The Chicken

4.5 ( 1646 reviews )
Checking... 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM See Hours
$10–20
4221 SE Orilla Rd A, West Des Moines, IA 50061, United States
+1 515-410-2520

The Chicken, located in West Des Moines, IA, has quickly become a beloved dining destination for both locals and visitors alike. With reviews praising the restaurant for its juicy Nashville Hot chicken and crispy fries, it’s clear that flavor is at the forefront of their offerings. Customer Mandy S highlights the delightful experience of sharing a meal on the dog-friendly patio, where furry companions are welcomed with water dishes.

Many patrons, such as Paul Quick, express a desire to return, captivated by the quality and convenience of this gem. Bethany Pepper raves about the chicken bowl—a harmonious blend of mashed potatoes, gravy, and corn—while Jason Kraker echoes the sentiments of satisfaction with generous portions and excellent service, reminiscing about the curds and broasted wings that tantalized their taste buds. The Chicken also stands out for its extensive beer list, making it a perfect spot for a casual gathering.

Whether you're craving fried delights or simply enjoying a chill evening out, The Chicken delivers an experience that keeps diners coming back for more.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Has outdoor seating
    • Offers delivery
    • On-site services available
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
  • Highlights
    • Has fast service
    • Has great beer selection
    • Serves great cocktails
    • Good for watching sport
  • Popular for
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves alcohol
    • Serves beer
    • Serves cocktails
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves comfort food
    • 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
    • Family friendly
    • Good for groups
    • Popular with tourists
  • Planning
    • Doesn't accept reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • Has changing table(s)
    • High chairs available
    • Has kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Plenty of parking
  • Pets
    • Dogs allowed outside

Reviews For The Chicken

Paul Quick
Jun 30,2025
Love The Chicken!! Need to go more often since it's fairly close.
Mandy S
Jun 24,2025
We love the Chicken! Nashville Hot is so juicy and tender. Fries are crispy. Onion rings were delicious. We really couldn't go wrong with anything we ordered. Another bonus is the dog friendly patio with water dishes for my dad's pup!
Bethany Pepper
May 9,2025
BEST chicken, I've ever had a great chicken bowl with mashed potatoes, gravy, and corn, the chicken and waffles was also awesome.
Jason Kraker
May 5,2025
Absolute gem of a local spot, if you like fried food. We were in town and told about the chicken from a local. Sounded awesome, so we had to try it. We were sold on big portions, great service, tasty food, and a great beer list. All of these things were true. We started with curds and broasted wings. Bu the time the main courses came out, we were already stuffed. Be careful not to overdo it like we did! The sliders and Nashville hot boneless were both awesome: the curds were great and the wings had super flavor. No complaints at all, except my belt may be living in a new hole now. Service was great and beer menu was extensive. All in all, everything we were sold on.
Gene Burke
May 4,2025
Cool off the beaten path spot. Excellent pizza with great thin crust and lots of toppings. Also ordered cheese curds that were good and got an ass load.
MaryAnn Spicer
May 1,2025
Parking is plentiful with warm friendly service. If you love the comfort of a down home farm to table atmosphere — in the middle of a cornfield —this may be your place. Prices are reasonable with a menu full of creative options. The boasted drumstick and wing was crispy and well seasoned. The house baked beans were exceptional as well as the deviled eggs which were my favorite. Stop in and give them a try even if you have to wait fifteen minutes due to a slamming crowd!
Benjamin Henthorn
Mar 26,2025
Such a great little chicken place in Iowa! The service was fantastic and the food was even better! The local beers on tap hit the spot with the spicy chicken. I recommend the Iowa hot chicken sandwich. It's to die for.
Gale vert
Mar 19,2025
Jalapenos popper deviled eggs were amazing! Orilla philly sandwich was to die for! Lot's of chicken, peppers, onions, mushrooms and cheese. Couldn't eat it all it was so filling

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