El Pollo Rico # 4

Sunday around 6pm craving for some good food and we pick some from 3 different places to try out different flavors. My wife chose pollo Rico and the reason was because she loves Gorditas. Long story short we ordered half of chicken and one Beef Gordita, all of that for about $26.00 the cashier was friendly and attentive to my order. The chicken was amazing with lots of flavor, the rice and beans cooked to perfection. The only issue here is their Gorditas are not home made but you can tell that they are frozen and refried at the time of the order, the meet and all Of the ingredients were ok but not that good maybe because of the sensation of the bad Gordita tortilla. Again best place for chicken but not gorditas. Please excuse my bad typos.

Athentic, affordable, delicious. Pollo Rico is the definitive street Mexican experience. Staff is wonderful, service is near immediate.

Chicken flavor was really good every thing else was not worth the money. I ordered the whole Chicken it was served in a piece of butcher paper and tied up in a plastic bag, grease was everwhere. The beans and rice was only enough for one person. I questioned the portion and was told that was wall it came with. I was very disappointed in this place. It is a shame because the Chicken has such good flavor but it is served up like dog food.

My dad likes the caldo de Pollo. May son likes the street tacos and torta. I like the nachos, and my grandson likes the chicken nuggets and fries. We get the chicken occasionally. Our family has used them for a party once. I wasn't aware of the inside, so I always use the drive-through.

I don’t know if it’s because I am black but there is consistent bad service; wrong orders, or orders that are wrapped in plastic wrap other locations unwrapped. I like the food but sick and tired of racism from this location. Contracting corporate offices next.

Haven't had a bad experience yet. The food is good.

Looks so good...digging in now...ingredients look nice and fresh..chicken tostada's with crema on side....perfect with the Zero Gatorade I got from the 7 Days Food Store. ....drive through looks the Best way to go:) although plenty of seating inside...bars on windows yet can see 1st Street corner store easily...

This Pollo Rico is a great location to get food from!!! Every time I go, I get what I ordered 98% of the time, and will also always order lots of green sauce on the side. The green sauce is GREAT for everything Pollo Rico offers or personal dishes you got at the house!!! For me the food is awesome, but the green sauce is the cherry on the top. Favorite meals I FREQUENTLY get are the 1/2 chicken meal, the chicken taquitos, and the potato with chicken. My wife likes the chicken flautas, and chicken quesadilla. Also we have had the horchata before and that’s really good too! As far as drive thru times you can expect to be out of here in 5 minutes most of the time, but there are does busy occasions like during prime dinner time where it can take up to 10 minutes to get out of the drive thru. The staff is usually really nice, and mostly seems to speak Spanish. When ordering I have not had any challenges, and just keep it real simple. Sometimes they will sneak me some free green sauce when I order 3-4 extra on the side!! Much appreciated. Our only recommended growth is the refried beans. The charro beans they offer are SUPER good, but the refried beans they offer could use some work. Overall a great location with good food, and great service!!!!! Thank you Pollo Rico!

The carne asada and rico bowl are fantastic! Good portion sizes for the cost. I'm always asking for extra of their salsa verde to put on everything.

This food was TERRIBLE. We were looking for a late night quick meal and couldn't decide. Being new to the area we didn't have prior experience to this establishment. Chicken burrito- soggy tortilla, flavorless. I threw up a few hours after eating it due to something not right- possibly the guac. Chicken platter- the driest and more overseasoned chicken I've ever had. No flavor rice and underdone beans. Hamburger- looked like it had been smashed and sitting under a warming window for days. I will never visit another El Pollo Rico if we are in the area.

Ok, the food is fantastic. This is my favorite "to go" restaurant. Doesn't taste like fast food at all. So why the one star rating? I'm trying to get the upper management's attention. My one complaint is that on a whole chicken family order the rice and beans are NOT the proper size for a family meal. They only give you a tiny 8 oz portion of rice and an 8 oz portion of beans. For crying out loud, why be so stingy with rice and beans? You're charging $23+ for a family meal so you can afford to put 16 oz of rice and 16 oz of beans with it. Don't make me pay $2.19 (times 2) for two more sides of rice and beans. When you do, your family meal starts hitting $30 (with tax) and that's too much. OK, upper management (and/or owners) I'm expecting y'all to do the right thing. Stop being cheap and stingy with your sides on a family meal.

