Dirt Cheap Eats 2007: El Pollo Campero - Gaithersburg

Reviewed by Todd Kliman , Ann Limpert , Cynthia Hacinli , Sara Levine , Erin Zimmer

El Pollo Campero - Lake Forest Mall

701 Russell Avenue
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Phone: 240-403-0135
Fax: 240-403-0136

Cuisines:
Deli/Quick Bites, South American

Opening Hours:

Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Nearby Metro Stops:
None nearby

Price Range:
Inexpensive

Dress:
Informal

Noise Level:
Chatty

Reservations:
Not needed

Special Features:
Kid Friendly

Website:
Click here to open in new window.

Best Dishes
Fried chicken; stewed beans; Spanish rice; horchata; Tamarindo.


 

Reader's Rating:
No Reader Reviews

Chicken

Perfect fried chicken is the hallmark of this Guatemalan fast-food chain. Coated in seasoned flour—the 11 ingredients are top secret—and sizzled to a gorgeous saffron hue, the chicken ($6.99 for three pieces) comes out tender and juicy, with a perfect meat-to-crust ratio.

Just as good are the beans ($1.89 for a single serving) in a soupy stew studded with sausage and peppers. Spoon them over Spanish rice or into a corn tortilla with a dollop of smoked chipotle salsa. Authentic drinks such as tart tamarindo and milky almond horchata go well with the salty, spicy fare.