Pioneer Chicken
Takeout Restaurant · Bell Gardens ·

Pioneer Chicken

Takeout Restaurant · Bell Gardens ·

Crispy, juicy fried chicken with a unique batter, sides, burgers

Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null
Pioneer Chicken by null

Information

6323 E Florence Ave, Bell Gardens, CA 90201 Get directions

$10–20

See Menu
Restroom
Accepts reservations
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for groups

Information

Static Map

6323 E Florence Ave, Bell Gardens, CA 90201 Get directions

+1 562 927 9135
pioneerchicken.org
@gotoeat.official

$10–20 · Menu

Features

•Restroom
•Accepts reservations
•Popular for lunch
•Popular for dinner
•Good for groups
•Good for solo dining
•Touristy
•Comfort food

Last updated

Jan 26, 2026

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2026 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@eater
391,688 Postcards · 10,992 Cities

LA Wine & Food Festival and Pizza City Fest Return in 2024 | Eater LA

"I noted that SF Gate’s Karen Palmer labeled Pioneer Chicken the "coolest, most culturally relevant fast-food chain in the West," and highlighted a young sister-and-brother team attempting to bring the local fried chicken chain back to prominence." - Mona Holmes

https://la.eater.com/2024/1/22/24043494/pizza-city-festival-la-wine-and-food-festival-food-events-los-angeles
Pioneer Chicken
@eater
391,688 Postcards · 10,992 Cities

Giant Mixed-Use Food Hall Starts n Former Orange County LA Times Plant | Eater LA

"The last remaining location of a once-widespread homegrown fried-chicken franchise now stands as a faded, shuttered shell; the brand, which once numbered in the hundreds and courted celebrity endorsements, now largely exists in the fond memories of native Angelenos." - Farley Elliott

https://la.eater.com/2019/2/18/18226446/morning-briefing-restaurant-news-los-angeles-food-hall-orange-county-press
Pioneer Chicken
@eater
391,688 Postcards · 10,992 Cities

Animal Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary With Incredible Guest Chef Lineup | Eater LA

"A vintage fried-chicken brand that once operated roughly 270 shops and is now reduced to two surviving locations; highlighted in a roundup of classic fried-chicken restaurants around Los Angeles." - Matthew Kang

https://la.eater.com/2018/6/29/17517268/animal-guest-chefs-los-angeles-morning-briefing
Pioneer Chicken

Dave A.

Google
Chicken was good, better than KFC. I don't know if it tastes like the Pioneer i remember from my childhood, it's been too long. The orange bang tastes like I remember, and the corn is the same mediocre corn I remember- good memories! Chicken was still crisp and delicious after a 45 minute drive. If it doesn't taste like it did in the old days, it's better. I only wish we had the old sunset blvd location back now!

Sergio Z.

Google
This is my first time coming to Pioneer Chicken in a long time more than forty years, I have try their chicken I remember it was golden brown and crispy when taking a bite. They are only two Pioneer chicken restaurant left one of them is Boyle Heights and this one that my wife and I are at is in Bell Garden. When we stepping into Pioneer Chicken you go back to Pioneer Chicken in the 80's it hasn't changed it looks the same can I remember. The menu looks the same but the prices went up it's not 80's prices. We were looking at the menu and decided what to order we decided order a three piece meal with two side on the side we ask for potato salad and mashed potatoe and also including a biscuit. Then my wife wanna get a fried fish she remember get them years ago. We waited for our number to be called then we notice more people were coming in to the restaurant and ordering Pioneer Chicken famous crispy golden brown chicken. They call our number then I went to pick up our meal,the chicken looks golden brown delicious. Took a bite of the chicken one bite I can hear that crunch biting in the chicken it was tender and juicy and batter was crispy and golden brown it was so good. My wife said the chicken was juicy and tender and that crunch that she remember then my fish took a bite of the fried fish it was gold brown and really good. I took bite of the potato salad it was good and then the mashed potatoe it was so good and I can taste the chicken gravy it was good. The biscuit was good but I add it some of gravy to the biscuit it add more flavor that was mind blowing. Overall the staff was really friendly and the restaurants always look clean we need to come back again.

