Ok so let me start of by saying customer service was immaculate, flawless. Buttttttttttt, I've been to a lot of Peruvian restaurants. And just off the presentation, I'm a little disappointed. This is not authentic. No lettuce, no cilantro no pico. I'm sad. read more

El Pollo Ranchero - chicken Fajitas De Pollo - Latin American Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

this is one of my favorite Peruvian chicken spots in the DMV. I've been going here since a kid. Their chicken float is hard to die for and their chicken is always moist and flavorful three yellow sauce is one of a kind, and I have never been disappointed, ordering from this restaurant. The service is super fast and is always accurate with my order. The ambiance is very Homie and hasn't changed since I was a kid! read more

El Pollo Ranchero - tax - Latin American Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

This was my first time going to this restaurant, and the customer service was really bad. The person taking my order sounded like she was doing me a favor, even though it was a to-go order. I don't even want to imagine how the service would be if I had decided to dine inside. The food looked like it was from the day before--nothing tasted fresh. The yuca tasted like it was cooked in old oil, and the chicken was very dry. Overall, not good at all. read more

I came here for lunch due to the guys at my job suggesting it . It's good chicken for a great price . The food is always fresh and the staff is always nice. I' haven't been during happy hour. But the ambiance is pretty chill and quiet and a good place to get a good meal and relax. I don't have any complaints about this place. read more

My family has been coming here for years--the chicken and yuca are the best around. Unlike many places, I especially love the yuca because they give a generous portion. The woman at the front is always kind and welcoming. However, a recent visit left a bad taste when a waitress rolled her eyes at me when paying though I tipped over 20%. I'm unsure why, but for now, I'll be taking a break from this place--but I still believe the food is good. read more

Came here for an early dinner and I can't say that I'm impressed. The cashier, both upon my entering and paying to leave could seriously have cared less that i was there. My server however was cordial and attentive, so that was nice. Chips and salsa is always nice, but these chips were super basic and forgettable. I ordered the quarter chicken with rice and black beans. The quarter chicken might as well have been a drumstick as small as it was. The rice and beans though were great and are items I would definitely order again. The jurys still out on this place, not so sure I would go back as there are other, better places that have the charcoal chicken. read more

El Pollo Ranchero - Latin American Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

This review is ONLY based on my first and only order from El Pollo Ranchero. I'm primarily giving them 5 stars because they give you a lot for about $10 worth of food. You get (more than) your money's worth. I ordered a 1/2 rotisserie chicken which comes with two sides. I ordered yucca and black beans for my sides. My order came with two chicken breasts, lots of yucca fries, and about 1 cup of black beans. I opted for 3 pairs of green and white sauce, but they gave me TWO extra pairs for FREE even though Uber Eats showed that it would cost extra for more sauce. All of it tasted good. The green sauce is a little too spicy for me, but I'm weak when it comes to hot sauces. I much prefer the white sauce. I'm definitely ordering from them again soon. read more

El Pollo Ranchero - 1/2 rotisserie chicken with 2 side orders (yucca here and black beans) - Latin American Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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The food is great and the service is even better! I love the chicken! The place is very cozy and chill. Definitely one of my favorite chicken places. read more

I have always love this place. I've been coming since 2007 and have never been dissatisfied. I'm sure back then I helped keep the lights on. It is a great little place to get some very good Latin food. I primarily stick to the rotisserie chicken and the pulpusas. I have had their soup before and it was good for the cold days. read more

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I've been here multiple times actually for lunch to go. The rotisserie chicken is the best thing there. It's always juicy and flavorful. Always ask for extra sauce! The beans are watery and flavorless but the rice is good. I've also tried their yucca and chicharrón, I'd definitely get it again. Their burritos are good too but I find it weird that the lettuce goes inside. I'm just one of those people that doesn't like soggy lettuce. I will ask for it on the side next time! Not a big fan of the packaging for the appetizer sampler. Everything was literally stacked on top of each other. 4/10 on that food. Everyone there is extremely welcoming. I'll definitely be back, as it is extremely affordable even during this inflation period. read more

