This place is in the back corner of the shopping complex --- a bit hard to miss if you are drivng. The place looks a bit run down though. The chicken is good. and cheap. The "Spanish" rice tastes like the kind served at Pollo Loco. Nothing too special about that. The corn is good, and the salsa is allright. P.S Beans--- seems straight outta the can not cooked on the stove. read more

How is the chicken so tasty ??? It has so much flavor and the lunch special is a perfect size for anyone . Prices are cheap and portions are great sizes. Love this place it's like el pollo loco but 50 times better ! read more

I was at a St. Patrick's Day BBQ and we ran out of food. Suddenly I was sent to El Pollo Unico with my cousin Nancy for 72 pieces of chicken. Yeah Mexican Style BBQ hit the spot the total cost was $85. Good food for a real good price and extremely tasty. Try parking around the corner the parking lot is shared by a 7-Eleven. read more

I love fire charbroiled chicken. El Pollo Unico is just like El Pollo Loco. I am no expert in the chicken, but I think they're so similar I can't really tell the difference. They both taste great and I go to both. The only thing is El Pollo Loco is closer to my house and I would tend to go there more often. They recently moved to a nicer location across the street on Lake. They use to be in a somewhat questionable plaza with an autozone and a tiny parking lot. I've not been to the new location but have driven by it and it looks pretty nice. read more

Let me get this out of the way...parking is awful. Now let's get to the CHICKEN! For a measley $4.99 combo, you get two pieces of the juiciest grilled chicken, 2 sides, tortilla and medium drink! The lady behind the cash register is a pro. Quick and easy ordering which means the wait is hardly there. Now, it's time to eat! read more

El Pollo Unico - The bomb lunch of the juiciest chicken at El pollo unico for $4.99! - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

I am impressed! After having 2 bad experiences in a row at El Pollo Loco, I haven't had a hankering for charbroiled chicken in a long while. But when hubby and I were trying to decide on a place to grab some takeout, I thought of El Pollo Unico. We got the whole chicken, and 2 sides combo. The chicken was very tasty, flavorful and not totally dried out like some other chicken places (*cough El Pollo Loco *cough). Flour tortillas were soft and chewy in a good way, and the salsa was yummers as well. Try it, it's a helluva lot better than El Pollo Loco!! read more

This is a true Pasadena secret. A diamond in the rough. really. Pasadena's restaurant scene lacks anything poignant. This place is ultra casual. seats about... 8 people maybe? But the majority of the people here are ordering to go... I ate in my car. I been coming here over and over for years now. It's hands down beats pollo loco and other sinaloa style flame grilled chicken. And it's CHEAP!!! for like 8 bucks I got half a chicken, a drink, and two sides... that included taxes!! I really like this place. you will too... read more

Like people have mentioned before, it's very simple and serves (you guessed it) just chicken. But make no mistake...it's the best chicken in the SGV...period. The store itself reflects that simplicity with only 3 booths, one four-top, and 1 two-top seating. If not here during a rush it might be to-go for ya. As a connoisseur of grilled chicken establishments, I must say this place is on-par with El Pollo Amigo in the SFV. Their chickens pieces are always large and juicy and service is prompt. There salsa is hearty but just okay flavor-wise and they don't give enough of it IMO in combos. The only downside and reason they get 4 stars is their limited selection of side dishes. There is reasonably priced Potato Salad, Mac Salad, Cole Slaw, Rice, Beans, and corn but they seem to give the feeling of something you could pick up in bulk at Costco/Smart & Final. However, you can get a 32oz. fountain drink for only $1 which is a real treat if you're a soda drinker. This is my go-to chicken joint and should be yours too if you want no-frills grub for lunch/dinner or a picnic. They also have great pricing on party platters too if needed. read more

Pretty good. But nothing out of the ordinary chicken/rice/beans/mac salad lunch combo.

