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Pollo Express
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
1315 W 18th St(between Ada St & Loomis St)
Chicago, IL 60608
Neighbourhood: Pilsen
(312) 829-1550
- Nearest Transit:
-
18th (Pink Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 am - 9 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
90 reviews for Pollo Express
Review Highlights
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"Buy one chicken dinner get a half a chicken free." In 4 reviews -
"Trust me when I tell you to choose the Charro beans." In 15 reviews -
"...are serving up the best [charcoal grilled] Chicken EVER in..." In 5 reviews
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90 reviews in English
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Review from Brit M.
Chicago, IL
3/19/2012
UH-MAZ-ING!
Its simple: Char chicken, beans, rice, tortilla, and salsa. THEY DO NOT MESS AROUND!
The char on the chicken is amazing. I could eat here once a week EASY! Immediately you walk in and the smell of the chicken just grabs you by the shoulders and violently shakes you with deliciousness! This place is the bare minimum in all regards - the seating, the cooler of soda, and the chicken. OH HOW THE CHICKEN IS TO DIE FOR. Please venture here, but don't over crowd it... I need my Pollo Express fix with no delays! -
Review from Heather L.
Chicago, IL
5/2/2012
Like EVERYONE said (so you should give it a shot) - the to-go package of 1 + 1/2 chicken + trimmings weighs like 10 pounds. The chicken is grilled on a full-sized commercial BBQ pit, which lends a genuine smoky flavor that permeates through the paper box (and later the fridge, because it is a monster to finish).
However, though the chicken is decent, it is way too salty. Perhaps we went on a bad day. The rice, beans, and salsa are also all pretty bland. -
Review from Cesar M.
Lazy Sunday afternoon.
Driving through the hood with no destination on mind and a little hungry. I tell my friend that if wanted to check this place out and he agreed.
I have to admit, I was really doubtful about this place, great reviews and low prices, we will see about that.
So we drive by and park right in front, which is really weird, it is Pilsen on the weekend or maybe that's why. And even more surprising is that we get in the restaurant and there is no other patrons . at this point I was thinking that we were in the wrong place.
We get inside and looked around waited for a few seconds and seated ourselves. A few awkward minutes passed and no waitress or a simple acknowledgment that we were there. We looked around and there were no menus or signs anywhere.
After those few awkward minutes the waitress comes, with no menus (which is fine, there is no need for a menu since they only offer one thing and one thing only) but if you are there for the first time I guess a little info about what they serve would be cool, no biggie though. It is kinda funny because she did not ask us what we wanted to order, she pretty much told us, which was cool since we were clueless about what to order. Not complaining I just thought it was funny.
So she told us we were having on whole chicken, rice and asked if we wanted charro or refried beans. My dinner companion does not eat pork and I kinda wanted to try their charro beans. I asked her and she told me that in fact charro beans have pork as I suspected so decided to go with the refried beans. All that plus a couple of jarritos de mandarina and we are set.
She comes back with the chips and salsas (the salsas are amazing BTW ). My friend said that they were the best salsas he has ever had. Then comes the food and remember all that skepticism coming in? well, it all got slapped on the face with one bite of that delicious chicken. That chicken is good with capital F. Wait then she comes back with a little cup of charro beans so i could try them. What did I think about them??? They were really good. I am no stranger to charro beans, I've had them many times (home made and from restaurant) but these were so flavorful and not greasy at all. will definitely get them next time.
With all this food almost didn't notice how clean the place was. but once I was full, I did look around and the place is super clean simple and unpretentious, I like that, everything is about the food.
But..... wait a minute there is no F in good. aah wait I meant was F@##ing good..
Pollo Express good all around -
Review from Natalia H.
Chicago, IL
5/15/2012
Love this chicken! soooo delicious! The charro beans are the bomb baby!
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Review from Kathy P.
1/14/2012
4 stars for the food and an additional star for their free 1/2 chicken deal when you get a whole chicken dinner (only Tue-Thur and pickup/delivery).
