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    El Pollo Norteno

    3.8 (190 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Order El Pollo Norteno Takeout or Delivery

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    Business Info

    EL POLLO NORTENO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - El Pollo Norteno

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    Burrito bowl
    Emmanuel C.

    Local Legends in the Oxnard area. Pollo Norteño specializes in flame broiled chicken and tri tip. The family owned business has been serving up their specialty marinated meats since 1982. The chicken has great flavor, nicely marinated in a batter that is brushed onto the meat giving it a fire-orange color. The tri-tip has beautifully chard, grill lines and is served with meat juice from the grill. The cooking style is in it's name, paying homage to the ranching regions of northern Mexico, Monterrey and Sonora. All of their plates are served with whole pinto beans, fresh salsa (heavy tomato flavor) and warm tortillas. It's not my favorite salsa, but some people love it. I prefer a green tomatillo, jalapeño, and sereño salsa. You can substitute the salsa for rice, if you're not a fan of salsa. You can also purchase additional sides, such as marinated onions, rice, potato salad, chips and salsa, grilled jalapeños, and pickled jalapeños. The Norteño Bowl is perfect! Which is their version of a burrito bowl, with cheese and sour cream. It pairs nicely with pickled jalapeños and carrots. Looking for some nostalgia, order the Orange Whip drink! Delicious!

    Happened to be in the area and decided to stop in. I ordered a basic chicken burrito for $10, and it was packed with chicken, rice, and beans. Definitely filling and a great value. The salsa tasted a little different than what I'm used to, but it was still decent. The staff was friendly, and the restaurant was very clean. I'd definitely come back if I was in the area and wanted a quick, satisfying burrito.

    Brandy O.

    Come on now! If you don't know, your going to learn today! This place hits different than all the other Mexican spots in town. There tri-tip and chicken are . There salsa is . The flavors are . Just like a family's backyard plate of food. Good! Thanks Anna for such great service! Clean, delicious, friendly, and affordable. Ill be back!

    I was there yesterday and mi wife pick it up and it was good and on time definitely come back again and recommended to others

    Salsa
    Erica G.

    I had not been here in awhile but this was a fave growing up! I must say .. it tasted different to me. The tri tip def did :/ I enjoyed my burrito but it was not amazing . I remember the tri tip being juicy , I felt it was dry. Great prices . I got a burrito (tri tip) and large Jamaica for less than 15 bucks!!! Place looks the same as I remember. Super clean. Bright yellow and green ! Uff the memories! I had two tias that worked here when they were teens. I remember visiting them when I was a kid and looking up to them. I wanted to be a cashier when I grew up ! Oh kid memories! Great service! I love that this place is a great deal, spotless , has so much parking and great service ! I still come back for a quick /cheap meal! 3.4 /5 stars ! Nostalgia and great service will keep me coming back :)

    Different Angle same comment
    Rod M.

    I do not really know if this is at all related to the major El Pollo chain. Completely different menu and a one of a kind small restaurant. Very old school built in late 1940's my guess. Been here twice. They have Tri-Tip which i personally didn't care for. Dry, chewy and over salted. The chicken bowl was ok, dry chicken breast a drizzle of sour cream with rice and beans. Major complaint is they charge for chips, only have one salsa, red mild. No green avocado like the chain. My second visit ordered the #2 half chicken meal. Chicken wasn't freshly made but still decent. The price , decent quality as portions are the reason to go here. That and the service was good. Doubt I'll be going back real soon. Think I'll stick with the chain instead. 4 stars and I'm being generous. Cheap decent food, price of a McDonald's meal but lot healthier.

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    Photo of Janet R.
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    2 years ago

    The food was good, it was warm by the time we got home also packed well. Really like the salsa had a kick to it.

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    1 year ago

    One of the best places to eat great service Love going to grab a bite I would recommend

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Food here always hits the spot. Their chicken is always so tasty and their sides are solid. The service was also very fast.

