El Pollo Alegre

Very authentic flavors. The tacos used hand made tortillas. Good prices and portions.

The food was delicious. I was there with my older sister and my brother. Everyone enjoyed the food and my sister is picky. Traditional local Mexican food. When we first arrived there were several older white and Mexican people having lunch and they were from all walks of life. Good service and as far as I could see it was clean. If I am in Dallas again I will go back for lunch. My sister and brother went back for lunch 2 weeks later. It's really good food.

I tried each flavor of taco, and the meat was fresh and flavorful. The rice and beans were also good. I had a steak torta, which was very tasty, and it came with fries. I'll definitely be back. Great Mexican food! Service was good and prompt.

First time trying pollo alegre, such a wonderful staff, and great home cooked food. Got the 3 taco plate with beef fajita and such a great price for all the amount of food. Highly recommend and will be coming back again.

Fantastic experience from start to finish. The staff provided excellent service—friendly, attentive, and welcoming. The menudo soup was incredible: rich, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. You can tell this place takes pride in their food and hospitality. I’ll definitely be back!

This is the best Mexican food in the Plano, McKinney, Frisco, North Dallas area. I search for good Mexican food. Nothing I've found so far compares to this place. I've given other places 4 stars. But in comparison, they don't deserve 4 stars. This place is that much better. I'm going to do a different point system from this point forward. _________________________________________ Food: The salsa is excellent. It had decent kick. They had the cheap Tecate beer that is very nostalgic to me. Glorias did not have it. The steak tacos are without a doubt the best in a 25 mile radius, maybe farther. The beans and rice were above average; but maybe the overall experience was so good I imagined that the beans and rice were better than they were. Either way, I liked their beans and rice more than any other Mexican restaurant in the area. I couldn't knock them for many things. _________________________________________ Review: This is the first time I'm ever doing this. I'm going to do a different point system that will allot me to more accurately judge food. I'm giving El Pollo Alegre 8.9 out of 10 points for Mexican food. Which is extremely high. Valentines day weekend we tried Gloria's which is down the road on 380. While they had decent Tamales, it was overall average at best. I gave them 3 stars. After eating this, they deserve maybe 2 stars. El Pollo Alegre is on a different level when it comes to the food and a better price. In comparison, I will give Gloria's a 5.7.

Got the mix fajitas for two and they loaded it up. The beef was excellent, they gave big shrimp and lots of it, and the chicken was on point. And, it wasn’t just a ton of bell pepper and onion. It was well proportioned. And, it was $30!!!! So good. Definitely recommend.

I went for breakfast and tried the chilaquiles. They came with one egg to many (three), refried beans, and potatoes. The highlight were the potatoes. Beans were good. But the chilaquiles were extremely hot, even for my used-to-very-spicy-food palate. Almost to the point of inedible. Service was fast and attentive. Although chilaquiles are a no go, I may try other breakfast items in the future.

El Pollo Alegre is just the best! I am committed to the shrimp fajitas, but tonight my family gave the beef dishes a try. Turns out, I've been missing out. The Alambre was a combo of steak, onion, bell peppers, cheese, AND BACON!!! The Bistek Ranchero was spicy greatness. Service is super attentive, and their dining area is spotless.

The absolute best Mexican food in McKinney!! The atmosphere is fun. A small gem of a restaurant! The service is always great! The food is delicious and always fresh!

The menu is extensive, being lunch time we chose tacos. You can get a taco plate with rice and beans or ala carte we did both. The shrimp tacos (plate) were seasoned wonderfully and were so big it was hard to decide how to pick them up. The AlPastor was delish as was the chicken taco both on corn tortilla, I don't know if they came with cheese because I asked for cheese and she said yes. The restaurant isn't fancy but was very clean and it looks like they probably have good times as there are three tvs huge speakers and a projection screen. If I lived here I would eat here more. The parking lot seemed large enough and belonged to them.

Our go to spot for Authentic TexMex breakfast.Migas are excellent as is their Huevos Rancheros, Divorciados and everything else we have tried. Be careful with some of the multiple choices of hot sauce, some of them will set a white boy's mouth on fire.