We came here because we were looking for a quick dinner and wanted to support a minority-own def business. I had the Tipico 3 (pupusa, steak, rice, beans, and salad) plus as Chile Rellno. Let me begin with saying that I'm always grateful for complimentary chips and salsa. The chips at El Pollo Ranchero taste store bought and are not special (e.g. thin, warm, dusted with chili lime), but the salsa tasted fine. The Chile Relleno was okay (see photo). I liked how cheesy the dish is, but would have liked more sauce. As for the Tipico entree, the pupusa was my favorite part of the meal. I got the revuelta (pork and cheese) and it was meaty, cheesy, and piping hot. I did have to ask for the curtido and salsa, which was weird. The salsa also didn't taste like any Salvadoran salsa roja I've had before, so that was also a bit of a surprise for me. The steak was a nice petite size and cooked to medium well, which was more over cooked than I would have liked. I'm glad it came with a simple salad and quarter of an avocado. The rice and beans tasted very Salvadoran and the slice of fresh queso was a nice touch. I will the say, for what this place lacks in some of its flavors, it made up with service. The two servers who took care of us were attentive and very warm. read more

El Pollo Ranchero - Chile Relleno - Latin American Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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Everything was horrible I returned my first dish which was flautas because they tasted expired. After that the server let me sit there waiting for her to come back while she was talking to her coworkers, For 15/20 minutes. mind you we were the only table she had. Her service was horrible and she still charged tip automatically. when we were always going to tip her. She charge us tip for a large party it was only two of us. I believe her name was Katty she was wearing glasses. The tables and chairs were sticky and it was incredibly hot in there. My experience here was really devastating. Never coming back again. Sadly I'm not able to rate this place zero stars. read more

Location close to Ft Belvoir, VA, I found by using Yelp. The reviews were good, but it failed to deliver.... The staff was nice but service was slow, we had to ask for water and salsa/ chips. The menu had quite a bit to choose from, I tried to keep it simple by ordering combination fajita's. I will keep this simple, not good. The fajitas had tomato sauce and the meat tasted like rubber. Maybe Im used to southern cooking, I couldn't finish my meal, SMH. Ive eaten at many Mexican restaurants all over the world and I cant even... I dont have this issue in Texas, California or any Southern state. Im not sure but every time we go to the DMV area not only is parking horrible, food overpriced, all the above really annoys me. Parking here was not a problem, we were the only ones in the restaurant @5pm, my parents eat early so we settled. Verdict: Enjoy DMV I wont be back, coins wasted. read more

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Food is great but I ordered online and got scammed. Luckily they were nice to help me but once again the website is fake. read more

El Pollo Ranchero - Website is a scam. https://orderelpolloranchero.com/ DO NOT ORDER ONLINE!!! SCAMMERS!!!! PLEASE CALL OR PULL UP TO THE RESTAURANT!!! - Latin American Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

My wife and I used to eat at this restaurant all the time when we lived down the street. However we haven't been back for a while and so looked forward to the special treat when we were in the area. What a disappointment. I have always ordered their rotisserie Peruvian chicken which was the best I've ever had. However this visit I got served the smallest piece of chicken with the least meat I've ever had. My wife ordered the beef burrito which has always been her favorite dish. She said it was okay but needed seasoning. The waitress was initially attentive but then disappeared behind the counter and seemed very involved in some other issue besides waiting tables the rest of the time we were there. A different waiter came by and asked us if we needed anything. I ask for refill of soda. He disappeared. About 10 minutes later I noticed that he was behind the counter cleaning. Apparently my soda refill had been forgotten. If this had been a new restaurant for us I would have just written it off as another mediocre place was mediocre food and mediocre service. However to go from one of our favorite inexpensive restaurants to this was quite a disappointment. We may go back again someday but if we do it'll be because of nostalgia for the old days. Not for this visit. read more