I have gone here for years and every time without fail the food is amazing. Today I decided to order the churros because I've never tried them from here. When I tell you they are 10/10, I mean it. They were so warm and crispy, filled with some type of sweet cream. You get 2 churros for 2.99$ and they are large and filling. I would come back just for those churros. I usually get the half chicken meal and its always amazing, it comes with rice, beans, tortillas, a grilled onion, and juicy chicken. The green salsa is perfectly spicy (my tolerance spice is high, so if your spice tolerance is low, it may be too spicy: but please don't be afraid to try it because it has great flavor). *I already ate the churros sorry I couldn't get a picture*

this place rules. i usually get a chicken burrito, my partner gets it without rice to maximize the other ingredients. the chicken is (obviously) rico - smoky & flavorful. the beans are always a beautiful texture. the tostadas are good, too, and come packaged in a way that preserves them in transit which is awesome. the chicken plates are also a solid choice if you're looking for something a little on the healthier side. the tortillas and the green salsa are tasty and come with. they remind me of the chicken plates at the CA restaurant El Pollo Loco (is there history there? idk!) Their tortas are not my fave but no matter bc you have so many other options!

1A. Two piece chicken meal slams. My ode to charcoal chicken: Oh, charcoal chicken, how we adore, Thou art a dish that we implore, Served with rice and beans, oh so fine, A combination that's truly divine. Thy meat is juicy, thy skin is crisp, Cooked to perfection, never amiss, And with each bite, a burst of flavor, A taste that we'll always savor. With sides of rice and beans at hand, A perfect match, oh so grand, The chicken's smoky taste blends so well, With the beans' earthy, savory spell. Thou art a dish that fills us with glee, A feast that's fit for royalty, And so we sing this ode to thee, Oh, charcoal chicken, how we love thee.

Ordered the chicken burrito and it was slammin'. The chicken is grilled over coal and wrapped up in a nice fresh hot tortilla. Includes sour cream and other toppings. I couldn't take the time to figure out what exactly was in there but it was sure tasty. At just under $9 it was the going rate for a burrito these days. It will go head to head with the best of them. In my opinion, this burrito takes Freebirds. They was out of caldo, more than likely due to it being so late. My wife got the half chicken combo, and she says it's out of this world tasty. The know exactly what we need with plenty of limes, and salsa. Slow service, but worth the wait. Drive thru only...no dine in.

I don't know why I slept on this banging chicken joint around the corner from my casa. I needed a quick meal that wasn't going to leave me feel like a dumpster fire before a 3 hour flight. So, the chicken joint felt like the best option. This did not disappoint! The chicken was juicy and flavorful. I ordered the 2 piece dark plate. Yum. It was soooooo good. It came with 2 sides (which you can choose) and I didnt realize and they defaulted to their beans & rice. The beans were amazing with jalapeños, onions and ham. The rice was a beautiful and flavorful Spanish style. The order came with 2 tortillas and a doña sauce. This was meal was more than satisfying! And for $8, it was a steal.

I ordered the beef enchiladas but I also ordered a grilled whole jalapeño. They came to my table with pickled jalapeños and I repeated my request. They brought a diced jalapeño so I just gave up.

Delicious food and service is great. definitely recommend! The inside is clean and beautiful.

Great straightforward Mexican style charbroiled chicken. If you're from the west coast, think of this as El Pollo Loco leveled up 4X. Great prices. We had whole charcoal chicken with charo beans, Spanish rice and tortillas. The creamy, spicy avocado/tomatillo style salsa is the co-star of the show. So much food. Absolute regular go to.

