I got the Mexican torta. I was unsure of this, bc I knew that it was a Salvadorean place, but the torta was fantastic! Loaded with delicious, juicy, fajita meat and big slices of avocado. Also came with fries (pro tip: put some fries in the torta!). It was only like 6 bucks! I also got the horchata which was too sugary, but I think it's really hard to find good horchata around here. I should really stop ordering it bc I'm always disappointed. read more

Mmmm, some of the best chicken in town. Sure this place looks run down and dumpy, but those are usually the best, right? I usually take visiting friends here, it's so good :) My standby is the 1/4 chicken with yucca and/or plantains. And be sure to get extra orange sauce. The chicken is amazingly moist and seasoned..I wish the entire thing was made up of the seasoned skin. It comes with green and orange sauce. The green is spicy, the orange is creamy/spicy/sweet. The yucca is like giant wild hearty fries. I like dipping these in ketchup as well as the orange sauce...the plantains are sweet and floppier than the yucca. But still yummy. Oh yeah, and it comes with a dinky cup of salad--who cares. Highly recommended! read more

This is my favorite place in Columbia Heights. This location is better than the one in Mt.Pleasant. Super cheap but amazing food. Get the chicken with yucca or rice. The cheesesteak is good too! Pupusas are decent but there are better places in the area. The white sauce is crack!!! read more

This place has quickly become my neighborhood go-to place after yoga. Like, I'm supposed to be meditating in class, but instead I'm thinking, "Mmmm I can't wait for chicken and yucca." I've tried a few of the sides here and the yucca is always on point. The beans tend to be kinda bland and the plantains are frequently burnt. Stick with the chicken and yucca and you'll always have a yummy, quality meal. The sauces are AH-mazing too and definitely worth asking for extras to bring home with you and smother everything in them. read more

BEST CHICKEN TACOS IN DC There it is ya'll. You've just been told. Having lived in Mexico City for a summer, I know what a real taco should taste like. "The Tasty Chicken" of Columbia Heights does a commendable job at emulating that wonderful experience. Although you won't get the same feeling of roaming the dirt streets of Mexico in search of the taco cart and its 5 peso glory, your taste buds will have that same experience as you crush chicken tacos and a refreshing cup of agua de fruta (Literally: Fruit Water, a beverage made from crushed fresh fruit). Also, the 'green sauce' is incredible. Trust me. Many of my friends have become addicts ever since I introduced them to the fabled 'green sauce'. They should just call it the 'money sauce'. It literally is so good that I'll often make a 30 minute trip out to the Heights just for some sauce. The pupusas and yucca are also quite tasty. The other dishes aren't that great in my opinion, so stick with the tried and true and get yourself some CHICKEN TACOS KID read more

I've never had Peruvian roasted chicken before, so this was my maiden voyage into the unknown world of Peruvian cuisine. A friend, who spent some time in Peru, told me the country is known to have the best food in Latin America due to various influences by the different cultures and ethnic groups that converge in the country. No doubt, one bite into their juicy and succulent chicken and you can taste Peru in your mouth. Okay, a bit of an exaggeration but you get my point. The chicken is well done and their sides are filling. Yucca and the rice are spot on and their green sauce is amazing. A great compliment to the side dishes and the chicken. Make sure to get extra because they run out quickly. Finally, the prices are very reasonable. You get 1/4 chicken, a side, small salad and a drink for under $9. That's a meal! read more

I ordered 2 chicken tacos and 2 bean and cheese pupusas for dinner here. The tacos were very good, especially with the light orange colored sauce they provided. The green hot sauce was a little too much for my tastebuds to handle though. The pupusas were alright, but I like the dough to be a little fluffier than what they had. Dinner was very filling and cost under $10. Not bad at all. Also, it's walking distance from the Columbia Heights metro, which is nice. The best part of the night was seeing their logo on the business card. It's of a chicken (in a cowboy hat) serving a chicken on a platter! How funny and random is that?!? read more

