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Super Pollo - CLOSED
Category: Restaurants Latin American Latin American [Edit]
607 N Randolph StArlington, VA 22203
(703) 525-0999
- Nearest Transit:
-
Ballston Metro (Orange)
Virginia Square Metro Station (Orange)
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
132 reviews for Super Pollo
Review Highlights
"Peruvian Chicken Universe World."
(in 41 reviews)
"chicken, El Pollo Rico wins hands down, and I also prefer..."
(in 39 reviews)
"Great plantains, crispy yucca, awesome chick peas."
(in 15 reviews)
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132 reviews in English
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Review from Melinda C.
Alexandria, VA
Updated - 10/17/2009
Ok so I finally got to go back there, through the pouring rain and cold winds, but it was worth the trek.
There was this sign caught my eye, it was in Spanish, so I read it, and was thinking NO. No way. They are not closing on October 18th (tomorrow). Then I re-read it and thought it was just for that day, for construction. Finally I found the note in English and it said they were CLOSING, but would reopen around the other side of the parking lot, on Quincy Street.
NOOOOOOOOOOO what am I supposed to do until then? I packed that chicken sub full of moist, flavorful chicken, roasted tomatoes, lettuce, mayo on a crispy but chewy crust into my mouth as fast as I could, and then waved goodbye driving out the lot. Like a good friend moving away, my heart broke.
My boyfriend says the new Super Pollo isn't as good as this one, but I'll have to go try it. It's by Landmark. No news as to when the new Super Pollo Arlington will open again :(1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/7/2009
Peruvian chicken is one of the only indigenous foods I can find for this area. This chicken is so… Read more »
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Review from Abby D.
New York, NY
3/28/2011
I never thought I'd say a place was better than El Pollo Rico. Lets get real too, the chicken is not as good as EPR, when EPR is at it's best in my opinion. EPR has something 'crack'like about the chicken that drives me to eat it off the bone. However, man those sides!!!!!!!!!!!! The chicken fried rice with its fresh lime and (cilantro.??????) and plantain-delish!
A -
Review from Karman L.
Boston, MA
6/22/2008 ROTD 12/11/2008
I feel like I'm cheating on EPR when I came over to Super Pollo.
I feel the chicken is great at Super Pollo (maybe a little saltier than EPR, but I like it), but the great thing here is the side options!!! You get two sides with your meal.
EPR has only cole slaw and fries.
Super Pollo has fries, yuca, soup, salad, rice, fried rice, corn, etc... (I loved the chicken fried rice!!! So yummy...who knows Peruvian fried rice can taste better than Chinese fried rice!)
But I think the fries are better at EPR... -
Review from Su K.
10/6/2008
There she is
DC Yelp's Ms. Peruvian Chicken Universe World
Our panel of 10 judges from DC Yelp's Carnivore Crew have spoken: Super Pollo is better than El Pollo Rico.
http://www.yelp.com/ev...
http://static.px.yelp....
Food - $4.83 for a 1/4 chicken dark, $5.02 for 1/4 chicken white, and $7.30 for 1/2 chicken (all served with 2 sides). I ordered the 1/2 chicken and my wife ordered the 1/4 chicken dark. For sides we ordered:
Fried Rice - too much ginger for my taste (and add $1 for this one)
Yucca - Mmmmm! This stuff certainly isn't yucka! Crispy and not overly starchy
Soup - Chicken noodle soup with the flavors of an Indian or Kebab place. Puzzling to find at a Peruvian joint, but tasty nonetheless.
Corn - Those were the 3 sides we wanted, so for the 4th, I figured may as well see if PC W. is right and she is! That is how I imagine corn would be after one pass through your digestive system.
Ms. Super Pollo wasn't much of a looker - her skin was overly tan and her breasts and thighs weren't eye popping, but once the competition began, she commanded the stage and the Carnivore Crew was in awe. Her meat was moist and flavorful, her skin felt so right on my lips and even better on my tongue. She was served with the mayo and green chili sauces and they accompanied her very well. Note: the chili sauce here made Monty C. sweat.
Location - Super Pollo looks like a barn....on fire! I was driving down N. Randolph St and all I had to do was follow the smoke. Note: if you're on the inside looking out, it will look foggy/hazy outside - this is the sign of excellent Peruvian chicken. They use only lump charcoal, which I wholeheartedly approve of. They also have a water cooler and typically, stores put out those tiny Dixie cups that are more like shot glasses, but Super Pollo puts out 12oz cups, which means less walking for me, which means I am grateful. The parking lot for Super Pollo is larger than EPR's. Finally, we came in at 1pm and there was almost no line. Around 1:30, the line became 15 Hispanics deep and seemed that way for the duration of our meal.
