Been here a few times now as it's a convenient option by AMC Columbia. This used to be Urban…read morePlates, which I remembered going to a couple of times and was disappointed when it closed a few years ago. The first time I went here was in summer 2022 shortly after they opened, and I was disappointed with a few things. At that time, I would've given them 2-stars, and I remember thinking I probably don't want to go back here.
Then, about 1.5 years later on Friday, December 1, 2023 after a movie, there was someone dressed up in chicken costume as I recall giving coupons for a free side to be used by expiration at the end of 2023. 11 days later on Tuesday, December 12, I decided to give Chicken + Whiskey another chance with the coupon as a catalyst. A couple of issues I had in 2022 were improved in 2023. I didn't think it was the most outstanding chicken & sides I've had but pretty good. And my opinion continued to improve in 2024 & remain positive as recently as Saturday, March 1, 2025.
The main thing that pissed me off in 2022 was that there was an extra upcharge on mac n' cheese with no warning, and the staff was a bit snippy when I said it should've been more clear on the glass when ordering and not a small note up top. Although they were willing to change out, I really wanted the mac n' cheese and ultimately decided to pay the extra.
In December 2023, I asked about the mac n' cheese upcharge, and they said all the sides were the same, no upcharge. I breathed a sigh of relief as I didn't like being charged for picking a certain side. In 2024-2025, I always get the 1/4 chicken white with 2 sides, which I vary somewhat depending on my mood. December 2023 I tried THREE sides as my coupon was for a free side and the 1/4 chicken already comes with 2 sides. This gave me the opportunity to try more sides although the staff is cordial and will let you sample, which I've done a couple of times to determine if it's a side I really want.
With my 3 sides, I got mac n' cheese (now with no upcharge & my favorite "vegetable"), Yuca fries, & side salad (to be healthy since I already was getting 2 unhealthy sides). Yuca fries & chicken are both great. Mac n' cheese is solid too. However, it seems like the mac n' cheese gets a bit cool by the time I pay & ultimately am eating it. So, that is a bit off-putting. Additionally, they give you a free sauce, which I generally get the BBQ. It's nice to dip the chicken in but is a bit spicy.
I signed up for their loyalty program and got points, which in 2024-25 meant I got some discounts for earning points like a few bucks off my food, which is nice perk to help me keep coming back. I had signed up for In Kind app in January 2025, and there are only 5 restaurants in Columbia where you get 20% off (3 by mall: this, Bennie's [which Chicken + Whiskey] owns too, & Walrus). On March 1, 2025, there was some confusion with the staff with the In Kind + a bit of loyalty discount I had. A person from Bennie's staff was over to help since the two places are connected. Ultimately, my girlfriend & I approximately $25 meals came down to only $10 something, which was awesome!
After going through the assembly line to say the entree you want, pick sides, and pay, you take your tray to seating. They have a bunch of benches to sit on, which is where I tend to sit. They also have regular seating. But here, I prefer the benches because the lighting is kind of bad, but worse in the regular seating area. I wish the lighting was better as I like to clearly see my food, but it's a minor complaint. Also, they have a separate water station, which is nice. The machine is a bit hard to press with the plastic cup; so you need to use your hands to press.
Overall, Chicken + Whiskey is solid. We will keep coming back as we know we can get a good quality meal and cordial staff.