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    Pioneer Chicken

    4.0 (782 reviews)
    Closed Closed
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Pioneer Chicken Photos

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    PIONEER CHICKEN ATMOSPHERE

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

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    The meal
    Roger M.

    I honestly don't understand why I have never stepped foot in this establishment since my childhood or most of my adulthood. Today was finally the day! Haha. I ordered the 9 piece chicken strips side order of biscuits and onions rings. All I gotta say is wow. The batter is light and crispy the tenders just come apart the biscuits are sweet soft and airy and the onion rings were legit too. I am definitely a customer now and will come back to both locations! Service is great and ambiance is clean and straight to the point. Give this place a chance and explore their entire menu.

    Corn on the cobettes
    Karen B.

    Amazing chicken from my childhood just as good as I remember. Back in the day I was lucky to have a Pioneer Chicken in the city I lived in. Sadly they are down to 2 locations in Southern California so this was a treat. Brought chicken to bring to my brother's house all the way in Long Beach and it was still warm and crispy! Had to get strips and corn on the cob too. Was low key hoping to see the corn on the cob rolling in circles in the yellow butter sauce. LOL. Cashier was patient while I tried to decide how many of each thing to order. The dining room is straight out of the 80s but it was clean and well maintained. I brought home the leftover chicken to eat the next day and it was just as delicious. I just microwaved it a bit then threw it in the air fryer.

    Matthew J.

    (4/5) Tried Pioneer Chicken and went with the 4-piece chicken strip meal with potato salad, coleslaw, and a biscuit. * The chicken strips were well-seasoned and juicy, though the portions ran a bit on the smaller side -- still the standout of the meal (5/5). * The potato salad was better than I expected, just could've used a little more flavor (3.5/5). * The coleslaw leaned slightly dry, but the seasoning was solid (3.5/5). * The biscuit looked promising but didn't quite deliver in flavor (3/5). The drive-thru took a bit longer than expected, but the staff was friendly and professional. I didn't dine in, so I can't fully speak to the ambiance; however, the interior decor felt nostalgic and brought back childhood memories of going to Pioneer with my family. Overall, a solid experience, but at $19, the portions should be more generous. For a four-piece meal with two sides and a biscuit, no one should be left hungry. I'd still come back to try other menu items and see how they stack up.

    Damon C.

    First off, this review will probably end up hidden under "other reviews that are not currently recommended." Yelp isn't fair about when you leave an honest review & will either delete this review or hide because this is no longer an honest review site. Anyways, I hadn't had Pioneer in about 35 years so we decided to go! The service was slow & it took some time for our order to be ready. The chicken was not too greasy & was tasty. Everything was crispy & hot. The takeaway was there's no free refills on drinks! Also, they nickel & dime you on condiments. Why do this to your paying customers? Nothing on the tables either. At least put napkins because it's fried chicken! The booths were uncomfortable too so when you're done eating, you want to leave. I guess that's why they designed them like that. I'd go back again.

    Gabe O.

    I had no idea there was a Pioneer Chicken so close to where I work until my best friend picked me up for a birthday lunch. We were heading somewhere else when we spotted the sign and instantly decided to stop. Growing up in Los Angeles, my family would order Pioneer Chicken often, so seeing one still around brought back a flood of nostalgia. We parked in the lot and placed our order at the counter. I'm happy to report that the food still tastes just like I remember from my childhood--crispy, flavorful, and comforting. The restaurant itself feels like stepping back in time, with that old-school charm intact. They accept cash, card, and tap payments, and even have a drive-thru for added convenience. I couldn't resist grabbing some extra food to take home and share with my wife. It was such a fun surprise to rediscover a piece of LA history that's still serving up great fried chicken.

    1989, Kareem selling Pioneer Fish n Chips.
    Eric H.