Oh, and I almost forgot, here's her crown.
o o o
|\/\/\/|
Congratulations! -
Review from Jason C.
Arlington, VA
10/7/2008
The last time I went into this building, it was actually a Roy Rogers. One day in 1999 I was jonesing for a Gold Rush chicken sandwich, and lo and behold it was shut down with a sign bearing the Golden Arches telling me to get McBent. Later, it became some sort of Tandoori restaurant that was about as popular as a fart in church, seeing as how it closed down in about a year. Super Pollo, however, seems built to last.
Seriously... the line during the Saturday lunch rush must've been about 20 people deep (and wrapping around the restaurant) and never let up. Good thing the Yelp Carnivore Crew got here right before the lunch rush. You see, the YCC decided to visit both Super Pollo and El Pollo Rico back to back in order to settle the question of which Peruvian chicken joint is el supremo.
It was about time. Loyalties were to be tested. Lines were to be drawn. Families were to be torn apart. Brother was to part with brother. Houses were to be divided. Kind of like a Civil War movie, only without handlebar mustaches and horses.
For about $9, I got a quarter-dark chicken, two sides (fries and fried rice) and a Coke. Do yourself a favor and take a pass on the fries... they really aren't any good. The fried rice was definitely better, but had a hint of ginger to it (not a fan of ginger, though they use it sparingly in the rice). You get a good-sized cut of chicken and it literally falls off the bone. Very tender and juicy. With each order you get a cup of mustard/mayo sauce and some sort of green sweat-inducing sauce. Both really add to the flavor of the chicken.
The staff kept things moving quickly and were friendly, even after dealing with the massive line and a particularly obnoxious woman three places up from me who I quickly named "Cookie the Wonderbitch."
The verdict: it's hard to judge Super Pollo and NOT compare it to El Pollo Rico. You almost have to. It's kind of like that nutcase in your Philosophy 101 class who just loves taking wildly unpopular positions, like how Stalin made the USSR a world power and kinda neglects that whole genocide thing. On its own, Super Pollo is pretty good, but (here goes the inevitable comparison) if you have a choice in the matter, I'd probably steer you towards EPR. Having said that, you can get a decent meal (and they serve beer and wine here too!) for around $10. And in this area, you can't beat that with a bat :)
Please see my EPR review for a rundown on major chicken joints in the Arlington area.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Jeff W.
10/6/2008
After years of anticipation I finally walked in to Super Pollo, expecting the delicious smell of charcoal and chickens roasting. Instead, I walked in and smelled charcoal and...curry and ginger? If I had been blindfolded I would've thought we were at a kabob place. The smells had me taken aback, but in a good way.
From sides to the chicken, all the food I had was excellent. The chicken was so moist and had great flavor to it. The fried rice had a great taste of fresh ginger and the fried yucca was crispy and went well with the two dipping sauces. For under $10 I had a pretty substantial portion of a half chicken, mound of fried rice and fried yucca.
My only issues were that the chicken was maybe a tad over seasoned, with the chicken acting more of a conveyance for the spice rub. It also could've been a little crispier. The skin was basically just seasoned mush, and I didn't really eat much of it. I would've liked more of a charcoal taste to it, instead of overpowering seasoning.
While my meal was reasonably priced, the extra costs for rice really bugged me. If it comes with 2 sides, why are you going to charge extra if you choose certain items as those sides? In no way would it prevent me from coming back, but the nickel and diming just left a bad taste in mouth. -
Review from Alicia G.
6/25/2009
I knew this was going to be good the moment I stepped out of the car and saw the billowing smoke that smelled of charcoal in the parking lot.
After we walked inside, I'm pretty sure Jeff W rolled his eyes when I said, "So, uh, half chicken or quarter chicken?" The answer was obvious by the tone of his reply: "Seriously?"
So I ordered my -half- chicken with fries and coleslaw even though a recommendation of fried rice was on the table. We sat at a booth near the window and set to work. I initially attempted to use my knife and fork but soon realized that this was more of a just use your hands kind of dinner. No one here would be judging me for it, so I did. The chicken was delicious. Full of wonderful flavor, crisp skin, juicy meat, I can see why everyone raves about SP. My sides were equally as good - fries were lightly salted and crisp and coleslaw was just right.
Super Pollo -almost- makes me want to visit Virginia more frequently.Listed in: An Ode to Jeff W, With a chick chick here and a…
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Review from Michele D.
Sterling, VA
1/24/2009
El Pollo who?
I was at Conte's on a Thursday night for a cycling thing with the team. As I walked outside to get into the car, this glorious, glorious scent was in the air. I immediately remembered Super Pollo was just a block over and wondered how it could be that at 8pm, I'd find Eau de Pollo in the air. I followed the nose and was ready to try this bird that all my fellow Yelpers are so f'in crazy for.