Ever wonder what the smoke haze you see wafting over Stassney and S. 1st area as you sit at any of those lights at the intersection? It's them - it's coming from El Pollo Rico! They cook their chicken and asada (beef) on open charcoal grills at this tiny location and their meats are delicious! There are 2 sides for you to choose from when you come through their drive-thru to order your food. Be patient and don't fret if you noticed a long line on either side because they move fast. In the last few times we have been I noticed the speakers on the drive-thru are shot and the cashier will not be able to hear you if there is any background noise (from your car or the car traffic around you) so be ready to have to order right at the window. I believe you can still go inside to eat but it is super limited seating & you may come out smelling like smoky chicken (from all that grilling smoke). Menu is a little different than what you will find on their online website/menu. Some items that are listed online you may find are no longer listed on their menu in the drive-thru. One of these items are their asada french fries (even though there are french fries that come with their hamburgers). You cannot go wrong with ordering any chicken meals or any asada ones either. They have good al pastor here as well. Be sure to get the barracho beans VS the refried beans too - they are delicious! The aguas fresas are also worth splurging on as they are made in-house and they put enough ice for you to have your drink cold but not fill it up where you miss out on the juices they offer. We tried a mango lassi from here too and it was delicious if you are looking for a frozen/colder drink. Everything is packaged up nicely for you but if you get chicken you might end up having some grease at the bottom of your bag when you get home which is NEVER a bad thing! The quesadillas are totally worth the price & come in a nice sized pizza box rather than a Styrofoam box.

Got the half chicken with sides of rice and beans. Really tasting chicken and good value. The drive thru is really convenient as well

I know this sounds ridiculous, coming to a Mexican establishment for burgers, but ever since I was a little kid I remember them being way better than any fast food restaurant. I was back from college for winter break and stopped by since it was near, they're still killing it with their burger game. I recommend giving it a try, it's more authentic than any other burger I've had from any other restaurant. Props to El Pollo Rico!

El pollo muy Rico. Los frijoles tan calientes! Las tortillas sabrosas. Me se hace agua a la boca este lugars! So tasty too!

DAMN!!!!!!! That was so bleep bleep delicious. I got the 1 a 2 piece special. The shells that come with are nasty and I would not recommend. The chicken, rice, beans, sauce, and lime were absolutely devine. The meat was seasoned so well. It was absolutely amazing! Next time I am getting the whole chicken because there will definitely be a next time.

Value? Check Taste? Smokey Speed? Lightening Just head here now, stop looking for other places. Get the half chicken and their scrumptious sides. Unbeatable price, unbeatable taste.

Please don come here they don't give you hot sauce on food purchase, go to el pollo regio it taste batter and you 2 hot sauces for free.... it used to free open sauce bars I don't understand why the chance now they sell it if you want some sauce I was 20 minutes on the drive trough and I am going to eat with no hot sauce .... thats mess up

The food was really good and the servings were very generous. My fajita chicken was a little dry. Overall, the best fast food!

This is what I call fast food heaven! We order the whole chicken meal sometimes or if we are low carbing it we will pick up two whole chickens for $20 with no extra sides. I regularly take out of town friends and family here for some delicious food and they always love it! This location recently opened up their new indoor seating area, which is a win! The chicken here is absolutely the best in the whole town. I have tasted the other Mexican chicken competitors and they are not as good in my opinion. The charcoal flavor mixed with the seasoning is pure perfection. Then there is also the green sauce that will rock your taste buds. I dip and drizzle my chicken in the green sauce. The charro beans have chunks of meat in them, they are packed with flavor and taste like they have been stewing and cooking in your grandma's kitchen for days. The prices are cheap too, especially if you are feeding a family. The large whole chicken mean with the large sides is $18 and can feed a family of 4. For what El Pollo Rico does - they are literally as good as it gets!

I was told this was the best charcoal rotisserie in town. Purchased the whole chicken meal. Got home straight off the bat, no tortillas. The chicken was in a paper bag inside of a plastic bag. Rustic, but im still onboard. We get halfway through the meal when we start coming across raw sections of chicken. Please see provided picture. Hopefully no one gets sick, otherwise I will come back update my review and drop it to a one star. Im giving 2 stars only because it tasted good. The meal came to $19 and some change, its enough food to feed 2 hungry guys or a family of 2 adults and 1 child.....if they provide the tortillas.

