Tried this place out after getting a heavy recommendation from someone. I don't shop in the plaza it is in so I otherwise would have never known it existed.. Pretty open restaurant. Decent amount of indoor self seating, the grill is exposed so you can see the magic as it is happening. Quite a friendly staff! Very welcoming, they know the various menu boards and pricing might be a little off so they make sure to inform of any changes.. We dug in on their half chicken plate, a torta, and a quesadilla.. Overall quite pleased with the chicken. Flavorful, not dry, and it made for a filling meal with the rice, beans, and tortillas on the side. Solid positive feedback on the torta, a shame I didn't try it. The horchata seemed watered down.. When dining in, you order at the counter and then snag it from the front when ready - similar to fast food spots... The shopping plaza is pretty busy damn nearly all day long so parking can get messy depending on the crowd. Solid choice for a family/group lunch or dinner, but also a healthier alternative for a quick solo meal.. Prices compare with the average, inflation got to them all around. read more

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I been searching and trying to find a good charbroil chicken joint. After doing research el pollo fino got mentioned many times so here I am. Located next to Northgate is this joint. Place smelled great. Gentlemen grilling the chicken and smiling. I knew it would be good Got a full chicken. Comes with salsa and tortilla for 19.01 after tax. Great flavor. Not too dry on the white meat. Great salsas. Also I was informed Monday - Friday they will be offering one dollar tacos. This is a great place not only for good food. But to support local small businesses also. read more

El Pollo Fino - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

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Feels like a home meal. Great food and service. This place needs more people to try it!!

Stopped in and ordered a steak torta to go. Ordered at the counter, and service was friendly. Waited about 10 mins for my order. The torta was good. Look forward to trying the chicken next time. read more

El Pollo Fino - Steak torta - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

So good! El pastor is my favorite thing to eat lately. El Pollo Fini has delicious El Pastor, carnitas and flame grilled chicken. Staff is friendly and welcoming and restaurant is clean and has plenty of tables. read more

El Pollo Fino - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

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Pollo Fino is located in Placentia Plaza off of Chapman and Placentia Ave. It is easy to access and parking is plentiful. My mom used to come here decades ago, way before the "Crazy Chicken" became popular. I stopped in today for the nostalgia ~ AND it was lunch time:) The inside of the restaurant is spacious and clean with plenty of seating. The grill and kitchen are open concept, so you can see how the food is prepared. The posted menu board looks new, but is void of pricing. Orders are placed at the counter. I had a to go order, so I collected my order there; not sure if food is delivered to the table if you're dining in. Three people were working today, all were friendly and accommodating. There was definitely a comfortable, family feeling going on. I ordered the 12 piece combo which came with 12 pieces of charbroiled chicken, corn tortillas, and a quart each of rice and beans. The chicken, while nicely seasoned, was not plump and the thinnest pieces were dry and almost overcooked. None of the pieces had good amounts of meat on them. The rice, tortillas, and salsas were good, but the refried beans lacked the typical Mexican spices like cumin, garlic, and onion. As much as I like to support small, family owned businesses, the food just left me and my family unsatisfied. And for almost $37, sadly, I don't think I'd come back. read more

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I've gone back to back weeks to get the chicken here. I suggest getting the 3 piece special. It comes with 3 pieces of chicken, rice, beans, choice of corn or flour tortillas and a soda. Food here is a deal without lost of quality. The staff are friendly. The restaurant reminds me of a restaurant in Mexico, not the most up to date amenities. But this place does what is important good, make delicious food. read more

Great family owned business. Great service and affordable prices. Amazing food. Give this place a try. You won't regret it. read more

I drive from Upland to get this chicken, the seasoning is phenomenal and the rice and beans that accompany it are superb.

Came in here on our way home from work to grab some dinner, was very happy with my experience. The staff is super friendly, the food was hot and tasty, unfortunately I was unable to take any decent pics since we grabbed our chicken and started munching. Recommend this little gem, they've been around for many years but it was my gfs first time and she loved it. We'll be back soon for some more amazing chicken. Thank you read more

El Pollo Fino - a table full of food - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

"The chicken beans and rice served at this place are excellent. I love stopping by here on my way home from work. On weekends, they make awesome homemade tortillas. Another favorite of mine is the carne asada sope. I usually prefer takeout orders because the music inside is a little loud." read more

This place found us, we didn't find them. It was right next door to a Mexican market that we had just discovered. So what does one get at an obviously tiny, Pollo Loco wannabe? I say that with reverence, btw. Staring directly at the gorgeous, marinated then grilled chicken with fire licking their little splayed bodies, I ordered a beef fajitas salad. Yeah. Not only as it lovely to taste, it was set on what looked like a small turkey platter. But I needed no help devouring it. The marinated carne asada and sauteed vegetables on top of a very simple salad was very special, not at all what I expected. And Mr B? He left me in the dust once they place a large bowl of Caldo de Res in front of his nose. So much tender meat, a great broth, large chunks of still firm veggies, and a plate of cilantro, onion, and limes caused him to start moaning. Good thing...I had no intention of sharing. A very satisfying meal with absolutely no pretense. This should be on everyone's bookmarks when looking for good, homestyle cooking. read more