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    2 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    Photo of Amy B.
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    3 years ago

    Delicious, amazing food. I love their tri-tip and chicken. The tomato salsa is pretty bomb!

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Pollo Norteño is a must!! Great quality of food and value. I have been there frequently and the quality is consistent which is important.

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    5 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Good food, fast service, online ordering efficient, pick up on time, good location and window pick up

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    8 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Pollo parece pichon está muy chico el pollo la carne está dura no es el corte de carne que dice demasiado caro

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Tasty every time! Been going for many many years. The chicken and sala are my favorite!

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    5 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Good food and very good prices. I will definitely be back anytime. I am in Oxnard. Staff is always so nice also!

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    7 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Food is unbelievably amazing! I wish that I had a location near me. I would franchise El Pollo Norteno if there was an opportunity.

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    9 years ago

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    Page 2 of 5

    El Pollo Norteno Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - El Pollo Norteno

    Is there a closer one to the valley ? I used to go to the Simi Valley one years ago

    This seems to be to last location standing

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    Their reviews seem to really span the stars. I think it really depends on who the cook and staff…read moreare at any given time. I went there for lunch on a weekday, and I was pretty pleased with the service and food. The woman at the counter did speak English so that's always feels more comfortable, especially if you have any special requests. They have an open kitchen where they assemble orders, and the cook was rather friendly. I ordered a roasted pork burrito (I can't remember the name, but it's not carnitas). The meat was tender and tasted like it was slow cooked. The tortilla is not anything special, but all the fillings (rice, beans) were good. There is larger rice than beans ratio, but they give plenty of meat protein. I have been here several times in the past. I remember totally ratchet seating areas, where there were large holes in the floor. There seems to be some updates and the seating area is cleaned up (but I've only done takeout). They now also accept credit cards. For a low cost burrito, this is satisfying. Most burritos are ~ 10.

    I tried 3 products from here last night! I enjoyed 2/3! The…read morechicken taco was very flavorful and the green salsa was delicious! I loved the carne asada burrito but could have had just a touch less salt! I didn't love the crunchy shredded beef taco! It was extremely dry and the shell was baked not fried which made it have a weird texture!

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    Kalaveras - I must say I was pleasantly surprised with the food here!

    Kalaveras

    3.9(370 reviews)
    2.8 mi
    $$

    We will be back! Did not even know this place existed…read more perhaps a little more marketing. Good location in my opinion. For the locals; it's took over Red Lobster restaurant. Food: very tasty. We went on taco Tuesday, $1.99/ea and It's a buffet! Many choice of protein, toppings and salsas. Service: very nice people Ambiance: just fine. Bar: tasty margaritas at $10/each They also offer Mexican Sunday brunch BUFFET! Not many in our area. We have to try that next time. Thanks.

    Our group of friends recently dined here, and unfortunately, our experience was disappointing…read more First, we were surprised to find that we were charged for the chips and salsa without being told there was a charge. It was only a dollar on each (5 ) of our bills but they should have told us. Many Mexican restaurants provide them as a complimentary appetizer, so it would have been nice if the server had let us know beforehand. The biggest issue, however, was the service. One person in our party never received his meal. We had to ask about it, and we were simply told, "It's coming," with no explanation or apology. We ended up waiting so we could all eat together, so my soup was cold and I ended up not eating it and had to take it home. When the bill came, I asked what had happened. I was hoping the server would apologize or at least explain the delay. Instead, she didn't really answer my question. Only after I commented that they must have forgotten it, server said his meal had burned and the kitchen had to remake it. It would have been much better if she had communicated that to us from the beginning instead of leaving us wondering what was going on. Throughout the meal, the server rarely checked on our table to see if we needed anything or if everything was okay. Given the long delay and lack of communication, I also think it would have been a nice gesture to either comp the delayed meal or at least remove the charge for the chips and salsa. And normally we would tip less but she added the tip to the bill Unfortunately, what should have been an enjoyable dinner with friends turned into a frustrating experience because of the lack of communication and customer service.

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    El Pollo Norteno - mexican - Updated September 2026

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