The Best Chicken Around. By Far. And their Gizzards YUMmmmmmmmy. The One In ECHO Park.

For those of us who are native to LA, Pioneer Chicken is a childhood staple that's attached to good memories (at least for me). I had a Flashback Friday moment when I drove by this location. My brain quickly got nostalgic with fond images and feel-good vibes and I knew I had to stop by. My mom brought me to Pioneer Chicken when I was a child and I remember how crispy the chicken used to be. Sometimes, leftovers made it into my lunchbox. She knew how to win my heart through my belly even back then. I haven't had Pioneer Chicken since the early 90s, and I was pleasantly surprised when I dug my teeth into the drumstick. It was super crisp -- exactly how I remembered it. And the iconic orange batter was the same yummy recipe, possibly crispier than KFC's. The biscuit was my next favorite and I don't remember it being THIS good with its hint of honey flavor. The mashed potatoes and gravy have not changed, but the coleslaw was a tad different. It used to be chopped into mini squares. Now it's shredded cabbage, but it has the same light mayo flavor. Also, I love that they use less plastic Their side item containers are made of paper, both top and bottom, which also adds to the retro vibe. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Loved looking at the old school photos on the wall that date back to the 1960s with Pioneer Pete, The Flintstones, and Muhammad Ali, aka the OG "G.O.A.T".[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It was cool to learn that Jessica, who took my order at the register, was part of a bigger franchise history. Her dad owned this location, and passed it on to his son. Family-owned for the last 38 years, this location is one of the originals. And one of the last two still standing. The nostalgia of this place will always have a special place in my heart. I'll have to come back for their fish & chips and maybe even try the gizzards on my next trip down here. read more

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In a world where chasing nostalgia runs rampant, people chasing tastes of their childhood seem to not understand that things are different now. That NEED to relive a time of how things used to be skews a person's judgement. Sometimes you need to leave the past in the past. I've eaten here a few times. I've ordered tenders, fried chicken and various sides. I have given this place the old college try. Both times I have waited 20 -30 mins for my food. The 3rd time, I made sure to order ahead on an app. I've had both well cooked and dry chicken here (batter is a heavy tempura-y texture), so somewhat an inconsistent experience. You truly need the hot sauce and other condiments to make the chicken edible. The mashed potatoes tasted along the lines of an instant mash with a package gravy mix. BBQ beans seemed to be of similar taste to something you find from Sysco or US Foods. Parking lot is also very tight as they share with another business. At the end of the day, this is a fast food, old style cafeteria level of eating. It's met with the nostalgic types that were raised on these post war, institutional flavors. For some it may scratch that itch, for others on an adventure, give it a try for the content and see what the buzz is all about and judge for yourself. read more

I have never been here but the service was amazing . The cashiers were welcoming they went over their menu quite accurately. I ended up getting the bucket with only thighs and drums. That came with 2sides & 4 biscuits . Overall my experience was great the food came out quick the chicken tasted fresh and the inside of the restaurant was very clean. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I love the vibes it has going on[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] . I would have gave it 5 stars but unfortunately for me I wasn't a fan of the battered style . read more

Pioneer Chicken - Chicken thigh & drumstick with Mac, potato's and gravy. As well as some coleslaw slaw and biscuit. - Fast Food Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Me and co workers got here a bit late and they ran out of their bone in fried chicken, which is what they are known for but we just got the chicken fingers. It's just not for me, the batter was hard and greasy overall. I prefer something less greasy. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Service was great and their inside was clean.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Maybe one day I will try their bone in to update my rating. read more

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4.5 outta 5. The Original gets an update after decades. One of the last pioneers to stand in Los Angeles currently. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Old school 80s interior updated to show the history of the brand.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service was amazing and the sweetheart taking my order was very kind with all my questions. Im daring and on a food tour trying new things currently, so I ordered the gizzards. Yes, they were absolutely delicious. Kidney, liver, lung and other organs hard fried in their new batter which is clearly more rice-flour based and has more of a Korean fried chicken vibe. Heads up, you have less than 12 hours to eat them, they don't travel well never do. lol. Also got the chicken thighs which were moist, tender, and seasoned right. A bit pricey, but large portions and impressive taste. read more

