This place is crazy! On Saturday night F and I stopped in on the recommendation of a client. Pollo is packed...families, single guys, couples. It's an atmosphere of controlled chaos. Well, maybe not controlled... The ordering process is a bit disorganized and everyone speaks only Spanish, but somehow we got what we ordered. We tried the grilled and the fried chicken, which comes with two sides. We tried the yucca fries and street corn salad. While we were waiting, what seemed like a long time. Another customer told us he was Guatemalan and lived in Philadelphia but would come here after work for the fried chicken. He said he knew we were gringos because we ordered the grilled chicken. No Latino orders the grilled chicken. (I love this town!) We took our order to go. Wow! So good! I love those yucca fries. And yes the fried chicken is fantastic but the grilled chicken was really good, too. So happy Pollo Camparo is in the neighborhood. read more

See all

Excellent service and great food! Chicken sandwich awesome, empanada, awesome, grilled chicken campero bowl awesome, and yuca were fries awesome. Best fast food chicken hands down! read more

Great service even though parking is hard to find. Prompt delivery of grub hub orders

Flavorful!!! But cold!!! I got a two piece with a breast and cole slaw. The food was very flavorful. I really liked the presentation which was on a real plate with three limes. The cole slaw was good, but could have had less mayo. I asked for a cup for water and they apologized and said that they don't do that. It is a little rough looking of a neighborhood, so maybe people steal soda if given a cup. No big deal, I just grabbed my bottle of water out of my car. This is the first time that I have tried a Pollo Campero, and I am pretty sure that it will be my last. My chicken was barely above room temperature. There is no excuse for cold chicken at 12:50 pm. I was pleasantly surprised that there is a check-in offer here. They only have flan, no tres leches cake. But the flan was delicious!! I was very happy with it. But not enough to raise my review above 3 stars. read more

Pollo Campero Trenton - Drinks! - Latin American Near Me - Trenton, New Jersey

So what would make me travel 30 plus minutes into Trenton besides spending time with my family? Of course fried chicken! This is a small, expanding Central American chain. It has been over a decade since I last visited Central America but I was able to reminisce (a little) on this visit. Now on to the food. I really wish the American version included the kick of spice that is included in the original Central American recipe. I also see they make it a point to advertise they use hormone-free chicken which I appreciate. However, there is barely any white meat to this citrus fried chicken, just crunchy skin. The sides are okay I would get the french fries and yucca fries and skip the others. I appreciated the labels describing the Horchata, Jicama, and Tamarindo juices in english. Even for someone like me, who is familiar with them, it was useful in my decision-making. Get the tamarindo lightly tart and sweet to wash it all down. While the service was a bit snappy(i don't expect much from a fast food joint) on my second visit, they were able to quickly fullfill our large order. The area is a bit sketchy and I was a little nervous waiting in the rear parking lot while my family arrived. But atleast they have a parking lot and I didn't have to search for street parking, which may have been impossible. Follow the large arrow to the left of the store front to find the parking lot. read more

Pollo Campero Trenton - Great citrus flavor but barely any meat - Latin American Near Me - Trenton, New Jersey

We split the chicken order of fried and grilled (with herb). The grilled chicken has a delicious taste and flavor, even though it kinda felt as if they just dropped it in citrus juice. The fried chicken has dangerously tasty crispy skin. I like their fat rice with herb and corn, and it blends well with the impossible-to-resist yucca fries. The hot fries are crispy on the outside and so soft and steamy inside, ready to dip in the the sauce. Yumster. The cooking style is decidedly different from the typical Peruvian pollo al carbon.... this is more like a blend of Korean crispy fried chicken and KFC with a splash of the Latino flavoring over the grill. The drawback is the location is a bit in a shady locale and we got accosted by someone asking for money right after we parked. No biggie though and it may have just added some spice to the whole experience! Little interesting fact I didn't realize until I looked up the wall and saw their timeline -- their history traced back to 1971 when they opened the original store in Guate, and in 2007 they even opened in Asia (Jakarta, Indonesia). Quite a story. read more

