When I was in 5th grade, El Pollo Loco gave me massive food poisoning, and immediately after that, the mere smell or mention of the name made me puke. Just ask my aunt, who was forced to keep a barf bag in her car for fear of the times we happened to drive past one for the next month. I spent the next 8 years (literally) hating on EPL. Luckily, there were no El Pollo Locos near me after I moved to northern California, so it went off my mind. I'm sorry to say, El Pollo Loco chicken tastes better than the half chicken I had here at Il Pollaio. This lacked substantial flavor and really just sort of tasted like g rease. It wasn't very dry like what others are saying, but it wasn't like, OMG MOIST JUICY CHICKEN either. Expensive for a lunch spot, since it's JUST a chicken and doesn't come with anything else (fries are bland too, fyi). Small place that IMO has just okay food but isn't worth a stop, given all the other delicious options in North Beach (or even Chinatown). The good news is that I didn't throw up after eating here. read more

Il Pollaio - half chicken - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

The chicken at Il Pllaio is pretty absurdly good. And when you're in the mood for good roasted chicken, it seriously hits the sweet spot. It's really a place to get down to the basics. The menu is short and to the point. Half or whole birds, salads (I hear the combo is good), some other meat mains, spicy sausage, and sides that include tasty looking steamed potatoes and other carbolicious things. I came here expressly for the chicken, and the chicken I got. A whole bird, "small' salad (which is actually pretty big) and a small San Pellegrino all added up to about $25. For one person, it was a large meal. I was damn hungry though, so it was juuuuust perfect. I can see how a couple could split a whole bird (birds run on the smaller side), a larger salad, and maybe soup, and have a plenty filling meal. They also bring bread with the grub. For this price, in North Beach (or anywhere in the city) you can't get that kind of deal. I'm totally a fan. This style of food is right up my alley. And you can tell the place is bustling with regulars. Locals. Legit. read more

Il Pollaio - Whole chicken! - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

Is it legal to marry chicken in California? I think I'm in love. I stopped by this place with a couple of buddies while on our way to Bimbo's. The place smelled amazing. The scent of fresh lemon was everywhere. There was a little bit of a wait for seating but I didn't mind because they had the Giants vs. D-backs game on and Tim Lincecum was pitching. By the time we were seated, we still weren't sure on what to order so our waiter suggested we get a whole chicken, a combination salad and fries to share among the three of us. His proposition sounded good so we took his advice. While we waited for our orders, our server brought out some bread and butter. Next, the salad came out. I really appreciated that the server asked each of us what kind of dressing we would like so we could have the salad our own way. Halfway through our salad, the chicken was delivered. It looked modest but I knew it would be perfect. I could taste the lemon and pepper and chicken. Moist, tender, juicy, succulent chicken. OOOOOoooooooooooooooooh boy. I want to live forever in that moment when I took my first bite. The skin was crispy enough to not be greasy yet it gave way to accommodate various positions in my mouth. The fries were just OK. The whole meal, including two soft drinks, came out to $32 for the three of us and we were all fully satisfied. Il Pollaio chicken, will you be mine? read more

Il Pollaio - I'm in love with a chicken! - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

The very intoxicating scent of roasted chicken hits you as soon as you walk in. Drool. The chicken here is the house specialty. It is absolutely tasty & succulent. Tender & juicy on the inside. Appropriately crisp on the outside. Either a half or whole roasted chicken w salad equals a simple & perfect meal. I'm a skinny fry girl, but their steak fries rock. The burger also rocks. There's rabbit & steak too. And the prices? 11 bucks gets you a whole chicken, & a half is only 6 bucks & change. So reasonable! Refreshing, right? It's a small family run business. It gets crowded. No reservations. Patience! Service is really friendly & efficient. They've got this whole quick service family restaurant thing down. And there's always the option of ordering for take-out. It's no frills, which is what you want sometimes...am I right? A north beach mainstay for decades. Never disappoints. 4 stars. read more

Il Pollaio is a North Beach institution, and unlike many of the other restaurants in the area, they have tons of regular local customers, like myself. The chicken is obviously the primary attraction. It's always super tasty, with a nice crisp skin, and pairs very well with the combination salad. Usually, I just get a half chicken with a combo salad, but when I'm really hungry, I'll also get the Italian Sausages and Fries on the side. Delicious! read more