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My friend and I came to relive our youth at Pioneer Chicken today. To briefly explain, she and I met each other as teenagers working at Pioneer Chicken in the SFV. My junior high school BFF's sister started working at our local store, then my BFF got a job, then me, and finally my friend who I went with today. I have thought for some time that it would be fun to visit one of the two remaining restaurants, and we finally made it happen today. We had such a fun time at the restaurant. Upon entering, we were immediately greeted. We weren't sure exactly what we wanted to get, so we let another party go in front of us. We checked out all the options on the menu and finally made our decisions. All of the employees working were very friendly and made sure that everyone was taken care of. Both my friend and I decided on two-piece meals. The minute I bit into the chicken, the memories came flooding back. The crunchy batter, the juicy meat...everything was perfect. The sides were as I remembered. I felt like I was transported back to being a kid again. For nostalgia's sake, I got an orange whip...something I have tasted in decades. While we were there, Mike was working very hard to take care of all of us in the dining room eating. He was very gracious in answering our questions. As it turned out, one of the people seated at the table behind us was also a former Pioneer Chicken employee. He had been a manager around the same time that my friend and I met. We all had a fun time reminiscing about the ol' Monday Night 99 cent Football specials from way, way back. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It was also fun seeing all of the old photos on the wall! We were able to see our old restaurant on the list of restaurants from way back when.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We also had a chance to meet Ernie, who is the general manager and whose family has been the owners for 45 years. If you have seen any of the recent stories about Pioneer Chicken on various media outlets, you may have seen him. It was a nice bonus to get to chat with him. The afternoon was a lot of fun, and we are so glad we went. Since we do not live nearby, we won't be able to visit often, but I do hope that I will be able to visit again when I'm in the area. If you have been thinking about getting some of "LA's Original Fried Chicken", I highly recommend stopping by. read more

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Came here recently with my parents and siblings to celebrate my mom's birthday, and it reminded me exactly why this place has been a family favorite for years and will continue to be. The atmosphere is super family-friendly, and the staff is always so nice and welcoming. This location is pristine in the best way. Clean, cozy, and comfortable, which just makes the whole experience even better. Now let's talk about the chicken... because WOW. It's seriously unbeatable. Always crispy, flavorful, and fresh whether you're dining in or taking it to go. And the buttery biscuits? Non-negotiable. You HAVE to get them. Every side hits too, but my personal favorites are the corn on the cob and the mashed potatoes with gravy. The chicken tenders are also a great option! I'm usually not a bone-in chicken person, but somehow I'm completely obsessed here. It's honestly wild to think there used to be hundreds of these locations and now there are only two left. Despite that, this spot is such an iconic LA staple and has clearly left a lasting mark. I love recommending it, but let's be real--most of my friends and family already know what's up because they grew up on it too. Also, I haven't tried the Dubai chocolate tiramisu yet, but I definitely have my eye on it. Keep up the amazing work, and thank you for always delivering consistently great food and service! read more

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After a very disappointing experience at the Bell Gardens location on Mother's Day, we ended up driving to the Boyle Heights Pioneer Chicken location just to get biscuits, and honestly, this location completely restored my love for Pioneer Chicken. The difference between the two locations was night and day. Even though it was Mother's Day and busy everywhere, Boyle Heights was organized, fast, friendly, and fully stocked. [[HIGHLIGHT]]There was plenty of parking, the line moved quickly, and the employees were courteous and professional from the moment we arrived.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Most importantly! THEY HAD EVERYTHING. Fresh biscuits? Yes. Fully stocked menu? Yes. Good customer service? Absolutely. The biscuits were fresh, hot, buttery, and delicious, exactly how I remembered Pioneer Chicken growing up in Los Angeles. We honestly ate them on the drive home because they were THAT good. You could immediately feel the better energy and management at this location. People were constantly coming in and out, yet the staff still handled things efficiently and professionally. As someone born and raised in LA, Pioneer Chicken is nostalgic for me, and this Boyle Heights location felt much closer to the Pioneer I remember. I will definitely return to this location again. Thank you to the Boyle Heights staff for saving Mother's Day dinner. Sorry I didn't take a picture of the biscuits, the aroma took over, the box was opened and my mouth ate before my camera! ha ha ha read more

Service and food were excellent! Chicken tasted and looked just how I remembered from my childhood days. The Orange Whip was refreshing. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Restaurant was clean too.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I had the chicken tender meal with coleslaw and mashed potatoes with gravy. Yummy!!! Will visit again. read more

