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    Cha Cha Chicken
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    Caribbean$
    4.6 (2100)

    Cha Cha Chicken

    About

    Cha Cha Chicken is a beloved, brightly colored Caribbean shack located just a stone's throw from the beach on Ocean Avenue. For years, it has been a go-to spot for locals and tourists seeking flavorful, affordable, and unpretentious food in a fun, laid-back setting. The restaurant is entirely outdoors, with a vibrant patio shaded by tropical plants and brightly painted umbrellas, instantly transporting diners to an island state of mind. The menu at Cha Cha Chicken is a celebration of Caribbean and Latin American flavors, with the undisputed star being their signature oven-roasted jerk chicken. It's perfectly spiced, incredibly tender, and served with generous portions of rice, black beans, and sweet plantains. Other popular items include the crispy coconut fried chicken served with a tangy mango sauce, and the inventive Jamaican jerk enchiladas. The portions are large, the flavors are bold, and the prices are remarkably reasonable for a restaurant so close to the ocean. One of the biggest draws of Cha Cha Chicken is its BYOB (Bring Your Own Booze) policy. Guests are welcome to bring their own beer or wine to enjoy with their meal, making it a highly popular and budget-friendly option for group dinners or a casual date night. The atmosphere is always lively and relaxed, with reggae music playing in the background. It's the perfect place to grab a satisfying meal after a long day in the sun or surf.

    Photos

    Cha Cha Chicken interior

    Menu Highlights

    Cha Cha Chicken

    Oven roasted jerk chicken with rice & beans and plantains

    Coconut Fried Chicken

    Crispy coconut crust, mango sauce

    Jamaican Jerk Enchiladas

    Spicy jerk chicken, cheese, sweet plantains

    View Full Menu

    Location & Area

    Located on Ocean Ave just south of the pier, it's incredibly convenient if you're spending the day at the beach or visiting the nearby Casa del Mar or Shutters on the Beach hotels.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What People Are Saying

    D

    Daniel K.

    Yelp • June 2026

    "The best casual spot in Santa Monica. The jerk chicken is amazing and you can't beat the BYOB policy. Always a fun time."

    M

    Maria G.

    Google • May 2026

    "Huge portions, great prices, and delicious food. The coconut chicken is my favorite. Perfect place to eat after the beach."

    A

    Alex W.

    Tripadvisor • April 2026

    "Very casual, order at the counter style. The food is flavorful and filling. Sometimes hard to find a table during peak hours."

    Information

    Address

    1906 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90405

    Get Directions

    Phone

    (310) 581-1684

    Hours

    • Mon-Sun11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

    Features

    • BYOB
    • Outdoor Seating
    • Casual
    • Near Beach

    Booking via external partner