Charcoal Grill Chicken is a Mexican restaurant on Soledad Canyon Road and Crossglade Ave. in the Thrifty Shopping Center. Wedged between Paqueteria Income Taxes and the LockSmith, not many people know about this hidden gem, but let me uncover it for you.

To get a better perspective on not just the food but also the story and inner workings of Charcoal Grill Chicken, I contacted the restaurant and asked them a few questions. Ismael Vazquez, an employee at Charcoal Grill Chicken, shared insight into how the restaurant came about.

According to Vazquez, “It all started when Juan, the restaurant owner, took another chance at accomplishing his lifelong dream of opening a restaurant where he could fulfill his passion for cooking by serving customers home-style meals that he was proud to make and share the taste of his family recipes with the world.”

Vazquez further explained, “Juan grew up in Guadalajara Jalisco, Mexico and comes from a family of original Mexican cooks. Many of which are plates that are currently served at his restaurant, including the hand-made tortilla tacos, barbacoa plate, enchiladas, and what he calls his most special entree which the restaurant is commonly known for: his home-style grilled chicken.”

However, before Charcoal Grill Chicken became what it is today, there were some challenges. “Having worked in many different jobs but with a niche for cooking, [Juan] decided he would open his own place in November of 2016. Juan had opened two prior restaurant locations in the past but was not successful as he did not have the resources necessary to maintain them. However, it did not stop him from pursuing his dream, and it gave him the much required experience to open a restaurant once again, and through his commitment & dedication, [he] could finally say he had a restaurant he was proud to call his own,” Vazquez stated.

This passion for food is clearly shown through Charcoal Grill Chicken’s menu, which features a wide array of options, including traditional Mexican dishes. These dishes include their famous and delicious grilled chicken, carne asada, huaraches, enchiladas, fried tilapia, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, and everyone’s favorite, tacos!

With the tacos, you have the choice of grilled chicken, carne asada, al pastor, chorizo, carnitas, or cabeza. If you get any of these items as a plate, you will also have the option of two sides, such as Spanish rice, refried beans, whole beans, coleslaw, potato salad, pico de gallo, garden salad, and guacamole and chips. You also get four flour or corn tortillas (my personal favorite is the corn), and a side of their homemade salsa.

While all these options are perfect and will have you returning every week, I highly recommend getting any of the grilled chicken options. I have never had chicken that is as smokey and delicious as Charcoal Chicken’s.

When asked about what sets Charcoal Grill Chicken apart from all the other restaurants nearby, Vazquez replied, “One of the things that sets our restaurant apart from many others is Juan’s ambition in his passion for cooking. This philosophy is encompassed in everything that he does and was created through the rigorous upbringing of a humble childhood.”

In fact, Juan’s mother is a particular source of inspiration for the restaurant. Vazquez stated, “His Mother Esperanza, a renowned cook of her time, inspired Juan in his early days and always prepared the food at home. As the one of the oldest in his family, Juan took on the responsibility of looking after his 10 brothers and 4 sisters. At 7 years old, he began cooking with his mom who taught him how to cook all of the food, plates of which he serves today at his restaurant. He loves to give her credit and often expresses his passion for the kitchen claiming that it was her who gave him the knowledge and motivation.”

“This is her legacy. Without my mom’s help, I would never be in this position,” Juan said.

Not only does Charcoal Grill Chicken’s food surpass expectations, but so does their kind customer service. As Vazquez explained, “Whether it’s giving away food to the needy or sharing his meals with loyal customers, [Juan] will always welcome you at his restaurant with a smile.”

The warm, welcoming atmosphere is clear when walking into the restaurant and interacting with the staff. “I love sharing my food with new customers; they become your friends,” said Juan.

Overall, Charcoal Grill Chicken is not only an amazing spot for food, but also an experience you do not want to miss out on.