El Pollo Norteno

Restaurant $$ 4.3 (504)


El Pollo Norteno is praised for its authentic flavors, particularly in chicken and tri-tip dishes. However, customer service issues and cleanliness are noted by some patrons, impacting their overall experience. Despite these concerns, many return for the quality of food, showcasing a strong loyalty among customers.

Overall:

4.0

(415 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.5

Atmosphere:

3.7

Service:

3.5


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (805) 928-9338

Address: 1954 S Broadway Ste H, Santa Maria, CA 93454, USA

Opening hours

Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available

Offerings

  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Beer
  • Coffee

Amenities

  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Good for Children
  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards
  • NFC Payments

Parking options

  • Free Parking Lot
  • Free Street Parking

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" While the food is generally good, my last experience left me underwhelmed. The chicken was not as juicy as I'm used to, and the flavors seemed a bit off. I was also disappointed with the service when I had to wait quite a while for my order. I’ll give it another try, as I know they can do better! " (*Curated Review*)

" I was disappointed by my visit to El Pollo Norteno. I ordered the chicken burrito, expecting a rich flavor but it fell flat. The atmosphere felt a bit grimy, and the service wasn’t all that attentive. I guess my experience was off that day; I will consider going back, though I hope it's not the same next time. " (*Curated Review*)

" El Pollo Norteno has always been reliable for a good meal. During my latest visit, I had the grilled chicken and tri-tip. The flavor was rich, and the portions were filling. I do wish that they would spend some time cleaning up the dining area; it could be a bit better. Regardless, the food makes it worth the stop. It's hard to find a place that consistently serves such delicious food! " (*Curated Review*)

" While I enjoy the food at El Pollo Norteno, my experience has been hit-or-miss. The last few times I've been, the service has been lacking. Long wait times and incomplete orders seem to be a recurring issue. The tri-tip burrito is my favorite, but I was disappointed when my last order was missing beans and rice. The flavor of the food is exceptional, but they need to improve their order accuracy moving forward. " (*Curated Review*)

" I can't emphasize enough how wonderful the tri-tip burrito is! It's packed with flavor, generous in size, and absolutely affordable. Coupled with their homemade salsa, it is a match made in heaven! I will admit that the service can sometimes be spotty depending on how busy they are, but their food quality keeps bringing me back. I can't recommend this place strongly enough if you're in the area—definitely worth a visit! " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (405)

" Fantastic food at El Pollo Norteno! I opted for the chicken plate last visit and was thoroughly satisfied. It came with all the sides: beans, rice, salsa, and fresh tortillas. Everything melded well together, and I particularly loved the salsa. I would absolutely recommend this place for anyone seeking authentic Mexican barbecue. Cleanliness could be improved, though. " (*Curated Review*)

" Visiting from out of town, I was eager to try El Pollo Norteno after hearing the hype. I ordered the chicken combo with tri-tip and was impressed! The meat was tender, and the flavors were delightful. The salsa had a nice kick. The only downside was the environment; it looked a bit dated and could use a makeover. Nonetheless, the quality of food more than made up for it. I’ll definitely put this on my must-visit list for future trips. " (*Curated Review*)

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