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    El Pollo Rico

    4.3 (441 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    El Pollo Rico Photos

    EL POLLO RICO ATMOSPHERE

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

    Recommended Reviews - El Pollo Rico

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    Reviews With Photos

    Inside
    Xavier I.

    Tuesday 1/21/25 Came across this spot on an Instagram post that regarded this restaurant as having the best Peruvian chicken in Maryland, so today I tried it. I ordered in person to try and avoid the dumb family meal ordering process that, for some odd reason, included all sides EXCEPT for plantains & yuca, but I was unsuccessful. I ordered the family meal $27 and a chicken empanada $4. - The family meal: a whole chicken, white rice, beans, and fries. The chicken, although smaller, was good and is what you'd expect from a Peruvian chicken spot. The rice & beans were average. The fries were alright: very potato-forward but didn't have any seasoning. - The chicken empanada was unique: it had a crossiant-type of dough texture, but the chicken was DRY. The empanada would've benefitted if they had a special sauce specifically for it. All in all, the food was okay, but the family meal problem was very off-putting. The only way to get plantains or yuca is by ordering a side of it, and that's just a horrible business practice. I have never (until now) gone to a Peruvian chicken spot where they operate with these business practices, and that automatically makes me not want to return, as there are better options elsewhere, like Sardis.

    Parking is very limit.
    Ketsanee P.

    Over all their Rotisserie chicken was OK. The meat texture seem a little dry, it was all well done but I might like a little bit less cooked. The flavor was so-so. Parking is quite limit and tiny. Anyway the restaurant hour it is good choice for people who want to get late dinner, night time. (Wheaton, MD Location- open 10 am and close 10 pm)

    Fried Yucca
    Armistead J.

    It's not the original but it will get you through. Nice relax chill vibe in this place and the customer service was absolutely outstanding. Also you can't go wrong with a half of chicken from the Rico its one of my favorites.

    Electronic menu
    Alisha D.

    I no longer live in Maryland so I to stop by every time I'm in town. I was recently there and had a great experience. You know what to expect with this spot and I loved how the menu was easy to read. The food was delicious and I thought the chicken was incredibly tender and juicy. It was an amazing lunch and I'll be back again when I'm in town.

    Sunday Line
    Montu M.

    Review: El Pollo Rico - Wheaton, MD (Sunday, March 9, 2:00 PM) If you're looking for the best Pollo a la Brasa in the DMV, El Pollo Rico in Wheaton, MD continues to reign supreme. We visited on Sunday at 2:00 PM, and despite the weekend rush, the service was efficient, the food was fresh, and the flavors were absolutely on point. The Chicken - Perfection on a Plate The charcoal-broiled chicken is the undeniable star. The skin is crispy and well-seasoned, with just the right balance of smoky, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. Every bite of the meat is juicy and tender, infused with the deep flavors of the marinade and the slow rotisserie-style cooking over charcoal. The Sides - The Perfect Compliment We went with French fries and a house salad, and both delivered. The fries were crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, with a golden-brown crunch that paired perfectly with the chicken. The salad added a refreshing contrast, bringing a crisp, fresh bite to the meal. Other sides like fried yucca, rice, and plantains are also popular choices, and judging by what we saw around the restaurant, they don't disappoint. Fast, No-Frills Service El Pollo Rico has always been a no-nonsense, get-your-food-and-enjoy-it kind of place, and this visit was no different. Despite a packed house, the staff kept the line moving, and we got our order in minutes. They're focused on efficiency, and they deliver--hot food, quickly, with no compromise on quality. Atmosphere - Classic & Functional The restaurant is simple and functional, built for quick service and high turnover. There's no fancy décor, but the focus here is clear: serve the best charcoal chicken in the area, and keep it moving. The place was bustling, filled with families and regulars who know where to find real flavor. Great Value for What You Get For the portion sizes and high-quality, authentic Peruvian flavor, the prices at El Pollo Rico remain very reasonable. Whether you're getting a quarter, half, or whole chicken, you're getting a meal that fills you up and keeps you coming back. Final Verdict: 5/5 El Pollo Rico in Wheaton is still the gold standard for Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken. Whether you're a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, expect consistently amazing chicken, crispy sides, and fast service. If you haven't been yet, you're missing out on one of the best bites in the DMV. Highly Recommended - and we'll definitely be back!

