The Best Chicken on Earth
Pollo Rico is by far the best tasting chicken I have ever had the pleasure of sinking my teeth into. The seasonings in the marinade are totally unfamiliar, but completely compliments the wood grilled flavor. Don't let the "hole in the wall" exterior fool you. Heck! The smell itself will draw in you. That's how I found this place. I followed my nose until I foud the source of that heavenly smell!

Its taste is consistently SUPERIOIR, and it is NEVER overcooked. It is always JUICY and tender, and out of this world!!!

I write this review from Austin, TX where I now live, and I was sitting here fantasizing about having this chicken for dinner, so I thought I would encourage someone who lives in the greater Washington area to get some since I can't. (All of you lucky people in Maryland, I envy you now!)I think I would move back to Maryland just to be near this delicious chicken again. PLUS the platains are good too!!!    [15 Nov 2002 19:04:54]

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Recommended Dishes: Chicken and ripe plantains

     ­Kelley Phillips, Austin, TX   

Damn!!!
El Pollo Rico is by far the best chicken joint I've ever eaten at! I came down from NY to visit a friend and we just happened into EPR after we saw a line out the door to get in. We found out that there was a line for a very good reason. The seasoning, the austere nature and ambiance just further enhanced the experience. There isn't much on the menu but what was available was prepared to perfection.

I find myself fantasizing about the chicken and insist that when my friend comes to town he doesn't come empty handed!    [31 Jul 2004 18:49:48]

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Recommended Dishes: 1/2 chicken,fries and cole slaw

     ­David Beasley, Freeport, NY   

Chicken to Go
Based on the reviews I saw here and elsewhere, I went to this place thinking I would have dinner. BUT.. the only tables are squalid little things used by people waiting for their carry-out order.

This is a CARRY OUT place, not a restaurant. The chicken may be good. I don't actually know, because I didn't eat any. I came for dinner, and while some people might choose to eat their order right there or off the back end of their truck, I wanted more than just chicken in a bag. What's more, this is the kind of place I want to avoid touching, let alone eat at.

As a cheap carry out chicken place, it may be fine, but its NOT a restaurant.
   [15 May 2006 15:17:19]

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     ­Jaime   

Still the Best Chicken
I was amazed to read the previous review which trashed Pollo Rico. This restaurant became our favorite "hole in the wall" for chicken during the two decades my wife and I lived in the Washington DC area. While we frequented the Arlington location, I expect the Wheaton branch serves up equally fine fare. The Arlington location does have substantial seating for those interested in eating in. My wife and I have had the good fortune to dine in some of the finest restaurants throughout the US, Asia and Europe but Pollo Rico continues to be our favorite for rotisserie chicken. If you're looking for white linen tablecloths and five star service, this is not your place. But for authentic Peruvian Rotisserie Chicken, we've found nothing that even comes close. Like Kelley who started this thread, we now live in Austin but every time we visit Washington for business or pleasure, we make sure to stop and eat at Pollo Rico.    [03 Jun 2006 19:26:07]

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Recommended Dishes: Rotisserie Chicken

     ­Rich, Austin, Texas   

The service is friendly, the chicken is fabulous,the FFries are special and the plantains even better. And it doesn't pretend to be any more than it is: a place that cooks one thing exceptionally well.

   [29 Sep 2006 18:36:56]

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     ­Mark   

Yum!!!
Like one of the other reviewers I was amazed at the bad review. I have never had a problem there. Sure from time to time I may stand in a line for ten minutes, but unless I have to go to the restroom really bad that time is worth it. Seems the reviewer was looking for fast food and/or immediate one on one service. Make no mistake this is no Fridays or Ruby Tuesday's but it is the best chicken I've had and it will continue to be my favorite.    [20 Jan 2007 07:48:38]

Food:    Service: -   Ambiance: -   Overall: 

     ­Vibe, Baltimore   

Regardless of the ambiance
The chicken is outstanding! The staff are pleasant. I need the recipe for the marinade.    [19 Feb 2007 15:36:40]

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Recommended Dishes: CHICKEn

     ­Anonymous   

Awesome!
Always awesome!    [22 Oct 2007 19:38:57]

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     ­Kevin