Nique S.

Google
The memories of my childhood. The chicken was crispy, the meat was tender. We went through the drive-thru, service was good. The employee was talkative and had good energy. We went to the one in Bell Gardens.

Straight U.

Google
Nostalgic but give it up if the fryers are frying chicken 🐔 LIVERS & GIZZARDS ARE OUT OF BUSSINESS! Forget about the advertised CORN 🌽 ON THE COB MACHINE SHUT DOWN. They use to carry chocolate & strawberry shortcake, not now.

Adam

Google
What can I say? Well if you were lucky enough to get to try Pioneer Chicken back it the day, you will not be disappointed! The food, the atmosphere, everything was exceptional. Drove all the way out from south western Riverside county, but it was so worth the trip! Just wish I would have bought some type of container as well as an ice chest cause I would have purchased a large bucket of chicken to bring home! (next time for sure)

E Y.

Google
Pioneer Chicken is still awesome! I love the batter. This is the only fried chicken that tastes good even cold. There is always a line here since there are only 2 Pioneer Chicken Restaurants left. I drove 35 miles here and wasn't disappointed.

Derek L.

Google
Flashback to the 1980s. The chicken is crunchy and delicious just how I remember it. Was worth the trip from downtown LA to eat here. Note: there was a sign saying they only accepted debit cards, not credit cards.

Calvin B.

Google
Pioneer Chicken in Bell Gardens is a true blast from the past and an absolute treasure for fried chicken lovers. The moment you walk in, you’re hit with a wave of nostalgia and the unmistakable aroma of perfectly seasoned, crispy fried chicken. This isn’t just fast food—it’s comfort food done right. The chicken is incredible—golden, crunchy, and packed with flavor, while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. The unique batter sets it apart, with just the right amount of seasoning to make every bite irresistible. Their sides are equally noteworthy; the mashed potatoes and gravy are rich and satisfying, and the biscuits are buttery and flaky, a perfect complement to the main event. The service is friendly and efficient, even when the place is buzzing with activity. It’s clear that the staff take pride in serving up food that keeps people coming back for more. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous, making it an excellent value for such high-quality comfort food. Pioneer Chicken in Bell Gardens is more than just a restaurant—it’s a piece of history and a must-visit spot for anyone who appreciates classic, no-frills fried chicken. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this place is worth the trip. I can’t wait to come back and indulge again.
google avatar

Gabe O.

Yelp
I had no idea there was a Pioneer Chicken so close to where I work until my best friend picked me up for a birthday lunch. We were heading somewhere else when we spotted the sign and instantly decided to stop. Growing up in Los Angeles, my family would order Pioneer Chicken often, so seeing one still around brought back a flood of nostalgia. We parked in the lot and placed our order at the counter. I'm happy to report that the food still tastes just like I remember from my childhood--crispy, flavorful, and comforting. The restaurant itself feels like stepping back in time, with that old-school charm intact. They accept cash, card, and tap payments, and even have a drive-thru for added convenience. I couldn't resist grabbing some extra food to take home and share with my wife. It was such a fun surprise to rediscover a piece of LA history that's still serving up great fried chicken.
google avatar

Dalton J.

Yelp
Good food, awful service -- don't come unless you've got an hour to kill before even receiving food. It's honestly such a shame that Pioneer Chicken has good food, because the service is shockingly bad. I went inside because the drive-thru had a few cars in line and I figured walking in would be faster. Big mistake. There was only one person ahead of me inside, but I stood there for 30 minutes before I was even acknowledged. The cashier was completely focused on taking drive-thru orders and never once checked in with those of us waiting inside. It was like we were invisible. I finally had to speak up just to get her attention and ask how long it would take once I actually placed my order--and that's when she told me it'd be another 20-minute wait. So I'd already wasted half an hour just to place the order, and now I was being told to wait even longer. That's nearly an hour total, in a place that wasn't even packed. Fair warning: if you want to eat here, make sure you have at least an hour to spare. This is not a spot you can swing by on a lunch break or if you're in any kind of hurry. The food may be good, but the way they prioritize drive-thru customers while completely ignoring those inside is unacceptable. Won't be coming back unless their service drastically improves.
google avatar

Robert N.

