I'm REALLY going against the grain here. But I'm not one to mince words, lie to you, or lead you astray on a place to dine. I understand that some of you may not want to be my virtual friend anymore, but JUST KNOW! I'm giving you a non sugar coated review and I appreciate it every time you do too. Let's discuss. Customer service is awkward. The guy who cuts my chicken didn't really inform me that was all he did. So, yeah I understood after watching the person in front of me that I was being handed off to the "sides" woman. Overall - customer service was not the real issue I had. It was the food. Chicken: What the cumin?! How much cumin do they put on that freakin' chicken? They must go through cumin like gas stations go through gas. Way too much. I felt like I was eating a packet of taco seasoning. The chicken was also much drier than I get at my other peruvian chicken places. Rice: There was not one speck, dot, miligram of seasoning. It was white rice and that was it. Cole-slaw: 100 percent out of a box. I know exactly that cole slaw taste. They used to serve it to us at the camp I worked at. If they don't get it out of a box ( which I highly doubt), they make it taste exactly like it's out of a box. Tortillas: This was the thing I was most happy with. They have the authentic smaller and softer tortillas. And when the tortilla is the most delicious thing I'm getting at the Peruvian chicken place... there's a problem. Yellow Sauce: Too much mayo, not enough seasoning. No spice. I just can't understand what people are seeing in this place that I don't see. Maybe I went on an off day. Maybe my particular chicken was sitting in the warmer for too long. Maybe I got the end of the rice. The cole slaw was just plain gross. There's no excuse for that. I didn't eat more than 2 forkfuls. After all the hype that El Pollo Rico got from people I know, I could not be more shocked with my meal. Peruvian chicken places I rate higher than El Pollo Rico Include: Don pollo Crisp & Juicy Al Carbon Chicken On The Run La Limena Sardis well.. you get the point. read more

Ay Dios Mio! El Pollo Rico es la VERDAD!!! I've been going here for years and the food here is like crack! Not that I've tried crack. Or that this chicken is illegal. But it is definitely something that every once in awhile I start twitching for. I'm so old school with it that I remember when the spot burned down. Wheaton just didn't smell the same anymore! But alas, El Pollo Rico has returned and now with a larger, more convenient and cleaner location. Oh, oh, oh - and they accept credit cards now! There are not many places that you can walk into, get in a massive line and still be out of there in 10 minutes or less. And where else can you buy HALF of a juicy, well-seasoned, charbroiled, Peruvian chicken with two sides for only $7.75? And what's even more bonkers, is that the price used to be even cheaper! Just be aware that they chop the chicken loud and swiftly with a massive chopping knife for those of you that startle easily. For me, it's just part of the routine now. Chop 'em up, toss 'em in, throw crisp, thick, perfectly salted and fried potatoes in and slop that coleslaw on the side. I'm ready to feel gluttonous! Oh, and so happy they have a site now...that plays the chicken dance music, accordian style!! I love you now more than ever El Pollo Rico! read more

This is The Benchmark by Which All Chicken Should be held. In my search for a replacement to Pollo Rico, I went to several other Chicken Places in the area, including 'Chicken Rico', 'The Chicken Place', Sardi's, and 'Super Chicken.' NOTHING COMPARES TO POLLO RICO! Nothing... There is a reason that Anthony Bourdain, spontaneously went to the Arlington Location on his visit to DC. I recently turned a friend of mine on to it, and now I can't get him to eat anywhere else in Wheaton. This is CRACK CHICKEN! So Beware, It's Very Addictive! You will begin to really crave it 2-5 days after eating here and the cravings will only intensify until you satiate you need for more Chicken, Fries & sauce. Lately, along with my Chicken & Fries, I've been getting Two Empanadas and toasting them at a later date. They are basically croissants with chicken inside. Buttery and salty, mmmm.... Make Sure to get a Large Side of Mild Sauce too. That shit is good on Everything, or just by itself! But beware, the Sauce is Crackish as well. Final Advice: Eat the Fries Imediately because they always serve them right out of the fryer, and they get sogy when they are locked in the bag. That's why I always put salt/pepper on them at the register and eat 'em in the car, on the way home, while dipping them in the crack-sauce.... read more

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Best charbroiled chicken! Thick cut fries and slaw come standard with the chicken and are both good- other sides are available.

