What a chicken is what a chicken The chicken is very tasty and the ribs are mouthwatering and the potato salad is wonderful.. The shrimp burrito is excellent...Not very roomy inside & not enough parking that would be my only complaints other than that it is the one place to stop and Try read more

What A Chicken - What a Chicken Front entrance - Mexican Near Me - Petaluma, California

The food is fresh and delicious. The green salsa and homemade tortillas are a must try!

Never disappointed. We always get half chicken and half ribs. Soooo good! Moist, tender and tasty. We also love the Spanish rice. Service is friendly and quick. read more

This place really should be called What A Deal because holy chicken, you're in for a treat. As the name of this place indicates, you should probably try their chicken. Their chicken only comes cooked one way, grilled. I was told by my friend to order the chicken taco and only order 1-2 depending on my hunger level. I ended up ordering 2 tacos: 1 chicken and 1 fish because I felt adventurous. The look on my face when I saw the tacos I had ordered can only be described as pure joy. The tacos are HUGE and the portion of the meat was RIDICULOUS. Not only that, but it tasted AMAZING. The fish was good but the true star was the chicken. It had so much flavor and was still surprisingly tender and moist! I really wish I had ordered 2 of the chicken tacos, so lesson learned. Also bonus points for having delicious homemade tortilla because it really complimented everything. So if you're in the mood for some legit chicken, GO HERE. Also they have a killer salsa/sides bar and free tortilla chips, so what more can you ask for? read more

This was my first time trying the food here and I was not disappointed. We ordered a basket of chicken, sides of rice, beans, guacamole, and various salsas and everything was absolutely delicious. Their chicken is grilled to perfection and does not leave you in a greasy feeling. The chicken is perfectly marinated and is flavorful with every bite. We also ordered a rack of ribs and the meat was so delicious and tender. The sauce they use to rub the meat in was not overpowering nor did it take away from the rest of the meal. The beans and rice... you can never go wrong with ordering, but you can sometimes be disappointed and you will not be disappointed here. Their rice is also perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. The beans are not mushy and compliment the rest of the mean very well. Overall, I would love to come back here again when I am in town and try some other items on the menu. I believe this is a great place for a quick bite to grab or to take home to dinner for the whole family. You won't be disappointed! read more

Great food, but employees are extremely rude! The young girl who works at the cash register refused to give me extra salsa and literally told me "that is way too many salsa's for your order". I order (3) super chicken burritos and a couple tacos for 4 people in my family. How is getting 3 salsa for each meal "way too many". The waitress was rude for s even saying that to a customer. I ended up giving her a tip and then tried to charge me for all the extra salsas. Next time if you want extra salsa when you place an order for lets say 6 people, order it with 6 different order and pay 6 different times. Guess thats the only loop hole read more

So I've been doing the rounds of Petaluma Mexican food. El Roy's ? It's good but it's no "What a chicken" !!!! I can't emphasize that enough, it's Mexican food, but the quality and taste is in a different league. The four or fives times I've been here I've ordered tacos, burritos, wraps, and a salad. All have been amazing. The burrito so big it was two meals. The wrap was delicious, it was perfectly mixed with greens, cucumbers and chicken. I didn't even notice till the end I had ranch dressing to put on it; I was that laser focused on consuming the wrap. The tacos have been massive, as the photo I posted shows, so big meat falls off and it's semi difficult to hold. But so worth the effort, little bit of their green sauce(the stuff in the big bowl is hot AF, careful, get the lighter green mix in the salsa bar for a less hot option) and bam! You've got one hell of a taco. My wife ordered the salad tonight and honestly it was so loaded with avocado slices and chicken that I'm not sure how that's only 9$ Overall I'm supremely impressed with this place, it would rival most Mexican places in SoCal if not just straight stomp them into bankruptcy. Petaluma has something special, you got what a chicken, and omg is WHAT A CHICKEN!!!!! read more

What A Chicken - This is what was left of 3 chicken tacos, they were so huge that they were really 4 tacos worth of meat - Mexican Near Me - Petaluma, California

