Spontaneously decided to try a new takeout place for dinner and hubby picked this one. Busy shop but very fast service. We came by about two hours before closing. Ordered the whole chicken entree, they didn't have anymore rice, disappointed :( Chicken was alright, the flavors were mostly on the skin and the meat was honestly pretty dry. But the salsa verde was EVERYTHING. I loved it! Maybe we got unlucky with the chicken this time, will probably give it another try some time in the future. read more

I have noticed they have started putting less and less chicken and fajita meat in our tacos. I am done with this business.

During a recent business trip to Austin, my coworker and I were looking for some good, authentic Mexican food. My Yelp search suggested that El Regio, with its 4 1/2 stars, would be a good bet. As usual, I called to verify their address. El Regio: [says something in Spanish] Me: "Is this El Regio?" ER: "Yes, do you speak Spanish?" Me: "No...ah, where are you located?" ER: [hangs up the phone] At that point, I suggested that we eat somewhere else since 1) the guy just hung up on me, and 2) see reason #1. Coworker: "Why don't you call again and say you were disconnected?" Me: "Because the guy hung up on me." Coworker: "I'll call them and pretend I'm you." El Regio: [utters something in Spanish] Coworker: "Is this El Regio?" ER: "Yes" CW: "I called earlier and we were disconnected. What is your address?" ER: "Do you speak Spanish?" CW: "No." ER: [hangs up the phone]. Coworker: "The guy hung up on me." Me: "Why don't you call again and say you were disconnected?" Coworker: "Okay, let's eat somewhere else." Me: "No, we have to eat there now." CW: "Why?" Me: "Because they can't give directions if you don't speak Spanish ... the food must be authentic." CW: "How will we order?" Me: "We'll point at the pictures." After a short drive, we arrived at a small, unremarkable white shack with a window secured with bars, a poster-sized menu off to the side, and an "El Pollo Regio" sign on top. The shack sits in a well-lit but sketchy area next to a convenience store. I got out of the car and looked for an entrance, but there wasn't one. It's take out only. We bought beer from the convenience store (Dos Equis, of course) and then ordered our dinner. My coworker got a chicken taco and a chicken tostada, and I ordered half a chicken and a chicken taco. The chicken comes with rice, grilled onion, tortillas, beans, lime, and a spicy green sauce. I have to say that the chicken was among the best Mexican food I've ever eaten. It was moist, tender, and very flavorful with just the right blend of spices and herbs--seriously good food. I microwaved the taco the next day for breakfast and ate it with lots of green sauce. Very good also. Bottom Line: 1) Great Mexican food at very reasonable prices, 2) The grilled chicken is awesome ... green sauce is spicy but so good, 3) Take out only...credit cards accepted, 4) Finding a hole-in-the-wall gem like this is why Yelp is indispensable when traveling. read more

Pollo Regio - El Pollo Regio - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

I am so ashamed of myself. I've lived just blocks away from this place for years and I just tried it for the first time tonight. What's crazier is I didn't even order the chicken. Hubby insisted on the carne asada, which no one even really Yelps about, and it's like the most delicious meat I've tasted in years! I am 95% sure I will be back to get the chicken within 48 hours. Honestly I think I didn't believe the reviews because I've been to Pollo Rico several times, and although it's always been good, it hasn't been a Five-star/ Yelp-worthy experience. This, and the fact that it is located in a shit gas station parking lot that I avoid even when it's convenient for me to stop at on my way out of the hood, has kept me from this most delicious, extremely reasonable eatery located within freaking walking distance from my own damn home. The carne asada plate is $9 and it will feed two or three hungry people. The flavor------ I just can't explain it. It comes with beans, rice, red salsa, green sauce, a scorched jalepeno, grilled onions, and several corn tortillas. Yum yum yum! I can't wait to try the chicken. read more

Pollo Regio - The only thing I added was the avocado. All the rest is Pollo Rico deliciousness. - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

Where can you go to get mouthwatering chicken, tortillas, lime, beans, rice and scrumptious salsas all for $12? El Regio fah shizzle! The food here is so yummy and they just place it all in a bag for you and there ya go! I feed my family for $12 and everyone goes away full and happy. We grab a couple of avocados to throw in with our chicken tacos. Man - this stuff is just the bomb, ok?! read more