WOW! Just had dinner here. I'm trying to conquer all of Little Italy this month. Anyways, I always walk by here and it's always packed. So for dinner tonight, I just remembered that I haven't been here yet so the lady and I went here for dinner. Upon entering the venue, a waiter quickly greeted us and showed us to our seats. We actually got lucky because we got the last table. We were then brought bread & butter as well as a couple of waters. After looking at the menu we then ordered the 3 Italian Sausages with Fries and a half chicken. Amazing! The chicken has the white and dark meat and is superbly flame broiled. Great flavor! The sausages are amazing as well. No additional sauces need for this! Just magnificent on its own. The fries were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Super piping hot though, watch out! Anyways, we asked for ketchup and got ketchup, tabasco and salsa. What?!?! Salsa?!!?? The salsa was pretty good and accompanied the chicken. Very tasty dinner for under $20. Can you dig it?! read more

Il Pollaio - Fries, Sausage & Chicken. - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Seems like the best local places are the last ones we are hitting - don't ask why. I've read so much about the chicken here and actually tried to come here once on a Friday night only to find a line snaking outside. We finally made it in on a Thursday night when it wasn't too crowded. We were seated shortly after we walked in and noticed the place is not as big as we had thought. There were 2 tables of 2 to the left across the grill and a mix of 12-14 tables of 2-4 that can easily be combined for larger parties. We got a table next to the window and studied the one page menu. We knew we had to try the chicken and when hubby saw lamb chops on the menu, that was it. While waiting, bread was served warm w/ cubes of butter. We ordered a carafe of the chablis ($9) to go with our meal: small combo salad - $5 - a mixture of lettuce, kidney and garbanzo beans, onion, tomato, shredded carrots with vinegar and oil lamb chop with steamed potatoes w/ olive oil and parsley - $15.95 - you get 4 large pieces of meat cooked to order. They must cut their own. Each had a large round bone near the top or center - It's not the best cut but the marinade was very flavorful. The potatoes were so good - I chowed down every last drop. 1/2 chicken - $7.95 - it was cut into quarter for us in advance. the crispy skin was delicious but the meat was a bit dry. we only wished there were more skin on the chicken. our waiter was very friendly and helpful, he even gave us a free glass of chablis when we finished our carafe. It's a great neighborhood joint for a casual dinner. We already know what we'll be ordering next time - the rabbit and the large golden crispy french fries. read more

I pass Il Pollaio every day on my commute, and it always had happy people inside, so my boyfriend and I made it a point to stop in. It's not the most spacious inside, but you're not there for ambiance - you're there for the prices and the delicious food. My boyfriend got half the roast chicken and a caprese salad, and I got the lamb chops and fries. I would skip the caprese, but the roast chicken...soft, flavorful, crisp skin - if you're into chicken, this chicken was pretty amazing. The lamp chops - holy big portions moly. Delicious, but I couldn't finish the portion. The fries were more potato wedge than fries but they came out piping hot. Their chicken is so reasonably priced that it's hard to justify eating anything else, but I can't wait to try everything on their menu. read more

Doing the southbeach or Atkins diet? Need a $10 meal for 2. Order to go or visit Il Pollaio. I heard about this place on yelp and most weeks it's a weekly tradition--saved for the day we have to work the latest and spend the least amount of time and money. We always get it to go. Get a freshly grilled chicken, deliciously seasoned with some lemons to squeeze on top and a side salad, it's the perfect quick meal! The women who run the counter are quite pleasant! read more

Had walked by often, but decided not to do red sauce Italian, and stopped in. Went with our pleasant waitress's suggestion of half chicken and salad. House made dressing over a nice salad; ceci beans, letuce, tomato. My half chicken was crispy skinned, and simply seasoned. Very tasty, although the breast was a little dry. My son picked the lamb chops with fries. Two blade chops, tender, juicy, with a little chimichurri on top, was quite enjoyable. Steak fries were crispy and savory. They served a squeeze bottle of homemade salsa, kind of like a Romescu. All with that enjoyable North Beach ambiance. I'll enjoy exploring the rest of their menu. read more