Yelp
I did not know that Pioneer Chicken still exists! So it was a great surprise that I happen to see this place in Bell Gardens. This is certainly a trip down to memory lane for me. It was more than 40 years ago when I last had a 2-piece dinner plate at Pioneer Chicken. And actually it was the 1st time I tried American fried chicken, and it was with my dad. The first impression is, you literally feel you are back in the 70s with the signage is still the same, the plastic bright orange color booths, and the Puoneer wagon logo. I think most of the furniture and equipment are originals. But it does not look dated. The place is clean, and they proudly displayed the A grade from the health department. I ordered the 2-piece meal with spicy rice and corn, along with a side of livers and gizzards. The order taker was very nice and cordial. The food came out in about 3 minutes and was served on the orang plastic tray with a Spork! Now that screams 70s... One bite of the wet-battered chicken and all these memories come flashing back for me. The chicken is moist and flavorful, the crust is crunchy in its unique way. The livers and gizzards are lightly battered and also flavorful. Overall, I am fairly impressed and so glad for the OG look and feel along with the same menu. For that nostalgic feeling, this is a great experience. As for the food, Pioneer Chicken certainly can still compete with all the fried chicken joints!
google avatar

Carrie R.

Yelp
Omg. Just like remember it as a kid!! I was telling my son about how crunchy the batter was and only hoped it had not changed. It was exactly as I remember. Crunchy, flavorful & juicy on the inside. Only wish they had honey to go on the biscuits. Good service.
google avatar

Brian K.

Yelp
I've been craving Pioneer Chicken. I haven't had this chicken since the 80's. It was a bit disappointing the chicken skin was not crispy and tasted a little bland. The mashed potatoes and gravy taste like I remember it. The service was great. They take cash and debt only. If you use debt. They charge you an additional 75 cents for the transaction fee. Inside was clean and well maintained.
google avatar

Eric H.

Yelp
With just 5 booths and 4 tables, this Pioneer Chicken spot is smaller than expected. Opened in 1961, Pioneer once had 270 locations throughout the US. They sold the franchise to Popeyes back in 1993, and now there are only two stores left. Checking out the menu, I was surprised to see that they sell Fish N Chips. I didn't know if this was a new thing, but when I did a quick search, I found out that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did a Fish N' Chips TV commercial for Pioneer back in 1983 - So there it is! Now this was my first time back to a Pioneer since the Clinton Administration, so I was determined to have the 2-piece Chicken Dinner with Spicy Rice and Mashed Potatoes. I'm glad I stuck to my guns, because the meal was pretty darn good. The chicken was moist and tender and the orange batter was very crispy and flavorful. The Spicy Rice was tasty and actually spicy!!! The Mash Potatoes were fine, and the biscuit was not at all dry. Overall, it was a satisfying meal. The food and a fountain drink with tax, was under 15 bucks! At those prices, I can't afford NOT to eat here!!!! Next time back, I will have the Chicken Tenders, and maybe I will try the fish. Nostalgic and tasty, Pioneer Chicken does harken back to another era, and that's a good thing.
google avatar

Sergio Z.