My friend and I wandered in here by accident because we wanted to try the new Cuban place nearby which is apparently closed on sunday nights. We got a pretty good indication we were in for a treat when we noticed we were the only white people in the place and orders were being called out in spanish. That's usually a good sign. We ordered a whole chicken, two tripe soups, and a tres leches cake. The whole chicken, which apparently is peruvian style, but basically similar to any latin american rotisserie chicken you've had, was nicely done and very moist. The skin could've been crispier, but it was still tasty. It came with a side and we got yucca fries, which I have always been a fan of, and these did not disappoint in their starchy goodness. The tripe soup, well, it reminded me that I don't like tripe. But that actually didn't matter to much, because we got two gargantuan containers of nicely flavored broth and vegetables. We probably should have just stuck to one. I actually wouldn't mind ordering it again and just tossing the tripe. The tres leche cake was fantastic. The real highlight, though, was the little sauces. A garlic mash, a mildly spicy cilantro sauce, and a sweet aioli. I will definitely ask for more next time. read more

Yummy Chicken Asado! I'm definitely a fan but do not appreciate the unfair treatment. My chicken was lukewarm bath water and my friend, who ordered 3 minutes later got the hot and crispier chicken. The injustice. The plantains were a little overcooked but the rice made up for it. The little girl working, who appears to be the daughter of the manager lady was super adorable. :-) Hopefully she got her homework done before working the cash register! read more

I'm kinda torn as to which polleria has the best Peruvian pollo in the area. it's currently between Pollo Rico in Arlington and Pollo Sabroso. My special Peruvian lady prefers the latter, so I'll yield to her on this one. I just read Amber B.'s review, and she's pretty much right on. I don't love the vibe in Pollo Sabroso, there's something inherently more Peruvian about Pollo Rico, but I suppose the argument can be made that it's all about the pollo, and the pollo doesn't disappoint. Unless someone else makes a big move, Pollo Sabroso will continue to reign the kingdom of DC pollodome for awhile. read more

We were driving in NW and wanted some Peruvian chicken. Googled some local restaurants and decided to try this one on Park Road. The place is kind of small and hidden and we were wary. Never judge a book by...... you know. The chicken was very good and quite surprising. We were somewhat stunned actually at how good the chicken tasted. We prefer to make our own sides so we didn't try any here. I would give five stars but will try a few more times. read more

This spot is a hidden gem. Their sandwiches are amazing!!! Just be aware that if it doesn't say it comes with fries, then it doesn't come with fries. read more

Food is always fresh and delicious. Seems to me to be a family owned business. This is my go to spot, tucked away on on park rd. 5 stars

The Peruvian chicken brings some people in the doors, but the real gem of El Pollo Sabroso is the chicken taco. The chicken is well seasoned, a little spicy, and I would also say "spiced" (as in, I think I taste a little clove in there). Plus, they're cheap, and come with spicy pickled carrots and onions. The spice really builds when you're eating pickles. Not for the faint of heart. If I want a cochinita pibil taco I'll go to Super Tacos, but if I'm craving chicken then it's all about El Pollo Sabroso. My, my, my, it is tasty. Five stars for the tacos. While the wonder of the tacos are not to be ignored, there are a few other items on their menu that are less than satisfying, or perhaps just inconsistent. The item that pops into my head are the yucca fries. Sometimes they can be great, other times they're tough and stringy. If their other food was as consistent as the tacos, they'd get five stars out of me, easy. I'd say that overall, I'd rate a three. But hey, I'm not expecting fine dining. read more