We had a group of 6 and I suggested Pollo Express since it's a winner in my book. I ordered 2 whole chicken dinners (plus the 1 free chicken) and paid first. When I told my friends that it'll be $5 per person, they didn't believe me because it was so cheap. They thought I was being nice and paying for more myself, aww (my friends must not know me very well).
Anyways, we all dug in with gusto and they all thought the food was delicious. The dinner comes with chicken, peppers, beans, rice, onions, tortillas plus salsa/sauces.
FYI, Pollo Express highly recommends calling ahead first because they can get super busy plus if you order guac or grilled onions, those are made to order and they obviously need more time.
Can't wait to go back, great bang for buck! -
Review from Pascal M.
2/1/2012
Is it wrong to dance and sing while eating? My girlfriend does it all the time. While we dined at Pollo express, we did a duet somewhat along the lines of Tina Turner and Michael McDonald.
I love a place that can stick to one thing, do it well, and continue to be successful at it time and time again. Pollo Express is that kind of place.
Fast, inexpensive, and hits you so hard with flavor you'd swear you were on the receiving end of a '91 Mike Tyson hook.
Simply put, get two 1/2 chickens (adobado and the natural), an order of rice and charros, some grilled onions, and some salsa. THAT my friends, is the meal. The chicken is bursting with flavor and is juicer than a new Lindsay Lohan scandal (OK, I just punched myself for making a tabloid joke, I hate tabloids...) The Charros!!!!!!!!! Those are the show stealer for sure. I make some in the summer, but I could just as easily swing by here and pick up a few pints of theirs to save the trouble. The rest is just some good stuff to pair with your meal.
Pollo Express does chicken. They do it fast and they do it well. It looked like a lot of people ordered takeout, so don't hesitate to simply run in here and grab yourself a quick bite. -
Review from Yasmin N.
Chicago, IL
12/22/2011
To die for. Really, others have said more than I could. I stopped in here after a dental appointment down the street - Sunshine Dental, which I've also reviewed: do NOT go there unless you want to be fleeced - and didn't expect much from what seemed, at first, like a standard chicken place.
But the fact that they grilled the marinated chicken over charcoal spoke to me, as did the never-ending stream of customers, most of whom were clearly regulars who knew enough to have ordered ahead of time. I had a forty-minute wait, but didn't mind since I always carry my knitting with me. I had it to go ("natural" for the full, and adobado for the half portion), and worried about what it would taste like once I got it home and it had cooled down but I needn't have worried.
The charro beans were delicious, and there are lovely little condiment tubs, including two kinds of salsa and pickled onions. The chicken is amazing - it's what other places, like that crappy place on Belmont and Broadway, can only hope to be. And, yes, on certain days, you do get a free half chicken. I wouldn't say it's cheap, but it's certainly worth it. The rice is really good too, and is made with corn and gandules, unlike other places which simply throw in some orange food colouring. I'll try the guacamole next time. Great service. The delay is not incompetence - they really do run out very quickly, and it takes time to grill to next batch. What's great is that you're guaranteed freshly cooked chicken every time - I seriously doubt that they ever have any just waiting for customers; the stuff flies out the door as quickly as they can make it.
This place makes me want to visit Pilsen much more often. Well, as do other factors, but this is a huge plus. -
Review from Jane T.
Chicago, IL
12/16/2011
I should've read more reviews before I ordered, but this is seriously a LOT of food. I ordered half a chicken adobado with rice and charro beans and boy was I stuffed! I think I may have leftovers for dinner and lunch the next day.
The chicken was flavorful, tender with that great char-grilled taste. There's nothing like being reminded of a bbq in the middle of December. The charro beans were fantastic - if you don't like cilantro, stay away from this because it's pretty much infused with the stuff but I love them. The rice I found myself nibbling on even after I was full.