    Half chicken with yuca and white rice
    Thomas T.

    Very unassuming spot. But the chicken here is so flavorful and juicy. Don't even need sauce really. Idk what seasoning they use but it's great. The perfect combo would be Sardis sauce and arroz chaufa with Pollo Rico chicken. Staff were friendly and quick. Definitely would go back.

    Kimy P.

    El Pollo Rico was my guilty pleasure when visiting family (It was close by so I ordered ubereats a second time! ) Location is nice, inviting, smelling of delicious rotisserie chicken. You order the size of chicken you want, sides, and drinks. It's great for families! Peruvian rotisserie chicken reminds me a lot of Bolivian flavors and it was delicious! Their picante was delicious, yuca frita is my weakness, and Inca Cola was refreshing. I was most definitely a happy customer and would most definitely be ordering again when back in town! :)

    1/4 Chicken WHITE w/ beans rice

    2/27/25: 2nd visit was ok. The 1/4 breast was dried out BUT, the rice & beans. Yes yes yes perfectly made: moist rice and beans w/ a delectable taste. Definitely worth the trip. Services: great! My first visit was EXCELLENT, same selection BUT the breast & wing, super moist!!! Do yourself a favor drop by IF you need a quick tasty lunch or takeout for dinner!

    My plate for tonight!
    Nichelle D.

    If you are looking for something yummy and cost effective, please stop by this spot! You will eat well and feel completely satisfied with the taste! I ALWAYS GET FOOD FROM HERE WHEN I HAVE OUT OF TOWN GUESTS. They live this local business and I LOVE TO SUPPORT THEM!

    1/4 chicken with double fries. The green sauce is very hot (love it)

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    4 months ago

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    17 days ago

    Always delicious flavors. Price is good. We've been patrons for years. Everything is consistently good

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    4 months ago

    The food and service is great at El Pollo Rico in Virginia, the chicken is well seasoned and the mild sauce is great with the fries.

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    3 years ago

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    8 months ago

    Everything is great here, I will never forget the original in MD. I loved the food, the employees, everything!

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    6 years ago

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    1 year ago

    To expensive. Also Cole slaw was uneatable. Super Chicken around the corner is much better.

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    1 year ago

    Closed prior to the advertise time.... Not ideal when you get there 10 minutes before and the employees are ready to get out the restaurant.

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    1 year ago

    I have been eating this chicken for over 20 years. The best you can fine. I have tried all the others and they still don't compare

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    2 years ago

    Great tasting chicken. Plantains were also good. I go out of my way to pick up take out from this place

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    Page 1 of 12

    El Pollo Rico Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - El Pollo Rico

    Fryer's Roadside

    Fryer's Roadside

    3.9
    (112 reviews)
    3.2 mi
    $$

    I came for the fried chicken but fell in love with the BBQ!!! Actually it was all delivered but you…read moreknow what I mean. I'll get the only fail out of the way. The Chicken tenders weren't tender and the coating was over-salted. The full rack of BBQ Pork ribs was a winner, tender and meaty with great flavor. The Slow-smoked Chicken is delicious and a nice, moist change from the usual chicken treatments. The Smoked Chicken Wings were great too. I wouldn't get the Texas Beef Brisket or the Carolina Pulled Pork again, but they weren't bad, just lots of other choices that were better! The sides here are stand-outs too. I almost didn't get the vegetarian Collard Greens since I love collards cooked with meat but these were delicious -- they never made it to the microwave, they were so vinegary-good when I sampled them cold lol! The Mac & Cheese was good and cheesy. The baked beans were good but again vegetarian where I'd prefer meat included and I didn't care for the sweet sauce. The Skillet Cornbread is the best I've had, slightly sweet with a good corn flavor that made me decide to buy a WHOLE skillet rather than just the generously portioned slice next time, especially since it's such a good value. I do regret not trying the coleslaw and potato salad so again, next time. The little rolls are tasty too, moist and slightly sweet but it's a pity they aren't burger-size so you can make a sandwich with all that delicious meat and sides.

