"Hey, it's exactly the same!" Actually it's kinda not. Every time I've been to the Arlington location, I've had to wait in a line out the door. There wasn't a line here, but there was a constant flow of people in and out Also, the decor is waaaaaay different. This one actually has somewhat of a real restaurant look to it compared to the bare bones walls in the Arlington location However, the food, which is the important part, is EXACTLY the same. Hooray! read more

It's not Arlington. I didn't love this location. The chicken didn't seem/taste the same. The only positive was that they serve yuca. However, I'd rather have the chicken "right". I'd like to say I'll give it another shot, but I probably won't. I hate to be disappointed when it comes to my eating. Why risk it when I can just go to Arlington. read more

El Pollo Rico - Latin American Near Me - Woodbridge, Virginia

With the strong latin American presence in the area, Peruvian Chicken is nothing new to the Washington scene. But El Pollo Rico is legend for it's flavor. When this restaurant opened it's doors two years ago it was swamped with business. And people still brave horrible traffic and drive for miles to sample their goodness. Hands down, the star attraction to this restaurant is the chicken: plump, juicy, succulent charbroiled poultry that has a unique taste all it's own. The secret comes from the wood they use combined with their signature rub over a slow fire rotisserie. The birds literally drip flavor traveling from the spit to the chopping block. They have the typical sides: french fries, yuca, slaw, rice. Chicken comes in quarter, half and whole with a very good aji amarillo (the light yellow cream sauce that is sooo good) and salsa verde (the tangy green sauce). Desserts include fresh cooked sweets like leche flan, alfajores (freshly baked South American cookies) and flaky layered milhojas. The restaurant itself is completely bare bones and that's the sole reason for the missing fifth star. It may be a familiar setup in latin america, but the open tables in front of the chopping block, with spanish television blaring under harsh light might be a turn off for some. An option to avoid this might be to take advantage of the outside seating (weather permitting). Or you can just get carry-out as I always do. Many say Pollo Rico offers the best pollo a la brasa in the DC area. While I don't eat enough Peruvian chicken to argue, I CAN say that after coming here for several months - I haven't been looking anywhere else. read more

El Pollo Rico - Full Chicken, Yuca & Rice - Latin American Near Me - Woodbridge, Virginia

I was saddened when this place had shut down for whatever reasons! I am so glad it opened back again because quite honestly, it brings back memories from I used to live back in Arlington. It's never quite as good as the original, it lacks something, I can't quite pinpoint, but I tell you it comes darn close to the original. When you go here, it's probably best if you call ahead because twice its happened that somehow the new batch of delicious chickens takes an approximate 20+ minutes to be ready. Hey, I'm not complaining about the wait because I know I get a freshly pullout from the in-house rotisserie. I love their little patio, it's serene and since there's hardly anybody ever making use of it, I absolutely enjoy the time that I've had to wait while I read on my kindle. I'm in a mission to spreading the word about this place because I'm sure you'll be just as pleased as I am with their freshly, fully flavored pollo! read more

El Pollo Rico - Outside patio seating - Latin American Near Me - Woodbridge, Virginia

I stumbled on this place by mistake (was looking for a different restaurant) and almost left, but I was glad I stuck with it. Their menu is very simple and limited, which isn't a bad thing. They do rotisserie chicken, and they do it very well. The chicken was quite tasty and a good deal. It's definitely something I'd get again. I felt the yuca side was a bit undercooked and they did mess up one of the side orders but these are fairly minor complaints. Very tasty chicken. read more

An El Pollo Rico? Out in Woodbridge? Yes, my eyes weren't deceived. I decided to stop by here for lunch after helping my brother move to Woodbridge. I got the quarter dark with rice and it really surprised me; almost as good as the one in Arlington. Same taste and flavor, but there was something missing. Maybe their ovens are too new and need that leftover char, but honestly, the difference isn't too dramatic. El Pollo Rico is truly a blessing to the Woodbridge area. I would definitely come back if I found myself around the way! read more

