La Reine Chicken Shack — Restaurant in Saint Croix

I've lived on island for several years. The La Reine Chicken Shack is undoubtedly a popular place with locals - even during a global pandemic. However, the chicken is just okay. The few times I've been, the chicken was somewhat dry, and the bbq sauce is most likely Sweet Baby Rays that they just pour from a bottle into a little plastic container. At least the Johnny cakes are very good. That's the only reason I give them 2 stars.

One of the problems with this place is the lack of organization and order in every aspect of their business from calling in an order to parking to picking it up. It's not like they don't anticipate busy periods, it's just that they don't even try to make the experience enjoyable or even tolerable. Specifically, during busy periods, they need a dedicated employee in a quiet location to receive phone orders rather that having someone who is apparenly on the front line who can't hear over the din of the kitchen and asks you to repeat order information like 3 or 4 times making you seriously question whether they are getting your order right. They need a system of pickup where it isn't guesswork where to go, whether there is a line, how you are to be notified that your order is ready, etc. And forget about any organized parking. On top of all of this, many of the locals who are familiar with the disorganized process don't hold back their frustrations that you don't know it as well as they do and this can be somewhat intimidating.

My best advice is to either bbq your own chicken or hit this place up only during less...

We just revisited. Our first visit was in May of 2022 and generated the review below. Returned this week in August 2023. Not nearly as impressed.

First of all....the only thing you're gonna get to order before 1PM is chicken. No ribs. No pulled pork. "It's not ready yet."

Secondly, the flavor of chicken rice and beans and salad just kind of lays there. Reminded me of hospital food. Very bland. No spicy salt, etc to dress it up w. They did offer tiny portions of habinero sauce that was just hot w little flavor. And it is difficult to get the lady at the cash register to give up any salt or pepper.

We all felt they were loosing their MOJO. An unremarkable dining experience this time around.

They nail it. Nail the atmosphere. (Fun, clean, easy) Nail the service. (very polite and helpful). Nail the friendly bar service and selection. ...... and Nail the FOOD!

This 60 year old said it was the best tasting smoked chicken he has ever had. And I've spent 3 decades around Texas BBQ pits.

To sum up...We've been on island for 5 days and nights now. Only two places we've been to qualified as a MUST HAVE and must take new guests to. La Reine Chicken Shack is one.

Oh...and as folks go on about the Johnny Cakes....the sweet potato dressing is Amazing! Don't leave w out trying...

The BEST chicken we tried on the island. This chicken shack is well known on the island and people highly recommend it to us. When we got there, the hype was no joke, from smelling the chicken cooking to the nice bar area and friendly staff, it was an amazing experience! Definitely a destination to go! The chicken was very juicy and full of flavors! The rice was amazing too and the Johnny cakes were very unique to others I tried on the island. You will probably see a line to order food, but don't be afraid, they are pretty quick on taking your order and get it ready, if you are impatient, maybe it is the heat, go ahead and drink something at the bar they have a big selection of non alcoholic and alcoholic beverages! They have an indoor and outdoor seating area so you can choose whatever works best for you. I will be dreaming about this chicken and sad that I will not be able to have it till we come back to USVI. Overall an amazing experience and I'll highly...