    Had the legendary spicy chicken and it was delicious, hot, and huge with a thick crusted coating…read more In addition to the collard greens with a garlicky and apple cider vinegar hint. I don't recall any meat in the greens. And, the Mac and cheese, I enjoyed the texture, but wish the flavor profile had sharp cheddar cheese, but it was still good. Making my way through the list of things worth trying so far --the visit score is 2 & 0!

    Photos
    Ready to try Fryers!
    Ready to try Fryers!
    Peanut Butter Sundae, Chocolate Fudge Sundae
    Peanut Butter Sundae, Chocolate Fudge Sundae
    Snickers Sundae

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    Snickers Sundae
    Silver Spring Wings

    Silver Spring Wings

    4.8
    (101 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    Loved these wings since I first had them years ago. Recently stopped by after a long time. They're…read morestill serving up great wings with unique flavors. My go to is the buffalo old bay! If you love wings, check them out. It's easy to order online or in person! The wings were delicious as usual.

    I had braces and one of the first foods I craved when I got them off was wings. I found SS Wings…read morethrough a Yelp search and placed an order for delivery easily through their website. I was impressed with the variety of sauces and dry rubs. We got the 24 traditional, which allows you up to three sauces. We had to try the traditional buffalo, which was excellent-buttery, spicy, and luscious! I've eaten a LOT of Buffalo wings in my time and these might be the best! We also loved the garlic Parmesan. I didn't taste much garlic but there was plenty of Parmesan on the perfectly-cooked wings. My husband's favorite of the three was the Sweet Thai chili wings. I loved them, too! We also ordered a regular size of their potato wedges, which was perfect for the two of us. We really liked the seasoning and my husband called them "outstanding," which is very high praise for him! The delivery experience was good, with updates being texted to my phone. I think they use DoorDash - kudos to the driver who found my building without any problems. Note: the food was hot and perfect when it arrived. It truly was a wonderful meal and I wish we had found SS Wings sooner! It will now be our go-to wing place!

    Photos
    The counter. And it is as fancy as it gets.
    The counter. And it is as fancy as it gets.
    Old bay buffalo
    Old bay buffalo
    Spicy teriyaki sauce with tenders, wings: old bay buffalo, mumbo, hot jet lag and some potato wedges

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    Spicy teriyaki sauce with tenders, wings: old bay buffalo, mumbo, hot jet lag and some potato wedges
    Don Pollo

    Don Pollo

    3.8
    (52 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $

    Overall: delicious Peruvian food, fair prices, large portion sizes, fast-casual ambiance, fine…read moreservice, with single-stall gendered restrooms and no changing table I'm a big fan of Peruvian food and I love when you can order family style. It makes eating out much for affordable and you can try more things. The chicken was juicy and flavorful but the skin was still crisped to perfection. The plantains, French fries, veggies and tres leches were all on point. I'm not a huge Mac and cheese fan, but my family devoured it. The music was loud, the tables were clean, the employees were kind, and our food came out fast. Thank goodness for the internet because I would have never thought to visit this place from the looks of it outside, but it definitely exceeded my expectations and I left feeling happy and full. I loved the spice of the green sauce and the yellow one was tasty too.

