El Pollo Vagabundo
101 W Grand Ave, Northlake, IL, 60164
El Pollo Vagabundo Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Northlake for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Northlake for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Northlake for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
101 W Grand Ave
Northlake, IL, 60164 - Phone (847) 288-0713
- Website https://www.elpollovagabundo.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :10:00 am - 8:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes
Categories
Mexican Cuisine
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
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Maribel B.
If you want authentic Mexican food, check out this place! Delicious! They make their own flour and corn tortillas the same way my mom makes them at home! I'll be coming back for sure!!
(5)Lily F.
Decent tacos but crazy expensive to me. The steak taco was tasty but what's more amazing to me are the different salsas, ranging from tasty, not spicy at all, to crazy lip-burning. And I love some super spicy salsas. I have heard great things about their giant burritos and I think that's the way to go here, especially because you get more of your money's worth.
(3)Carlos C.
Your true taqueria, legit tacos cooked by legit Mexican cooks! I was recommended here by a local Chicago native and it was worth the drive from the city. My favorite are the steak tacos. Great steak tacos! Steak has great flavor and they make their tortillas on site, you can't beat that.
(5)Igor L.
This place is pretty good not going to lie, but the prices here are just outrageous for a Mexican joint.
(4)Ben A.
If could give this place zero stars I would. Food is ok, not something to go out of my way for. My issue is with the owner. She so rude and pretentious. Constantly interrupting me as I'm trying to pick up my order to answer the phone. I placed my order over the phone she stated it would be 20-25 mins I got here 30 mins later and not until another 30 mins I got my order. I mean geez all I got was 3 burritos and 40 bucks. I think it's a very unreasonable time to wait. That's all they do all day they should be able to whip them up in a jiffy. Sadly I won't be coming here ever again. I don't support ignorant people not even a thank you when I paid nor when I left!!
(1)Grant P.
This is the story of how the homeless chicken found its home. IN MY BELLY! Once in awhile I'll be scanning through the wide world of yelp in search of somewhere new to try for lunch, or dinner, or second dinner (shut up), but definitely not breakfast. It's too early for that nonsense. No. Anyway, something new will pop up on my radar. And this week? It was EL POLLO VAGABUNDO! I feel like I have to say that with all the exuberance of the people who do the announcements on the Spanish channels. Remember "SABATO GIGANTE!" I was always upset to find that the show never quite matched the excitement in the announcer's voice. Oh well. Sometimes the shows I watch aren't that exciting in English either. When I asked Siri for directions to EL POLLO VAGABUNDO she didn't know what the hell I was talking about. Per usual. "Grant, I couldn't find any places matching Toyota Back Up Window." *sigh* Siri, you are useless. Amirite? Anywhoo. After a failed trip to SABAT...I mean EL POLLO VAGABUNDO on a Wednesday for lunch (They're closed, Wednesdays, y'all). I came back today for lunch. I was greeted by a sweet Mexican lady behind the counter who took my order. And literally, before I finished paying one of the cooks had my meal in his hand and said, "Where would you like to sit, my friend?" I felt welcome. I felt like I made a good decision. And I felt homeless no more. The chicken was excellent. Grilled, crispy skin, smokey, tasty. I chose the mashed potatoes to go with mine and they were delicious. I've never had mashed taters made with chicken broth before but I applaud the slightly healthier option. Very nice consistency and taste. I helped myself to a few selections at the enormous salsa bar, all of them were mighty delicious and none too spicy. I wish I could tell you what they were, but all I know is that if I were labeling them, they'd all read "DELICIOUS" or perhaps "DELICIOUSO." Oh, and my meal also came with fresh, homemade tortillas that I will dream about forevermore. All in all, my poor homeless chicken was devoured in less than ten minutes because it was that good. Poor little guy never saw it coming. This place will make your mouth water, your heart sing, and your tongue dance. Go there now. And say it with me. EL POLLO VAGABUNDO!!!
(5)Tony D.
This place is solid! The fresh made tortillas and the salsa bar (literally 10 salsas) puts this place above the rest. It is definitely more expensive than other local taco joints, but the portions make up for it. Two tacos is plenty to fill up almost anyone (...almost). I'd give this a 3.5, but yelp forces me to give it 4 stars.
(4)Frank Z.