I'd been here when the Carnie Crew came in for the chicken judging competition, but sadly, didn't have anything to eat because I was on my way to a crab boil. After looking at the scoring sheets and hearing their feedback, I *knew* one day I was going to have my chance to experience Ms. Peruvian Chicken Universe. And what an experience she was; this was a girl on girl situation that was worthy of five stars.
I walked in to a nearly empty restaurant. Walked up to the counter to get a 1/4 white. The guy behind the counter, the one in charge of giving you your order, gave me a nice big smile. I gave him a nice big smile back, told him what I wanted, and he pulled a piece that was the size of Russia and asked me if that piece was ok. Was it ok?!? Seriously. Yes. Put it on my plate. I got rice and beans for the side, trying to see if they resembled Pollo Tropical down in FL.
The chicken was unbelievably moist, right down to the bone. The seasoning was spot on perfect. It doesn't get any better than this and I would have to say it's the best Peruvian chicken place I've ever been to (that honor used to go to Pollos a la Brasa in downtown LA). What made it the best are the two crucial things: flavor and moisture. Super Pollo gets both of these things right, ten times over from El Pollo Rico. Don't get me wrong, EPR is very good, but I don't ever recall their chicken being as moist. The rice and beans were nothing to write home about; standard stuff there.
It also heats up very well. I was starving after getting my car serviced and remembered I had left overs in the fridge. I nuked that baby and it was just as good as it was the night before.
So the summary is this: if you're in the mood for chicken, give Super Pollo a try. After all, if you're going to EPR, then you may as well travel a few extra minutes and go to Super Pollo. You won't regret it--it's HELLA good.Listed in: Eating in the 202 and the 703
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Review from Anson P.
Roanoke, VA
8/23/2008
I've been meaning to try the two big shots of Peruvian chicken in our area, El Pollo Rico and Super Pollo. Finally get to cross one off the list.
I got a whole chicken and 2 sides for 14.99. Not bad. I always go for chicken, salad, and yuca. The chicken is pretty flavorful and moist, but the skin doesn't have that crunch that I like. The chicken has a slight tandoori chicken seasoning flavor. They are a little uneven with the rub, as in some bites you might get a whole lotta rub. The yuca are some of the best I've had. It is very crispy. The salad was a basic chopped salad. The yellow/white sauce was ok, but I prefer the white sauce at Edy's. They have a pretty good selection of beverages including beer and coconut water.
The ordering line is an assembly line. There's plenty of seating. They have their own parking lot. They take credit cards, but there is an additional charge and a minimum charge of 15 bucks.
This is a pretty good choice for chicken. Fortunately, all of the chicken places are far enough away from each other that all of them can do well.Listed in: I Feel Like Chicken…
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Review from PC W.
New York, NY
6/22/2008 1 photo
$5 gets you 1/4 piece of juicy, herb-crusted chicken and two sides.
I love having options and Super Pollo has many more side options than at El Pollo Rico (whose chicken I find to be drier and drier with each subsequent visit). I went with the corn on the cob and the chicken soup. The corn on the cob was overcooked because it was sitting in a container of water to keep it warm. The chicken soup is literally Pollo a la Brasa in liquid form. It's like they made a stock out of the herbs they use to marinate the chicken. The end product is a salty, aromatic broth. Yum.
This is my new favorite peruvian chicken joint. If you're into desserts, they have flan and tres leches cake. -
Review from Chris M.
Alexandria, VA
10/7/2008
I converged on Super Pollo with my Carnie Crew comrades for a Saturday lunch. Anticipating a comparison meal at El Pollo Rico afterward, I took special note from Karman and PC on what sides are offered at Super Pollo that are not available at El Pollo Rico such as: Fried Rice, White Rice & Garlic, Yucca and several other choices.
The chicken at SP is juicy and flavorful, however the cuts are not particularly meaty. The white rice was delicious and plentiful and the yucca was nice and crispy.
3.5 - 4 stars: You won't fill up on the 1/4 chicken, so pursue the many side orders on offer to help fill your tummy or choose the 1/2 chicken. A big, private parking lot in Ballston is a rare luxury, and the prices are right...my 1/4 chicken, rice, yucca and bottled water came to $7. Good deal for tasty food. Happy Dining! -
Review from Tony P.
10/6/2008
I arrived around 1pm as part of the DC Yelp's carnivore crew review of Super Pollo vs El Pollo Rico shootout. Most of us ordered at least half a chicken with sides. I picked yucca and plantains as my sides. The total was $10.52 which is an exceptional bargain for all that food.