Everything here was delicious. I should skip on the sides or share my meal next time because this is some serious amount of food. I felt like they gave me an entire pack of tortillas too. Forget the fried chicken, gimme Pollo Express! -
Review from Kathleen M.
Frankfort, IL
10/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
What would I do without Yelp? For one thing, I would have never had this fabulous chicken.
At breakfast I asked my husband what he wanted for dinner and suggested this place I had read about on Yelp. He said it sounded like chicken he used to eat in Colorado and so we were off to get our Sunday dinner. (We had read on Yelp that they run out of chicken and we are prudent eaters.)
I tried to call in our order but no one picked up. We were one of the very few who had not preordered so I should have tried again. We had to wait about 15 minutes but it went by fast - seriously, when you have your phone you can kill 15 minutes like that!
We ordered a full chicken which came with tortillas, chips, salsa, rice and charro beans. We got guacamole and grilled onions extra which brought our bill to 20.15 total. It all smelled delicious as we drove home but we put it in the fridge and went about our day. A few hours ago, we pulled it out and heated it up.
Then we didn't talk, we just ate and ate. He likes dark meat, I like white meat so we are a well matched pair. The only thing I would change next time was I wouldn't get any extras - there is too much to eat with just the regular meal. Everything was delicious and this was after we heated it up!
Pollo Express you had dos amigos nuevos.Listed in: Visiting Chicago, Me gusta
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Review from Clifford S.
Frankfort, IL
10/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great place for chicken, I just wish it was closer to my house.
We had a fabulous meal with tortillas, charro beans, rice, chips and salsa. This chicken is marinated and then charcoal grilled which can create a smoky haze in the restaurant but it's worth it. The chicken was juicy and delicious. The only bad part is that we only had enough leftovers for one sandwich and my wife had it for lunch the next day.
There is no other place for chicken like this around here. I have gone to some in Southern California while on business but this is better and closer to home. We will be back. And back. -
Review from Xiomara H.
Chicago, IL
3/20/2012
Love, love, love this place. This is one of my favorite places to eat. Their chicken is always moist and delicious. The also serve it with rice, beans & tortillas. Their guacamole is the best, hands down. It kind of sucks that I m going to go on a low carb diet for a month but the first thing that I will eat when I'm done will be this chicken. Mmmmm Delicious.
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Review from Elyse C.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 3/9/2012
the chicken wasn't as crispy as i would have liked, but i should have called ahead and it was quite busy.
i walk by every night, a couple hours after they close and there is always someone scrubbing the grill. pretty awesome and good to know.1 Previous Review:
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7/22/2011
joining the trend, the hype is true...mmmmm the guacamole is unreal.
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Review from Mary H.
Chicago, IL
12/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
I live in Pilsen and every time I drive past Pollo Express it smells so good. My boyfriend and I decided to order from here since we were tired of the regular Pizza and Chinese food. Surprisingly, they deliver (after a certain time though) and do order-pick up as well.
Oh my!! The chicken and the food here are delicious! Chips, salsa, rice, beans!! The guacamole is pretty good too. We got a lot of food for a really good price. It was so good and inexpensive, we ordered twice from here within a week. I think they also have specials on certain days of the week, which i will look into.
My boyfriend picked up our food so I'm not sure about the actual place environment but I am definitely ordering from here again....Maybe for tonight's dinner :) -
Review from Raymond S.
Chicago, IL
2/18/2012
Not bad. You get a lot of food and fixing for an extremely reasonable price. The chicken itself isn't anything mind blowing, and if you're a griller (such as myself) then I'm sure you've probably made better chicken at home. But it's quick, it's cheap, feeds a lot of people and it's flavorful.
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Review from John B.
Hyattsville, MD
9/7/2011
This is perhaps the best $15 I've ever spent in my entire life.
This is what we ordered:
1/2 Chicken lunch with rice and charro beans.
The three salsas (1 red, another red/beany, and pickled onions)
Guacamole (generous, delicious)
Chips
and it comes with a bunch of corn tortillas.
