Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    El Pollo Guapo

    4.5 (348 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

    El Pollo Guapo Photos

    EL POLLO GUAPO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating

    You might also consider

    More like El Pollo Guapo

    Recommended Reviews - El Pollo Guapo

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Menu
    Angel R.

    Wanted something different for lunch & decided on El Pollo Guapo! Counter service was super friendly & had my order out quickly. I had the Span-ish Greens Bowl. The rotisserie chicken was delicious! Amazing healthy lunch!

    Allison C.

    My husband and I came in for lunch on a weekend, and we were super impressed! We had them once before at a friend's house as takeout and remember it being good, but this was even better than we remembered. The chicken was flavorful and fresh, with great sauces and delicious ways to enjoy it. Tacos, salad, and rice bowl were all delicious, but the nachos were definitely one of the show stoppers for us. I think I'll be dreaming about it! Couldn't have asked for a better meal, and the staff were friendly and helpful with menu suggestions. We will absolutely be back!

    The sign
    Jason P.

    Since my last 2 Star review based upon EPG's multiple failures to include the special dressings that come with bowls, we have ordered takeout two additional times because my wife continues to be a fan of the food. The first time, they remembered the dressing. This week, they forgot again. So scorecard . . . 3 out of the last 5 times we've ordered from the Newington EPG, they have forgotten the special dressings. Their 40 percent success rate with a 5 chance sample size should help illustrate for EPG that they have process issues that need to be fixed. Still 2 Stars. Same reason. *by way of update, after I posted this review, EPG reached out to me and we had a productive exchange.

    Almost Legal
    Ana B.

    My friend yesterday called in orders for us at El Pollo Guapo. We were in Newington where El Pollo Guapo is located. Shortly after she placed the orders, I drove to pick them up. The inside is small and clean, with a few high tops for dining inside. Our order was marked with my friend's name. I took it and walked out. This does feel like I could potentially get arrested for larceny. It was the only bag on display and it had the correct name on it. The bag was warm and was a nice size. I couldn't wait to dig in. I got the Almost Legal bowl and my friend got the Dazed and Confused bowl. The two bowls are very similar. Mine had a pleasant kick from the Sriracha Aloi and the Spicy Slaw. There was a nice chunk of white meat of off the rotisserie chicken. It was topped with grilled corn, avocado, plantains, and pickled onions. My friend's had brussel sprouts and seared mushrooms added. This was very tasty. It was flavorful, nutritious and so colorful! I would stop by El Pollo Guapo again!

    Almost legal bowl

    This place is in the center of Newington!!! I am a huge sucker for comfy food, and this bowl satisfies that late evening craving on a sick day. I ordered the Almost legal bowl. This bowl has everything including a bite of spice, sweetness and savory. The staff is always sweet, they always let us have a side of sauce! We always do takeouts, next time I will definitely do dine in since they have such a great indoor and outdoor dining options!!

    Savsri A.

    We enjoyed having our delicious lunch at El pollo.Loved the taco and the Mexican rice with peas.However my husband didn't like the after taste from the Brussels sprouts it was kind of bitter. I enjoyed the roasted garbanzo beans it was very good.Can't wait to try again. I didn't enjoy the local coke it tasted so different then the regular one.

    Newington inside
    Elisa F.

    First time at their relocated location in Newington and everything is just as good! This location is so cute and much more accessible. We got a whole chicken meal to go and everything was packed and prepared perfectly. This is a great option if you can't decide what to order - it's a little bit of everything! Service was top notch and friendly as always!

    Sorry couldn't grab a photo before I ate something hahaha

    I love this place!! The food is delicious and full of flavor. Favorite thing to order would be the Arroz Con Pollo Bowl - full of delicious mouth watering flavor and the plantains are so freaking good. The street corn is amazing! The apple empanada is so freaking good- you can tell it's home made with real Granny Smith apples! Honestly anything off the menu I'm sure will be amazing, can't go wrong ordering from here! My coworkers and I eat here at least once a week. Run don't walk get yourself El Pollo Guapo!

    Dazed and Confused bowl with rotisserie chicken and no pickled onions.  @clinkdrinkeat.ct
    Tiffany G.