Glad I stumbled into this place when I was looking for something quick to eat. Put my order in and I was out the door and back on my couch in 15 minutes. Solid Peruvian chicken joint off the main drag of Columbia Heights on Park Road between 14th and 16th Streets. I ordered the 1/2 chicken platter that is served with one side and a salad for $8.50 which is a more than reasonable price. The chicken was tasty. It was seasoned well, juicy, and fortunately not dry like some of the other reviews I've read. They have a green spicy sauce for the chicken that is money! I had the plantains for a side which were cooked perfectly. The only complaint I had was that it was supposed to come with a salad which they forgot to give me which is the worst feeling ever when you realize it after getting home and too lazy to walk back. All in all, a solid carry out spot when you're too lazy to cook and don't want to break the bank. read more

The food is great if you looking for the taste with the flavor of the rice they have. Small and quaint location: been eating here since: 2001 read more

El Pollo Sabroso - I have been eating here since 2001, I am never disappointed Half Chicken,Rice,salad $8.41 - Latin American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Homeless are inside, asking for money next to me, I felt harassed and afraid of being assaulted for not giving her money, I don't like it, NEVER will back read more

This place consistently gets my order wrong. I will order a chicken breast they will charge me the upcharge for white meat and then put a leg and thigh in my order. Make sure you check your order before you leave the store if you choose to order from there. This has happened more than 3 times. read more

This place is awesome!! The food is made on the spot, and the service is still so quick. Friendly people and we don't get charged extra for sauces and extras. Definitely recommend if you love GOOD food!! :) also the pupusas... YUM read more

This is hands down some of the best Peruvian and Salvadorian style cuisine I've had in a long time! Out of all of the Peruvian style chicken spots I've been to in the area, they make best version of the spicy Aji Verde green sauce that I love. If you're around DC near Columbia Heights, I highly recommend checking them out! read more

I have eaten at so many Peruvian chicken places, but this is hands down the best. Normally yucca is dry and can taste bland without sauce. The yucca here it is awesome! Chicken is always moist and the sides are delicious. You can't go wrong with either the chicken or carne asada. I highly recommend this place for good, quality food. Every time I go in, the staff is always super friendly. I eat here once or twice per week because of the great food and portions. read more

Food is worth four stars. Service and reliability is inconsistent at best. Expect your called in order to be a mystery to the person you called it in to (especially the young kids who work there), early closures, nickel and dimed for sauces, large orders taken around closing time to be incorrect with at least one missing item, and the quality of food to vary a bit. Also, many times the phone will ring out. That being said, the food hits 3/4 times and I've been patronizing this place for years, issues and all. Even if the order was called in and not made, the food doesn't take long to make. If you want great food AND professional service, for a few extra dollars, the Cuban place a few doors down is vastly superior. read more

Surprisingly, much better than I was expected. It's a small , inconspicuous place that you may easily walk past as you notice the Pho 14 and Mi Cuba Cafe on the same street. I ordered the half chicken and a side of yuca. Man..the chicken was something. it was super moist, steaming, and falling off the bone. The yucca fries were crispy and well fried. Both are great dipping into the tiny containers of green and creme colored sauces. The entire meal left me very satisfied and was under $10. read more

The chicken (I got the dark 1/4 chicken) was super moist and delicious. The skin was still crispy when I got it, and had really great flavors from the combination of spices they used. The pupusa was also really tasty. I figured this place was good (and probably authentic) as everyone else in there was a native spanish speaker. read more

Great experience. Wonderful food. The plantains are the best I've ever had. Exceptional customer service.

Some of the best chicken I've had in a long time. El Pollo Sabroso might not grab your attention from the street and there's nothing special about its atmosphere, but that's not why you go here. The portions are large, cheap, and tasty. Get the half chicken with yucca or rice. I would say more, but I'm getting hungry. read more

El Pollo Sabroso - Latin American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Just go. Stop reading reviews. Order the half chicken with yucca. Get extra green sauce and a big bottle of water. Enjoy.

