Pop-Up Chicken Shop

Today for lunch, I had the pleasure of visiting the Pop-Up Chicken Shop, and let me tell you, the hype is real!

I opted for the Illinois Hot Chicken and Waffles with medium heat, accompanied by a side of Gouda Mac and Cheese and Street Corn.

The waffle was impeccably fluffy. The chicken was an absolute delight, boasting a delightful crunch and a tantalizing hot honey flavor that paired perfectly with the drizzle of maple syrup.

Now, let's talk about that Mac and Cheese – it was divine! Creamy, cheesy, and downright indulgent, it easily secured the title of the best Mac and Cheese I've ever had.

And the Street Corn? Equally impressive. Bursting with flavor, thanks to the addition of chopped red onions and tomatoes, it's a must-try.

Despite the busy crowd, the service was exceptionally quick, and we were pleasantly surprised to receive our food in record time.

This was undeniably the easiest 5 stars I've ever given a business. If you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience, don't hesitate to pay a visit to Pop Up Chicken Shop.

Trust me, you won't regret it!

I have been a fan since we moved out here almost 2 years ago and they were a “pop up” at the VFW. Their food is quality and the serving sizes are perfect. The new special options are fun and give an awesome variety of new foods to try. The service has always been fast and friendly.

If you’re feeling adventurous try out the poltergeist heat level 😏

I have tried pretty much everything on the menu and just recently realized I have never left a review. Pictured is the most recent special; butter chicken which was really good.

I think my favorite dish so far has been the kiddo chicken sandwich which was a special with peanut butter and jelly on a chicken sandwich - sounds weird, but it was so delicious 🤤

Definitely one of the best places to eat in BloNo!!

Great spot! Friendly staff, HUGE selection of liquor/beers. Clean restaurant, clean glasses and cutlery. The only thing my wife and I would change would be either make the fried pickles thinner or more well done to ensure they're crispy. The mild was very mild, next time I'll go with medium.

A+ on the Chicken Sandwiches!! Definitely worth a stop. Decent draft selection, including local business favorites. Will have to stop and try more of their menu items when in the area. Tikka Masala Poutine was a unique choice.

The absolute best chicken in Bloomington Normal. So crispy. All the sides are delicious and worth trying. We love the dill fries, cheese curds, and sweet vidalia onion rings. If you haven't been here yet, you have to try it!

Update - I tried one of the wing specials and they were really good too

This place is pay for what you get and more.

For just 15 bucks, you get a heaping pile of chicken, potatoes, Texas toast, Gouda cheese, and beautifully presented pickles atop. This horseshoe is a staple of the area and not to be missed.

The Gouda Mac and Cheese was creamy and the noodles were perfectly cooked. The cheese sauce was the same one as on the horseshoe.

The atmosphere was laid-back and friendly, if not a bit dark and airy. The unsweet tea I had came with a flavor bar with peach, raspberry, and strawberry. It was delicious.

I would come back if in the mood for some semi-Cajun cooking. Recommend.

My son brought me here for first time after he had been raving about the food. It did not disappoint! Went on an off time during the week and able to get right in. You order as you walk in and they send you to a table. Food was in front of us within 5 minutes! The fries were awesome! Could eat them daily. I had the pulled chicken with medium heat and was fantastic. Messy but loved that. Highly recommended!

Pop Up is a must have experience in Bloomington. It is hard to NOT eat here every single time I'm in the area. This chicken is moist and tender, served hot, and spiced to perfection and preference level. There is gouda mac n cheese which is so indulgent, the dill fries are amazing, and the kale salad is an underdog on the menu, in my opinion. The environment created by the amazing staff and atmosphere never disappoints. I love this place!

We always get great food and fast service when we are here! My favorite is the chicken sandwich and dill fries, and my kids and husband got the chicken horseshoe. My kid's gad enough for lunch the next day. Service is fast and friendly. Next time I hope to finally try the Love Shack menu, but the chicken is so good I have trouble not ordering it. My only request would be to maybe have a kids menu.