My hubby and I were searching for some Mexican rotisserie chicken for lunch and we definitely found it! I think this place is a great secret overlooked because of Hutchins BBQ right next door. We ordered the whole rotisserie bird. It came with rice and beans ( which we skipped) and tortillas. It was fabulously grilled with the smoky char marks on the skin. Just eating the chicken and rice only still left us with enough for lunch the next day. The tortillas were light but strong. (iykyk) :-) The whole lunch with two beverages was also budget friendly. Take note though... they ask if you want chips and salsa? My thought was, "Yes, of course, I am at a Mexican restaurant!" I probably would have said "No!" if I had realized they charge $3.25 for them! Only negative from our visit.

El Pollo Alegre is a darling hole in the wall that makes you feel like you're back on vacation in Mexico. Wonderful music and decorations fill the room. We ordered the shrimp fajitas, and the Barbacoa tacos. Everything from the chips and salsa, to the fajitas, to the tacos were absolutely fantastic. Some of the best Barbacoa we've had! Annette was our waitress and she was very welcoming. Great value for the money!! We will be back.

We went after church because it was nearby and the reviews were good. I had the chicken fajitas. The reviews were spot on, that chicken was really amazing! Hubby had the barbacoa tacos and he said they were delicious! Creamy guacamole with just the right amount of spice. The place is small and it was almost full by the time we got our food but our server was great!

Quick friendly service ! Great chips and salsa. I had the combo fajitas and came home with tons of leftovers too. Will def go back

Amazing food! Definitely a hole in the wall but great value for the money. I got the tacos and they were so good!!

Decently priced authentic Mexican food and with good portion size. The breakfast tacos are great. The. Breakfast torta as well. I didn't enjoy the huevos divorciados as much mainly because the red and green salsa were too acidic and strong.

Food is amazing...the horchata is phenomenal! Service is just as great. Got our food fairly quick. We will definitely be back. Come check this place out!

I was passing through town and decided to stop by. The chicken is seasoned well and tender and the salsa was good. The chips were the best I've had in a long time.

We stumbled upon this little gem looking for Hutchins BBQ a few years back. We went a few times and ate from the regular menu. We always enjoyed everything we had, it's real Mexican food. This review is about the breakfast. I ordered Huevos Al Gusto It had beef fajitas with onions refried beans and potato's with 3 fried eggs over the top. My wife had Huevos Al Mexicano that had bacon and eggs scrambled with refried bean's and potato's, both dishes served with hot corn tortillas and, coffee. this is a small place and they serve you with a smile. The price's are really affordable, give them a try if you're looking for authentic Mexican food!

This place had the Mexican atmosphere, but when you go to order the food you get a whole different avenue. I ordered breakfast because their barbacoa sample was horrible. After ordering breakfast with potatoes I received chopped up french fries. Really! Never again!

Second time trying this place. Each time the food was consistent. Got some tacos, and flautas. My favorite are the shrimp tacos. I really enjoyed the flavor of everything. And they have more than just chicken as the name of the place implies, I'm a big fan of their seafood offerings. Definitely will come back again!

What a find!!! Doing work in McKinney area, soooo happy stumbled into this place! Mega burrito less than $7 and take out from a wonderful (owner?) lady.. So fresh, flavors... can't wait to come back!

Very authentic food. The place is small but the friendly staff more than make up for it. The prices are reasonable. I was very impressed by the cleanliness. If the bathroom is dirty - I won't eat there. As I believe there's a direct correlation to the cleanliness of the kitchen. We will be back.

Their horchata and enchiladas good! I liked it here. If you come here just Don't be bother of the Mexican vibe haha

A friend brought me to this place like mid/post pandemic. Never forgot this place. Picking up some tacos again.

Fantastic! This is authentic Mexican. Quality ingredients and excellent flavors. Best restaurant salad I have ever had.

A friend told me about this place and I joined him for breakfast on a Saturday morning. I love me some menudo and micheladas, and 9:30 am was not too early for us to enjoy an ice cold one! The place itself looks like a classic Mexican spot, similar to one you'd fine in my hometown of El Paso. I put the menudo to a very simple test: is it legit? Yes. Yes it is. I browsed the rest of the menu and the selection is vast. I'll have to come back sometime and try everything else. Our server was friendly, and the food came out relatively fast! The beer was cold and the michelada mix was spicy and went down smooth. I could have easily taken down another 6 or so! They take credit cards and you pay at the counter when you're done, btw.

