Once the Baja Grill, the spot at 20 E Main Street in the Village Commons shopping center in Smithtown is now the home of Kick'N Chicken, serving up Nashville style chicken. The new chicken joint opened on October 1.

 

A partnership between chef Ryan Carroll, founder of the nonprofit Carroll’s Kitchen in Sayville, and Michael LoManto, co-owner of Vespa Italian Chophouse and Harley’s American Grille, according to Newsday, Smithtown is their second location after opening in Farmingdale earlier this year.

 

When ordering chicken you can choose your level of heat from none in their original all the way up to blazin’ inferno, which requires a waiver. To cool things down, they have their hand-spun milkshakes like banana cream pie, Oreo cookies & cream, rainbow cookie and classic vanilla or chocolate all for $6.95.

 

On Yelp, Jennifer S., from Bohemia, gave Kick'N Chicken five stars.

 

“If you are looking for a great wing place this is it,” she wrote. “Not only are their wings amazing ( great flavors, meaty and just overall great taste) but also is their [sic] sandwiches, sides and snack wraps. Great staff as well! Excited to keep eating at this place!”

 

Herb D, who lives in Smithtown, was one of the first to try out the new chicken joint.

 

“I was literally the second customer in line today,” he said. “I never usually go to a place when it opens, as I like to give them a chance to iron out all of their kinks in the first couple of weeks. However, my son and I just happened to be driving by and noticed this place just opened. We're both chicken connoisseurs, so we decided to give it a try.”

 

He said it was a little pricey but the food did come out fresh and hot.

 

“My son and I are adventurous with spicy heat levels, but we played it safe and just stuck with the hot level,” Herb said. “The sandwich had a thick piece of chicken on it, with some spicy sauce, pickles, and a little bit of a slaw… The taste was delicious and I was very, very happy with the spiciness and tang that the bite of chicken delivered to my taste buds. The fries were also very good, as well as being hot and crispy.  The fries are a cross between steak fries and regular fries, and they were awesome.”

 

Location: 20 E Main Street, Smithtown, (631) 312-5678.