Amazing, delicious and fresh. I love this place and will come back every time i come to Chicago. -
Review from Dan D.
Chicago, IL
8/4/2011
After reading about this place on Yelp, I knew I had to have it in my belly. I am an avid roasted chicken fan. Plus, it's a bargain?! Yes pwease.
So Pollo Express sounds like it would be a chain-restaurant, but this is not a chain - rather a high-quality restaurant that does only a few items ---- REALLY REALLY WELL.
The entire menu consists of Chicken (whole/half - natural/adobado seasonings), chips, tortillas, rice, beans, FRESH salsas made right there, onions, and flan/napolitano for dessert. That's it. But don't let this think that they will leave you wanting more. You will be so stuffed and smiling for way under 10 bucks!
I went here for lunch on a weekday and there were about 10 people eating in the restaurant with TONS of people stopping in for pick-up (and the phone is ringing off the hook!). It got pretty smokey inside for some reason... but then again, they did have at least 20 chickens grilling on their HUGE grill. Not gonna lie, smelled amazing.
Here's my order:
-1/2 abodado chicken
-chips and 2 different salsas (no charge on Tues/Wed/Thurs)
-water
$7 (including tax). Wow. I basically rolled out of that place from being so full.
Check it out, I think it's pretty darn good. Of course there are many good chicken places in the city, but this one should surely make the top 5 of everyone's list. -
Review from Jessica C.
Chicago, IL
6/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Long live the KING of grilled chicken! Long live Pollo Express!
I won't lie; I was a bit skeptical about this hole-in-the-wall chicken joint on 18th street. That is, of course, until I actually tried and devoured their food!
I ordered a whole chicken (adobado) meal with rice, beans, chips and salsa on the side. This was more than enough food for two people. We sat inside and it was hotter than it was outside! Honestly, we were so hangry (hungry + angry) at this point that we didn't even mind the warm temperatures. We chomped down the chips and salsa while we waited for our chicken. I was very impressed with the homemade salsa--spicy and delicious, just how I like it!
Now for the star of the show--our chicken adobado arrived! All I saw was forks and knives going in for the kill and grabbing/cutting away pieces. My friend and I took one bite and then we saw fireworks! This was some goooood chicken! Hands down, the BEST grilled chicken I've had in Chicago (and I was born and raised here so that says a lot!). Needless to say, I will coming back quite often. I'll never be able to leave this chicken alone!
Also, did I forget to mention the price tag? A whopping $14 for an entire chicken meal AND pops. Yes, this is what I call a majestic meal! It's good to your stomach and great on your wallet! ;) -
Review from Victor M.
7/14/2011
This place is a chicken joint and everyone else has exclaimed how great their grilled chicken is..
I would like to rave about their O-M-G Guacamole. Fresh made to order for $3.75 you have the option of mild or spicy! Spicy is when they blend jalapenos in the guacamole. The guac is both smooth and chunky and they use two large avocado's to make. -
Review from Raquel D.
6/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
One of the best rotiss chicken ever. The only better one is in the Cayman Islands so dare I say...the BEST in Chicago! Well, in Pilsen at least.
Since being introduced to this place, it has almost always been our go-to place for dinner when we're lazy or running late. It's soooo gooood and two HUNGRY people get well fed for $12.
Our usual: half chicken with two sides - rice and beans. They give you the mild and hot salsas and these onions that are too die for. BEST onions I have EVER had. I never knew I could be this excited about onions, but hey. The hubby and I fight over them ALL the time. But I'm always the winner, winner with our chicken dinner! lol. -
Review from Eric A.
Chicago, IL
2/25/2012
Absolutely delicious. This place is really on to something. I'm not sure if char grilled whole chicken is a traditional Mexican dish but it doesn't really matter. Try one time and you're hooked. This place is no-frills, excellent every time and keeps you coming back. The side dishes are great also--charro beans, rice, lime soaked red onions and be sure to get a side of jalapeno peppers.