I found the chicken to be tasty but a bit over seasoned (a bit too salty). I tasted more of the seasoning than I did the chicken. And the seasoning was uneven in spots. The skin of the chicken looked blackened and soggy, but it wasn't burnt so it was just looks. It still tasted pretty good.
The sides were a hit and miss. The yucca was very crisp on the outside with tender insides. The plantains however was a little lacking. I found them to be overly ripe. The green picante sauce had a good kick and was flavorful.
Maybe I'm being overly critical, but this was a comparative and so I have to point out the details.
I should also mention that the entry to this place has a sloping entry ramp that is not kind to low riding vehicles. -
Review from Michelle P.
Fairfax, VA
5/19/2009
I've been hearing about the great peruvian chicken debate for a long time now, and i feel like i can finally get involved. I have finally eaten "real" peruvian chicken... and loved it.
I got the half chicken with coleslaw and mashed potatoes and a drink, as did the bf, so together the total was only $20! Thats such a good deal for the massive amount of food we ate. The chicken was incredible. It was juicy and full of flavor. I loved it. I felt a little weird using my hands to eat it, but oh well. Its a good thing it wasn't a first date!
But what really won me over were the sides. yea the chicken was good, but i need more than meat! I opted for the mashed potatoes (are you suprised?) and the cole slaw. The mashed potatoes were actually decent, in the mom's home cooking kind of way. while i prefer mine with garlic and chunky, these were really creamy and rich and smooth. i was honestly impressed. And the cole slaw was definitely pretty good! I was suprised.
And the best part of the meal.... it tasted just as delicious when i ate the other half the chicken and cole slaw (i never leave mashed potatoes!) for dinner the next night :)Listed in: I love mashed potatoes
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Review from The C.
Los Angeles, CA
3/7/2007
I dine at Super Pollo as often as Dick Cheney feasts on the flesh of small children to get his superpowers (once a week), so I feel a little more qualified than these one-timers when I say that fantastic chicken actually ranges from Colonel-Sanders-dry to sponge-after-mom-does-the-dishes-greasy depending on what batch you're getting. But those are the rare instances. If you put the chicken taste in a dot plot, it'd look like this:
x
x x x
x x x x x
x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
3 minutes DELICIOUS Like Eating
in the a Box of
Microwave Lard
The sides, however, are all and always delicious. Just be careful paying with credit card. They'll give you the price, add tax on to it, ask how you want to pay, and when you hand them your card, they tack on an additional fee. It's pennies on the dollar, but really, where the hell is that coming from? Is that like a long-distance phone call charge for using the credit card?Listed in: Great Places Not to Take a…
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Review from Matt C.
Washington, DC
11/20/2008
As I've said in some of my other review, I was a long-time DC resident that recently moved to Arlington. I LOVE me some Peruvian chicken, and I've been making the rounds to all the chicken spots over the past couple months. I'm fucking addicted to the shit.
It is my crackrock.
Think Chris Rock as Pookie in New Jack City, or Chris Rock as Tyrone Biggums. That's me during the quick car-ride to get chicken. Shaking, drooling, twitching, etc. To me, it's THAT fucking delicious.
Anyways....I thought I had reached the pinnacle of chicken with two recent trips to El Pollo Rico....but then I read about Super Pollo and had to give it a try. I went alone, got a whole chicken so I'd have leftovers (Or maybe not?) with two sides. As has been said in previous reviews, the selection of sides DOMINATES the measly fries and slaw of Rico. I chose Fried Yucca and the Chick Peas. They were both yummy. The Yucca was fresh out of the fryer, crispy, and amazing when dipped in the mayo/green sauce concoction.
Chicken was divine. I'd rate it just a hair better than Rico...had all the right characteristics....nice spice rub, semi crispy skin, and juiciness throughout. But the sides definitely make the overall meal much better. -
Review from jenn h.
Washington, DC
9/24/2006
Francis L, John R, Keri M, Rick F, Jane S, Jennifer S, Jason F - I BLAME YOU - and I mean ALL OF YOU!
Even though I'd never tried this renowned Super Pollo, I found myself craving it. How does one actually CRAVE food when one has never eaten it, you ask? Freakin' Yelpers describe it really well and make it sound like the most delicious thing on earth; that's how!
(Wasn't Super Pollo a B-list superhero?) Anyway, I wouldn't have been likely to walk into this restaurant: the sign of bright red lettering in a building that looks like any old generic fast food place with music videos in Spanish playing on the TVs would NOT have called out to me. But, because of you Yelpers, I made the long trek and discovered that I AM IN LOVE with the chicken and chick peas and yuca and plantains and WHY DID YOU DO THIS TO ME??? IT'S SO FAR, AND I'M GOING TO WANT THIS OFTEN, AND DAMN YOU ALL!
