Pioneer Chicken — Restaurant in Bell Gardens

I have been a customer a Pioneer Chicken for many years. We drive a little distance to go to that location because the food was always good. I have taken different fans and people who are aware and remember pioneer chicken, my BFF Rena she died on 7/17/2008, during hospice we had to come there many times to get chicken that she couldn’t even eat. But her daughter would always eat it. She passed away on Father’s Day 6/20/2021she loved Pioneer Chicken as well, so in their honor we decided to go have pioneer chicken on Monday 6/21/21. It was great worth The drive and money, it was delicious. Matter of fact so delicious I had to have it again. So we went back on Thursday 6/24/21 it was so so I had a 3 piece, I ordered a three piece to go home as well, ate it later parts of the chicken had extra salt it was very salty. I called the restaurant today 6-26-21and at first the young man didn’t want to pass the phone to someone else that I wanted to talk to ! when giving the message of my concern of calling, he called me an angry lady and he didn’t have the information right when he was trying to tell them what I wanted! I even asked the young man would you prefer that I put this information on yelp? he said well if that’s what I wanted to do because yelp is just where people write stuff . OK And then a person got on and said he was the owner he was not very nice he wasn’t respecting the fact that I was trying to make him aware of a situation with his food. His only words were how long he had been there and how the chicken is cooked the same (well I also beg his pardon on that because on Monday the chicken was cooked perfect homemade, on Thursday it was hard as well as salty) all the time that the fries are already prepared that way. I told him I didn’t even have fries I’m not speaking of that I’m speaking of the chicken. I asked him if African-Americans were welcomed in his business he said people of all kinds come here. I try to make him aware unfortunately one of the things that happens is some of the restaurants we go to the employees put extra salt on the food, McDonald’s, Jack-in-the-Box, churches chicken, Kentucky, Burger King and At a place called Hercules burger not only did they pretend they couldn’t hear me on the speaker salt was poured in my salad dressing, it happens at all places where the employees are trying to make a statement ! Letting you know you are not WELCOMED!!!!! it’s something that’s been going on for a while, it’s a racial type of thing. But he didn’t want to hear it I asked him if why would I call him and lie he said I did not say you lie I’m just telling you it’s cook the same all the time he didn’t appreciate my input. I just said well if it happens again I just won’t come back his basic response was it’s my money I can spend it wherever I want to ! I thought that was rude and disrespectful. I’ve been coming to that establishment at least over 20 yrs+ and I think it’s unfair to treat a regular customer like that. I think that the disrespect and the smart mouth were very unnecessary. But if everybody else gets the same treatment we got the other day they won’t last long in business anyway he may have been there since 1978, but that doesn’t mean you’re allowed to give whomever any kind of treatment you want, everybody’s food should be the same and good. The young lady who worked on Monday 6/21/2021 was professional enjoyable and the restaurant had a totally different atmosphere then on Thursday. Oh did I mention that he had a hard time understanding what I was saying when he first got on the phone he didn’t understand English very well he continue to say he didn’t know what I mean he didn’t understand what I was saying but when he got to the point where he needed to be rude and get his point out he had no problem whatsoever speaking to me ! of course I let him get what he had to say out and then I hung up in his face he did deserve that from me. So I guess I’ll have to send my best friend or my grandchild who both are Hispanic to get pioneer chicken if I want it. My...

From the moment you step into Pioneer Chicken, there's a sense of warm, rustic charm that greets you. The walls are adorned with vintage décor, and the soft, ambient lighting creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. It's the kind of place that promises good food and delivers on that promise.

Chicken Wings: A Culinary Delight

As for the star of the show, the chicken wings, they're nothing short of a culinary delight. Each wing is a perfect blend of a crispy exterior and succulent, tender meat inside. The skin is fried to a golden brown perfection, offering a satisfying crunch with each bite. Pioneer Chicken seems to have mastered the art of balancing flavors; the wings are marinated in a secret blend of spices that tantalizes the taste buds without overpowering them.

The sauce, oh the sauce! It's a symphony of flavors—a little bit tangy, a hint of sweetness, and a kick of spice—that lingers just long enough to entice you to take another bite. It's evident that they use high-quality ingredients, and the freshness comes through in every mouthful.

Presentation: Simple yet Elegant

The presentation of the wings is simple yet elegant. Served on a rustic wooden platter, the wings are garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a side of creamy, house-made blue cheese dressing. The contrast of the vibrant greens against the golden brown of the chicken makes it not just a dish but a visual treat.

Ambiance: Comfortably Inviting

Pioneer Chicken's ambiance adds to the dining experience. The wooden tables, the soft glow of the hanging Edison bulbs, and the gentle hum of conversation create a relaxed and comfortable environment. It’s a place where you can unwind after a long day or gather with friends for a casual meal.

Overall Experience

In conclusion, dining at Pioneer Chicken is an experience that goes beyond just eating. It's about savoring flavors, enjoying the moment, and indulging in comfort food that's been elevated to a new level. Their Chicken Wings are a testament to their commitment to quality and flavor. A visit here is highly recommended for anyone who loves good food served in a warm and...

Holy Nostalgia Batman!!

Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

As a child of the 80's, I remember the nearby Pioneer Chicken in Lakewood, which is now California Sushi & Teriyaki, on Del Amo & Woodruff. Whether it was for dinner or a birthday party, Pioneer Chicken never failed to satisfy my fried chicken cravings. Besides the neon red chicken, I remember quite fondly the spicy rice. In fact, that's what I loved about Pioneer Chicken the most!

Not too long ago, I found out there are still Pioneer Chicken restaurants in operation. I thought they went out of existence like the Dodo bird and Crystal Pepsi. Wanting to cross off each of my bookmarks, I finally made my way to my long lost childhood friend.

A quick drive up the 605 and I arrived.

The decor hasn't changed a lick since the 80's. Popeye's Chicken bought out most of the Pioneer Chicken locations, so the layout is almost identical, save for a brick facade and wood paneling and chairs.

I went for the 3 pc meal with 2 sides & a biscuit/$6.79 + $0.95 for all breasts. My 2 sides were both spicy rice. Greasy, fatty, oily - just the way I remembered it! Hey, it's okay to indulge, if only infrequently. The neon red breading was crispy & crunchy, the breast meat moist & tender. The spicy rice is definitely spicy! I can't believe I was able to tolerate the heat when I was just a wee laddie. I didn't have the biscuit so I can't give my 2 cents on it, but they are handmade. Huge props to Pioneer Chicken for giving out real butter packets, instead of the fake "buttery" spreads that most places give out nowadays to the unsuspecting masses. A delicious meal, just like I remembered.

Service was good. I was told the wings would take about 10 mins to fry, which is why I opted for all breasts. Parking is available in a shared lot with Winchell's.

I highly recommend travelling back in time and paying a visit to Pioneer Chicken for some moist, tender & tasty fried chicken. Forget the Colonel! Give ol' Pioneer Pete a bro hug while you stuff your pie hole...