Pollo Campero — Restaurant in San Francisco

It's been ages since I've had Pollo Campero, and I was really looking forward to it. However, I was thoroughly disappointed with the taste—it was dry, unpleasant, unappetizing, even had a bitter, burnt-like flavor. 🤢🤮🤮🤢 Whether it was overcooked or just old, I can't say. What I can say is that serving this kind of food is unacceptable. This experience left me with an undesired feeling to return. It's incredibly frustrating to have made the effort to have driven all the way to SF for such a disappointing meal. Save yourself the hassle and expense by steering clear of their food, especially if you live further up the peninsula like I do.

Provided some reference photos for this unpleasant and simply NASTY chicken. 🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮

Update on Review:

I rarely find the time to write reviews, but I felt compelled to share my thoughts on this occasion because it was truly a significant disappointment. From the quality of the food to the poor customer service, this experience left me feeling deeply upset. I had high expectations, especially considering the iconic reputation that Pollo Campero holds. As someone born and raised in the US, Pollo Campero holds a special place in my heart as a part of my family's cultural heritage. It brings back fond childhood memories of family gatherings with relatives from El Salvador or visits to El Salvador itself. That's why this experience has left me feeling particularly upset, and I'm certain it will keep me away from Pollo Campero for the next couple years without a doubt. Thank you for such a memorable experience!

Customer service response:

Thank you for getting in touch, but I must express my disappointment with your customer service. While I appreciate the outreach, the response—"I'm sorry we disappointed you. On your next visit, you can look for me, and we can give you a discount"—felt inadequate. Offering a discount doesn't fully address the negative experience I had. Why couldn't you offer a freshly prepared free meal to compensate for the bad experience or simply a refund instead? Aside of having a bad experience I now have to look for the manager to get a "discount"? Do you think having to look for the manager to get a "discount" is adequate customer...

My first visit to Pollo Campero was last night. I am not often in this part of SF. I made a special trip to taste and see. No regrets.

I ordered a three piece grilled chicken meal online. There is a quick, painless system set up for retrieving the to go order.

I was allowed to eat at a table, even though they were in closing mode, wiping down surfaces. I came in shortly before the doors were locked. It’s advisable to not do this.

The grilled chicken was pretty good, well cooked, but was not served piping hot. It is marinated, coated with lime/seasonings. I might like the fried chicken better. Next time.

I’m thinking, the sides are where Pollo Campero shines the most. I was glad to discover the distinction of the fare served here being Guatemalan. It matters to me.

The one side included with the meal was my selection of plantains. Outstanding! Sautéed expertly, bursting with bright flavor. Caramelized/crunchy, deeply seared, soft/fluffy inside. I’d return just to get them.

They included a many corn tortillas to take home. I got the roll. One comes with the meal, you get a choice of tortilla or bread.

My drink was average. I love agua fresca, and jamaica does not usually call for extra sweetness. Splenda made it tastier.

Overall, nothing too much for complaints. I'll return to sample different items on the menu. Lots of goodness there to...

I have been going to this campero for a couple of years now, but lately I've just ignored my craving for what used to be my favorite fried chicken. The chicken is just not consistently cooked right. It's either overcooked or not cooked enough, or way too oily with its non-crispy skin falling off. Sometimes it looks and tastes like the chicken has been fried a second time.The prices are a bit ridiculous for chicken(especially if not cooked properly).The familiar seasoning is there and its enough to satisfy your craving for Campero, but it's not fair to pay top dollar for inconsistency. I should be able to get a juicy , crunchy , flavorful piece of chicken every time I order and that's just not the case. Also, when I've ordered take out I'm almost thrown out as soon as I have the bag in hand when picking it up! I always ask for specific condiments only to be told by the staff that they are already in the (sealed) bag, but when I get home of course , its not the condiments I wanted. I understand it's not the original GUATEMALAN Campero that I'm used to but in my humble opinion, they can do better.

Updated Aug 2, 2025

I had originally given them 2 stars but I have to say, my last couple of visits have been great! They...