Pollo Campero Trenton - 8 pieces of chicken (4 fried and 4 grilled with herbs), 4 Hawaiian bread buns, and Campero rice and yucca (not pictured) as sides. - Latin American Near Me - Trenton, New Jersey

See all

I guess you have to possess fond memories of Pollo Campero from your childhood or hometown to fully appreciate the specialness of this place. It is a bright and happy place, and the food gets to your table quickly with a smiling face attached. But, after taking a big bite out of their famous Chicken the party comes to an end rather quickly. True, the chicken is fresh and juicy, and has a citrus and chili flavor going on to tickle the taste buds. But, after that the experience is rather flat. The side dishes are ordinary (beans, coleslaw, taters, etc.), and the drinks are generic except for the Horacha, which was too sweet and tasted like it was from a mix. As fast chicken goes, this is a reasonable alternative to the Colonel or Popeye's, but not as good as a Bojangles or Cluck-U. There are other Guatemalan restaurants in Trenton that make great fried chicken in a much more unique and pleasant atmosphere. If you have the time and sense of adventure, you should try them and compare. read more

See all

Bad service I place order never got it. I send someone to pick it up they said that they don't have it them they try to make me pay for the food again when I have already pay for on line read more

Working in the culinary wasteland that is Trenton, my co-workers and I were so excited when we found out that Pollo Campero had opened. Although it's a chain, I've never been to one before. The chicken is great-not too spicy but never dry or bland. The sides (and we've tried them all) have all been great. Plantains, beans and rice-all have been authentic. So far, everything on the menu has been a hit. The prices are all very, very reasonable too. It's already entered the weekly rotation into our lunchtime feedings. read more

Best fried chicken sandwich ever! I would recommend the bowls and sandwiches anytime! Better than Chick-fil-a!

Perfectly cook plantains and very refreshing Horchata.... I didn't have the chicken this time however in previous visits the flavor was very good read more

Pollo Campero Trenton - Good carmalization - Latin American Near Me - Trenton, New Jersey

Literally the only reason their getting a star at all is because the chicken tastes pretty damn good. I waited over 20 minutes for my food that should have taken 5 min to get. Also after ridiculous money on chicken especially in the city of Trenton they gave me 4 basically chicken wings, great deal for 10.99. If this place were to be wiped of the map I would probably be happy. read more

Not great but several notches above most chain food places and a pretty good value for your hard earned dollars. I had the roasted chicken which is nicely seasoned and several side dishes, all of which tasted almost homemade. read more

I'm still pondering how to best evaluate this chicken chain. I guess it can be somewhat compared to Popeyes or KFC, but with a Latino influence. I think it compares very favorably with both of those, possibly surpassing them with the fried offerings. I came with a groupon for $20 and was able to sample almost all of their menu items, my favorites were the fried and to a lesser extent the grilled. Both were moist inside and the grilled had a nice citrus flavor. My only critique of it would be that it needs slightly more contact with the grill surface area, maybe a brick or weight to help cook the skin a bit more. The fried version was nice and crispy without being oily, and the inside had a seasoned taste probably from a brine or marinade. The chicken bowl was ok, fried or pulled chicken atop rice and black beans, a bit over salted. Camperitos are their version of tenders, pretty good and I think kids would enjoy these. My last items were the empanadas, I should have asked what flavors they had, my 4 pack seemed to contain at least 3 different types, only one of which I liked. The dough is flakier than I was expecting, I guess I've never had a chain version of them before. Of the various fillings, a red chicken one suited me, the others not so much. There is a small condiment bar where you can help yourself to pico de gallo, onion and cilantro, red salsa and jalapeños. Along with the usual soft drink choices you can even get horchata, Jamaica or tamarindo. Yelpers take note, free flan with checkin, it was ok, for free totally worth it. Service was friendly but a bit slow and a few items were not added to my bag. Missing were the tortillas and also fries that should have come with the tenders. I'm kind of undecided if I will return. Groupons still seem to be available so that would be an incentive. But it's location is such that I would pass by better Mexican choices to get there. I'm also not a huge fried chicken fan. If you are, get a deal and give them a try. read more

