30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Pet Friendly Restaurants in Santa Monica
Best Cheap Eats in Santa Monica
Master Critic Review
Cha Cha Chicken
8.0
Family-owned since 1996, this colorful Caribbean beach shack serves jerk chicken with Latin fusion twists on two covered patios steps from the ocean. The BYOB policy, coconut fried chicken featured on Food Network, and homemade jerk sauce create a laid-back island vibe that locals have treasured for nearly three decades.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jerk Chicken Enchiladas, Coconut Fried Chicken, Cha Cha Chicken
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Caribbean-Latin fusion with BYOB policy at beach-adjacent outdoor shack
Who should go: Budget-conscious diners wanting authentic island flavors near beach
When to visit: Lunch after beach or early dinner with wine
What to order: Jerk chicken enchiladas, coconut fried chicken, fried plantains
Insider tip: BYOB includes beer and wine - bring your favorite and save significantly
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on Main Street and surrounding blocks - usually available except summer weekends. Paid lot on Main at Ashland ($3/hr) if needed.
Dress code: Ultra casual - beach attire totally fine. Flip-flops, shorts, swimsuit cover-ups welcome.
Noise level: Moderate - outdoor patio setting with Caribbean music playing. Can easily hold conversation.
Weekend wait: 15-25 min peak times (6-7pm) - order-at-counter system keeps lines moving
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min max - quick turnaround
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - black bean platters, veggie enchiladas, rice and beans. About 6-7 options.
Vegan options: Possible - most sides work (rice, beans, plantains). Ask for no cheese/sour cream on entrées.
Gluten-free options: Limited but doable - jerk chicken with rice and beans skips tortillas. No dedicated prep area but they accommodate.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual first dates - relaxed atmosphere removes pressure, BYOB keeps costs down, outdoor seating feels special, and ordering at counter means no awkward bill moment. Best for active/outdoorsy types rather than fine dining seekers.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's counter service with patio seating first-come, first-served. Weekday lunches are easy; weekend dinners expect 15-20 min wait. Go before 6pm or after 8pm to avoid crowds.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - casual outdoor setting, quick service, mild chicken options available (not everything is spicy), and price point makes kid waste less painful. Highchairs available. All ages welcome.
Best For
Better for: Beach-adjacent Caribbean vibes without Santa Monica tourist prices. The BYOB policy and family-owned authenticity beat generic boardwalk options. Ideal when you want island flavors in a genuinely relaxed (not corporate-relaxed) setting with ocean proximity.
Consider Alternatives If: You want full table service, air conditioning, or complex cocktails. If it's cold or rainy, the outdoor-only seating is a dealbreaker. Also skip if you're seeking upscale Caribbean - this is intentionally a beach shack, not Gladstone's.
Hours
Monday11am - 8:30pm
Tuesday11am - 8:30pm
Wednesday11am - 8:30pm
Thursday11am - 8:30pm
Friday11am - 9pm
Saturday10am - 9pm
Sunday10am - 8:30pm