Wow, what a chicken indeed! We were looking for a simple lunch around Petaluma, and What A Chicken interestingly combined Mexican fare with a BBQ flair (rhyme not intended). The menu is a no-frills selection of meat and sides plates, tacos, or burritos. I was a bit confused by the chicken or pork ribs plate (not sure if you get a choice), and I noticed only after ordering that all the sides options are posted on a separate board below (there is a more limited list on the actual menu, but the additional sign included popular items like their Spanish rice). The BBQ chicken had a unique combination of flavors--it reminded me of achiote although I suspect it's a complex proprietary spice blend. The semi-spicy, semi-fiery rub was quite memorable. I do think the texture was a bit dry, but otherwise the BBQ was done well, without any charred parts. The plates include an additional small side salad, and there are self-serve freshly house-made tortilla chips along with an elaborate salsa and condiments bar (my favorite are the mole sauce and the guac sauce), so all these complimentary bonuses are really nice. I really liked my potato side salad, which is arguably the healthiest potato salad I've ever had, since it came with ample veggies and minimal creamy mayo. Overall, great value (under $10 each for a satisfying meal), fast service, and extraordinarily hipster touches (beautiful decor with real flowers, clean modern steel tables, and watermelon-infused water in mason jars). The space is more popular than its capacity can accommodate during peak times, so plan accordingly. What a place! read more

What A Chicken - The spread: 2 pieces of meat combos and complimentary chips + salsa - Mexican Near Me - Petaluma, California

See all

Unique, generous, delicious, inexpensive - What A Chicken can't be beat for what it is. Heck, it's tough to beat based on criteria that it's not even shooting for! This is maybe the only place where I would actually opt for chicken over ribs (and that's no commentary on the ribs!). The chicken is stellar... grilled to perfection, tender, juicy (not dry at all), and thick flavor throughout. BBQ combos come with 2 gigantic sides... which doesn't even count the great fresh little salad that comes with. If you've not been, go check out this little grill. It's a fabulous deviation from our ubiquitous taqueria landscape and offers maybe a side of Mexican cuisine that has for too long flew under our gastronomical radar. read more

I look forward to eating here once a week. The flavor, portion and price have me returning so frequently! I get two chicken tacos and I always have some leftover. Tons of meat and incredible flavor! Free chips and large diverse salsa bar. Friendliest staff that easily put a smile on your face. Nice and clean inside with half a dozen tables and even a couple patio options. Highly recommend!!! read more

What A Chicken - Chicken Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Petaluma, California

Hands down best chicken in town. Always moist and flavorful... best tacos, burritos and the salads (enough meat for 2)! Always something for when I'm dieting and not dieting! Not to mention their drinks!!! All I can say is go, just go!! read more

See all

Amazing burrito and chicken! Will be returning many times. One of my favorite places in Petaluma.

Probably one of the best burritos places in Petaluma. They have several types of fresh made salsa that you should definitely sample when you get your food. Portions are large and their burritos can take me 2 meals to finish sometimes (unless I am starving lol). read more

What a fun restaurant! I recently ate lunch here on a Sunday and this place was hopping (there was a line out the door!). Flavorful chicken (and pork ribs!), tasty side dishes, and affordable prices -- what's not to love? You're first greeted at What a Chicken by the flavorful smells of chicken roasting on an open spit. They offer several different meat plates, burritos, and salads. My dining companion and I opted to share the 4 meats + 2 sides combo. This was a LOT of food -- definitely share-able! The chicken was flavorful, but some bites were drier than others. I've heard from friends who frequent this place that you have to hit it at the right time in order to enjoy fresh chicken straight off the grill. Although the chicken is their namesake, I found the pork ribs to be quite juicy and delicious. The sides were simple, yet tasty -- velvety refried beans, solid potato salad, and a fresh side salad. Ultimately, I left What a Chicken feeling quite full and satisfied! I'll definitely be back for another affordable feast. read more

Good honest meal here. You'll never leave hungry or bored. They have a full salsa bar and plenty of sides to go with the meat of your choice. We've tried the chicken, ribs, and steak. All are tasty and varies based on the day and what you're in the mood for. Try their delicious house drinks like the horchata or tea. All are delicious. read more

What A Chicken - Mexican Near Me - Petaluma, California

See all

Great Mexican food at spot close to downtown Petaluma. Portions are huge ! Ordered two fish tacos which took about two days to eat and also tried a two piece chicken and side of rice and beans. The chicken was super tender and because they have a bbq smoker setup, it had that bbq smoke flavor which was great. Forgot to mention the homemade tortillas and super yummy salsas. Will definitely be back ! read more

The 2 piece chicken plate is so delicious! I'm a very picky eater so I was very pleased that everything came separately. Not to mention that they serve the best chicken I've ever tried! read more

Great food, friendly and clean! The cashier was very helpful, may have been the owner. Would definitely go back.