Uh, and by 'Damn you,' I mean 'THANK YOU.'Listed in: FOOD in and around DC
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Review from Keri M.
Alexandria, VA
8/26/2006
I live a good 20 minute drive from Super Pollo, but willingly make the trip on a whim just because it's so darn good and so darn cheap. I've been to several pollo a la brasa and this is by far, heads and shoulders above the rest. The chicken is so flavorful. It's prepared with a mysteriously magical combination of spices then cooked rotisserie-style. From what I can tell, there is no added butter so I believe it is a healthy, low cal dinner (when you get the salad as side dish). My downfall is the chick pea side dish with yet another mysteriously magical sauce. And for $5, you can't go wrong.
This place is a bit of a dive and feels like a 3rd world McDonalds, but it has a unique ambiance that makes you feel you are in South America. Perhaps because 85% of the clientele are spanish speakers and the TVs play spanish MTV (Que paso? -inevitably) or soaps or soccer.Listed in: Best Cheap Eats in DC/NoVa
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Review from Rick F.
Arlington, VA
8/30/2006
I used to think that there was not any other option for Peruvian chicken in Alrington VA but El Pollo Rico, but Super Pollo is fantastic in its own way. Namely, sides....
They have a choice of many different sides, other than slaw and fries. I love their Yucca and their perfectly greased rice. My favorite though are the chickpeas. Not the healthy chickpeas you get at the salad bar either. Think chickpeas in a real comfort food way.
The chicken, while in my opinion not spiced quite as nice as El Pollo Rico is really really good. I find that the birds are bigger at Super Pollo and that the meat is always nice and juicy.Listed in: Ahh Comfort
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Review from John R.
Alexandria, VA
8/22/2006
Pollo a la brasa - if you don't know what it is, you're missing out. It's charbroiled chicken peruvian style and is fast becoming indigenous to the dc area. You can't help but drive by one of these shops and want to stop in - you can smell the goodness from miles.
The funny thing is most of these shops are in run down little restaurants that might scare off most customers not "in the know." But Super Pollo is right across the street from Ballston Mall and is one of the nicer looking establishments I've been to.
But aesthetics aside, Super Pollo is also the all time BEST chicken I've ever had. It's actually my favorite meal and restaurant.
I highly recommend trying the garbanzo beans which have a spicy sauce to them.
And to beat it all - it's dirt cheap! For $5 you can get a 1/4 chicken combo that includes 2 sides and a can of soda - I'd eat there daily if it were closer! -
Review from Elizabeth K.
New York, NY
2/19/2009
My boyfriend and I ate here last night for dinner. I was enticed by the "cheap eats" in Arlington. Cheap/yummy/moderately healthy food can be hard to come by these days.
The chicken was yummy, but the sides weren't anything to write home about. Except for the yucca. I LOVE yucca! yum yum yum!
I also had the chick peas (they were out of plantains, which was a HUGE disappointment) and they were flavored with Middle Eastern spices. They were OK, just not my cup of tea.
My boyfriend had mashed potatoes and corn. The corn had been frozen (according to him) and the potatoes were of the instant variety. They weren't that good. He even said they tasted like "Army potatoes". I would go back, provided they had my plantains. And 17$ for two people and two bottled drinks ain't too bad. -
Review from C J.
Arlington, VA
6/24/2008
Sure there are 39 reviews, but mine will only help this wonderful establishment! The chicken is PHENOMENAL! Even though there are great side options, the chicken could stand alone, no sides necessary! We went late, around 9:30 pm and they were already out of my first choices for sides (the mashed potatoes, tortillas, and soup), so I had the corn on the cob (don't recommend it was cold and soggy) and the yucca, which were awesome. All that for $5!! Subway can try all they want with their $5 footlongs, they ain't got nothin' on Super Pollo! Dining mates had the rice and beans as well and were super complimentary of them as well. No Peruvian meal is complete without a cold Inca Cola to wash it all down with, thankfully there were no shortages on the soda!
I thoroughly enjoyed my inaugural trip to super pollo and since it is virtually across the street, I know I will be back to enjoy the delciousness!Listed in: Oh so walkable Arlington!
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Review from Mar O.
Arlington, VA
3/29/2007
Been here twice, and I agree that, in the grand epic chicken battle that is Super Pollo vs. El Pollo Rico, these two place aren't completely comparable. Of course, you ask, but it's chicken vs. chicken, what could be so hard about that? In this case, it comes down to the sides.
In a chicken vs. chicken, El Pollo Rico wins hands down, and I also prefer EPR's sauces. However, once you factor in the sides, it becomes a different battle of chicken + sides vs. chicken, which I have to say isn't all that fair to EPR, because, who knows, maybe they could turn out some kickin' sides, but they just don't?
