Welcome to Cha Cha Chicken
At Cha Cha Chicken, nestled in sunny Santa Monica, we celebrate the vibrant flavors of Caribbean cuisine. Our journey began with a passion for authentic, spiced chicken, featuring our signature oven-roasted Cha Cha Chicken smothered in Jamaican jerk sauce. Here, we embrace a casual atmosphere that welcomes everyone, including families and dogs. With a diverse menu that includes vegan and vegetarian options, there’s something for every palate. Our cheerful staff ensures you enjoy every bite, from the tender, flavorful chicken to the zesty plantains. Join us to experience the joy of Caribbean flavors just steps from the beach!
- 1906 Ocean Ave Santa Monica, CA 90405 United States Hotline: (310) 581-1684
Welcome to Cha Cha Chicken! Located at 1906 Ocean Ave in the heart of Santa Monica, California, this vibrant restaurant invites guests into a colorful world of Caribbean flavors and Latin American culinary creativity. For those seeking a taste of the tropics, Cha Cha Chicken serves up delicious dishes that evoke the spirit of island life. Whether you're craving a quick bite or a hearty dinner with friends, this casual chicken shop caters to all appetites.
Known for its friendly service and inviting atmosphere, Cha Cha Chicken is ideal for families, beachgoers, and food enthusiasts alike. The outdoor seating, enhanced by heats and twinkling lights, creates a fun and lively ambiance that's perfect for enjoying a meal al fresco. Plus, the restaurant is dog-friendly, ensuring that your furry companions are welcome to join the experience!
The menu shines with a mix of flavorful offerings, notably their signature Cha Cha Chicken. Oven-roasted to perfection and generously coated in a delicately spiced Jamaican jerk sauce, each bite delivers a punch of bold flavor that keeps patrons returning for more. The Coconut Fried Chicken is another standout, served with sweet mango and jerk dipping sauces that perfectly balance the crispy exterior and tender meat.
- Appetizers: Start your meal with Chips and Black Bean Dip or their savory Empanadas, both priced affordably.
- Entrees: Delight in the Ropa Nueva, featuring shredded chicken over a bed of simmering garden veggies, or savor the Spicy Jerked Wings, perfect for sharing.
- Vegetarian Options: Cha Cha Chicken accommodates all diets, boasting plenty of vegetarian and vegan selections. The Veggie Enchiladas and Spinach Quesadilla are flavorful choices for plant-based diners.
Patrons rave about the restaurant's atmosphere and service. One customer remarked how enthusiastic the staff is, adding a personal touch to each order. Reviews highlight how delicious and fresh the food feels, with many describing their dishes as "fall off the bone tender” and bursting with flavor. “Best place for Caribbean style chicken,” a satisfied diner claimed, echoing the sentiments of many who have discovered this hidden gem.
At Cha Cha Chicken, every detail matters. Their commitment to sustainability is reflected in the use of compostable containers and reusable tableware, making this chicken shop not only a treat for your palate but a responsible choice for diners. Don't forget to check out their happy hour specials, a perfect way to enjoy a budget-friendly feast while soaking in the vibrant charm of Santa Monica.
If you're in the Santa Monica area, Cha Cha Chicken is a must-visit destination. With its delightful blend of Caribbean cuisine, friendly service, and lively environment, you’ll find yourself returning for more. So why wait? Grab a seat, indulge in mouthwatering flavors, and let the rhythm of Cha Cha Chicken sweep you off your feet!

Oh my goodness! Visiting from out of town and we asked a local where to get something to eat that's not a chain. She recommended this place and we are so happy she did! Food was fresh and delicious. The man (owner?) taking our order was so friendly and genuinely seemed so happy to be there. I wish we stayed longer to go back again but will definitely stop by if we're ever in town again!

Overall great experience. The ambiance is fun, the staff was friendly and the food was good. The rice and bean had a great seasoning and I enjoyed the mole sauce. However the chicken tasted old, while tender it was not fresh. The sauce made up for it but that was what knocked it down for me, otherwise it would have been 5 stars. I'd come back to try it again if in the area

This was a super fun spot to grab dinner. Very local and right in a neighborhood area. I also loved that this was a dog friendly establishment. You order outside. There was a super long line out the door and down the street. Popular place! They ran out of Spicy Jerk Chicken Wings so got Cha Cha Chicken with half mango half medium spice sauce on it. Rice/beans, and plaintains. The ambiance was so fun and the food was delish! I'll be coming back here again!

Food, service and ambiance. This place checks all the boxes. If you've got the hankering for some delicious Caribbean style chicken, I'd highly recommend giving this place a try. Chicken is fall off the bone tender and the plantains unbelievable - caramelized to perfection. Don't take my word for it - try it for yourself. 10/10 would recommend to my friends, colleagues and family.

Wow, this place ain't no joke. We parked nearby and wanted to try before going to the beach. The family is very sweet that works here. The enchiladas is a Top 3 winner so I tried the veggie version with a mango guava aqua Fresca! The jerk seasoning is on the tortilla on the enchilada. They are spicy but there is so much flavor. The restaurant is very colorful and fully outside with heaters and lights. Lots of Caribbean decor and great music. Was a great decision just a couple blocks from the beach

Came here right after surfing at Santa Monica beach and loved the tropical, beachy ambiance of the restaurant. The chicken was cooked perfectly and was very tender and juicy. Order at the counter and then the food gets delivered to your table. Wide array of sides you can choose to come with the cha cha chicken platter, and they let me get fruit as one of the sides which was so refreshing.

I went here before going to Santa Monica Beach and ordered the Mulato Cubano Sandwich. I liked it a lot but felt that the price was a bit high for how big the sandwich was. There was plenty of seating and we were served not long after ordering. Overall I would definitely recommend this place if you're looking for some good quick food near Santa Monica.

I've never had Caribbean food and had to give this place a try due to the amount of raving reviews. Plantains will always have a sweet spot in my heart. We had the Cuban sandwich & cha cha chicken. Both were delicious and pretty good portions for two people. The host was good with giving recommendations since there's a pretty extensive menu. Loved how there's indoor and outdoor seating. I liked the outdoor decor and the place was poppin' with people.