El Pollo Ranchero

3.9 ( 474 reviews )
Checking... 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM See Hours
$10–20
6324 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306, United States
+1 703-721-2000
El Pollo Ranchero, situated in Alexandria, VA, offers a vibrant culinary journey through authentic Mexican cuisine. Renowned for its moist, well-seasoned chicken, the restaurant’s signature dishes, such as the quarter chicken and Santa Fe burrito, consistently earn rave reviews. Guests frequently highlight the complimentary chips and salsa, an inviting start to any meal. John Cool praises the quality of food and service, while Shawtie Lewis lauds the chicken and margarita, although suggesting the latter could use more flavor. The restaurant also excels in catering, demonstrated by positive experiences like those shared by NicPai. Their commitment to customer service is evident, as staff go above and beyond, ensuring a seamless experience for large orders. The feedback on the ambiance and value is equally commendable. Joel Lesch notes the affordability of lunch options, emphasizing the delicious tender chicken and flavorful jalapeño sauce. Carrisa shares a delightful experience with pescado frito and their popular beans and cheese pupusas, which exemplify the care put into each dish. Overall, El Pollo Ranchero delivers a satisfying dining experience, making it a favored destination for both casual diners and those seeking exceptional catering options.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Offers delivery
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
  • Highlights
    • Has fast service
  • Popular for
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves alcohol
    • Serves beer
    • Serves cocktails
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves comfort food
    • Serves food
    • Serves healthy options
    • Quick bite
    • Serves small plates
    • Serves spirits
    • Serves wine
  • Dining options
    • Serves breakfast
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Has catering
    • Has counter service
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has bar on site
    • Has toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
  • Crowd
    • Good for groups
    • Popular with tourists
  • Planning
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs available
    • Has kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Plenty of parking

Reviews For El Pollo Ranchero

John Cool
Jun 1,2025
Great food and great service!! I usually get a quarter chicken and it is very moist and seasoned. They also have very good pupusas. I tried the burrito Santa Fe and it was also very good. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. They also give you chips and salsa to start which is very nice. The waiters are very nice and I would highly recommend this restaurant.
Shawtie Lewis
May 31,2025
I unknowingly went here after work. I bought a whole chicken, rice, yucca & a margarita while I wait. The best peruvian I have every had! And the dipping sauce on point The margaritas need more flavor. The service fast and friendly. And the portions awesome. I will be a frequent visitor.
NicPai
May 27,2025
We placed a large order for our daughters graduation party. We frequent here so we know that we always enjoy the food, The staff was extremely helpful in placing the order even helping us get the food to the car, really above and beyond. And everyone at the party was more than impressed with the food and wanted to know where we got it. So I would definitely recommend if you’re just going to eat for the day or if you need a large party done
Joel Lesch
May 20,2025
The food is good but the value is excellent. We went for lunch. They provide a basket of chips and salsa while you wait. Chips are fresh but not my favorite salsa. I got a 1/4 chicken, tender and tasty, rice and beans for 8 plus tax and tip. They have a chopped jalapeno (I think) green sauce that is very good but you need to ask for it as it is not always on the table.
Carrisa
Apr 21,2025
I had to do a review because a couple of weeks ago I got pescado frito. Oh yeah it was the bomb. Everything cooked right. Salad was fresh, tomato sauce to die for, tortillas made well, and the rice were all on point. I also love there beans and cheese papusas. When I was eating chicken I loved the chicken too. I used them for catering and the service was great. Everyone enjoyed the food and I had no left overs.
Karen Reynoso
Mar 19,2025
Recently placed a large catered order for a birthday party. The process to place the order was very easy, they were able to guide us on a good amount to order for the amount of attendees we were expecting and they also had the food ready for pick up at exactly the time planned. The best part is that I placed a large catered order the day before I needed it. Will use them again in the future.
Larry VP
Feb 20,2025
This is a very low key, colorful, and tasteful place. Great for a party of one or twenty. Great customer service, and a lot of food as well. Take a break and enjoy it! Their flan dessert is a pleasant surprise.
Mark Lee
Feb 19,2025
Was not a long exposure to the place, I ordered to go. I noticed that it was clean and crowded during lunch time on a Sunday. Prices seemed fair for the their menu and style of food. Its a small place, with extra parking in the back of the building. Well run too, the staff did not seem stressed or rushed. They were professional and nice, yet efficient. My colleague made a special request with his food and they (while confused by the way he asked) graciously granted his wish at no extra cost.

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