If you like grilled chicken and taco, this is the place for you. Their chicken is juicy and super tasty. I would def come back again for more tacos. read more

See all

This place is fantastic ! The food and prices are great, and your meal is served quickly. If you buy too much food, it can be your lunch for the next day. The meat is tasty and moist and the portion is plentiful. You can see the food being cooked right outside the restaurant. The only thing I did not care for was the parking situation - the lot is small with spots only on one side - the best way to park is to back into a spot and don't bring your largest vehicle !! read more

What A Chicken - Still cooking in the pouring rain! - Mexican Near Me - Petaluma, California

See all

Food was good. Chicken is cooked outside and it is sooo soft. They have many different options like tacos, burritos, wraps, salads, plate combos AND they have fresh agua Frescas. We got greeted as we came in and as we left. The seating is a little tight but you still have your own space. read more

Best chicken I've had in my entire life. Very juicy and tender, I love their burritos and the customer service is amazing. I accidentally ordered the wrong type of beans and they fixed my order free of charge! My favorite restaurant in the county for sure. read more

This is one of the best chicken spots around. They are super consistent and the have a great selection of sauces. The chicken is always cooked perfectly with great flavor. Only thing I wish was that they were closer to Santa Rosa but happy that we don't have to drive too far to pick up an order. A must try! read more

First things first, the portions are massive! Gotta say I was impressed with What a Chicken. Took my friends here today because we saw it was a new spot. 5 star review is well earned here. I love how they've got a massive grill in the parking lot cooking the food, billowing the delicious smell into the air. There's a reason the line stretches out the door! This place is amazing. I'll be sure to update as I continue to get more food. They have many options. read more

What A Chicken - Chicken Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Petaluma, California

Wow! The flavor of the chicken is just a kick in the pallet. Great seasoning covering that tender, succulent meat. AND that is before you get to the sides and salsa- those do pack a punch, not for the faint of heart or taste buds. I really enjoyed the carne asada because they cook it to order- it is just not sitting there overcooking like in most places- you can actually taste the juice of the meat. I really encourage you all to give it a try. May not be the best you've had but is is the best around. And the prices are not half bad. read more

Have been here a handful of times over the last few months and finally got around to giving them a write up after a recent late night visit. I don't know what I appreciate more, the deliciousness of the food or the quantity of it. The portions here are ridiculously big and somehow the food is super tasty every single time. I've tried just about everything, the burrito, plates, tacos and salads. Each time, I choose chicken as the protein (hello it's called What a Chicken for a reason) though my wife did a fish taco on a recent visit (more on this later). The chicken is seasoned perfectly and always, always moist in whatever deliver you choose. The burrito feeds two, easily, the plates maybe three. If I had to pick one thing here, it'd be the burrito for its overall price and taste. On our last trip we did, as mentioned above, get a fish taco and were actually surprised at how good it was. Very tasty, and full of other things like pico de Gallo and avocado. At $5 it's maybe the most expensive thing (by size) on the menu. Besides all of the above goodness they have a nice salsa bar here which is always a treat. Regular varieties as well as a pineapple salsa that is not to be missed. You serve yourself the chips here so it's basically bottomless which can be a plus. All in all this is a fantastic spot and has become my go to when people ask, where should we have lunch? read more

What A Chicken - 4 Piece combo - Mexican Near Me - Petaluma, California

See all

Don't be put off by the $5 tacos or generally higher prices for Mexican food because the portions are huge! Excellent salsa bar as well. Food is superb. read more

What A Chicken - Mexican Near Me - Petaluma, California

Literally the best roasted chicken you'll find for a good price! Huge portions and everything is flavorful and every-time I go everyone is so kind. Yummy healthy version of Mexican food I would 100% recommend to anybody even with food allergies! read more

Delicious. Nice job!!! Ty endless search for great fast Mexican burrito, quesadillas & more. What a chicken is definitely up there with the champs from here to San Fran. It Holds reign with the best of them. Great flavor, quality & salsas! What a chicken is what a finger lickin experience. read more