    Someone should smack me! How have I lived miles away and never eaten here? Shame on me. I'm rarely inspired to write a review after only one experience and one meal, but they've done it! I ordered from UberEats this afternoon and delivery was longer than expected (I paid to get it quicker, I was working and needed to eat before heading to the gym) but I don't blame the restaurant for that. The point is, when it finally arrived it was still perfect and delicious and amazing! The order was right (no pickled onions) which I've been having issues with for delivery and takeout lately, but my Dazed and Confused bowl was just delectable! Everything was fresh and tasty and seasoned well, nothing boring or bland about this bowl at all! I was wishing for a little more rotisserie chicken, but then when I remembered the price the entire bowl was actually a great portion for only $14! With juicy chicken, crispy brussels sprouts, grilled corn, caramelized onions, seared mushrooms, queso fresco and some kind of sauce, it was like magic in my mouth. Or a party, a party in my mouth. I ate about 3/4 of it so that I wasn't too stuffed for the gym, then came home and microwaved the rest and it was still amazing! That's when I knew I had to do this review! Oh, I also ordered it gluten free for no up-charge (not sure what had to be changed). I can't wait to try one of the salad/green bowls next! I also ordered a child's cheese quesadilla meal with rice, and heard it was also good and a good size for a kid's meal. My kid is too old to get full on a kid's meal, but as a vegetarian this was just a quick and easy thing to throw on the order since the vegetarian quesadilla has Brussels in it, which is not high on the list of veggies to eat. So, while I didn't see it or taste it, that got a thumbs up also!

    Buff chicken greens
    Karissa D.

    So fresh, so delicious! I got the buff chicken salad bowl. Everything in this bowl balanced each other out nicely. The plantains were delicious which is usually a hit or miss for most establishments, I wish it had more than three pieces, I'll def order as a side next time. Can't wait to come back and try the rice bowl.

    Nachos

    See all

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Angel R.
    11
    81
    62

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 23
    Thanks 8
    Love this 18
    Oh no 2

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ian B.
    3
    40
    2

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Alex P. T.
    3757
    356
    11194

    6 years ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 0
    Love this 11
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mike D.
    56
    13
    1

    2 years ago

    Not a great experience, all good was cold. Dishes are a strange hipster concoction that don't work.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Always great. Tacos are so flavorful, juicy, and the bowls are amazing too! Delicious rotisserie chicken style place to get lunch, and Togo

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jen O.
    0
    20
    59

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sho R.
    106
    1819
    7913

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 9

    Ask the Community - El Pollo Guapo

    You might also consider

    El Tenampa Taqueria

    El Tenampa Taqueria

    4.3
    (22 reviews)
    6.5 mi

    El Tenampa Taqueria is an overall good representation of Mexican food in Cromwell, Connecticut…read more Walking in, the ambiance is bright and cheerful. The service was friendly and only added to the experience. The tacos were decent and it was a good overall experience.

    Decent tacos, nice staff, small stand…read more We were on the hunt for a good taco stand. Been to many, but wanted to find some diamonds in the rough. This place came up as one such place, so we made the trek. It's a small place, enough for a few people to stand and a couple of tables off to the side. This place is very much a to-go location. The cashier was very friendly answered our questions without any hesitation. We hit a smattering of tacos, a tamale and elote. Also done chips and guac. Food came out quick and we ate in the small parking lot in the car. The food is fresh and everything was seasoned correctly for authentic Mexican fare. The proteins were a bit overcooked and they needed sauce to make them more palatable. Their green sauce was spicy but vinegary but fresh and light and their roasted pepper sauce was smoky and much heavier on the heat. The tacos varied between overcooked and dry to just right but underseasoned. We had to tweak every taco to make it good enough. The sauces really helped though. The tamale was flavored masa and cooked well with large chunks of salty pulled pork. Was very tasty. The elote corn was still a little out of season but the mayo, spice, and cheese were spot on in portion and flavor. It's good, and very true to its roots. If they executed the proteins well and upped their spices then this would be a phenomenal spot. As it stands, it's a good taco spot for the area but not worth a trek.

    Photos
    Dining area
    Dining area
    Tradicional molcajete
    Tradicional molcajete
    Agua de Jamaica. My favorite

    See all

    Agua de Jamaica. My favorite
    Puerto Vallarta - Newington

    Puerto Vallarta - Newington

    3.9
    (365 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    Puerto Vallarta for Cinco de Mayo was a WHOLE experience…read more This place was PACKED from start to finish, but honestly? The vibe made the wait worth it. There were lines everywhere, the parking lot was full, and the restaurant was extremely busy but the energy was so good it barely even felt like we waited long. They had two DJs, one inside and one outside on the deck area where there was also an outdoor bar. The music was nonstop and the DJ played a mix of everything, so people were dancing the entire night. While waiting for our table, we grabbed drinks outside and ended up dancing inside too We waited about 30 minutes to be seated (plus another 10 because we missed our first call while vibing on the deck ), but once we sat down everything moved smoothly. Drinks were STRONG and definitely worth the price I had a couple shots plus both the original and strawberry margaritas, and both were really good. The food? 10/10. We got tacos, quesadillas, sizzling fajitas, and fresh guacamole made tableside right in front of us. Everything came out hot, flavorful, and delicious. The fajitas coming out sizzling definitely turned heads I also appreciated how organized everything still felt despite the crowd. There was security at the front entrance, inside, and near the side exits, which helped things feel safe and controlled during such a busy event. This was the perfect spot to celebrate with friends. Great music, strong drinks, delicious food, and an atmosphere that felt like a real party from beginning to end. Would absolutely come back for another holiday, weekend or summer night on the deck