This ain't no El Pollo Loco. This is EL POLLO UNICO!!!!! I probably should put those two establishments in comparison because El Pollo Unico is THE BEST. The chicken is super juicy and flavorful, plus it's very inexpensive. Often times, especially at chicken places, the chicken is dry. Not here, not here. My dad and I ordered the 8 piece whole chicken which included: 2 sides, 2 bags of tortillas, and salsa....all for $12 bucks! Not a bad deal for lunch! Gotta love my chicken! read more

The chicken is good, but it's pretty dirty inside. The tables aren't cleaned and trash just sits there. Not sure if I would give this place another try. read more

Terrible customer service! We placed a large order today and they gave me the wrong tray/items. The "owners" wanted me to bring the food back to them in order to get the right item. They acknowledged they gave me the wrong item but barely wanted to make it right . What kitchen takes back food from a customer that has already been touched. We're they going to give it to another customer? They also gave us the wrong tortillas and refused to make that right. Buyer beware. read more

My review is for take out only. Great lunch and dinner specials for the wallet. Even better is how good everything tastes. You don't sacrifice any quality because it's not expensive. Yes, the parking lot is super small, so, be patient or park on the street. It's not the business' fault that their parking lot is that way. So, for great tasting chicken, sides drinks, order from Pollo Unico. read more

You see, once you go to this place, you will ask yourself, why go to El Pollo Loco when you can go here? This place is waaaaay better in more ways that one. For about 7 bucks, you get a half chicken, 2 sides, tortillas AND a drink. I thought for that amount, it would be a quarter chicken, but no, its a HALF a chicken! The chicken is a good size too! I suspect them being bigger than El Pollo Loco, but not as big as the Costco ones. Their chicken is juicy and flavorful. Even their salsa is fresh and tasty. Depending on when you go, there may/maynot be a line so timing is key here. read more

Juicy chicken but rice and beans a bit bland; needed salt. Corn needed salt too; similar to El Pollo Loco. Spicy salsa could definitely be spicier. Potato salad is good; typical potato salad. Dinner meal was plenty! Packed nicely; no spills. Online ordering super easy. Parking lot is small but no issue for a 7pm pickup. read more

Love the chicken breast here. The skin is crunchy and flavorful yet the chicken is really juicy and the flavor is amazing. Great flour tortillas as well. read more

i remember my boy telling me he knows this one authentic mexican chicken spot that had the true mexican taste down. When we got there, i was in shock. The chicken was sooooo great, the sides were wonderfull, it actually tasted like the fire grilled chicken from Mexico City so many years back. but there was one catch, all the workers were Korean. I was impressed...... they had the flavor locked down, 10 stars better than El Pollo Loco. I find myself driving to Pasadena for chicken all the time now. its such a drag what your taste buds make you do sometimes...!! lol read more

The food and the prices are pretty good. However, the cashier lady is extremely rude and has a bad attitude. The younger girl that works there is a lot nicer. The parking also sucks. There are hardly any spots and it's difficult to park when a spot is open. I've seen people park in the handicapped space without the handicapped placard (which I can't stand), and none of the employees did or say anything about it. read more

This is a legend for Pasadena since its the best darn chicken around no joke!!! Try this place to know what I'm saying..This chicken is delicious...is tender and juicy!!! way better than el pollo loco!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I usually get the family deal combo which comes with 12 pieces of chicken, and 3 side orders and also includes tortilla and salsa. Love their rice and potato salad. This is a pretty good deal since it feeds a family of 4-5 persons depending on how much u eat. Some great tips are: parking is kind of busy since u have 7 eleven and Kragen in the same little lot area...so try to get there before 5 because its a huge line and u usually have to wait about 30 mins for the food so try to beat that crowd specially on weekends. But on the other note this place is changing its location right across the street =) yay hopefully better parking since its going to be by it self. and its much bigger. Can't wait until they officially move! read more

The food was tasty almost the same as El Pollo Loco. It is a bit of a drive for me. If you live in the area and are craving grilled chicken, check this place out. The decor is not much to look at and the inside is small - too small for (a claustrophobic) me. We got our food to go. The prices are cheap and you get your money's worth. Customer service was good. read more

This chicken is delicious and juicy. Favored to perfection. I've been to some restaurants where they have good days and bad days. So far in the over 10 years frequenting this establishment I have never been disappointed. Puts El Pollo Loco to shame. read more

The sides were just A-OK, as the three stars above would indicate. Nobody at the table seemed overly excited about the food. But its also true that everyone cleaned their plate and went back for seconds. Then again, its not like they give you a lot in their "large" sides to begin with. Your best bet is to order the chicken sans sides, as that is really the best part of their menu. Everything aside from the chicken....which was really good....you can happily do without. read more