Off the starting portion of Richmond Highway, El Pollo Ranchero is tucked away between a T-Mobile and Applebee's. My husband and I came in with the intentions of eating in but most tables were full so we opted on take out (it was also Saturday around noon so, go figure). Our orders were taken immediately and we waited about 15 minutes for the order to be complete. To be honest, overall the food was alright. I got the dark meat quarter chicken with beans and fries (I found some straw yucca fries in the mix) and was disappointed to not find the delicious green and yellow sauces that are usually with an order of a la brasa chicken. I should've asked? The chicken was delicious, though, and thoroughly seasoned and juicy. My husband had the flautas which were cut up into bite sized pieces and served with guacamole and sour cream. There was ample chicken inside but he was expecting a little more (plus more cheese). I also had one pupusa revuelta and one con frijoles. Both delicious. I honestly would come back for these instead because that can truly be a meal in itself. I'd give this place another chance and make sure to ask for some of the sauce on the side. read more

Food was alright, the waitress charged us a large party size group fee onto our bill. Which it came out to about 12-15 dollars. It was only two of us. Ambiance was alright as well not bad. Just don't like to get charged a tip I like to give it out of heart read more

Calling the health department on Monday! My food had a paper clip cooked into it. Plus they do not clean their hands after cleaning tables, packing food... gross! read more

El Pollo Ranchero - Paper clip cooked into the food - Latin American Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

WOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooowwww!!!! This is simply DELICIOUS chicken. Kentucky Fried Chicken and Popeye's, MOVE OVER. To borrow a line from Colonel Sanders this is some seriously good finger-lickin chicken. The spices they rub in are titillating to the tongue. Think cumin. It doesn't stop there though. Despite the long ride on the rotisserie carousel somehow the chicken stays incredibly moist and tender, almost on par with KFC's pressure cooking process. The rice and the thick cut fries were okay. The chips and salsa were also pretty good. Tortilla chips are not the cheap store bought kind and the salsa was very light and refreshing with a hint of cilantro. They waiter's english was terrible so we couldn't communitcate very well...but it sounded like the make their own salsa. Excellent taste, and excellent value. I'm absolutely a fan, and I'm definitely coming back, and even though it is 30 minutes away, it's totally worth the drive. After eating very over-priced chicken at Napoleon's Bistro in DC, eating at this place only makes this experience a sweeter deal. read more

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I came for the rotisserie chicken and left disappointed. This place had 4 stars on yelp, there is a big chicken on the sign, and it had every indication of being another quality Peruvian style chicken place. It was not. When you walk into a good Peruvian / rotisserie chicken place you are always greeted by a large rack of fresh birds going around the rotisserie. They have to do that to keep up with the demand. When I did not see any chicken being cooked upon entering I was skeptical, but I tried it anyway. The chicken was mostly dry and pretty bland. It was not bad chicken, by any means, but was not that finger looking good herb rub which places like Sardi's put on and you just can't get enough of. It was not as good as the pre-cooked rotisserie chickens you can get in the supermarket. Average at best. All of the sauces were bland. One of my favorite sauces at most chicken places is the green sauce! It is usually a thick very flavorful spicy sauce. Their green sauce (pictured) was very watery with no flavor to speak of, other than heat. It was spicy, just not a lot to it. The yellow sauce tasted like mayo, with no other strong flavors coming out. The salsa that came with the free chips was of the very watery variety that you'd be hard pressed to get onto a chip when you dip it. My sides of green beans and black means were flavorful and cooked perfect. For the chicken, this should be a 2 star review ("Meh") but I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt with 3 stars that the other menu items are worthy. Based on other food I saw going around, it looked good. And I'd like to come try the carne asada some time. It is a nice small dining room that looks like a great place to go for happy hour. It wasn't bad. Service was fast and friendly. But I came for the chicken and was not impressed. I think they should change the name to "El Ranchero"...get the Pollo off the sign. Price was very fair. Had 1/2 chicken with two sides and a drink for $10. read more