    Evening visit and loved it Interesting evening and we are…read moreglad we stopped by early because this establishment was BUSY. Yummy food and good service, Macario was phenomenal, always happy and attentive. The restaurant was crowded, the only thing that was uncomfortable was the noise, music to loud so you can barely hear your own conversation. But everything else was just right. Btw thank you for the B52 shots, those were the cherry on top kind of evening.

    Photos
    Puerto Vallarta - Newington
    Puerto Vallarta - Newington
    Puerto Vallarta - Newington

    See all

    Salsa Fresca Mexican Grill

    Salsa Fresca Mexican Grill

    3.5
    (27 reviews)
    1.7 mi

    Every time I want a bowl I head to this salsa Fresca. It is easy to get to and have good parking…read more Next to other quick take out restaurants like Jersey's Mikes and Tropical Smoothie. The app is simple to use and I like how the is place have a drive through window. I don't even have to get out of the car. The service is usually quick. The team would always have my order ready and it is packed up nicely. I actually never went inside the establishment but I am sure it is nice. I love how each bowl comes with chip and salsa. This team here all get my special instructions correct when I want a bit an extra of something. Overall a great choice when you don't wanna cook and want something quick and delicious.

    I had the chance to try a little bit of everything including the MVP Burrito, Keto Bowl, Aztec…read moreBowl, Cozumel Quesadilla, Freedom Burrito, and the Soulmate Burrito. Everything was really good, but the Cozumel Quesadilla was definitely my favorite, especially with the aioli sauce. That sauce was perfection. I honestly wanted to put it on everything. You order at the counter and they make the food right in front of you. Once it's ready, you pay and can either grab a seat or take it to go. It's a quick, casual spot to grab a meal. Not really a romantic setting or anything like that, but it's great if you're looking for something fast and flavorful. There was a steady crowd while I was there, but there were still plenty of seats available, so it didn't feel overcrowded.

    Photos
    Salsa Fresca is proud to serve Fresh Food You Can Trust!
    Salsa Fresca is proud to serve Fresh Food You Can Trust!
    A delicious house-made burrito.
    A delicious house-made burrito.
    Our Nacho Platter can be made exactly to your liking!

    See all

    Our Nacho Platter can be made exactly to your liking!
    Taqueria La Grande

    Taqueria La Grande

    4.5
    (92 reviews)
    5.2 mi
    $

    I visited this Mexican food spot(recommended by Yelp)& ordered a shrimp quesadilla w/ a sides of…read morerice, refried beans, and avocado slices. I also ended the meal w/ a flan. Steve was really nice when he took my order & chatted it up while I waited for my food. Inside was pretty small w/ a couple of chairs if you wanted to dine in but it was pretty hot in there. There was a couple of decorations & on their wall was food awards including 1 from Yelp. The food overall was solid. The quesadilla was flavorful and pretty tasty, but I do wish it had more shrimp. I even paid for extra shrimp & there still wasn't enough. It was more cheesy than anything. The rice was good & the beans had shredded,melted cheese on top which I love. The flan, however, wasn't good for me. It didn't really hit & was kind of disappointing. It lacked flavor & its consistency was off. I really liked their salsa verde sauce (it had gr8 flavor & a nice kick). The only downside was that everything came separate & nothing came w/ the order(no chips or extras)so it felt a little basic compared to other spots. All in all, it's a solid takeout spot w/ good food, but portions & a few items could be improved.

    stopped by on the way home after being in west Hartford for a festival. The food tasted fresh,…read moreflavorful, and authentic, with generous portions. Steve was friendly and welcoming, which made a great first impression. I ordered the chicken tacos, but I didn't realize they were made tinga style. If I had known, I definitely would have gone with the birria tacos instead...I still regret not ordering those! The restaurant was smaller than I expected, and it was a little too warm inside for my liking, so we ended up taking our food to the car to eat instead. the tamarindo drink was crisp and refreshing. For dessert, I tried the flan. It wasn't quite what I was expecting, as it had more of a gelatin like texture. I personally prefer a creamier, custard style flan, and this one reminded me more of a boxed mix. The fresh flavors, generous portions, and Steve's excellent customer service made it a place I'd be happy to return to...next time, I'm definitely trying the birria tacos.