Best chicken sandwich in Bloomington-Normal! Fried chicken breast or pulled chicken beautifully paired with coleslaw, Pop-Up Sauce, onions and pickles on a giant bun. Chicken was tender and juicy! The dill fries were delicious! The fried pickles yummy! The mashed potatoes and gravy were down hone good! The gouda mac and cheese creamy, decadent deliciousness! Everything was fantastic! The bar is well stocked with bourbon and rye, probably the best selection in town. Don't miss this place!

Hands down one of the best places I've eaten at here in the Bloomington-Normal area. Everything tastes fresh and the pop-up sauce was PHENOMENAL. We ordered the Sando sandwich, Mac and cheese, street corn, and potatoes wedges. Everything tastes amazing!! Definitely recommend this place of you're craving a chicken sandwich!

Loved it! We had no expectations but they knocked it out of the ballpark with their enthusiastic greeting, amazing food and laid back atmosphere.

I eat A LOT of fried chicken but I honestly believe this is the best I’ve ever had. We’ll be driving back to Bloomington just to eat here again! The chicken is tender and flavorful and the breading is unreal, it’s strong and crispy without being flaky and falling off in giant chunks. It love spicy and it was so hot but fully umami flavorful too. GET HERE!!! 🥰🥰🥰

Wow! Some of the best take-out I have had! Got the dark meat, medium sauce and coleslaw. This chicken was sooo good, I ate everything possible. Wish the coleslaw was a larger portion, but the taste was on-point and it was so fresh that I can’t really complain.

Wow is an understatement! My gf and I shared the Mac Daddy which is their own version of a horseshoe. Texas toast, chicken strips, fried potato bites (not fries), covered with cheese and Mac n cheese on the top. Absolutely delicious! This building is in the old Hooters on Hershey if you all remember that location like I do! Lol! Super fast service, food was out in under 5 minutes. Friendly service, nice atmosphere, I highly recommend trying this joint! You won’t regret it! Thank me later!

The Pop-Up Chicken Shack now has an expanded menu as their sister restaurant has joined their location. The menu was great before with the Sando (chicken breast sandwich in your choice of heat with pickles and coleslaw) being my favorite. I can take heat but the hot is HOT, don't say I didn't warn you. The expanded menu includes burgers, shakes, and different sides. The truffle fries and onion rings are standouts. Order the Duke burger for a single/double/triple quarter pound patties with bacon, BBQ sauce, onion straws, and cheese. We stop by every time we are in the area.

Incredible food! I have never had food come out so quickly to me before, I have waited longer at McDonald’s. It was awesome the food was amazing and unique. The staff was very friendly and welcoming. Not many times a spot is a 10 out of 10, this is one.

My wife and I absolutely love this place. It can be busy at times, so check out their online ordering and pickup! Great atmosphere, music's always good, has a nice bar and clean bathrooms. Very friendly and fast service. Love Shack burgers served here. Try both!

Finally, a place that lives up to the hype!

My wife and I had a free day today (Sunday, March 24) so we loaded the dog up and made the half hour drive to give this place a shot. We arrived, I went in and placed our order: onion rings, street corn, a pound of wings, 2 piece tendos, a patty melt, and a strawberry cheesecake milkshake. About $60 with tip.

I'd been told that the food is ready surprisingly quick, but I was still shocked when everything was ready in under 15 minutes. Our order was 100% correct, so we chowed down.

The patty melt was one of the best I've ever had and the wings are far superior to any other in the area, imo. My wife loved her tendos and only managed to eat one of the two. Seriously, they are pretty damn big.

The sauces were absolutely killer. Don't skip on the pop up sauce. Also, do yourself a favor and grab a milkshake. The strawberry cheesecake shake was excellent.

Hands down one of the best local spots. My wife and I will be repeat customers.

Me and my partner have been sad that there is no good chicken around us(personal opinion). We found this place and I couldn't be happier. I just got the dill fries today for the first time and I just loved them. We always get the chicken sandos and they are just amazing. I accidentally started eating my bfs medium spice sandwich, I finished it with tears in my eyes and my tongue burning because it was just so good!! I can barely handle spice so I was amazed at how good it was. Pick up happens fast for us everytime. You don't even need a picture of the sandwich.. just get it.