Finally made it here for lunch and I'll be a regular for sure. This here is finger licking good chicken being pushed out of a window attached to a gas station. I got the half chicken meal. I killed the rice and beans before anything though! They put so much love in them. The beans have ground meat, chiccharone, and bacon. It's loaded with flavor! The rice was perfectly seasoned, they should show these other Mexican places how to do it! Ok back to the chicken. It's a well seasoned Mexican rotisserie style chicken. So juicy! It falls off the bones with ease. It came with all the fixings you need to really chow down too! Tortillas, limes, grilled onion, etc. I can not wait to get back! read more

The food here is good, but absolutely overpriced for what it is. A whole chicken for $26? Tacos al pastor for $15?? I would recommend going to Pollo Rico instead next door and getting comparable food for half the price. I like pollo al carbon as much as the next guy, but the exorbitant prices make this place a hard pass. read more

Reviews are far and few between, but I do drive by everyday to and from work, and the place is always packed, and the smells rolling out the top of the building are amazing...A friend at work said I have to try it...we are really into sit down style places, not walk up windows...but I will say, service was great and very fast. We wanted to try both the Carne and the Chicken...so needless to say it fed us for 2 days. Both were really good...Chicken had great seasoning, portion was a little small, these are small birds..but the flavor really makes up for it, and with the beans, rice and tortillas its more then filling...The Carne was good, and a bit tuff, but the pieces were small enough it was decent...and yes I would get it again...The rice, for a walk up window, was really good. The Charros seriously were some of the best I have every had. And that Green Sauce...OMG...Best I have ever tried!!...I saved to use on Breakfast Tacos the next day...Amazing!!..Our next try will be Pollo Rico, as its right by the house...Both are convent to stop at, so we will see.. read more

Pollo Regio - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

Oh my gosh this place is so delicious I tasted the chicken the beans are out of this world the rice is good everything is delicious very homemade and tasty I love it I love it. read more

Tasty chicken! Have visited this walk-up window for years and never been disappointed. Get the whole chicken meal. Great sides. Carne asada plate is also delicious. It's enough food for 2 meals. Comes with a nice pico de gallo. Too good! read more

It seems like Austin has a bunch of these, everywhere. Even though this one is not even close to my house, I always choose this one, why? one word Carne Asada, well it's two words but you get what I'm saying, they really do give a good portion for the money, that with some of that grilled onion and that heavenly green sauce that's been made by archangel Michael himself, its delicious. Yeah its next to a gas station and it's literally a hole in the wall, so you have to take it to go, but overall it's a good place. read more

Believe the hype! I've had my eye on this place since we moved to the neighborhood about six months ago. I didn't get to the store for groceries today so I decided to pick up a quick dinner here. Now I wish I'd gone much sooner! I ordered the #1 chicken dinner which was a good amount for two of us. A whole cut up chicken (well roasted and flavorful), a roasted onion (tasty!), a generous stack of corn tortillas, a side of rice, a side of beans cooked with diced bacon and vegetables, two types of salsa and a few lime wedges. It was all good; I'd be tempted to get an extra side of the beans next time. Service was quick, too. It's literally a window on the side of a convenience store building; I placed my order, the guy walked away for about 90 seconds, and returned with my dinner packed and ready to go. So I'll consider this both good and bad: A great dinner, but now I'll be tempted knowing I have an easy fallback just around the corner when I'm feeling too lazy to shop or cook. read more

Food was great but I didn't know it was a walk up window ONLY. salsa was really good too. More meat than one person should eat, but I did! I'll go back even though no where to sit. read more

I have tried chicken recipes in some of the finest restaurants in NYC, SF. I have tried chicken recipes in most fast food restaurants and regional restaurants across the nation. I ordered the full Mesquite Chicken. This hands down is the best chicken I have ever had. Best food to have while watching Breaking Bad! read more

This is one of my favorite stands. I love dropping by to grab a couple a rotisserie chickens with all the fixings to accompany the meal. Take the meal to a picnic table at the park and enjoy it all. It's not your typical fast fried food. It's fast and authentic. The green sauce is what I love to top off on my food. It's finger licking good! read more

Great food and salsa. The Chile verde has a spicy kick to get your taste buds rocking. Love the speediness and service

We left the Nelson field by 9:30 to go grab some dinner... pulled up 2 minutes after .. I ask for two chickens and the lady backed away from the window and look at the clock "9:35" and dead ass look me on the face and said we don't have any more chickens... if she knew they didn't had anymore she should of have said it when I order it.. read more

great, stuff i could eat this everyday with the variety in this menu. Good Food 10/10 service