Absolutely love this place. Have enjoyed everything we have tried (breakfast, lunch and dinner) It is authentic Mex not Tex Mex. The wait staff are super sweet and prices are very reasonable. The quantity and quality of the food will exceed your expectations. Try it out!!!

Tacos were good. Ate 6 of them easily. Cant give them 5 stars yet since I didn't get a full plate or anything else and didn't actually eat at the restaurant. I'll definitely be going again soon and I'll update my review accordingly.

Came here for lunch today and was underwhelmed. I ordered the mariscado which I was told was made "a la parilla". Now my understanding as a puerto rican is that a "la parilla" means grilled. Instead of grilled seafood I received something in a red sauce served in a fajita skillet. Not exactly what I expected but I ate it anyway. The imitation crab was very soft, not in a tender way just mushy, very odd. The calmari was very rubbery as it seems to have been overcooked and the shrimp still had the tails on. My rice and beans were very bland. My husband enjoyed his stuffed catfish. I will give this spot another try since La Paloma is now closed but next time I will keep it simple and order some al pastor tacos.

Authentic Mexican food and excellent service. Better fajitas at a better price and fresh seafood. Full bar and what looked like authentic Mexican "Aguas frescas" Which are non-carbonated home made soft drinks.Atmosphere is cozy and the seating is comfortable. We avoided this place for years due to it's modes exterior and "Barrio" location. The place is not elegant elegant but it is a class act compared to other Mom and Pop Mexican joints in the area. Very glad we tried it out. Going back again tonight!

I went here the other day for a quick lunch, so I was just in and out. Very fast and friendly service. Like any Mexican restaurant they start you off with the complementary chips and salsa, and let me say by far their homemade salsa is the best. I'm not just saying that it has the right amount of kick and you can task the cilantro. I wanted some to go but I was flying back to Ohio the next day. I don't think TSA would let me carry it on the plane. Muy Bien!

Wednesday is the day for me... Caldo De Res!! Love it! I recommend giving the rest of the week a shot too!

Found this place solely based on what was open late one night (and the Yelp reviews). This is our new spot. Low-key, friendly service, excellent quality authentic Mexican food and the only place I've found so far that carries Corona Familiar (the dark one). Prices are absolutely affordable. Highly recommend trying one of their soups. Wife always has the chicken fajitas and I go with something not on the menu...the tacos al pastor. Perfectly seasoned and served with generous portions of rice, beans, and veggies. Plus, if you are into soccer, it's a great place to enjoy a game on multiple TV's while enjoying your meal.

Really like this place. Would give it 5 stars but their fajitas don't come out hot and sizzling.

Love this place. Delicious food and their micheladas are the best! Friendly customer service as well.

Good fresh authentic Mexican food. Very affordable and large portions given. Very attentive staff and delicious aguas frescas.

Tremendous food. Great service and atmosphere, would totally recommend for someone with a ravenous appetite.

Service: Can be hit and miss Food: Always outstanding Price: TOP NOTCH Inside: Small but cute I found this place by accident and although it's a little far out for me now, it used to be a lot closer for me when I lived in McKinney! Now I'm in Carrollton but I still try to visit this place every few months. It's DELISH! Let's start with the food - it's not the typical tex mex! It's the authentic Mexican food that I would get in Southern California! I usually order al a carte and get the barbacoa tacos with onions and cilantro. They are SOO GOOD! I also order the shrimp tostado which comes with pico de gallo and enough shrimp that many of them FALL OFF the tostada! It's super good and filling! They bring out the chips and salsa right away and I usually order a side of sour cream because the salsa is a bit too spicy for me. I mix the salsa with the sour cream and it's PERFECTION IN YOUR MOUTH! I've even had other people do it, not to cool down the salsa but because it tastes good! I definitely recommend trying it although they will probably charge you for the sour cream, it's worth it. They have a happy hour on Mon-Thurs and its buy one get one free margaritas which are SUPER good and I think that makes them about $2.50 each. I highly recommend this place because it's delicious, super cheap and the margaritas are really good. Sometimes I've had really good service here and other times, I've had to wait for a while and try to get someone's attention to either refill my drink or bring more chips or whatever. Overall I love this place and if I'm craving "home" Mexican food, THIS is definitely the spot to go to. It's certainly worth the drive from Carrollton now for me :)

I love this place. Best shrimp cocktail. The salsa is delicious and their beans are also outstanding.