    With just 5 booths and 4 tables, this Pioneer Chicken spot is smaller than expected. Opened in 1961, Pioneer once had 270 locations throughout the US. They sold the franchise to Popeyes back in 1993, and now there are only two stores left. Checking out the menu, I was surprised to see that they sell Fish N Chips. I didn't know if this was a new thing, but when I did a quick search, I found out that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did a Fish N' Chips TV commercial for Pioneer back in 1983 - So there it is! Now this was my first time back to a Pioneer since the Clinton Administration, so I was determined to have the 2-piece Chicken Dinner with Spicy Rice and Mashed Potatoes. I'm glad I stuck to my guns, because the meal was pretty darn good. The chicken was moist and tender and the orange batter was very crispy and flavorful. The Spicy Rice was tasty and actually spicy!!! The Mash Potatoes were fine, and the biscuit was not at all dry. Overall, it was a satisfying meal. The food and a fountain drink with tax, was under 15 bucks! At those prices, I can't afford NOT to eat here!!!! Next time back, I will have the Chicken Tenders, and maybe I will try the fish. Nostalgic and tasty, Pioneer Chicken does harken back to another era, and that's a good thing.

    Fish, I assume it's cod
    Tom L.

    I grew up in SoCal and I remember coming to Pioneer chicken in the late and early 1990s. I remember coming to Pioneer chicken for a full chicken meal up until my family moved to Texas. The last time I had pioneer chicken, was over 20+ years. What I walked in and reminds me of what it was before old school menu, old school diner meal, if I like a time capsule from 1990s. The chicken was exactly how I remembered it, beer battered, not a thick batter, but thick enough that it was ultra crispy. Juicy tender interior meat. I don't know how they were able to cook a crispy exterior with such juicy wet interior meat but it was awesome. Normally I rip off the skin and just eat the chicken but coming to pioneer I have to eat every single last piece, including the fry. The fish was good too, had like a tad sweetness to the white meat. I'm assuming it's cod. Great spicy hot rice so it's nice to mix the rice and a creamy cold cole slaw. When you eat into the rich fried chicken, add a little bit of hot sauce to sort of change up the flavor profile. Then when you take another bite, add that creamy cold coleslaw, and it reset your palette. Go for another bite and take a bite of that meaty rice and I really appreciate that. It has a little bit of spice to it with chunks of chicken meat in it. The fish definitely is a good choice. You can't go wrong with it and I love how it comes with a side of tartar sauce. Nothing special about the tartar sauce just good tartar sauce overall great meal how to get a hat so I can wear it and represent Pioneer chicken in Texas. The biscuit on the other hand, nothing sucked. It was dry no flavor. I took one bite and didn't even touch it again. It needs moisture butter something. They do not accept credit card so if you use your debit card, they charge you a $.75 fee so if you don't want to pay by debit bring cash.

    Pioneer Chicken is at the corner of Florence Blvd and Garfield Blvd.
    Sergio Z.

    This is my first time coming to Pioneer Chicken in a long time more than forty years, I have try their chicken I remember it was golden brown and crispy when taking a bite. They are only two Pioneer chicken restaurant left one of them is Boyle Heights and this one that my wife and I are at is in Bell Garden. When we stepping into Pioneer Chicken you go back to Pioneer Chicken in the 80's it hasn't changed it looks the same can I remember. The menu looks the same but the prices went up it's not 80's prices. We were looking at the menu and decided what to order we decided order a three piece meal with two side on the side we ask for potato salad and mashed potatoe and also including a biscuit. Then my wife wanna get a fried fish she remember get them years ago. We waited for our number to be called then we notice more people were coming in to the restaurant and ordering Pioneer Chicken famous crispy golden brown chicken. They call our number then I went to pick up our meal,the chicken looks golden brown delicious. Took a bite of the chicken one bite I can hear that crunch biting in the chicken it was tender and juicy and batter was crispy and golden brown it was so good. My wife said the chicken was juicy and tender and that crunch that she remember then my fish took a bite of the fried fish it was gold brown and really good. I took bite of the potato salad it was good and then the mashed potatoe it was so good and I can taste the chicken gravy it was good. The biscuit was good but I add it some of gravy to the biscuit it add more flavor that was mind blowing. Overall the staff was really friendly and the restaurants always look clean we need to come back again.

    Tiffany M.

    Soooo good!!! Just as delicious as I remembered! Chicken was hot and fresh and so crispy! Definitely recommend it! You will not be disappointed

    Joe G.

