El Pollo Guapo — Restaurant in South Carolina

As a local, I really wanted to love this place since it’s so close to home. This would have been a 4 star review at the start, figuring what can go wrong with a salad and sweet potato wedges (which I was super excited to see on the menu). Paid $23 for the combo. Ok a large salad these days at $15 is average for local spots, only the salad is in an approximate 6” diameter (a bit larger than my iPhone 13) plastic container. Was surprised since asking if in a taco like shell, they said no it’s in a large “bowl”.

When the meal arrived on a tin tray (ok cute cafeteria touch) the sweet potato wedges were burnt black on nearly all of them. I tried but can’t eat charcoal.

This review became two stars worthy when I approached the counter for a fresh non burnt batch, and received (with a seriously defensive attitude) the statement: “that’s not burnt, and it will come out like that again!” She slammed it in the trash and lo-and-behold the second batch was perfect. Not burnt “again.”

The food is actually good. Only my first experience spending $23 on a lunch like this… not so positive.

I’ve run my own business for 30 years and with good Customer Service, I have learned it will outweigh product insufficiencies. When a problem arises, human beings want to know they’re being taken care of whether it be $23.00, $0.23 or $230.

Bummed. Bad tastes take time to settle. And I have left with just that. It’s not like I don’t have options. But sure wish this had worked out. I’d pay for the conscience but not the...

I’ve been getting food to go here since right after they opened… and I have close friends battling a serious illness of their small child. I started getting food here to take my friend for lunch, and then dinner for the family, a rotisserie chicken and sides. Every single time they have been beyond happy with the food. And I also find it delicious.

The staff is all great and Tony, who is one of the partners in the business is beyond accommodating. I let him know today that the family would be at my home tomorrow for a very early lunch and he worked with me on timing to get the order placed early for pick up. Such a friendly person with great recommendations .

When I’ve ordered previously for myself, they’ve had no problem doing substitutions for dressings, leaving out chicken, etc.

Your order at the counter and then they have lots of comfortable casual indoor seating and some nice shaded outdoor as well. They have a great selection of beverages, including Beer and some of the newer canned wines and of course, nonalcoholic as well. I think this place is great for lunch or dinner, families, on your own or couples, etc. friends. Great place to go with a group of friends and share a rotisserie chicken and sides ,

Five stars all the way. One of the best options on James Island in a very long time - it’s definitely hybrid in terms of the dining experience and I think it’s a great fit.

Thanks Tony and...

I’ve dined with El Pollo Guapo James Island a couple of time now and it hasn’t disappointed. Both times in, I was met with a friendly cashier who explained the menu items and helped me make my selections. Both visits, the food came out to the table quickly, during near peak or peak dinner hours. The rotisserie chicken has been perfectly seasoned and juicy with both visits. I enjoyed the sriracha aioli sauce sauce so much the first time that I’ll have a hard time moving on to another choice. It’s difficult to pick a favorite side because everything was amazing but I’d have to say the fried plantains take the prize, followed closely by the crispy Brussels, for me. We all thoroughly enjoyed the sweet potato wedges, handsome rice, charred broccoli, roasted corn and house fries, as well. We followed that up with churros which were were the perfect end to a great meal! Will be back soon to enjoy some...