I still remember the first time I had Pollo Campero. I was at Downtown Disney, and wandered in there almost by accident. The Guatemalan style fried chicken is a revelation, and I'm enthralled to have it close to home. Whether you get it grilled or fried, the chicken is marinated in garlicky, citrusy goodness. They also have beans, bowls and authentic sides like sweet plantains, yucca fries, and black or red beans. The combos are served with warm soft, tortillas and I always make myself a little fried chicken taco with the Yucca fries and some of the tomatillo salsa. They have some unique refrescos (sodas) like Horchata (a rice drink with cinnamon), Rosà de Jamaica (hibiscus), and Tamarindo (tamarind) as well as all the usual (Pepsi) fountain drinks. Yes, it's not in the best part of town, but it is well worth the trip! Far and away the best fried chicken in the area. read more

Living in Guatemala, taking the family to Pollo Campero was a Sunday ritual. Whenever we flew home the plane used to smell like paradise from all bags of Pollo Campero people were bringing back to the U.S. for their homesick compatriots. I was stoked to learn the chain had opened a location in Trenton, because before that we had to go to DC to get it. The juicy, tender chicken with its savory crunchy skin is like crack - you can't stop eating it. The sides are delicious, authentic Guatemalan dishes like black or red beans, sweet plantains, white or yellow rice, and condiments like pico de gallo and spicy tomatillo sauce. Besides the usual sodas, authentic refrescos (drinks) are available: horchata (a rice drink), rosa de jamaica (hibiscus) and tamarindo (tamarind). You can get corn tortillas on the side, or little white rolls. I don't think it's excessive for us to drive 35 miles for Pollo Campero. We do it whenever we get a chance for this special treat. Street parking can be tight, but you can also use a small lot a couple of doors down. read more

You can't get better fried chicken or grilled chicken in Trenton than this place. I have gotten catering from here several times. Fried chicken, grilled chicken, plantains, rice, campero beans, empanadas and salsas. Perfect catered lunch. I also like to go and eat at Pollo because the chicken is crispy and juicy. The flavor is unique to Pollo Campero and very addictive. Order an extra piece of chicken. Trust me. I always get the Horchata when I go as well. Tres le he's cake is also good. Now I have to go tomorrow because the review has given me a craving for Pollo Campero. read more

Get your fried chicken fix here. A delicious alternative to the generic fast food. Pollo Compero is a Latin American chain, and it is good. The chicken itself is juicy, crispy, and very well seasoned. The sides are good, go for the compero rice and beans. Warm tortillas are a nice complement. Got some good horchata too. The flan is a sugar bomb, intoxicatingly sweet. It is really hard to get good fried chicken. Fortunately, this place does it right. read more

Excellent. After trying this place you will not go back to KFC, Popeyes etc. Clean location in a challenging part of town ... safe enough during the day, but take care at night. Its not the worst part of Trenton, but lets face it, its still Trenton. Wrong turns around the place might place you in not so great area's. As long as you have GPS though and understand urban settings you'll be OK. Parking can be tricky (only two spots on the frontage) but you normally find a spot on the street (metered). Inside its clean, large, well lit location with awesome product - excellent chicken, crispy and spicy with a lemony hit and its cheaper than KFC/Popeyes. They got a fixin's bar. Lots of families and a few cops when I went. read more

So I'm on a quest to find good friend chicken and empanadas for my daughters graduation party in June. I came across this place here on Yelp. Since it's not that far from my job and my best friends new town home we decided to hop on over and check it out. I went specifically for chicken and empanadas. Didn't order anything additional. The chicken was fried nice and crisp. The first piece I tried was a wing. It tasted very good, had a nice citrusy undertone to it. The second piece I tried was a leg. What happened here? Was this piece absent when the seasonings were added?? It was lacking the same flavor of the wing piece. My daughter, the future graduate tried the same pieces. She thought the chicken was good but contends she likes Shoprite fried chicken better. Shoprite is not bad but tends to be very greasy and not as crisp. The decision rests with her. But we're still looking. On to the chicken empanadas. I got the regular. It had a strange limey taste to it that just didn't resonate well with me. Maybe I'll try another kind but that one was a no no for me. She on the other hand actually like it. So all in all Pollo Campero is a decent enough chicken spot. The restaurant itself was spacious and appeared to be clean. I got my food to go. The staff and manager were all guide friendly Oh I had an offer for a free flan or tres leches cake. Ended up with the flan as they were out of cake. I've never had flan before. Or at least I don't remember ever having it. This was just meh read more