    summary: Don Pollo is a "chain" restaurant of Peruvian chicken and it's got generous portion sizes…read moreand tasty side options that are pretty synonymous with Peruvian chicken restaurants. In one word, I would describe Don Pollo as solid. There's a good selection of items on the menu and to me Peruvian chicken spots have become kind of similar to how KFC/Popeyes felt back in the day where families could go in and order a platter-style selection for their family. That's what we happened to do that day where we ordered the rotisserie chicken for a family of 4. The portion sizes were generous and all of the sides (plaintains, fries, salad, and mac&cheese) were tasty. The service is pretty "DIY" where you order with a cashier and everything at that point is on you (bus your own tables). The venue itself was ok. The location is tucked away in a pretty old strip mall and a lot of the restaurant kind of reflects that. The bathrooms felt a bit old and required a passcode to get in. All in all, I don't have complaints for our experience here and it was a tasty stop that was perfect for a family.

    Photos
    Nice and clean inside
    Nice and clean inside
    Don Pollo
    Don Pollo

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    Roaming Rooster

    Roaming Rooster

    3.8
    (85 reviews)
    3.5 mi

    Ehhh...I was hoping for something better but got just ok…read more Located in Pike and Rose off Old Georgetown Rd, it's situated in a really good area. I went around 6 pm on a Saturday and it was pretty empty at the time. There are kiosks that you can order at or you can order at the counter. I ordered the 3 wings (whole) and a side of fries. I didn't have to wait long and when I got my bag the food was hot!!!! I probably should have gotten what they are known for (chicken sandwiches) but I wanted wings badly. The fries were good but could've used just a little more time in the grease to make them a bit crispier. The wings were served hot and fresh out the grease. I was expecting great and got just ok. The wings lacked flavor and could have been fried a tad bit longer for a crispier bite. I was almost afraid that they were undercooked, so I ate only one wing out of caution. I will go back, but only for reputable menu items and not the wings. Also...the restaurant was fairly clean (likely bc it was empty) but could have used a once over as it appeared that the dining floors were swept but the dirt was left in a corner; this could appear as if the restaurant wasn't a tidy as it needed to be. Overall, I'll give it 3.5 out of 5 stars.

    I dropped by Roaming Rooster because I was having a fried chicken craving, and I wanted to try…read moresomething a bit new. Although I've seen quite a few Roaming Roosters sprout up in the area, I figured that it was time to try out the food. For my order, I went with the chicken tenders (3-4 pieces) and a cup of fries. The order was about $14 without tip. I thought the portion size of the tenders and fries were pretty good based on what I have received from other chicken spots in the area. An order of fries is about four bucks (I didn't see any combo meals on the menu), but you will receive A LOT of fries. If you are dining with someone, you might want to split an order of fries unless you are super hungry. The tenders, which have three spice levels (mild, medium and hot) will come out PIPING hot, which is a good thing. I even had to wait a few minutes to eat the chicken because the food was so hot. I guess this definitely is a good thing if you are doing take out because the food will not be cold as ice by the time you arrive home...depending on how far you live from the restaurant. Overall, I thought the food was delicious, and the spice level of medium just was what I was looking for. I thought it was kind of funny/interesting that the chicken tenders were served on a plain white piece of bread with three pickles, but I guess that's just how Roaming Rooster does it. Perhaps, the bread is there to soak up some of the oil from the chicken, which I guess is a good thing. The fries were pretty awesome because they reminded me a bit of the fries from Five Guys, which I LOVE. Service was fine. One of the workers seemed to be a bit grumpy, but the woman who took my order had a nicer attitude. I stopped by around 6/7 pm so maybe the worker was just over their workday...a mental state that probably all of us has experienced on multiple occasions. The restaurant has a decent dining area with a small outdoor section (I believe there is an upper dining area too). Personally, I was not a fan of the outdoor dining section because it shares a walkway where customers/delivery people are entering and leaving the restaurant.

    Photos
    Drink area
    Drink area
    Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich
    Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich
    Dining area

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    Dining area

    El Pollo Rico - latin - Updated June 2026

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