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It's open and it's delicious. Chicken and Beef Soup is the real deal. Yum. Grilled chicken highly recommended. Rice, beans, tortillas all seem hand/home made. Bring your appetite. read more

El Pollo Fino - Staff making it happen... - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

Disappointing. Came in around 2:30p, and it appears they served me whatever had been sitting on the grill since lunch. Service was fine but the chicken was extremely dry, and I ended up tossing it. Hoping the Anaheim location is better. read more

You thought the Taqueria De Anda in this plaza was bad? This place is worse for tacos. I can't say the same for the chicken because I haven't personally tried that yet. The woman that took my order was very sweet, but her and the other two people working in the kitchen just talk and work really slow. I went along with 4 asada, 2 al pastor, and 2 carnitas, all tacos. The asada was really chewy, cold, and overly salty. The al pastor was very overcooked and salty. The carnitas was okay, but didn't seem too fresh. They were very generous for the meats, but it was cooked very poorly. The hot sauces were just okay, not too flavorful. I also got a large horchata, but that was diluted and flavorless. Probably the most disappointing taco join ever. Plus, I was the only customer around 8:15am and with three people working the kitchen, I waited ten minutes for 8 tacos. 8 tacos with a large drink came out to be $16. Parking is very spacious, as it is in a smaller strip mall area with a Northgate. I would skip this place. If you want tacos, go to the Taqueria De Anda in the same plaza instead. read more

Quality is impeccable, food always at its best point. Service is always amiable. Recommended 100%

We come here all the time. Price went up significantly. They don't have menu with price anymore. You'll be paying stiff price with covid price/ inflation. Allow yourself enough time to get your order because they move slow, slow as molasses kind of slow. read more

El Pollo Fino - Receipt of purchase - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

The best grilled chicken in the whole California PERIOD. The salsa is so good... I even approached the owner to see if they are selling franchise, but not. The only drawback that shopping mall always watched by crooked cops who like to give out tickets to everyone. Not sure why, from the whole Placentia, the crooked cops hiding in there to give tickets to people who accidentally made a left turn unnoticed. Enough with that, this place even after I got a ticket still worth coming in. Thank you El Pollo Fino for giving us a fine grilled chicken. read more

I grew up in a house that was exactly 0.7 miles from this place (thanks Google maps!). I lived there from 1979 to 2005. Placentia is a quaint little town and has a heavy Mexican-American population. Put it to you like this, I order in Spanish every time I go. When you see velvet paintings of a bull and a rooster on the wall, well, you know it's authentic. I moved away from California in 2005 and I've spent the last 9 years of my life trying to clone this chicken recipe. I've failed every time. I've pleaded with the people who work there to tell me the secret of the recipe. What is the marinade? What makes it yellow? What is the core flavor!!!!??? I've even flashed my Virginia driver's license and swore a blood oath to never tell. I told them living 3,000 miles way your secret will be safe with me. They won't budge. My only recourse is to keep traveling back to California once a year to indulge in the greatest marinated grilled chicken ever created by human hands. "Here endeth the lesson" -Sean Connery read more

El Pollo Fino - I think they served this at that wedding Jesus went to. - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

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This hole in the wall joint is definitely on point. what looks like a plaza in the middle of Guadalajara, you can order carnitas by the pound a la cartà. Chicken over open grill, rice and beans to get your fill. If you're feeling like some pollo then come on! You can order the whole bird or just get some juevos con jamon! read more

El Pollo Fino - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

Use to come here all the time and it always good. Today drove 1hr because I wanted get a chicken burrito but it was only rice beans and like 3 pieces of chicken. Very disappointed. Not coming back read more

Fui a comer tacos pero horrible la tortilla se desiso tenia hueso de las alas del pollo el pollo fue de Ayer porque ni fresco se Miraba me Dio asco ! read more

I've been going to this place for over 25 years, the chicken is delicious, however after not going since the pandemic I just went back and found the chicken still taste very good, but it was a little dry, I wish they would cook it a little less so it'll be juicer (hence the 4 star rating) read more

This place says home to me! I have been coming to this place since I was about 6 years old and it's been tradition! You must try the home made tortillas on Saturdays and Sundays (just don't be too late or they will run out). I recommend the birria and beans with rice. I am quite simple and have my regular quesadilla with beans and rice, but it's a great place, great prices, and good people! This place is not for someone who isn't into a good loud ambiance! Enjoy! read more

