Chef’s Selections
Savor hand-crafted dishes and drinks
Family Meal
French Fries (Large Pan)
Inca Kola (20 Oz Bottle)
Inca Kola (12 Oz Can)
Story & Atmosphere
El Pollo Rico
Introducing El Pollo Rico: A Flavorful Gem in the Heart of Maryland
When it comes to authentic Peruvian cuisine, few places can boast the rich and tantalizing flavors that El Pollo Rico offers. Nestled in the DC metro area, this hidden culinary treasure has become a local favorite, thanks to its mouthwatering rotisserie chicken and vibrant accompaniments. Customers rave about the juicy, expertly seasoned chicken that has garnered loyal patrons for years, as well as its inviting, if gritty, atmosphere.
Ramon Gonzalez, a recent visitor from Maryland, shared his delightful experience discovering El Pollo Rico for the first time. While the restaurant may not boast a polished appearance, its unpretentious vibe adds to the charm. Here, the focus is solely on the food—the heart and soul of the establishment. It’s an experience that beckons diners willing to embrace the authenticity.
Among the standout dishes, the chicken itself is undeniably the star. Angel, a satisfied customer, proclaims it as the best chicken she has ever tasted, while Zulma Piraban highlights the unforgettable beans that accompany the meal. With quick and friendly service, dining at El Pollo Rico turns into a delightful encounter characterized by flavorful dishes that tantalize the taste buds.
Roger Torres takes it a step further, asserting that El Pollo Rico is not just another restaurant; it’s the original creator of rotisserie chicken in the area—a pioneer that continues to inspire others. The true essence of its success lies in its family-friendly atmosphere, making it the perfect destination for gatherings. Nicholas Klank also emphasizes the exceptional dining experience, sharing that the yucca and coleslaw pleased even the most discerning of palates. What higher compliment can there be than causing a dance of joy among friends?
In short, El Pollo Rico stands as a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Peru. With its tantalizing chicken, delectable sides like plantains and beans, and a welcoming environment that embraces all diners, this unique establishment is sure to leave an indelible mark on everyone who wanders through its doors. If you find yourself in the area, let the flavors of El Pollo Rico wrap around you like a warm hug; it's full of love, life, and beyond compare.
Stories & Reviews
Guestbook
“ Visiting Maryland for work and some colleagues took me to El Pollo Rico for dinner. Never would have found or gone to this place on my own, so I’m grateful that they took me here. Definitely not the place to go if you’re prissy or even expect your restaurants not to look like a dive bar and be covered in a layer of grime and bathroom doors not locking and your fellow diners looking real sketch. Considering that potatoes have been cultivated by Peruvians for 10,000 years I don’t know why I was surprised that they were fried to perfection. I love fries, but I hate most fries at restaurants, especially those wedge slices because they are never crispy enough. These fries where perfectly crispy outside and soft on the inside and were very airy. I’m amazed. The chicken was perfectly cooked, seasoned and was very moist. The rice was good and the beans looked like perfection. Nice beautifully brown color to the beans and broth but would have benefited from some more salt. Overall, I would recommend this place and wish there was one close to home for me. ”
“ El Pollo Rico hands down has the best chicken I have ever tasted in my life. The plantains are delicious. ”
“ I went to Pollo Rico and loved it! The chicken was juicy and flavorful, but the beans were the real highlight — absolutely delicious. The service was great, fast, and friendly. Definitely a place I’d go back to! ”
“ The best Peruvian chicken in the DC metro area. This is the place that first started the rotisserie chicken . All the others copied. There are some others that are real good but this is the original. Must try. Hope you like it as much as my family and I do. ”
“ El Pollo Rico has some of the best -if not THE best- Peruvian chicken I've had. I bought the family meal with red beans, coleslaw, and a side of yucca. I wanted to show this place off to my Peruvian immigrant friends at work. The yucca made them dance. What higher compliment can food get? They also enjoyed the coleslaw, mild sauce, and then there was the chicken. They were very snobby about the chicken and had very low expectations until we opened up the box. The smell of the chicken caused one of them to have a religious moment. After more dancing they said 10 out of 10. Later that night, my partner didn't want to eat chicken, then stole my beans, my coleslaw, and my chicken after smelling it. ”