Charcoal Chicken, located at 71 Elm St in West Haven, CT, has earned a loyal following for its flavorful, well-prepared dishes and welcoming atmosphere. With over 30 years of service, customers like Cynthia Ramirez rave about the delicious pork chops and friendly staff, highlighting the restaurant's consistent quality. The standout dish for many, as noted by Peter Vee, is the 1/2 charcoal chicken served with rice and plantains, creating a delightful meal that captivates the senses.
Shawn describes the experience as a “hidden gem,” praising its charming decor and wholesome offerings, even while recuperating from illness. This speaks to Charcoal Chicken’s ability to provide comfort food that resonates with patrons looking for both taste and warmth. The chicharon recommended by thetravelercarl has also been a crowd favorite, further underlining the restaurant’s broad appeal. With affordability in mind, diners appreciate the good value without compromising on flavor.
In summary, Charcoal Chicken stands out not just for its delightful offerings, but also for its commitment to customer satisfaction, making it a cherished local establishment and a must-visit for anyone in West Haven.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Plenty of parking
Photos
Reviews For Charcoal Chicken
Cynthia Ramirez
Jun 25,2025
Love their pork chops. We've been going here for over 30 years. The food is delicious, and they are so friendly.
Peter Vee
Jun 19,2025
Love the 1/2 charcoal chicken, chicken with rice and the plantains. Makes a great meal. The people are very nice and accommodating.
Shawn
Jun 10,2025
Absolutely delicious. And the atmosphere was cutely decorated. This place is a hidden gem, and I’ve lived two blocks away for a year. I played it simple, I just got the chicken w/rice and beans, which, was a shame because I’m usually looking for the hottest thing on the menu. However, I’m getting over the stomach flu so I didn’t want to get anything too spicy or, even, flavorful. But I’ll be back to try more dishes.
thetravelercarl
Jun 5,2025
This is my to-go to restaurant. Their chicharon is always tasty. The owner is friendly, the servers are great and inviting. The price is definitely affordable.
Regina
May 30,2025
The food is absolutely amazing! One of my favorite restaurants
jfkuntur
Apr 14,2025
First time eating at this place. We were pleasantly surprised with the taste and freshness. Our waitress Vanessa was friendly and accommodating throughout our stay. On the flip side, the food is a bit pricey but I would highly recommend.
Carlos R. Tapia
Apr 4,2025
Excellent customer service. Vanessa my waitress she went above and beyond to make me comfortable and welcome. The food was excellent. The chicken was amazing. Will definitely come back and highly recommend this place to my friends and family members.
Pamela Rodriguez
Mar 16,2025
The food was delicious, and the high point was the dessert a 3 leches guayaba. !!!The best 3 leches ever!!! I have tried
Reviews For Charcoal Chicken