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Chicken In A Barrel BBQ-Kapaa

4.4 (1.6k reviews)
ModerateBarbeque, Salad, Burgers
Closed • 11:00 am - 7:30 pm

Chicken In A Barrel BBQ-Kapaa Photos

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CHICKEN IN A BARREL BBQ-KAPAA ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Moderate noise
Dogs allowed
Outdoor seating

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1/2 chicken
Rachel S.

What a wonderful start to our vacay - the first stop after landing and grabbing the rental car. We were reenergized by the tender, yummy chicken! Rolled up around 3pm on a Sunday and they had almost sold out of everything - only 2 chickens left! Wanted to try the ribs but they were all gone so can't wait to come back again. The chef/owner was so kind and provided quick service.

Sampler Plate
Alison V.

The sampler plate was okay - the beans were pretty acidic, the pulled beef and pork were not that flavorful, the rib was pretty tough but the chicken was moist and the rice was cooked well. The seating needs replacing - my husband almost fell through his chair, lol. There's no restroom onsite. If you're going to go, just don't compare it to Texas bbq, then you'll be alright.

John G.

This experience was underwhelming. I ordered a portion of pulled beef for a little over $17 and I was handed a small container (for which I was charged extra for take out) and in it a smaller aluminum foil container which had the pulled beef. My jaw dropped and I almost went for a refund. The taste was good though, but the portion for the price definitely not worth it. I later visited another location near by and they listed the same menu item for $2 cheaper.

Katherine K.

Our food came out incredibly fast and didn't taste fresh even though we were the only ones there. I got the #2 Sampler to try everything and I really liked the rib and the chicken (although it was a bit dry). The pulled beef was okay and definitely needed the bbq sauce. The pulled pork was a wet mess with no flavor and soggy texture. The chili I got was mehh since they overdid it with the tomatoes and that's all you could taste. My friend got the Burrito with coleslaw on the side. He said it wasn't bad. The coleslaw was not enjoyable. He also got a side of the Macaroni Salad, which was pretty good.

$32 for this trash, I will never come back and not recommend for anyone
Henry V.

Price not worth it , overpriced Taste bland and even my dog doesn't like it Only for tourists and they absolutely not coming back so they don't really care about how terrible the food was made

Bbq
Paige K.

Not really sure about the raving ratings on this one. It was fine but nothing to write about. We got the quarter chicken and the bbq plate with sweet potato fries. The chicken was fine and the fries but the bbq meat was really dry. Fine but for the prices, Wouldn't get again.

Bryan C.

Whenever we visit Kauai, we make sure to visit Chicken In A Barrel. Their BBQ chicken is absolutely delicious! The staff is super friendly and funny, and we had a great time chatting with them about dinner spots in Princeville and Lihue. Our food arrived quickly, and the BBQ ribs and chicken were cooked to perfection! We will be back!

Delicious BBQ. I recommend getting the chicken and ribs, so good.
Lannie T.

The BBQ was delicious. Great place to grab a bite, because you can taste the love that goes into making this food. Thank you so much to the owner and we appreciate your craft. This is a must visit in Kauai.

chicken and rib combo: 1/4 piece chicken and 2 barrel-smoked baby back ribs with a side of rice & chili beans.
Joyce D.

Ordered the chicken and rib combo: 1/4 piece chicken and 2 barrel-smoked baby back ribs with a side of rice & chili beans. All seating is outside. Parking can be a bit rough but there's some on the side. The meat had a great smoke to it. Chicken is well seasoned to a rotisserie. The ribs were a bit dry and tough. Chili was interesting. It had a slight sweetness to it.

Ryan A.

Incredible BBQ. Hit the sampler plate and was amazing. Chicken was moist with a strong smokey flavor. Also recommend the ribs and pulled pork. 10/10.

Pork platter
Allison H.

The service was wonderful! Very family oriented and loved to talk story with their customers! A cute location!

The sign in front of restaurant

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Reviews are largely positive. Many praise the juicy, flavorful chicken, friendly and helpful staff, and generous portions. The laid-back outdoor seating adds to the appeal.