The El Pollo has a nice spice and kick to it! We ordered a full bird which comes with 4 sauces, yucca and white rice, and two waters around $17. After finishing the bird I noticed we had plenty of sides left. So I would only order one side unless you've got tres amigos. The service was quick and friendly. The staff waved good bye as we left and said Gracias! read more

El Pollo Rico - Latin American Near Me - Woodbridge, Virginia

I have friends that live out here that put me on to this place over a year ago and now I drive 40 min just to come here and get the food. I always get the 1/4 white chicken with yuca and rice and a bunch of the ají amarillo sauce. The rice taste like my grandma's. It's so good I'll never stop coming here and the workers are so kind and friendly, I love this place so much :) read more

This is a nice chicken spot. I stop in all the time for a meaty piece of rotisserie. And it's nice on the wallet! read more

El Pollo Rico - That's the checkout line, only one person because the rush is down! - Latin American Near Me - Woodbridge, Virginia

Never disappoints ! You can tell the chicken is fresh and seasoned so well. We would go to the Arlington location for years, I'm so happy to have one just around the corner' price is reasonable and food is great! read more

Best Peruvian chicken in the area hands down my go to spot! If you like the original in Arlington you love this too

Solid chicken place in Woodbridge. Chicken was seasoned right and was moist. Fries weren't anything special and the rice was good. I will defiantly recommend the place to friends and be back for another 1/2 chicken. Hint - get extra green/white sauce. read more

the chicken is amazing and the prices are low and you get a lot of food, its one of the best places to get peruvian chicken

Great restaurant and great family! Food is a delicious, a long time go to restaurant in Arlington now in Woodbridge!

Good meal. Chicken was moist. Coleslaw too sweet, too much mayo for my liking. The plain rice probably would have been good had I got IT instead of the French fries I asked for. I'll check my box next time.. read more

Prior to October 19, I was a frequent customer of this quaint little restaurant. Unfortunately, the server that was preparing the food was not properly wearing a mask in light of COVID-19. I paid for for my food prior to my food order being prepared. After playing for the order w/tip, I observed the server who was not properly wearing a mask. I notified the cashier who asked who was not wearing the mask just as the server approached another customer's food to the counter NOT properly wearing the mask). The cashier looked at the server then looked at me & stated we do not accept food back and offered to replace the order with food being prepared by the same server. I asked to cancel the order and she refused. I refused the food and left... will not be returning. A mask to simply be safe is not much to ask when you are handling people's food. read more

My family and I just moved to the area and we have been looking for a place to eat Spanish chicken at. Well today we came to El Pollo Rico and ordered out. My family didn't like the food at all. The chicken was over seasoned, the rice was plain, the fries were thick and not seasoned at all and the both sauces were thick and disgusting. They are also over priced. Never going back to that place again. read more

Very delicious and always nice people. The chicken has a good flavor and I love the yucca and rice. They also have a lot of different desserts to choose from. It's a local favorite. read more

My first visit, it was very quiet and clean with a simple menu. I thought the chicken was moist and tasty. I thought the rice was plain white rice until I took a bite; seems to be seasoned with either garlic salt or I hope NOT Msg. I need to ask , unless any of you asked already. Steak fries were warm, but you can tell were sitting a bit or refried just to serve warm. I didn't taste the yuca, but I'm assuming the same... Cole slaw was as expected. I had the Tres Leches as my dessert and it was really good. They don't make it in house but they outsourced to a company in Alexandria and its homemade, just look at the ingredients if you try it, it's printed on the cover. Soo good! One of my favorite desserts , if made correctly. I would go back again. I'd probably ask for fresh fries. read more

It's okay for peruvian chicken, but right down the road is Kiki Riki and they are awesome! El Pollo Rico is just a blah chain now. read more

