El Pollo Loco (On the corner of Pino Suarez and 15 de mayo) Parking: 0 Ambiance: 2 Food: 4 Prices: 5 Cleanliness: 2 Restrooms: 2 Location: 3 Service: 3 Normally I'm a big fan of El Pollo Loco. I've been to some locations which were wonderful in every way. This particular location was not a good representation of El Pollo Loco. While the food and the prices were great, they definitely could use some improvement. Their specialty is grilled chicken. They also have some salads. Drinks are basic fountain drinks and "agua de Jamaica" (a sweetened drink made from the hibiscus flower). There is no parking here at all, however you can park at a plaza nearby for a small fee. It was convenient for me as it was only half a block from my hotel. It is also across the street from a hospital whose employees and patients provide many of their customers. I would almost classify this as a "mini El Pollo Loco" since the whole local is rather small. There was no décor except for promotional posters. There are several booths and some tables with chairs. Most of the clientele were families and people who work nearby. There are picture windows to view the street, the hospital across the way and the lines of people waiting around. Not the prettiest sight. There was a slow line of people waiting to be served. When it was my turn I gave my order at the counter. The clerk was efficient but not overly friendly. My order was brought to my table, and the server filled my glass with agua de Jamaica as requested. Napkins and plastic silverware are brought out with the order. They don't leave them out. I'm assuming because some people attempt to stock their household at the restaurant's expense. The food was very delicious. The chicken was flavorful, juicy, and well cooked as expected. The two sides (I ordered charro beans and rice) were also very good. The pieces of chicken were cut small, so the three piece meal was just enough. Not overly generous, but good. They also provided five fresh hot tortillas to accompany the meal. Between that and the salsa bar I left full. For 135 pesos (roughly $6.50 USD) it was a great deal. One of the best things about El Pollo Loco is the self serve chips and salsa bar. There are plenty of crisp tortilla chips and three kinds of fresh salsa. My favorite is the "molcajete" style. It was not very spicy; I could have eaten it like a cold soup. They also have a green salsa and a hotter red salsa. On the bar there is also cilantro, diced onion, jalapeños "toreados" (grilled to release the fire inside the seeds), and lime slices. This location has a common sink area for washing hands just outside the restrooms. Water spatters were everywhere, so don't lean up against the counter. The restrooms themselves needed attention. Not the cleanest. If I were to stay in the Safi Hotel again, I'd probably come here again just for its convenient location near the hotel, otherwise I'd go to a different location. read more

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We liked this place! Tasty chicken! It was way too much chicken so at our friend's suggestion we got it boxed up and gave the leftovers to homeless people nearby outside. They were happy to take it. Best wishes! read more