Best roasted/rotisserie chicken every! Even when on a meal plan the whole chicken without sides and the green sauce is top notch! This is enough for 3-4 portioned out meals wether on paleo, keto or macros meal plans! read more

Why did the chicken cross the road? So he wouldn't become a tasty meal later! I've been reading a ton of reviews about this chicken, so imagine my surprise when I saw this was located pretty close to my office. successkid.jpg I went with half a chicken and that meal comes with a ton of food for only $9. Like the whole chicken meal, you get rice, beans, tortillas, an onion, and green and red salsa. I can't even begin to understand how I got all of that food for $9, but sign me up any time. How do I even begin to eat all of this food? Mix the beans and the rice together, because the rice isn't the greatest and that makes it taste better. Get some pieces of chicken, a slice of onion, put that in a tortilla, and pour a little of each salsa on top. That green salsa is frikkin' delicious. Like everyone else said, ask for extra. The red salsa is good, too, but not as good as the green. Better yet, I noticed that it appears they sell the green sauce in bottles. Yay! Here's where I let it all hang out - I planned on making this one order into two or three meals. I mean, that's half a chicken and a lot of food. It was so good that - whew, just say it - I ate the whole thing in one sitting. I couldn't help myself! Every time I told myself no more, I just kept eating. Pretty soon, I was just dipping onion slices in the green sauce and eating those. Then I just started eating the green sauce with a spoon. That's right - I ate the last of the sauce with a spoon. Ain't no shame in this game. Just kidding - there's a little bit of shame. Why did the chicken cross the road? The smell of the delicious chicken was making him seriously consider becoming a cannibal! read more

If eating hot chicken slathered in green goop out of a greasy sack in a convenience store parking lot in a sketchy part of Austin doesn't sound appealing, you probably won't like El Regio. I have had chicken better than this only twice. One of those required a dinner jacket and the other a passport and a plane ticket to central america. Additional Pro Tips: Alcohol: Yes, but you have to buy it in the convenience store next door and swill it out of a paper bag like a wino while keeping an eye out for cops. Outdoor Seating: Any convenient car bumper. Good for Kids: If by good you mean "Safe" and "Drug Free" then probably not. If by good you mean "The kids can get an instructive picture of what the future of the US looks like once the republicans are done dismantling our country, only with better food" then yes. read more

Amazing chicken! Always fresh and great desserts

My boyfriend Bob and I were recently in Austin, scoping out the city to see if we might want to move there in a year or so. After a day of wandering the city we wanted something cheap, easy, delicious, and unique to the area. I hopped onto Yelp (never lets me down!) and found the glowing reviews for El Regio. To give you some background, I am half-Cuban and FULLY addicted to all things savory. I love meat, man, and El Regio hooked me up in a big way. Bob and I got a half chicken, which was more than enough for the two of us. For 3.50 a person we had plenty to eat. The Green Sauce is good enough to deserve capital letters and its own paragraph. I have no idea of what in chlorophillic heaven they put in the eerily colored Sauce, but JESUS Christ it is so good. It's a mercy it was a bit spicy or I would have drunk the stuff straight. I am getting the shakes just thinking about it. P.S. If you know how to make the Sauce, or have any idea of what they put in it, please message me! I have scoured the internet and can't find it anywhere. P.P.S. Y'all who are rating this place 4 stars have no idea of how good you have it in Austin. read more

The Angel of Quick and Delicious Meals blessed me today when I was pondering what to have for dinner. "El Regio!" She whispered in my ear. And we were off to pick up a whole chicken complete with rice, beans, corn tortillas, salsa and special green sauce. Our feast sat on my lap as we drove home and the Dark Angel of Temptation beckoned me to rip open the bag and grab a hunk of one of the chicken breasts. But I was patient and waited...three...long...minutes. Then, "Just one bite", I told the Mister. Of course, he would never do anything so silly and gave me a smirk. Well, I smirked back because I had the chicken bag on MY lap and could enjoy many hunks of chicken breast before we got home. A dollop of salsa and green sauce on top of the perfectly seasoned and smoked chicken rolled into a corn tortilla was heavenly. The beans were delicious but there was not enough for two hungry people. But the Mexican rice--not so good. I prefer the nutty flavor of brown rice and like my Mexican rice with the spices and sauce I use. And we still have enough for tomorrow. Even with the missing chicken breast hunks. So, whose smirking now? read more

