The Clucker Shack: That’s One Tasty Sandwich

The most eaten dish in Belize is fried chicken with french fries covered in sweet sweet ketchup. For sure.

Maybe you’ve heard this story – it was relayed to me by one Belize City taxi driver, in the first hand, and then another as a story “he heard”. A small group of Pollo Campero executives fly into Belize City – they hail a cab and tell the driver to take them to Belize City’s most popular fast food fried chicken shops.

Side note: Most fried chicken places (or in Belize “Fry Chicken”) are owned by Chinese immigrants. And serve MASSIVE amounts of fried chicken plates for lunch and dinner. Now served in a styrofoam clam-shell to-go plate, they used to come in paper bags. You’d order a “6 dolla greasy bag”.

Ok…back to the story. The executives go to Li Chee (my visit), Friendship (my favorite), Kick Down Fence…the big names in Belize City. They take one bite…maybe two…and hit all the lunch time hot spots.

They then ask the driver to take them back to the airport – most likely to their private plane.

“What did you think?” the driver asks.

The executives look dejected. They tell him there’s no reason to bring Pollo Campero – the beloved Guatemala-based KFC of Central America – to Belize. The fry chicken here is just too good. They couldn’t compete.

Why am I telling you this story? To remind you that fried chicken is serious business in Belize – everyone has their favorite. Folks can debate the seasoning and the flavor (I like mine with a little spicy kick). Half the country, if not more, on any given day, is eating fry chicken for lunch.

My one and only trip to Pollo Campero – in Antigua, Guatemala

SOOOOO…when a new fried chicken spot opened in downtown San Pedro. I wanted to check out what they were doing different because going into the fried chicken business in Belize? That’s a tough business to break into!

Here’s what I can report – why I think you should try Clucker Shack. It’s clean, super comfortable and you can eat there…in the small, perfect court yard. This friendly, locally owned spot also makes one delicious chicken sandwich. Fast to the table and a big portion of chicken and fries.

Here are my pics and my thoughts.

Very very nice spot to sit – most fried chicken/Chinese shops are to-go only. Inside it is bright and clean.

A huge sandwich on a fresh bun and very very flavorful chicken. I also loved the big portion of fries.

And the owner, San Pedrano Javier Alamilla. His Nayomi and her boyfriend own my favorite spot for coffee and paninis – Lavish Habit. I bet you can see the resemblance.

I wish them Good Cluck. (Get it!?!) And I will certainly be back for that delicious sandwich.