El Pollo Supremo — Restaurant in Tempe

Hello I am leaving a negative review in hopes that this place will improve somehow.... If your the owner reading this...i hope you take a chance to bring employees that want to be there.

I wish I could try the food unfortunately and it's beyond me that this business doesn't want customers or money?! This seems like a nice family place and lots of positive reviews... However my experience has been super poor to a point where I gave up trying to eat here

1. If a place is open until a certain time like in this case 8pm and not serve food past a certain time, there should be a sign or a board that says the kitchen is closed prior to 8 pm

2. I have been to this place 3 times the first time I arrived at 7:30 expecting that I would take to go I was immediately not welcomed but confronted by a older lady showing me a way saying they are closed.... Ok no worries I'll try again.... The second time I came at 7 pm only to be told no more chicken by the same lady... Her communication skills were sadly very poor but understandable out of food..... The third time I can roughly 645 as early as I could make it from out of work and actually brought two people with me to try the food.... I was so excited to see there was chicken on the grill being made.. that excitement was swiftly thrown out the window.... This is the same broken English lady and a big bald guy in the back who obviously had 0 care about us as well.... We were told take out only not allowed to sit inside this is over an hour before closing ok... That's fine it's nice out we can just sit at the park... This lady could not wait to get rid of us... We ordered a whole chicken and we're trying to order more tortillas and extras sides.... we were told that only 3 tortillas and wouldn't allow us to make an order without demanding we pay... We were not done ordering very rude and hostile and disrespectful upfront... I'm sorry but I had to walk out I will not be disrespected and rushed.. I gave this place 3 tries and not in one instance did they want my business.... I left disappointed and never got to try the food.... but after the last time Sorry will not...

I am always looking for another tasty option hidden away and unknown from most folks. I found one of those today, thanks to the recommendation of a friend. El Pollo Supremo is a small, hole-in-the-wall, mom and pop, Mexican grilled chicken stop right in down town Tempe. The little strip mall location right off of University means that ASU college students have been enjoying this little gem for more than a decade. And this is to their delight.

The portions at El Pollo Supremo are large. For just 8-10 depending on the selection, you get a full plate of food with 4 pieces of chicken or 1/2 lb of carne asada beef strips. In addition, this comes with a side of beans, 4 tortillas, large side of salsa and slices onions on the side. Everything was very good. I have tried all several available el pollo asada shops in the east valley, and this is by far the best. The chicken is fresh, hot and perfectly cooked and seasoned. I love the reddened tasty chicken skin when it is cooked just nicely between crispy and tender, while still leaving the meat inside juicy and delicious. No grisly dried out pieces of leather here!

The staff is simply a wonderful older couple who are working their hearts out preparing nicely meals for people. I love it. The prices are very reasonable. Just about 8-10 for the larger meals. For average sized meals it is even less.

The one thing to know before going is that this is a cash only eatery. Be sure to stop at your local ATM before heading out to grab a bite to eat. But it is...

Definitely agree with positive reviews here.... When you walk in, you get the sense that the guy in the back knows what he's doing.... I ordered to go and when I got back it was still piping hot fresh off the grill.... You could not ask for better mesquite style barbecue that has a flare of homemade cooking.... There are no lard in the beans and no pork cooked on the grill which makes it friendly to those who are sensitive to that.... I ordered the combo plate, a horchata, some rice for about $16 I ate like a king.... The beef was juicy and high quality tri-tip.... The chicken was amazing. Juicy, Smokey and flavorful. All the condiments complimented and did an excellent job of making this a symphony of authentic flavors... Possibly one of the best spots I've been to in Arizona.... The beans are amazing. The rice was okay, the highlight of this place was definitely the chicken. Looking forward to coming back as I prefer to support family...