Everybody, and I mean everybody - from neighbors to a career coach at work, rave about Il Pollaio but it is really just over-rated. The only thing I can agree with folks is that it's a cheap meal. But here's where I disagree. Every single time the chicken is dry, dry, dry. Unless that's what you look for in chicken, I think there are many places to get much tastier and moist chickens. The sausage platter didn't impress either. Oh but the salad was good... I guess becuase it didn't meet the grill. If you really want chicken on Columbus between Green and Union, then fine... Il Pollaio is an option to consider. Otherwise just recognize that it is an over-hyped eat. read more

I ordered the half grilled chicken combo with salad, which came out to $18 including tax. My choice in salad was the combination which consisted of beans, radish, tomato, cucumber, lettuce, and your choice of dressing. The grilled chicken was delicious! Seasoned well and tender. Wait til you try the little wing...yassss girrrl... soo flavorful! read more

Il Pollaio - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This is a simple and unpretentious restaurant located in North Beach. The owners are from Argentina. The menu includes: grilled half/whole chicken, grilled half rabbit, steak, pork chop, lamb chop, sausages, side dishes: fries, cole slaw, green salad, etc. When I drop by, I usually order the half chicken or the half rabbit. - Nice service - Simple food preparation, nothing fancy - Affordable prices, 2 people can dine for ~$20 read more

Il Pollaio - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Hmm, Argentinian food in Little Italy - great example of why this is a great idea! I've passed this place a million times and never thought to check it out - it just doesn't look like a great place to eat; however, I had the best chicken here and I really can't stop thinking about it. I mean, it seems like the best well rounded and reasonably priced takeout in my hood. Between two of us, we ordered a whole chicken, two beers, fries and a large salad. I'm telling you, we rolled out of that joint and had leftovers. Juicy chicken, crisp steak fries and an OK salad. All together $34! If you like perfectly seasoned chicken, you will love this place! read more

Want some good chicken? This is your place. The menu here is really simple, including a few grilled meats and sides of veggies and salads. They are well known for their grilled chicken. My friend and I split half a chicken ($11) and a side of eggplant. The food was fresh and came out really fast! read more

Yes the chicken is da bomb! But my must have dish here is the half roast rabbit. They make it like no where else. It's not the wine sauce braised kind like you get everywhere else, it's like their chicken but rabbit. They don't always have the rabbit so be sure to call ahead. There was this one time I didn't call, drove all the way out from san jose, and left cause they didn't have the rabbit that day. I also love their fries. They don't do anything special, but just thick cut the potato and fry it. When Jose was still working daily, he use to spot me a special dish here and there. The most memorable one is a roma tomato dish drizzle with olive oil and spice. It's not on the menu, but you can request it. They also have a egg plant dish (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/66khyY7kxNKiW6x7anZj9g?select=2-L5CI-JtvCNi8RDbfFtYQ) which I still haven't figured out how to make yet, but do get this, you won't regret it. I tried their pork chop and steak at one point when someone else ordered it. These are really hit or miss as their stable food is the chicken and the rabbit. Too bad they don't open on sunday cause Jose the owner is catholic and sunday is the sabbath? Parking can be a pain cause it's in the north beach area. There are nights where the wait is extremely long due to the small size of the restaurant. You can call ahead to make a reservation and they will tell you when it's not needed. Party of 2-4 is perfect, anything more would be difficult to sit. I have brought people from all over the world to this place when they visit and they all love it! Though most people would just order the chicken. I have come here for my birthday dinner for many years because this is hands down my favorite restaurant in San Francisco. read more

Il Pollaio - eggplant - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Fan.freakin.tastic chicken! We were so happy with our lunch here. The service was outstanding- attentive and friendly without hovering - and the food really hit the spot. The meal comes with bread service that is really yummy, crisp crusted with chewy inside, authentic Italian style and served with cold butter. We each had a lunch special: one with a half-chicken and one with 3 sausages. They both come with your choice of a couple types of salad. We went for the green salad and it was just right - a good sized portion with thick wedges of tomato, cucumber and radish. Ranch dressing was yummy. The half chicken was AMAZING - between the char and the seasoning the flavor was outstanding. It may have been the best chicken I've ever had. The sausage was good, not spectacular but solidly good. That, and the prices being just a little bit high are the only thing keeping it from being a 5-star review. We would definitely go back! read more

