I was so looking forward to Pollo Campero moving into my 'hood. Sure, some may have been excited about the Starbucks opening next door in this still-under-construction strip mall, but for me I was getting pumped up about the Guatemalan-style fried chicken. I actually waited about 30 minutes in line during its opening day in July for a take-out order (the wait for a table was longer - the interior is not that large). The crowds have died down a bit since then, but they do a brisk business luring the Latino population (and this particular Asian guy) to this spot. This is the second Pollo Campero to open in Chicago. What makes the chicken special? It is crunchy, spicy, and juicy without going overboard on any of these attributes. They have a great selection of side orders like yucca fries, tostones, and sweet plantains along with more "common" ones like beans, Spanish rice, and mashed potatoes. They also have a salsa bar where you can scoop up different salsas, cilantro, and lime wedges to add a bit of kick to your flavorful chicken. While the main reason to come here is the fried chicken and the latin-style sides, they also have a serviceable burrito, and some salad and bowl-style dishes that I've not tried. The mango juice is pretty tasty, and they also have horchata, tamarindo, and some cashew-fruit drink called maranon that I will have to try. The flan is not bad, but they are ready-made containers and not "fresh". If you are lucky, the life-size yellow Pollo Campero character will greet you at your table and perhaps give you a high-five, though its appearance frightened a young tyke during my last visit. The one time I dined here, I sat next to the mural of one of the great pyramids in Tikal, Guatemala, and I think that made my dining experience complete. read more

Pollo Campero - Pollo Campero - Latin American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Hot. Fresh. BUSY! There's a tent outside for to-go orders! Food takes a long time to be packaged for you to go, but if you're eating in, they bring the food to your table. This place is a mexican KFC. Beans and rice, Pico sauce and other salsas where you'd expect to find bbq and ketchup! Try the bowl, or a bucket of chicken. Yummy! Good to-go food. Small eat in area. HUGE business. Very loud inside. This owner is def living the American Dream. One store at brickyard and this is #2. read more

Pollo Campero - Keep America Clean! THIS makes this take out chicken place a fiver for me! - Latin American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This was my first time ordering from this place and I give it a solid 3. I can say that the chicken was well grilled & fried and good. I order the medium catering pack that should feed 25 ppl but when I open the pans with the sides the rice & mashed potatoes was not enough for 25 ppl. Also, the food was an hour late and the driver did not want to bring the order up. read more

Pollo Campero - This is what a pan of mashed potatoes that should feed 25 ppl looks like. - Latin American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Good chicken, but worst customer service ever experienced! Appears to be consistently under staffed with only one cashier taking orders and preparing meals. read more

Pollo Campero had been on my family's radar for months, particularly because my husband LOVES fried chicken! We finally gave it a try and we were pleased. Our daughter got a sandwich and fries and she was happy, while hubby and I each had meals and tried a few different sides. The corn has a lot going on with peppers, seeds and a few other things in it, which I was on the fence about. I did like the coleslaw, the beans, and our absolute favorite was the plantains. I plan to try the grilled chicken and the yucca fries next. read more

The chicken was good I had got 3 pc chicken dinner the mash potatoes and gravy wasn't good thought and rice was ok it would of been better but it was hard and the mist twist soda was out of service you guys never bother checking the soda machine and drinks are only one size you guys need multiple sizes not just one size the service and food I give it an F- you guys need to do better read more

This is a hidden gem the food was flavorful and tasty. Food is worthy of 5 stars but took off 2 for the service & ambiance. Ambiance this place looks like the run of the mill fast food place which made me lower my expectations as far as how good the food is. Don't judge a book by its cover. Staff wasn't very friendly and they were in a hurry to serve the customers. One of them Food the chicken was cooked to perfection and perfectly seasoned. Sometimes when you take a chance you get pleasantly surprised. read more