What a let down, that's right I said it. After waiting forever in anticipation of El Pollo RIco finally opening in good old Woodbridge, I'm treated to sadness. To be fair perhaps I hyped myself up to much, perhaps I set the bar so high with my restless nights dreaming of amazing Pollo Ala Brasa that only El Pollo Rico the legendary legend of chicken legend could deliver. So what disappointed? Well the chicken itself was very good, but all Pollo Ala Brasa is very good. And in an area where there are multiple places for this, very good is just average. So then what do I judge El Pollo Rico on? It's sides and parking. The side choice options are none existent. PLAIN WHITE RICE! COLESLAW! FRENCH FRIES! Now I don't care if they offer only three sides. Just that if your only going to offer three sides when you only serve one main thing, you better make them shine. The rice and french fries have no flavor, and their isn't any ketchup or soy sauce or anything to liven them up. I suppose you could use the sauces you get for the chicken but that just seems like a redundancy of flavor. And let's not even talk about the by the numbers coleslaw. As for the parking. Good grief man you better pray and pray a lot that there is a spot for you and that the tiny parking lot isn't filled with other confused motorists. It's almost worth not going to save yourself from this possible headache. Now I'm open to revisiting El Pollo RIco in the future to change my review. Perhaps when my own bitter hype disillusionment wears off, but for now, I'll be getting my Pollo Ala Brasa somewhere else. read more

The chicken is awesome, I agree can be a bit salty on the skin. But I usually like things salty. The sides are nothing exciting, steak fries, Cole slaw, white rice and can be cold sometimes. My chicken has always been super juicy!!! The music is festive and a little loud. They have an ATM inside due to CASH only policy. Parking is very limited during peak times. Don't expect much in the way of decor it's just plastic lawn chairs for dining in. The place is nice and clean. Staff is bilingual and pretty friendly. They sometimes sell out of chicken towards the end of the night so closing times can vary. **** update they now accept credit cards**** read more

Been eating Pollo Rico since I was 5 years old this is by far my favorite Peruvian chicken ever. 10/10 recommend staff super sweet

I was hungry for some of their wonderful fowl meat so stopped by only to discover that they apparently had had ANOTHER fire so the building was flagged as not fit for occupancy. I have no idea when they will reopen. read more

10/10 ordered this randomly and ended up ordering it for three nights straight... am I disappointed in myself... maybe. But regardless this food is THAT good to order three nights straight. The Flan is to die for. read more

El Pollo Rico has come to be one of my favorite and desirable locations for pollo a la brasa in Northern Virginia. The juicy and plump chicken (which is cooked and chopped for all to see) is the restaurant's definitive seller and the reason it is so popular. Sides such as yucca and french fries are paired with your chicken and are delicious as expected. There is a wide offering of drinks and those desiring sweets can pounce on the dulce de leche filled alfajore cookies, which are heavenly after 15 seconds in the microwave. The main negative is the atmosphere. El Pollo Rico is a tiny little spot hidden on Minnieville road that can be easily missed. Inside, there are tables for sitting, but they are small and uncomfortable. A handful of people can crowd the dining area in no time, so there is no comfort or privacy should you choose to eat in. The Arlington El Pollo Rico most certainly has them beat in this regard. The Verdict: El Pollo Rico is a fantastic spot for delicious pollo a la brasa paired with some yummy sides. The pricing is great and the servings are generous. Come for take out, but don't expect anything special should you choose to dine in. Worth the visit. read more

Great food and service. Fresh. Chicken is cooked well. The staff is polite. Traffic is a little heavy getting in and out. read more

Amazing chicken! Husband and I ordered a whole chicken (which gives you 6 sauces for free) and the chicken meat would literally fall off the bones. I don't know what they do or how they make it, but it's delicious. Only downside I would say was that they didn't really greet us and seemed a little rude? Maybe because we spoke zero Spanish in comparison to their other customers that were in the restaurant at the time. read more

This place is decent. The chicken we ordered was moist and had some good flavor to it. The side choices are limited, but at least there are some accompaniments to the chicken. You won't be blown out of your seat, but not bad for a quick meal to fill the belly. read more