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Review from Monique M.
Chicago, IL
6/12/2011
Yummy!
Mmmm... still can taste the moist, juicy adobado chicken in my mouth! love this place! Pollo express bought me back to rotisserie chicken which I had begin to hate since the days my mom got it from Boston market or the grocery store..
But the flavorful chicken goes well with the warm tortillas and salsa they provide.. And just like everyone else has said, go from Tuesday - Thursday and get another 1/2 chicken free! How can you beat this?
The only thing I will say is sometimes they run out of chicken and close early.. yeah this happened to me and I was disappointed.. but I know that our relationship will continue!
Try the Charro beans as a side.. trust me on this one
Oh and the decor is nothing special. Don't plan on going to a sit down restaurant for romantic lighting an a snooty waiter. Just get your food to go
Bon Appetit! -
Review from Janice W.
Chicago, IL
1/27/2012
Very good chicken. We live north and Brassa Roja is a favorite of ours. Brasa is more of a sit down and be served place - this is more like you order at the counter and then sit. But it's great chicken. A little drier than I expected but very good. The sides are fantastic. I'd go back if I were nearby, but I'm not obsessing about it. Solid.
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Review from Kate S.
Chicago, IL
3/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
I want to give this place a 1 star just so people don't come here and I get all the chicken for myself!
I was recently introduced to Pollo Express by loyal fanatics. While away at school, my friend raved would rave it and tell me time and time again how she would be taking me to Pollo Express as soon as we were graduated and were back in the city. I kept thinking how great could it be? It's only chicken. Until I tasted it.
Oh. My. God. This chicken is the best f***ing chicken I've ever gotten my greasy paws on. It is so delicious and it melts in your mouth. The guacamole and salsa are outstanding, too.
I was so lucky to be introduced to such outrageously incredible secret. If I had a car, I'd be there every day. Thank you, Pollo Express. -
Review from Rodney S.
Chicago, IL
12/7/2011
If you are in the area stop by. Good mexican chicken. That's all ;)
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Review from Stan W.
Chicago, IL
6/24/2011
At first glance, looks just like every other cheap grilled chicken joint you might've passed up. There are all kinds of charred carcasses on the grill, it's like 95 degrees inside.
The big difference is here that the chicken is ridiculously good. There's some kind of marinade, the skin is all crispy and rendered. I wish I lived closer, I'd be getting this once or twice a week. -
Review from Kristin S.
Western Springs, IL
12/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Half chicken adobado, charro beans... don't need to say anymore! This chicken is the bomb... it's all you need. Great flavor, hot and tender!!! Yes please!
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Review from Hoang L.
3/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
What is it about hole-in-the-wall places that attracts me so much? This place is hidden and very small. It was packed with cops the night my brother and I went, so it's gotta be good, right? Umm... Yes, yes it was!
The chicken was amazing! They had the skin burnt just the way I like it! And they give you a lot of it! We went on a weekend, but then saw the sign that says if you buy an entire chicken, you get half for free on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday! What a deal!!!
We had 2 sides to go along with our chicken (beans + rice). They are very generous with those side portions too! My brother's stomach is a bottomless pit and we both did not finish the whole chicken.
Probably wouldn't dine in because of the limited space, but Pollo Express, I will definitely be back! =DListed in: The BEST in their class!
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Review from Mike A.
Chicago, IL
2/8/2011
Chips
2 Types of Salsas
Pickled Onions
Tortillas
Charro Beans
Rice
Half Chicken Abodabo
Bottle of Coca Cola
Total: $10 and change for a ton of food that took up most of the table space in front of me.
The chicken was about as moist, tender, and flavorful as you could ask for. Friendly, quick service and the best roasted chicken I've had so far in Chicago. More food than I could eat in one sitting, and great value to boot. -
Review from Jimmy D.