Delicious food!! I ordered the half chicken meal, a gordita, papas ricas, and two horchatas. The service was quick and friendly. I will be back for sure!

This is some excellent chicken, so if that's all you're worried about, Pollo Rico is a solid choice. What disappoints me is that they've changed what you get when you get a whole bird. There used to be a jalapeno in with the grilled onion and chicken. The rice and beans they give you are little more than a personal serving. That's fine for a quarter or half that could be a single or two servings of bird. For a whole bird, I was counting on feeding 4 people. They still hand out plenty tortillas. They only gave us two servings of salsa too. I hadn't been in a while, so I didn't know they made these changes. Everyone liked the chicken so much, lacking the other items wasn't overly relevant. Next time I'll know to order more extras. I'm also looking forward to trying the parrillada.

Came here for the first time last week - taco combo, one beef and one pastor - and couldn't wait to come back for more. Today I returned, excited to get a second round of the beef taco and try out the chicken.... boy was I disappointed. Since last week, they've changed up their menu - no more taco combos y'all. They've also completely changed up the standard beef tacos. With the old beef taco the meat stole the show - more of a classic street style with onions and cilantro. I could have eaten it every day for a month and still been happy. The new beef taco includes various peppers and cheese that do nothing to bring out the flavors of the meat. Honestly, it was boring. The pastor taco from last week was over-sauced in an adobo sauce that was way too sweet for my tastes, and today's chicken taco was bland and disappointing. I'm sure they'll do the toppings however you'd like, but the customer service is so hit-or-miss that I feel guilty complicating my order. Even today it seemed like they were rushing me through and not really listening; they completely left off my chips and salsa order and when I said something they seemed annoyed. Sorry if I messed up your "customers served per hour" streak or something. Last week they forgot my drink and again just tried to shuffle me on through. Plus, without the taco combo it's more expensive to get the whole experience and I'm not sure that the cost/taste/service balance is in check.

How do I best describe this....homestyle...fastfood is what I come up with. Kinda like backyard get together, it's good and they break the monotony of the other fastfood chicken places

For an inexpensive delicious tex-mex spot, stop by this place. I got the chicken bowl. The chicken was cooked well and delicious. I suspect it was cooked in a ton of butter so probably not healthy but definitely tasted good. My wife got a vegetarian dish, she wasn't as impressed as I was with my dish; she it was fine. The restaurant interior wasn't anything impressive (my wife did complain but I thought it was cool to go to a small family owned place). The employees were fairly friendly. Check it out; it's a unique experience and the chicken tastes great.

Every other week we go get the half or whole chicken, sides of refried beans and fries. Extra green sauce. Then we put the chicken, beans and the fries inside the tortilla with some green sauce. San Diego style. Straight fire literally. Has that grill taste. So yum

I went to this El Pollo Rico on Stassney and South First today for lunch in order to thighs only a drink and some flour tortillas and paid 1033 and again my chicken was missing it's skin and even part of the chicken as if someone had been eating it I know that it is tore up from being cut and just sitting there but this also happened on Saturday when I ordered five so I called the manager and asked for new chicken and he said no but he would refund my money so then I said will can I change it to something else that is equivalent to the amount that I spent and he then said no then I said well you're willing to refund my money I can just turn around and buy what it is I want he then proceeded to refuse to sell me anything else I will never go back here poorly-run place just want to say way to go with customer service

I've gone twice now and the chicken sandwich is delicious! The fries were disappointing so next time I'll just stick to the sandwich.

So-so charbroiled chicken. LOOKS more delicious than it actually tastes. Sorry but I'm not sorry, i'm sure this place has tons of fans based on the reviews but I'm just not one of them. The beans and rice had good flavor, but the chicken tasted pretty plain Jane/bland. Based on its look, I was expecting it to be more seasoned. :( Anyway, check it out for yourself. You be the judge

Have I died and gone to Mexican food heaven? I think so after coming here! I didn't expect much when it had the "fast food" set up, but I am totally hooked! I got the chicken tostadas and they are everything you could imagine them to be. Super fresh ingredients, perfectly cooked chicken, and slightly spicy. They gave me a half lime and green sauce that made it even better. The Kids combo A was also really good, (which surprised me since it wasn't Mexican food), and my daughter's fries were SO GOOD! I would 100% come back anytime!