Il Pollaio - Half chicken - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

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$25 for a perfectly grilled ribeye! Juicy, flavorful, charred nicely on the outside and very satisfying. Very nice staff! Half rabbit was not gamey, tasted like pork to me. We will come back once in a while! read more

Il Pollaio - Grilled Rib eye. Well worth the price! - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

This place closes on sunday. You have been warned. I went back after being dissapointed by a weekend closure and the chicken was impressive. A 4 out of 5 on my scale. The skin was crospy and tasty. The bread and butter they gave us were cold and unimpressive. A whole chicken is about $12 and a half chicken is $8. read more

Same high quality food as pre-COVID 19! Delicious chicken and a great value! A whole chicken at $18 is enough chicken for 4! They have one of the best burgers in the city as well. read more

My go-to comfort meal: chicken or lamb chops, thick fries, combo salad. Simple and yummy food, and generous portions. That's where the neighborhood cops go. read more

3.5 stars....chicken was tasty and hot, but sides were blah...these guys need a menu update. However, if you want to get your paleo on, get a chicken and do your thing chicken wing! read more

Really great grilled chicken. Discovered this little gem about 5-6 years ago and haven't stopped coming here since. Service is polite and quick, you get your food pretty quickly, and everything I've tried so far (rib eye, chicken, rabbit) is excellent. The chicken is tender and moist, with perfectly crisped skin, and perfectly seasoned. I ordered a half chicken with a green salad the other night, and the salad greens are fresh. If you want to get the rabbit, you want to get there relatively early, because they were sold out the last two times I went and asked for rabbit. Highly recommend this place as a cheap eat. Healthy too, if you avoid slathering the bread with pats of butter. read more

It was the day before my friend's birthday and she wanted chicken for breakfast so the four girls including my self went here per recommendation and Ohh My God, we felt like queeeens! The chicken was the BEST Succulent, tender, crisp, and heavenly thing EVER. The four of us shared a whole piece of chicken and we even had one piece left over.. I wasn't planning to eat but the hand kept on reaching for more of the juicy meat. Although the chicken was amazing, my friend was dissaponted that the bread for appetizers was not warm. We also had the chicken with the fries. It looked good and golden but they were meh.. The steamed potato, which was buttered simple and steamed to where it melts in your mouth but served somehow in tact with the parsley was good!! But I think I can make it at home. The food was served timely and we can see the whole chickens being grilled behind the register of the mom/pop store. Our waiter was foreign so it made it feel like we were really out in europe too. The restaurant is in the middle of little italy which is near by the fishermans warf so it's a perfect spot after or before a stroll around town. THE PLACE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT WITH CHICKEN! read more

Cute place. We got the half chicken, pan seared zucchini, and the half rabbit. Half chicken is bomb. The skin is so crispy and delicious, and the drumstick especially is so tender and juicy. Zucchinis were also ridiculously juicy and pretty yummy. There was a misunderstanding with the waiter and we didn't get our rabbit order in, but when we asked they were very kind and they gave us a complimentary marinated eggplant appetizer as compensation. Which was delicious by the way, nice and garlicky and vinegary. Rabbit was interesting, some parts were really gamey, other parts were almost like normal domesticated meat. I don't think I can say I was a fan of the gamey parts, but I really enjoyed the less gamey parts. The steamed potatoes were also very delicious, soft and mildly flavored which really complements the rabbit. I think this is a nice place, I'd come back if I were back in the area read more

Il Pollaio - Half chicken on left, pan seared zucchini on right - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Petite deli was closed by the time we got to north beach so we stopped by il pollaio instead. Quaint ambiance, kitschy italian decor - autographed pictures and italian ads. Very friendly service. Large open windows great for people-watching (all the tourists that walk through the main strip). Good amount of seating but mostly four-tops so large groups may not be the best. Watch out for parking, as with most of north beach. Chicken was soooo good! Flavorful, tasty, tender, moist. He got half chicken with salad, I got chicken sandwich with fries. All of the above is recommended for superb tastyness. Would definitely come back for more tasty chicken. $41 for food, a glass of wine, tax and tip. read more

Il Pollaio - chicken sandwich. - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