Apollo F's review is spot on! Rick Bayless has nothing on these folks! I've been to his fancy places and would much rather eat here! Yes it's a hole in the wall... but DAMN what a hole in the wall! I used to work just down the street from El Pollo and ate here almost every other day! Yeah the chicken is good... but I'm all about the other offerings! Hands down best burritos (go with the 16" LARGE steak) around... and home-made taco's as well! OFF THE CHAIN! Nothing like FRESH HOME-MADE Tortillas being made and cooked fresh right in front of you, to be filled with your choice of delectable meats and toppings! And the Home Made Salsa Bar?!!? INCREDIBLE! They make an in house Haberno salsa that is truly outstanding! Hot as hell? Si! but wonderful flavor! I TRUELY miss this place since moving to Dallas! There is nothing but Tex-Mex crap down here! Nothing CLOSE to good authentic Mexican food! I DO NOT visit Chi Town without making a trip to my old favorite place on Grand Ave!
(5)Christian U.
Delicious. Awesome chicken burrito. delicious sauces. Just flew in from Seoul. Staying at the hotel half mile walk from this place. Born and raised in NYC. Live in LA so the price is fine. Very long approximately 16", kind of thin chicken burrito. The dude was really nice who made the food they were ready to close, but made us the food with no " we were about to close" attitude at all. Feels like the middle of nowhere but maybe it's not, I don't live here so don't know. Was so pleasantly surprised with how yummy the food was. I'm lucky today because i ate this food.
(5)Travis H.
This place is amazing! We didn't know what to order so the owner let us sample all the different meats. They were all super juicy and flavorful. We couldn't get over the quality of everything. It was all fresh and really high quality. The giant burrito could feed our whole table it was insane and incredibly good. You have to come here to believe it! I can't recommend this place enough and there is a salsa buffet!
(5)Judy W.
Great place! Tinga and carne asada are so delicious here! A bit pricier than what you would pay for tacos at another place. But their portions are huge and they make their own tortillas right then and there! Great salsa bar selection. Wished they served horchata. :(
(5)Fernando U.
Delicious Tortillas - hand made. Excellent roasted chicken and salsas are fabulous. I went with family they were delightful and fairly priced.
(5)Thomas A.
Absolutely amazing! The person working the front counter realized we were very unsure of what to get so she grabbed several different sorts of meats In different sauces and let us try them all. All of them were beyond delicious. I would highly recommend this place!
(5)Pack C.
I checked out the place coz of the rave yelp reviews. I didn't expect much except for the chicken! First thing i noticed after stepping is the homemade tortilla. The smallest portion of pollo is half chicken: 5 pcs. It was a little too much for me. So, I decided to do steak burrito instead. It was amazing. The burrito itself looks a little different from what other mexican joints or chipotle have. Here it looks more like a roll/ wrap. The tortilla was tasty and crusty on the outside. You will be stuffed from one normal size burrito. They also have a large size burrito/ quesadilla. Given how good it was, I was a little regret that I didn't the XL size burrito!! I went there wkday at noon. It was easy for me to grab a table but by the time it hit 12.10-12.15, the line started built up right away. It was almost hard/ impossible to find table then. That's when I know I found out the local hidden gem. They have a 'salsa bar' with 10+ different types of salsa to try. I tried ~5 and they were all good!.
(4)Brian B.
Really great chicken and fresh tortillas. If you are staying near South of O'hare this is worth going to
(5)Maxil O.
Horrible service. How long does it take to make FOUR tacos and an order of fajitas??!?! Oh about an hour!! REALLY?!?!? And the worst part is that they ran out of chips so there wasn't anything you could munch on. don't even get me started on how sticky and grimy everything felt like.
(1)Jessica G.
So the hours are short and the ordering is a little odd. The tacos are tasty and the burritos are fantastic. If the gentleman who cooks tells you the grill is ready then have him put some meat on there for your food. It might take longer but it's super worth it. The carne asada in the steak burrito has an awesome flavor. And the burrito is going to be a killer 16" if you order the gigante! There's a salsa bar and the best part is not only that they have a wide array of sauces to choose from but they have super hot, flavorful salsas and sauces. Most places say their sauce is hot but it's never hot enough for me. Here? Here it will melt your face off if you desire such things. It's a bit on the pricey side and a few items like cheese and sour cream are not included and cost extra but it's so so so worth it!
(4)Apollo F.