Pollo Campero - Latin American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Pollo Campero claims to cook their chicken from Guatemalan family recipe and I have to say, it tastes like any regular American take on Latin American style food. The rice tastes like it came out of a box. The beans look like they came out of a can. The chicken was okay but I didn't taste the authenticity. Perhaps the restaurant started out with great recipes but as a chain, it's no better than Chick-filet (and I dislike Chick-filet's dry chicken also). read more

This place doesn't have much to write home about. However, when you are traveling from work and want something to eat...super-sonic quickly...then you can count on this place. They have weekday daily special, which comes with an entree and a fountain soda. For under $5, it's a deal. Food is fine. Of course it's not gourmet-quality. They do have pretty decent empanadas, which I recommend. It's quick, clean, friendly place to be. I believe they do have wifi available, but SB is next door and occasionally you get the wifi signal from there. This place isn't really competitive to other restaurants in Albany Park, but kudos to awesome Sunday hours (opening until 2200 hour). With that being said, I'm grateful because there are very limited choices left when you get home at 2030 hour on a Sunday. read more

Pollo Campero - Chicken bowl - Latin American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I used to go to Pollo Campero years ago, but it's been a while, so while looking for some fast, healthy-ish lunch near work I decided to give it another go. I ordered the 2 piece grilled meal with the corn salad and a Peruvian chicken empanada. Right off the bat, I can tell that the pieces of chicken are smaller than before. I like my grilled skin with some kind of flame grilled crispiness. This skin was just too moist and slimy for my taste, so I just took it off (I wanted healthier, right?). The meat was still juicy and well spiced though, so no big deal. The corn salad was FABULOUS!!! Cotija cheese, sweet corn, cilantro, cherry tomatoes, and pumpkins seeds. I feel like I could eat this every day, it was so good! The Peruvian chicken empanada was ok. Not bad, but not a show stopper either. One thing I want to know though..... where is the salsa bar?! That was one of my favorite things about Pollo Campero, so removing it also removes one of my favorite reasons for going. Where's the lime??? Wheres the cilantro y cebolla??? Where's the Pico de Gallo??? There isn't even any salsa behind the counter, just a green hot sauce in a bottle. BRING BACK THE SALSA BAR!!! That being said, the prices are a little high for what the food is. For $2.49 for each empanada, I could just as easily go to a more upscale Latin restaurant and get some real tasty empanadas for the same price. read more

Pollo Campero - Empanada and corn salad - Latin American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Great food, but never use their app!!! It says for mobile pick up, but you still have to wait for the food. You have to wait for a while to get your food. I do the mobile pick up to save on time because I have a limited lunch time. On the app it has a time to pick up the food and prepare but because the app does not let you pay on it they make you pay at the restaurant and still make you wait! I had to wait ten minutes out of my lunch time and had only 5 to 10 minutes of my lunch time left to eat!!! Make sure you have no rush or no where to go to eat here!! read more

I placed an order for a family dinner and it shows up cold and missing the mashed potatoes. I call the number listed that is a call center and they said sorry and if I want a $4.00 refund? Ummmm no we want our mashed potatoes to eat with our cold and dry chicken. They tried transferring me to the actual restaurant and conveniently they sent me to voicemail 3x. I had to warm up the chicken, beans and made my own mashed potatoes...never again. read more

I ordered 12 chicken pieces and an order of fries...The order was ready fast.I exited the establishment and grabbed some fries out of the bag...They weren't even room temp warm,cold and chewy.Too much money and not enough quality..The staff was all women who were very nice,but are obviously not concerned with the quality of food being sold.Get it together. read more

I read a lot of the previous reviews after visiting the place. Thankfully I checked it out and you can never judge a book by its cover. Yesterday I ordered the 5 for 5 which consisted of three pieces of chicken and two sides. I asked for the yucca fries and plantains. The lady at the register was kind and she brought the tray to my table as I waited for the food. The food was hot and the chicken was very tender. The yucca fries with the sauces made it as an excellent treat and I washed all the food down with a horchata drink. My experience was pleasurable. If my job brings me to the area, I will make it a point to stop by. read more

