Downlow Chicken Shack

Delicious crispy, spicy, juicy chicken! This location on Commercial drive is superior, and the lines out the door show for that. It's a huge difference in quality from their UBC location which I would only rate 3 stars.

Their prices went up from inflation since the last I remembered. It's expensive but a good treat if you want quality a chicken sandwich. My boyfriend and I got the:
-rookie of the year: the chicken options were breast or light meat. I'm not sure if they change that based on what they have marinated, but it was a bit dry because of that.
-Jerk sando: dark or light meat options. Going with the dark meat, the chicken was HUGE and so juicy. I take decently sized bites but it still took me 6 bites of the chicken extending out of the sandwich before I even reached the bread.

Of course they have a large range of spiciness and flavours you can choose for all sandwiches. "Side of milk" is quite spicy even as someone who loves spicy food.

Once you order inside, you can wait outside at their covered seating area to help free up space inside. Inside is entirely just the kitchen and ordering area, minimal seating. There is one single stall washroom which you'll probably use to wash your hands after! The food is served from a window that reaches out to the covered seating area, which has 3 picnic tables for customers to share and casually eat. It is a 10-15min wait to get orders.

If you're driving, they rely on street and residential parking. Commercial drive is quite busy so it's hard to stop outside the restaurant. We biked and there was conveniently a bike lock area right outside the restaurant!

Came here after hearing all about it from friends and was treated to a nice spread of boneless chicken, Cole slaw, and fries (medium dusted)

Once you order you can hang out on the patio if you decide to wait outside, they'll scream out the window when your order is ready. There is seating inside too, but it was a bit crowded.

I'm kind of particular about my cole slaw, but Downlow's is good - which contains cumin and red pickled onion. We got both regular and I think spicy chili "pile of thighs" boneless chicken which both of which were eaten up with haste. The fries were crinkly and crispy and complimented the meal.

Despite the line the food came out quick and really lived up to the hype from everyone. The prices at a glance are pretty high, but I don't think there are a whole lot of chicken shacks around BC and second, it was really good. I'd definitely try a "Sando" from here on a follow up visit.

I understand why this spot gets such great reviews, here is one more!
Friendly service gets them two stars. I said this was my first time and the cashier announced it and the entire kitchen erupted in welcome. So sweet!
It was a wait but I walked along Commercial Dr and window shopped.
The OG Sammie was waiting for me and it was big. The breading on the chicken was crispy and had only a little heat to it. The pickles made the difference as they cut the richness of the deep fried chicken. I liked the sauce and the perfect bun (big enough and kept its shape) for the very large amount of chicken.
There are a few tables inside and picnic tables outside.

I had a chicken craving so I went here to fulfill it! I've only had Downlow once before (a sandwich) and it was so good and the fries were Amazing.

This time did not disappoint either--the two-piece thigh and fries combo hit everything I wanted. The chicken was well-seasoned (a little too salty). I got medium spice and it was a perfect spice level for me! In my opinion it was a little too much batter but feels unavoidable because they obviously need to coat the whole chicken piece. Despite this, the batter was thin and crisp and delicious. The chicken thigh was so juicy! Paired with ketchup and their signature DL sauce, you can't go wrong.

The fries were equally as delicious! Although they were too crispy for my soft mouth. Unpopular opinion but I wanted more soggy fries, lol!

Service was amazing. I ordered online on the bus and my meal was literally ready one minute before I got up to the pick-up window (which is outside on the left!). Can't say too much about the space as there weren't many seats inside and the outdoor seats were full as well. I went home to eat!

The food was incredible beat fries I've ever had and the chicken sandwich was to die for 100% the best chicken spot in Vancouver

Decided to Google some places to try in Vancouver. Downlow Chicken Shack was within Daily Hive's article!

Made our way there early afternoon. It was fairly busy! Two picnic tables out in their patio & some window seating inside. You order inside & they have 2 huge windows to pick up your food from. Wait time wasn't terrible! Less than 10 minutes. Service was friendly & fast

Sitting outside on their patio was casual & the weather felt nice! People who sat down were quick to eat their meal, clean their area, & make room for the next person

These sandwiches are hefty! Huge pieces of chicken & generous with sauces + slaw. I could barely fit my mouth around the whole sandwich! We ate our sandwiches immediately. When I took my first bite, you heard that perfect crunch from the skin, then you saw the steam coming out from that first bite & the the juices drip down. It was phenomenal. The chicken was seasoned so well & stayed juicy/tender. Their slaw & pickles were a cool addition & added more texture.

Go for the jerk chicken sandwich! It was so flavorful & something I've never had before!

I just wanted to try their new burger the boujee Sando (because I'm boujee) but actually I liked the sound of the truffled medium spiced crispy chicken which was a huge piece and truffle mayo, slaw, pickles, pickled red onions on a potato bun. Their burgers are huge here!

I also wanted to try their truffled fries which I thought we be truffled seasoned but it's just the sauce that is truffled mayo. The sauce is pretty good but I actually just prefer their regular DL fries and the DL sauce is way better.

Also first time trying their popcorn chicken, which would be a nice snack if it wasn't paired with a burger and fries making this a feast but they are super big not really popcorn size, of course DL has to make everything massive size! You really get your moneys worth! And super full after.

Delicious chicken and waffles.. love the savory onion waffles .. wish the waffles were crispy like the chicken

Mouth watering!

I got the original with a fried egg. White meat. Ate every single bite.

My husband shared the chicken and waffles with my daughter with bacon on the side, which they were kind enough to put on the actual side for her. They also ate every bite. Waffles we thick and savory - not as good as the .

Plus they yell funny sayings at people to make it feel welcoming.

One of my go to spots in Vancouver for fried chicken, love the chicken sando. The downlow fries are also a must whenever I go.