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El Pollo Norteno

3.8 (179 reviews)
Closed 10:00 am - 9:00 pm

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EL POLLO NORTENO ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Moderate noise
Good for kids
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - El Pollo Norteno

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Brandy O.

Come on now! If you don't know, your going to learn today! This place hits different than all the other Mexican spots in town. There tri-tip and chicken are . There salsa is . The flavors are . Just like a family's backyard plate of food. Good! Thanks Anna for such great service! Clean, delicious, friendly, and affordable. Ill be back!

El pollo parece güilota la carne mas o menos, pero en lo k si se pasan la soda casi $5 dolares y miren la cantidad de hielo, sólo le di 3 sorbos y se acabo la soda, y cuando fui à decirles dijeron k si queria mas tenia k pagar $1.50 mas, y le dije pero es puro hielo, y me dijeron k así lo Servian, no vuelvo

Salsa
Erica G.

I had not been here in awhile but this was a fave growing up! I must say .. it tasted different to me. The tri tip def did :/ I enjoyed my burrito but it was not amazing . I remember the tri tip being juicy , I felt it was dry. Great prices . I got a burrito (tri tip) and large Jamaica for less than 15 bucks!!! Place looks the same as I remember. Super clean. Bright yellow and green ! Uff the memories! I had two tias that worked here when they were teens. I remember visiting them when I was a kid and looking up to them. I wanted to be a cashier when I grew up ! Oh kid memories! Great service! I love that this place is a great deal, spotless , has so much parking and great service ! I still come back for a quick /cheap meal! 3.4 /5 stars ! Nostalgia and great service will keep me coming back :)

Different Angle same comment
Rod M.

I do not really know if this is at all related to the major El Pollo chain. Completely different menu and a one of a kind small restaurant. Very old school built in late 1940's my guess. Been here twice. They have Tri-Tip which i personally didn't care for. Dry, chewy and over salted. The chicken bowl was ok, dry chicken breast a drizzle of sour cream with rice and beans. Major complaint is they charge for chips, only have one salsa, red mild. No green avocado like the chain. My second visit ordered the #2 half chicken meal. Chicken wasn't freshly made but still decent. The price , decent quality as portions are the reason to go here. That and the service was good. Doubt I'll be going back real soon. Think I'll stick with the chain instead. 4 stars and I'm being generous. Cheap decent food, price of a McDonald's meal but lot healthier.

The Mixto burrito is charbroiled tri-tip, chicken, rice and beans. Served with fresh salsa and chips.
Jeff L.

One of the things I appreciate about El Pollo Norteno is its consistency. Our meals have always been fresh and prepared to order. They used to have a location in Santa Maria and in downtown Oxnard. Not sure they're still open. The menu is simple. The chicken is flame broiled as is the tri tip. If you want sides besides pinto beans you have to tell them. I always get the potato salad because though not homemade, it adds a touch of sweetness to my meal. Average Mexican rice without any added ingredients is a side. You can get onions and fired chilis. I find it odd that they consider salsa a side. I order the $2 bag of freshly made chips which comes with salsa. The salsa is made fresh and generally mild. You order at the counter and your order always arrives within 5 minutes. The servers are friendly and prompt. Soda in can, bottle or fountain is higher in price than I like paying but I do because I want to do my small part to keep the restaurant open. I sometimes get a slice of decent cheesecake for $4 for a nice dessert. The cheesecake reminds me of the Jon Donaire Costco sold. They also offer bowls and burritos with chicken, tri tip or Mixto which combines both. I still wish they would offer fresh grilled corn on the cob seasonally when it's locally available. $2 an ear would be great or $3 Mexican style. I also wish they would reduce their fountain/can sodas to $2 from the $3.75 they charge. McDonald's used to offer $1 soda any size! We live far from El Pollo Norteno near LAX and before the fires that have recently closed PCH 1-2/2025 we'd drive the 90 minutes along the coast and dine. Now it's the same time but on the ugly freeway. The ambiance is that of a friendly family restaurant. The interior is always spotless because I always see the servers cleaning tables and windows and floors. Restrooms are inside and the bright yellow and green always cheers me up. During seasonal celebrations a table toward the front is always festively decorated as is the ceiling and windows. Parking is free and easy with entrances at the side and front. They do offer catering if you live in the area.