This is, by far, the best chicken anywhere in the DC area. The old location had lines out the door at meal time for a reason. The only reason the new place doesn't have those lines yet is because people aren't aware that it has reopened yet. I'm interested to see if they'll make the line go out front (on the University Blvd side) or back to the parking lot. My vote is out front! Since this is a brand new building, the ambiance is quite different than the old place. I almost miss the feeling that something shady might be happening at any moment, but it's nice to enjoy the great food in this wonderful new location. Get a whole chicken if you are headed home after you eat because you'll want more later. I wish they had yuca here but the flavor of the chicken really makes it unnecessary... but it would be nice! read more

El Pollo Rico - Latin American Near Me - Wheaton, Maryland

Haven't had their charcoal broiled chicken in years Dead quiet empty on a Monday 'round 3pm-ish Parked at the back and entered from rear Quarter white under $6 is usually filling - ordered 2 to go Got sides of white rice with drownin' slaw He got the abundant amount-o-fries with slaw Craved some yukas - $3 for order Soft chewy mushy oily bountiful order for 2+ starvin' grazers Next time I'll use the $3 for their large tub of green hot sauce Heart the green hot sauce - best thing in here Usually mix that up with white rice Or after pulling off proteins I slather that all over Curious - have to try the other locations . . 3.5 read more

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Been coming here for many years and this is our go to Peruvian chicken place. Always consistent, clean, and delicious. A plus to help support a family owned business in the community! read more

I've been going to this place for years! I am most impressed with the consistency of the chicken. It is always and always delicious. The sides are tasty enough, but nothing special. The green and white sauces are terrific additions to a wonderful meal. read more

Chicken is delish! I parked in the back and when I arrived, there was a long line. Not too long but I waited probably 5-10 minutes until I told the lady what I wanted. I went for the family dinner. The best part of the dinner is the entire chicken. I LOVE the sauces. I like the green sauce a lot, but it's spicy! It gives it a nice kick so don't eat too much of it or you'll regret it! The other creamy sauce is a mayo based sauce and I would just dip my fries in there. I like the thickness and crispiness of the fries. I don't recommended the green salad or coleslaw, I got it because I wanted greens but it doesn't lie up to par. Also, the fried plantains were just okay. The chicken was full of flavor and juiciness. Come here and order a chicken and enjoy yourself, maybe with a side of fries and eat to your belly's content. read more

El Pollo Rico, or EPR is probably the web consensus of a consistently good chicken place. Their chicken are cooked tender, not dry, and well flavored to the bone. Not much arguments about how well their chicken taste. The problem is with their sides. Many of the customers (like me) love Yuca fries, which EPR does not offer. Yes, you get the soft Tortilla, but still no Yuca! Many wish EPR would offer at least Yuca...hey then manbe platano...etc. Well, without Yuca, I had to go somewhere else. The service is okay. Be careful of that Inca Cola. It's caffeine solution plus flavor. You feel REALLY GOOD about your meal, your afternoon and everyting after for about 3 hours, then crash! Boy, switching to that blue corn stuff just doesn't taste all that good for an Asian like me. Well, I was eating at Pio Pio Super Chicken for a while because of the Yuca, and recently have moved on to Sardi's with better service, similar tasting chicken, with good Yuca, Platano, and even free water (when you are too cheap to pay an arm and a leg for a drink like me). As both are the same distance, it works out. Anyhow, enjoy your chicken!!! Don't forget to park out in the back. read more

While this may be the best Peruvian chicken I've had, peruvian chicken is usually all pretty good. So I can't say that this one is just that much more amazing than the other places I've tried. read more

Ohhh my! Save your money for another pollo place! This place has the absolute worse service ! That cashier lady is AWFUL! She sure spoiled my appetite and is ONE of many reason I WOULD NEVER Patronize this place again! Me or any of my colleagues!! This DUMP IS THE WORSE! read more

Best pollo La brasa in the area. It speaks for itself. There aren't words to describe. Just go get you some.