When you find yourself in Trenton, you will find that the food options are fairly bleak. We headed straight to Pollo Campero from the train station and ordered a couple pieces of chicken and the chicken bites meal. The service is remarkably friendly, and no matter what you ask for (can I get two thighs instead of a thigh and drumstick, or can I get a tres leches from the Yelp checkin?), they will nod and smile most agreeably, but when your order comes out, nothing will resemble anything you wanted, but you'll eat it anyway, because it's Pollo Campero. The chicken is slightly more flavorful than your standard Popeye's, with a limey, salty kick, but it's nothing particularly extraordinary, but no one should expect extraordinary for a $12 meal for two people. So cheap ! read more

The best Guatemalan style chick. And no its not soul food. Every thing is made by hand. read more

Pollo Campero Trenton - Guatemalan style chicken. - Latin American Near Me - Trenton, New Jersey

See all

Excellent Latin chicken. Does not taste like fast food. The plantains are very tasty and done right. The menu has a nice selection. We will be back when in the area. read more

Finally, something different than the usual fast food choices...... The food was very good and fresh. The owner must really be cracking the whip because the service was great. Definitely would go back. read more

So how I'm rating Pollo Campero is based on a fast food joint with flavor. It would be unfair to compare it to a Latin restaurant, although the flavors are there, it's not a family restaurant environment. I came here on day I was not far, and checked my bookmarks, I opted for here because well, there was a check in offer for dessert... score! I went for the 2 piece chicken fried meal which came with a side and either a roll of tortilla. I decided on the corn tortilla and plantains, I added a single chicken empanada just to see what it was about. I presented my check in offer at check in, and asked if the flan was ok because that's what they had today, worked for me! It took a few minutes to get my order together, but it was packed completely when it was ready. As you wait it's you might start to sway to the cheesy music or look around and the overly colorful décor, you do notice that it's clean, very clean which is a definite plus. They have a salsa bar, which is nice to be able to get fresh salsa for your meal. I drove back to the office, car smelling of deliciousness. Got back to the office and cracked open the boxes, I must say I was a little taken a back by the seemingly skimpy pieces of chicken in the box. But those little pieces packed BIG flavor! The chicken is good, small but all meat, not fatty or oily. The plantains were well done and delicious as well. I stripped some of the chicken off the bone and made a make shift wrapped tortilla, with salsa sour cream chicken and plantain.. I very much enjoyed it! I'm glad I did decide to get an empanada, either that or another piece of chicken would have been needed. The empanada was good, I was expecting shredded chicken but it seemed a bit more minced so the texture was a tad odd, but delicious none the less. It would have been really good a refreshing clear soda to wash it down, but the meal did not come with one, nor was I encouraged or asked for that matter to get one so it hadn't crossed my mind while I was there. a little while later when I cracked open the flan I was pleasantly delighted to find that when you dig in caramel starts oozing from the bottom, delicious! Again as a fast food joint it is 3.5 stars, esp since it's fried chicken that does not taste or feel unhealthy. I'd return. read more

Pollo Campero Trenton - Two piece chicken plantain and tortilla - Latin American Near Me - Trenton, New Jersey

For fast food, very nice. Tender well-flavored chicken, interesting sides.

This is the dirtiest place in the world. The workers and manager do not have any Class of respect towards the costumer they have to work on their manners today 4-12-18 i go to the restaurant for the first time and it was all dirty, they did not even give me the Thanks for aver bought there and to top the chicken was raw Very bad experience !!! Este es el sitio mas sucio del mundo. Los trabajadores y manager no tienen ninguna Clase de respecto hacia los costumer tienen que trabajar en sus modales hoy 4-12-18 entre al restaurante por primera vez y estaba todo sucio, ni siquiera me dieron las Gracias por aver comprado ahi y para el colmo el pollo estaba crudo Muy mala experiencia !!! read more

They don't deliver & online ordering doesn't work. Good food but I must admit not good enough to pick-up on while Eagles vs. giants is on