We had to pick up something from Walgreens and decided to randomly stop by at this place. It seemed to be only a drive thru location where you can't sit inside. We ordered the whole chicken meal with rice and beans and surprisingly it came out extremely fast. The price wasn't bad at all either. The chicken was so amazingly good! I would definitely recommend this place if you need to pick up something to go. Excellent quality. Everything was delicious. Must try!

First and last time for ordering at this place. My order was incomplete, excluding the churros. The rico bowl had pinto beans that were not fully cooked and rice that was hard. I spent too much money on such foul food. I will never go back.

I commend the El Pollo Loco staff for being open when KFC was closed at 5 p.m. on New Year's Eve. However, even after removing my mask to talk to the cashier, she had trouble understanding what I said and got my order wrong twice! I had hungry kids at home so I didn't want to argue anymore, after all the chicken was hot and juicy, as usual, but my order was messed up; for the money I spent,(over 30$) I didn't get everything I paid for. At least they were open after 5 p.m.

Really rude cashiers, food took for ever and never got the extra rice I had asked for instead of beans also asked for just green salsa and got red. They pay no attention and the chicken was still pink. Wouldn't recommend.

This is absolutely the BEST fast food you could hope for. It is fast food that doesn't taste fast. We get the half chicken meal with charro beans and rice and a side of plantains and we always have leftovers. Their tortillas are made in house. The green salsa is the perfect level of spicy. Everything is always on point and the line moves fast. I have never been disappointed with the food. Also their party packs are affordable and awesome for get togethers!

Well, what a find. Started out for First Wok but they are closed on Tuesdays, so I asked the young men in the barbershop next door for a nearby place. Two fellows about jumped out of their chairs to tell me about Pollo Rico right across the street. (Stassney.) Great suggestion! I went with the Burrito Pastore which weighed-in at about 20 oz. Big. Thick. Juicy. Nice to see two servings of sour cream, guacamole, and half a lime thoughtfully included. $6.39! Pulled over near Baskin-Robbins, put on 107.1 FM, and chowed down. Right - OK - not a high brow experience, but really good food, personally prepared RIGHT THEN, hot and smelling so good. Hey, I was hungry! . Honestly, it's the kind of burrito your Mom would make. The meat was plentiful and sauced beautifully, and the rice and veggies made every bite different. Good stuff. Thanks, Pollo Rico!

I cannot give this place enough stars. They are SO fast, so friendly, the chicken is the best in town. Reminds me of that Curb your Enthusiasm episode where everyone I obsessed with this chicken place and no one can get over how good it is. We usually get a whole chicken and just make a shitload of tacos. My only complaints is that it doesn't come with much in the way of toppings except for a grilled onion (which is awesome). But luckily I always have that stuff at home anyway so I just add it. I'm gonna try the flautas next time. Anyway, I highly recommend this spot!

I had an issue, emailed El Pollo Rico corporate office and hey handled I great. It's great to see a restaurant that still cares and doesn't give you an excuse. Thank you

I moved here two years ago and Pollo Rico is close, so i went. I love that chicken. Charcoal or something else? Idk for sure, but it's how chicken should be done. Juicy and flavorful all through the meat. Always pleasant and friendly staff. I got the number one chicken meal with rice and beans the first few times. Occasionally the half chicken with rice and beans. Probably about 20 times in all. Tonight i ventured out and got the flauta rica? Crispy thick shell, chx (it was perfecttt), refried beans, more good chicken and lettuce. And cheeese And It's cheaper than the chicken meal. I'm going back tomorrow for sure

Norteños stand up and holla! This is how we eat in the north. And by north I'm not referring to yankeeland... I'm talking about the COAH., N.L., northern region of Mexico. We eat good, and we eat cheap. Next time you're tempted to buy one of those rotisserie chickens from the store go to this place instead. Order the whole chicken. It's well served. BTW, if you're wondering what the lime is for, it's for the grilled onion which you should put in your taco. Don't insult me by eating this food without tortillas. Breakfast: For under $9 we got a big ass breakfast burrito, which comes with beans and cheese, and a breakfast platter. Their salsa red is great and their salsa verde will make you go "WOOOO" like Ric Flair! Y arriba el Norte chingao! Ayyyy!

