Cheap Eats 2009: El Pollo Rico - Arlington

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Reviewed by Todd Kliman , Cynthia Hacinli , Ann Limpert , Kate Nerenberg , Rina Rapuano

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Great food, low prices, lots of fun

El Pollo Rico--Arlington

932 N. Kenmore Street
Arlington, VA 22201
Phone: 703-522-3220

Cuisines:
Peruvian, South American

Opening Hours:

Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Nearby Metro Stops:
Clarendon

Price Range:
Inexpensive

Dress:
Informal

Noise Level:
Chatty

Reservations:
Not needed

Website:
Click here to open in new window.

Best Dishes
Peruvian chicken; French fries; rum cake; alfajores; mayo-yellow mustard sauce and cilantro-lime sauce.

Price Details:
Quarter chicken with sides $3.90; half chicken with sides $6.30; whole chicken with sides $11.70.

Reader's Rating:

5 out of 5

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Why go: None of the other rotisserie-chicken joints can match the succulence of these spice-rubbed, spit-roasted birds. The secret: a 24-hour brine—but the precise combination of salt, citrus, and spice is a recipe the owners won’t divulge.

What to get: The chicken. For big eaters, the sweet-corn tamale steamed in a banana leaf—available only in Wheaton—is a good side order, and the rum cake is a delicious, boozy dessert.

Best for: Fast takeout—the birds hold up well in Styrofoam containers, and the line moves almost as quickly as the cleaver-wielding guys who hack up the chicken.

Insider tip: Go at peak lunch and dinner hours to get birds fresh off the spit.

Open daily for lunch and dinner.

>> See all 2009 Cheap Eats restaurants here

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Reader ReviewsWrite your own review

The Best Peruvian Chicken

JULIOCESARBASURTO — October 30, 2009 10:55 AM

I know this "pollo rico" for more than 15 years, since they were in the other location. This was the first broil chicken in the Area. Now you can find many places that want to get new customers using the phrase "Peruvian broil chicken." The smell More ...

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