in those oil barrels they BBQ in? These are things one should think about! My husband and I shared a sample platter that had a few pieces of the chicken, some bbq pork, bbq beef, and ONE rib (yes, there was a stare down involved). It came with some awesome chili beans and brown rice. The BBQ sauces they offer up are really good too. The spicy one wasn't really that spicy (for those that fear), and it was yummy! This was one of those meals where every single bite was absolutely perfect and delicious! Seriously, I can't even pick a favorite! We walked away with full bellies and big smiles. In fact I kept smiling about it throughout the day and kept talking about it for days after...like I'd just met someone special or something. yeah, it was like that :-)
(5)
Gini B.

Hubby and I were driving past this place and just could not resist the incredible aroma eminating from their smokers placed right at roadside. Luckily the food tasted every bit as delicious as it smelled. I had the rib plate and they were so tasty and loaded with plenty of meat. Hubby had the combo plate and the chicken was wonderful too. Nice and juicy. It was so good we are planning a return visit before we leave the island!
(5)
Betty H.

I highly recommend the sampler platter on your first try, because it depends on what kind of meat you like - they're all really good. BUT the ribs are king, so if you know you like ribs, then just go straight for the ribs.
(4)
Charlene K.

Smokey tender chicken full of flavor it falls off the bone. The best street food I've ever had. APPROVED!
(4)
Brett P.

**coupon in yellow tourist book!!!*** this place is awesome!!! Got the sampler platter and it was def big enough for two people! The ribs were so meaty! Pulled pork was legit!
(5)
Michelle P.

Delicious pork, chicken and ribs. The chicken, which they are known for, was my favorite. They were so busy that they could not smoke the chicken fast enough. If I would have had this on my first day in Kauai, I probably would have gone here every day. I only wish they had more seating.
(5)
Tanya M.

We stopped here on our way from Hanalei Bay back to Poipu. My husband and daughter ordered the combo plate with ribs, chicken, pork and beef as well as beans and rice. My son and I are vegetarians so we just had the coleslaw, rice and cornbread (very yummy). My husband and daughter said the BBQ was amazing!!! Definitely recommend this place for people who like BBQ.
(5)
Tom L.

Good food, great atmosphere! Must get one of the homemade brownies to take home and enjoy later. We ate here twice during our 9 day honeymoon. Had the chicken platter first and hoagie second visit. We were not disappointed with the food or the portions.
(5)
Danny D.

Prego wife craving promoted stop and yelp lookup. The place she smelled happened to also be well rated. So we got the chicken plate, it was really good. The chicken wasn't overlooked and the smoke wasn't chemically/medicated like I usually experience. The chili was awesome and I was happy to see that it came with brown rice. The chicken was so good in fact that one of the local free range chickens, that decided to hang out with us by the beach while we ate, decided he liked some chicken as well. Eating a poultry relative : it's that good. :)
(5)
Eddie W.

This place was one of our favorites on the island. Friendly staff and super delicious awesome smoked chicken! Dammit this chicken is so good! I'm pissed there isn't one here in Burbank. You must go here while on vacation.
(5)
Morgan G.

Yes!!! The bomb.com ! Soo good! #4
(5)
Erin D.

This is hands down the best chicken i've ever had. That's a lot coming from someone who lives in South Carolina, where barbecue and fried chicken is kind of a big deal! The chicken at Chicken in a Barrel falls off the bone, is tender and juicy, and has the perfect amount and mix of spices. The sauce is also really good! If you're anywhere near Kapa'a, you HAVE to stop here and at least get some to go. The sides aren't that exciting, so just stick with the star: the delicious chicken.
(5)
Ben W.

We just stopped by this place after researching on yelp and man it is awesome. Pepper was great - he gave us a sampling of the chicken while we decided. That chicken is like crack - white meat was juicy and tender with a perfect smoke. I got the sampler to check out the ribs and beef - the ribs were almost as good as the chicken - but the star is definitely the clucker. Lots of great food - a welcome surprise to find authentic BBQ here in Kauai. This will definitely tie me over for the upcoming flight back to the mainland.
(5)
Jeffrey T.

Fricken chicken!!! AMAZING just doesnt do it justice! This is heaven sent! Must try!
(5)
A L.

Order and pay first. I had the chicken plate. For $9.50, this includes a chicken breast and wing, a side of beans (kidney beans, cooked chili style) and a scoop of brown rice. Some of the chicken was moist but most of it was dry. Next time, I'll ask for the dark meat. You get free refills with soda, but you have to ask for it. If you ask for water, they don't give you tap water but charge you for bottled water. Napkins and plastic utensils were supposed to be available at the counter, but there were no napkins or knives. So this took some more waiting. The overall experience was perfect for what you'd expect from a place like this. Outdoor "dining" only. Right by the roadside, there's chicken being smoked in barrels. Lots of traffic whizzing by. Flies buzzing around. Feral chickens walking around and under the tables, like they own the place. And cool "Chicken in a Barrel" T-shirts are for sale.
(3)
jerry s.

Ribs cooked too perfection, meat falling off the bone! No need for sauce! But if you like sauce they have an excellent one, hot or medium. Sides are awesome, beans with everything including the kitchen sink, brown rice? Yes! Helps you feel healthy. Now if they can add dessert, there would be no reason to go any where else! This review was actually from 2012 trip to Kauai! Not 8/27/2013
(5)
Terri S.

I'd bee told this was the best BBQ on the island, and it was, but the price was a bit high - especially with the lack of service. I asked for a lid for my chili and it was thrown at me across the counter. Same with the 1/2 chicken take out I ordered after our meal. No matter how good the food, I won't go back where my business was obviously not wanted!
(2)
Joe B.

This place is one of Kauai's hidden jewels! The food was great and the staff were friendly and accommodating. I will be back..
(5)
Alex L.

Most memorable meal on Kauai. This road side stop is a center of smoked goodness that uses oil drums to smoke its meat. Chicken was amazingly moist and flavorful in spite of being cooked in a hot and smoky oil drum. The beef was a little dry but still good. The desserts are delicious and sell out quickly. It is all outdoor seating and when the wind is blowing the wrong direction, it gets smoky. In spite of that, a great place to have a relaxing dinner.
(5)
Phil R.

The most moist, smoked flavored chicken I have ever eaten. And the homemade chili was delicious too. I highly recommend this place. Be sure to try both the mild and hit BBQ sauces.
(5)
David K.

Outdoor BBQ. Best is the chicken!! We ordered the sampler plate 14.99, but from the sampler plate the chicken was the best fosho. Their chili is amazing too! Had to add BBQ sauce on it. Hot or Mild option.
(3)
B C.

Recommend... great pork and chicken! Be sure to get coupon out of the local coupon book (small coupon book with yellow cover) because it gives you a free chicken sandwich with each plate purchase! Only complaint is that I think they are a bit lacking on consistency...the first time we went, the smoked chicken was delicious and moist. However, the beans that came with it were watery and bland. The second time we got the chicken, it was dry and the skin was flabby... like it was leftover from the day before and reheated. However, the beans were much better! The pork portion from the second day was also much more generous than the first time. So as long as they work on their consistency... I'm a fan!
(4)
Kelly B.

LOVE LOVE LOVE!! We ate here twice during our honeymoon to Kauai. It was just down the block and was quick, easy, and SO good!! First time we tried we got the sampler platter and split it between the two of us. I fell in love with the pork and ended up getting just the pork plate the second time. The second time we called it in and it was ready and waiting when we arrived. Great service, friendly staff, all around good BBQ!!
(5)
Daisie C.

We were at costco on our first day on the island and noticed a man buying a cart full of meat and we knew he had to be going somewhere good! I went over and the nice man told us he owned chicken in a barrel...a bbq place in kapa'a. We knew what was on the menu as we could see it on the cart. On our way to the airport we stopped by and sure enough big mike remembered us from costco. The food was amazing! I could live off the brown barely rice and homemade chili. My husband is a bbq fanatic and we ordered the sample plate along with a tshirt as a keepsake! Thanks big mike! See you and rex (the surfing chicken on the logo) when we return next year. This is a definite must for eating while in kauai!
(5)
Michelle F.

Oh man...THIS is some good bbq! Best meal I had on the island. The hot bbq sauce was delish, and the beef was so tender and flavorful.
(5)
Wes Y.

Best chicken I've ever had. Ordered the 1/2 chicken (exactly what it sounds like) with no sides and man...it's ridiculously juicy and tender - I didn't think chicken breast meat could get that juicy/tender. Great smokey flavor. Also tried the ribs, but they weren't as good as the chicken. The chicken gets 5 stars!
(5)
Aileen P.

The chicken was moist, smoky, and easily fell off the bone. This was a solid meal but did not blow me away. This is a good option to consider if you need a break from local fare.
(4)
Allison B.

SO FREAKING GOOD! The plates are huge, and very filling! Their homemade chili is super good with a scoop of brown rice. My family members all got the quarter chicken plate, but I went with the pork option. It was crazy delicious, and my mom, who grew up in the South (Georgia), said that the chicken was the best she had ever had in her life. You order and pick up your food at the counter, and seating is outdoors by the road. It can be a little noisy depending on the highway traffic. You can watch the guy smoking all the meat right there next to your table. It's also just a stone's throw from the beach if you'd rather eat there. Definitely recommend!!
(5)
Duane G.

Don't what the hype about. Nice place with barrels blowing smoke but to me that was about it. $15.00 for sampler and what a total disappointment. I'm tough on my reviews but honest. I was at Home Depot the day before and was gonna try but decided to go to the main location since would be fresh and not sitting around in a warmer. Won't go again. Sorry
(3)
Marlene G.

Came here the first day we got to Kauai and man it was delicious!!!! It was so good we came here twice during the week we vacationed here! This is a must try for Kauai visitors! Can't wait to eat here again! Yum!
(5)
Jamie C.

The Chicken was good, but the sides were not. Coupon gave us a free sandwich, but it was very small. The guys were very friendly and we really liked that they are a Christian company! They had a bible out for use, bible verses on the menu and each food container was marked with John 3:16! Located right near beach for picnicking.
(4)
Blazzin S.

I mentioned I would yelp this location. Guy (Pepper?) Hooked up a free coleslaw made WITHOUT mayo Cuz he hates coleslaw with Mayo and so he made his own with some sweet honey vinaigrette or something. Tasty! Pretty good chili beans. Got a sampler. Beef was okay. Ribs, chicken, pork cooked Really well. Make sure to drench in either mild or hot BBQ sauce (made by them). Hot is not super spicy. Yes, pricey at $15. But what isn't in Kauai. ENJOY!
(5)
Aaron K.

Hi Noah and Jimmy...your kindness and enthusiasm made me want to post. We stopped here after a hike and loved everything. The chicken is definitely 5 stars. The side dishes (also important) kept this from being all 5 stars, but great people and great food make this a must visit place on Kauai. The original one is this one in Kappa - venture here, eat at a picnic table, and wander over to the beach.
(4)
Christopher O.

Three Words: NOM NOM NOM! My husband and I ate at Chicken in a Barrel on our recent honeymoon to Kauai. I had found reviews for it on Yelp and I wanted to eat there because how often do you get to eat at a place with that name? Hardly Ever! We ordered ribs, chicken and corn bread and took them back to the hotel to eat. The ribs were good, but not great. I don't hold this against them. I am from Kansas City, so I hold ribs in high regard. The corn bread, I'm sure was delicious, but by the time I got through the ribs and chicken, I couldn't eat any of it! Now, let me talk about the chicken... I'll try not to carry on for too long. My favorite food is chicken. I could eat chicken for every meal and never tire of it. With that said, I have eaten A LOT of chicken. This was THE BEST CHICKEN I HAVE EVER HAD! It was juicy, tender and seasoned perfectly. My only regret is that I didn't get a chicken or 12 to bring back to the mainland with me. I'm pretty sure devouring one of those chickens would have made flying back coach seem almost like first class!
(4)
Myra K.

VERY, very good chicken!!! But you're fighting off the flies so much it's hard to enjoy the outside atmosphere. BUT THE FOOD IS GOOD!!!
(5)
Nette C.

Sold out of chicken at 730 so we missed out on their 5 star item. The ribs and pulled pork were still yummy if you are craving solid BBQ. *Started 12/28/2012 on my phone & finally posted.
(4)
Rikki H.

the juiciest, most delicious chicken i have ever tasted. these people are the chicken masters.
(5)
Christian A.

This small shack on the side of the road in Kapa`a is unreal! The chicken fell right off the bone and the dipping sauce is to die for. The worker/part owner there was extremely courteous and friendly. He explained to me that he was originally from California (assuming the countryside) and I guess this is the way they cook there. They smoke their chicken, ribs, etc in their smoker which is located right by the tables outside of the shack. Ironically, as I shoveled the chicken down my throat, I spotted a wild chicken running around the tables searching for food. Even the chicken wanted this chicken...haha.
(5)
Nicole B.

Best BBQ sauce I've ever had! The pulled pork was so tender. My husband loved the Chicken, said it was the best he's ever had. My daughter and I had the hoagie, she had the pulled chicken, I had the pork. We normally don't eat at the same place twice while on vacation, but I think we'll have to go back.
(5)
Chun P.

Not the best BBQ in the world, but maybe in Kauai? And how can one not try a place called "Chicken in a Barrel"? Plus I've always wondered how they control the wild chicken population around Kauai...kidding! ;) I won't want to repeat the same stuff everyone already has, but if they ask how you heard about them, say the magical four letter word: YELP. Compared to the food photos on their website and on Yelp, I noticed that our boxes were substantially more packed with food than shown in the photos: instead of 2 ribs, I got 3. Instead of a quarter chicken, it was 3/8ths of a giant wild rooster on steriods. Chili was filled to the brim, and 2.5 rice scoops instead of 1...its good to be a Yelper! Minus 1 Star: Coleslaw is good, but not $4 good. Maybe $2.50? Its also hard to enjoy BBQ without mashed potatoes, tator tots, or fries...one or more of these is sorely missing from the menu.
(4)
Larry A.

We got the chicken plate because it was so highly recommended. It came with rice and baked beans. The rice was ok, the beans were cold and didn't taste very good and I couldn't even finish them. The chicken had a nice smoke flavor to it, it was moist and tasted good. However it lacked any special uniqueness to it. It was just average. Based on the reviews I was expecting a great BBQ flavor but it didn't have any BBQ sauce on it, you had to add your own. So it was simply smoked chicken like I would do on my smoker.
(3)
Robbie B.

We stopped here while on vacation because we saw the high reviews on yelp. Two of us shared the 1/4 chicken w/2 ribs plate which had chili and brown rice. The BBQ was excellent, chili was awesome and our two teenage boys couldn't finish their plates--same combo ordered. Generous servings. It is a small location with outdoor picnic tables only but don't hesitate to stop, it is great food!!!
(5)
Nancy M.

Great chicken and Hawaiian coleslaw ... friendly and fast! Perfect lunch spot near small town shopping.
(5)
Ian M.

We visited Chicken in a Barrel for lunch and we were glad that we did. This roadside food stand is a great way to experience the town of Kapaa. We received a warm welcome by the man who took our order. He asked us where we were from and how long we've been on the island. When our order was up, he called us by our city name. It was fun to hear the other people's city names be called out. I ordered the chicken plate. The chicken was tender and fell right off the bone and had a great smoky flavor. The BBQ sauces were solid and standard. In terms of price, it's reasonable. I would recommend if you're look for some quick eats!
(4)
K. R.

Best chicken and BBQ on the island. And with 2 locations, Kapa'a and Hanalei, big bonus point. Their chicken dinner for two is a fabulous value.
(4)
Courtney K.

No burritos after 4pm. What the heck? After hiking the Napali Coast all I could think about was hitting Chicken in a Barrell for some protein on the way back to Poipu. I had planned to get a burrito and split it with the bf. In my mind, it was going to be magical. But then comes the let down . . . We get up to the window and rap music is blasting out of it. Really bad rap music with really dirty lyrics. Even I was cringing. A girl was at the window but I don't think she wanted to be at work because she wasn't very friendly. We excitedly ordered our burrito and we were told. "We don't serve burritos after 4pm." What? Where does it say that on the menu? No where! Yes, it does say no kids meals after 4pm but nothing about burritos. Sigh. We quickly recalibrated and picked the 1/2 chicken breast dish. We get our food and it was very tasty but I was still disappointed by the music and attitude. Anyway, it did get a little better when we delved into our chicken and the gentlemen working there came by our picnic dish to check on us. Also, we got to see a little bit of the chicken-in-a-metal-trashcan cooking process so that was good. I wish it had been better but I'm glad I got to try it.
(3)
Desmond F.

Solid BBQ joint. In my opinion dry rubbed smoked with sauce on the side is the way to go. Please don't force your sugar laden sauced on my BBQ to cover up how the meat itself isn't good enough. The people working the day we were there were very friendly and patient while we were just hanging out. It's too bad their menu was limited at the time so I couldn't try exactly what I wanted. Still, I didn't regret getting the pork rib and chicken combo. The ribs were good, the chicken was excellent. Really lives up the name! It's just a shack on the side of the road with patio furniture, but don't let that fool you, they do their BBQ right.
(4)
Katie P.