Burrito where's the rest of the Tri-tip  ??

They forgot the tri-tip in the tri-tip burrito I ordered. Well I did get a couple of pieces in half of it. The other half was beans and rice.

Chicken, beans, salsa and orange drink.
Big Al H.

Prices have gone up, quality is the same if not better. Chicken pieces are smaller. Will I go back.....hell yes!!

Love my lady!

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6 months ago

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3 months ago

Pollo norteño, for as basic as it is ... hits the spot. Go to is the mixto burrito with an extra side of salsa . Their Salsa is addicting

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5 months ago

Quick tri tip and chicken nd rice spot. Family loves coming here for catering. Located right off oxnard blvd.

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2 years ago

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11 months ago

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11 months ago

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1 year ago

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1 year ago

Can't go wrong with tri tip and chicken. Fresh salsa chips are ok but overall food is legit.

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11 months ago

Always delicious. All the time . A good selection and real efficient team getting things together.

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1 year ago

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1 year ago

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1 year ago

One of the best places to eat great service Love going to grab a bite I would recommend

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2 years ago

The food was good, it was warm by the time we got home also packed well. Really like the salsa had a kick to it.

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1 year ago

Food here always hits the spot. Their chicken is always so tasty and their sides are solid. The service was also very fast.

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2 years ago

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4 years ago

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3 years ago

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2 years ago

Delicious, amazing food. I love their tri-tip and chicken. The tomato salsa is pretty bomb!

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6 years ago

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

Pollo Norteño is a must!! Great quality of food and value. I have been there frequently and the quality is consistent which is important.

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Is there a closer one to the valley ? I used to go to the Simi Valley one years ago

This seems to be to last location standing

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Smokin Jays - Fries with chicken.

Smokin Jays

(273 reviews)

$$

Good service friendly lady she was happy. The happiest lady in Oxnard…read more Good Chile burger Good tender brisket Kool-aide was a little weak

BBQ Worth Fighting Over at Smokin Jay's BBQ & Coffee from Potheads Coffee…read more My wife and I recently stopped by Smokin Jay's BBQ and paired it with a visit to Potheads Coffee, and it turned into one of those meals you end up talking about long after you leave. From the first bite, it was clear this spot takes their BBQ seriously. Entrées: We started by ordering a brisket plate, which came with about 1/4 lb of brisket, roughly six solid pieces, along with macaroni salad and baked beans. Our original plan was to share, but that quickly changed after the first few bites. The brisket was tender, flavorful, and cooked just right with that perfect balance of smoke and juiciness. It didn't take long before we realized sharing wasn't going to cut it. So my wife went back up and ordered a brisket sando with fries, and it absolutely delivered. The sandwich came loaded with brisket, pickles, slaw, and sauce, all working together perfectly. The fries were a great side, crispy and a solid pairing with the sandwich. Sides: The macaroni salad and baked beans that came with the plate were both on point. The mac salad was creamy and complemented the richness of the brisket, while the baked beans added that sweet and savory depth you want with BBQ. Sandwich Details: The sando really stood out, especially with the addition of the slaw. My wife usually isn't a fan of coleslaw, but this one changed things a bit. It wasn't overpowering and added a nice crunch and balance to the sandwich, tying everything together without taking away from the brisket. Drinks and Service: Grabbing coffee from Potheads Coffee alongside the meal was the perfect move. What really stood out, though, was the service. Jay, the owner, was walking around checking in on customers and genuinely engaging with everyone. He even helped my wife decide on a coffee based on what she usually orders at Starbucks, which was a great personal touch. He later stopped by our table, chatted with us for a bit, and made the whole experience feel welcoming and personal. Ambience: The atmosphere strikes a great balance between laid back and lively. It has that casual, welcoming BBQ spot feel where you can relax, enjoy your food, and not feel rushed. Pairing it with Potheads Coffee adds to the experience, making it feel like more than just a meal but a spot you can hang out and enjoy. Overall: Smokin Jay's BBQ is hands down the best BBQ spot I've had in Ventura County so far. Between the quality brisket, well put together sides, standout sandwiches, and the personal touch from the owner, it's an easy recommendation. Pair it with Potheads Coffee, and you've got yourself a top tier Ventura food stop that's definitely worth coming back to.

El Pollo Norteno - mexican - Updated May 2026

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