Very solid joint - the chicken was juicy and well seasoned, sides were good, and the prices are great. I got the 4 piece combo and can tell you you'd probably get half of that for the price at most other spots. The sides were on point too (got mac salad and corn on the cob). Bonus points for including enough salsa and tortillas without me even asking. A great spot if you feel like some grilled chicken or if you want something affordable. read more

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El Pollo Unico is one of those old-school family-owned spots that keeps people coming back. They've been around for over 30 years and their flame grilled chicken is super affordable, flavorful, and satisfying. The dinner special is definitely the move -- and it's available all day. You get a half chicken, 2 sides, tortillas (corn or flour), fresh homemade salsa, and a medium drink. Honestly one of the best values around. Only downside is the chicken can be a little hit or miss sometimes and occasionally overcooked. Parking is also pretty terrible. But overall, still a solid local spot when you want tasty flame grilled chicken without spending a lot. Cash and Card ok. read more

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Unable to place an order via phone or online yet when we get to the spot it's taking more than 15-20 minutes for the food... not coming back here smh read more

This is one of my go-to spots for grilled chicken way better than the big chains. Since it's close to my work, we come here pretty often for lunch. The best move is to order online for pickup because it does get pretty crowded during the lunch rush. The chicken here is delicious with that perfect charred flavor, and the sides are solid too. Portions are generous for the price, so you definitely leave full. We've also used them for catering work lunches, and everything came nicely packed and labeled, which made it super easy to serve. Overall, a reliable spot for delicious grilled chicken, whether it's just lunch for yourself or food for a group. read more

El Pollo Unico - Coleslaw and Potato Salad - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Hands-down the best grilled chicken that I've ever had. It's always so flavorful and moist. The sides are also delicious and let's not forget about their stand out salsa. Just the right amount of spice and it complements the chicken so well. I always opt for flour tortillas. Their prices are also great. They have wonderful lunch specials and family meals. The restaurant itself is pretty small. Parking is limited as well as seating. It doesn't appear to be the cleanest place and is quite outdated, but the food definitely makes me overlook that. The ladies working the register are always friendly and welcoming. read more

El Pollo Unico - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

Truly authentic & delicious; never have had anything less than cooked to perfection chicken and sides! Here are 2 downsides to be aware of: 1. Even if you order online and have a set pick up time, expect 10-15 longer to wait. 2. Never attempt to park in their parking lot, it's an accident waiting to happen and I've seen approximately 7 over the past few years! Otherwise, enjoy this most scrumptious restaurant you've ever tasted! read more

El Pollo Unico - Always a line- they are that good! - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

If you are looking for some fancy restaurants, this is not your place! They have very tasty grilled chickens with delicious sides, Rice,beans, Macaroni! And the best of the price especially all the other restaurants are more expensive, the owner still keeps the price very fair! Two people dinner specials only cost $28, and we still have some leftover for the next day! read more

It's good. I appreciate the consistency. It's the perfect meal to grab on the way home.

This place is so good. It's amazing. I've eaten here before the chicken is so delicious. I got a single lunch, which is a leg and thigh with rice beans and tortillas with a drink. For under $10.. I love when I'm in Pasadena. I always stop by here. read more

El Pollo Unico - So worth the $10 - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

When a restaurant does one thing and really hones in and masters their craft, the result speaks for itself. This place does chicken supremely well because that is all they do. The value of the meals is great. You can choose between quarter, half, or whole chicken with tortillas and sides. The chicken is very tasty and juicy, packed with flavor and perfectly made. The sides are also nice. There are some tables but they mainly do takeout. The staff are very friendly and treat you like family. read more

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El Pollo Unico has the best grilled chicken in the area, their spicy salsa is mega delicious and if you pair these with the rice and beans, you have the perfect lazy day meal. A spritz of lemon wedge really takes the chicken to the next level. This stuff is way better than Pollo Loco, definitely recommend. The place itself has decent seating and is clean, the staff is generally friendly and provides quick service. read more

I ordered via Uber Eats and delivery was as quick. Also food was still pipin hot so that's a plus 8 piece combo - I'm a drumstick girlie and it was juicy and delish even the chicken breast!! Love this place and would come back here to dine in person again read more

El Pollo Unico - 8 Piece Combo, large rice, medium beans - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

My husband and I have been coming to this restaurant for over 15 years because it used to have the best chicken anywhere. We would even drive 50 miles one way (100 miles round trip) just for it. Sadly, things have really gone downhill. The chicken pieces are much smaller, the restaurant itself was filthy (you can see from the pictures just walking up to it), and now they charge for everything--plates, to-go containers, ice, chili, and even an extra "internet charge" if you order online. I don't know if ownership has changed since I didn't see the same lady who used to run it, but it's clear the quality and care are gone. Greed will kill any business, and I'm not sure how long they'll last operating this way. Unfortunately, I can no longer recommend this place and won't be coming back. read more