Outstanding local Mexican restaurant. Real Mexican cuisine, not Tex Mex. Generous portions. Excellent prices. The margaritas are really tasty and they don't hold back on alcohol. Not fancy, but worth trying out. We'll return for another meal. I'll bet you will too.

Best authentic Mexican food in North Texas we have found. Super friendly staff and kid friendly. The location doesn't do it justice.

Yum!!! We tried it for the first time and we will be back! Good authentic Mexican food, no frills. My margarita was good and the prices on food and drinks were very reasonable. My shrimp tostada was the best I've had, maybe ever! Only suggestion, would be for them to add sopapillas.

Hubby and I went here for dinner tonight. I wanted to try this place based on all the reviews. I always judge a TexMex place by their chips and salsa. A basic staple but very important one. The chips were very good. Nice size and thickness with the right amount of salt and crunch. The salsa was good but a little sweet. They could have a bigger vessel for the chips. We ran out a couple of times and had to wait for refills. We also ordered chili con queso. The queso was just like what you get at football game nachos. I happen to like that type no not a problem for me. For dinner we shared a large combination fajitas. That plate was huge! Everything was seasoned well however the rice and beans lacked flavor. It also doesn't come with sour cream or shredded cheese. The service was a little slow at times but always with a smile. The food was quick and hot. Several customers entered while we were there. Several of them ordered the shrimp cocktail. Sorry I don't know the correct name. It too was huge. We want to come back and try that. Our biggest surprise came when the check arrived! All that food with drinks for only $30! Definitely worth it! They also serve breakfast. Will be back!

Went here for the first time. Nice little gem. Food was very good. Will definitely come back.

Went there late Sunday afternoon for food and drinks after a day of mountain biking. Great authentic Mexican food! Their salsa is awesome too!

We've been here twice and always get the tacos. Authentic and not greasy. Cute atmosphere. Really good prices! Definitely recommend if you're looking for a local, mom and pop restaurant with authentic food.

Fantastic food. Unfortunately, they were out of the menudo I came for, but I settled on the shrimp salad and shrimp soup and it was really good. Also, the food being brought to other people looked great as well. Nice, friendly, clean atmosphere!

If you want to be happy, very happy with your meal then try this place. It is real food and the ambiente is authentic. Kick it up a notch by ordering the whole fried snapper or mojarra, both are yummy. Even the chickens are happy that they are served here instead of some phony tex-mex place! And hey, you're eating with the peeps. (every pun intended)

This was our first time eating here and we loved it !!!! Very authentic. The menu is written in mostly in Spanish but that didn't deter us. I just used my iPhone translate app to help me. The employees were friendly and the service was great. We had the taco plate with carne asada tacos and barbacoa tacos. Next time we may try their signature grilled chicken.

Food is very very good, prices are really reasonable. Will be coming back for sure. The seasoning on the food is way better then any Mexican place in McKinney, also it's a small local cook to order sure.

Don't be put off by the outside appearance, or the inside appearance for that matter. It's the food that counts most and the hospitable service is a close second. I've been here a handful of times and am always happily transported to my my childhood. It's like being back in grandma's kitchen! Don't be timid to try new things here. It's all good! My favorite is the menudo, served on weekends only. Buen provecho!

Been here several times to dine-in and food to go. Pretty steady during week (dinner hours) so that's a good time to dine-in. Weekend mornings is super busy so I will usually take a to-go order. They do serve menudo on weekends which is probably why they stay busy. I've had the menudo, tacos, torta, and breakfast. All delicious and very authentic tasting. Micheladas are excellent and they're dressed workout asking. Super clean as well which is awesome. Great spot! Small but awesome nonetheless.

Loved that it's true Mexican food. Not TexMex. I would have given it a 5 because my meal was perfect but the chips were a little stale. I will definitely be going back.

I keep wanting these hole in the wall Mexican food places to be hidden gems but they aren't. I ordered chicken fajitas and they were extremely bland. This is a place with Chicken in its name. I had to pay for chips and salsa ($3.50), where do you do that? All but one of our party of 5 said they had a lack luster experience. I had to flag down a waitress multiple times for simple things like drink refills. I want to support local businesses, but they need to step up too.