I cant believe I haven't stopped here before. I guess you cant tell a book by its cover. This restaurant is located in a nondescript kinda grim little strip mall where the majority of the businesses cater to the Mexican community. Someone told me that their chargrilled chicken was good so I took a chance. All I have to say is Wow.. this place is a diamond in disguise. First of all the owners wife, I believe is at the counter and takes orders. She is such a nice lady.. and the owner too himself is gracious. You can tell that they are proud of their place and they are hard working humble people. Now to the food. First time here I ordered the carne quesadilla and the guacamole. Not sure what it is but the way this guy grills the meat and the quesadilla.. it is so tasty and so good. Never had it prepared this way before.. kinda of the way you would do it at home.. Very good. Also had the guacamole and chips.. and like someone else said, their guacamole rocks. You can tell it is freshly made. It is chunky filled with cilantro and tomatoes. It is fresh too you can tell. It was outstanding. My friend had the char grilled chicken and I sampled that too. I am not a big chicken person.. and I have to say the chicken was good. It wasn't greasy or coated with anyting.. just light on seasoning if any. My friend liked it. One thing I do have to complement is that this restaurant is the first and only restaurant I have encountered that has an actual salsa bar with over 14 different kinds of salsas. I never knew you could do so much with salsa. I have to make a couple more visits to sample all of them. The salas are served in a stainless steel utilitarian type of cart. And unfortunately they are not labeled as what kind they are so you are taking a leap of faith as what you are trying and how hot it is. This originally was set up as a carry out type of joint.. and added a couple of tables for dining. Again I too felt like I was eating in the storage room.. but that is ok.. I don't care about ambience. The place was filled with the local Mexican community which means they like it a lot.. good sign.. My friend tells me Mexican folks don't really go out to eat Mexican unless it is darn good food and I guess it is here. If you are in area and looking for good food to take out or dine in and don't care how the place looks.. Please check this place out. Rick Bayless.. you better be careful.. this guy knows what he is doing with Mexican food.
(5)Gerardo L.
5 star review to the max!!! I love the chicken here. Their salsa is great as well, BUT the best part about this place is that they make tortillas!!! Amazing.
(5)Fernando M.
Let's be honest the authenticity of the food is 5 stars, freshness of the food is 5 stars, service and friendliness five stars, portion size of entrees 5 stars. If you are in Chicago and you decide not to stop by and have the best Mexican food of your life good, luck living with yourself.
(5)Alaskan M.
If your looking for some authentic Mexican food this is the place. It's not fine dining, but still deserves a high rating for its service and quality food. The owner is very friendly and gave us six different meats to try before we decided what we wanted. We ordered the fajita burrito and carne asada quessadilla. They were both excellent and the burrito was huge, over a foot long. I really like how the meal was cooked to order with fresh ingredients. There is also at least fifteen different types of salsa. It's excellent food!
(5)Kavi P.
This place was pretty clutch. Only 5 minutes away from the airport and a good place to just chill and casually eat while possibly waiting to be completed dropped off at the airport. The food was good, the sauces were good, and the staff was super friendly and helpful. They let us sample some of the different meats since we looked like total outsiders not knowing what we were ordering. Food was pretty authentic and enjoyable and I would recommend people who get to the airport area early to stop over at this place and enjoy a quick bite.
(4)Diane M.
I heard about this place from a few people I know and have been trying to get there to try it. They close at 8 which is a bit early for me to get to because I work till 8, most nights myself. So I went on my only day off. Before I went in I noticed a sign that said cash only. Good thing I had cash on me. The decor leaves something to be desired. But having traveled alot in Mexico I didn't let it sway me from going in. You truly cannot judge a book or a restaurant by its cover. The staff is super friendly and helpful, especially when it came to the salsa bar. The owner also came out and gave us a free cup of some wonderful hot tea/ cider mixture with all kinds of spiced fruit in it. Very welcomed on a cold, cold night. I had the super carne asada taco. It's a large homemade tortilla with excellently seasoned and prepared steak. I also had the smaller/regular sized tinga de pollo quesadilla. Amazing. Possibly the best quesadilla I've ever had. Then what's a Mexican meal without guac? Their guac is outstanding. And I'm a guac snob. Super flavor, chunky and just plain fantastic. My husband had the tinga de pollo platter which is alot of food, alot! The food is outstanding. I wanted to go back the next day! But unfortunately my job prevents me from doing so. I'm looking forward to trying more items on the menu. Their salsa bar is wonderful, all uniquely different and spicy! I would have given them 5 stars if it were not for three small cons; *their early 8 pm closing *the decor * only accepts cash Having said that, I'm getting ready to go there now. This place has great food, my mouth is watering as I write this. Yummm.