Everythung was awesime. My husband and I had the steak and our friend had the steak and cheese sandwich. They came with really good sause. The rice was authentic. All really good food. The atmosphere is very casual. read more

Went there the other day to pick up some dinner. The chicken & chorizo dish was excellent. I liked the yucca fries but they were a little on the dry side. Both their green and white sauce were delicious. I could eat them both with a spoon. Found a new spot in the neighborhood to go to! read more

The Columbia Heights location looks sketchy from the outside so it took me a while to venture in but I'm so glad I did. This chicken is TASTY! and CHEAP! $13 for a perfectly cooked, nicely spiced whole chicken (cut in quarters), 2 side salads and a side of yuca...it's enough for dinner and lunch the next day for two people. And that spicy green sauce to dip the chicken in? YUM. Plus, who doesn't secretly like to eat with their fingers? You can also order a 1/4 or 1/2 chicken for smaller portions and there are other sides available like rice and beans. Love their yuca! read more

The torta salvadoreno is a delicious sandwich. I'd take it over a burger on most days. Haven't had much else, but if I'm in the mood for a quick bite, it's a great option. read more

This is the best of the Peruvian Chicken places I've been to in the DC metro area, and trust me, I've been to a ton. The roasted chicken is excellent, the chicken tacos are great, the fries are always fresh, and the side salad is great with their house dressing. A real deal when in Columbia Heights! read more

I have waited a long time to write this review because I wanted to visit the place multiple times. I have been here 4 or 5 times over the past three months or so. Each time the the food has been AMAZING. I can't believe there is not a long wait for this place. The chicken is juicy, even the white meat, the skin is crispy, but not greasy and the seasonings are spot on! The fries or the yuca are both a good idea and the best part; the white and green sauce. Make sure to ask for extra, they don't charge for it and it is a much better idea that catsup any day! Oh, and it is dirt cheap; half a chicken, huge pile of fries, side salad and a drink for like 9.50! How can you beat that, I say you simply cannot. Just go here once and after the first time, you will bypass The Heights, the other chicken places and Panda Express every time after. read more

Pollo is always tasty and juicy. The service is friendly and sometimes willing to give away a little extra sauce without the fee. Minor inconvenience of the $10 min for credit cards, but only a $.35 fee. read more

The one on Mt. Pleasant street is much better than the Park rd restaurant. The chicken I got had no flavor whatsoever and felt underdone. I've been here 3 times and each time they've forgotten a part of my order. Today was no exception, forgot the salad. They also need diet beverages as not everyone wants sugary drinks. read more

more of a take-out place, but is my go-to spot for peruvian chicken. their yucca fries are fire and the sauces are on point. very cheap and filling! read more

DRY is the secret ingredient to this place. Chicken was DRY and tasteless- the green sauce was the only thing that gave the chicken flavor, not the seasoning. Rice was also DRY and lacks of flavor- seemed like leftovers that they microwaved. Ingesting the Yuca was a struggle because of how DRY it is. I would not come back, ever. read more

Hailing from Los Angeles, I grew up with my pick of ethnic foods everywhere. As such, my excitement was through the roof when I finally discovered Peruvian chicken exists (nay, thrives) in D.C. I'm not sure why I was so late on this boat (ok, I know, but don't want to admit), but I'm a pretty happy camper now. The chicken at El Pollo Sabroso beats anything I ever had at home, and the sauces are great. The plantains are occasionally on the crispy/burnt side, and you don't want to eat in during the summer, but otherwise, I can't say anything but great things--or I can't say anything because my mouth is full of delicious chicken. read more

Yum! I'm lucky to be around the corner from a street that specializes in international chicken flavors. Skip Z Burger and come here instead for pupusas, fried yuca and plantains!!! They also do the 1/4-1/2-whole Peruvian chicken with fries and salad (like Pollo Rico in Arlington). I typically walk in and order take out, the most I've had to wait was 15 minutes. I highly recommend if you're looking for an inexpensive yet tasty bite in the Columbia Heights hood! read more

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS PLACE. It's my indecisive "go to" spot. Love me some arroz con pollo. Lol the steak is really good too! The sauces are like crack - I put that sh*t on everything! Lol read more