Yelp
This is my first time coming to Pioneer Chicken in a long time more than forty years, I have try their chicken I remember it was golden brown and crispy when taking a bite. They are only two Pioneer chicken restaurant left one of them is Boyle Heights and this one that my wife and I are at is in Bell Garden. When we stepping into Pioneer Chicken you go back to Pioneer Chicken in the 80's it hasn't changed it looks the same can I remember. The menu looks the same but the prices went up it's not 80's prices. We were looking at the menu and decided what to order we decided order a three piece meal with two side on the side we ask for potato salad and mashed potatoe and also including a biscuit. Then my wife wanna get a fried fish she remember get them years ago. We waited for our number to be called then we notice more people were coming in to the restaurant and ordering Pioneer Chicken famous crispy golden brown chicken. They call our number then I went to pick up our meal,the chicken looks golden brown delicious. Took a bite of the chicken one bite I can hear that crunch biting in the chicken it was tender and juicy and batter was crispy and golden brown it was so good. My wife said the chicken was juicy and tender and that crunch that she remember then my fish took a bite of the fried fish it was gold brown and really good. I took bite of the potato salad it was good and then the mashed potatoe it was so good and I can taste the chicken gravy it was good. The biscuit was good but I add it some of gravy to the biscuit it add more flavor that was mind blowing. Overall the staff was really friendly and the restaurants always look clean we need to come back again.
google avatar

Steve L.

Yelp
Same great taste, but wish the chicken pieces were larger. I remember them being larger. Just happy they are still here!
google avatar

Melissa S.

Yelp
Was in the area since I got my car worked on and decided to pick up some good old nostalgic Pioneer chicken. I haven't been here since I was a kid. I ordered the Pioneer special eight piece chicken for $22. I ordered to the drive-through. Get ready to wait cuz BABY!!! I WAITED!!! Sheesh. It tookn forever for my chicken to come and only tattoo cats were in front of me. Plus they charge 75 cents for card. That's different. The flavor, the crisp, the color is all coming back to me. I swear the chicken got better and better with everybody. So fresh and cooked. So much flavor and goodness and everybody. I miss this.
google avatar

Michael L.

Yelp
Pioneer Chicken is nostalgic for me. Back in the 80's there were locations in Northern California where I lived. But I came to LA mainly to pay a visit and try the food at one of the last two remaining locations here. So I tried to order everything on the menu: Three piece: 9/10 the chicken is crunchy fried delicious but be sure to eat it while it hot and fresh because it's not as good later after it gets cold. Chicken Tenders: 10/10 Best I've ever had. Crunchy, moist supple, tasty, excellent. Fried Gizzards: 10/10 they were fried to perfection. Fried shrimp: 10/10 like little popcorn style chicken. So tasty with the cocktail sauce. Spicy rice: 8/10 comes with big chunks of chicken and the heat will actually sneak up on you. Mashed potatoes: 5/10 probably the worst thing I ate. Gravy was plain Jane. Mashed potatoes were straight out of a box. Baked beans : 9/10 good for baked beans standards. Not too sweet and the right consistency. Macaroni salad & Potato salad: 9/10 both were equally tasty. The potato salad had a nice vinegar taste to it and the macaroni salad reminded me of Hawaiian Macaroni salad. Fried fish: 10/10 meaty chunk of fish in a crunchy and batter. The service was great and I wish I lived close to one.

Buyer C.

Yelp
Wow! Surprise surprise! I knew this location and the other one for a while, but I didn't dare to go in. Because I thought it would be a scary runned down place. But one day I saw a review from a youtube channel. To my surprise, it is still in business, because they are just still good as the old days. In this place, local people go here as a part of their normal daily lunch. The orange batter is still great as in the past. It's a bit pricey for a chicken, but it's worth the quality. I came from Indonesia, I remembered over there it started as Pioneer chicken, but then they changed the name as California Fried Chicken. The funny thing is, I saw someone who took a picture of the Pioneer logo, so I was not the only one who came here looking for some memorabilia.
google avatar

Long Z.

Yelp
One of the best fried chickens I've ever had, Hands down! It's a mom and pop run chicken shop we heard about thru a friend. We knew it would be good when we walked in and saw the tables were all full. Chicken pieces were very crispy on the outside and both steamy and juicy on the inside. Sides were the perfect complements. Service was superb, very nice people!
google avatar

Cornelius R.

Yelp
They are slow as heck, but the chicken is very good. So i guess that you can say. It's worth the wait.
google avatar

Edgar D.