Chicago, IL
3/8/2011
Slow chargrilled marinated chicken. Delicious. We ordered 2 whole chickens, got a whole pack of tortillas (didn't even use em all) 2 sides of rice and beans, pico de gallo, salsa, and picked red onions (That's pretty much the whole menu) or 28 bucks. Easy fed 4 gluttons for 7 bucks a piece. We ate every morsel of food, I don't even think a grain of rice was left. It was really good and the value is phenomenal. The chicken has a nice marinade and I don't know how they do it, but the chicken is so moist even though it is slow grilled for a long time. Oh well, I don't need to ask questions, I'm just going to keep eating it. Oh I heard Tues-Thurs they give a a half chicken free when you order a whole one (which is 12.99 with 2 sides) Since it's Tuesday today, I think I'm abouts to give them a call for delivery! (2 bucks)
Oh and the service is so friendly. They were so nice -
Review from REMI L.
Chicago, IL
10/6/2011
Seriously, yelpers do not lie! This chicken dinner is a must have, I have taken two people already who are totally hooked and often ask for "Mexican chicken". This is not your friendly chipotle, qdobo, burrito beach or anything franchised, its straight up- 1. marinate bird 2. grill bird. thats it! and it gets no better than the authentic mexican flavors coming from that grill!! well except for the value for the bird. the first couple of times we ordered a whole chicken with two sides. When we got home there was an extra tray with a half chicken in addition to the one we ordered. We felt bad at first and thought they gave us the wrong order but it was too late by then. After it happened again we just couldnt believe our luck! Wait a minute, are they giving this chicken away? YES, if you go on Mon-Wed you get an entire free half chicken with the purchase of one whole chicken. so in summary for $15 you get one whole chicken and a half, warm tortillas, two kinds of salsas, delicious pickled onions, a large spanish rice and a large order of beans. I recommend the charro beans and you can thank me later. its an entire mexican fiesta at your fingertips. dessert you ask? try the homemade empanadas (carjetas is like caramel) and not only are they delicious but taste great warmed up with coffee the next day. Pollo Express is a great find especially on nights when cooking is not in the plans!
p.s. just take it to go, its for the best! -
Review from Diana G.
I love chicken so I had high hopes. I came for the chicken special.
Whole chicken & a half chicken - I opted for the Adobo and it was great. The flavor was very good. I only had the dark meat part and thought it was moist and good. Some had the white meat part and thought it was a bit dry.
Rice - Everyone thought it was a bit bland.
Charro Beans - No one is a big fan of beans, but my sister did pick up on the cilantro flavor.
Grilled Onions - Ok, nothing special.
Chips - Good, but she just poured it out from a bag.
Salsa - There was two kinds and I got one extra just in case, but I really like the smokier one.
Tortillas was still hot and soft.
Lady was friendly, but it was about a 10-15 minute wait and it gets pretty smokey in there.
Overall, for the chicken and value I would give 4.5 stars, but with the limited sides and it was just ok I'll give them 3.5 stars. -
Review from Guilherme B.
Chicago, IL
1/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's no nonsense, perfectly seasoned, awesome grilled chicken goodness at an amazing price. You can't ask for more when you're looking for chicken.
You walk in and you see the massive charcoal grill with whole, butterflied chickens sizzling on the rack. The smell just blows you away--then you actually bite into it--forget it!
I'll be coming back soon! -
Review from Cyp H.
Oak Park, IL
12/14/2011
Rachael the Manager was extremely rude to me, and the place was too crowded. Service was mediocre. Would recommend many other restaurants in the area.
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Review from Melanie V.
Chicago, IL
11/10/2010
Yuppp. Sunday morning excursion to Pilsen.
You see, my sister and I really differ when it comes to food. She thinks Red Lobster is an acceptable place to eat a birthday dinner and I....will never, ever think that. She claims to hate mostly all types of ethnic food and I will jump at the chance to try something different. Because of this, I was completely determined to get her to step outta her comfort zone and try something new.