I am updating this review and awarding this place the rock star score of five!!!! After relocating to Seattle area one year ago I was able to return to MD and made sure to stop by here for latin chicken. It was AMAZING. I have missed it so much. Our favorite meal to get is a whole chicken with rice and beans, plaintains and yucca fries. This is enough food for four adults but since there are two of use we just eat it twice and it is just as good leftover. If you live in the DMV area this is a must try. There is just nothing like it anywhere. read more

My oh my... what can I say about this place. This was my very first introduction to Peruvian chicken a few years ago and no other chicken place has come close to Pollo Rico! My go-to is a half chicken with rice and beans on the side, and I can devour that meal in minutes. Don't even get me started on the yellow sauce... I've had nothing but positive experiences time and time again, and I will be a lifelong customer! read more

El Pollo Rico has better chicken than Super Chicken, which's right next door. For $20, you get a whole chicken with 2 large sides & few sauces. I'd recommend getting yucas for your sides, can't go wrong with that! Even though the one in Arlington's supposedly better, this place's still pretty good. Delicious Peruvian chicken, great portion & very affordable, what's not to love?! PS: Can be shady at night since Wheaton is known for its Hispanic gang. ** 3 1/2 stars overall** read more

Delicious rostierre chicken that comes with steak fries and coleslaw. The chicken is piping hot, nicely seasoned throughout, with a crispy exterior, but juicy interior (which was quite surprising). The chicken comes with two sides; the steak fries were crisp and the coleslaw wasn't too bad. It also comes with two little cups of sauce which pair up nicely with the white meat. Ordered the plantains (sweet fried plantains), a can of Inca Cola and Horchata. Definitely get the Inca Cola (similar to American Cream Soda) to quench your thirst. Some reviewers had mentioned that it was seasoned on the salty side, but I found the seasoning to be right on the spot. SX, who likes to eat more on the salty side, did not find the chicken or the fries to be overly salted as well. Yummy and hit the spot. Parking here may be a bit difficult, but there's a small, very tight parking lot behind the strip mall. read more

Food is very nice. The chicken has lots of flavor. The service has been efficiently organized so it is very quick.

I was not a big fan of the chicken at El Pollo Rico as I thought the rub was too strong. Rich however really liked it and he was recently doing an errand in Wheaton and caught the small of the chicken. He couldn't resist and got in the line. There were markers indicating where to stand for those waiting in line. The menu was posted on the wall by the line so you could plan your order before you got to the counter. He ordered chicken and beans and rice. (No, he didn't forget me but I already had my lunch planned.) He loves yucca, but it was an additional $5 and he wanted to just pay with the cash he had in his wallet, not a credit card so he passed on that. When he got home he let me take a bite of his chicken. I don't know if they changed the rub or if my taste buds have changed but I thought it was really good and still so very tender. The portion of beans and rice was huge. I'm not a big fan so I didn't try it, but he said it was good and he had enough for more than one meal. I told him I would definitely be happy for him to go back and pick up some of their chicken for dinner one night. I'll even make sure he has enough cash for an order of the yucca. read more

This has been my go-to for Peruvian Chicken since the first time I went there many years ago. Every other place I've tried is simply not as good. And my last visit was the best of them all. I'm a dark meat guy, and nobody can come close to theirs. read more

This is absolutely the best steal in the entire DMV, no joke. You could pay 3x what you pay for this chicken and still be satisfied. The meat is smoky, tender, and juicy. The skin is coated in magical Peruvian spices (huacatay and aji) that are incredibly aromatic and flavorful, yet not too spicy at all. My mouth is watering as I type this. The ONLY reason I dock it a star is because occasionally the chicken can be overcooked. Typically, just the wing and leg are affected by this. For the price I'm paying, it's really not a big deal. Under $10 for a half chicken with two sides. If you're broke like me, this can stretch you to two meals. I get the fries and rice because I'm a fat ass. Plus, the plain starches go so well with the chickens pieces and crack sauce. You will be sucking the spices off the bone and there is no shame in that. Don't forget proper crack sauce ratio (1/2 spicy green jalapeño:1 yellow mayo base). Don't even bother with the cole slaw or salad. There is not much nourishment in there and it's kind of a faux pas to order that anyway. The yuca and plantains are amazing, but you'll need to add them extra as they are not included. Worth it. If you're weird like me, you'll also get tortillas and make yourself little chicken tacos with fries, rice, and sauce. Triple starch FTW. In case you are GPS illiterate, take a hint from toucan Sam and follow your nose. If you are in "downtown" Wheaton, the smell is in the air. And it. is. glorious. You're welcome. read more

Back in 2005 Pollo Rico saved me from a really embarrassing experience. I made a pork meatloaf not realizing my guests didn't eat pork. I was frantic and didn't know what to do at the last minute as they were about to come over to eat. My friend without even thinking said, "just get a chicken from Pollo Rico." We did JUST THAT. I bought the chicken, placed the chicken pieces on top of the potatoes I already made, covered it with tin foil, and kept it on warm in the oven. The guests thought I slaved all day on that chicken and now almost 15 years later, still ask for the recipe. Little do they know. read more

This place is amazing. I love the family deal. The chicken is juicy and well spiced. Also love all their sides.