(4)Foster F.
When even the the tortillas blow your mind, you know it's worth checking out. Near o'hare this is a salsa and "from scratch" lovers dream. They are not Americanized or homogenized at all- and thank God for that. But even in Mexico this would be a popular place for its freshness and value.
(5)Rhiannon P.
I went here a few weeks ago and ordered a quesadilla and guacamole. Delicious! It's definitely a hole-in-the-wall, so if you don't care for that atmosphere, maybe order your food to-go instead of dine-in. I enjoyed my quesadilla (I ordered it because it would make easy microwaveable leftovers for me at the hotel I was staying at), but the guacamole is really what's causing me to give a 5-star rating. It was not like any other guacamole I've had before. Almost like an avocado salad. It had lots of other stuff in it that I can't recall since it was a couple weeks ago, but it was SO good. A bit spicy, in case you are like me and have low spice tolerance. But wow, make sure you get the guacamole. I loved it! (Also the guy working there was super nice, prices were great, and the salsa bar was cool too)
(5)Janet A.
Who knew! I would drive past this place all the time and think nothing of it. It looked like some hole in the wall restaurant with hardly any room and I just cast it off as one of the many Mexican restaurants that I have visited. Nothing special. Was I wrong. After hearing from others that this place has great food, I decided to give it a try. I was a little leery....it doesn't look very fancy..in fact it was very simple, and no cares given to being messy.with boxes lining the aisle in the back. It looked like someones messy home or office. But it was clean...that is all I care about. The menu is big. Being my first time here I did not what to expect. I ordered the carne asada quesadilla and the guacamole. Both were fabulous. In fact I think this has some of the best Mexican food I have had in Chicago . The salsa bar was big but it was not labeled. The owners wife explained to me that the whiter the salsa, the less hot it is. I tried the creamy green salsa and that was hot to me... so I don't know about what she thinks is hot...I found mine hot. I am glad I tried this place. I noticed some well dressed college kids discussing economics at the next table so I guess the word is out that this is great food. Once you see college kids... you know the food is good. There were also some local Spanish families with their kids ... so the crowd is a mix. Again...the décor is Spartan and may be a turnoff to those of you that like fancy surroundings....The food makes up for it.
(5)Sam K.
Food is overpriced for what you receive, $13 for half a chicken and an order of rice and beans and the nachos were $2.50 for nachos that were straight from the el milagro bag, disappointing experience
(2)Mel C.
Best Mexican food in the area. Very picky on where I eat and I have been coming here since a little girl. Friendly people. Must try there burritos!!! Definitely would be satisfied....
(5)George J.
The baked whole chicken with the sauce on the side is by far the best chicken I've ever eaten. Our friends, who speak Spanish, and know the nuances of the place, ordered in advance two whole chickens (plus the homemade tortillas) and we just ate...and ate...and ate. What we couldn't eat, I ate leftovers during the week. I can't tell you how many people we've recommended this too (another couple from Chile) and they raved about this place as well. I was obviously worried about overselling, but they thought it was fantastic as well. You can argue about decor or service, but if you are going somewhere purely on food....this place is fantastic.
(5)Jennifer S.
Thank you to one of my newest Yelp friends, Rob W., for his review! I'm so glad that I listened to you. The Homeless Chicken, huh? My family was not impressed or overly excited about going on one of my adventures. They hemmed and hawed and finally gave in. It's okay...they learned their lesson today. ;-) We drove up and got parking right by the door. They were still teasing me as we walked in and then they saw the salsa bar. I'd call it never ending, but I would be exaggerating. It does end, but there are so many different options to try that the tasting could go on for quite a while. When we got up to the counter, we tried to make quick decisions. When they learned that it was our first visit, we were treated to six samples of meat in little cups. I tried tongue, but it wasn't my favorite, so I didn't order it. My son was the only one who knew exactly what he wanted - a gordita. Now, I think he liked the name and ordered it solely based on that fact, but that's okay. I wanted the chicken. The homeless one. I ordered the chicken with homemade tortillas. My hubby went with a burrito with the rice and beans on the side. There are no fountain drinks here, so we grabbed a few drinks from the cooler and sat down. Moments later, I learned that the chicken would be an hour wait. Uh oh! I switched to a variety of tacos. I knew I had to try the homemade tortillas. Plus, they were out of steak, so we learned to call ahead next time if we want to try those things. Pollo Vagabundo is a popular place! We started with chips and freshly made guacamole. This gave us an opportunity to sample the salsas too. We each found different favorites and quickly ruled out the ones that were too spicy. They even have a cucumber salsa that was unique. The guacamole was fabulous! My husband literally pushed himself away from the table to stop eating it so as to not ruin his appetite. When the large plates of food arrived, we realized that we over ordered. The gordita was a reasonable size and my son did finish it. The burrito was a hit, but huge!!! The tacos on the fresh tortillas were such a nice treat. I'd go back in a heartbeat based on my meal! My hubby decided to get a couple tortillas for me to take home. I will warm them tomorrow and put a little butter on them like Grandma P. used to do. I can hardly wait! I should at least mention that the overall vibe is that of a hole in the wall. But, I don't care! The food was fabulous!!! The service was helpful and friendly! And, both of my guys loved the food. I got a few mumbling apologies and confirmation that they both want to go back. These five stars are well deserved!