I like to try as many new things as possible, dining experiences included. I aim to spend as little time north of the 210 as possible as I have found it just is not my cup of tea. I have lived in Pasadena for years and have seen this spot. However, since they do not feature a drive thru option it never was high on my list of spots to try. I came by on a Saturday afternoon for lunch. Mediocre customer service that anything but welcoming. No air conditioning (very north of the 210-thus the term "ghetto") to provide dining guests with any sense of comfort while dining. It took over ten minutes to receive my order of a basic two piece meal. As for the food. They do provide healthy portions but I found the flavor of the chicken and sides (rice and beans) to be bland. I had high expectations of the chicken as many yelp reviews had raved about the flavor of the chicken but it is second to the type of rotisserie chicken available at most major retail supermarkets. Glad I checked it out for myself. Now that I have appeased my curiosity there is no need to return. The next time I am in the mood for flame broiled chicken I know where not to go. read more

Been coming here for a while and in my opinion it is so much better than El Pollo Loco. For a lot less you get a lot more food and quality. Sure it may not have the extensive menu as EPL but far makes up for it in delicious fresh food every time. The time to get your order is just as good if not better. The only problems here is they only take cash and parking can be difficult at times. Other than that highly recommend, especially the very tasty salsa. read more

This is one of the best chicken places ever!!! The chicken is super moist, and not just certain pieces all pieces are moist. If you haven't tried this place you must and I promise u won't go to another chicken place. read more

El Pollo Unico - A juicy family meal.....mmm so good!! - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

El pollo unico is bomb! KFC has nothing on this! Their prices will never disappoint you. The chicken is always fresh.

I don't care what anyone says, pollo unico is the s***!!!! Don't get me wrong, the parking is ridiculous and the cashier may at times be a bit misunderstanding. But once you get through that, I am sure you will enjoy some really tasty chicken. Without a doubt you'll end up scarfing down more than you would've thought you can handle. Dining in is not a great idea though, just take out. Make sure you buy enough sides so we don't have to hear another yelper complain. Enjoy!!!!!!! read more

Have Been going here for about 10 years. The other Pollo places don't compare to this place. The Chicken and Sides are delicious! I love the corn on the cobb also. read more

This place serves up basically the same menu as El Pollo Loco - only El Pollo Unico tastes freaking awesome. They serve up some of the best chicken I've had in recent memory - better than Zankou or any other rotisserie or grilled chicken around (BBQ is a different story). The chicken is really tender and succulent - the way chicken is supposed to taste - not dry, bland, or overcooked. I like the mild salsa better than the hot salsa - just because the natural sweetness of the tomatoes brings out the juiciness of the chicken, instead of distracting away from it. The flour tortillas are warm and chewy, and I prefer them to the corn, at least when I'm eating this chicken (not for tacos, mind you). I usually get beans and corn on the cob for the sides, and in all honesty, they're good enough, but you come here for the chicken, and eating the chicken will remind you of that with every bite. For good reason, it does get busy in here, which means there are not many parking spaces in an already cramped parking lot (especially toward the back of the plaza where EPU is located), and it can take some time to wait for your order to get ready. I usually get the combo dinners, which can rack up like $10-20, but you get a lot of food, and considering that's how much family meals cost anyway, it's well worth the value. It'd be well worth it for the chicken alone. read more

Think El Pollo Loco but cheaper. Yesterday I got a healthy portion of 2 pieces of chicken, corn on the cob, mexican rice, corn tortillas, salsa and a medium horchata all for $6. Prices are great and food is fresh so I'm definitely a fan. My only minor gripe is about the parking being horrible. They have a small lot that is shared with a few other businesses AND they are located on a busy street so parking options are rather limited. P.S. They take cash only. Se habla espanol. Be ready to point and enunciate if needed :) read more