So I have been here three times and the food is great! Service is fast and friendly, They Bbq the chicken outside over mesquite! The salsa bar has some tasty salsa, one I like has pineapple and looks like mango. You can grab lunch for two including small drinks for under $16.00! Go there and you will love it, They are closed Monday and Tuesday. read more

See all

Zero customer service when I did not get what I had ordered. Very argumentative instead of resolving the issue

Never eatin' hear before. But I always wanted to. Someday...maybe. And some folks are confused by the name. What's a chicken... A chicken is a small flightless bird known for laying eggs best eatin at breakfast and for chicken wings best eatinn with hot sauce and beer. Hope this helps read more

I love What a chicken....but it's inconsistent. Every time we go it's either delicious and great or dried out. The last time we ordered the ribs were so fatty we couldn't eat them and it said it came with two pieces of chick but they were cut up pieces of chicken (1 thigh cut in half) which is very misleading co side ring the price. I do love their rice and beans and the chicken salad is always good. When their ribs and chicken are fresh and it's a good day they are really really good. Hoping to increase my stars in the future. read more

Not only delicious it's a heck of a deal. They have expanded their menu since the last time I was there. We decided to dine in. They serve everything in a to go plate and the portions are large. I ordered the 2 piece chicken plate, choice of 2 sides. The sides take up half the plate. I thought it was strange that tortillas are a side, but then, OMG was I mistaken. If you like corn tortillas, and I'm not talking bout the minuscule ones they serve at the food trucks. Theirs are 3 thick, toasty warm, wrapped in foil goodness. A meal in itself, if I ordered a side of frijoles(beans) I would have been mucho satisfied but No, I didn't stop there cause the star of the meal is the Chicken, of course. They rub it down with special seasonings, then grill to perfection and the crowds love it, really. Side Note, they also grill up whole chicken on Tuesday at the Petaluma, farmers market and there is always a line. But getting back to the restaurant, they are very efficient, you can choose the type of chicken you want, light meat, dark meat, you also get a bag of chips and salsa included. They also make refreshing drinks to go with your meal. In summary, the place rocks. read more

The whole meal was Delicious!! I can't be happier that What a Chicken has opened in Petaluma. Starting at the Pineapple Fresca & amazing thick textured chips and salsa. My favorite was the tomatillo salsa. ( The pineapple salsa was amazing for my other 1/2 yet to spicy for me ) ,, to the moist perfectly seasoned chicken with a side of black beans & seasoned rice with such an extraordinary taste we not stop eating our dinner.. read more

My husband and I recently moved to Petaluma and we are obsessed with the chicken. They have bold flavors and they have a great portion size. We typically order our food to go and the customer service has always been great. When we go to pick up our food, we get to pick up a fresh agua. It was well worth it. At this time they also offered dessert. The flan was so good we will definitely be back. I don't believe they have a DoorDash option but I wish they did. read more

Still awesome 4 years later! Had a combo meal with ribs and chicken. Nicely cooked without being dried out. Also liked the cucumber and lemon drink. read more

This is the perfect place to stop if you are driving through and want a quick stop. They get your food out quickly and it is delicious! My chicken was moist and cooked to perfection. Can't wait to go back and try the ribs! The place was super busy on this Friday night, but they got everyone in and out quickly. The salads looked amazing too. read more

What A Chicken - Their prices are really reasonable. The chicken I had was moist and cooked perfectly. Can't wait to try the ribs! - Mexican Near Me - Petaluma, California

I love their food and am glad when I can get to the Tuesday Farmers Market. The smell of their chicken BBQ draws me to it

I've seen What A Chicken trending here on Yelp. I wanted to get something for the whole family so we decided to get it a go. As soon as I got down from the car you can smell the chicken cooking outside. I walked in and there was a bit of a line, but in my mind wherever there's a line it must be poppin! Lol When I was in line I was reviewing the menu and saw that they had individual plates or family size plates. I ordered a whole chicken with two sides, Spanish rice and pinto beans. With...wait for it..... handmade tortillas! I also ordered a medium cantaloupe water O.M.G!!! Sooo good! They also have a full salsa bar of every type of salsa you can imagine! Customer service was great too, the cashier was in charge of taking the orders and serving the drinks! There's so many choices of water horchata, cantaloupe, watermelon, and pineapple! read more

What A Chicken - Mexican Near Me - Petaluma, California