Yelp
A local Los Angeles legendary fried Chicken. It's hard to believe there less than 5 of these restaurants still in operation. At the height there must have been over 100 locations world wide including one in Japan. The chicken is a fluffy crispy. It's the best way I can describe it. Although I remember it being a bit more red. The flavor is still there. I'm also excited they take debit cards now before it was cash only. The dinning room is full on 1980's vibe. Also miss some of the deserts in the display case. Now they only have waters. Please stop by and indulge in some fluffy crispy fried chicken. It's delicious
google avatar

MyDami K.

Yelp
You want the best chicken in town make sure you go this place it won't disappoint. Their spicy rice is to die for. The customer service is fantastic and you can't miss the location on Florence and Garfield. Get there and see for yourself it's one of the greatest fried chicken ever!!

Reece K.

Yelp
If you know, you know. This spot is the best! Pretty quick when you eat inside. Highly recommend for a quick lunch.
google avatar

Mike W.

Yelp
OMG, if you have never been to Pioneer Chicken, drop everything and go right now! The most crispy and moist fried chicken...the best (or close to it). This is definitely a classic chicken shop, with only two locations remaining in LA County (Bell Gardens and Boyle Heights). Seriously, the chicken is probably some of the best you'll try, and the sides are always good. We were a little bummed that they had sold out of their biscuits by 7:11 pm, during last week's visit. Luckily, the mashed potatoes and BBQ beans made up for it. Nothing fancy here, just a simple dining room or drive thru, and amazing fried chicken.
google avatar

David L.

Yelp
Grabbed a family meal and sides. The chicken was moist with a crisp well cooked skin. The macaroni salad and spicy rice were excellent and the mashed potatoes were good but needed a little salt. The location and seating was clean and well looked after. One final kudos needs to go to Natalia who was working the front counter. She effortlessly handled the walk in traffic and drive thru traffic in the most professional manner.
google avatar

Laylita D.

Yelp
This chicken was super crispy and flavorful. I saw this on a review show and had to try. Will definitely be back. The service is ok, there is dining room that is small but clean. Super good experience.
google avatar

travis c.

Yelp
Been many years and came here a couple years ago during the pandemic and wow the same Great taste I had from the 80's are back. Chicken so crunchy and juicy and don't forget about the rice. Amazing
google avatar

Alex M.

Yelp
This spot is a trip back to my childhood. The building and the dining room are pretty much unchanged. I took my grandson in the middle of a Tuesday, and it wasn't crowded at all. The counter staff is....well.....slow. There's no sense of urgency whatsoever. So he prepared to wait a bit, for everything. Even your drinks. The chicken is still really good. The wet batter they use is crunchy and orange, just like it was 40 years ago. The batter is more mild flavored than I remember, but I still really enjoyed it. Seasoned fries and sides were good and fresh. Now, the painful part is the price. The chicken is about $3 a piece. A 12 piece mixed bucket is $36. No sides, chicken only. Your best value is a combo 2 or 3 piece which comes with sides and a drink for around $12. A nostalgic spot for sure, but I wouldn't make it a regular stop if I was local.
google avatar

Eric C.

Yelp
Best chicken! You know you know. Original LA chicken. Only 2 left this one and east LA
google avatar

Chris C.

Yelp
I like the chicken however this location, the chicken was old. The facility was clean. The service was excellent, but chicken is the main reason I went there and if it's old that kills everything else. I hope they read this so they will know not the pre-cooked chicken and just let it sit up for a long period of time
google avatar

Elaine Y.

Yelp
Great service. Best chicken. Yup better than Jollibee's. The spicy rice is way better. Reminiscent of Popeyes dirty rice but with chicken. Please open more!
google avatar

Macy M.

Yelp
If you are in the area I recommend checking this establishment out for good crispy fried chicken. We ordered 2 dinner plates of fried chicken and thigh that came with 2 sides and a biscuit roll. Service is pretty straightforward and fast since there was only 1 cashier in the front. The chicken is really crispy on the outside and perfectly juicy inside. There's only 2 locations in the LA area so I recommend trying them out.
google avatar

Brian G.