(5)David K.
I can't believe that anyone would subtract stars for decor... I mean, the place looks squalid from the outside, but it's cozy and extremely casual on the inside, AND it's CLEAN (unlike La Palapita in the city). And as much as I consider La Palapita to be the gold standard of carne asada (despite the fact that I think the health department should shut them down), I think the crown may have to pass to El Pollo Vagabundo. They are THAT GOOD. And no obvious health code violations! Really, if you've driven past it a hundred times like I have because it looked so MEH from the outside, come on in. It's really nice. First of all, everything you know about ordering at a Mexican restaurant... throw it out the window. Their menu is paradoxically minimalist and complex (hard to explain, check it out yourself). Their burritos are rolled without the ends tucked in, so if you pick it up and eat it like I do, it will leak out, guaranteed. The woman at the counter (the owner's wife?) speaks mostly Spanish and enough English to get through an order, but when I spoke to her in Spanish she looked at me like I was on drugs (it took three attempts to buy a bottle of Sidral to go with my meal before she understood me). And the owner himself... he looks like an older Mexican version of Nicolas Cage from Moostruck. He's totally awesome with his elaborate beard, earrings, and dark brown hair net. Really, you MUST meet this guy. I have to get his name next time I am there. So yeah, I can understand why some people might be off-put, but the thing is... THE FOOD. I mean, I go to this place or that for the food. I don't go to look at pretty decorations or to be seen, I go to have the best meal I can at a given time. Their shredded chicken is well-seasoned and not at all dry, Their carne asada is also well-seasoned and I believe it's flame-broiled, not cooked on a griddle. It's actual skirt steak, too. Their burritos are NOT the size of a football (sorry, El Farro) but they are just big enough that you are both not hungry after eating one, and not so stuffed that you need to sit for twenty minutes before walking back to your car. This is NOT drunk food at 3am, this is REALLY GOOD FOOD at noon or five or whenever you go. And you've probably read about the salsa bar in other reviews, but I'm kind of a snob when it comes to chile sauces and... OMFG. It's like a salsa orgy! I'm going to try their gorditas next time I'm there. I really think this is the beginning of a new love affair... me and the vagabond chicken. Who knew?
(5)Kat T.
With Pollo Express closed until renovations are complete, it was hard to find another place similar to their menu. I found this place by accident on Yelp. We headed here after church service in the late afternoon. It wasn't packed. I made sure to call in advance to put my order in for the rotisserie chickens. It was an hour and a half cooking time. We hung out at church fellowshipping and timed it just right to drive out to eat here. I think we waited another 20 minutes before the chickens were ready. We ordered the meal (whole chicken, side, and tortillas). Salsa bar is included. The homemade tortillas are a real bonus. The family enjoyed the rice and refried beans as well. We favored their standard salsa. All others were okay. There was one that was out and I hope to try it next time. Chicken was seasoned well and tender. Delicious! I can't imagine coming here when it's packed. I don't doubt the wait can be crazy. I feel the pricing was very affordable. We spent around $40 for two rotiserrie chicken meals...then a little more for refreshments. Not bad. We still had leftovers that we took home. If you are looking for good rotisserie chicken and don't mind driving this far out, then this is a great place to eat at. You get homemade tortillas with your order and it's very affordable for big families. Just call ahead and place your order and keep in mind it can be an hour and 45 minute wait for it to be done. Plan accordingly and enjoy.