We love Kaua'i and always stay in Kapaa. Having not tried this place before, we had a coupon for a free chicken sandwich if we bought an entree. On our last night last Friday, hubby and I stopped here to pick up a chicken and rib combo with chili and Hawaiian slaw, plus the chicken sandwich. We took it back to our kids and we all dove in. Excellent!!! We watched the chef pull the meat from out of the steel barrels..it was all so tender and mouthwatering...and the sauces were also great. I'm fussy about bbq...had too many bad bbqs in my time. Not here! We'll be back our next trip to the island! YUM! (box with the handwritten John 3:16 was a great touch! Mahalo!)
(5)
Micela R.

Pork was very greasy bottom of tray covered in grease not a good choice. Although the chicken was good everything else was just average. Wouldn't go back!!
(2)
K K.

So good we went there twice in our week-long visit! Most options are gluten-free which was great. I added them to my list for gluten-free on Kauai: raeraegoesreal.wordpressâ€¦
(5)
Vincent V.

When we came back to Kauai one of the places we definitely wanted to return to was Chicken in a Barrel. We didn't come back for the decor - there isn't any - it is a roadside stand with picnic tables adjacent to the road, or for the service - to place your order from the limited menu on the window and maybe they will have everything available (they didn't when we came back) and wait on another line for your food order to be called out - we came back for the chicken which to plagiarize a phrase: "Is finger lickin' good" - let me make that great. It is moist, fall off the bone chicken that helps you rediscover how good chicken can taste. BBQ beef did not live up to my expectation last time and so I didn't order it - but the chicken alone would give it a 5 star!
(4)
Jon J.

Absolutely some of the best taste in town. Try the chicken, the ribs, the Coleslaw or anything else on the menu. This place rocks with taste!!! Not to mention tender and moist. We will be back again and again!
(5)
Lauren V.

Some of the best food we had in Kauai. Tasty juicy chicken! The beans were a delicious surprise. The Hawaiian slaw was also great. For a roadside stop it is perfect.
(5)
Jenn L.

I don't know if I'll ever find a place that compares to Chicken In A Barrel BBQ... maybe somewhere in Memphis, but I've never been there so I can't really say. We ate here twice during our Kauai trip. Definitely get the chicken!!! It is their namesake dish after all, and definitely the best out of the other dishes they offer. I've never had chicken so moist (even though I hate that word) and juicy with such a deliciously smoky flavor. Yum. This place will probably haunt me forever. Chicken In A Barrel BBQ's meats that we tried in order of deliciousness: 1) Chicken, obviously. I can't stress this enough. 2) Baby back ribs 3) Shredded Pork 4) Shredded Beef I wouldn't recommend the beef, and the pork is decent. I looooved the chicken and ribs, though. We also ordered just the meat a la carte the second time since we didn't really love the sides as much as the meat.
(5)
David D.

This is pretty tasty stuff. The chicken and the spareribs were really good. The chicken was definitely on the moist side which is difficult since it's been smoked for a while. The owners are super friendly. I really like this place. It's just on the side of the road, park and eat! The meat is smoked nicely and doesn't need BBQ sauce. I like this place a lot more than Scotty's Beachside BBQ (which is bland and NEEDs sauce).
(4)
Mike W.

You will be so happy you tried this place. Is easy to miss on the side of Kuhio Hwy. you have to look for the BBQ sign and see the glorious smoke coming out of these barrels. The chicken was flavored so well. Some of the best tasting chicken I have ever had. And their side chili beans are awesome. I could eat just a hole big bowl of those and be happy. A must do if in Kauai.
(5)
Dan M.

Friendly staff. Love that they had the BBQs out front. My wife was pretty psyched about the hand washing station so there ya go. Tell em Dan sent you if you want a fat discount.
(4)
David R.

This is incredible. Innovative way to slow-cook BBQ. And the owner was the nicest guy ever. Definitely come here and get that sampler. Everything on the menu is absolutely delicious.
(5)
Jess L.

My tagline on yelp is "Meat Smoker Extraordinaire," and I mean it. This was some DAMN tasty smoked chicken. I didn't try the other smoked meats on offer (though I wish I could have gone back to do so), but the chicken was decidedly tasty. Neat, super-simple barrel smoker he has set up there, too (if one is a nerd about such things like me, do ask to take a peek). It's just a stand by the side of the road with picnic tables outside, so don't expect a full-on restaurant.
(5)
Jojo C.

Had this for dinner and it was awesome! Chicken was juicy, thoroughly cook (even the breast). I would have rated them 5 star because of how good it is but when I ordered the chicken it was not fresh out of the barrel.
(4)
Gina R.

I went to Kauai over a year and a half ago and I still think about this place all the time so I figured I should write a review. I thought their chicken was amazing. Great flavor, chicken was cooked perfectly (not dry at all) and just all around delicious.
(5)
Rani S.

Was really looking forward to this lunch stop but ended up not thrilled about the food. The chicken was the best tasting meat on the combo we ordered. Rice and chili were good. Will probably try it again on our next trip to Kauai and hope to have a better experience then.
(3)
JB W.

OH MY FREAKING GOODNESS THIS BBQ KICKS BUTT. I'm serious!! I was on vacation and I stayed in Kapa'a and thank goodness we were only a five minute drive away from here. The first night I had the chicken plate. I had a quarter chicken and it was cooked PERFECTLY. And I mean that. It was cooked through, it had a nice smoky flavor, it was SO juicy and it was not dry at all! Their BBQ sauce is what really gets me. It's just mouth watering. Even without the BBQ sauce, the chicken was delicious on it's own. I just wanted more! And more I got... I came back with my family a few days later and I had the baby back ribs. Que drool. Those ribs were cooked to fall off the bone, but with the perfect amount of moisture in the meat. And you really can't eat the ribs without the sauce! They always have squirt bottles out with the sauce and they even have small containers you can fill with sauce if your order is to go. Their cole slaw is the same. Just delicious. I'm not a fan of mayonnaise and thankfully there wasn't that much on it. It was sweet with just a hint of tang and just eating everything together was unbelievable. When you get the combos, or the plates, it comes with a scoop of rice and some chili and both of those are good. But what you really want is the chicken and the ribs. They also have a sink and soap for you to wash up afterwards with! You MUST eat here at least once if you're visiting Kauai! Edit* The chicken was also fall off the bone!! Double thumbs up!!
(5)
Dan F.

After reading the reviews on Yelp we decided to give them a try (plus we had a coupon). Boy were we glad we did! The BBQ chicken and pork was fantastic and the prices very reasonable. We will definitely be eating here again!
(5)
Steph G.

Like everyone else has said, it is sooooo good! Owner is super friendly, fun and helpful with the menu. Chicken is juicy and falls off the bone. Don't skip by the BBQ sauce containers. They have both spicy and mild. Don't ignore the amazing smells while driving by!
(5)
Paddy D.

I stumbled upon this place on my way to the north shore. Pulled over and was greeted by a cool dude named pepper. He served me up some juicy smoked rib with awesome beans and rice. The portions are good and very good meat on the rib. If you are looking for an alternative to the restaurant, or hotel, this is your perfect road side joint. Enjoy.
(5)
Wendy W.

We could smell the smokers before we came upon this place and wondered what the divine aroma was. It's a place that is one of those side-of-the-road interesting places and the food was spectacular. We tried the chicken and the ribs - both were delicous. The chicken was my favorite of the two. The sauces are great, the hawaiian slaw was yummy and the beans are a chili-type that go well with the meats. Nothing fancy, but everything flavorful. A must-stop and great for those days when you're out sight-seeing on the island. Staff was awesome and gave us samples of the brownies as well. We were too full to eat anything else but a sample, but they were fudgy and warm.
(5)
Hans L.

A true treasure accidentally stumbled upon during our honeymoon! The meat here is fantastic. This place is all about smoked meats and I don't think there is a better way to advertise than with the aroma of chicken, pork, and beef smoking in barrels alluring you to there little shack. There really isn't much fuss about this place; There's an area where you order your food, some outdoor seating, and tables with a canopy. The ambiance of Chicken in a Barrel is not my motivation for typing this review, however the food and service is. I ordered the pork plate and my wife ordered the combo. The owner was a young gentleman who seemed fired up about his new establishment, after trying his food I knew precisely why. The food came out promptly in foam hinged containers with the smell of "eat me now!". The sides consisted of brown rice, (I think it comes standard) which is what I would've preferred anyways, along with homemade chili. Ah yes now to the lean pork, visually stunning and the taste so perfect in every way. (No hype, just truth), my taste-buds never lie. The bark (the crunchy sweet outer layer goodness of the meat) on the pork was sweet with perfect texture and the meat was tender and incredible with every bite. They also had two types of homemade BBQ sauces you could douse on your own (spicy and original), I prefer the spicy. My wife's combo plate had chicken, steak, and baby back pork ribs, all of which were cooked perfectly and tasted great. I reminisced of a time and understood why my vegetarianism lasted for only 3 days. We thoroughly enjoyed Chicken in a Barrel and will most definitely return. My own rating system from a scale of one to five: Service: 5 Food quality and taste: 5 Portions: 5 cleanliness: 4.7 Value: 4.5
(5)
Mandy B.

SOOOOO good! Funny logo-I love it. Walk up and order, sit outside. Its affordable and some of the best BBQ ever. Seriously. pork and rib plates are really good and tender along with the chicken. The meat has such a great smokey taste to it, I love it! Kind of addicting. They have a typical kind of sweet bbq sauce and a spicy to use at will.. Im not typically impressed with side dishes that come with bbq or plate lunch but their sides were REALLY good. Beans were full of flavor. They also had a chicken "roll up" that was like a medium size chicken burrito for really cheap. It wasn't huge so it wont weigh you down but filling-perfect size. The chicken roll up had bell peppers, onions, cheese, cabbage, and a great sauce. Definetly worth going. often.
(5)
Armi S.

I read about this place a while back and put it on my list for my recent trip to Kauai. Stopped by after riding bike for a few hours and was ready for some Q. I ordered the beef plate which i though was good but not outstanding...reason.. I think it could have been been on the smoke for another hour or 2. Didn't have that fall apart texture I am used to....but the flavor was good and the smoke was light. We also ordered the ribs which were very good as well as the beans/chili and slaw. The crew was very nice and friendly and just as we were going to leave dude came out with a nice size chicken sampler!! Very good and tender and lots of flavor! I'll be returning next trip for sure!!
(4)
Stacey A.

Excellent chili, coleslaw, quarter chicken, and ribs. Meat was tender and tasty.
(5)
Peter R.

This just might be the best chicken I've ever eaten (and I'm no spring chicken)! We followed the dude in the window's advice and got the chicken plate, rather than the chicken sandwich, so we could savor the full succulence of this delight. Good advice. We got a pork sandwich, too. But it couldn't hold a match to the chicken. Is that because it was a sandwich instead of a plate? Or just because the chicken's so darn good? The scene's definitely low-key. You place your order at one window, sit around at one of the umbrellaed outdoor tables while it's assembled, then pick it up at another window. No muss, no fuss. A couple of smoking barrels mark one corner of the cozy outdoor space. The bbq sauce is very good, too, but not world-class. Feel free to eat with your fingers: there's a handy outdoor sink and soap to make it right when you're done. Don't miss this gem; it's right on the main drag.
(5)
Rich M.

Great BBQ a must when ur in kauai
(5)
Dameon G.

Wife and I ordered different things and shared to get the full spread.. The Sampler was excellent, I really enjoyed the pulled pork and beef, very tender and moist.. Portion size is LARGE, easy to share between two for a light meal or with a sandwich for the second person.. Speaking of the Chicken sandwich, it was good, add your own BBQ sauce..
(5)
Dan S.

Amazing smoked BBQ chicken!! Live music on Fridays. And the owners are really nice people (chef genuinely wants to know if you enjoyed your food). Go here!
(5)
john c.

On an island with food that is WAY overrated and consistently disappointing, this place is a find! Only buzz-kill was the beans...very boring. The meat and slaw were as good as I've tasted anywhere in the southern US. Maybe add some brisket?
(4)
Cindy D.

We spotted this place when transitioning from North Shore down to South Shore. It was lunch time, we smelled BBQ from the road, looked good so we pulled in and parked. WOW, so glad we did. Now we only had the pork because we had been eating chicken every other day at the condo. The pork was excellent but next time here we will be sure to try the chicken. Instead of getting a plate I ordered a la cart and had a side of their yummy slaw with it. Portion of pork was substantial.
(5)
Lisa M.

Soooo good. Delicious, juicy, smoky chicken with great homemade BBQ sauce, side of brown rice and chili beans (which is really just chili, but very tasty as well). Only complaint is the side of religion we didn't ask for (John 3:16 on food boxes, verse on menu board) but it was fairly unobtrusive and the staff was very nice and helpful. Good portions and simple, delicious food.
(5)
Mary S.

What a find. CIAB is on the main highway and you can't miss it. DELICIOUS, moist, tasty chicken. The owner was on the clock that day, a super friendly man. You can tell he is passionate about good food! Ordered the chicken plate and it came with a scoop of brown rice and spicy chili beans. A little pricey IMHO but worth every single bite.
(5)
Joe T.

Very good food. The chicken is amazing, very flavorful and falls right off the bone. They could be a little more flexible with the combo side item choices other than just rice or beans. $4 for a tiny side of Mac salad is kind of crazy. But the food itself is well worth it and the staff very friendly.
(5)
Doug G.

I would give it a sixth star if I could. The only place we visited twice during our trip. The meat is great and the BBQ sauces were fantastic.
(5)
Mark W.

Chicken was greasy and fatty, not really in a good way. Everything about the food experience was fairly forgettable. If you're in it for cuisine, I wouldn't recommend. BUT- they had the guy dancing in the chicken mascot outside, which prompted us to stop in the first place. Dude was crazy sweaty when he took a break- confession, I've worn a mascot costume in the heat, and I think I peed brown for a week after from the dehydration. So red badge of courage for that guy, and I'm glad we ate there just because of that. Also, service and the people there were very friendly- the people there earned this the 3 star rating. 1 1/2 for the food, 5 for the people there.
(3)
Steven B.

So good!! A must while in Hawaii, great customer service as well!
(5)
Liv K.

Meh, don't get it. I had the chicken wrap, was okay for a burrito. Hubby had the ribs, again just okay.
(3)
LL C.

skip the combo meals with the rice and the beans, trust me, you want all the meat you can get the chicken is fall off the bones tender, beef is soft and moist yet flavorful, the pork ribs OMG...and the bbq sauce is just awesome! delicious!!!
(4)
Lu C.

Love, love, love my BBQ, and this place delivered! Got the sampler plate and a Chicken Barrel Roll. The roll was great and filling, but the meat in the sampler is the real deal and why you should eat here. The sampler has beef, chicken, pork and a rib. The beef was my favorite of the group, then the pork, the rib and lastly the chicken. The chicken was tasty but a little over cooked, so it was dry. Nothing a slathering of their homemade BBQ sauce couldn't conquer though! A must stop!
(5)
Travis M.

This is probably the best new place to open up in Kauai. And yes I have been here when it kinda first opened up, but no time to write a review until now. I only got the chicken, but it was probably one of the best roast chickens I ate. Next time I go back to Kauai I will try the other things and will post an update.
(5)
Joanne G.

Thanks to Yelp, my husband and I learned about this BBQ joint a stone's throw from our hotel. Shared the sampler plate, which was more than adequate for two --- amazing beans, and the smoked chicken was out-of-this-world flavorful and moist. We're so glad to have found this place at the beginning of our stay; we'll certainly go back.
(5)
Matthis H.

Best chicken. Ever...
(5)
Karen N.

Some of the best food! Love it! Best BBQ for a great price. Ate there roadside Nd twice in pair condo!
(5)
Sam F.

I know good BBQ, I make it at home, I enjoy it in restaurants. I love it. This place blows every chicken and rib joint out of the water. The chicken is moist and tender, packed with flavor, honestly I could eat that at breakfast lunch and dinner. The ribs were full of flavoras well no sauce required for these bad boys, they were nice and tender with just enough tug to have that not-quite-fall-off-the-bone that can be really hard to find. The chili beans were really good too. Their chopped pork and brisket left something to be desired, not bad in anyway but just not great. It's too bad that they are in Kaua'i so I can't get back to them easily, otherwise I'd drive for miles and miles to get at them.
(5)
Michael M.

Wow....great food....our family ate there for dinner tonight. We had the chicken plate, sampler plate and pork plate. Incredible food. The chicken was unbelievable. Well worth the cost. Highly recommend it!
(5)
Jason S.

We stopped here twice for dinner while on Kauai because it was so good the first time, it's fast, easy, and pretty cheap. The first time we had a chicken plate and a sampler plate. They were out of ribs formmy sampler, so I got extra pork and beef......mmmmm....the pork and beef were so tender, juicy, and tasty! Their chicken was also really good. The second night we again got chicken and a pork plate. The chicken was just as good as the first night, but the pork portion was so much smaller and was much drier than the first night ( hence the loss of a star). If in doubt, ask for a sample first to ensure the cook for the night it living up to expectations....they offered me samples the first night to help decide.
(4)
Jared M.

stopped in here after a day at Backcountry Adventures ziplining...incredibly good ribs. Pepper (the owner) even took me into the gated area where his two oil drum smokers are to show the process. Bottom line this is a great guy who is making food to please his customers. Can't go wrong stopping in...next time through Kauai I'll be sure to have another rack.
(4)
Daedre B.