With the amount of effort some of these eateries put forth its amazing they last as long as they do. Popeye's, KFC, Brown's ...Pollo Compero. NEWS FLASH!! There chicken doesn't fare any better than the rest. Show me as a consumer that you are concerned with the quality of food you're putting in the bag. Robotic staff programed to take your hard earned cash and push a sack back across the counter at you with nothing more than a grunt as a thank you. If your fortunate enough to get there just as the chicken comes out of the cooker its safe to say you won't be terribly disappointed. Now as for the sides I'd be hard pressed to believe they're made on a daily basis. It really chaps my hide when you're selling day old slaw, beans and if you can believe mashed potatoes. I'm not certain but I have to assume the tasteless brown, gelatinous substance that accompanied me 'tatoes was the gravy. I just want you guys to raise the bar. Once you stop caring it reflects on your product, your staff and eventually your bottom line. read more

Mmm... crispy chicken skin! I've been back to this location a few times and I love their fried chicken thighs and wings. The chicken is moist, flavorful, and the crispy skin is the best part. No heavy breading or weird batter here - just lightly seasoned and fried. Pair that with sweet plantains and a biscuit and you have a fast food meal that actually tastes like real food. I've tried my bf's chicken tenders, which were pretty good (I prefer chicken on the bone, though). I haven't tried the other side dishes, other than their tostones and french fries, but someone told me that the rice & black beans were kind of bland. They have a salsa table with three different kinds of salsas (red, green tomatillo, and chipotle), as well as limes, chopped onion, and cilantro. I'm sure the rice & beans would taste better with a little salsa and cilantro. I wasn't crazy about their prepackaged flan, either. But I go here mainly for their fried chicken and sweet plantains and have never been disappointed. read more

Love the food the chicken is delicious and is freshly cooked. The restaurant is clean and the atmosphere was great. The place is packed all the time but the people are amazing. Will definitely go back again read more

My children like this restaurant so much it's there 2nd favorite restaurant place and I also like it.

Do not buy the the Bowl? worst plate of food I ever buy!!!! the grilled chicken" the claimed to put in the bowl was like a month old pieces of chicken!! what a disaster. I didn't bother to go back to complaint because the owner is not even there to respond for complaints. read more

I was actually pretty impressed with this place. For a fast food joint, it offers a unique alternative to the same-old, same-old. Is it super authentic Latino food? No, not really. But if you are in a hurry and don't want a hamburger, it's a pretty good option, without having to go and wait at a regular restaurant. I got the grilled chicken -extra interesting that it was grilled with lime -never thought of that on chicken -so that was pretty cool. The sweet plantains were the real deal -though a little greasy. The yucca fries were a very "white people" version of yucca, but still interesting. The cashier was really friendly and I only waited maybe 5-6 minutes for my order. Again, it's fast food. But an interesting option if you want to try something different in a hurry! read more

Chicken is too salty. Highly seasoned. It's not suitable for customers who want to keep their sodium levels in control. The sides are unique and different. read more

Those camperito Nugs are what popcorn chicken wants to be. Try out the grilled chicken! Super juicy and full of lime. The sauces here are the hidden secret. Get the cilantro sauce with the grilled chicken for a healthier alternative. read more

This place was decent especially if you are looking for a different fast food experience. The yuca fries were delicious and the chicken empanadas. The empanada was a good size. If you dine in you can take advantage of the salsa bar and made up your guacamole at your table. The store was clean and the staff was friendly. read more

Pollo Campero - 2 piece with empanada and chips - Latin American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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El peor pollo que he probado en mi vida todo estaba asqueroso mi mamá asta se enfermó lo tuvimos que botar 60 dólares tirados a la basura

I stopped at Starbucks this morning and noticed Pollo Campero. I was excited for lunch, because I wanted to try their food. I placed an order and the portion of the $14 dollar salad was much less than the picture on the window and the veggies were old and brown with very little chicken. The food was cold when I received it. My company is only a few blocks away and I was hoping that the food would be great. I was very disappointed and I'm not sure if I'll ever order from there again. The empanadas were tasty, but came with no dipping sauce. Won't ever spend almost $40 dollars for subpar food. read more