(5)Candice H.
The food was made to order and it was fantastic. I love the salsa bar and the Carne Asada was tender and it came with a lot of meat. I will definitely be visiting this place every time I am craving Mexican food especially since its my favorite! Thanks yelp for the suggestion!!
(5)Noomi J.
Their chicken fajita tacos are the standard to which I judge other tacos. I have never had a better taco at that value of $2.40. I get full after one taco. My brother usually eats 3-4 lol. He went vegetarian recently since New Year's, and he's told me that he dreams about these chicken fajita tacos. You can choose to have lettuce and sour cream added free. Cheese and avocados are extra. It's made with a fresh handmade tortilla, but what really sets it apart from the standard taco joint is the seasoned, flavorful, juicy chicken that comes in large logs/chunks. Out of the many times that I've ordered from here, I've never had a bad-tasting taco where the chicken came out dry. Consistently great quality food, great value, and the friendly service is exemplary. I see Carlos and/or his wife there 100% of the time, always with a friendly smile. It's usually busy when I go at lunchtime, so I just call in my order to pick-up later. Also, love the salsa bar! Be careful though because some of the salsas are incredibly hot, like tear-enducing, hellfire hot lol.
(5)Kody W.
This restaurant's food was great, the atmosphere authentic and charming, and the hearty portions will defeat the greatest of hungers. The free salsa bar was a nice way to try a diverse range of salsas that I otherwise would have skipped over. Overall, this spot fits the bill as a quality Mexican meal at a reasonable price. If your in the neighborhood looking for a bite to eat, look no further than this spot.
(5)Rob W.
I saw this restaurant listed in Yelp the other day as an "alternate" restaurant serving Mexican cuisine and after reading the 4 and 5 star reviews the place has, I thought I better see what all the good words were about. Well, the reviewers were correct! I walked into the restaurant (which is really quite spartan - not "fine dining" by ANY means!) and stepped over to the counter. I asked the young woman working there if she had any recommendations and one of the first things she offered up was the lengua (tongue). I had tried tongue once in my life before and it was kind of tough - so this was the last thing on my list, but she insisted it was great. A little more banter and she insisted I try some samples. Initially, I thought, "no, I don't need to do all that" but after more conversation, I caved. She brought out a plastic basket with six short, wide solo type cups in it with different items (including the lengua). I tried the lengua first - OUTSTANDING and as tender a meat as I've ever had. a couple of pulled chicken items, a beef item a bbq chicken piece and their beans - literally everything she shared was robust and flavorful. I ended up ordering a dinner plate of three tacos(lengua, guisado rojo and chicken) along with the beans and Spanish rice. All on handmade tortillas (and the flour tortillas there are handmade too and looked awesome). They also have a large salsa bar as well, but I was so wrapped up into what I was eating that I just ate it as it was served. I'll check the salsas out next time. All I can say is WHAT A FIND! I've driven past this place numerous times in the past few years and have always chuckled at the name and thought, "I need to try that place sometime." Well, I did and I have and it's honestly one of the best Mexican places I've veer eaten at. Only drawback is that they do run out of items as the day goes on - they didn't have any steak items left when I was there and another customer said the same thing as we were both leaving in the parking lot. Thank you Yelp reviewers for sharing your thoughts - they were right on and I couldn't have enjoyed much better a dinner!
(5)Andy M.
One of the better taqueria in this area where the chicken tastes like it wasn't killed a week ago . This place specializes in boasted chicken so they pretty much have to get it right. There are the other normal taco stand food items but I would recommend the chicken he as they get it done right. The place is pretty much a dump inside but that doesn't really matter as there are not many other choices passing trough the area. I learned a new Spanish word from this trip too..Vegabundo
(4)Juliano A.
This place has gone downhill big time! I paid $10.53 for a steak burrito that was mostly all burrito bread. A minute amount of meat and rather skimpy on the rice and beans also. These burritos USED to be great ... Not any more. Expect to pay $3.60 for a taco and add 40 cents if you want cheese. Go tp Zacatacos and get an awesome steak taco with the same type of inner skirt steak meat for $2.25. The only saving grace for this place is the salsa bar ... Which is outstanding! But I need some good food to go with the salsa .. which unfortunately is non existent here. Mind you, they have started charging for the salsa too!
(1)Miss A.