A MUST DO! We drove by this place several times before deciding to give it a try and are we happy we did! The burritos are amazing and the ribs are PERFECT!!
(5)
Mitchell G.

Well, the name pretty much says it all. The food was absolutely delicious, very reasonably priced, and served by a super friendly staff. For a quick meal on the go, this place was awesome. Definitely worth checking out.
(5)
Megan P.

I love when one of the best restaurants I go to somewhere is also the cheapest and a roadside stand. We got the sampler... everything was delicious, and we even got one of the cooks to show us the barrel smoking they were doing. Don't make the mistake of not stopping here on your trip.
(5)
Justin K.

Food was quick cheap and tasty. Perfect spot for lunch or a light dinner.
(5)
Will C.

chicken in a barrel is delicious. so smokey so tasty. will go back to try ribs. they even pay a dude to dress up as a human/chicken hybrid to draw people in. please stop by so that person doesn't have to do that anymore. Help a brother out, Hawaii is HOT.
(4)
Mike R.

Great place to stop. Don't let the size fool you, this place is great! The meat had a great flavor and was very tender. The chili is the best chili I have ever had. Big Mike is really nice too. Thanks for an amazing meal!
(5)
Curtis Y.

Chicken was really juicy, not a hint of dryness. The BBQ sauce was sweet and the spicyness did not overpower the flavor. The chili beans had a hint of sweetness to them as well. They also have some kimchi to go with your brown rice and a sink to wash up afterwards.
(4)
Jessica S.

Delicious BBQ! We left our Poipu condo around 11 am, headed to see Wailua falls, drove into Kapaa for lunch at chicken in a barrell, then headed back to Lydgate Beach for a wonderful day. Hy husband is from Texas and he thouroughly enjoyed this BBQ!! We even purchased the spice rub.
(5)
Shawn C.

I wrote a review on my phone, but I am not sure it posted right. I enjoyed our lunch here so much I want to make sure it posts correctly. My wife and I had a 1/2 chicken and brownie and it was fantastic! Not only was the chicken juicy and flavorful, but the homemade BBQ sauce (especially the hot) was excellent. To top it all off, we had a great converation with Pepper about how the chicken in the barrel came about. This will be one of our first stops during our next trip to Kauai!
(5)
Logan N.

So fresh and so good.
(5)
Kyle M.

This is barely better than Scotty's. And no, that's not a compliment. Got the steak plate and the rib plate. Bland meat, bland chili = $22. The especially heinous ribs were about 3 hours from being properly rendered. The accompanying BBQ sauce was decent, though. Needless to say, I won't be dining here again.
(1)
Laurie E.

Just back from Kauai and this place is every bit as good as others say! The ribs and chicken were killer great! Moist with lots and lots of flavor! Portions are large and prices reasonable for Kauai! Love the message on the container! We will be back!
(5)
Oscar V.

Great fall of the bone bbq. Thanks Pepper the food was great must have when in Kauai.
(5)
T L.

We saw this place on a drive to Princeville and it looked to be promising. When hunger struck and we were headed that way again, we decided to stop in. Our thoughts: For Kauai the prices were decent, $12 for the spare ribs and $9.50 for the chicken plate. The guy sold us on the spare ribs otherwise we would have gone with 2 chicken plates. It turned out to be good solid food. The barrel concept is a No Cal staple that many people may not know about. The flavor was pretty darn good. Both meats were moist and had a nice crispy outside. The sauce we dipped into was hot and was outstanding. As mentioned the refills are available if you ask, the place is pretty spartan, but it offers solid food and the guy was pretty cool. If one tires of Kalua pork and below average burgers which are plentiful on this island, take a drive over to Chicken in a Barrel. It is worth the time.
(4)
Polina D.

This is better than just a "good BBQ place in Kauai" it's straight up good BBQ for anywhere. Super moist chicken, really tender meaty ribs. AND, importantly, very reasonably priced (given otherwise high prices of everything in Kauai).
(5)
Amjad S.

Awesome chicken. Good ribs. Meh brisket and pork.
(4)
Dave T.

Ate the chicken & rib combo and was blown away. The side of red beans are cooked with tomatoes & ground beef for a very hearty & tasteful combo. But the real stars were the chicken & the ribs; both done to perfection, still moist with a subtle smoked flavor. Wonderful!
(5)
Dani B.

Food was dry and had no BBQ taste. Even with the BBQ sauce on top the food was still below average. Nothing special. L and L was probably better
(1)
Rositsa K.

The BEST! Really- the pork, the chicken, the gravy. This place is a must if you go to Kauai. Super friendly staff and awesome food- what more do you want!
(5)
DENISE A.

Attention all Yelpers! This is the place for fabulous Bar-B-Que! Street atmosphere, great after a busy day at work or play! We tried all the meats & sides! You can't go wrong for the value, fast & friendly service & flavor to the max!
(4)
Ann N.

Our favorite bbq restaurant in Kauai. We had the bbq combo plate and the chicken sandwich. Everything tasted amazing. We loved how the chicken was so juicy. Superfriendly service. Definitely a MUST when you are on the island.
(5)
Codey M.

I'm from Texas, so don't doubt that I know about good barbecue. On our two-year anniversary in September, we went to Hawaii (first time). I loved the island of Kauai, but was severely disappointed in the cuisine. Perhaps it was because we were on the small island, perhaps we didn't make the best choices. But we decided to try out Chicken in a Barrel on a whim. It was the first time in several days we were thrilled with our selection. The BBQ was great - tender, juicy, the sauce was great....and Little Pepper was great to visit with. I even enjoyed the roadside ambiance. If you are looking for fast, but quality food, you should visit.
(4)
Nick B.

There were live chickens walking around the front of this place tempting fate. I was so ready to throw them in a barrel and smoke em just like their succulent delicious little friends. The chicken here is AWESOME. Yes the place is right on the road, yes it has the ambiance of a newspaper stand. But the smoky fall of the bone chicken makes up for all of that and more. Just eat the chicken, don't waste your appetite on the rice, the beans, etc. etc. Just the chicken. Be at one with the chicken.
(5)
Eddie B.

I previously reviewed the Kapaa location very favorably. However, I cannot do so with the Hanalei location. The #1 Chicken Plate was nowhere near as good. Very little chicken, but plenty of backbone and fatty skin. There was far more chicken on the sandwich than in the plate. There needs to be consistency in the product they are serving. This group of employees seemed much less proficient. They need to get Pepper up there to train the group.I think they can succeed, but not in Hanalei if this is the result.
(3)
Yuan-Yu L.

My family from taiwan and I had the wonderful experiences here. The BBQ meat are so yum (especially the chicken). Regarding the sides, the brownie, and the salad (well I forgot the name) are very good too. High recommended if you want to experience the real Hawaiian spirit and have the good food at the same time.
(5)
Shell C.

Overall ... 4 stars but the Chicken by itself is a fiver. They hade homemade coleslaw that was very unique and delicious. Sauces were okay bet were lacking in originality. Would definitely eat there again. Would like to try the chicken sandwiches/wraps next time.
(4)
Davis T.

Good chicken considering how many of them are wandering around the grounds waiting to eat one of their own
(4)
Aaron N.

Pure and simple one of the best places to eat in Kapa'a. My wife and I were on Kaua'i for our honeymoon and had a hard time finding good cheap food. Chicken In a Barrel has it! First time there we had the barrel rolls which are like burritos but with barbecued meat inside. Can you say OH MY GOD THAT SOUNDS GOOD? I had a pork one and my wife had chicken. The sauce is delicious (and I applied it liberally) and the meat was smoky and tender. We quickly devoured these morsels of delectibility and got back to looking for that essential "No Hen No Crow" Bob Marley themed chicken T-shirt. A quick and tasty lunch for both of us for under $15. We came back the next night for a half rack and some BBQ chicken, both amazing and still cheaper than most other places. And in Hawaii that counts for A LOT. The larger meals were served with homemade chili and rice and those didn't disappoint either. Anyway, if you don't like chicken, don't come to Kaua'i. You'll end up skipping the best place to eat and the native Moa will drive you CRAZY! They're EVERYWHERE and will sit there watching you eat their cousins all covered in BBQ sauce. I thought about feeding some chicken to them but decided against committing a crime against nature!
(5)
Charles K.

Awesome bbq....cool people....good portion..excellent bbq sauce. I subtracted one star because the ribs were a LITTLE over cooked....not dry...still very tasty...and this place was ALMOST worthy of a prefect 5 stars..if could give 4.75 stars I would. Def a must visit of you are in kauai!
(4)
Margaret S.

First this place is CLEAN! For a small road side eatery I was very impressed at the cleanliness. There is a small sink (with hot water) where you can wash your hands and a decent amount of shaded outside seating. We were lured in by driving back and forth past the restaurant during our trip and every time it just smelled better and better. The food did not disappoint. We had the chicken and pork plates for our first meal at this place. The chicken fell off the bone and was super moist. The port was tender and extremely flavorful. The chili that day was awesome! Spoke to the owner while we were there and apparently his father-in=law had made the chili that day. The mother-in-law usually makes it but for some reason could not that day. All I can say is wow! Super meaty and chunky not soupy at all. The owner even came out with a small bowl of his beef for us to taste. This is what was the deciding factor for us on the rating. The beef was tender, juicy, and oh so smoky. It tasted like something my father would have made. We decided to stop by again on our way to the airport and ordered the wraps. 2 hours and 10,000 feet later we were not disappointed. Next time we will buy a few extra to sell to the other passengers on the plane ride home.
(5)
Ly Y.

The place is the bomb. Who would have expected a great BBQ in Hawaii! We had the Beef, Spare Ribs, and Chicken! None of the entrÃ©es disappointed. The chili is tasty and the place even serves healthier brown rice instead of plain brown rice. The Hot BBQ sauce is the bomb!
(5)
Aloha L.

Have had some sub par experiences here but they have greatly improved over the last couple of years. Pepper and his wife are awesome and hook up some good grub!
(5)
Kolohe R.

Just the two of us, no family on Kauai, for Thanksgiving week...rented bikes from KapaaBeachShop and purchased 1/2 Chicken from Andrew. Wow...great tasting, smokey, SC BBQ flavor! Loved it. Aloha!
(5)
Dave D.

Luved this place. Stumbled upon it walking one early morning ... They had just started the days cooking so my wife and I came back at 10am when they opened. My wife had the pork wrap and I had the chicken plate. Damn good food ... Big chicken breast and tasty chili beans and brown rice. The guy working there was cool and chatted with us for a bit. Luv this place. + $10 for a cool shirt!!
(5)
Julie R.

We stopped in last night to try the sampler plate of BBQ... Wow this is really good. I'm sure if we were staying in Kapaa for our trip we would visit 2-3 times. Sampler plate was huge enough to share for 2 people. The meats, delicious, juicy and great smokey flavor. If we are in the area again we will stop by. Great Job you guys!
(5)
Alfred L.

This is two reviews in one. Had I gone here just once, CIAB would get 4 stars, but i made the mistake of coming back the next day and had a less than pleasant experience, hence the three stars. Review #1: Came with the wife. She ordered the chicken plate, while i had the meat sampler. My sampler didn't have much meat to sample. Small pieces of pork rib, beef rib, chicken and pork? maybe. I will say the pork ribs were very good and so was the chicken. My wife loved the chicken quarter plate. Moist and juicy. I suspect they were using a water smoker in those barrels to get the chicken that moist but i couldnt confirm it. Her chicken was moist and tender. We both loved the beans, which are mixed with ground beef and really appear to be chili. Anyways, it was good, if not small portion wise. Review #2: The next day we came back however, was not so good. I ordered the "Chicken Barrel wrap" They should rename it "Bell Pepper wrap, *now with trace amounts of chicken*". I opened it up to make sure. Lets see. Rice, beans, lettuce, Whoa! butt loads of bell pepper. I later took it to a crime lab where they used an electron microscope and did find trace amounts of a chicken like substance. I was half inclined to chase down one of the million wild chickens loitering at the trailer and put that bugger in my wrap. Not to get off track, but couldn't this place knock out two issues at once: 1) control the wild chicken population by trying to catch some of them and throwing them in their Barrel smokers and 2) quit jacking the tourists by charging them $9.50 for a leg quarter plate?? If they accomplished #1, then they wouldn't have to worry about the cost of chicken, right?
(3)
Mae D.

Had the combo plate and 1/4 chicken with chili beans last Monday while on vacay. The chicken was so flavorful, smoky and juicy. The combo plate was a great way to try all the meats which were also fantastic. Definitely try the spicy bbq sauce. It was great to sit outside by the roadside and watching the smoke coming out from the barrels. Pepper the guy behind all the cooking was awesome. He came out from behind the counter to check on us. Great food, service and hospitality. Thanks Pepper!
(4)
K S.

Visited Kauia a few weeks ago and drove past this place all week, the smells always got our attention. It's North Carolina style of bbq but done in such a unique way. Plus locals also recommended it to us and it didn't disappoint. Great part is two plates fed my husband, myself and our two kids!
(4)
Holli H.

I'm not sure about the folks that posted the bad reviews and everyone is entitled to their own opinion but this Texas girl who knows good BBQ thinks they are CRAZY! My husband and I tried this place after passing by on numerous occasions and as I mentioned, being from Texas, we know great BBQ! We were blown away by how good it was. If we had a place this good back home it would easily be the best BBQ in town! We shared the sampler plate, which consisted of the pulled pork, beef, ribs and chicken, a side of rice and a side of chili beans that my husband thought were bomb! And I have to say that sharing this meal was the perfect amount of food. Now let me tell you about the sauces...contrary to a prior post, they need no explaining. There is mild and there is hot...each is equally scrumptious in its own right. The hot has a little kick but nothing offensive...try them both. So to sum it up, all I have to say is that they should make you sign a contract prior to getting your meal that makes you promise not to slap your mamma! Definitely a must try!
(5)
Vivian H.

I came towards the end of the evening, so they were sold out of most of what I wanted. I had the guy put together a plate of whatever they had left, and it was all tremendous. The meats were really tender and flavorful, and even the chili was freaking delicious and I'm not a fan of chili. It was almost like a hearty tomato-based stew. It was a HUGE meal for maybe $15 and I'll admit I ate everything. I also hiked for like 7 hours straight that day so maybe that's why. WORTH IT!
(5)
Terri S.

You can't beat the chicken. Tiny little shack with a few picnic tables and super yummy barbecued chicken. The sides are only so-so or I would give this 5 stars. Pick up chicken to go add your own sides like some chips and fresh fruit and take it to the beach for a perfect meal. The chicken is soooo good.
(4)
Ken C.

One of the best chicken bbq I've eaten. First stop in Kauai after a long flight before driving up to Princeville. A must stop. Now they opened in Hanalei, too. Ribs are tasty too. And must try their beans/chili.
(5)
Mitch T.

This might be the best BBQ I've ever had and that's saying something because I'm from Texas.
(5)
Mitch A.

First time here. Had to stop in and try it out. The pulled pork is delicious! The chili, cornbread and slaw are really good too! And the portions are good size!! Highly recommend this place
(4)
Alison K.

Great food, had twice while on Kauai, good smoked/bbq pork and chicken, also yummy were the "mexi-que" options: fish tacos, burritos and pulled pork hoagie. Prices just a bit higher than i am used to for the kind of food and establishment, but thats how all the food is on Kauai. Happy with the taste, most importantly!
(4)
Annamarie D.

Pros: Best smoked chicken we've ever had. Beat Texas, Tennessee, and in btwn that I've had. Ordered the chicken and rib plate both meats were super tender and had a very good taste even without their sauce. Sauce was good too basic but flavorful. Chicken hoagie was good flavorful too but nothing to die for and the chili beans, Mac salad, and rice were all amazing. cons: our sandwich came with chips but they didn't tell us we had to ask for them and found out BUT they offered Mac salad which was perfect. We ordered two extra ribs which had to be reminded about as well. I may understand if they were busy but they just weren't paying attention. All in all the cons definitely weren't enough to not revisit. food=AMAZING
(5)
Rick M.

Awesome. Good service and Ono food. Chicken plate was mean! Had the brownie and it just hit the spot.
(5)
Kevin R.

Really love this place. Smokers are where you eat, so you get the smells to go along with the great food. The ribs are 3.25 for just a single rib, which I feel is a bit pricy. So I just went with the sampler plater. Score!!! Plenty of food for the right price. Thank you for the great bbq!!! Mahalo!
(5)
Joy W.

They said they were trying to copy Texas BBQ.. Well they nailed it! I would go here over and over again if it were in Texas. The chicken is incredible moist and flavorful. The pork ribs are delicious. Even the bean chili is good for someone who doesn't care for beans. The sauces are not spicy at all but you can add Tabasco. They even have a sink and soap to wash your hands. Brilliant! A bbq place is incomplete without a sink to clean up. The flies are quite annoying here. The staff is not annoying- they are friendly. Decently priced. do come here!!!
(5)
Eric S.