    Photos
    Taqueria La Grande
    Rice and beans
    Rice and beans
    Food

    See all

    Food
    Nicolas Pizza & Mexican Eatery

    Nicolas Pizza & Mexican Eatery

    3.7
    (53 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $

    Best Mexican food in this town. The crispy tacos are delicious. I typically do takeout and they are…read morevery kind up front. Package everything really well.

    This would have been an enthusiastic 4 Star review if Nicola's Pizza and Mexican Eatery had just…read moretold me they were out of avocados or used a different one. Nicola's is a small, very casual, Mexican/pizza/grinder restaurant with a few inside tables and a takeout business. It shares a building with a convenience store. I ordered sopes with pastor for workday lunch takeout. The pastor costs extra, but the sopes come topped with beans, lettuce, tomato, sour cream and queso fresco or a similar cheese. And avocado slices. When I got home and lifted the styrofoam takeout container out of the plastic bag, I noticed that the container was really heavy. When I opened it, I saw why. There were three pleasingly dense corn sopes that were like savory corn cakes, taking up most of the bottom of the container. They were generously stacked with toppings. When I took my first bite, I hadn't noticed the condition of the avocados yet. I did notice that the avocado tasted past prime though. Then I looked, and saw that there were discolored sections on each of the three avocado slices that topped each of the three sopes. I like to cook. I use avocados. I have cut into that avocado before. There is no mistaking the condition of that avocado after you cut it and turn it open. As soon as I see it, I throw it away. On more than one occasion, I've had to abandon plans to make guacamole because all of the avocados were like that. I get it. It stinks. But if you're a restaurant, you can't serve avocados that are discolored like that. I removed the avocado slices and powered through. Perception or reality, the sight of the avocados made me question the freshness of the rest of the vegetable toppings too. On the positive side, the corn sopes were very good. The pastor was flavorful, was properly cooked and had good moisture. If not for the avocado slices, this would have been a good meal, and I'm not surprised that people have good experiences at Nicola's. However, it's hard to forgive visibly discolored avocado slices used in a meal. There's a conscious choice that goes into serving an ingredient that is visibly past prime. That's why I've got to score this experience Two Stars.

    Photos
    Nicolas Pizza & Mexican Eatery
    Margarita pizza - not the best plus the business stole this photo to use it on their business website - take your own photos
    Margarita pizza - not the best plus the business stole this photo to use it on their business website - take your own photos
    Menu inside page 1

    See all

    Menu inside page 1
    Food Truck American & Mexican Tasty Flavors

    Food Truck American & Mexican Tasty Flavors

    4.7
    (34 reviews)
    3.5 mi

    I have been hearing about this food truck for a while now so I decided to check it out. I've heard…read morethere Birria Tacos were delicious so I only came for the Birria Tacos. As I approached the food truck, I was immediately greeted by the staff. I ordered Birria Tacos and one of the staff members asked me if I wanted anything to drink and he asked me did I want to try a juice they made. The juice was called Passion Fruit Juice and as I sampled the juice, it was so refreshing so I ordered a cup. The Birria Tacos were delicious, flavorful, crispy, and the cheese melt was just the right amount of cheese. A lot of places cannot make Birria Tacos but these Birria Tacos were right on the money. One thing I love about them is their presentation. The Passion Fruit Juice came with a strawberry that looked like a rose. When I'm in the area I will definitely be back again to visit there food truck

    Service - Kind people and made the food in a timely manner…read moreconsidering everything was fresh. Ambiance - They have a table for people who want to sit down near by, you can choose to wait there or leave and come back. They have the option of a beeper to notify you when your food is ready. I ended up staying until my name was called. They had music playing & seemed very organized! Food - I ordered a birria ramen and it came with a free birria taco!! The birria ramen had good flavor, I wish it had thicker noodles. The noodles were a bit too thin for my liking. I did add in shredded mozzarella cheese to tie it in and in the end it was a 7.5/10! If they had different noodles it would be a 8.5/10. Now the birria taco.... AMAZING. Hit the spot for what I was craving!! I loved the crunch, flavor and dipped it in my consumé for extra flavor. The presentation for everything was very pleasing and I definitely will come back here and try more items on their menu. Drinks - Great selection, would love to come back and try one for sure. I didn't end up grabbing one this time. I do like the presentation for these. Location - Next to Trinity college at end of a road. You are able to park on the street for free. I walked a few minutes to get to it with no issues. There is another truck next door to it as well.

    Photos
    Outside
    Outside
    Birria tacos & enchiladas
    Birria tacos & enchiladas
    Food Truck American & Mexican Tasty Flavors

    See all

    El Pollo Guapo - tapasmallplates - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...