    Going to pioneer chicken is like taking a visit into my past. Growing up in pico Rivera we had 2 pioneer chicken restaurants growing up. It was either pioneer or KFC. I loved pioneer and was always happy when this was on the menu u for dinner. Was sad when they started to close them down but since I worked in bell garden would frequent the one in bell gardens often. Moving away from here it was limited as to when I could come and get some and fortunately yesterday I was in the area and stopped and got some of their delicious chicken. The chicken was hot, juicy and tender and the breading just as delicious as I remember. I got the BBQ beans, mashed potatoes and a large side of their spicy rice. My favorite. I was so hungry I forgot to take a picture of the rice but believe me it's a definite must. The place is like a time capsule with all the decor or a by gone ahead when things were simpler. Staff was friending and place had a nice vibe to it. Wish they start to expand their places as this would give most chicken places a run for its money

    Nostalgic
    Melissa S.

    Was in the area since I got my car worked on and decided to pick up some good old nostalgic Pioneer chicken. I haven't been here since I was a kid. I ordered the Pioneer special eight piece chicken for $22. I ordered to the drive-through. Get ready to wait cuz BABY!!! I WAITED!!! Sheesh. It tookn forever for my chicken to come and only tattoo cats were in front of me. Plus they charge 75 cents for card. That's different. The flavor, the crisp, the color is all coming back to me. I swear the chicken got better and better with everybody. So fresh and cooked. So much flavor and goodness and everybody. I miss this.

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    21 days ago

    Best fried chicken. Tastes the same as when i was a kid, same great recipe. I would recommend.

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    19 days ago

    Would never buy from here again taste like hospital food no flavor and ridiculously expensive

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    3 months ago

    This is The crispiest chicken I've ever had!! Absolutely delicious!!it's well worth the drive from Long Beach.

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    Page 1 of 20

    Pioneer Chicken Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Pioneer Chicken

    Are you able to order in advance to avoid waiting? I want to order a large order but hate to hold up everybody else?

    We did but had to pay in advance. There's a credit card or ATM fee if you don't pay with cash.

    Do they sell the chicken salad sandwich or the spicy fried chicken?

    They have a chicken salad sandwich and a chicken filet sandwich. It doesn't specify if it's spicy or not.

    Does it have a drive thru?

    Yes.

    Are they currently open? Went last night around 8:15pm and they were closed. Pitch black inside! Called today, and the phone just rang.

    Staff said they have lately been closing at about 6:30pm or sooner, due to staff shortages. The… Read more

    Do they take credit cards or Apple Pay /Android Pay?

    They take credit cards but they charge 0.95 extra. They don't take apple or android pay... Or at least they had no idea what it was when I asked

    Is there a way to order a plate with both chicken strips and fish here, I looked on the menu and only saw only chicken or only fish plates? Or do I just add a piece of fish?

    More than likely u have to add

    Is this a original pioneer Chicken ?the biscuit didn't look like that.

    Yes, it's an original Pioneer Chicken. It's one of the last two left in the U.S

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    The Chicken Koop - $20 Happy meal. Fried chicken sandwich with garlic fries or French fries + lime margarita  DINE IN ONLY. SUNDAY-TUESDAY  5PM-8PM

    The Chicken Koop

    4.4(1.2k reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $$
    Outdoor seating
    Sports on TV

    I finally made the drive to Downey to try this chicken spot I have been eyeing for monthsssss!…read moreTheir parking lot is located in the back of the restaurant as street parking appears to be limited. They As we are a primarily chicken household, I brought my family with me to try their chicken plates and creative chicken plates. My first initial thought walking into Chicken Koop is that it has calm party vibe... the reason I say this is because through our whole time in the restaurant, they were playing a lot of my favorite songs. For a second, I thought my phone had connected to their speakers, lol! Pictured below is the Fried Chicken Sandwich and the 1/2 Roasted Chicken Plate. The Friend Chicken Sandwich was so juicy and flavorful; the breaded chicken patty had a perfect crunch to it. The 1/2 Roasted Chicken Plate was also another delicious and great choice. The chicken was cooked perfectly- again no dry chicken and it was juicy w a crunchy outer skin. The Brussels sprouts can out perfectly as well.

    We picked this place as a last-minute dinner option since none of us had tried it before, and we…read morethought it would be worth a shot. We ordered takeout and were pleasantly surprised they still accepted our order only 30 minutes before closing. I had the mushroom wrap because it seemed like a healthier option. The vegetables inside were cooked well and nicely seasoned, but the wrap itself was a little dry. It came with a salad, which was a nice addition. I'd still return for the wrap. The garlic fries were really good, and the nachos were nice and saucy. The rice that came with the dinner plate, however, was overcooked and mushy. Overall, a decent experience with a few standout items.