Yelp
So I haven't had pioneer chicken in almost 40 years. I remember I used to like it a lot. There was a restaurant right near where I used to work in Rancho Cucamonga years ago and I would go there for lunch all the time so today I stumbled upon a pioneer chicken Apparently there are only two left in California so I stopped in for lunch was very excited. I got a 12 piece family meal to go. It came with the 12 pieces +3 large sides. I got mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw and spicy rice. The potatoes and rice were OK. I did not care for their coleslaw. KFC is 1000% better. The chicken was not like I remembered kind of disappointed the total bill was $50 in my opinion not worth it did not even come with biscuits like all the other fried chicken restaurants do.
google avatar

Michelle J.

Yelp
I have been waiting YEARS for this place to make a come back. I would make a special two hour trip any day. . . except Monday cause they are not open. I had lunch on Tuesday. They don't have fried livers so I got chicken strips. They didn't have the nice square shape I remembered but the taste was the same. I had spicy rice as a side. I did not like it. Couldn't eat it. I tossed it. They even had the iconic orange whip that I loved. But I didn't get any. . . lol. I stopped in again on my way home and got an order of livers, chicken strips, and mixed bucket. The livers were the same as I remembered. They didn't have any lemon packets so next time I'll bring my own. I didn't like that they didn't have an actual bucket for the chicken. But it's all good. I will definitely be back to try the biscuits and coleslaw
google avatar

Penelope P.

Yelp
Pioneer Chicken takes me back to when I was a child and we had one in our neighborhood. Now we drive to Bell Gardens to get the greatest service and best chicken in LA. We used to visit the one out in Echo Park for some time but that's gone. I never knew BG was location was available. This is a very nice place, you can drive through and pick up your order, pick up some merchandise, Check it out! Nice people, good food, hot never stale. Always what you ordered. Perfection! Keep up the tastiness! Thank you.
google avatar

Nicole P.

Yelp
The biscuit is beater than the one in Boyle heights. No honey here. Just grape/strawberry jelly. There is a .75 debit card processing fee. No credit cards! This place nickel and dime you. $1.00 charge for refills no exceptions. Old school dining area. Nothing fancy. Bathroom outside. An employee will let you into the bathroom with key.
google avatar

Shari D.

Yelp
My friend brought up a nostalgia time in her life when she used to eat at Pioneer chicken in the Bay Area. Here we are bringing her back to her childhood. Inside you will find the original menu and seating. Ordered the 2 piece (leg and thigh) dinner that comes with 2 sides. X TWO (we had to have our own of course) We also ordered a shrimp plate that came with fries. We shared all of our side dishes..dirty rice (a little spicy 7/10), Potato salad (10/10), mashed potato with gravy (10/10), beans (10/10). We ordered a side of corn split it in half and enjoyed that sweet buttery corn as well (10/10). The bread it comes with was not good. I tried to add butter to it hoping it would improve but no (2/10) Shrimp was crunchy and good too. It came with 1 cocktail sauce. I asked for another but they said $0.28. I passed on that and enjoyed it with ketchup. Ketchup they seemed so stingy with. I literally had to get up 3X to ask for more because each time they gave me 2-3 packets. Last but definitely not least we each grabbed our chicken leg, took that first bite and just WOW. I looked at my friend and saw in her eyes she was instantly brought back to the good ol days. As for me and my first bite I thought ok yum this has a nice crunch. The second bite I took I really tasted the juiciness of the chicken. The flavor is delicious. The ratio of batter on the chicken skin is perfect. 1 star off only because service wasn't great. I also don't appreciate $1 refill of a drink.
google avatar

Mark H.

Yelp
Haven't had Pioneer chicken in over 30yrs, it didn't give me that aww feeling it was just okay the biscuits was very dry and the chicken was mediocre nothing special. On the other hand the spicy rice was pretty good. The customer service was excellent and the ambiance was also pretty good. This location is spotless.
google avatar

Joe T.