Super Pollo has a large variety of sides, the two best I feel are the rice and the chick peas. The rice doesn't look like much, but it tastes amazing. Haven't tried the others yet, but I don't know that you can tear me away from these two. Their chicken is quite tasty, but not at the level of EPR. The price though is just as pocket friendly.
So bottom line, you really can't go wrong at either place. If you're bored of fries and coleslaw, I would go to Super Pollo. But if you're in it just for the chicken, delicious Peruvian chicken, I say there's only one place at the top, and that's El Pollo Rico. -
Review from Tu-van L.
12/16/2006
I agree - I like this place better than EPR. Granted EPR serves some tasty Peruvian bird, but Super Pollo takes the cake.
The skin is well-seasoned and salted while the meat is moist with flavor. And the sides - plenty to go around from this place. I never thought of fried rice from this place, but it was a nice treat. The fried rice had chicken and seasoned with whatever it is they season the bird (it even tastes Thai-ish). And the yucca - the buttery fried starchy goodness is to DIE for!
Conveniently adjacent to Ballston Commons. This place is a MUST!Listed in: On the NoVa prowl
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Review from Mikkela T.
12/31/2008
Peruvian chicken... oh, hello, fried yucca! $10.13 for half a chicken and two sides. I was sorry I was out in the pre-NYE INSANITY but at least I got to try the Super Pollo chicken.
Now I must nap before the new year. Roger and out. -
Review from Simeon T.
Washington, DC
7/15/2008
Peruvian chicken is good, and pretty much they all taste the same which isn't a bad thing. But like it's been said before, the reason why this place sticks out are it's sides. Not necessarily the quality of the them, but the assortment. Wider range than any of the other places in the area, and still keeps it just as cheap. Some of the sides are great, fried rice, yucca fries, rice and beans, and some are not, boiled to mush corn on the cob...bleh.
As long as you choose your sides wisely I think this place has an overall edge over the other places, especially if it is hard for you to taste the difference between the chicken. One improvement though could be with the sauces, the mayo based one is good, but I'm never satisfied with the jalapeno one...and I don't know why!Listed in: Arlington-hood
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Review from Donald P.
8/17/2009
Just like the other location down the street, this place serves some of the best Peruvian Chicken I've ever had.
I ordered a whole chicken with 2 sides (Chicken Fried Rice and another item is $1 additional which is a bummer but totally worth it.) Their lentils were packed full of savory goodness as well.
My brother's family was coming over so I thought a whole chicken would be enough (along with whatever other stuff my wife was going to prepare). On the way home I quickly had second thoughts and stopped by the other Super Pollo down the street to pick up another whole chicken with 2 sides. It was a good thing I did because everyone scarfed down those chickens. -
Review from Barrie C.
San Antonio, TX
12/11/2007
Apparently El Pollo Rico has some competition in the race to flood Arlington with chicken-shaped crack cocaine, in the form of Super Pollo. I still maintain that EPR's chicken/crack is a little juicier and therefore a little better, but Super Pollo insidiously sucks you in with some delicious sides, especially the chick peas, which are scrumptious. They must be laced with something. Super Pollo definitely beats EPR with the sides.
The other good thing going for Super Pollo is that they take credit card. They do charge you 29 cents if you use your credit card for an order that's less than $15, but seriously, if you're actually the type to complain about 29 cents, you may have bigger problems than your rotisserie chicken-shaped crack addiction. -
Review from Salil M.
Arlington, VA
8/28/2009
I live about a block away from this place, and I deliberately do not eat there regularly.
Why? Because I want every time to be...like the first time.
It's so good. It's how I know God wants us to eat chicken. It's how chicken is *supposed* to taste. There can be no doubt here--if everything tastes like chicken, then everyONE would be 450lbs, because the chicken HERE is fan-fucking-tastic. Just the smell from the street is enough to set me to drooling.
Confession: sometimes I get hungry just looking at the chicken logo. That muscular body, the friendly but heroic posture, that chickeny countenance that beckons you inside to eat his less fitness-minded breathren...it turns me on a little.
Everyone has their favorite sides. Mine are the black beans, the plantains, and the yucca, although their fries and fried rice are certainly not bad.
Super Pollo definitely follows the "do a few things, and do them WELL" philosophy that all my favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurants do, too.
Oh my god, I want it now. I think writing this review means I deserve it tonight. -
Review from Clara L.
4/4/2008
Surprisingly, this was my first time having peruvian chicken, even though I've been living within walking distance to Super Pollo and El Pollo Rico for a few months now.