Stopped in to try this place out as we drive by all the time. It was very, very good. Lots of homemade salsas to try, from mild to melt your face off. We had the lengua, chicarone, tinga, beef stew and shredded beef with tomatillo tacos. All very, very good! The homemade tortillas are really the star of the show though. Sooooooo soft and delicious! Only wish they had homemade tortilla chips as well. They were El Milagro and while good, the same stuff I can buy in store. Staff was very friendly and the place was packed. They were out of my first choice of meat for the tacos but honestly, that didn't really bug me because I felt that means they are making the meat fresh, not stockpiling 5 months worth in a freezer somewhere.
(4)Sue M.
Omg, I think I found a new church. My taste buds are singing Alleluia! Don't be superficial. Go ahead walk to the counter, order, find a table and settle-in for absolutely the best Mexican food around. The fresh tortillas made onsite are absolutely delicious. Ordered tinga de pollo and carne asada burritos (yes, you can order carne asada at Pollo Vagabundo and it tastes great). Can't wait to go back! This food is made w/love and it shows. No alcohol and cash only (cc processor was down)
(5)Rick W.
Too expensive. I only ordered a regular sized steak burrito to go. The price was $10. Other places charge $6 for a steak burrito. I won't be going back.
(3)Ray J.
Truly exceptional. I normally do not go for chicken when beef or pork are options, but I will always order the half chicken w/ 3 homemade tortillas, rice and prolly 6 different delicious salsas. Something incredibly satisfying about ripping the meat off the bone, piling it onto the tortillas, slathering it in any combination of salsa, and folding em up into 3 massive tacos. The interior is very stark and oppressively dreamsicle-colored, but who cares you're there for the food. Maybe even the unabashed striped tackiness will grow on you as you come to associate it some of the best food in the burbs. And the staff: what pleasant people. Full of pride and friendly efficiency. They deserve all the praise and success in the world.
(5)Amstaff Y.
Amazing authentic Mexican food. The chicken and Guisado Rojo quesadilla gigante (red beef stew) are out of this world. Salsa bar is legit. Go early and call in your order if you are getting chicken, they get busy and may run out of stuff. Well worth the wait however. The real deal here.
(5)Min P.
Carne asada quesadilla
(5)Michael Z.
By far the best Mexican, hell, even possibly the best food I have ever had. I've been to many Mexican places, from Chipotle to New York Times's "Best Mexican Food in the Country" in Santa Barbara, but Pollo still wins. Every time I'm in the Chicago area, this place is a must. My personal favorite is their chorizo burrito con huevos, but their quesadillas are also great. They have a great array of salsas that fits a plethora of tastes. Oh, and getting a nice horchata along with your meal is always a great complement. Prices are very fair for the portions they give. Its very friendly staff (family-owned) and amazing food make Pollo Vagabundo #1 in my book.
(5)Gina P.
I've lived in the area for a while and have always wanted to try this place, well I have and now I know not to go back. A friend and I finally decided to try it out, since I'd heard rather good things about it. Honestly, I was disappointed in just about everything. Yea they have a pretty big salsa bar, which should be labeled (as someone mentioned in a previous review), but overall they're good salsas. The chicken was decent, it dried out a bit by the time I was done eating and the flavor wasn't what I thought it would be. We opted for the 1/2 chicken on 2 plates, which came with two sides and tortillas. Ordered a side of guacamole and chips while we waited (which was about 45 minutes) and settled in. The guacamole was actually really good, looked like it was made up of one of the salsas from the bar and avocados, could have used a bit more salt but it wasn't too bad. The tortillas were really good, I will say that. When we were getting ready to leave there was some food left that we wanted to take with us. We grabbed 5 salsas when we sat down and had enough guacamole to fill two more (SMALL) containers, we figured we'd just take that all home. When we asked for lids they said it was 40 cents a lid, which I thought was kind of ridiculous. If we were ordering food to go and wanted to grab salsa then I can understand that, but we'd spent almost two hours there and didn't finish our food so we wanted to take it with us. Maybe I'm wrong, but it didn't make sense. Needless to say, we didn't take the salsas. According to the menu, the meal we ordered was $8.00... that's for 1/2 of a chicken, some rice and beans, on two plates. We were charged twice for that, which would make sense if it listed on the menu "Per plate", but it didn't. So we were charged for a WHOLE chicken, but only served half a chicken. We tried to argue that point but the employees wouldn't budge. So watch out for that... This place will charge you For. Every. Thing. Also, it should be noted that you are charged more to order food to go than you are to eat in. I'd rather drive out to Montgomery IL and hit up El Pollo Giro.