Another alternative for El Pollo Loco. Great prices for chicken and chicken meals. Got the whole chicken which was 8 pieces with mild salsa, tortillas and two large sides. The chicken was pretty tasty. I liked how the skin was thin and the meat was pretty juicy. I couldn't decide what to get for the sides so the lady let me get two half sizes of macaroni salad and potato salad and a full size of rice. The rice was the best of the three, with bits of tomato. The potato salad and macaroni salad tasted like it was from smart and final, store bought, not made in house. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed my meal. The parking lot is small, but you can always park on the street as well to run in for a quick take out. read more

El Pollo Unico - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

Cash only place! Chicken was okay. I definitely like El Pollo loco better. Wasn't impressed with the sides my order came with. And not the location. Too small. read more

Think El Pollo Loco but juicer and more tender chicken!!! Great place to get to go for a good night of eats. I will stop by El Pollo Unico everytime I am in Pasadena! read more

This place is a solid choice for grilled chicken. My friend and I KILLED their dinner special the other night. The location is a little rough, but their chicken is fresh, a bit salty, and always tasty. Their sides aren't bad, either. Please disregard all reviewers complaining about parking, cleanliness, and other non-chicken related issues. It's good eatin' in a rough part of town, and the food is priced accordingly. Quit your whining and go eat some chicken. read more

Good, fast and cheap. Juicy, tasty chicken with that magically crispy skin. This is a totally no nonsense place. I would have given it a 5th star, but the place was really messy. There were gang tags scratched into the windows. The floors were dirty and the tables were rarely cleaned. The bathroom was filthy to make things worse. However, what do you expect from an Asian owned establishment? The chicken is absolutely mouth watering and is cheap. If they are too busy making that magic chicken to keep their place presentable, so be it. read more

This is our go to place for chicken. The only bad thing about this place is the waiting for your order, they take so long! The chicken is awesome. It's always juicy and flavorful, and very affordable! Where else can you get a whole chicken (8pc) with two large sides, two salsas and 10 tortillas for $13.99. We always get the whole chicken with 2 sides. The sides that they offer are pretty good too. They have a large range of combo sizes from 2pc to 24pc. They also have party trays. So order away and enjoy your chicken! read more

We were a little worried about the comments about lines and wait times, because we went right after church at prime lunch time. No worries! The grills were full of chicken and the wait was minimal. We took a family size dinner home (3 chickens, 4 sides, 2 salsas, and tortillas) and everyone raved about it. We fed 7 people with plenty of leftovers. The chicken was juicy and tender and had more meat than Pollo Loco. We tried the rice, beans, coleslaw, and potato salad, and all were very tasty. We felt it was great value for the price and would definitely recommend. read more

For the price i paid under $5 for my meal, all is can say is wow. The chicken was sooooo good. I've paid $45 for chicken, eaten chicken at the top restaurants in Paris and I have to say their chicken is better than Parisian Chicken! Stumbled on this little hole in the wall while going to a beauty supply next door. Had 5 minutes to get to my hair appt. Hungry and knowing i'd be hungry if I didn't eat, walked in and ordered. Place was getting a lot of traffic, people in and out. Figured what the hell. So glad i did. The chicken is sooo good. The sides are the only blah or what I would've thought the food would taste like going off of the exterior of the place. Real fresh salsa. Go. Eat there. Bring it home. I'll be back :-) read more

This is one of the best flame broiled chicken restaurants, hands down. The food is excellent. The restaurant just moved across the street. It is bare bones, no frills, but that just adds to the charm. Obviously, there is flame broiled chicken here. Some of the tastiest, juiciest in town. No extra fancy stuff. Just good chicken. The sides are also excellent. Get either the tangy cole slaw or slightly sweet potato salad. I would also recommend the spicy salsa. The mild salsa lacks a kick. But depending on the night the spicy salsa is either hot or extra hot so be warned. The chicken is so good that we take it to go and serve it for picnics and pot lucks. People always rave about it. read more

The chicken was juicy and dericious! I will come back again and again eventhough the casher lady was littlebit scary. Tuesday nite 8 pm, 30 minutes before closing, that was when I went. Casher lady was counting money and getting ready to leave. She rushed me to order, but I didn't know wht to get as a first timer. "What do you want?" "Give me a sec" "How many pieses" "I am not sure yet" "How about your sides"..... I managed to get what I wanted after a while. While I was waiting, two more customers came and annoyed the lady. People know where the good chickens are! read more