Wanna know how to make an otherwise (mostly) well-behaved cat absolutely freak out? Try eating an El Regio half-chicken in the same room as she. "mYOW! mYOW! mYOW! mYOW! mYOW!...," ad nauseum. She employed a number of strategies to place herself in closer proximity to what was evidently an irresistible aroma, including (but not limited to) the behind-the-back, under-the-armpit-maneuver. She has a valid point. El Regio's pollo is, in a word, delicious. It actually reminded me of barbeque'd chicken I had back in my brief stint in the Boy Scouts, some twenty-five (!) years ago. And if I can still remember what that was like all these years later, you can bet your best merit badge it was good. The chicken was moist and the best kind of greasy. I likely ought to have employed utensils to lessen the mess, but it was just more fun diving in and chowing down, caveman-style. I took the accompanying roasted onion and would tear off a strip, grab a chunk of chicken, and dip them together in the spicy-but-not-too-hot salsa provided. Nirvana. The beans were scrumptious, as well, and made for an ideal side. My only (mild) disappointment was with the rice, which was dry and a bit bland. Despite that, five stars. Damn good, cheap, and capable of inspiring lunacy in cats. mYOW!, indeed. read more

This place is called Pollo Regio. Perfect place to pick up a whole chicken or a single meal. The fajitas, barbacoa,and chicken are to die for. The chicken is equally as good! Not too expensive either. read more

Don't sleep on this one! I almost hate to share this little known secret. But I can't be that selfish! You probably drive past it every day and have no idea that the smoke is a signal to all of the faithful devotees. It's attached to a convenience store and on the same side as Short Stop. But don't let that deter you for a minute. Everyone has spoken about how great the chicken is and they are all right! I love, love, love the food here! It's consistently good and cheap as hell. I don't know who can turn their nose up at a $12 whole chicken combo! Grab this on your way to Town Lake or Mount Bonnell instead of paying damn near $40 at Whole Foods for the same thing (though not as tasty). Service is quick...no pussy-footing around here. Order, pay and be on your way in a matter of minutes. I don't know about you, but it takes longer than that to find a parking spot at Whole Foods. I live less than a mile away so this has been a favorite for a while. I love it so much. read more

(channeling Jim Morrison) Pollo one time, My 'buds were tweaked Feed me one time, Reg Ya, I love your meat! But feed me two times Or feed me all through the week Feed me two times, Reg I'm not goin away... Feed me two times I'm not goin awayay.... Some of the best chicken in around! Perfectly seasoned, served with rice, beans, lime, onion, a dozen tortillas, red and green sauce, it will definitely feed you at least two times and with all the fixins can possibly feed you for a whole week. I'll love you two times, El Regio! read more

There is something disconcerting about making transactions through a small barred window. Buying a 1/2 chicken from El Regio - which has no seating - feels like the closest thing I've had to purchasing something illicit like guns, drugs, or a fake passport. But, damn, this is really good grilled chicken. Blows away El Pollo Rico or one of those rotisserie chickens at HEB or Central Market. Hell, this is better than any fried chicken I've had in Austin. The chicken - which comes wrapped in paper and broken down into pieces - is aggressively spiced. The accompanying green sauce helped tone down some of the heat. The beans and rice were okay and the tortillas were forgettable. But, wow, on the chicken. They also have a few more explicitly Mexican offerings like chicken tacos but I'll just be stickin' with the grilled chicken. read more

aw hell yea. For $7 you can get half a chicken, rice, beans, stack of torts, whole roasted onion, creamy green jalapeno, and salsa. It's two meals for the average man, and one meal for the hungry man. They are fast and easy. Their menu is to the point: taco, soup, or chicken. I hear the tacos are huge and also very good. I'm sad that this place isn't more widely known. Probably because this location is stuck to the side of a gas station in a very strange part of town. And I suppose the other one is on Riverside... and that's sooo far away from me. (I'm lazy). read more