I thought she'd be really opposed to the idea of heading to PIlsen, but, surprisingly, she was down for it! She even researched lunch places on Yelp and that's when we came across Pollo Express!
Here's the lowdown:
-$12.99 for a whole chicken (8 pieces) and two sides
- Sides are limited, but awesome. Try the charro beans and rice. Yum!
- Comes with a whole pack of tortillas
- They give you two types of salsa. The smokey, spicy one is freakin' amazing! I want to ask for extra next time.
- Chips are 75 cents...and they fill up a brown paper bag of chips for you. Hot.
Best part? This chicken is a delicious, char-grilled treat! It's juicy and super flavorful. Doesn't really get any better than that! Well, except for pouring some of that smokey salsa over it...
FYI - There's really no menu or anything behind the counter when you walk in, so we were a little confused. Luckily, we noticed slips of paper w/ their menu on it by the register. The woman at the register was also really friendly and helpful and didn't seem to mind answering our rather dumb questions. Oh, and they were selling the best chocolate ever at the register - World's Finest Chocolate!Listed in: Down South...
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Review from Jasmine C.
Chicago, IL
10/2/2010 ROTD 2/18/2011
Pollo Express and I are best friends. It's true.
You know why? Because best friends make each other feel good when one has had an awful day.
Feeling particularly sour today, this girl did some begging for some pollo. As soon as my obliging boyfriend parked his car across the street, the smoky scent of charcoal grilled chicken wafted in the air teasingly and I found my mood elevated. Magical.
I scrambled while inserting quarters into the parking meter and shouted at it (in my head) to PRINT MY DAMN RECEIPT. You know you really, really want some delicious bird when you're inwardly yelling at inanimate objects.
The chicken: well marinated, cooked on real charcoal briquettes, and seriously quite perfect. The adobado is my favourite. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, you get HALF A CHICKEN FREE when you order a whole bird for take-out.
Satisfying meal? Check. Apple soda? Check. Affordable? Check. Turned this grumpy girl from sour to sweet? CHECK!
It's going to be a long and fruitful friendship. -
Review from Cindy Z.
Chicago, IL
10/16/2011
Best. Chicken. Ever. Seriously.
The chicken is perfectly cooked and flavored. It's dirt cheap and yummy!?! Awesome. We were lucky enough to make it in on one of the half chicken free nights and it was glorious! The beans and rice were okay...not bad or anything but the stand out item at this place is the chicken. After our first take out order we decided to order again 2 days later for a family get together and everyone was amazed at how good it was.
Do your taste buds a favor and go already...
Note: You will smell like you've been camping when you leave but it is SO worth it! -
Review from Sean N.
Chicago, IL
6/23/2011
I'll keep the review simple like the restaurant
-Cheap, you get a ton of food for your $
-Tastes great, chicken always seems to be cooked perfectly. (Both the Adobo and regular)
-Sides are not the best, the rice and beams are mediocre.
-I go back often -
Review from Kat T.
Chicago, IL
3/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Nothing like it! Chicken is mouthwatering. All around flavorful.
Tuesday - Thursday buy a whole chicken get half free. Affordable dinner for a family of six anytime. Worth driving from one side of the city to the other.
If eating in, only 6 tables that seat 4 each, and could get uncomfortable with a line of people waiting for their order.
We love this place! -
Review from First L.
Chicago, IL
9/4/2011 7 Check-ins Here
Great grilled chicken. Awesome value, especialamente the extra half chicken special during the week. Regular or super hot birds grilled all day long with frijoles, arroz, y jalapenos to die for. Heck, even the freshly-made guacamole and corn tortillas are worth the schlep to 18th. Just don't forget your appetite!
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Review from Karen N.
11/18/2010
Wow, you cant beat this for take out. A perfectly char grilled chicken, chopped up, two sides: rice and charro beans. $13. Tortillas and grilled onions are a little extra. But all together will make a super easy dinner!
You will have chicken leftover for lunch the next day.
