Dirt Cheap Eats 2007: El Pollo Campero - Herndon

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

El Pollo Campero - Herndon

496 Elden Street
Herndon, VA 20170
Phone: (703) 904-7500
Fax: (703) 904-7565

Opening Hours:

Wheelchair Accessible:
No

Nearby Metro Stops:
None nearby

Price Range:
Inexpensive

Dress:
Informal

Noise Level:
N/A

Reservations:
Not needed

Special Features:
Kid Friendly

Website:
Click here to open in new window.


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.