Yelp
My lady and I went to pioneer chicken Sunday and ordered gizzards chicken biscuits fries and spicy rice. They gave us old refried food, it was disgusting and old tasting. The oil was old and made the food taste funky. The biscuits were cold and doughy. The fries were soggy under cooked and tasteless. Gizzards were rubbery and tasted gamey. The chicken was hard dark and dried out because it was obviously reheated from the day before. They charged for sauce and had an attitude when we asked for extra napkins and condiments. $50 worth of bull crap. Did not taste like the pioneer I remember from the 80's. We went through the drive through, the place seemed to be well maintained.
google avatar

Sabrina S.

Yelp
Classic childhood memory eating at this place. I come here every time I'm in town. Service is sub par. Ambience is a flash back to the 70's with their orange chairs. Can't forget the Orange Whip and Fried Chicken.
google avatar

D'juan C.

Yelp
Very nostalgic I remember coming to this place as a small child. Not bad at all the skin on this chicken is so good and crispy. The strips were just ok they kind of had a weird taste to them. The restaurant has a weird smell to it also. Over all I'm glad I got a chance to try this place again it was worth the 30 minute drive from the house. I probably won't be back unless I'm in the area. The service was good also the young man at the register was patient and kind.
google avatar

Gabe A.

Yelp
Walked in, manager and employee were arguing, I should there for about 3 mins as both looked at me several times then both walked away leaving me alone in from of the register. Needless to say I walked out, if you don't want my business I won't give it to you.
google avatar

George R.

Yelp
Pioneer has some great crunchy chicken, would highly recommend. Feels like you stepped back in time.
google avatar

Kitty M.

Yelp
The first time I heard about this place, I heard good comments, but I honestly think this place is overhyped; the food was OK

Zusammen G.

Yelp
The food is great. But the service. Every time I come the guy at the front is so rude. You know he hates his job. Terrible customer service
google avatar

Xochilt A.

Yelp
The wait was ridiculous. 38 minutes in the drive thru. The employees were pleasant. The restaurant is super clean. The chicken would have been delicious if it were HOT. It was just warm.
google avatar

Angel H.

Yelp
I love Pioneer Chicken. I used to go to the one where Sakura Terrace is in Honolulu when I was a kid. There are only two locations left and they're both in LA. A big thank you to Fran C. for reminding me to come here. I got the two piece dinner with breast and wing, I chose french fries and corn on the cob for my two sides. I also ordered a small horchata drink. The fried chicken was as good as I remembered it. It was nice and juicy on the inside. The skin was super crispy. They had the best dipping sauce ever. I guess it was the Hawaiian sauce, but I forgot the name and called it bbq sauce. It tasted exactly like the sauce from back in the day. When I asked for the sauce, the worker told me that it was for the chicken strips only. However, she was nice enough to give me one of their small containers. People say that this area is kind of ghetto. It really didn't bother me. I can do ghetto. They also don't take credit cards, so bring cash.
google avatar

Ramon M.

Yelp
Let's see the chicken is not as great as the one in Boyle heights on Soto & Whittier that chicken was sitting there for a minute cause they do have a drive thru and it is moving. The chicken still good, I tried a piece of their chicken strip and that thing was very well battered and tasty and fresh. The service needs a lot of improvement the guy that took my order in the front and who was also working the drive thru was multi tasking but also a bit rude just repeating anything else and rushing people that is uncomfortable and made not really enjoy the experience. I got a 3 piece 2 thighs & 1 leg with spicy rice & mashed potatoes the sides were a bit warmish on the cold side and I had to remind him about the chicken strip that was missing and that he forgot to put my biscuit and rolled his eyes but I kept my cool. The restaurant it's self is very well clean and a side y'all need to update the pictures that are advertising Coke cause I asked for a Coke and he said we have Pepsi and told him your picture says Coke but I went with Dr Pepper. I'd definitely would come back again but probably in the morning when they open cause everything might be more fresh. I gave the chicken its self a 7.4/10 the sides a 4/10 the service a 6/10.
google avatar

Luis A.