I tell you this place is good. This place is clean every time I go here. I was in my car driving home and the smell call me inside. So I answered. I got a half chicken and fries to go. Just finish eating so I though I would right a review up. I eat food from here a few times a month. This chicken is healthier then fried chicken. read more

El Pollo Rico - Half chicken & fries - Latin American Near Me - Woodbridge, Virginia

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Officially open again as of yesterday!! And it's as awesome as it used to be. I can't wait to go back! read more

El Pollo Rico - Latin American Near Me - Woodbridge, Virginia

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I am offended this has 4 stars only. This is by far the best chicken (grilled/roasted). It is amazing. For 7 years now, I eat there at least once every week. My only complaint is that they never gave me a loyalty membership. read more

Super fast service, the staff was friendly, and the food is awesome. The chicken is fresh, they give you a good amount of sides. The yucca fries are not as fluffy as i want them to be. The rice is definitely WHAT makes the chicken good. You heard me...sounds ridiculous? Don't knock it until you've tried it. the rice has a hint of flavor to it. Make sure you ditch a side and get double rice or get an extra container for .50 cents...trust me it's worth it :) This place is definitely my favorite chicken spot! ..rather my favorite Rice spot! read more

Horrible. Major let down from Arlington. If it was like Arlington they would need an establishment like the size of Khols. The sides are different. The smell of bleach when I entered was bad. read more

My two year old keeps asking to go here for "bock bock" on our way home from daycare, so yesterday we finally went back. For a very basic menu, the food was really impressive. Much juicier chicken than other Peruvian style places I've been, and the spices were tasty (though I never eat the skin). The non-spicy sauce was nice, and anytime my kid uses a sauce that much, I know it's good. The rice wasn't anything special, but better than if I'd made it. The coleslaw wasn't anything I'd try again, but I'm picky about my coleslaw. So next time, when we take my husband along, we'll have to try the fries and yuca. We also had one of the desserts, a cookie of sorts, which my son happily gobbled down despite it not being too sugary. We got there right after 6pm to a totally empty place, but soon after, it was packed and a constant flow of take-out folks were in and out. Fast service for sure to keep things moving. read more

There chicken is delicious. It has amazing flavor and not to heavy. They have limited sides. I tend to like the fired yuca and rice. I think they compliment the chicken very well. I think this is a great value for a family dinner. read more

First off, I was in and out within 5 minutes of ordering my food. The speed that my food came out kind of made my worry that the quality would not be there but oh was I wrong. The chicken was so tender and the seasoning on it gave it that little bit of spice but nothing to overpowering. I ordered beans and fries as my sides and both of them were perfect. I will definitely be eating here again. read more

I normally don't like rotisserie chicken but by the recommendation of this place by my brother I decided to try it. The first thing to note about this location is that space is limited. It can be hit or miss when trying to park here. Anyway, this place recently opened and is a sister store to the one in arlington. This place being new is much much nicer than tnat other hole in the wall. I got the quarter white chicken with fries and cole slaw. The sides are nothing to crow about after all it is called el pollo rico for a reason. The chicken here is amazing. Its always been moist and flavorful from whatever seasonings they use. As a bonus they give you some kind of green spicy dip and a dijon mustard dip on the side. The portion is great for the price as well. Give this place a try if you are a chicken lover. read more

I've been here twice now. Food is great - the chicken is juicy and spicy. Love the cole slaw and fries. Have to try the yuca next. Noise - it can be loud just by the design of the place. They sure love their football. But first time I was in, I asked if they wouldn't mind turning the TVs down a smidge, which they did right away. Second time there, the volume was just right. All you have to do is ask! Very friendly folks. Love the glass bottle sodas. Nice touch. read more

I love both locations! The Arlington location is where I first tasted this incredibly, yummy, chicken and fries and coleslaw.. and it hasn't stopped! Love the smell, love the flavor, simply love this place! read more