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I grew up on this chicken so it was only right that I take a trip down memory lane and try it out as an adult. I decided to go myself instead of ordering through a food app and was glad I did. The service was amazing!! I was greeted by everyone (cooks, cashiers) as soon as I walked in and my order was taken by a young man who was very professional. My order came out pretty fast and I took my food home to eat it. The chicken was just as crispy and greasy as I remembered it, but the flavor was lacking. The meat itself tasted clean, almost like it had no hormones or chemicals in it which I liked. The spicy rice and biscuit were a surprise as they were both delicious! The fries were unremarkable and basic but still helped the meal feel full. Perhaps I'll go back one day for some of the spicy rice, and maybe a biscuit, but I'll pass on the chicken. read more

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Found this place when I was in the area a while ago. Pioneer Chicken is a place I remember from my childhood. I remember I liked it over KFC yet they are mostly not around anymore. Anyway th chicken, mashed potatoes and coleslaw were just as I remember it. It's not fancy, but it's good. It does the job the Dubai dessert though was meh. I'd come back if I weee in the area again. read more

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Took me so long to try this spot. Juicy chicken but I feel it was way too salty. Loved the spicy rice and coleslaw. read more

Pioneer Chicken - Fast Food Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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This place brings back all kinda childhood memories. The food still smells amazing and tastes great as usual. The service was fantastic . [[HIGHLIGHT]]I sat inside and enjoyed myself while listening to music.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's clear and clean inside, it seems like everyone knows each other here, very friendly.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]So is the restroom clean and fresh.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Thank you for a wonderful experience again today 4/30/2026 read more

Pioneer Chicken - Chicken strips and fries - Fast Food Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The chicken place has been around for over 60 years. The chicken is very flavorful and the sides are good. Service is excellent and the atmosphere is cool. Easy parking in the lot. read more

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Everything about my visit was original. Food was very tasty . Chicken batter was more like a tempura batter. Bbq beans were the best I've had around. The biscuit tastes more like home made corn bread. Corn was good. The Los Angeles location was so clean inside the dining area. The staff constantly wiping tables sweeping keeping everything nice and clean. Very vintage inside and the cashier uniform very vintage. Super helpful & friendly cashier. We even had a staff walk to our table and asked if we needed anything . Now that great customer Service ! read more

Pioneer Chicken - 2 piece meal with biscuit & corn - Fast Food Near Me - Los Angeles, California

My husband truly wanted to stop at Howlin Rays, but we were already on our way back home to Bakersfield so we stopped here because my husband has also been wanting to try this place out. We don't have a Pioneer Chicken in Bakersfield, so we were excited to try them out. I'm always seeing this place posted on Instagram and that people absolutely love this place. We brought food all the way home, so I don't know if I waited too long to bite into the chicken, but it was just okay for me. I told my husband I would definitely want to try it again and eat it at the restaurant to see if it's better quality and better tasting. Staff was really nice. They have a good amount of tables, but when we visited all the tables were taken. They have their own private parking area so you don't have to worry about a meter. read more

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I ordered this on Uber eats and it was just not for me. Nothing was good. The chicken lacked flavor, so did the biscuit, and mash potatoes. The only plus was that everything was still hot due to the Uber only being 4 mins away. But, yea I guess this chicken place has it's own target market and it definitely doesn't include me. read more

Pioneer Chicken - Fast Food Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Chicken is so delicious!! Brings back childhood memories . [[HIGHLIGHT]]Love the new seating area.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Very clean customer service was great. Food is delicious best Chicken ever. Sides are all great too. Must try LA Staple Pioneer Chicken read more

Still the King of Crunch! For context, my original review was basically a love letter to their chicken. I raved about the crispy batter, the juicy (never bloody) meat, and how Pioneer might just have the best fried chicken in all of LA County. And honestly... all these years later? Still true. Every word! The quality and deliciousness haven't changed at all. That signature crunch is still there, the chicken is still perfectly juicy, and it still makes you forget your name for a moment after that first bite. What has changed? They've spruced up the interior, improved the ordering flow, and the staff? still courteous and cool! --best part--they're now on UberEats. So if you're trapped at your desk, drowning in deadlines, you can just tap the app and let fried chicken save the day. Pioneer Chicken remains amazing, consistent, and absolutely worth it. As good as the very first time I tried it. read more

I thought it would be better but it's alright. The rice is mushy. Mashed potatoes is like gelatin. Fried chicken crispy but the thigh is super oily. Biscuit pretty dry. Got my food quick though. Overall I'm glad I tried it but I will not come back. I've had way better fried chicken else where. read more

Pioneer Chicken - Fast Food Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Got dinner tonight at the Boyle Heights location. It brings back memories from the original location in Echo Park. The Manager Ernie and staff were nice and the to go food came out quickly. I ordered the 8 piece PAC and a 3 piece Dinner with cole slaw & Mashed Potatoes. The location is clean. They have a small parking lot. Rating: 5 Stars. read more

