Pollo Chapin

Chicken restaurant · Mexicantown

Pollo Chapin

Chicken restaurant · Mexicantown

2054 Junction Ave, Detroit, MI 48209

Highlights

Cozy, straightforward Mexican eatery dishing up a variety of chicken dishes like soup & burritos.

2054 Junction Ave, Detroit, MI 48209 Get directions

Reserve

@eater

"Folks longing for a reminder of the iconic Guatemalan fried chicken chain Pollo Campero can take comfort at this independently owned, family-operated establishment, whose menu draws inspiration from the legendary Central American eatery. In addition to its intensely crunchy chicken combos, Pollo Chapin also offers more traditional fare, including a plump, slightly spicy Guatemalan tamal that’s wrapped in a banana leaf and stuffed with bone-in chicken. Each tamal comes with cabbage coleslaw and a dinner roll." - Serena Maria Daniels

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@eater

"Guatemalan carryout restaurant Pollo Chapin serves some of Detroit's finest fried chicken and is also one of the best bets for budget dining. Grab three pieces of fried chicken, two sides, and a roll for under $9 or try the enormous banana leaf-wrapped chicken tamal with cabbage salad and a roll for $6.99." - Serena Maria Daniels

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@eater

"This small, family-run Guatemalan restaurant set inside a yellow house in southwest Detroit pulls inspiration from Central America’s most beloved fast-food fried chicken chain, Pollo Campero. Guests can expect deep-fried skin on the outside with juicy, tender meat with every bite. Both American and Guatemalan sides include dinner roles, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, as well as complementary chicken noodle soup for customers who dine in, tamales wrapped in banana leaves, and chicken flautas." - Serena Maria Daniels

14 Essential Restaurants for Great Latin Food in Metro Detroit

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@eater

"Fried chicken lovers should make it a point to visit Pollo Chapin in Southwest Detroit for dine-in or takeout. This casual Guatemalan restaurant’s fried chicken features crispy skin with moist, tender meat and hot sauce for dipping (or drenching) the chicken. Pair a few pieces with pickled veggies, beans, and rice." - Brenna Houck

16 Places to Find Crispy Fried Chicken in Metro Detroit

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@eater

"Participating restaurants and business include spots like Guatemalan spot Pollo Chapin." - Brenna Houck

Latin American-Focused Southwest Detroit Restaurant Week Launches in October - Eater Detroit

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Luis Francisco González

Google

Pollo Chapin is a fantastic little lunch or dinner spot in Southwest Detroit. If you're expecting traditional Guatemalan food, there are a few staples like tamales on the menu, but the real star here is the fried chicken. The chicken was cooked fresh and was absolute crispy and delicious perfection. The side dishes range from french fries, to salads, to black beans, all of which are enjoyable. While I waited for my meal, the restaurant also provided a cup of flavorful chicken noodle soup, that puts the typical bland versions of the dish to complete shame. Worth noting that the restaurant has it's own parking lot and the dining room, while small, had several four-top tables for seating.

Ace Ventura

Google

Everything that is admirable about a family-owned restaurant. These are good people.

Delwin Davis

Google

Fantastic food everytime. Please go and support this sweet family restaurant. Covid has made them slow. We can't lose a great place.

Juan Puga

Google

The food used to be good not no more

Sam

Google

First time here, and will definitely be back. The fried chicken was absolute perfectly crisp on the outside, and moist inside. The BBQ came with a perfect coating of delicious sauce, which my son said was the best he’s tasted. The dinners each came with 2 sides, which were all tasty as well as plentiful. I had the Mac & Cheese and coleslaw, while my son had the rice and fries. A bowl of soup comes with the dinners, and I can honestly say, it was absolutely delicious soup. If you like hot, then your going to enjoy the hot gardenia that is also provided with dinner. It is HOT, but oh so good. Love this place, and the entire wonderful family staff...

Savon Johnson

Google

The chicken was lukewarm when I got home I only stay 5 minutes away it almost tasted like it was a day old

Sammy Samuels

Google

Came here for a lunch meeting and everything I had was great! We split a couple of plates and I enjoyed all of it. The fried fish was flaky, well seasoned, and not too heavy. The corn and mac and cheese on the side were also tasty options, although the macaroni was cooked a little softer than I personally like. The real star was the fried chicken, though! So crunchy, so tasty, so juicy! I loved every bite. For fried food it wasn't heavy feeling either, which I appreciated. The coleslaw was a traditional coleslaw but fresh and crunchy. The potato salad was simple and dressed heavily in mayo and mustard, which is how I like it. The worse for you the better, I say!

DennisVernier

Google

Five stars for the atmosphere. I love it being in an old house and nicely fixed up into a restaurant. Going back soon to try more side dishes. The chicken leg and thigh were just about perfect in every way. The brest was a little dry next to the other pieces. Perhaps from an earlier made batch that was kept warm? I don't know. There just seemed to be a difference. I don't remember ever having a better thigh and leg anywhere. Skin was perfectly crisp with nice batter perfectly fried. I had noodles, they were like a Cole slaw. Chilled. I didn't get to try the Mac and cheese as they ran out. The chicken noodle soup was good. I liked the pickled vegetables in the jar brought to the table. Probably not for everybody because they are spicy. I personally like them. I'm definitely going back, maybe once a week. I was the only one in there around 6pm on a Thursday. I believe some carryout orders came in. Sure glad I found this hidden local gem. I probably should have given it 5 stars but the dry chicken Brest bothered me. Other 2 pieces were excellent.