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3 months ago

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19 days ago

Great service! Decent barbecue. we had the ribs and pulled pork. both were good, if perhaps a bit under seasoned.

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Keoni D.

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11 months ago

The food here is great I got a number 1 cooked to perfection and the guys behind the counter was super friendly and nice highly recommend!!

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Paniolo Santa Maria Style BBQ - Ono and Tri-Tip. Tender, juicy! I'd get this again!

Paniolo Santa Maria Style BBQ

4.1(270 reviews)
0.5 mi
•$$

4.5 Stars?! I loved this friendly family run homestyle BBQ and live music joint, located right in…read moredowntown Kapaa. Indoor area is casual, covered in fun decor, and homey...outdoor is a fairly large stage, dance floor, and some more tables. This is one of the few places for night life and live music in Kauai! Food is good as well! $27 Surf N Turf...a perfectly grilled and well seasoned filet of moist fresh Mahi Mahi, and meat of your choice, which I got the tasty, meaty, Santa Maria seasoned Tri Tip. Cooked to about Medium, it was still tender and juicy. Also comes with rice, garlic bread, and tiny green salad. Best part of this place? It's BYOB! They don't sell alcohol, but you can bring your own! I ran over to the ABC store to get some $5 canned cocktails, yes please!

I hate to say anything unkind about an establishment that's clearly a long time staple and the…read moreepitome of the perfect dive bar, so I'll say it like this - go here if you want to hear some (local) live music, have a drink, chill with the locals. This is a locals' spot- everyone knows everyone, everyone's kind and welcoming. The staff have been there forever and are great. But don't come here for dinner. This was our mistake. There were two other Hawaiian bbq type places we tried to go to and both were unexpectedly closed so we ended up here and were so disappointed. I had the saltiest burger I've ever tasted and could not finish it. My husband got the surf and turf and said it lacked flavor. We should have known better as we walked in the door but our deep hunger won the battle and we stayed. And got what we deserved. Sorry. Again, come for some local music and drinks - leave the food.

Photos
Paniolo Santa Maria Style BBQ - Great entertainment with Gene!!

Great entertainment with Gene!!

Paniolo Santa Maria Style BBQ - Tri-tip sammich

Tri-tip sammich

Paniolo Santa Maria Style BBQ - What's happening

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What's happening

Chicken In A Barrel BBQ - Coconut Marketplace - Sampler

Chicken In A Barrel BBQ - Coconut Marketplace

3.9(283 reviews)
2.0 mi
•$$

It was a good food experience. We ordered the #2 Sampler plate and split that amongst 2 people. It…read morecame with a large piece of chicken, a rib, some shredded/pulled pork/beef, chili, and rice. Honestly a perfect serving for 2 people. With their bbq sauces, very thing was really good and the rice had a good consistency. The chili was strong on the acidity from the tomato, but I like that so it was perfect for me. We did also order a side salad, it was definitely just a side salad~ I would have skipped this in the future, I think they may have been a little too cold in the fridge and the cucumber and greens froze a little and it kind of made the greens soft and the cucumber a little soft. But still very edible once mixed all together. Fountain drinks were unlimited and they had Coke Zero I think a 10/10 for me. I wish I had tried the cornbread cause I was very curious. Maybe next time. Staff was nice, love the location. The chickens come right up to you and definitely eye you down, but sitting outside enjoying some bbq, it was great.

This was our first meal when we arrived in Kauai. We we're exhausted from our flight and this place…read moreseems to be the first one that we spotted so we went for it. I was a little skeptical since no one was dining. Surprisingly the service was quick. No one in the counter, the 3 employees are all in the back. One guy took our order and within 5 minutes it's ready. Food verdict- we ordered the big plate, my husband and I shared. Enough for both of us. I must say, it was not bad at all. If you are hungry, it's tolerable. The meat are seasoned and tender. The soup is my favorite. Ample of chairs and tables. Background music and if you are lucky you will also see the Hula dance show by the lawn in front of the Coconut Market. Fyi: Kauai is known for chickens roaming around. You will see them everywhere.