Chicken plate was delicious and filled me up. Love the BBQ sauce, too. I'll have to go back and try some of the other meats.
(4)
Mark L.

Hoo boy! Wanted to like this place. Great concept, very low key takeout spot, but wow?!!! Very, very over smoked out food. Too strong smoke for normal bbq for us. Sauce was weak. No flavor Mac salad bland and dry. Rice cold and gummy. Beans ok. Wanna go? Uh huh. Sorry.
(2)
Marcie R.

We ordered the Sampler with no rice sub Mac salad and a side of slaw! We got our food shortly after we ordered and it was so good! I personally loved the pulled beef and Hawaiian slaw! They are a must try but everything was delicious!
(5)
Sara M.

Ribs were delicious! Burrito was huge! Amazing portion sizes ... But the smokey flavor in the meat and bbq sauce was too strong for me. I got the chicken and rib plate, ate the ribs but couldn't eat the chicken because of that smoke flavor
(3)
Fran C.

While working on Kauai today, I was lucky enough to finally made it to the Chicken in a Barrel BBQ!! I was scanning all the foodie places to eat on Yelp, when I came across a review about this place in Kapaa. Lucky for me, I was working in Princeville and Kapaa area today, and upon finishing my last job, I just headed down the road to stop by the famous small little shack known as - Chicken in a Barrel BBQ. Upon looking at the menu, I ended up getting a Chicken & Rib combo for $14.10, with a bottled water......my meal came up to around the $16.00 range. Not bad for BBQ food. What can I say about the grub........the ribs were very tender, and the meat came off the bone very easy. There was a nice smooth smokey flavor to it, and all I did was add a little hot BBQ sauce to enhance the flavor of the ribs. As the the chicken, this place is well known for their smoked BBQ chicken. The chicken was plump, juicy, meaty, and soft! The juices just leaked out as I tore though the meat, and it also had a nice smokey flavor. The plate came with one scope of brown rice, and a chili on the side. There is no inside seating, only outdoor picnic type tables around the shack, so be ready to rough it in the outdoors. For today, I had a new friend join me for lunch.......as I was eating my lunch, I felt some eyes looking at me. Then low and behold, I see this cute doggie slowly sneaking up to me.........I guess he/she was very hungry, as I could see it was salivating a lot. Sooooo cute........and I had more than enough food for myself, so I gladly shared my lunch with this cute doggie today. The best thing is I made a new friend, and hopefully he/she had enough to eat too. There is no parking, but you can park in front of the shack on the gravel road, or you can find street, or parking near by at the park. Overall a pretty good place to get some BBQ, but if I had to compare it with the BBQ places I've eaten in Houston, Texas, I think I'd rather have the places I've eaten on the mainland.
(4)
Jen Y.

Best chicken ever! Super moist and perfect smoky flavor. All of the staff are super friendly and helpful. We love this place!
(5)
Bill B.

After revisiting this place almost two years later, it seems to have gone downhill quite a bit. The chicken was still decent, but the chili and coleslaw were only so-so. They were also out of cornbread and the tables were filthy... ...but the biggest issue was the rap music filled with F-bombs blasting from the kitchen, in contrast with the scriptures quoted on their menu board and serving boxes. Neither were appropriate nor appreciated. We won't be back.
(2)
Chris S.

I'm a big fan of BBQ, and I never thought that Kauai was known for BBQ, but when we found this place by our condo I had to try it. We ordered the sampler platter (ie a little of everything), a chicken plate, a kid's burrito, and a hoagie w/ chips I can report that the chicken is definitely the best hands down. I'm not a huge chicken fan, I almost always go for pulled pork or beef, but neither could hold up to the BBQ chicken. Only the chicken seemed to have that yummy BBQ taste and was so tender. The beef and pork were...meh: the BBQ sauce (mild (sweet) and hot (nice and spicy)) made them decent. The plates came with brown rice and chili, both I thought were well done. Very friendly staff, and only outside seating. One interesting tidbit, is that just south of here is a food truck where you can get homemade kombucha and kava drinks. Not cheap, but done up right. All in all I would recommend it...if you get the chicken :-)
(4)
Becky C.

Small place with outdoor tables. I ordered a sampler plate of chicken and ribs. Both were smoked well and tasted great. They are served with chili beans which is just like what it sounds like chili. Very tasty. Brownie was not as good. This was a very filling meal for $50. (3 people)
(4)
Jim M.

I have been very disappointing with the quality of everything but the ribs. Ribs are "ok" but other cuts of meat were not to my liking. Admittedly good BBQ sauce variety. I've ordered meat to go and got home to find lots of fat and grizzle and feel I was shorted. It may had been an accident, but I'm not going back.
(1)
Christina L.

I wanted to like this more, but it was just okay for me. I got the half ribs and half chicken and it wasn't bad, but nothing I'd be clamoring back to. It's a small, super casual place and you can eat at a few tables inside on wooden picnic tables outside. The ribs seemed a bit on the dry side to me and it was hard to get the meat off the bones. The chicken was good - juicy and with a nice smoky flavor, but nothing I can get elsewhere. They had run out of a lot of the sides, so I ended up with 2 things of brown rice which was fine, but nothing out of the world. I don't think I'd be back here again - fine for a casual eat, inexpensive, and if you're in a hurry, but not worth making a special trip in my opinion. I don't even live in a place with excellent BBQ, but this was uninspiring to me.
(3)
Marlene W.

The best BBQ chicken and pulled pork in the Island. My husband can't wait to go back and try the ribs. The service was great.
(5)
M M.

Hands down, the BEST bbq on all of Kauai. The sampler plate is what we got. It's literally, enough food for 2 people or 1 really hungry one. Incredibly delicious.
(5)
Greg K.

The chicken is some of the best I've ever had. The pork is good, and I've had some good BBQ being from North Carolina, and this is on par with most of it. Cole slaw was also fantastic.
(4)
Alexandra J.

Omggg staying on the south shore too many sit down fancy restaurants. Headed out to Kapaa and saw the chicken in a barrel BBQ shack and it was quick easy and one of the BEST meals I've had. Decent prices and huge portions! Had the ribs and corn bread... Sooooo good! Go here!
(5)
Ben C.

Best Chicken Tacos on Kauai! Place in Kapaa is a roadside stand and they smoke the chicken right next to the highway, if you can resist the delicious smell then you are stronger person than me. We ate their four times during our week on the island and are already missing it. Staff are friendly and give great advice!
(5)
Roland S.

Wow!!! Just walked out. We had the sampler plate (chicken, pulled pork, pulled beef, an a rib). That was amazing. Being a huge smoker/bbq'ing man myself, I can tell you that these fine gentlemen have smoking and bbq'ing down!!! The chicken was the most tender and moist chicken I have ever had. Especially from a BBQ. I wish I knew their secret. I would be cooking this on a regular basis at home. The pork and the beef were both exceptional. The flavor and bark on them was outstanding. This place is amazing. Highly recommend if you are in the area. They also have a location in Hanalei. Haven't tried that one, but if it's anything like the Kapaa location, you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Debbie L.

Delicious! After reading some reviews we thought we'd try the BBQ. Got the chicken plate and had a nice big piece of Chicken along with brown rice and chili. Highly recommend this place. Nice and clean and the service was wonderful. Very nice people. Will be recommending Guy Fieri of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives to come and taste! He won't be disappointed. John 3:16.
(5)
Dan F.

Great BBQ joint! I had the sampler for dinner and breakfast the next morning. The sampler only comes with one rib. I wish more because it was amazing. The chicken is great. My wife was ranting about her chicken platter. It's on the side of the road, so I get it is going to be a dive, but it would be nice to have a few more lights under the umbrellas for us to see our for at night.
(4)
Brian I.

Believe the hype and the glowing reviews. Great food and very friendly staff! From the ribs to the chicken to the pulled pork you'll surly find something that'll make you want to go back for a second visit.
(5)
Laura W.

Delicious !! We had 3 samplers , shredded beef , cole slaw and corn bread - from the samplers- overall best was the BBQ chicken - I loved my shredded beef --- good value too !
(5)
Korina R.

Yum! Food was super good! Had the chicken and ribs. Highly recommended! Flies were kind of annoying, but nothing you can do about that! Wish the Hot BBQ sauce was hotter.
(4)
Kim R.

This place was amazing! Great burritos with chicken, pork and beef. Right off the side of the road so very convenient. We stopped on our way back from our hike to Hanalei Beach. John from Jersey who works there was very friendly and accommodating! Does a good job cooking the chicken. Good luck to him on his travels.
(5)
cerisa i.

Great BBQ and great portions. After paying resort prices for mediocre food all week, Chicken in a Barrel was such a breath of fresh air...or a mouth of good food? Had the tacos and sampler plate-- so so so satisfying. Great stop in Kapaa.
(5)
Chris H.

We had the pork tacos, pork hoagie, and kids pulled pork sandwich. All were excellent!
(5)
Sean M.

Sampler Plate - 3 Stars Pulled Pork is good - 4 Stars Baby back ribs - 4 Stars Pulled beef - 3 stars Chicken - 2 stars The chicken in the barrel has pretty good BBQ as long as you stay away from the chicken.
(3)
Tawny G.

This place knows how to make some awesome BBQ!! The pork is amazing! They usually have coupons in the local coupon books too so check there!
(5)
Mariah C.

Definitely one of our best meals on Kauai, and some of the hands down best BBQ I've had. (And I grew up in a Midwestern BBQ family.) While I thought the ribs and pulled pork were good, the chicken and beef were truly amazing. We did a 1/2 chicken, and it was flavorful, moist and all around awesome. The beef was like super flavorful shredded beef jerky...in the most awesome way possible. I almost wish I hadn't tried this place, because now I'm back in Colorado craving it...and I can't get it! If you're on Kauai, eat here!
(5)
Michael N.

Had some great food on our trip, but Chicken in a Barrel takes the cake. Lovely little hole in the wall place (shack?) we had been meaning to go to for a while...the smell wafting from the shack is enough make you salivate. It's the aroma of chicken, pork and ribs being slowly smoking in a barrel, smells so good you kinda want to bottle it! Went to the original place in Kapa'a. The owners were lovely and gave us pointers on how to eat corn bread (with honey and chilli) - something not readily available in Australia. The food was reasonably priced for a generous serving - The two of us managed one plate! Definitely recommend the sample plate for a bit of everything - that chicken! Amazing.
(5)
Kin N.

Don't let the humble appearance fools you. Some of the best food in Hawaii is served at humble places - roadside stand, fishing boat docks...etc and this is one good example. Despite its name, the establishment serves various BBQ meats, including chicken (duh!), beef, pork, and baby back ribs. We ordered a chicken plate and a sampler plate (with all four kinds of meats). The plates came with brown rice and chilli beans. The chicken is as good as it gets - moist, flavorful, and good smokiness. the chilli beans is good too with big bold flavor and lots of spice (but not overly spicy). The baby back ribs was tender and quite flavorful. However, for a BBQ snob from the the south, I'd like it to be fall-off-the-bone tender and have more smoke ring. The shredded pork and beef were both disappointing. While having good smokiness, both were under seasoned and slightly dry. This establishment is great for a casual, inexpensive meal. However, stick with the chicken. It's called CHICKEN in a barrel for a reason....
(4)
Lacey G.

Ribs- awesome. Chicken- ok, a little greasy. Chili beans- Tastes like they were from a can. French fries- great flavor and crispy. Best fries I've had on the island. They were out of cornbread so I was bummed about that. My meal was $18 which was pricey for the Amount of food they actually give you. I thought it would be more. I like the hot and mild BBQ sauces combined to get the sauce just right. It's good but I would pay the price of this meal again for what I got.
(4)
Michael T.

We constantly saw this place spread out all over the island of Kauai and had some friends eat here and suggest we do the same. It did not disappoint. I had a 1/2 chicken, macaroni salad and cornbread (eh) and it was some of the best chicken I have ever eaten. The upside- inexpensive, tasty, fast and friendly service. The down- it's outside and you practically are sitting in traffic, there are chickens and stray dogs everywhere to beg for food and they only have plastic silverware and styrofoam boxes. I would defiantly return, as the food was THAT GOOD. Give it a try if you happen to be on the island.
(4)
Arron Y.

The chicken was delicious it just melted off the bone. So good. The ribs were a little fatty but a lot of meat very very big chunks. I would recommend getting a side of the spicy barbecue as well as the regular and a lot of napkins. The chili is also delicious and we also got a side of corn bread.
(5)
Andy J.

Had the #1 quarter chicken plate on several different visits here. It is served with a side of rice and chili. The chicken was moist and had a good Smokey flavor. The hot BBQ sauce had good heat and a lot of molasses flavor. The smell of the chicken in the barrels gets your mouth watering as you walk up to the building. This was my favorite lunch on the island. The only downside is the traffic noise because it is right on highway 53. The little sink to wash your hands is a great touch.
(5)
Peter G.

Get the chicken. It is truly great. Everything else, not so much. First the good. The chicken was moist and tasty. Yum. I wish I knew the secret it was so good. Now the "meh." The ribs were tasteless; juicy yes, but had no distinct flavor. The pork was dry. The sides were over-priced for what you got. The mac salad must have come out of a tub. The slaw...oh man, I was looking for some goodness here. But, it was a half-pint container (see value mention above) with a commercial slaw mix, that got dressed upon order: splat. Can you at least toss that salad I just paid 4 bucks for? The lemonade was gross, coke product out of a dispenser. I'll end with a saying from my dad, "Don't order the fish at a steak joint." Get the chicken, be happy.
(3)
Alter K.

Arrived at about 1pm and they were out of chicken - very bummed, we opted for the mixed plate that has a selection of all the meats. Overall, everything tasted just ok like smoked meat without any seasoning - which was surprising because they sell bottles of their special seasoning. The meats (ribs, pulled pork, pulled brisket) were all a little dry and bland. The BBQ sauce comes pumped out of large plastic containers, but the mild didn't taste any different from BBQ sauce out of a bottle from your grocery store. If they are out of chicken, maybe come back when they have more.
(3)
Clarence C.

The best meal we had in Kauai. Polite staff. No frills, but excellent chicken and ribs.
(5)
Kathy J.

Savory!! This place is a total find for tourists (like we were). We were fortunate enough to have a really good hotel desk trip advisor, recommended this place to us. The prices are super reasonable, and the food is outrageously good. A Kauai favorite!
(5)
Jonathan B.

First of all, sorry Pepper for taking three months to write a review! Ok, so my wife and I were recently in Hawaii for our honeymoon and stayed in the Princeville area. Princeville is absolutely beautiful - especially the sunsets at the Regis. Anyway, the only thing not relaxing about these beautiful islands is the enormous price of the food! By halfway through our trip, we were looking to economize our pallets. Nothing says "cost effective" like a small smokehouse on the side of the road; so, we decided to stop in. MIND BLOWN *enter booming sounds*. We split the combo meal with the three types of meat, since we weren't really sure what to expect. What we ended up with was one of the most delicious BBQ experiences we'd ever had, and we lived in Texas for two years. I'm talking Austin - Saltlick and some of the most celebrated BBQ places on the mainland. Chicken-in-a-Barrel was completely on par! What was once a quest for a wallet-friendly quick meal turned into a true obsession with this delicious place. The people that work there are fun, and we will be coming here every time we make our way to Hawaii. Oh, and the combo is totally big enough to split for two people. Pour BBQ sauce on the brown rice and get ready for awesomeville.
(5)
Dion J.

The food here is terrible! No flavor! Meaning they don't put any type of seasoning in their food. If this place was in California or any other part of the mainland this place would not do well. I really wanted to like this place, because there's a lack of BBQ spots on the island, but it just wasn't good! Yes the meat is tender, but tenderness is only one factor in regards to good BBQ. So if you're looking for good BBQ this is is not the spot!
(1)
Meghan S.

This may be the best chicken I've ever had. I highly recommend this place. The service was fast and the spicy BBQ sauce is a must. We also had the pulled pork sandwich which was good too, but the chicken...
(5)
Lori W.

Hawaii has some of the best food ever, and this place is winner. My husband and I ordered the 1/2 chicken that comes with two (smallish) sides so we ordered an oriental coleslaw. Everthing is outstanding. The chicken was moist (breasts tend to try out, but not here!!) and the sides were very good too. We ate here twice in the 10 days we were on Kauai. The staff (owners?) were fun, energetic and just very nice people. Do not pass this up!!
(5)
Sandy N.

This is a great place for yummyBBQ! Melts in your mouth and makes you want more. We ordered their 1/2 chicken and 1/2 ribs with their cole slaw and beans. I wasn't a fan of their slaw. Their breakfast burrito is real great! They have great customer service and owner is a great guy! They sell out of things pretty fast so you have to have a back up choice just in case. It's cool how they actually cook their food in a barrel!
(4)
Becky L.