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Checked out this place for the first time based on Yelp reviews. I've driven by this place a zillion times but it had never struck me as a place I would go, located in a runned-down strip mall. After my visit, I definitely think I will go back. The asada soft tacos were very good but pretty standard. The fire roasted chicken (a la El Pollo Loco) was tasty, although slightly over done. One big plus, the price is a lot cheaper than EPL. A half chicken with 2 sides was less than $5. A similar conbo at EPL would set you back at least $7. The beans and rice were very good. read more

I have been coming to this place for over 20 years and it looks like it hasn't changed much at all in that time. In the strip mall where Northgate is now. I like their quesadillas and every now and then will try one of the other menu items but 90% of the time I get the chicken. The chicken can be quite good when cooked fresh but all too often now they cook a bunch and leave it warming next to the grill and throw it back on when ordered. Sometimes it is ok but more often than not now it means dry chicken and sometimes a bit burnt. One improvement is they started serving chips a few years back. Salsas are good and I like the condiments bar when it is there. Handmade tortillas during the weekend. Staff are usually nice. Some of them have worked there for a loooong time. 20 years back 5 stars. 10 years back 4 stars. I hope they go back to their old ways at some point but if they don't, try to be there when they are actually cooking the chicken so you get it fresh. If you order anything to go check the bag as they often forget an item or two from your order. read more

El Pollo Fino - Half chicken combo with double beans, no rice - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

Chicken: Flavor was ok but Dry Pickled jalapeños and carrots: Too sweet The Restaurant was pretty dirty. read more

Rude customer service Ordered the chicken w/rice and beans Food was dry and salty read more

So 2nd time around my mom ordered the 1/2 chicken a la carte. Basically no sides. But at $4.99 who cares. Certainly not mom! She loved it. Perfectly cooked! I got 3 buche tacos (that's pork stomach). Oh, oh so yummy. What I like about this place a lot, is that their tacos are simply prepared. The Buche, onions, cilantro. That's all you need. None of that fancy stuff that hides the meat. I'll be back. read more

El Pollo Fino - 3 Buche Tacos with everything (cilantro and onions). So very, very delicious!! - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

Great chicken‼ We ordered the 16 piece meal and it was very good. The chicken was juicy and the red salsas that came with it was delicious. The green salsa was bland...homemade corn tortillas were bomb.com too! The meal came with roasted jalapeños which were delicious, some were sliced and some were whole, a good accent to the meal. The retried beans were top notch and flavorful! The rice was a little dry but overall Excellent!! Please support the small restaurants...sorry no pictures as we are everything up read more

The chicken here is great . The people there are very nice. I would highly recommend this place . Great value too .

Don't like cilantro? Too bad. They even asked me if I wanted it, and I politely said "No thank you." Apparently, being polite means they will fill every possible space with the ubiquitous herb. read more

El Pollo Fino - Asking for "no cilantro" apparently means "fuckton of cilantro." - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

The tortillas here are very thin and delicious. The chicken is superb. They give you a very good sized portion of whole or refried beans and garlic rice. The flan is excellent. They accidentally forgot my carne asada burrito and graciously placed some extra chicken in the to go bag! Friendly, kind service and delicious food. read more

Normally very happy w this location. But tonight was a disappointment having come for a quick side order BEFORE closing. I was told the registers were closed when I called. The PREVIOUS call to have the order ready for pickup went unanswered. Poor Customer Service. read more

Love this spot! Best chicken soup if you arnt feeling good. The tacos and burritos are really good too! Love that they have the option to order online so it's ready when you get there. read more

Ultra authentic, fair prices , and friendly staff. A go to in the quiver of excellent Mexican food!

Their grilled chicken is SO GOOD. Comes with salsa and tortillas. We will definitely be back!

I really like their chicken tacos here. It's super moist, and flavorful. It's a great value too. Plus the Mexican rice taste great.

I like discovering hole in the wall places with good service. That is what El Pollo Fino is, same plaza as Northgate Plaza, easy to miss. Their staff is very friendly, I had a large order for our church leaders gathering and they were very helpful. The cook insisted on taking the food to my car. read more

How come nobody has written anything about this place?! Come on you people!? It's time to eat! Do you know what it's like riding by on a bike next to a place where the whole front is made of glass windows...the best part is when you look in. The first time I saw this place, there were 3 jolly-er sized ladies cooking up a storm of CHICKEN! They have these huge roasters and you see tons of flames. All the workers are sweating with evaporated deliciousness! These cooks are not to be underestimated. The way they looked at me through the window communicated to me that they were the pollo cooking queens of placentia. There was a young guy working parttime there, we'll let him be a prince. The Burrito, get the carne asada burrito, ask them to mix it with chicken. Make sure you come hungry cause it's a BIG BURRITO. It's like almost the size of a baby! It isn't filled with just a bunch of beans and rice like a lot of places, it's got tons of meat in it! If dinosaurs were still around they would trample this joint for sure. If you are doing laundry next door, this is the place to grab a bite while you wait for your clothes to freshen up. I've been going to this place since I moved here and it hasn't once let me down! Mad respect yo GO PLACENTIA! read more