El Pollo Unico - Additional charges for things that used to be complementary. The filth it has become for not maintaining its cleanliness. - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

Best chicken meal around for cost and quality been going there for years parking can be hit or miss

This place is great and amazing. My best friend said that this restaurant is the original El Pollo Loco. Food was great and prices were very reasonable. We had the takeout lunch special and it came with large portion of food. Yummy!!! read more

It was just ok. I can't say I'm particularly impressed, despite all the positive reviews. I definitely wouldn't want to eat on site, as it is tiny and sad looking. read more

Got my lunch delivered via Postmates. What a tasty well proportioned plate of charbroiled chicken that came with ; half a chicken breast, one wing,one thigh,one leg, rice, beans, 5 flour tortillas, salsa/pico de gallo and 16 oz drink( orange julius). It was sho' am good and for only $11.95. From ordering via Postmates to delivery was under an hour. This eatery is a small mom and pop shop. It definitely meets and/ or beats El Pollo Loco. And everything about my order was spot on. You can dine in , takeout or have it delivered. read more

Great place for lunch or dinner, the food is always on point and upon received your food you are always grated with a smile.

from the best to the worst. I have been coming here for year i'm so disappointed about what i received. Since the owner left this place has gone DOWN . They have slow people working and even the salsa is horrible which is the most simple thing . in my opinion find the closest pollo loco to your house and eat there because this place is HORRIBLE!! read more

I almost don't want to give a review so that I can keep this place all to myself, it's so freaking good! & even better reasonably priced. El Pollo loco is good, but it's more expensive. Unico is of a higher quality and cheaper. Plus the staff is nice. Keep the prices low, & keep up the great work! Your citrus marinaded chicken is the TRUTH! read more

El Pollo Unico - 2 Piece Breast and Wing Combo - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

Great chicken. Takes too long for an order and parking is a mess. Order in advance. .

I always see this restaurant on my drive to other chicken places and one day I decided to give it a chance. It seems to be family owned and I walked in to place an order to go. The service was great, fast, and you can smell and see the chicken grilling when ordering food. You can't beat the price! There are some parking spots in the front, but there are also some parking spaces in the back lot. It is a very small place, so you will see people waiting outside or standing by the door. However, you can tell that the food is fresh and the chicken was good. I would say it is a lower cost pollo loco. read more

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Takes 15-20 min for to go orders on weekend but BOY OH BOY!!! The chicken and sides are 10x better than anything Pollo Loco has put out the last few years . Tasty ass potato salad and the chicken is perfect. Solid salsa. Have time to wait. Worth it. Oh and price is perfect read more

What I love at this place is that is family owned.. its simple, and straightforward. No phone orders, small eating area, parking small, but food is great and fresh. some of the best flame-broiled chicken in Pasadena, and great deals, you can't be the quality for the prices. 2, 4, 8, 16, 24 peice combos, amazing salsa, the hot will make you sweat. Great seasoning, not to salty, hint of citrus, nice crisp on the skins. My go too is 16 piece, 20 tortillas, 4 sides of salsas, 27 bucks.. easily feed a family of 4, and be super full. must try in Pasadena. Dragon egg approved. read more

I was in my hometown today and hubby and I decided to eat dinner here. It definitely took us back to teenage days of eating here. Same great quality food. Same lady working the front for decades. She's so sweet and patient. I used them 8 years ago to cater my baby shower for over 100 people. The food was amazing. We love that they have the specials all day everyday, and never raise their prices during inflation. Thank you el pollo unico for serving Pasadena for decades. I ate my food faster than I could take a picture and needless to say it was bomb! read more

El Pollo Unico - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Best place to get flame-broiled chicken in Pasadena, by far. Don't bother with that other place that rhymes with Del Toyo Roko. You will get the most for your money here as their combos are more than reasonably priced - you can get a half chicken, two sides, tortillas and a drink for 13 bucks! As for the chicken, it's always been consistent for me. Seasoned well, cooked perfectly, and juicy. You can choose between corn and flour tortillas, and the sides are pretty large. I always get the rice and beans. Everything is tasty. I will say that parking is an annoyance here as the lot is shared with a few other stores and it's very small. It's also off of busy Lake Ave., so street parking isn't ideal as well during busy hours. But if you can get it, it's well worth it! read more

The food is great, but be careful ordering online. They're website crashes and when it does, you'll be left out of luck. I got charged online, although the website crashed and I didn't get an order number. When I arrived at their location, I asked the lady at the register about it. She claimed no order was made, so I had to place a new one. I showed her the previous charged, they assured me it would clear since it was still "pending". Fast forward and I got a double charge. I've contacted them, and emailed them about this and they've failed to resolve this issue. Be careful with them. read more

El Pollo type fast food. Chicken was good, beans were good. El Pollo in its hey days 5 years ago was a lot better but now about the same. Location is not the easiest, lots of traffic, small parking lot. read more

if you like chicken and want to pay reasonable prices, then this is the spot!!!!! trying to feed a football team??? this is the spot!!! need food for that superbowl game??? this is the spot!! bomb, affordable, lets go!!!!! read more