Yum! EPR delivers within a 3 mile radius (min $20 order) and we have been loving this during Covid. The chicken is well seasoned and makes for excellent leftovers the next day. The fries and plantains are a must. read more

Best Peruvian chicken around. Parking can be a challenge but still a great place to eat.

the king of rotisserie! the aroma will remind you two blocks away that you need to go there sometime soon.

Very good pollo! Perhaps the best in town! The yuca is awesome too! Looking forward to Order some more on Sunday with the family

Pollo Rico is the best Peruvian chicken! Great chicken, tamales, sauces and tortillas

Great food for awesome prices! This place is actually really clean, despite the appearance of the plaza. Food is served super fast, regardless of how busy, or packed it is. They offer very generous portion here for the plates, too! The only thing needs improvement on is the juiciness of the chicken. read more

El Pollo Rico - Latin American Near Me - Wheaton, Maryland

Stopped in for late carry and the staff were very friendly! I ordered a whole chicken white meat with fries and rice. Added a chicken empanada with my order. Everything was quick and prepared while we waited. My chicken was a little dry probably because it was late but the spices were one of the best I have had. I love both the green spicy sauce and the mayo sauce. Overall a good meal and very reasonably priced. I will definitely be returning! read more

Food is absolutely great. But just keep this in mind don't order delivery cuz it takes forever. Yelp delivery estimation time never matches up with the true waiting time and it usually takes way longer time. read more

My wife uses to work in Kensington Md and she would always get chicken from this place. My son loves the chicken from this place ever since he was a little boy. I love the beans from this place because they are so good and delicious. This is by far the best chicken place bar none. I have traveled one hour just to get chicken now that my wife does not work in Kensington. The place is always great. The only problem is with parking. Parking spaces in the back of the restaurant is tight. Don't know why the county took up all the street parking. All in all you won't go wrong with this place. Highly recommended. Wish they open more locations because this place is great. read more

Fantastic carry out spot!!! The chicken is great and every time they add a menu item it is on point. A staple of our rotation. Also a great job social distancing getting people in and out quick read more

Won't go into all the issues but the parking sucks be careful and the chicken is average. The sauce might as well be mayonaise as it has no taste. Go to Crisp & Juicy or Don Pollo pay less and enjoy the food more. read more

I've been eating Pollo Rico for years . It's one of the best chicken places in town . Plus they deliver.

It is still amazing but not as good as old location so not getting five stars . I would recommend coleslaw and French with a 1/4 chicken will be more than enough for one person . read more

I've been a customer for years! I love their rotisserie chicken, coleslaw and fries. The food is always tasty, fresh and Inexpensive.

I came here one time over 10 years with some of my homegurls from HS and have continued to come back! With my new bachelor lifestyle, I've come to rely on this place for my family-size order of chicken, salad, rice and beans to eat for lunch and dinner and repeat. What makes this place even more bomb is how good the leftovers are the next day. You want authentic and flavorful? THIS is the freaking place. They are super consistent and my picky self is truly grateful for that. They def have the best sauce too! read more

I have been coming to El Pollo Rico for more than 15 years. Back in the day, at their older location in Wheaton, it was standing room only. In the winter line tou could see the 50 deep spilling out of the door. For what reason one may ask. It was because of the char-broiled goodness that made every bite of chicken, a savory party, in tour mouth. Back then i thought the days of fried chicken were numbered. For $10, you could get a whole chicken with fries or beans and rice. On my most recent visit, at a location they have been for some number of years, the chicken is still tatsy but loss some of its luster. Not to mention, the same meal that i stood in line to eat in degree weather, is now $25. SMH. Coincidentally, i was at Sardis (major competitor) and they are priced a little better and you have several side options to choose from. Dont get me wrong, I think the food is still tasty and filling, I just dont care for the price. Bon Apetit. read more

Best Peruvian chicken in the DMV area. Can't go wrong with the yellow sauce- love it!