I first spotted this on the roadside as we drove through Kapa'a on our way to Princeville and was intrigued by the name. We came back today to check it out, and it's exactly as it sounds. The chicken is cooked in barrels by the roadside, hung up by hooks. The owner was also super friendly and chatted with us while we were waiting for our order. It was also pretty interesting seeing him at work in the "kitchen" aka bunch of barrels. Now for the most important part: the food! We ordered the chicken plate and the rib plate. The chicken plate comes with a 1/2 order of chicken, brown rice, and chili. The rib plate comes with about 6 ribs, brown rice, and chili. The chicken was cooked perfectly! It was incredibly juicy and moist inside and quite flavorful. The ribs were also good; the meat practically fell off the bone. The barbeque sauce was also really great; the hot variation had just the right amount of kick and really complimented the flavor of the meat. Overall, great food, great service, interesting concept. What more do you want?
(5)
Peiran S.

The sampler was huge. You got to have a extremely good appetite and extremely vacant stomach to finish it. We didn't. Barrel chicken was tender and tasty, in a doable amount. Overall it's a top tier street vendor/lunch box place. But nothing really impressed Me to jaw dropping. Staff was friendly and allowed us to eat our Lau Lau bought in Pono market. :)
(4)
Cheryl K.

The food was amazing. My daughter and I shared the sampler plate. The meats were juicy and tender and full of flavor. My daughter is wanting to eat there again today!
(5)
john h.

You know how I am about BBQ. No smoke, I keep going. Well, this is the real deal. How real? I hate chicken. Well not really, but it's my second LEAST favorite protein (salmon is the first). Probably due to all those weddings and meetings I attended that serve animals that just got off the Ark. Anyway, this chicken is so good, there was nothing left except the cluck from the pieces I ordered. I did take some back to the condo, and had it COLD the next day, and it was still good. You can get sauce on the side, but you don't need it. Really. Do yourself a favor and stop in. Aloha
(5)
Alie Z.

Hands down the best BBQ chicken I have ever had. I usually stay away from chicken breast at BBQ restaurants cause I think it's dry but this chicken was omg so moist and flavorful! The ribs were equally as good. This is the first place that we've stopped in Kauai that my boyfriend says we WILL be going back to before we leave. The owner was an awesome guy and made sure to see how we liked our food, as well as chat it up with everyone else there. The good food and the atmosphere made for a great experience. They just suffered a fire which has them down to a limited menu for a bit, but don't let that scare you away because they are still throwing down delicious stuff!
(5)
Darren S.

Wow this place is really Yum! I love that it is a hole in the wall local family place . The chili beans are probably the best I have ever had.)) I am a smoker guy myself so this place rocks the food and the amount they give you is totally worth it . Prob about 13-15 a plate but worth ever penny. I highly recommend you try this stop while in Kauai also the owner was telling me they have another location In Hanalei.
(5)
Susan D.

Seriously! I don't get the five star ratings from the reviewers. As newbies, the only thing I appreciated was the order taker telling my husband he should have the beef in a sandwich instead of the full meal. After that...everything went down hill. Strike #1: The supply delivery truck arrived at noon and parked right in front of the restaurant where we were attempting to eat. Most restaurants arrange for their deliveries prior to opening. I realize your restaurant is outdoors, but a loud diesel truck and it's fumes do not make for a great dining experience. Strike #2: You should tell your guests, especially first timers, that they need to add their own BBQ sauce to their meal. Also, explaining what the different types are so that we are informed. My husband's beef sandwich was dry and not worth the six bucks I paid for it. He could have used a little sauce to make it more palatable. Strike #3: You may have unique flavors, but cooking your chicken until it is completely done throughout would be a good idea. My chicken was red and bloody on the inside, therefore, I could not eat it. I had to dump the entire meal. I would have brought it back, but since I couldn't eat at the restaurant I had to eat at the park, and I didn't want to walk all the way back since I have a bad back and couldn't walk very well that day. Strike #4: You need better communication all around. Just taking our order isn't enough, especially in an outdoor setting where we have to pick up our food. When it's ready, you should call our name so we know when the food is ready. When I went up to the window to ask if this was my order, the person inside seemed perturbed that I even asked. Strike #5: The drinks are not always about the ice. You need to add some liquids to it. My soda was so watered down by the ice that it had no flavor. Will I be back? Probably not. Sorry...you need a bit more work on customer service and QC on the food product. I love supporting the local economy when I visit a new area; I just hate throwing my money away though when I don't get something of quality in return for it...even if it was only $20.
(1)
Carl S.

Went for the ribs..per girl behind counter "fallin off the bone good" Reality....almost lost a few teeth trying to eat them
(2)
Daniel K.

Holy crap, this place is good. We hit this place up on our way back from the beach since it had great yelp reviews. We each got the rib & chicken combo plate and it was deeeeelish! Plenty of food for the most hungriest of appetites. Although the ribs were great, the chicken was super savory and moist. Easily one of the best cooked pieces of chicken I've ever had. If you like a kick to your BBQ go for the hot bbq sauce -- so good! We grabbed a few beers from our cooler and just sat at one of the tables. Such a great way to end a beach day in Kapa'a. I can't wait to eat here again.
(5)
Judi P.

I still dream of this place. The chicken and ribs are to die for. I don't know what they add to their BBQ sauce, but it is heavenly. It might be also be because they write John 3:16 on every container.
(5)
Alicia S.

Get the chicken! Corn bread is good, too. Ribs are okay. It's really about that chicken--yum!
(4)
Shen T.

This is a small takeout shack near our rental. The rating was quite high (they advertise on yelp as well), which is the only reason for the visit. Price wise, it too was high as my sampler plate was about $15 for this hole in the wall operation. Irrelevant of price, this is one I really don't get the high reviews. I guess for one, I was expecting more of a Hawaiian BBQ, which this was not. This is just the basic smoked BBQ that are common in Texas, which is where I'm from. Since I have my own BBQ grill and smoker, I do enjoy southern or traditional BBQ as well. I got the sampler which the beef and ribs were just ok, but little on the dry side. The chicken was a little better, but lacks in any unique flavor, which was a surprise given the nameof this place. We ate on the side of building as they have several tables next to the road as we want to eat it while hot and fresh. I really wanted to give it a 2 stars given the cost, but considering just the overall food taste, 3 stars is the most it deserves. I was trying to avoid the chain of L&L by going local, but this is not one I can recommend.
(3)
Jamezya P.

Pretty good. Chicken is juicy. Ribs were good. The mild sauce is nice and sweet. The hours on yelp is wrong. Its 11-8 mon to sat.
(4)
Dan H.

The food is good. I got the beef plate. However, when I opened the container up I was very disappointed with the amount of food. Way over priced for the amount of food you DON'T get!
(3)
Dan C.

I've had BBQ all over the U.S. and Hawaiian islands. My family and I went there based on our tour guide's recommendation. I got the 1/2 chicken and ribs platter + cornbread and it came out to about 23$. Pretty high prices for BBQ and the portions weren't as big as you would expect. The chicken and ribs were moist with a good amount of smokiness flavor. The rub on the ribs were good. The chicken wasn't that much better than you could get at your local Safeway or Costco on the "mainland" and definitely nowhere near as good as say "Phil's in SD" (kudos to the Californians). And the "homemade" cornbread by the chef/owner's wife tasted like chalk with the dryness of sand. I'm sure she is a sweet lady but she doesn't know how to make cornbread. And for 3$ for a palm size piece of cornbread - it better taste as good as a "5$ shake" (credit to Pulp Fiction). If you want BBQ on Kauai this will quench your thirst but it will leave you unsatisfied.
(3)
Nick A.

The tastiest smoked chicken I've ever had. Kailua pork was wonderful too. Great roadside spot.
(5)
Gina A.

It may not look like much, but the food is amazing! Awesome BBQ sauce and the shredded pork was super yummy. My husband wished there was more dark meat with the chicken serving, but otherwise it is a must-go!
(4)
Artemus M.

Sampler plate was fantastic with beef, pork, a rib and chicken. Chicken was easily the star though. The breast meat was really juicy and just melts in your mouth. You apply your own mild or hot bbq sauce. You eat outside in the nice Hawaii weather, and a sink is nearby to clean off the bbq. Definitely a place to try if you are in the area.
(4)
Nicole J.

Met the owner. He was so nice. Turns out he's a native Californian who fell in love with Kauai. He showed us his set up and was so friendly! And the food...so good! Everything is tasty! I'm not a coleslaw fan but this one is great! We've been to Kauai twice and this is an automatic stop for us! We love it!
(5)
Christina W.

Oh my goodness, please stop by this place! As soon as you smell the smoky aroma, you're there! We had a wonderful meat plate with pork, beef, and chicken. The meat was tender, not dry, and delicious! We were worried because we saw many of these around the island and realized it was a chain restaurant, but I think it's just a local chain, and either way, it's worth it!
(5)
Lisa C.

Who would think there would be a good BBQ place in Kauai? And...why would you eat such a heavy meal in the summer? Well, it's raining and a bit cool outside...I read the reviews and decided to stop. Sure glad we did! Fast and friendly service and the BBQ sauce is awesome. I like mine sweet! My favorite is the pulled pork smothered in sauce! Try it...you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Tonia S.

I love finding hole in the wall places like this!! one of my favorite meals & only $6. score! The chicken is full of flavor & falls off the bone. my son the picky eater asked to go back here again. And he ate it ALL!!! I even bought a jar of their seasoning to try to make this at home. Although, since I don't have a smoker to put this in for a day...it won't come close to this amazingness!!!
(4)
Lily B.

Overpriced., small portions. Ordered the bbq chicken hoagie and was so small vwith very little meat. Couldnt believe we just paid $12 for it. Seems like other people had better luck with this chain. But I personally wouldnt return.
(2)
Andrew G.

Stopped by this small BBQ spot after hiking....best BBQ I have had in a looooong time. The beef, chicken, and pork are absolutely amazingly tasteful and moist. The homemade BBQ sauce is out of this world. BUT, what really makes this place is the customer service. I was did not get their names but the employees here are extremely nice and unbelievably helpful. Great flavor plus great service equals five star experience. I will return to this spot over and over and over and over...
(5)
Jen C.

Our favorite place for an "easy" meal on Kauai, and it's only $20 for a half chicken and 2 sides. That's plenty for 2 and a pretty good deal on Kauai. And it tastes great. We always get takeout - find a picnic table with an ocean view and it's perfect.
(4)
Allison R.

great little find on the island!!!! Big portions and great great food! left full and with leftovers!!!! It does take a while to get your oder, so just walk down to the waters edge and watch the guys fishing. we had to combo and everything was very good!
(4)
Casey R.

This place is surprisingly expensive and remarkably bad. We had the shredded chicken sandwich and a shredded beef sandwich, mac salad and coleslaw for $40. Everything was utterly tasteless, buns were untoasted and soggy, the mac salad was somehow dried out and they didn't even give the bag of chips that was supposed to come with the $15 sandwiches. Avoid this place at all cost.
(1)
Bill T.

This was by far, the best chicken we have ever had! Pepper, the owner, was wonderful as a host and made the best barbecue this side of Kansas City! This place was recommended to me by a friend in San Diego, and I will certainly recommend this to everybody I know! Keep up the good work
(5)
Zeba E.

Delicious!! We ordered four sandwiches...two to eat there and two for the plane ride ;) we preferred the shredded beef sandwich over the chicken but both were good. I wish we were there longer to try the beef ribs :/ You will not go wrong if you order the shredded beef sandwich here. It tasted so good, even at the airport an hour or so later. Be prepared to smell like BBQ with the constant gusts of smoke!
(5)
Surai J.

just a tad better than the BBQ chicken at safeway or costco. Actually, I think Costco taste better and is more tender. The spicy BBQ sauce (on the side) is amaaaazing though and made the stop worthwhile! I'd get a few plastic cups of that to go!
(3)
Anthony C.

I have had a lot of great food while on the island thanks to my fellow yelpers and Chicken in the Barrel was no exception - Great chicken, ribs, and fish tacos! Not only was the food great but the service was terrific. My wife has a very difficult allergy to work around but Pepper made sure she had great food.
(5)
Alan C.

Ordered the combo plate (babyback ribs & leg/thigh chicken). Chicken was undercooked and, I've made better ribs myself at home in my oven. Service was pleasant and prices not out of line for Hawaii. Was very windy at outdoor seating (which, I guess, is not exactly their fault, but, be advised.) Napkins, forks, knifes, etc. were all blowing away, and yet, flies were landing on our food. I guess I am not an outdoor eating enthusiast. Kind of a cute place and has a great reputation locally, but I was not impressed with the food or the experience. It may have been an off-night. (Mid April, 2014.)
(3)
Travis H.

As the name implies, the chicken really is smoked in a barrel. The place is somewhere between restaurant and roadside food stand (more resembling the latter). The place is right off the highway and there are a 4-5 picnic tables to eat at (though a lot of people seem to get their food to go). The chicken is really great, flavorful and juicy (impressive since it's not easy to prepare BBQ chicken well). The ribs were OK. It would be really nice if there were side options other than rice and beans. Corn? Potato salad?
(4)
Joseph T.

Half of a tender ass chicken and two scoops of brown rice for $8.00? thats as good as it gets! was expecting that much meat to be dry, but it came out super moist and tender and the rub tasted great too. Indoor-ish area to eat in (still really open but there was a roof?) was super relaxing and two huge tv's to watch college football (it was a saturday afternoon). We were waiting for some friends and the workers didnt rush us at all to hurry up or anything. Would DEFINITELY come again on my next trip out here!
(5)
Gabe P.

I love this place great chicken! Nice smokey flavor. Try the chili as well it's good!
(5)
Edgar B.

Oh no, they ran out of chili beans last time I was here! This time I scored some good beans & good pork sammich.
(4)
Lisa H.

We recently took 30 teenage boys from Oregon to Hawaii to play a football game against Kauai High School. I worked on planning this trip for two years prior to leaving, and one restaurant that kept hitting my radar was Chicken in a Barrel. I worked with the restaurant via email prior to leaving Oregon to obtain a quote. They were fantastic, making suggestions about what to order and what would be good for our kids. We ended up with chicken, ribs, coleslaw (boys needed some greens), beans and rice, and cornbread. Everyone loved it. The place is a little roadside stand with outside seating, so we took our food down to Lydgate Beach Park where we ate while listening to the surf. (Lydgate was suggested to us by Chicken in a Barrel, what a great suggestion.) My only regret with Chicken in a Barrel was that I was not very hungry - I would have loved to have eaten more!
(5)
Jeff D.

OMG, I love this place and have been craving it since I left the island. I got the half chicken. Soooooo good, never had something sooo good as the chicken here! If your on the island, you NEED to stop by here and have lunch, and roll on back for dinner!! The guys who run it are super cool, and will chat with ya and show you how they do it. If you love chicken, and on the island, you need to stop by.. Don't miss out!!!!!!!!!!
(5)
Andy W.

Important note: the food would have been better if we went earlier in the day. I know BBQ and shit is going to dry out if you don't eat it soon. I bet if we went for lunch it would have been 10 times better than what it was and it was still damned good. Go for lunch, not a late dinner. Everything was great. Sampler plate had just the right amount of food for 2 people. Our side of cole slaw was also the right size. Really enjoyed the BBQ sauce. Cashier was very pleasant. If you eat there, they have a little sink outside the stand for you to use. How thoughtful for a BBQ joint.
(5)
Julie F.

Yelp reviews got us here and the meal did not disappoint! Amazing flavor. Juicy. Goodness. Although the chicken is the star, I have to admit my favorite was actually the pork. Get a combo plate to try them all. Yay for Chicken in a Barrel! A new must-stop on our Kauai vacation itinerary for trips future.
(5)
Julia P.

This is one side of the road hole in the wall place one MUST go if you go to Kauai. With a name like Chicken in the Barrel how can you not be curious? The chicken is made well and not too dry which I thought was a rather nice accomplishment. To the poster, Gus, who gave this place one star for displaying a Bible verse, you're a figurative and literal dumbass. Rate the food you idiot, not whether or not you agree with their beliefs. I guess someone skipped out on civics class where they talked about freedom of religion or maybe you just didn't go to school at all. For the rest of you more saavy yelpers, I'd rate this place up with Char Ono burger in terms of local and down home Kauaiian (is that even a word?) food.
(4)
Cassie P.

Errrrrrmahgawd!!! Seriously, stop reading reviews and go get some bbq chicken with a side of slaw and just be happy. The end.
(5)
Jamie G.

SO SO SO GOOD. Was recommended this place from a friend and after driving up to Hanalei Bay, it seemed like a nice place to stop and grab a bite on our way back down to Poipu. I'll admit, I wasn't sold on this place after the recommendation...but pairing that with the amazing reviews on Yelp, I was sold. You should definitely check this place out. I got the sampler - it was SO good! The rice on the side wasn't good but oh well. Everything else was top notch!
(5)
Brad O.

Great little roadside bbq joint. They smoke everything in a steel barrel hence the name. The chicken was excellent, nice smoke ring and falling off the bone. The ribs were just a little to mushy for me to give the place 5 stars. Overall I would go back and just get the chicken.
(4)
Richard L.