Yelp
I remember growing up in Compton. Pioneer chicken used to be a once in a while weekend treat. Somerset and Santa Fe in the CPT was the spot. I remember the chicken behind so crispy. So juicy. So flavorful. All the people at my wife's job always say that this Pioneer chicken is so good. They swear by it. They always order for their work parties and potlucks, etc. So on the way home, not wanting Turkey or ham left overs, I said let's pick up some Pioneer chicken. (Chek-en in Washington). First off, the place is not busy. There is so me couple dining in. And one worker on break. Maybe two cars in the drive thru. We figured it would be faster to go inside and pick up and go. Wrong. No signs that say order here. Pick up here. Stand around no greeting. Finally the little old lady think she's the owner says order over there. We ordered. Paid. And waited like 20 minutes. Boy. Wonder how faster the drive thru woulda been. Anyways. On to home. Chicken was hot. Crunchy. Juicy. But had absolutely no flavor whatsoever. Do I have COVID-19!?!? And my taste is gone. No. I don't. There was just no flavor to this chicken at all. Maybe the cook was off. Or something. But I did not care for the flavorless chicken. The kids for chicken strips. Well. Same. Flavorless. And it's not cheap let me tell you. 8 pc chicken snd 6 pc strips. $40 MORLACOS!!!!never again. Should have just gone to Caínes or even Stater Bros. Even Stater bro's fried chicken is better than this. At like 1/3 Of the price maybe. Sorry. But JUST OK IS NOT OK.
google avatar

Cecilia A.

Yelp
Yes we drove 2 hours to and 3 hours home to get this chicken. But when you are raised on it and they take it away you find a way to get it. This is the last one on Southern California. It's that delicious juicy batter fried chicken . They still sell liver and gizzards. You can buy all the sides to go with it . I just purchased a 20 piece and a 12piece chicken only. Did buy a couple whipped drinks first orange then piña colada. The service was friendly fast people were there just eating their meals. Will definitely go back. SOON.
google avatar

Beverly G.

Yelp
I grew up on pioneer chicken they had one in Santa Monica and one in Beverly hills the chicken is delicious and the fish and chips are bomb everything there is delicious friendly staff and very clean will go back soon

E M.

Yelp
Chicken is so crispy and delicious. If you are ordering more than 10 pieces, I would order 25 mins ahead of time as we waited about 30 minutes at the restaurant for 12 pieces of chicken.

R.M. K.

Yelp
I really hate this review.... we came from Fountain Valley; just to remember how good it was. We had had a bucket/ tray of chicken livers, and I had a 2 piece thigh meal. Mashed and coleslaw. Coleslaw was good, but nothing else had any flavor! The livers had to be yesterday's, cuz they were dry and tough. Mashed was ok with bullion gravy. Overall we planned to go here for a month, was disappointed in quality and taste. I make better at home. Afterwards,we went to the Norton Simon museum, which was on our bucket list. It was free Friday. I'm taking off the breading off the livers, and giving them to my dog......cuz for as much as we paid, can't let them go to waste! Sorry Pioneer,you don't live up our memories.....
google avatar

Craig F.

Yelp
Never had better fried chicken ever in my life. I'm 66 years old and there used to be many locations. Now, today there is only one, thank goodness. I drove an hour each way just to get a small box of chicken. I Can't wait to go back. One of thier old Locations in Marina Del Rey closed Down a decade or two ago. The building is now vacant and all I can think of is approaching the current owner in bell Gardens and asking is we can work out something to reopen this location. To Make it available to our community here. I think it would be a hit!! I hope the owner of Pjoneer reads this and send me a letter or note inviting me out to discuss it. Thank you for great chicken, corn, Mashed potatoes and gravy. Fries and so on. Please call or Write to me Craig
google avatar

Random C.

Yelp
I will die on the hill that this is the best fried chicken in LA. I grew up with many more locations in the 90s but we've remained a customer as they've dwindled. The spicy rice is my favorite side and the chickens crisp is unparalleled!
google avatar

Gladys P.

Yelp
Drove out of our way to get here. It says on Yelp and on their website that they close at 9pm. Got here at 7pm and it was pitch black inside and closed. So bummed! Maybe update your hours?