The chicken was quite delicious. Very moist and flavory. I ordered the 1/4 chicken special, which gets you a quarter of a chicken, 2 sides and a can of soda. Although I did get 1/4 of a chicken, it didn't have much meat on it (basically I got the drumstick and a little of the thigh area. Though my friend also ordered the 1/4 chicken special and she got more of the breast. I am not sure if you can specify which quarter of the chicken you want... or whether it's the luck of where you stand in line. I got the deep fried yuca and plantains for my sides and Inca Kola for the soda. Everything was quite tasty and filling. I couldn't finish the sides, though I wanted to.
The only downside is that they charge an extra surcharge when you use a credit card. And I wasn't prepared with cash on hand, so I had to pay up that extra 30 cents or something like that. But still... my meal was under $7.50 and was quite satisfying. -
Review from Traci H.
6/9/2008
I give it 5 stars even though sometimes I don't want to know what their kitchen must look like in the back.
This is one of my favorite places to get chicken in Ballston (and man, so I miss it here in Boston!). I usually got the 1/4 or 1/2 chicken with some combination of plantains (they're a like a buck extra but I love 'em anyway), soup, and rice. Sometimes I even splurged and got all three sides - whoa, it's a total of $6!!!! You can take a date there, or take it out and you can get it all for less than $10. Ok, maybe it's not the ideal date place, but it's been known to be a date place sometimes...
Stick to the chicken. I've tried the other stuff and they're good, but they're not super-delicious-goodness of rotisserie chicken good!
Bring cash - they charge you 29 cents if you use a credit card for any purchases under a certain amount.
I advise you do take out - I have eaten there and watched the Spanish- language soap operas that play on their TV, but you don't go to this place for the ambiance or dining facilities.
They did just raise their prices so I don't think you can get your meal for under $5 but these are the times. Shell out the $6 and get a great take out Peruvian chicken meal.
(You can try Pio Pio and El Pollo Rico and see for yourself - I know some people differ on their reviews so try it out. It won't bust your wallet, but it might bust your stomach to eat so much goodness.)
Super Pollo, I miss you!Listed in: Best of my time in…
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Review from Stephanie N.
Clearwater, FL
10/1/2006
So on my last day in No. VA.-- my friend can't believe i've never visited and made it a point for me to check this place out before my departure *sniff
The prices and food are EXCELLENT! Word of advice, you may think - ok, 1/4 chicken 2 sides and a drink for $7 is a great deal and will be just enough to fill me up. WATCH OUT - they give you HEAPING portions of the sides and I definitely ordered waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much!
THe chicken was yummy and super tasty. Loved all the spices and th eway the meat was so... juicy. I really should have only gotten one side of their delicious plantains and that was plenty enough of a meal for me!
Def agree that this place has more sides to choose from than most of the other places i've been. -
Review from Kat R.
Alexandria, VA
9/7/2008
First time at super pollo today. chicken was great and the side salad was good as well as the sauces and dressing. The place was crowded and they do have outside seating(only 2 tables).
Will definitely go back. I think it is better then El Pollo Rico. -
Review from Venu N.
4/24/2008
There are a number of reviews here serving as positive testaments to Super Pollo. Given praises that included divine inspiration and heavenly culinary assistance, I had to check it out myself.
The line at Super Pollo is long so it's best to go if you have a bit of time on your hands. The choices are simple; you can get assorted portions of rotisserie chicken along with side dishes. I went with a 1/4 chicken (white) with chicken fried rice and mashed potatoes.
First, let's start with the chicken. People are not kidding about the chicken here. It's very juicy, well spiced, moist, and it literally made my day better. My mood transcended happiness and moved into the levels of joy while eating that wonderful piece of chicken.
The sides, on the other hand, could use some work. The mashed potatoes appeared to be instant spuds, and iI would avoid them on a repeat visit. On the other hand, the chicken fried rice, while subpar on its own, mixed well with a nice yellow mustard sauce that accompanied the chicken.
Overall, I would certainly suggest this place as a good spot to try out in the Clarendon-Ballston area. While it certainly does not gain too many points for atmosphere, the main dish (the chicken) is sublime and the service is fast and friendly. Also, given that the item isn't so different than American style rotisserie chicken, it's an easy crossover dish for friends who have not tried a multitude of different cuisines. There are plenty of excuses to go to Super Pollo; make sure to use one and enjoy an exceptional chicken experience. -
Review from Nadia I.
Arlington, VA
6/26/2007
Super pollo or El Pollo Rico. I can't decide. I honestly can't. So I'll checklist by items:
Chicken: Both great. SPs chicken has a bit more spice, a bit more zing to it. But i thought EPRs chicken is just bigger, juicier and looks better being cooked.
Sides: SP has lots of sides; spicy rice, amazing chickpeas, yuca, fries, vegetabes etc, so you end up feeling less like a massive carnivore. EPR has those amazing fries.