Chicken in a Barrel is one of our favorite places to grab some fantastic food. It looks like a road-side shack, but the owners, staff, and food are awesome. The chicken has always been cooked perfectly and the BBQ sauce is some of the best I've had. Highly recommend. You will not be disappointed.
(5)
Cyndi L.

Meh! I've definitely had much better BBQ. We ordered 2 samplers and received the sandwich free with coupon- You DO get a lot with the sampler plate, and while it is flavorful it was a tad dry. We got it to go and should've got more sauce to go. The chili beans are not that great and have a weird tomato flavor. It wasn't the worst thing but I couldn't recommend it...
(3)
Mika S.

Great meal on Kauai. We've been here twice now on this trip alone . First time I had the chicken sampler plate-moist and great flavor. Very large portion. 2nd trip I got the hoagie sandwich with pulled beef..messy to eat and lots of meat included.
(5)
Philip N.

Easily some of the best chicken I've ever had. Not often that you find quality smoked chicken west of the Midwest, so it's a welcomed find. If you're going to eat there, expect to leave smelling like the barrel itself. The brown rice and baked beans that come with the chicken aren't going to leave you feeling impressed, but the chicken alone makes the stand in Kapaa worth visiting.
(4)
Sara P.

This place had amazing BBQ! I am thankful for Yelp because I probably would not have stopped otherwise, and I am glad that I did. What a great way to cook BBQ. Not health food, but hey, it's delicious. I would definitely pop by next time I am driving from north to south or vice versa.
(5)
Magda M.

My mom and I came here twice during our vacation in Kauai... WOW- FANTASTIC, flavorful, moist, AMAZING meats. The chicken is probably the best I've had in my life- which sounds kind of crazy... like, how can some chicken really stand out THAT much? But, believe it folks. The place has a great story too- who taught the family/owner how to make the chicken the way they do. :) Get the spicy bbq sauce.
(5)
Linda P.

I really enjoyed this. We picked up a half a chicken. It has a strong smoke flavor and my wife didn't care for it, but it was good! It fell off the bone. Take it back to the condo and I promise you will be picking at it all day until it's gone!
(4)
Mark D.

Great bbq run by a nice family. Smoked ribs and chicken were in point. The slaw was flavorful. Seating is outdoor and very limited. It's right along the highway so you can't miss it. Check out the smokers out front.
(4)
Tran N.

If you don't mind a road side eatery that serves great food, this is definitely the place for you. My partner and I drove past this joint multiple times during our stay in kauai and finally had a chance to stop by. The chicken literally falls off the bones and is incredibly good. I don't recall the sides being stand outs, but just come for the chicken!
(4)
Layna F.

One of the best chicken dishes I've ever had. Chicken was nicely smoked (not overpowering) and super moist even the breast meat. The plate consisted of a quarter chicken, brown rice and chili with beans. The place also offered up some homemade BBQ sauce which worked well with the chicken. This is gonna be a must stop from now on when I go home. The owner is very friendly and is a family run operation, the owner's young son was helping out that day by taking orders.
(5)
ed n.

As good as advertised. One of the best pieces of white meat chicken I've ever had & I like my bbq. Worth the trip. Can't wait to try the pork and beef.
(5)
K L.

staff was friendly enough, chicken was most, we ordered the combo platter with cheesy fries...the ribs were really dry, but the pulled pork and beef were moist. Flavor was pretty good, but the cheesy fries could've used some thicker, creamier, cheesier flavor/toppings. Not a bad experience, but wasn't stellar either.
(3)
L Z.

Ok, so the chicken is bomb. It falls off the bone, and is delicious, if you can ignore the chemical charcoal flavor. (I only had the chicken, no sauce, no extras) It's too much money for how much you get, also considering the roadside location and less than healthy charcoal. and there's no discount for getting a whole chicken. Minus two stars for the styrofoam containers, the non-natural charcoal and the Jesus messages on your food. Seriously, who uses styrofoam anymore?! Every single chicken container goes into the kauai landfill and never degrades!! I'd be happy to pay the price for real wood charcoal as opposed to chemicals. I'm also really hoping there was never any oil in the oil drums they use to cook in. They cook right next to the road..exhaust fumes in your food and while you eat anyone? Also, I make a point to not stop anywhere where religion is avidly shoved down your throat by a business..they take the time out to write messages on each container. Everyone isn't christian people! Please guys, respect your planet and ditch the styrofoam and chemical charcoal. On a side note, a couple chickens were watching me eat chicken..a little weird, but to be expected on this island.
(3)
Jason R.

The sampler is the way to go. It's a little pricey but you get the chicken, brisket, rib, beans, and brown rice. Everything is moist and the hot sauce has you coming back for more... In our case twice ;-) Stop by here if you have the time, you won't be disappointed
(4)
Aunt L.

Hit this place after sundown with 4 hungry adults and three kids who had already eaten McMeals on the road. This review is probably heavily biased by my utter joy upon finding out they run a gluten free kitchen. A very happy surprise!! We had the Chicken for Two plate, the Sampler Plate, and an extra side of Hawaiian Slaw. Everybody loved different parts of the meal, and we almost licked the plates clean. The chicken was melt in your mouth tender, the ribs were great, and the brisket was falling apart and juicy. The house made dipping sauces were really great- the mild was the crowd favorite but the Hot gets a major honorable mention from me! This was right down the road from our hotel, and 3 miles closer than our map app said, so just be aware! Oh, and they cook all the meat on site in 55 gallon steel drums. Also, the woman who took my order (her name started with an N! Sorry - I'm terrible with names!!) told me the beef is locally sourced. Mm. The only thing left after dinner were the spicy "chili beans" (kidney beans with ground beef in a spicy sauce) and a few bites of rice. Yum!
(5)
Denise E.

Maybe the BEST BBQ chicken I've had. We tried the sample platter which included 1/4 white meat chicken, pork ribs, shredded beef brisket. ALL were great. But the chicken was amazingly juicy!! White meat chicken that was flavorful, tender, and JUICY! All are cooked Gluten Free by the way for others who have Celiac Disease like I do. Unfortunately the BBQ sauce has soy sauce (wheat) so I didn't try it. The proprietor is a friendly guy and totally open to trying Tamari (wheat free) in some new BBQ sauce recipes!!! Nice, right?! My husband loved the BBQ sauce and the home-made brownie that was HUGE. Great price, great food, quick and easy to pick-up and take home or eat at the tables roadside! We've had lots of overpriced mediocre food during our trip. This was a great surprise find. It smelled good every time we drove past, so we finally stopped to try it and are glad we did!
(5)
Andrew I.

Yeah, it's a bunch of teenagers cooking and running the place. Yes, that is uncensored rap music you hear blaring at max volume from inside the booth. Yes, that seasoning includes dirt and smog from the cars passing by the road. Yes, you are at a slightly higher risk of dying from cars running off the side of the road. But so what?! The chicken is amazing!!! And not only chicken but other types of meat too. You can smell this place from hundreds of yards away, and truly I say to you it tastes just as amazing as it smells. I've never had chicken meat so tender, falls off the bone readily, paired with the right sauce and chili sauce, and you just had one of the best meals of the day, at a fraction of a price. I could eat here every day, but it isn't the cheapest meal out there. If you have kids, it's better getting it to go. Otherwise, I love the side of the road eating scene. No fences, no barriers, just you, the chicken, your best friend, and some flies. Very authentic, pair up with the side of cole slaw, rice and beans, make it an experience!
(5)
John K.

This is the best BBQ I have had outside of the state of Texas. The sauce was great, and the meat was smokey. I've had better meat elsewhere, but for Kauai this is the perfect spot!
(5)
Leslie C.

We came here for a quick lunch and shared the sampler plate. Plenty of food for two people and good value. Overall- everything was decent. The pulled pork was my favorite, then the rib. I wasn't a fan of the beef, but the chicken was tasty. If I were to come back, I'd get the combo with the pulled pork and the ribs. Easily worth the stop, better food than a lot of the touristy places for way cheaper, but there is no ambience. You are sitting at a picnic table next to the highway.
(3)
Lily L.

Love love love love love! you dont need to order anything but the chicken. forget the sides. Order a half chicken to enjoy all by yourself. Get a bit of their BBQ sauce which is RIDICULOUSLY good. But you won't end up using much of it, bc it's that juicy and flavorful and tender.
(5)
Harley G.

This eatery is easy to miss located off Kuhio highway. The eatery is just as it is named a barrel. Upon arrival, two young individuals were talking outside. Surprisingly, those two individuals outside talking were actually employees. Their talking outside and getting ready to serve me made me uneasy. The menu selection was great everything from chicken, bbq to beef this place has. The prices are reasonable from about $6-$13 dollars a plate of food. On my visit I decided to order a bbq plate which included beef and chicken. Boy was the food looking good after receiving it! The food tasted good too. The meat came right off the bone. The meat was tender and the presentation to the food was good. Overall, I was happy with the quality, tender meat and the pricing, but not so happy to see employees talking outside and then seconds later deciding to serve me. Employees should consider perception of their customers. I may be overacting or clueless as to the Kauai island culture, but was surprised by employees talking outside with their friend as customers arrived to the eatery. Yet, excellent tasteful food with a reasonable price tag to top it off. This eatery is located near the beach too.
(4)
Laura T.

We drove by this place a number of times and you see the smoke could smell the BBQ cooking. We stopped on our last day on the island and we wish we would have stopped earlier in the week. They have kid's meals We had a variety of meals, I think the Ribs and chicken were the best options. The beans had just a mild heat to them. My 3 yr old niece ate the ribs right off the bone and loved the chicken. We were offered refills on drinks and one of the brothers came out to make sure everything was meeting our expectations, and man it was better than we could have asked for. A great spot to stop!! The brownies were good too
(5)
Scott H.

Tasted good. Portions were large. We shared the sampler plate. Chicken was better than any of the other meats.
(4)
Em C.

Chicken is tender, and the bbq sauce is definitely to die for !!! It's a must stopover in Kauai. Heard a rumor that it might be go mainland. Please start in Cali !!! Better yet, start selling that bbq sauce.
(5)
None Y.

Some of the best BBQ chicken ever . The owner has a great attitude and very friendly. The ribs are good too. If ur on the isle then u have to try this place.
(5)
Cerin V.

By far the best chicken hands down anywhere -- 5 star place or drive through -- Beverly Hills or Camden -- doesn't matter. This place rocks the chicken. True story -- we drove back to Kapaa to buy chicken here on a Sunday. The plan was to buy it, freeze it up, pack it in insulated bags and blue ice blocks and get it safely to California. Alas, they're closed on Sunday! Our plan was foiled! In the "About Us" section of their website they state that this came from, "the foothills of California." If so, we'd really like to know where to find a Chicken In a Barrel type BBQ on the mainland. Otherwise, this affordable feast is going to require a pricey plane ticket back to Kauai!
(5)
Adina K.

I lived in Nashville for three years, so I'm pretty particular about BBQ. I knew I had to stop at this place the first time we drove by. The smell of the smokey meat was absolutely intoxicating. I tried the 1/2 rack of spare ribs and the 1/2 chicken. We stopped here two days in a row, that's how delicious it was. The chef is super friendly and eager to explain his BBQ process to you. The meat is fall-off-the-bone-tender and does not need sauce. So delicious. Without a doubt, the best meals I had on Kauai. This is a gorgeous island, but the food options are all pretty similar and expensive. Chicken In A Barrel was a welcome change of place. Filling, tasty, and reasonably priced. The outdoor seating is shaded by umbrellas and very clean. I greatly appreciated the sink with soap and paper towels. After scarfing down my meat, my hands were quite a mess. The menu is pretty limited to meat, succulent, belly filling meat. The only sides they offer are rice and beans. Hopefully in the future they will offer some potato salad and cole slaw or something as well. I would really like to see this place expand and perhaps even open up other locations on the island. Do not be afraid to stop here just because it's a little shack on the side of the road! You will not regret eating here!
(5)
Paul P.

Stopped for lunch. Combo plate was very good. All meats were tender and delicious, bbq sauces tasty too. Beans better than expected. Not much too add that others haven't said already. Just a tasty meal.
(4)
Fabien L.

Oh yeah! One of the best diner on the island, wonder if the owner hunts the chickens on the streets and cook them in his barrel :) Yummy anyway!
(5)
Manuel A.

This place was really great, we stopped here on our way back from the lighthouse and it was the first place in Kapa'a that we actually liked. I shared the the meat sample platter. The meat was really great, all 4 kinds were moist! The service was excellent and the cook was friendly and gave us lots of tips of things to do around the island. This place is a must if you're around the area!
(4)
Chris H.

I pride myself in smoking/grilling chicken and everyone compliments me on it but this? This was crazy awesome goodness! Back to the drawing board for me - thanks guys! haha. I had the sampler platter and my wife just had the chicken. Solid sampler but the chicken is what you want, cause you won't be able to get enough of it. The owners are super cool guys and very friendly. If you go to the island and you don't stop here, you've missed out. Seriously.
(5)
Samantha J.

Watch out Phils BBQ... I now have a new favorite. Chicken in a Barrel BBQ is pretty BOMB!!!!! I had the sample plate with BBQ Ribs, Chicken, Beef and Pork. Delicious sums it all up. The Beans and Rice were so good. I actually took it with me on the plane to Maui. People on the flight were pretty jealous! If you ever set up in SOCAL, please let me know! Love the John 3:16 refernce on the box!
(5)
Nicole M.

The BEST chicken I've ever had. Seriously you should go. We got 1/4 chicken and it was plenty for my sister and I, though we don't eat a lot. Plenty of food for one person though.
(5)
jenn w.

Get the sampler platter! Everything was tender and had a delicious smoky flavor. But, the chicken was definitely the winner of deliciousness when compared with the other meats. Who knew that food cooked in a barrel could be this good.
(5)
Christina C.

Awesome place to stop in Kapaa. Perfect chicken, super juicy, excellent chili and love the brown rice. Get the chicken plate, you won't be disappointed! Super friendly service.
(5)
Brian K.

Stop here and eat, NOW! this place is a must - had the combo plate - ribs are perfectly cooked, as is the chicken, full of super moist and flavorful meat. sauce is homemade - and is not really needed as the run is Awsome. However use some sauce. as an accent and you will be happy.
(5)
Jim H.

Another 5 stars! This chicken is by far the best. We're totally addicted to it. We came back to Kauai this year and had to hit the Barrel first thing. The chili, cornbread, rice, beef ribs, it's all good. But the killer is the chicken. White meat moist and juicy. Dark meat succulent. (listen, to those who freak out at the sight of "pink" IT'S SMOKED! not raw! Heard a guy from Texas give it the thumbs up tonight. (guess they're the BBQ judges) Patrick and his wife are doing a great job. If you are anywhere on the island you need to stop by and get ready to get hooked! CIAB is what's up broh!
(5)
Danielle S.

Best little shack in Kapa'a as far as I'm concerned. Very personable staff and large portions of food. Wish I could go back!
(5)
Ruri L.

I'm an avid smoker of pork ribs and whole chickens back home and found that chicken in a barrel does its chicken right. Juicy smoked chicken with great sauce. My only complaint was that for a meager portion for 2, the cost was pretty high for a road side chicken hut. Perhaps its because we are not kama`aina or we weren't used to the island pricing?
(3)
Jessica S.

On our way up to princeville and needed some lunch. Great chicken and sampler platters. Would definitely recommend. Nice outdoor, relaxed seating. Go for the Mac salad-worth it.
(5)
Nathan Z.

I ordered the hoagie with beef and pepper jack cheese. It was incredible. Their chicken and coleslaw that my group ordered was also very good.
(5)
Chynna B.

I just finished my leftovers from dinner tonight - they never even made it to the fridge. So delicious!!! The chicken was seasoned perfectly and fell off the bone. The brown rice was sticky and plump. The macaroni salad and beans were...well...lets get back to the chicken! I tried the barbecue sauces, they were good (definitely worth trying) but they competed too much with how deliciously the chicken is seasoned. The staff was super cool and accommodated my 4 month old wing girl - cleaned a spot for her, opened the umbrella and made kissy faces (love, right?). They even patiently answered my husbands trillion questions. I did take a star off for the not so yummy sides but again, the chicken is the star of this operation. Plus, I so love the side of the road kick it spot vibe. Chill and inviting!
(4)
anh t.

I ordered the chicken in a barrel (#1). The flavor went very well with the spicy BBQ sauce they had, but the chicken itself was a bit bland. On the bright side the chicken was juicy; many make theirs dry but these folks got it down. You might need to order a side of beans or rice since the portion the comes with the chicken is kind of small. The staff is very friendly and lively.
(3)
Ahmed H.

This review is strictly on the chicken. It's so good, that you shouldn't even waste your time with anything else. I also tried the beef brisket. I mean it was good, but in comparison to the chicken it's a no brainer. A must try when you are in Kauai.
(5)
Canon B.

Okay, I'm going to come right out and say it: this is the best bbq chicken I have ever had in my entire life. Seriously. And I'm a major foodie. I've had bbq all over Texas, South Africa, and the best places in New York City, San Francisco and everywhere else (but not yet Argentina), and I can definitely say, without reservation, THIS IS THE BEST BBQ CHICKEN ON THE PLANET. It just goes to show, you never know where you're going to get awesome food.
(5)
Cristy L.