I have always been leary of the sketchy little shack across the street from my grocery store. There is ALWAYS a line of people and so I just assumed "drug front". Little did I know that this was one of the top reviewed restaurants on Yelp in Austin - and right in my hood! I finally had the opportunity to go by last night and ordered the whole chicken. It was indeed as good as everyone says! The whole chicken is pre-cut (which is nice) and is so tender that it falls apart from the bone. It is a little greasy from the oil and spice rub, but it is just chicken - so it has to be healthy, right?? There is no way that the sides of rice and beans are enough for two people so you better order extra which will only cost you a meager 97 cents each. I did order extra tortillas (another $.97) but didn't really need them because they already give you 10-12. And the green sauce is really, really, REALLY good. Unfortunately, it is the only green thing that they serve. Don't expect any salads or veggie sides... So, full meal for 2 (with all the dark meat still left over) is $12.00. Sounds like a deal to me! read more

Staying at the Econo Lodge on Rt 290 for a conference this week, and got kind of lost on the way to the motel. Then I noticed billowing smoke and a smell that COULD ONLY BE POLLO ASADO!!! The chicken tostada is full of moist, flavorful chicken, and it came with a side of a green mayo-eqsue sauce that I thought at first was cilantro-based. Then I tried some and it was super hot! But creamy hot sauces are my favorite, and I dutifully slathered my tostada with the sauce. Hopefully I'll get a chance to try their roasted 1/2 chicken. read more

The pride of Berkman Road - that's what I call it. El Regio's whole chicken meal comes with a whole chicken, rice, bacon beans, grilled veggies, corn tortillas, red salsa, green salsa, and a partridge in a pear tree. It is delicious and perfect for 2 hungry people. I have never gotten anything beside the whole chicken meal, because that's all you need. My fiance doesn't like to go here without company, and I understand. Just be aware of your surroundings. Lots of nice folks that work here and in the convenience store next door. Not a big deal. Highly recommend. read more

I am quite the connoisseur of yard bird and El Regio stacks up pretty high on the list of places to get your fix. The chicken is moist and delicious, but what really seals the deal here is the bright green avocado salsa. ask for extra, you will want more of it, I promise. read more

Thoroughly enjoyed my food. The flavor of the half chicken was great along with the rice and beans. The flautas were great with the salsas... Even with the line the turn around time from order to receiving our food was great. Will definitely be back and soon! read more

Have you ever been awakened at the crack of dawn to drag yourself down to the Danskin Triathalon or some other massive event for fit folks? If so, you will understand how I felt when we were driving to the race and saw and smelled the glorious El Regio puffs of smoked chicken pumping out of their chimney just off 2222/290. I wanted to grab the steering wheel and make a sharp detour right into the parking lot. And in a perfect world I would have done just that. It is a perfect spot to hit on the way to (or from) an outing to the triathalon, rodeo, or that big flea market down the road. read more

This stuff is great.. I mean grrrrrrrreat (quoting Tony the Tiger) I've had both the chicken and the fajitas (Carne Asada Plate) and I they're tasty every single time. I prefer their green sauce (made with avocado) and I always order extra beans. There are more locations around Austin but this is the only one I've tried. Just find parking and walk up to the window to order your food. They usually have the Chicken ready, but there's is a 5 minute wait when you order the Fajitas. The only minus is the limited parking, they share parking with a convenience store and It can get busy. read more

I've been going to El Regio since I moved into the neighborhood 6 yrs ago. The smell of the chicken roasting during the day brings the masses drooling. Don't mistake this literal "hole in the wall" deceive ya. Because behind the cinder blocks & morter is perhaps the best chicken in town. The menu only needs a few items: 1/2 chicken or whole chicken served with rice, beans, corn tortillas, a whole roasted onion, lime and avocado salsa. Chicken or Beef Taco Carne Asada Plate Chicken or Beef Tostadas Caldo de Res & Caldo de Pollo I've had it all in it is all delicious. The chicken is well seasoned, moist & roasted to perfection. Noobs tengo mas cuido because the "green sauce" may be mas sabrosa por los guerros. The tacos/tostadas are pretty large & served with guac & sour creme. Whatever ya get is gonna fill ya up. I would give it 5 stars but the only thing that bugs me is that after 8pm the odds of you getting something besides a roasted bird are slim. They usually have "no mas" of everything else by then. read more

My favorite hood spot chicken joint! Chicken is awesome, beans are tasty, that rice, and green sauce? All love. read more

Good lunch. Ordered the half chicken with rice, beans and tortillas. The chicken was good. I felt like I was back in rural south texas. The beans were great and the rice was just ok. Overall, good meal for $7. read more