Sauce: Can't compare....they were both amazingly similar.
Price/Payment: A meal at both places costs the same, but at SP you can use your credit card, which is a great thing if you're always of of hard cash like I am.
Seating: While EPR has a no-nonsense large table cafeteria style space, SP tried to decorate and failed...it feels a little cramped and too full of fake leaves. However, SP has a tv, and I got to see Ricky martin do his thing while I waited.
You have to try it people. You seriously have to. -
Review from Jeremy K.
Arlington, VA
9/15/2009
I've been going to the Sport and Health in Ballston Mall across the street from Super Pollo for many years. All that time I could smell the chicken from the parking structure. Well today after reading some of the other yelpers I decided to take the plunge and try it. I had a half chicken with rice and plantains, and the verdict.... MMMMMMmmm, MMMmmmmm Good!
This will be a new favorite fast food place. Did I mention I stopped in on my way home from the gym, I spent maybe 5 minutes there while my goods packed in a to-go container, and of course it was still piping hot when I got home and the meat pretty much just fell off the bones. -
Review from Gracie B.
Newark, NJ
9/27/2006
It's really a 4.5, but I can't give a 5 because EPR got a 5 and the chicken at EPR is sooo much better. Plus EPR has boyfriend sentimentality so....that;s that.
But the sides here. Outta this world. The Yuca is perfect.Listed in: Project Beltway
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Review from Heather D.
Chicago, IL
11/5/2007
I'm a little timid to submit this review, especially after all the love Super Pollo has gotten thus far. Decided on this place over El Pollo Rico for Friday night, after the huge recommendation by Chris K. and others.
However, Super Pollo did not speak to me like it has to the rest of the crew here. I found the chicken okay, but not very spicy or flavorful. The sides were a bit bland and were served cold ( got the fries and the yuca). We arrived during a big rush, so I would assume that their food wasn't sitting there too long.
My disappointment may be because I am not a die-hard chicken person. I hardly ever have fried chicken, and usually prefer my chicken as part of a larger entree. But I won't give up on this "pollo a la braza." I will give EPR a try before admitting defeat.
One thing I can say - it was probably the cheapest, biggest meal I have found in all of DC. -
Review from Flo S.
Arlington, VA
8/4/2009
All I can say about this place is that its good, cheap and delicious. The chicken is almost good as El Pollo Rico, but has all these wonderful sides and even fish that make up for it.
Today, me and my colleagues headed down to this place across from Ballston Commons and decided to eat in. I have been here on at least 5 occasions and they never seem to disappoint me. What I like most about this place besides their specialty chicken is their plantains. They are really good! Also, if you substitute your side with the plantains when you order a combo, its only $1 more. Today, I had the quarter white chicken with the chick peas (which is also one of my favorite sides here) and what else--the plantains!
In the past, a friend of mine encouraged me to try their fried fish and I was truly hooked and amazed that they do an equally good job of preparing this entree. Its really moist and full of flavors with the spices that they add and I think I may have to go back and reminisce and try it again.
My coworkers really enjoyed the food as this was their first time! They will definitely be back again and hopefully I can tag along with them! -
Review from Rob S.
10/21/2008
I really like Super Pollo except parking can be kinda tight. Plus people ordering sandwiches seem to get last priority. I thought it was just a lunchtime ordering thing, but I've gone into Super Pollo on off hours and still have to wait a long time for sandwiches (at least longer than I have to wait at other Peruvian chicken places).
Bare knuckles flavor wise, I think Super Pollo beats out The Chicken Place... and they both definitely beat out Senor Chicken in Alexandria.
The chicken is very moist and flavorful. Definitely what I would expect from any top-notch Peruvian chicken joint in the area.
The wait is a slap in the face though.
Sides wise, their yucca is great. So is their beans & rice and their plantains.
I love the fact that this place is in an old Roy Rogers too.Listed in: Peruvian Chicken Joints
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Review from Jed W.
Updated - 3/11/2009
As I was writing about EPR, I realized that I needed to update my Super Pollo review. Eating at EPR made me realize how much better Super Pollo is. Hands down, the best chicken I've ever eaten.
Skin is perfectly crispy with incredible spices, spices that you can taste throughout the chicken meat. Meat is tender and juicy and plain delicious. The chicken fried rice is of course a must get, and now I realize you can ask them to put some of their onions on top of it, making it even better.
There are of course a host of other sides you can get - fries aren't that great (is it really that hard to get them crispier?!?!?) but I haven't tried that many options.
I smile just thinking about the chicken here.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/3/2009
After reading posts after posts after posts about the health benefits of Peruvian chicken, I decided… Read more »
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