We first went there to try it out...WOW! it ws the best chicken and ribs we ever tasted! We went back and got enough for dinner and lunch to take on a fishing trip with us. When we told Jimmy we were going out to catch fish he said..'BRING THEM BACK AND WE WILL SMOKE THEM FOR YOU!" I was so happy we brought two big tuna's back and they had them smoked in less than an hour! It was the best fish i have ever tasted. We had enough to donate to the homeless recovery of Kauai ...didn't want that deliciousness to go to waste! Mahalo again JIMMY! Cristy and Ron Portland oregon
(5)
Cathleen H.

DELICIOUS. So glad we went here - we've been in Kaua'i a couple of days, and have been to a few highly-rated Yelp places - but this is our fave by far. AND it doesn't hurt to save a few bucks on this island! We spent $24 or so between the two of us for two platters. Get the chicken and the ribs. The pork is also delicious (the folks running the place were wonderful, offering us samples of different meats), but you really can't beat the chicken and the ribs. Tender and flavorful. (But we still got an order of pork to go). The barbecue sauce is also fantastic - slather it on everything! ;)
(5)
Leona S.

Best thing we ate on the whole island of Kauai. Spare ribs were to die for. SOOOO JUICY!!! You can almost miss it cuz its a stand off Hwy 56 in Kapa'a, but must try!!! Really good food, VERY NICE staff.
(5)
Marco B.

A great experience! Friendly staff, awesome chicken and ribs. I wish their hot BBQ sauce was a bit more spicy, I couldn't tell the difference between it and their sweet sauce. EDIT: we ended up coming back here a second time before we left Kauai for home, the food and staff were great, as they were the previous time.
(5)
Henry L.

I didnt even see this spot on yelp while i was searching for food so i texted a friend who was in the area a few months back and asked him for a good spot to eat. he recommended this place and I have to say. The chicken is Amazing! So i ordered the half chicken Ala carte and ordered 1 side. Ordered the potato salad. Both items came out and went so fast between my girl and I. The chicken is something out of a friends bbq grill and the potato salad was something that your friends mom made. Chicken was very juicy, yet had the char on it. The salad was creamy but didnt taste like it was bathed in Mayo. Excellent spot. They have 2 locations we went to the orginal. if you're in town please please please do yourself a favor and try this spot out.
(5)
Dan W.

So you're driving through Kapaa Town and you see this charming little place on the side of the road with a couple of picnic tables and handful of smoking barrels nearby creating some of the best smells around. Congratulations, You've found Chicken In A Barrel! After a great morning hike and many days of eating almost nothing but fish, some meat was in order. This place hit the spot! All of the meats on the menu are good (we shared a chicken plate, rib plate, and combo plate) the ribs were fall-off-the-bone-tender, the beef and pulled pork were very well prepared also; but the chicken is really where it's at. Perfectly smoky, tender and juicy, this chicken just calls out to be eaten. Each of the plates came with brown rice and chili which was a great match with each dish. Bottom line: do yourself a favor if you're ever in the area, stop by Chicken In A Barrel - you will not be disappointed.
(5)
Mark Y.

Just about the best, reasonable, real deal barbeque in Hawaii. Period. My wife and I were visiting Kauai recently and I recalled Tony Solis' "Eh You Da Kine" episode about some kind of barrel barbeque place in Kapaa. It's not to hard to find: Located on the makai (ocean) side near the North outskirts of town. Just look for the mural-like sign of a wave-riding chicken. The place is small and humble: It's essentially a drive-in shack with about 3 picnic tables in the front. They keep the place clean - extra star point for that. 3 or 4 barrels of smoky goodness cooking the meats off to the side. I had a 1/2 slab of baby backs ($14), my wife had the 1/4 chicken ($6) , and we split an order of potato salad ($3?) and an order of coleslaw ($2). You serve up your own amount of sauce to your liking (hot and mild) in plastic cups. We decided to take our order back to the hotel to feast. The ribs were fall-off-the-bone perfect with a nice pink smoke ring. My only small beef was that they could've used a bit more rub. But the perfect smoke flavor and sweet, tangy sauce made up for this. The chicken was perfect and didn't really need sauce. The potato salad was good but nothing really special. Coleslaw was good but be advised that there's quite a bit of cilantro in it. Overall, I'd say deserving of 4 stars but I'm giving 5 based on how quick the order came, polite service, cleanliness and value as well as quality and taste of the food. What a find! Oh, and about the supposedly overtly Christian message: Yes, they do put a little John 3:16 on the corner of the larger container and 1 Corinthians 10:31 is on a little plaque near the menu, but it's not the KKK reference (how RUDE!) one reviewer makes. These folks are nice to everyone. I just wish they'd open up a branch on Oahu.
(5)
Rob C.

nice break from poke with pulled pork, ribs, and chicken combo. smoked in a barrel. not exactly falling off the bone but was satisfying and lightly smoky. the tangy local bbq sauce and spicy version were great.
(4)
Luis M.

Awesome roadside BBQ! The meat just falls apart. No need for a knife.
(4)
Danyelly F.

I was recommeded to try this place and it was a descent lunch. The server recommended I take my lunch to the pavillion by the beach nearby and it made for a excellent lunch!
(4)
Erin Y.

This place is a must if you are on Kauai. I'm reviewing it 6+ months later because I'm craving it! Don't be deceived - the chicken doesn't look like much when you first get it, it's fairly bland looking. But it was the BEST chicken i've ever had! It's extremely juicy and has a delicious smoked flavor. The hubby and I shared a chicken plate as part of an afternoon snack. The chicken was smoked for 2 hours, literally in barrels, and the owner was very friendly, pausing to let me take photos of it :) Even better - there's a handy sink with soap near the front counter, so it's perfect if you're like me and hate having dirty hands.
(5)
Amy B.

We ordered a sampler plate and a chicken & rib combo plate. The chicken & rib are delicious and I would order that again. The rest is nothing to write home about.
(3)
jude t.

Chicken should always be cooked in a barrel! Chicken was great, but I really enjoyed their ribs and pulled pork best. I went to a luau and saw them pull the pig out of the ground, but I have to say these guys could give them a run for their money!
(5)
Richard T.

Hands down the BEST damn BBQ I've had in a long time! Their meat is delicately smoked in barrels outside and the results are juicy, tender, and flavorful! The $14 combo plate comes with delicious chili, barly rice, and a heaping sampling of their ribs, chicken, and beef. We made it last for two whole meals, told some friends, and came back for more! Service is super friendly too! So looking forward to coming back and seeing these guys again in 6 months!
(5)
Diego d.

Had the chicken in a barrel (wrap). Very juicy and flavorful. Great price, especially for the area.
(5)
Evan K.

I wish we would have discovered this place sooner while on the island. I licked my wife's plate, and mine, and was still wanting more. Packed full of flavor and fall off the bone tender. The best BBQ on the island!
(5)
David K.

Amazing BBQ! Great recommendation for sampler plate. The meat was so tender it fell off the bone. Taste was perfect! Staff was so friendly and helpful. We will return for sure and bring our family next time!
(5)
D S.

Dear lord this place is good. Seriously the best barbecue I've ever had. The hawaiian cole slaw was obscenely delicious. Nice kids running the barbecue too. Really going to miss this place.
(5)
Adam G.

Some of our favorite road side food in all of Kauai. Just get the chicken, and don't worry about anything else. The beans are also great.
(4)
Mary L.

Great chicken! Sauce is mild and rich. Didn't try the hot sauce, however. Beans were really tomato and beans. Very good. Brown rice? With barbecue? You've got to be kidding! From now on, we'll be regulars whenever we're on the island. Try to snag one of the tables in the back or take your styrofoam containers to the beach. Road side table are not good.
(4)
Megan K.

We were on our way to the airport after staying in Princeville for two nights on our visit to Kauai and needed a quick meal to serve as breakfast/lunch. We drove by Chicken in a Barrel and thought it would be fun to stop at a little roadside stand, after driving into town we turned around and decided to go back to it. Boy are we glad we did! We had the sampler plate (shared between two of us), and like others have posted it came with chicken, beef, and pork ribs as well as a scoop of brown rice and beans. The meat was fall off the bone tender. The chicken was moist, the ribs were very meaty and the beef was also delicious! Overall this was the best meat we had in Hawaii on our ten day trip to Maui and Kauai. We will definitely go here again if we can make it back to Kauai in the next 30 years!
(5)
Clifford C.

Got the chicken plate (dark). Very tender as promised by all the reviewers. For the price, i'd rather get a-la-carte chicken then the plate. Rice and chili was ok. For BBQ, this is still a better value then any of the sit-down places on the island.
(4)
Kelley F.

Clever name. Tasty food. Genuinely kind people. Chat with the friendly owner if you can - great guy! I am not typically a big meat eater, but this chicken was perfectly moist and the BBQ sauce was most definitely made in Heaven!
(5)
Susan L.

We came here last week because of the yelp reviews and we were not disappointed, especially if you are crazy starving because you just finished doing part of the trail. It's so small you almost miss it but you see the big sign. Best time to go is of course dinner or lunch time when the ribs and chicken just come out. Our first visit the ribs and chix was just that and I have never tasted such juicy ribs -- large and meaty. The chix breast was amazingly tender because we all know how those are always a disappointment. The chili and beans have a kick and you can get a side order of slaw to top off the meal. We loved it so much we came back just before we took off for home. But after we ordered, his new batch just came out so we missed that. It's a really homey place, the owner is very friendly and the place gets busy fast. This was the only island food we were satisfied with and disappointed with some poor plate lunches...we often got yesterday's leftovers but this place was fresh and very satisfying. You have to try it at least once and ask it the meat just came out. If not see if it isn't too long of a wait for it because it is worth it. He uses regular metal barrels with coals maybe on the bottom, has about 5-6 hooks attached to the bottom side of the lid and slow cooks ribs and chix. Then he has various kinds of sauces of your choosing. He even has a small sink to wash your sticky hands after scarfing down the food.
(5)
Paul V.

If you're not averse to sitting outside, this may be your best experience eating on Kaua'i. We tried all the meats, and everything was most impressive. I don't think you can go wrong here, but the chicken was thoroughly infused with flavor and moist, which is rarely done well with breasts. The beans served on the side are more of a chili, but it's a good chili. I wish I didn't have to fly to Kaua'i to eat here.
(5)
Nikki S.

The chicken is fabulous. The other meats are not so good. Stick to the chicken and enjoy
(4)
Joshua G.

Succulent tender chicken full of flavor and falling off the bone. You know you're in for a treat when the smell of hardwood smoke fills the air as you wait in line. Service is friendly too. Good stuff.
(5)
Chad S.

Really good b-que! I tried the ribs, and chicken, both were really good! Sauce were all really good, he said they were homemade. I also really liked the chili, it's got a little kick to it.
(5)
Ross W.

Their logo, chicken on a surf board, got our attention as we drove by. I tried the Sampler Plate with various meat; it was OK. Hubby's Chicken Plate was much better. The meat was more tender & flavorful. The chili was surprisingly good. I am not a chili fan, but I found myself having one spoonful of tomato-based chili after another. The owner is very friendly. He's from California. Free refill on drinks is definitely a plus.
(4)
James P.

Scanning Yelp on my phone while driving back from a long day of adventures, as we drove through Kapa'a Yelp turned up this place. We turned around and went back, since we'd overshot it already. It's small, not fancy, a bbq stand near the beach. Usually I don't order chicken at bbq places because it is almost always dry, but I gave this place a chance and ordered the chicken plate with 1 baby back rib. I have to say, unequivocally, this was the best bbq/smoked chicken I've ever had. Not necessarily falling off the bone, but close, and tender/moist/juicy all the way through. Their sauce is terrific as well. The baby back ribs were tender and perfectly done too. None of the meats really needed sauce but I added it just to taste it anyway and I'm very glad I did. The chili was very tasty and the plate came with the requisite scoop of rice. Two barrels behind us turned out to be the smokers; these guys know what they're doing.
(4)
Kim D.

We stopped by here after a looooong day at the beach! Liked the catchy name. We had the chicken and ribs, it was really tender and had a great smokey flavor. BBQ sauce was "Delicious". The food was not only yummy but the service was excellent!!!! After a conversation with the owner....he walked to his truck as we were leaving and gave my son his boogie board! What a guy!!!!! You must try "Chicken in a Barrel" at least once if you are in Kauai....
(5)
liz k.

This. Place. Rocks. Smoked meat perfection, and arguably one of the best meals on the island. Had I found it first day would have camped out and stayed. What better answer to the chicken quandry than Big Mike's special??? None. Cock an effen doodle doooooooo. No need to ask for more. The meat (any variety.... beef, pork, CHICKEN; your preference) falls off the bone. The beans??? YES!. Bring it. The brown rice? You had me at "barrel..." now you're gildingt it, boys. Service with a smile ad and a dimple (if you're lucky!!). This is the real deal. Respect. 'Cause they do. No reservations and no shoes required. Just mad appetite and no attitude. Love this place.
(5)
Sean A.

We tried this place as our last stop on the way to the airport. We were apprehensive to try it, b/c my wife is picky. I'm glad we did. This place is soooooo good. The chicken is juicy and has a nice favor. The chilli was a bit spicy for my wife, though. I got the half chicken plate-awesome. Wife got the chicken BBQ sandwich, and regretted not getting some for the flight home. We will def hit this place up next time on the island.
(5)
Arielle S.

A roadside eating stand with some of the most tender chicken I've ever had. And the guy serving was really friendly.
(5)
Lloyd B.

Good things can come in small packages. A roadside food stand with the knockout punch of a great restaurant! Chicken in a barrel is an outstanding example of simple but great food being served closer to asphalt than to linen. Moist, juicy, flavorful with smoky goodness, it looks great, it tastes great and it's price is right. We ordered the chicken plate ($9) and requested all white meat. You get chicken, golden brown and smelling heavenly, with a scoop of rice and a scoop (lg) of chili and beans, served in a 3 compartment styrofoam container. The chili is delicious, with chunks of ground beef in it. You help yourself to both mild and hot BBQ sauce. If you take your food behind and a bit to the right of the stand, there is an oceanside ramada, just 20 feet from the water. The cool trade winds are strong but this meal tastes great hot or cold! Service is fast and the people are pleasant. They have several tables out front but not as picturesque as the seaside ramada.
(5)
Jeremy W.

Chicken in a barrel, is more like liquid smoke in a barrel. I had a terrible experience there! I really like to barbecue, & chicken N a barrel is a huge disappointment! Their food is very liquid smoke tasting, the portions of meat, not because it matters because the taste is terrible, but instead of a meat burrito, it is more like a rice burrito. The owners were there as I was eating, & yelling at the ferrel chickens running around that they are going to end up in the barrel if they do not go away, not something that you want to hear while you are eating, even though the food is bad. I told them that I was eating a rice burrito, they said they could fix it but they looked mad, & I did not want the guy to spit in my burrito, needless to say I do not recommend them, I will never go there, & just drive buy the place for yourself - the trade winds blow that gross liquid FAKE barbecue smell right into senses. If you have any taste, or any barbque experience or just want a decent meal. DO NOT GO HERE! IT SUCKS!!
(1)
R S.

yup, it's fer real BBQ, smoked right in front in a barrel, (no oven baked w BBQ sauce, that's not BBQ) you can smell the hardwood smoke the chicken was rubbed and for some reason much better that the meats (ribs, baby backs, pork, beef) which are very good but the chicken is about the best i've had plates are $9 up to $14 for the sampler platter, comes w one scoop brown rice, chili beans. 1/2 chicken is $10 med sauce is very good, i have a feelin the hot sauce is not for amatuers for reals, give it a try, beach is at the end of the block if u want an ocean view dinner local drive up, laid back and funky, love it! Christian people, cool,(we're not Christian but we dig the message)
(5)
J E.

The owner tempted us in with a free sample of the chicken. The smokey chicken is tender and delicious. I had mine with the hot bbq sauce and overall it was amazing. The staff was friendly and even showed us how he cooks the chickens in the barrels on site. He was a little heavy with the Christian dogma (John 3:16) references everywhere, but I'm not here to judge personal views. Great food and a smile!
(5)
David D.

Overly smoky. Skin was fatty. Beans were OK with a chili powder flavor. The rice was plain old rice, so I mixed the beans in. Too expensive for what you get. Bleh. Go down the street and try TNT burger or Bubba burger.
(1)
Sarah K.

Wow! So so good. Some of the best chicken and baby back ribs I've ever tasted. So tender, falls off the bone, and the BBQ sauce was delicious. The owner's son-in-law was working that day and he was so friendly and wonderful to talk to. Great place!!
(5)
Thom M.

found the food good, but did not appreciate the christian references on many things from the menu to the hand written things on the carryout containers.
(1)
Mary S.

This is the BEST chicken my husband and I have ever had. We literally ate there 5 times during our 7 day vacation. Yes, it's just an outdoor BBQ kind of place, but the taste of the chicken in unbelievable. If we could recreate that chicken at home, we would turn into chickens ourselves...IT'S THAT GOOD!!! It's a MUST TRY for those in Kauai. The value is excellent as well. The Chicken Breast is huge too, it's definitely something two people could split for $9.
(5)
Marie D.