I had walked past this place for nearly a decade without ever stopping, until a few weeks ago. Apparently I've been missing out for quite some time! The chicken was phenomenal!! Wow! Can't wait to go back! read more

The best Italian chicken in San Francisco. Easy and simple, cheap and good. If you like rabbit they have it too, almost everyday. My favorite is the half chicken, potatoes, and red wine. read more

One of few spots in north beach where I can get a dinner without Carbs. It's decently priced and you know exactly what you're going to get. The mixed salad is a simple salad but one that I always enjoy and a great complement to the chicken. I'd recommend this spot to anyone looking to get a great plate of chicken :) read more

This old school classic North Beach restaurant is the perfect place to go for a low key lunch or dinner. It's also a paleo or low carb eater's paradise. Order a half grilled chicken and a salad, refuse the delicious bread, and you're set. Of course you can get a pork chop or steak, etc., but this spot is known for the chicken. It's quiet, there may be some easy listening tunes on in the background, choose a window table and watch what's happening outside on Columbus Ave. No fuss, no tablecloths, just friendly waitstaff and filling, classic fare. They've been doing it like this for 35 years and it works. read more

I've been eating mostly vegetarian lately, but then I was out with my roommate and had the chicken here... Let's just say I left with a mild obsession. I just now just had it for the second time. And honestly, I'm not huge on superlatives, this might be some of the best chicken I've ever had. It's like the juiciest chicken you can imagine, perfectly charred on the edges, served with slices of lemon to spray on which makes it all fresh. I love it. Other than that the concept is pretty simple, they do chicken well, the place itself is kinda meh, and their sides aren't too exciting; fries were pretty average, tomato and onion salad was good but for $7.50 I'd expect more than like half a tomato, and coleslaw on the other hand was huge but a bit on the heavy side for my taste. I haven't even had any other of the dishes because I feel like it doesn't really matter. It's like I've always been saying: "When in Rome, get the chicken". read more

Perfect for many reasons, the place is of simple elegance, artwork on walls, and the service is professional and welcoming, and the food, chicken, sausages, steak, rabbit, large salads and the best fries ever. You are at home at Il Pollaio! read more

Delicious food. Simple menu - one of those places that do what they do best: grilled chicken. Hole in the wall, great bang for your buck. Highly recommend! Their steamed potatoes are delicious as well. read more

The grilled chicken is fantastic! I don't know what they do to the chicken skin! It is perfectly crispy and seasoned. The meat itself is tender and juicy. Finger lickin' good! I had half the chicken for lunch along with the caprese (which in itself was quite good. It wasn't the best caprese I have ever had, but it was good) Very reasonably priced too! For a restaurant in North Beach, San Francisco! read more

A small hole in the wall restaurant in North Beach specializing in rotisserie chicken. This is honestly one of the best bang for your buck restaurants that you are going to find in the area. I got a huge plate of chicken and a sizable salad for 15 bucks, which is unheard of in the city. Just a heads up to get the salad dressing on the side, otherwise they will really loaf it up and dump it on hard! With that being said, I am definitely coming back! read more

Excellent all around. Delicious chicken! Salad combo- order the small salad as it is more than enough. Get to know Paula and the locals- awesome people!!!! I'd go again any day. What a find!!! read more

Il Pollaio - Sooooo goood! - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

Do you love chicken? If so this place is definitely worth a stop. The service is great, and everything on the menu is really tasty! It is a great place to get a low carb meal. read more

Ah come on man, 4.5 stars? Really? I have been living in this area for several years now and have been to Il Pollaio multiple times. However, I only go there when I am lazy to cook at home and want to have food for a reasonable price. I never went there by being excited about it. I wish it was the kind of place where they give you this amazing Peruvian chicken but unfortunately, no. Not sure about tourist opinions, but the food is only mediocre for San Francisco standards. read more

So far I have been here twice and it gets better every time. The food is great and the price is better. I always get the full chicken for $16.50 and a side of the boiled potatoes. Come to less than $25 and I get to keep the other half of the chicken to take home and eat for probably 2 more meals. I like it because all they do is season it with salt and pepper and some olive oil then grill it. Great deal for take out too!! read more

This place is great, and service is always friendly. The chicken is so tasty. And I love the combination salad, the beans are awesome. Reasonable prices too! Looking forward to coming back soon. read more