    Photos
    The Chicken Koop - Full Bar

    Full Bar

    The Chicken Koop - The garlic chicken plate

    The garlic chicken plate

    The Chicken Koop - Craft cocktails

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    Craft cocktails

    I Got My Sound Chicken - Downey

    I Got My Sound Chicken - Downey

    4.7(118 reviews)
    3.1 mi
    $$
    Catering service
    Grab-and-go

    Back at one of the best k chicken spots. So let's see if they're pretty good eh or ew. The playlist…read moreand vibes here are on point and everything is fried to order. This time I got their laseng chicken set, tnt chicken sando, and 8 piece wings with their mala gala, red disco, anchovy, and seaweed one which I was my fave last time. All the chicken here was amazingly crispity crunchity and paired well with their made in house sauces. The laseng chicken set came with soft steamed broccoli topped with like a mayoy drizzle, crunchy sweet pickled radish, sticky rice, and a fried chicken cutlet topped with like a spicy, jalapenoy, limey sauce. The tnt chicken sando had a soft chewy bun, crunchy briney pickles, was decently spicy and lowkey reminded me of buffalo sauce. The mala gala wings had peppery spicy flaves, the red disco was more like a sweet spicy sticky situation, and the anchovy one was really savory, salty with a light fishy essence but nothing offensive. Overall this place is still pretty good. Laseng chicken set $15.99 Double TNT chicken sando $15.99 8 pc wing $17.99

    I am so conflicted with this place. Food was legit good, not amazing but solid. Fresh fried wings…read morewith some unique flavors. Key point here, "some". Just some humble words of suggestion, this place needs a bigger menu. Fries is not enough, and def more entrees. I like the fact this place has a Music theme, but it feels half-assed. So some flavors on the menu have music references, but not all. This place opened right after another KFC place that was there after covid. I asked the server if this was new ownership or a re-brand. Didint really get a clear answer. Back to the food. I tried the Mala Gala & Red Disco wings. Both were fire. Samba fried were also yummy as well. Like I said earlier more apps and some Chimkin Sandos would totally change the menu, and maybe some more flavor options for the KFC wings. Plenty of parking right in front, located in the Downey Landing shop area behind the Benihana.

    Photos
    I Got My Sound Chicken - Downey - Interior

    Interior

    I Got My Sound Chicken - Downey - Anchovies fries it taste like truffle fries

    Anchovies fries it taste like truffle fries

    I Got My Sound Chicken - Downey - Loaded Samba Fries. Dinner 1/26/2025

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    Loaded Samba Fries. Dinner 1/26/2025

    Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers

    Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers

    3.3(1.2k reviews)
    3.0 mi
    $$

    Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers came through with a solid lunch win. I ordered online for pickup,…read morepulled in on a Wednesday around lunch, and to my surprise there was plenty of parking--honestly, finding an easy parking spot at lunchtime feels like winning a small lottery. The dining area inside is on the smaller side, but it was clean, organized, and well kept. The staff I encountered were cheerful, friendly, and had that "we actually like our jobs" energy, which always makes the experience better. My order was ready when I arrived, so the pickup process was smooth, quick, and painless. I went with the 3 Finger Combo, and it delivered exactly what I came for: crispy chicken, fresh fries, Texas toast, and that famous sauce that could probably solve world problems. For $12, I thought it was a fair price for a satisfying meal. Overall, this was a great visit. Fast service, friendly vibes, easy parking, and tasty food. No complaints here--just a happy customer and an empty sauce cup.

    I order the 25 piece tray of tenders and it was good. I also order 6 Texas toast and 3 fries. The…read moreservice was fast and friendly. My order was ready on time (ordered online). Ambiance was busy, inside a lot of people for dinner time. I do enjoy Canes and think that it tasty good for the price. This parking lot can be chaotic due to the construction around the mall and in the parking lot.

    Photos
    Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers
    Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers - The Box Combo ~ Yum!

    The Box Combo ~ Yum!

    Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers

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    Pioneer Chicken - chickenshop - Updated May 2026

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