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!**

" If you love authentic Mexican food and a no-frills dining experience, El Pollo Norteno is the place for you! The staff is usually busy but manage to get orders out in a timely manner. I enjoyed their chicken plate, which is served with rice and beans. It's satisfying and definitely hit the spot. I will definitely be stopping by again in the future. " (*Curated Review*)

1 year ago

" As much as I enjoy the food from El Pollo Norteno, the service leaves much to be desired. I waited quite a while at the counter before anyone came to take my order, and then there was a mix-up with my food. However, the chicken combo was worth the wait! Each bite was flavorful and perfectly cooked. I’ll be back, but I hope next time the staff can step it up! " (*Curated Review*)

1 year ago

" Don't let the unassuming exterior fool you! El Pollo Norteno has some amazing food that reminds me of home. The tri-tip was grilled to perfection, and the portions were quite generous. I can say that the homemade salsa was a highlight of my meal. Service could be a little friendlier, but I'll definitely be back for the great food! " (*Curated Review*)

1 year ago

" El Pollo Norteno continues to amaze me. I've heard positive things about their food quality, and I can't agree more. The chicken is seasoned with just the right spices, making it flavorful without being overpowering. I appreciate the atmosphere—it's relaxed and family-friendly, perfect for a casual meal out. I hope they maintain this quality. I'm looking forward to my next visit! " (*Curated Review*)

1 year ago

" I had a fantastic experience at El Pollo Norteno! The chicken was juicy and grilled to perfection. The side of homemade salsa was a delightful accompaniment that added just the right amount of heat to the meal. The staff was friendly enough, though not overly attentive. The decor has a rustic charm that gave it a homely feel. Overall, this restaurant lives up to its reputation for great chicken. I will definitely be coming back again soon. " (*Curated Review*)

3 years ago

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*)

2 years ago

" 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*)

4 years ago
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