Pollo Campero — Restaurant in New York

After a long, hectic day, I just wanted something fast and satisfying and Pollo Campero totally delivered. This Guatemala-born chain has been around since the 1970s, and now I get why people are obsessed. It’s not your average fried chicken spot there’s something really comforting and nostalgic about it, even if it’s your first visit.

Pollo Campero was founded in Guatemala in 1971 and has since grown into a beloved name across Latin America and the U.S. What sets it apart from other fast-food chicken spots is its bold seasoning and Latin-inspired menu offering more than just your typical fried fare. It’s the kind of place where comfort food meets cultural flavor, and that’s exactly what I needed.

When I first walked in, it was pretty quiet, but not for long. As soon as I placed my order, the place started to fill up proof I wasn’t the only one craving something good.

I went with the 2-Piece Meal, choosing the Campero Fried Chicken (because obviously fried wins every time) a side of your choice and whether you want tortillas or a dinner roll I chose tortillas because this isn’t Texas Roadhouse, duh. The mac and cheese was simple and classic not overly creamy or cheesy, but comforting in that nostalgic, kid-on-a-weeknight kind of way. The tortillas were on the plain side, but I think they’re meant to be wrapped around the chicken or dipped in the sauces, which would make them shine a bit more.

Now the chicken? That’s where Pollo Campero flexes its roots. It was crispy, golden, and full of flavour seasoned through and through, not just on the skin. The inside was juicy and tender, and when dipped into their house hot sauce, it hit that perfect balance of heat and crunch. No wonder this recipe has been cherished for decades it’s based on a secret family blend of Latin American spices, designed to be bold, comforting, and unforgettable.

I also treated myself to the Campero Spicy Chicken Sandwich, and it honestly deserves its own spotlight. A thick, crispy filet of Campero chicken drenched in a spicy cayenne-habanero sauce, layered (technically) with three sweet pickles on a soft, buttery brioche bun. I say “technically” because I took the pickles off team no pickles here but even without them, the sandwich was 🔥. Crunchy, spicy, satisfying. It’s the kind of sandwich you finish and then immediately think about ordering again.

To complete the meal, I added yucca fries, which were a highlight on their own. Thicker than regular fries, with a lightly crisp outside and soft, almost creamy interior. If you’ve never had yucca (also known as cassava), it’s a starchy root vegetable commonly used across Latin America and the Caribbean. It’s got a heartier, more earthy bite than a regular potato fry, and it paired perfectly with the spicy sandwich.

From the golden-fried chicken that’s been perfected over generations to the thoughtful sides rooted in Latin comfort food, this place...

Discrimination of Non-Hispanic People

I have been to this fast food establishment quite a few times. I have always felt a hint of "we are not here for your kind" but tonight I got the full treatment of discrimination. I ordered and chose a seat in the dining area. The table was dirty from the prior customer as was the floor. I asked for the table to be cleaned. It was cleaned, wiped and left wet. I cleaned it dry. My food was delivered to the table and I ate. After eating, I drank one cup of water. While drinking my 2nd cup, I decided to move to a bench seat with no table in front of it for more space (6 months pregnant). About 15 minutes later, the manager came over and said "Ms. We are closed." I said "Ok". However, I noticed she was going back behind the register instead of informing other customers of closing. I asked her why she didn't tell others she was closed. She said "because they are eating". I said I am still drinking and just finished eating. She said "your only allowed to be here 20 minutes and your not eating now". I said " I am a customer. I have my receipt. If you make an announcement about closing, it should be for all customers not just me". Then she started telling other employees in Spanish about our discussion and they began starring at me. She also began repeating the 20 minute policy from behind the counter. I told her to call the police. She said she would if I didn't leave. I asked for her name. She said she didn't have to give me her name because she was closed. All of the other customers in the restaurant were clearly Hispanic. I am not. Before leaving, i told her she was rude and disrespectful and i askef her if i was being targeted because i didnt speak Spanish. She said " You think what you want to think." I left, and the other customers were still there sitting at the table...

Hi my name is Mark I recently went to your establishment it was close to closing I my order was about $48 if I remember clearly it was a eight piece and and a chicken salad with like with rice and beans after I place my order I was waiting for my food I asked the manager if I could use the bathroom he says no it's closing time I stood there for a few minutes waiting on my food and then Spanish customer came up he asked to use the bathroom I went to the Fountain to fill my drinks and his wife was by the door then I turn around and I see his kid coming out of the bathroom so I says to the manager I'm like bro I said what happened you couldn't let me use the bathroom he was like I told you it was closing I said but you got the kid you let the kid use the bathroom he said it's a kid that's not the point the point is I spent $48 in there your establishment and your manager didn't have the courtesy right to for a paying customer to use the bathroom I didn't think that was fair and I took my money back I gave them I gave them their order back and I took my money and I left and I went someplace else and spent my money there I will not be disrespected because I'm black and I come up into a Spanish establishment and you going to cater to your own but you're not going to cater to me that come in there and spend my harder to earn working money and I will never go back to that place that place ever again you will never get my money ever again anywhere your stores are thank you and you have a...