Joseph Y.
Yelp
My review of El Pollon is a tricky one, because I'm still not sure if I truly enjoyed the fusion meal I ordered.
Let's start with the appetizers. Nothing fancy here--everything went straight into the fryer, and the condiments were the same kind of pre-packaged sauces you'd get with chicken nuggets at McDonald's. The marinara that came with my calamari was the exact same brand my school cafeteria uses, which was already disappointing. If El Pollon wants to compete with other authentic ethnic restaurants, why not serve their own sauces--or at least make it look like they do? A simple ramekin or small bowl would go a long way. Instead, the presentation felt lazy, like it was just thrown together.
Now, onto my main dish: Lomo Saltado a lo Pobre. It's steak served over fries, with rice, plantains, and tomatoes. The dish felt like a fusion of Peruvian ingredients with a Pittsburgh twist. I didn't hate it--it was a flavor combination I'd never tried before, and for that I appreciated it. That said, I don't think I'd order it again, though it wasn't bad.
I do plan to go back and try their rotisserie chicken, which I think will be the true deal breaker for me.
Overall: If you find yourself always going to the same restaurants, El Pollon is worth trying at least once--for a unique, unusual meal you might end up liking. I believe the place has real potential, but they need to put more effort into presentation, which many people will tell you is almost as important as taste.