This place is basically a king ghetto chicken spot in the hood where no one speaks english. The food is dry and the sides tastes pre packed...dont bother keep your pennies in your pocket... read more

I was in Trenton meeting with a vendor the other day and saw a Pollo Campero and immediately thought: They have these OUT HERE?! Hell, they're hard to come by in Cali and Texas. I guess I didn't expect too much Central American style chicken in Central Jersey. But yea, you locals really need to try it out - this isn't exactly a type of chicken that you come by everyday. Their staple item is the Guatemalan style fried chicken, although the grilled chicken is delicious as well...really marinated and rubbed well and FULL of flavor! They also have bowls and burritos, though I have not tried them and can't comment. Bottom line is this: If you want some really kick ass grilled or fried chicken , then Pollo Campero is the place for you. The chicken is marinated in a garlicky limey bath before being grilled or deep fried. You just cant resist eating it all. Even the skin. Its just hard to describe how good it is. Go there. Try it. Don't worry. They speak English, too. read more

ANOTHER FAILED CHAIN. I was looking for a good fried chicken joint since my favorite place El Pollo Loco closed down. First off, it's not that cheap. I don't mind paying money for something good but this place was a total letdown based on all the good reviews on Yelp regarding this chain. Unless the chicken is training for the olympics, this was one super rubbery, hard piece of meat I had to wash down with some mediocre horchata. Maduros were decent but I didn't go there cause I was craving sweet plantains. I had better fried chicken bought from Shoprite! Note to self: I guess I have to go back to eating Popeyes. read more

Today, Monday 30th,2017 I went to buy a 16 piece of chicken from Pollo Campero and they gave me left over chicken. I can tell it was old because the bone was dark and there was more skin then meat. The chicken tasted bitter most likely cooked in dirty oil. read more

Absolutely gross. I visited this place today around 2:30 pm for the first time and became violently ill immediately after eating here. I wouldn't be surprised if other people became ill today too if they also had what I had. Eat here at your own risk. I had fried chicken, campero rice and beans. I would give it no stars and call the health department if I could. read more

The fried chicken is so delicious. I enjoyed their spicy chicken empanadas as well. The rice is pretty good, although I find it is significantly improved by adding some fresh cilantro and onions to it from their salsa bar. Their Maduro Platano (sweet plantains) are on point and very enjoyable. read more

Amazing food! The chicken is really juicy and flavorful. I had the pleasure of eating here while I was driving back to NYC. I never heard of this place before but took a chance out of sheer hunger and boy was I glad I did. The chicken is great. The staff is really friendly - im one of those that asks hundeds of questions regarding ingredients and food preparation. The manager answered all the questions I had. It also has great sides and desserts. I'll be back! read more

We LOVE Pollo Campero! We enjoyed it in Guatemala, Washington DC and Orlando and were thrilled to have one open closer to home. The restaurant was clean, food was fresh and delicious and I felt like the manager was so helpful and friendly. He answered all of my questions (we have some dietary challenges) without issue. We will definitely return. read more

The food was nice, the service was great, and the restaurant was clean. For being in a run-down area of Trenton, this actually surprised me. Their fried chicken was good, and so was their citrus grilled chicken. Their cilantro lime sour cream was good, and the salsa bar was a nice touch. Would go back again if I was in the mood for chicken! read more

Definitivamente no es pollo peruano. It's not peruvian chicken, I guess they just say so trying to draw more people in. I drove over 25 minutes to found out dry regular fried and grilled chicken read more

Pollo Campero is a really cool place to sit down with your family and have a nice meal. My family and I just loved it.

My old roommate has a BF from Trenton and the last time she came to visit, they brought me some fried chicken from Pollo Campero. I didn't eat it right away, I needed to heat it up in the toaster a couple hours later; even still, by far the best fried chicken I've had from a restaurant. Planning on going back soon and I will update the post. Update: 2015 Best fried chicken around!!! Parking is annoying since Trenton is super busy but it is definitely worth the hassle!! The emapanadas are so delicious, the yuca fries are perfect and I love the coleslaw! I especially like that you can pick the salsa you want from the mini counter bar! read more