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I'm so disappointed I may never eat here again. We have been coming here for 20 years, and the food has always been good. My favorite was the Tipico #1. Until tonight. They have a new menu and no longer sell empanadas. Gone too is the appetizer sampler which was great for a group of four to try different items. Both of which were on the menu for the past two decades! The chicken is good, but it's just rotisserie chicken. So, I am in search of a new place nearby with good empanadas now. read more

Great spot to pop in for a quick lunch! Great combos and quality food! I had a pupusa, yucca, quarter white chicken, rice and beans and everything was perfectly seasoned and not overly cooked!! Also the kicker was the server, Karen, was so friendly! I will definitely be back to try more!! Yum yum yum read more

El Pollo Ranchero - Karen was so nice! - Latin American Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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No saben que es un bistek encebollado por que dan la cebolla aparte jajjaja la mesera ninguna vez se acerco aver si nesesitamos algo de verdad deverian aprender como hacer la comida o que no se metan a cosinar o a ser las meseras de plano MUY MAL SERVICIO read more

Been coming here since high school. The Food is always on points really really good, specially the chicken. Never dry

They do not close at 10 I'm currently at this location and the door is locked!!!!!!!!

AMAZING & DELICIOUS The smell of of the rotisserie chicken captivates you as your driving by the highway. This hidden gem of Richmond Highway whips up some of the best authentic rotisserie chicken EVER!!. Their shrimp cocktail is just to die for, you might not get away with only ordering one. The wait staff was amazing with us and the pricing was super reasonable. If your live near the Highway or ever find your self around here, you have to stop by and try their Shrimp Cock Tail and Ensalada de Fruta, just amazing. read more

It was ok pretty good. Not the best chicken I've had but it was pretty up there. The complimentary chips and salsa were a good starter. I ordered the quarter chicken white meat, cole slaw, and yucca. The yucca was perfect! The cole slaw was slightly sweet like I love it. And the chicken was very tasty as well. The sauces are on the table for you. The tres leches cake was pretty good and standard. Overall I'd come back to this place for a decent, somewhat healthy lunch. Oh and the price wasn't bad either. Only 7.95 for the quarter chicken and two sides! Great customer service as well! read more

El Pollo Ranchero - White meat, slaw, and yucca!! Perfect! - Latin American Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

We love this place! So much more variety than one would think! Full menu with many delicious items. My favorites are the fresh empanadas with a variety of styles! My favorite place to pop in and get a bit! read more

We've eaten here twice and enjoyed it both times. The staff is friendly and prompt. It doesn't look that big from the outside, but once inside there's plenty of space. The food is good too. This last time we ordered only from the appetizer menu as we weren't that hungry, but still had plenty of food. The ceviche was our least favorite. Only the fish meat tasted as though it had been soaking in the lemon. The shrimp and squid were bland. My wife liked the chicken floutas while I liked the yucca with pork and cabbage. We will most likely come back again at some point as we enjoyed the quick service and the food was good. read more

I have been here many time and am a huge fan of this place. They start off with complimentary chips and salsa. They chips are heavier than the norm with a crunch and mild salsa with notes of onion and spices. I ordered the Tipico #1 which comes with quarter Peruvian chicken, pupusa, yucca, beef empanada and beans and rice. The price is 9.99 are they they out of their mind to give you that much food for that price? Even people with hardy appetites will be taking home some of their menal. There are dipping sauces on the table to put on your chicken. Not sure what the sauce is but it's the ones that they provide to you at other Peruvian chicken places. Their servers are attentive and food comes out pretty quick. They also accommodated my request for white meat and no pork on my pupusa. They have a big Definitely worth trying! read more

El Pollo Ranchero - Latin American Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

I have been coming to this restaurant for the past 12 years and its always fantastic. Good service and I love their ensalada refresca (all fruit juice). My latest weekly obsession is "trucha encebollada" - YUM! Also delish are the tacos al carbon, pupusa revueltas, taco and fajita salad and the list goes on. Never had dessert so cant speak on that but Im sure its fantastic as well. Enjoy! Oh yea sopa de mariscos con crema. Just try it - Trust me! read more

