What A Chicken
What A Chicken
What A Chicken

What A Chicken

Family Mexican restaurant in Petaluma, California

★ 4.4 608 reviews Mexican $$ ✨ Authentic family dining

"What A Chicken brings real Mexican flavors to Sonoma County. Worth every visit.

About What A Chicken

What A Chicken has earned its place as one of Petaluma’s most beloved Mexican restaurants, serving up authentic flavors that keep both locals and Wine Country visitors coming back for more. With a stellar 4.4-star rating from over 600 reviews, this gem proves that exceptional Mexican cuisine doesn’t require fancy frills – just fresh ingredients, traditional recipes, and genuine passion for the craft.

The menu showcases classic Mexican comfort food elevated with attention to quality and flavor. Their succulent carnitas are slow-cooked to perfection, while the carne asada delivers bold, smoky flavors that pair beautifully with handmade tortillas. The chile rellenos are a standout, featuring perfectly roasted poblanos stuffed with cheese and topped with rich ranchero sauce. Don’t miss their pozole, a hearty hominy soup that’s perfect after a day of wine tasting in Sonoma County.

The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between casual and welcoming, with colorful décor that celebrates Mexican culture without feeling over-the-top. Families feel at home here, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering. The open kitchen allows you to catch glimpses of the culinary magic happening behind the scenes, while the friendly staff treats every guest like part of the extended family.

For Wine Country visitors seeking authentic flavors at reasonable prices, What A Chicken offers a refreshing break from tourist traps. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a satisfying meal without breaking the bank, making it perfect for families exploring Petaluma or couples looking for a casual dinner between winery visits. The generous portions and consistent quality make it a reliable choice any day of the week.

Must-Try Dishes

Recommended by locals and visitors

Carnitas Plate
Chile Rellenos
Pozole Soup

Recent Reviews

D M. ★★★★★

Delicious! Food is fresh and tastes great. I've only eaten their burritos but they have salads, wraps, tacos, chicken plates, and more. Their aqua Fresca...

Oct 19, 2025

Mike K. ★★★★

One of our neighbors turned us on to this place and so we had to stop by and try it ourselves. Although it was VERY tasty, the white meat portions were...

1 month ago

Sharon P. ★★★★★

Chicken is good, still quality and big portions. Prices have increased but as expected, like everything else. Love the salsa but small salsa bar, free...

1 week ago

608 reviews via Yelp

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of food does What A Chicken serve? +
What A Chicken specializes in Mexican cuisine, offering a menu of authentic dishes prepared with care. Whether you're a longtime fan of Mexican food or trying it for the first time, you'll find quality options here in Petaluma.
How much does it cost to eat at What A Chicken? +
What A Chicken is rated $$ for pricing, which is moderately priced at $15-30 per person. This reflects the quality of ingredients, portion sizes, and overall dining experience you can expect when visiting.
Do you have any insider tips for visiting What A Chicken? +
Come hungry – the portions are generous enough to share, and the pozole is only available on weekends.

Contact & Reserve

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Hours

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Mon - TueClosed
Wed - Sun11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Price Guide

$ Budget-friendly, under $15/person
$$ Moderate, $15-30/person
$$$ Upscale, $30-50/person
$$$$ Fine dining, $50+/person

Location

City: Petaluma

Phone: (707) 971-7549

Address: 706 E Washington St

Why Choose This Place

  • Highly rated 4.4/5
  • 💰 Affordable $$
  • 👥 Popular choice 608 reviews

Great For

Authentic family dining

Insider Tip

Come hungry – the portions are generous enough to share, and the pozole is only available on weekends.

Restaurant Vibes

🎉 Lively 😊 Casual Vibes 👨‍👩‍👧 Family Friendly ❤️ Local Favorite

Guest Satisfaction

88%

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