This place is the bomb. Came here on a fluke on the way to Wailua Falls. They are a little walk kup spot acorss the street from the local State Farm office. The owner is a legit down home boy from South Carolina and the BBQ is legit. The chicken is so tender and juicy it's hard to believe. I ordered the sampler platter which comes with a little chicken, a spare rib, a couple of slices of beef and a couples slices of pork. It's also served with a scoop of brown rice and some beef chili. There's a little sauteed cabbage in the bottom of the foam box too. Extra sauce is self serve in teh dixie cups at the counter. The hot one is not really spicy so much as warm and sweet. Ate everything and then went back the second day to order half a chicken and a half rack of ribs . . . couldn't resist. Price is cheap for what you get. Half a chicken (fall of the bone succulent chicken) is only 10 bucks. And if you hang around and eat ont he picnic tables on the roadside you might catch the owner lowering one of those clucking victims into its fire grave by way of a chicken hook. LOVE.
(5)
Andrew N.

They really do smoke there meats from a large metal barrel. From the color of the meat and smoke ring, they probably smoke there meats starting the day before or night before. They have it down to an art to get consistent results piece after piece of chicken breast, ribs, and pulled meat. The temperature control they have with the fire is insane. You can even see the wood that they use sitting next to the barrel smoker. The sides were out of this world. Chili and coleslaw are must try. I use to think Phils BBQ in San Diego was pretty good. This little operation has them beat. They could make it anywhere in the world when it comes to BBQ.
(5)
Edward L.

Hard to stand outside on a sunny, humid day in Kauai, next to a barbeque that is smoking and producing more heat. But we did it, and we were reward with some glorious chicken. Ordered half a chicken and some Hawaiian cole slaw. Chicken - had a great char from the grill and both the dark and white meat were moist. That char permeated throughout each bite and the skin provided that extra guilty pleasure. Better than Costco chicken for sure. Slaw - Could pass on that next time. Would come back. There's still a thriving wild chicken population on the island, so I'm guessing (and hoping) they aren't using those animals... That counts for something :)
(4)
Krys S.

5 stars for the best BBQ chicken I've ever had! The cashier was so generous to give us the kamaina discount even though my husband and I weren't locals. We ordered the chicken plate that came with rice and chili. I'm not a fan of chili but let me tell you, The chicken is amazing! Would highly recommend if you are looking for something quick and delicious!
(5)
Phung H.

This place is amazing! Definitely get the sampler and share with someone, because it's a ton of food! The food is moist, flavorful, and tender! The guys who work here are friendly and humble! If you come to Kauai, stop by before you leave, maybe even twice!
(5)
Chase A.

Drove here for bbq protein, and was a conveniently quick trip up from Lihue on our last honeymoon night in Kauai. All outdoor seating in a serve yourself atmosphere. Overall was a tasty meal, if a little pricey. Worth a visit or two especially if your other options include overpriced hotel food. If I was a local then this would be a great takeout spot. The Good: Quick service, full sink with soap by order counter to wash barbequey hands, not charged for refills. The Bad: Tables, though customers bus themselves, were dirty and sticky. They only offer bench seating. Trash bins were overflowing and situated close to the eating area, which attracted lots of flies to our table. Our order: Half/half ribs and chicken which was great. I loved the chicken. My wife ate the chili and Hawaiian potato salad and also really enjoyed them. She also had the cheese quesadilla, which was decent for a bbq joint.
(4)
Abraham S.

My wife and I visited on 8/6/15. We ordered the ribs and chicken special to go. Came with brown rice and chili beans. I also ordered a side of their special Hawaiian coleslaw. The meat was very tender, and moist, the BBQ gave it a great taste. I enjoyed the brown rice and the chili beans were ok. We really liked the Hawaiian coleslaw. The service was great. We parked across the street and I forgot my coleslaw. The cashier came running after us to make sure we received our Hawaiian coleslaw because he knew we would enjoy it. Great service and great food, if you're in Kauai and like barbecue you have to stop here.
(4)
Scott H.

Best BBQ on the island. Pepper and Kyle were great. Loved the country music! The food was amazing. Get the sampler it's got it all. BBQ sauce and chili were unique And delicious. Thanks for a great experience. I would highly recommend this spot to everyone!
(5)
Darren K.

The most amazing BBQ chicken I have ever had...and I love bbq... my wife and I found this little gem on our first day of our trip...we will be back. Photos of John preparing the bbq. John is awesome and so are the chicken and ribs
(5)
Nick B.

Best ribs I've had in Hawaii bar none. The chicken was good as well, but next time in in Kauai I'm definitely visiting this place and definitely getting ribs. The guy working in the shop was very helpful with recommendations, the atmosphere is super casual (you help yourself to the BBQ sauce and sit at picnic style tables), and its a great spot to stop after a long day on the beach or driving the north shore of Kauai. If you're in Kauai and driving by, give it a shot!
(4)
Rob W.

What a difference from the Hanalei location! I really wanted to take off one star because its kinda rough and crusty all around this shack. But, I just cant, it is what it is. A roadside food stand offering a very unique type of BBQ. The pulled chicken on the Chicken Sandwich is so moist and flavorful, needs no sauce. The BBQ sauce is so good though, I had to use it. Spicy sauce isn't really too spicy. They really loaded them up with meat here too compared to the Hanalei location. That extra value kinda made up for the un-polished location. A perfect place to stop on your way back from a day at the beach, hiking..........
(5)
Suor K.

Chicken in a barrel is a small, outdoor eatery on the side of Kuhio highway. There are only a few picnic tables available and it got busy around the time that we left. If you're headed to the North Shore, there is another one in Hanalei with more seating. We had a coupon for a free chicken sandwich with the purchase of an entree, so we ordered that with the sampler. The chicken was nice and juicy. The pulled pork and pork ribs were good as well. However I thought that the beef was a bit dry. The chili was spicy. So overall I'd say go with the chicken if you only had one choice. There is a rooster who hangs out at this location eyeing everything that you eat. Don't feed it otherwise that would be cannibalism.
(4)
Mike H.

First off, this place looks like a little dive shack/food truck. We rented bikes next door (awesome place) and when returning we decided to eat here. The place serves amazing BBQ. The chili was so good, great meat, and some heat. I had the chicken and ribs, the chicken had some great crisp skin, and it came with rice. The owner was super nice and came out to talk with us. He gave us the history of the restaurant and other good recommendations. Around $15 for a meal but it is very hearty. They have a sink and napkins right there next to the tables so you can get dirty with your food and add extra BBQ sauce (I love it that they have HOT BBQ sauce) and then wash up right there. The traffic is a little annoying, but great BBQ place!
(5)
Rhianna B.

While shopping at the ABC store, we asked the manager where to go for some good BBQ. He sent us here and told us to ask for Pepper!! Pepper took excellent care of us, suggesting some menu items and making sure we enjoyed our food! And boy did we!!! Such amazing BBQ!! Everything had great flavor and the meat was so tender and juicy! We even had a great little chat with Mike the owner! Everyone here is so friendly and welcoming and it's so great to support a family owned business! Mahalo to Mike and his family for great service and most importantly some damn good BBQ!!
(5)
Joe M.

Loved this place and gluten free food. I had the sampler and could not finish it. WOW. tasty. The chicken is so moist and the pork is mouth watering. You have to stop in. Its that good. Meet the owner. Great guy
(5)
Cole V.

Great for people that like meat meat and more meat. If you've never been get the sampler plate
(5)
Len B.

Food was delicious!! Had pulled pork plate Chicken plate Pork rib plate and pulled beef plate Portions are huge You get brown rice and chili The staff is.extremely friendly Highly recommend!
(5)
M T.

My friend who visited earlier this year (she's from Atlanta) told me that if anything, this is where I need to eat in Kaua'i. I first thought, "WHY do I have to get BBQ in Kaua'i?!," but I don't regret my spontaneous visit. On the way back from beach hopping around Kalihiwai, Poipu, and Hanalei, I stopped by to share a quick meal with my boyfriend. I love chicken and my bf loves babyback ribs, so we decided to share the Sampler Plate ($14.95). It included: a large piece of chicken, pulled beef, pulled pork, 2 pieces of baby back ribs, chili and a scoop of rice. It was rainy by the time we got there so there were no customers. It seemed slow, so I wasn't sure if the grill would be ready for us. Honestly, I was a little hesitant when I ordered. To our surprise, the box they handed to us was really hot and I couldn't wait to bite into my food. The chicken was as juicy as it can get and the babyback ribs had the right amount of meat and sauce on them...everything was superb! Their BBQ sauce was also really flavorful (we took out two little containers of regular BBQ and one spicy BBQ sauce, all self-serve). I'm pretty picky with my rotisserie and BBQ chicken and my bf is very picky with his baby back ribs... we're not pros but please consider our review! We would go back in a heartbeat. Last but not least...I usually don't eat chili (for example, Zippy's chili isn't my thing...sorry to fans...) but I could eat scoops of their chili. I also really wished we got a piece of cornbread but we had plans for dinner later that night so I resisted. I can't wait to visit the beautiful beaches of Kaua'i and go to Chicken in a Barrel again!
(5)
Lexie B.

The reviews are all on point. My husband and I shared the sampler platter and the kids shared the ribs and chicken plate.My favorite was the pulled pork and beef. Tons of food and reasonable price.
(5)
Michael B.

As my family and I drove halfway around the island between our accommodations and civilization, we would always pass by this restaurant. Actually, restaurant kind of implies a building. Chicken in a Barrel is a shack with a bunch of smokers on the side. But the name was too much for us to pass up, and we stopped in. The woman behind the counter was nice, and she put up with my excessive amount of questions about the menu. We ordered four chicken plates, because the place is called Chicken in a Barrel. If this were any other barbecue place, the portion sizes would be considered excessive. But my family and I had no problem eating everything we got. Ended up taking some extra macaroni home with us. This is actually the first barbecue place I've seen that has a sink outside, which makes cleaning up nice and quick. Chicken in a Barrel gives you great food in sizable portions for the price. I would have preferred more shaded seating areas, but my body wasn't designed to Hawai'i.
(4)
Taylor H.

I was a tad apprehensive when a local recommend it, but that all went away when I took my first bite! The owner was extremely warm and friendly, he visited with us and told us the history of the restaurant. He was also very attentive making sure we had enough to drink and we were comfortable. I ordered the pork tacos and I can say with 100% certainty that they were THE BEST pork tacos I have ever had! The pork was so juicy and well seasoned with a slaw on top for a little fresh crunch. If you are on Kauai you have to stop here for a bite!
(5)
Jeff O.

Pretty awesome mainland style bbq in Hawaii. The pork seemed a little lacking in flavor, and the cornbread was a bit dry, but the hot and mild bbq sauces were amazing and the meat overall really tender and delicious. I'll be back and hopefully next time they won't be out of ribs!
(4)
Prin D.

Real bbq! Friendly! Generous portions! Outside seating! My husband and I had a wonderful meal! I also felt a positive energy and good vibes from the place. I had the sampler plate, the side of Hawaiian cole slaw and corn bread. He had the beef hoagie. Soda - free refills! I'm stuffed! Lol
(5)
Dr. B.

This was the most amazing dining experience in Kauai. First off, behind the "counter" ask for Jersey Johnny. Great help and cheerful. For about under $20, you can get a great BBQ meal. If you are not sure, just try the sampler. They even have a sink at the counter to clean your hands! Anyone in the area, if you are not uptight about the shack, then by all means, eat here.
(5)
Emilee C.

Yummy! We hired chicken in a Barrel to cater our wedding and WOW! Our guests were so happy the food was delicious! They sent us more than enough food and everything was still piping hot! Great prices on catering too. Who doesn't love BBQ?
(5)
Charlie Rae Y.

Stick with the Tacos We all had tacos here and they were delicious.Chicken tacos and burrito were both very flavorful. Cannot speak to the other plates. Only complaint was the seating was close to the garbage which was pretty fly-ridden while we were there. I would recommend grabbing your food and heading down to the water which is right behind ;-)
(4)
Doug Z.

The ribs fall off the bone. The beef sandwich was incredible. Everything is hommeade including the sauces We spent 45 bucks which included a rack of ribs beef sandwich cornbread and macaroni salad and drinks. Easily can feed a family of four. I've been on the island a week and eaten here twice. The owner is very personable and has a passion for good barbecue.
(5)
Opallina M.

The food here was ok for me, HUSBAND & gf loved it. Service was great, cornbread was delicious...portion size was worth the price. This is of course outside dining so it was hot but VERY CLEAN.
(4)
Fred B.

I'm a competition BBQer in the states. Their chicken is off the hook. Right amount of rub and smoke. The breast was tender and moist. I was so impressed that I purchased their rubs to use on my meat at my next competition.
(5)
Jon M.

Luckily found this place before we left the island. The chicken is so juicy and flavorful. Whatever they put in the rub is delicious. If this place were to open in CA it would put all the other chicken places out of business. Friendly staff and great location by the beach. Will definitely visit again when I'm on the island.
(5)
L C.

Awful! I don't understand why this place had rave reviews. My friends and I decided to try this place after reading the rave reviews and we were sorely disappointed. The ribs were dry and tasteless. We ordered the sampler and a large order of ribs. Both were disappointing. We can't believe the reviews it received. Are these reviews legit? Sorry, the food was terrible! The only consolation was the guys working there were nice. Sorry, guys.
(1)
Karen D.

Nothing fancy . No seasoning needed because it's cooked in a barrel which gives it a good natural smoky flavor. I ordered the sampler and it's too much. That includes brown rice, chicken, pulled pork, pulled beef and a spate rib plus chili beans.
(4)
Marianne R.

Me and my husband came here while hunting for a "regular" non Hawaiian place to eat . The place is kind of hidden and a outdoor setting . We orders their number # 1 which was a whole Breast and sides. There are seats outside like a patio style restaurant . The price was reasonable and food was great .
(5)
Josh S.

Went here with the family, when you have 9 people including 3 kids it's important to get seated and fed quickly, sometimes quality is what you sacrifice to get out quickly. This was definitely not the case at here. We were greeted by a big smile as we studied the menu. Think we ordered almost everything on the menu. They had plenty of picnic benches for our brood to gather, we literally waited 5 minutes for all 9 meals. The quality of the bbq was better than some joints that I've had in Texas and Oklahoma. Great service, great food, and great prices, what more could you ask for!!!
(5)
Brian A.

This is my favorite spot to eat on the island! I usually the mixed plate but this time I got the pulled pork and chicken. With a side of Mac Salad and their cole slaw with their home made dressing!
(5)
David H.

We wish that we would have went here earlier in our trip sadly it was our last day =( Would definitely eat here over and over again!! The food was fantastic! It is an absolute must if you want some good food while in Kauai! Plus you can walk to the beach and eat your food if you want to!! The chicken was delicious and not one part of it was dry!
(5)
Steve M.

BBQ chicken and ribs are the stars here. The pulled pork and beef was tasty but a little dry. Both sauces are delicious and don't need much. The flavor of the meat stands on its own. The beans are out of this world and could eat as a meal by itself. It's really a meat chili with bacon. Great flavor and fresh.
(4)
Deanna P.

Needed a quick lunch after a long hike. This hit the spot. Great ribs, huge burrito. Friendly service, Pepper was very friendly. Highly recommend for a casual lunch.
(5)
Michael H.

Delicious! The bbq sauce is pretty good. They smoke everything and it melts in your mouth. The pulled beef was probably my least favorite but was still pretty good. The baby back ribs and pulled pork were probably my favorites. Also, don't forget the cornbread!
(5)
Shruti J.

Tender, juicy and perfectly cooked ribs and chicken. One of the best places to eat ribs in Kauai. Ribs were heavenly with the spicy barbecue sauce. The service was very quick. Its a really small place, do not judge this place based on its looks, they serve amazing food.
(5)
Lynda H.

Great place to stop for lunch. We had the sampler and all of the smoked meats are great. Rice and chili beans are good too.
(5)

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Address : 4-1586 Kuhio Hwy
Kapaa, HI, 96746
Phone (808) 823-0780
Website https://www.chickeninabarrel.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:00 am - 8:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No

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Chicken in a Barrel

4-1586 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI, 96746

Chicken in a Barrel Menu

Salads

Entrees

Ala Carte

Other Items

Sides

Keiki Menu

Dessert

Beverages - Coffee

Beverages- Cold Drinks

Healthy Meal suggestions for Chicken in a Barrel

Salads

Entrees

Ala Carte

Other Items

Sides

Keiki Menu

Dessert

Beverages - Coffee

Beverages- Cold Drinks

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Cory S.

Cindi G.

Joe C.

Benjamin B.

Customer R.

chrisa m.

Shib W.

Camille M.

Gregg H.

Grace H.

Nick F.

Ruth B.

Brski B.

Jun W.

Brice P.

john h.

Jennifer Y.

Gary S.

Bich D.

Elaine B.

Irene R.

Kristin K.

Colleen B.