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This is the most iconic fried chicken spot in LA. So let's see if they're pretty good eh or ew. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Vibes were on point[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] and I got their orange juicy whip, strawberry tiramisu, drumstick, fish and chips, and 4 piece strip meal to try. The orange juicy whip was perfectly sweet and lowkey reminded me of a melted orange creamsicle which I am so here for. The strawberry tiramisu was super light and airy to the point of almost being foamy? And had like those artificial strawberry syrup flaves. Not really for me. The fries, chicken, and fish were all coated in this super crispity crunchity flavorful savory addicting batter. And the fish and chicken were definitely not dry and were super tender and yummy. Course gotta havre the chicken with some honey too and the fish with their tangy tartar sauce. The 4 piece strips also came with 2 sides and yall know I'm a bean fiend so had to get their barbecue beans which were sweet and sugary and were lowkey giving bush's which are yummy. I also got their spicy rice which even had bits of chicken in it and was flavorful and a little spicy. The biscuit had a crispity crunchity exterior and buttery fluffy savory interior. My grandma said this is her new favorite fried chicken spot which lowkey me too cuz Overall this place is pretty good. 4pc strips meal $15.99 Juicy whip small $2.99 Fish and chips $11.99 Drumstick $3.09 Tiramisu $5.99 read more

As soon as I discovered that there were still some Pioneers Chicken locations open, I couldn't wait to try it out. I convinced my coworker to accompany me for lunch, as he remembers the golden days of Pioneers as well. It was meh. Not as good as I remembered. My coworker agreed. The chicken seemed old, like it was fried again and just wasn't great. It looked decent. The mashed potatoes and gravy were good. The rice had a cool flavor and the biscuit was okay. I don't know if it was a bad day, but I definitely won't be returning. read more

Pioneer Chicken - 3pc chicken meal - Fast Food Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Back for more nostalgia and great fried chicken!!! Mike was so friendly and hospitable. I had a great conversation remembering the 80s when Pioneer Chicken was the rage. The restaurant was absolutely and amazingly vintage, like I was transported back in time. As usual, the chicken was moist and seasoned well with that special Pioneer "crunch" and color. The restroom was spotless and I appreciated the specially designed toilet seat for men wanting to lift the seat to take care of business. read more

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Service food ambiance Best fried chicken in LA [[HIGHLIGHT]]The music while eating was[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The chicken was soo crispy and moist Just go and eat some chicken do yourself a favor skip canes , chic filet and anywhere else read more

Pioneer Chicken - 3 piece combo - Fast Food Near Me - Los Angeles, California

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Stepping into Pioneer Chicken was like stepping into a time capsule.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I instantly became five years old and I remember my mom ordering us crispy fried chicken with a side of mash/gravy and coleslaw. My mom was a hardworking immigrant and for her Pioneer Chicken was the taste of the American Dream. I remember boarding the RTD with her afterwords, I held her hand and I remember how delicious Pioneer was. If it wasn't for TikTok, I wouldn't have even known that this Pioneer location was open. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I came in and the place was packed.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I noticed how hustling and bustling the entire kitchen was.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The cashier staff was run by these fast professional young women who assured me that my order would be out in 6 minutes - sure enough my order was called out in exactly 6 minutes! The moment I tasted the crisp and devoured the wing and drumstick and breast, I couldn't believe how delicious it was. The muffin paired with honey brought me back! I thought of my mom, my childhood and I sat there enjoying every single bite! I think this Pioneer Chicken location might very well be one of the best tasking fried chicken in LA! Absolute gem! Thank you for being here! read more

Pioneer Chicken - 3 piece with two side + muffin - Fast Food Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I've had pioneer chicken throughout my life, it was good when I was little some 32 years ago. It was good when I had it last in LA from 1 of the 3 locations that is left but closed in recent years. I'm sure it will be good when I go soon to 1 of the last locations left. read more

Every time I have to run errands in the Los Angeles I have to stop here at Pioneer Chicken what are the best chicken in the world i'm coming here to tell the kids there was a lot of Location all over and LA county now they're going to one year in Boyle Heights and another one in Bellflower she is always like to love the gravy, love their mashed potatoes on the corn on a Cobb really gotta come and check them out [[HIGHLIGHT]]love their customer service and love the atmosphere all the pictures they got all around.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. come take them out read more