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I've ate from here several times and I enjoy it. Forget going to El Pollo Loco and come here! It's worth the price. They have more meat on the chicken compared to El Pollo Loco. The rice is way better as well. $12 for the dinner special is soo worth it. 4 piece chicken, rice, beans, a side, and a drink? You CANT go wrong. Annnnd the chicken taste way better from here. Will be coming back again and again and again. read more

My original post in 2020 was extremely favorable for El Pollo Unico and I chose them over El Pollo Loco. I have to update the food quality review. The Breast was dry, the chicken pieces use to be big, however like everything else the "shrinkage" is real. The Chickens must've been from the Ozempic farm, petite, slightly larger than a cornish hens, and not the same taste. The salsa was tasteless, not the same it honestly taste like tomatoes. My favorite was always the hot salsa, and it was perfectly spicy and that's it, if I had an option between taste and spicy I would've chosen taste. The macaroni salad which was a favorite side wasn't the same. I wonder if they are using a different brand? The beans were good, a little thicker gravy which is ok with me, being a bean luv'r I enjoyed them. Where do you find tasteless lemons? El Pollo Unico. I don't think they're under the same management. The new owners kept the name but apparently didn't purchase the recipe. I guess I'll give El Pollo Loco another chance., they've improved. Inflation in pricing and shrinkage in product is real at El Pollo Unico. Oh, and before I forget the shrinkage struck their sides as well. El Pollo Unico, you've assaulted and disappointed my once supporting tastebuds. It's a NO for me. read more

El Pollo Unico - Dried dehydrated chicken breast - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

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I had their chicken at a gathering and we all thought it was el pollo loco, but clearly better. I've been buying from here ever since for any get together I have since it's so close by. But keep in mind when you add extras to double check. I've ordered online twice and they've missed the additional add ons. I know I should have checked!! And FYI the prices from the Yelp pictures have increased and online prices reflect current prices. My honest review of the food: chicken is good. It's seasoned well, it's soft, and it doesn't stink (if you're not a huge meat eater, iykyk). If you like the spice, get the hot salsa...and lots of it. It's one of the best additions to this deal. And you'll want to order more corn tortillas for a big group. Trust me on this. And last but not least, I love rice, and I'm just not a fan of their rice, but I still eat it. I look forward to trying some of their other sides and it looks like they have some pretty good lunch/deals! read more

Delicious rotisserie chicken, spicy salsa is amazing. If you have leftovers, change container as chicken dries a bit in box and doesn't heat as well. Side corn is great! Rice and beans ok. read more

(Old draft being published- some details may be outdated.) I can't believe this gem of a place exists in Pasadena. Their lunch plate special is amazing and I have made it my personal goal to become future duchess of this place, but I know competition is steep for that title here. My friend and I got the white meat and dark meat plate here. It comes with a side of rice and beans, tortillas, and one side of choice. We got corn on the cob and macaroni salad. It also comes with a drink (the cashier lady could even meet my request of half tea, half sprite easy no problem). The best part, everything cost $15. The best best part, everything tasted delicious- I killed the entire plate even though I wasn't that hungry. There's a parking lot in the back, but space is quite limited. It can get packed during rush hour, but the turnover seems to move pretty quickly. Will definitely be back for my future lonches!! read more

Got two 24 piece for a gathering with sides. Food was good! Chicken a bit salty for my taste but everyone enjoyed it.

My go to spot for a family bbq chicken dinner! I've been coming here since I was a kid and the flavor and quality has kept consistent and yummy! Rice, beans, and corn to go with a 12 piece is the perfect combo! read more

Stopped here for a late lunch and for $12 including the tax, had a great 4-pc chicken meal with 2 generous sides included (I got beans and cole slaw) and a soda too. Good real chicken with great taste and flavor. Forget about El Pollo Loco and their itty bitty child size chicken legs and thighs - RIP OFF!! If I'm in this Pasadena area, I definitely stop and get chicken here. Its a little small place and ambiance is so-so but food is good! read more

This hole in the wall has the best grilled chicken ever! It's worth the drive if you're craving some chicken. I recommend ordering ahead as it gets packed, specially during lunch time and the weekends. Great place to cater food from too! read more

This is one our favorite take-out restaurants. They always get our order right no matter how big or small. The chicken is flavorful and I can't get enough of the cole slaw. If you're just picking up during prime lunch or dinner hours it's best to have a getaway driver circle around because the parking isn't the greatest. read more

Love the new management and the costumer service they bring... very nice people! El Pollo Unico is a classic and a Pasadena staple. The chicken is packed with good savory flavor and the sides that are offered aren't too heavy which is what I like. It is a small establishment but it is best to just pick your food up to go! They use to be a cash only food spot but now they offer all card types which is so convenient now. Really loving how this business continues to grow so Pasadenians can continue to enjoy it for many years to come! read more

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