Photos
Chicken In A Barrel BBQ - Coconut Marketplace - Ordering station, our use the big QR code posted on the outside.

Ordering station, our use the big QR code posted on the outside.

Chicken In A Barrel BBQ - Coconut Marketplace - Chili Cheese Fries

Chili Cheese Fries

Chicken In A Barrel BBQ - Coconut Marketplace

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Wailua Drive In - Chili fried chicken (10 piece)

Wailua Drive In

4.2(859 reviews)
1.5 mi
•$$
Locally owned & operated
Family-owned & operated

In the oddly difficult search for great food on Kauai, this place is a clear standout. Grabbed the…read morefood to go, and had a decent drive after,but the food was still sooo good. Service was pleasant and the case full of dessert goodies was very tempting... Grabbed a couple items. Ha I love a plate lunch and this is my favorite so far for this island. Will go back for sure!

Wailua Drive In is a popular Hawaiian restaurant in Kapa'a, Hawaii, known for its fresh, local…read morecomfort food like plate lunches, burgers, and katsu. Popular menu items include ahi katsu 10/10, chili pepper chicken 9/10, and Hawaii's own- loco moco (not a huge fan in general). They offer a variety of other options, including poke, ramen, and sandwiches, with convenient takeout and delivery available. It's definitely a local favorite due to its generous portions, authentic Hawaiian cuisine and friendly service. We ordered the fried chicken and poke combo with wonton chips and the ahi katsu (my absolute fav). The ahi was fried to perfection- crispy on the outside while rare and tender on the inside. The sauce on the katsu was absolutely fire!!! So good! Macaroni salad was creamy and delicious. And the rice was perfect. Obviously, you cannot visit Hawaii without having some of their poke- always fresh and delightfully tasty. The marinade was savory and packed with flavor.

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Wailua Drive In - Inside seating area

Inside seating area

Wailua Drive In - Lau lau plate - delish!

Lau lau plate - delish!

Wailua Drive In - Ahi Katsu

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Ahi Katsu

Fish Bar Deli - Support local island sustainable industry Eat the delectable farm raised( yee ha) Kauai Shrimp!

Fish Bar Deli

4.4(295 reviews)
0.4 mi
•$$

We managed to score the window bar overlooking the busy intersection during the first weekend Fish…read moreBar Deli was open following Hurricane Lowell's impacts on the area. Staff was friendly and informative, and the food was delicious, unique and well worth revisiting, even if pretty pricey. Free parking on the street could range from right around the corner to just a couple blocks away, but walking in Kauai is a treat. Somehow, we were able to walk in and get a table with only about 5 minutes wait. The place has limited table space, and no doubt there could be longer wait times, but it'll be worth it. I went with a bowl of cauliflower/coconut soup and a side of sweet potato salad. The soup was creamy and flavorful and came with a nice piece of sourdough for dipping or noshing. The small serving of salad was very good, but far overpriced. My tablemate had the tuna melt, something I've never seen him eat in 30 years, and it was tasty with a slab of melty cheese that topped it nicely. He especially appreciated the fries. Bonus points to the restaurant for NOT CHARGING EXTRA for gluten-free bread (when available - it's also vegan). The GF "tax" is out of hand so many other places it was refreshing to see this on the menu for our GF friends.

I loved it here and it was amazing!! Some of the best clam chowder I've had and I don't like clam…read morechowder!!!! Can't wait to come back. Note: We had a late lunch and then went to the sister bar upstairs "The Flying Saucer" , both were amazing!

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Fish Bar Deli
Fish Bar Deli - Fresh Island Fish Sandwich- look at that monster! My daughter deconstructed it into 2 open-faced sandwiches

Fresh Island Fish Sandwich- look at that monster! My daughter deconstructed it into 2 open-faced sandwiches

Fish Bar Deli - Bowl Lunch - that College sauce is front and center as it should be

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Bowl Lunch - that College sauce is front and center as it should be

Chicken In A Barrel BBQ-Kapaa - bbq - Updated October 2026

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