Just ok. this was our first visit, I prefer Popeyes or Chick Fil A. The chicken sandwich was ok. Not horrible but not brag worthy. I did like the sweet pickles instead of dill. I didn't care for the fries at all. Husband got the 3 piece empanada he said they were pretty good. read more

Pollo Campero has the best food ever! I am so glad there is one still in Chicago! There used to be one I the Brickyard that closed and I miss it. I am so glad I found this one because now I know that they still exist! Much better chicken than KFC or Popeyes! read more

Went there on a Saturday 7/11/20. Called ahead and the gentleman that worked there was very professional over the phone. Order was 100% correct and the food was fresh and delicious. I haven't been there in two years prior but will be back soon. read more

Fried chicken..you either love it or you hate it...I love it...but I only eat it sparingly. So on my recent stop at Pollo Campero - I decided I'd go slightly healthier and get the grilled chicken oh and their empanadas which are deep fried but I already ordered the grilled chicken so I can splurge on calories. I love their empanadas and their fried yucca fries... Yes-definitely made the right decision to get grilled chicken.... There used to be more Pollos Camperos around but I guess they opened too many and now that I know of, only this one remains in the city. I do find their prices slightly overpriced. WHICH is why I was sorely disappointed when I found out they got rid of their salsa bar and now only sell dips.. Seriously? You are a LATIN inspired restaurant....I have no idea who was the brains behind THAT decision but they made a poor decision. The salsas were one of the best things there and the reason I actually liked their food. Now, I honestly found the chicken to be a bit dry and although it was "seasoned" it was not exactly flavorful. BRING THE SALSAS back!!! Until they do, I probably now have less of a reason to go. read more

Chicken still had feathers on them, drink was not sent on order and overall quality is pour and completely overpriced.

Chicken was fresh and flavorful. Service was phenomenal today considering they were swamped. Great improvement from past visits.

I miss the bowls which are off the new menu, but the quality & speed of service remain high. Prices are remarkably low.

I was so excited to share the chicken with my family and friends for Super Bowl, but what a disappointment in service. I ordered a catering and salad tray for pick up, knowing how crazy SuperBowl could, I ordered on Friday before, paid via CC. Arrived at pick up location, that is suggested for pick-up and they had NO order! it's cold in Chicago, standing outside, 831 N. Sedgwick, on the phone with 833- and nothing but the Run Around!!People on the phone, had my order, people in the store did not! For over 60 minutes, they said order was being taking care, they would email my receipt (it never came). Finally I had to ask for a refund and order online. WHICH IS WHAT They could have done or SUGGESTED instead in BS-ing! Any other day I would have bounced, but it was Super Bowl and the wait was going to long. I'm super pissed at Pollo Compero because I really liked the chicken and couldn't wait to share. But now, I just don't know. :-( read more

I had heard about this chicken which is a recipe which is a traditional South American flavoring, but when I tasted it it was absolutely amazing the ingredients are fresh, and the helpings are substantial. The corn salad with pumpkin seeds is very healthy take a look at it roasted corn, red bell, pumpkin seeds feta cheese in a pleasant vinaigrette OMG. Wonderful healthy juices Yucca fries great sources and much more. We pretty much just buy this chicken now. read more