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I might be a little biased here but I've been eating Pioneer since the 80's so the memories alone is five stars. It's nice to see the Boyle Heights location still open. My favorite is the breading on the chicken. All the sides are good and the portions are generous. My only complaint is they charge for ranch and barbecue sauce. I always get the chicken strips meal and of course I gotta have those sauces to complete the meal, so it kinda sucks you gotta tack on an extra $1.50 on top of the price of the combo. Quick service and friendly staff. read more

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Wow that chicken did not disappoint Drove from the Southbay area just to buy some Pioneer Chicken. I remember eating it as a kid. In my opinion, nothing can compare to the flavor and the crunch, of this chicken. I am most definitely going back soon to get some again. read more

Pioneer Chicken was every bit as good as i remembered from my youth and still delicious. The fried chicken's batter was fried to golden brown and gave a satisfying crunch as I bite into it and the chicken was moist and flavorful. I had ordered w 3piece combo which included two sides, I choice mashed potatoes which were creamy and served with a flavorful chicken gravy very good. My second side was a crispy, crunchy Cole slaw which was very tasty. The Combe is good value for money. The service was truly 5 star as I was welcomed the moment I walked through the door. Good food and good service a winning combination. read more

Pioneer Chicken - Pioneer Chicken golden chicken breast - Fast Food Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Was told this tasted like my childhood, grew up in the very late 70's-80's in the valley. Pioneer chicken was a huge staple. Had this on my list places to try for awhile. Definitely NOT the same pioneer I grew up with. However the chicken and fry basket we got was very tasty. The place was amazingly clean and staff was very friendly. No restroom here though, so be aware. read more

Pioneer Chicken - 2 piece chicken meal with fries - Fast Food Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Was my first time here and I really enjoyed it. The food was just phenomenal and it was cooked to perfection. I ordered a two piece fish and chips and it was so delicious that I ordered a second one. I also ordered a drink of Horchata and it was delicious. The service was great! The staff were very polite and nice and helpful on helping me order my food. I feel like they should definitely earn a raise. The ambiance there was very well lit and very clean and organized. I would definitely comeback here for another Fish n chips. read more

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I grew up going to Pioneer Chicken after Mass on Sundays. I would always get fish and chips (subbing mashed potatoes and gravy for the chips) with an orange Bang (IYKYK). I was bummed when they closed, and so knowing there is still a Pioneer Chicken in today's day and age has brought me joy. I made the pilgrimage to Pioneer Chicken last month, and it was as delicious as I remembered. The female staffer who rang me up was SO nice, and the wait for my food was more than worth it. I only wish I had also gotten a chocolate parfait. I'll come back soon! read more

Pioneer Chicken - Fried fish with mashed potato and gravy, plus a biscuit, and orange Bang - Fast Food Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Yummy yummy yummmzilla! Free easy parking lot Super professional friendly staff Clean exterior & interior First time my order took approx 20 mins Second time 10 appro. The sides are tiny, tasty but small portions. The chickens greasy af Breading slid off meat second time Spices & flavor in coating, thin, not super breaded like Popeyes, not dry chicken, even next day ! Fried gizzards are perfection !! My doggy loved them too ;) Affordable Will recommend & will return, despite my healthy eating habits ;) It's that worth it ! read more

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I was working in Boyle Heights so I knew I had to stop here for lunch and I'm so glad I did! The chicken was greasy but in the best way (sorry arteries, it be like that sometimes lol). The spicy rice and cole slaw were so good, perfect sides for the chicken. And that biscuit omg, just bury me with it. Excellent service and super fast, all in all just a lovely lunch experience. I'll definitely be back to get some tenders! read more

Pioneer Chicken - 2 piece with spicy rice and cole slaw - Fast Food Near Me - Los Angeles, California

A visit to this place takes me back to my childhood. Pioneer Chicken (originally Pioneer Take Out) is a beloved, now-nearly-extinct Southern California fried chicken chain that began in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, in 1961. It was founded by the same guy that started H. Salt Fish & Chips. That's why the batter is crazy orange and almost like an armor because it's so dense. The crunch it delivers is second to none. I'm glad we're both still here. read more

Pioneer Chicken - Fast Food Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Fantastic! La natives would love it! Brought back memories from over 30 years! Great classic taste. Nice staff read more

Pioneer Chicken - 2 piece dinner - Fast Food Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This place was everything I remembered and more. Chicken was excellent! The fish was on point and the tartar sauce was out of this world Jessica and the staff were beyond nice and the attitude of the place was upbeat and very friendly. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Restaurant was clean and we were very full and happy when we left[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Thank you PIONEER! We will definitely see you again read more