Those chicken is awesome! Nice authentic place. I order food to go from them. Prices are reasonable and the food is excellent read more

Un muy rico pollo a la braza el que venden allí, siempre que puedo compro, a toda mi familia le encanta, en verdad es una delicia!

el peor servicio que recivi hoy, la que toma las ordenes tenia la boca llena de comida mientras atendia al cliente, le hice un pedido especial en my orden y me contestaron de muy mala mala manera, cuando llegue a pagar pregunte por uos platos extras y me contestaron de muy ala manera, nunca vuelvo a visitar ese negocio, que piensan que es unaobligacion ir a consumir ahi, necesitan gente con mas cortesia para atender. read more

The portions were a lot smaller than planned. We ordered a side of pico and some fajitas. They forgot to include the side and the tortillas. We were charged for both. I think we can all agree there is no worse feeling than being excited about take out and coming home to half of your order being missing. read more

Gambas al ajiilo is very good along the pollo ala brassa.....my favorites when i eat here.

My friend Kyle insisted this was his favorite/best chicken place around so I was eager to have dinner here(11/06)! What can I say? BOMB! I ordered a half chicken, white meat is my preference, and it came with 2 sides - I chose Yuca fried and a salad. The rotisserie chicken was very good and I have to agree with Kyle, the way this place seasons/cooks their chicken makes their taste distinct and delicious! One thing that blew me away was that their mayonnaise, aka yellow sauce, was already placed on every dining table in a yellow squeeze bottle! WHAT?! If you like to eat pollo (chicken in Spanish) you know that every place gives you yellow sauce in tiny containers and only a few. Most places charge 4/$1 additionally because it is too good and not enough, so this was perfection All the mayonnaise you need already at the table. Very impressive. Lastly, I ordered a mojito that tasted new yet very delightful. What was different about it? This place makes their mojitos with lemonade! Traditionally they're made with sprite, or lime soda, but the lemonade gave their mojito a tasty twist! Delightful dining experience indeed read more

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It is very good. The nachos are phenomenal. They have a mouth watering homemade cheese sauce. The flavors blend perfectly. The seating is closer together but nice overall. read more

Went back a second time, and the food was pretty good. Not a fan of their Spanish rice, though. However, I must warn you to LOOK AT YOUR ITEMIZED RECEIPT CAREFULLY. I didn't notice until after I'd taken out my credit card that our bill was curiously high for one appetizer and one entree, but when our waitress brought back the credit card slip for me to sign, the itemized receipt was gone. I'm glad I asked her to bring it back to me so I could look at it, because I discovered that she automatically included a 15% tip. It was understandable that they did this the first time around, since I was using a voucher and it was mentioned in the fine print, but this time I was paying full price. I don't know if it's just El Pollo Ranchero's policy to charge 15% gratuity without informing the customer, but this isn't mentioned anywhere in the restaurant or menu. And I'm not too happy about the fact that if I weren't paying attention, I would have just seen a total amount and a tip line, and accidentally tipped way more than I wanted to. I hope this hasn't happened to too many other customers. And I would have been livid if the service was crappy (instead of just mediocre) and the option to tip less than 15% was taken away from me. Be careful! read more

Just when you thought you've tried all the Peruvian Rotisserie Chicken places in Northern Virginia, your co-workers inform you "Oh wow, you've been missing out." This place is a little different from other Peruvian chicken places, in that there is plenty of seating, and it's more like a restaurant than just a crazy busy take-out place. It's also more than just a chicken place, they call themselves a "Tex-Mex Cafe" and have a very extensive menu featuring fried plantains as appetizers among 13 other choices as starters, and there's everything from the Pollo a la brasa to Fajitas, Burritos, Chimichanga to sandwiches, and even a Veggie Burrito, so Vegetarians can definitely come along. Oh, and did I mention the free chips and salsa, which I have to say is pretty good. I'm definitely going back. read more