How To Eat Like A Real Mutha(- Shut yo-I'm Just Talking About Chicken): 1. Grab screaming, crabby baby, bring him to the car and wrestle him into his strappy seat. Pretend it doesn't hurt too bad when he kicks you in the eye with his baby-shoed foot. 2. Drive. What is far enough to lull him to sleep with this drive... Mars Cheese Castle? No, maybe not that far. Pollo Campero? Yes! Yes. Okay, drive the almost 25 miles from your house to Pollo Campero. Yes, later, when your child is a angst-ridden pre-teen, he will charge that you love Pollo Campero more than him. Based on that eye-kicking a few minutes ago, you might not know how you feel about that... You will hear every other word on NPR interspersed with baby shrieks. It's like real world Mad Libs. 3. The baby is blissfully asleep. Alas, no drive-thru. Okay, dad will go in first and place his order, come back to the car, then mom will go in and place hers and come back to the car. Mom will still have to order for dad because he will like what her food looks like more than his. Whatever... 4. Rip the hot, oily skin directly from three pieces at once and cram all the way into mouth. Repeat. Stare at stuff in front of you as eyes glaze over. Dip chicken into mashed potatoes and gravy. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. 5. Give baby the rest of your food, because he woke up starving from all of the earlier crying and flailing. 6. Take the rest of the chicken and continue on to Mars Cheese Castle after all, because you clearly didn't drive far enough. read more

Fast service,pipin hot chicken to where once you pulled the well flavored crispy skin off, the steam from the chicken excaped in a vapor. Reasonable prices, fast efficient service. A salsa bar to where you can package your own sauces. Parking lot is always full. Clean inside. All in all nice tasty place. read more

Watch out, Popeyes! You've got some SERIOUS competition from Pollo Campero! The skin is amazingly seasoned and crispy. The meat is delicious and juicy. If you get a family style dinner, you get your choice of tortillas, rolls or biscuits. We opted for the Hawaiian-esque style rolls. As for sides, the plantains and rice were just sooo good. Yum. My starving friend and I basically devoured the food..and were seriously satisfed afterwards. Don't forget to stock up on salsa at the yummy salsa bar. My personal favorite was the tomatilla and the jalapenos. Awesome! For 8 pieces of chicken, 2 sides and 4 rolls, the total came out to about 20 bucks! A little steeper than Popeyes or KFC, but the flavorful goodness is worth it! read more

Fried chicken AND empanadas? Yes, and yes. Can I just eat here and pretend that I'm in Breaking Bad? I bet Los Pollos Hermanos was like this. Unfortunately, no Gus Fring look-a-like spotted here when I visited, but the staff were welcoming and friendly. The Latin twist is a nice change from the KFC/Popeye's chains - there are plantains, rice, beans on the menu, and a salsa bar at the restaurant. I tried the chicken bowl and all the empanadas as a snack and loved it all. Next time, I've got my eye on a big bucket of fried chicken. read more

Where did this place come from? I used to have to drive to Brickyard to get this very unique South American style fried chicken. This place gets points for originality, because the chicken tastes like no one elses. It is quite delicious and heavily seasoned, it is similar to the colonel's orginal recipe in form and texture although the spices are different, very flavorful. It loses some ground in that the chicken is on the small side, and does not go cold very well, surprisingly. My advice is to eat in and not box it. The eat in location is very nice, always clean, and service is good, they bring you the food and they use real silverware. The tortillas are a different touch, but I haven't had any sides that stand out. Portions are on the small side and it can be pricey. Definitely glad to see another take on Fried Chicken though. Update on Sides: Mashed potatoes good. Biscuit good and buttery only when warm, as soon as they cool the get kind of hard and unappetizing, they are really kind of greasy. read more

Considering the dearth of fried chicken places on the north side worth going to, this is a welcome breath of fresh air! The last time my husband and I had a fried chicken craving, we wound up at the Lincoln/Peterson KFC and were promptly sick afterwards. We also tried the chicken from Pete's Pizza and were sorely disappointed. Pollo Campero served us nothing we didn't like. The chicken was moist on the inside, crispy and not greasy on the outside. The yuca fries and plantains were fabulous. I got a mango drink for the ride home, it's delicious. This is our new go-to chicken place! The place is clean, and the staff are friendly and say thank you. This alone makes it stand out. I've never been to the one at Brickyard but I hope this friendly customer service attitude doesn't fade over time. Oh, and for the people who keep calling this place Mexican, it is Guatemalan, and has been around since the 70's - it started franchising in other countries in the mid 90's. There is a great history section on their website if you want more information. read more