I heart Pollo Rico. Price, quality, and convenience (double drive through!). Even drove through the other day to get a super-sweet and tasty horchata, on my way to pick up breakfast tacos elsewhere. Sadly, Pollo Rico does not do breakfast but I consider this a good thing. It allows them to focus on their main product: really good chicken. The two piece chicken deal is definitely enough for one person and is well-priced. And I like the Rico Bowl too. But the star attraction is the whole chicken meal: it's a crowd-pleaser. As other have said, the beans are the bomb and the rice is so good. I usually get an extra rice, since a pint is not enough. Really like that they have expanded the menu to now include baked potatoes, chicken nuggets, and flour tortillas. The only thing I have tried and wasn't wowed by was the quesadilla: I am not sure what kind of cheese they use, but it's one I don't like, and man, they use a lot of it! Otherwise, I highly recommend.

Delicious. Food was fresh and good quality and didnt take long at all. I got the flautas. The avocado was very fresh. Will definitely eat there again.

I have to admit, I have only had one item from this restaurant. But if it ain't broke don't fix it. This place has the best breakfast tacos I have ever had! I grew up in southern California and have lived in Austin for a while, so I know a thing or two about breakfast tacos. I get my tacos with eggs, cheese, bacon, sausage, and chorizo. The ingredient that makes theirs the best ever is the chorizo. It's so flavorful, spicy and when the grease starts running down your elbow you know its really good.

This was one of my favorite places to eat. It was inexpensive and fast and delicious. But unfortunately in the past couple of years the service has gone down while the prices have gone up by at least 50%. Special orders (like which sides you order) are often wrong and even the size of the sides has decreased. It is still delicious, but it's no longer inexpensive.

My family LOVE this chicken! The smell, spices and the sauce... they just all come together and it really works! Can't get enough of that green sauce!!! I don't know what else to say other than you should really try it! The restaurant is small, it is meant for just drive-thru. And FYI, you don't have to order the whole meal, you can just order the whole chicken for $10.99.

In Austin and this is my first food experience. EXCELLENT!!!! EVERYTHING was fire. Coming from Cali, I kept hearing that the Hispanic food was not going to stand up, well this place did a more than decent job. We got the whole chix with plantains and refried beans as sides. I got "their" version of a taco (flour tortilla), it was good but i'm partial to street tacos, and surprisingly they had those also, (secretly hidden under the name taquitos...). They were bomb !!! The guacamole, salsa, and some avocado creme sauce were all good. It has a drive-through also. Oh the reason I pulled over is because I saw the smoke from the grill high in the air. Can't beat that!!! Will DEFINITELY be back!!!

Some of the best food you'll ever experience. Everything on the menu is excellent and the green sauce is out of this world

Growing up in Mexico I always loved "pollos a las brazas" and this establishment offers me just that. Their chicken is extremely tasty. My to go order for the winter is Caldo de Pollo. This soup tastes just like home. The potatoes, carrots, corn on the cob and chicken, ties it all together. Now when I don't feel like soup I order their 2 piece meal (dark meat) and make my self some tacos with beans, pico del gallo, lime and green sauce. MMM! My wife always order their flautas and I get to steal a bite. They are gooood. For desert their Platanos Machos con crema hit the right spot! The reason I don't give them 5 stars is because their drive-thru is a mess. Half of the time you get to the window and have to repeat your order making the wait excessive. It also not strange occurrence to have something missing. If they ran a tight ship I would give them 5-stars all the way.

Best. Chicken. Ever. Take into account the price - under $10 including onions and a fantastic green salsa. You can't get a better deal. Seriously, you have to try it. Your taste buds and your friends will thank you for it.