(2)Abe Z.
This place is one of the best Mexican Restaurants in Chicago. Hand Made Tortilla Bread. Authentic top grade steak and a Salsa Buffet! Highly recommend anything on the menu. My favorite is the Steak Taco with their Chips and Salsa! Must try their salsa. A little pricier than your average burrito but it's worth every dollar!
(5)Jennifer R.
I have lived down the street from this place for 4 years. I never went in because it looked like a real dive. One day my brother came over with some tacos and I had one. I said where are these from? The orange and white place down the street. I was blown away! Hand made tortillas. A fresh salsa bar and so many heat levels to choose from. I love their chicken and steak. One down side they get so busy sometimes they run out of steak. Try this place you wont be sorry. Oh the burritos are HUGE!
(4)Kelley M.
I had a hankering for cow & homemade tortillas... We pulled up & saw that they were only taking cash today. Their credit card machine was down. No problem, thankfully. We went up to the register & ordered & OH NO! They were out of COW!!! NO STEAK TODAY! This actually turned out to be the best thing that happened all day! Their chicken fajita taco was seriously the best seasoned chicken in a soft taco I have ever tasted! We did end up having to wait for our food for quite awhile. And about 5 people that ordered after us got their food before us... But, the chicken & tortillas outshined the lack of expedient service. You also got a lot of food for your money & the ingredients were so fresh! And the salsa bar! Why doesn't every burrito/taco place have a salsa bar?! I think this is one of the greatest taco place ideas ever! I told my husband upon tasting the tortillas. "If I could make tortillas like this, I would wrap up everything I cook in these... Everything!!!" Well, okay... Almost everything! We will definitely be going back & will be taking friends. But, we will not be going back when we're in a rush to get somewhere. We are really looking forward to ordering their whole cut-up chickens. They looked amazing! You have made me a fan Pollo Vagabundo!
(4)Amelia K.
This place is AMAZING!! All of the food is to die for! I always get the Tinga burrito and let me tell you, I have DREAMS about that thing! The staff is always super friendly and their salsa bar is killer! Love love love
(5)Becky B.
Such a dive place but the food is awesome and the salsa bar is killer! The fresh salsa is the biggest reason I continue to go back.
(5)Michael G.
I've had great chicken here. I've had great steak here. But the one thing I must always get when I'm here is the Pork Gordita(Gorditas Chicharron). The perfectly prepared pork is always moist and flavorful. The best part of it is the pork skin that comes with it. It is buttery-smooth melt-in-your-mouth pork skin/pork rind/chicharron - Incredibly Delicious! The masa corn cake itself is a warm toothsome-delight! This team makes some incredible salas regularly. There must be more than a dozen different ones everyday, and each of them delicious! Don't let the small parking lot deter you, El Pollo Vagabundo should be tried by everyone. Park on the North side of Grand Avenue if necessary, and "Frogger" yourself across the street.
(5)Eric C.
Delicious Mexican food that rivals the best of California in the middle of a Chicago suburb. Highlights: - Grilled chicken that bests El Pollo Loco (a favorite of mine) - Scrumptuous savory garlicky rice that's light and fluffy - Handmade tortillas that are impossible to resist - A huge salsa bar with some I've never tried before - An honest hardworking good-willed owner and his team
(5)David G.
Finally, after years of driving past Pollo Vagabundo, assuming it'd be a diamond in the rough, I saw the yelp reviews and decided to stop in for some dinner. The reviewers were spot on, this place was phenomenal! My girlfriend and I ordered the Chicken quesadilla and Chorizo quesadilla, both being 2 of the best quesadilla's I've ever tasted. We ordered the Gigante so there was plenty of food to go around. The other great feature is the SALSA BAR! Yes, the salsa bar, with its 20+ salsas ranging from mild to blazing hot. Fantastic. So overall, I recommend Pollo Vagabundo to any fans of Mexican Cuisine. Oh yeah, also, the staff was beyond friendly and made you feel like they truly appreciated you as a customer. I can't wait to get my fill again.
(5)Brian Z.
I've since been back to Pollo Vagabundo many times and it's still solidly 5-stars. My favourite item is definitely the carne asada burrito. With some onions, cilantro, and rice, it just can't be beat. Best burrito I have ever had. And I have had many. My wife and I both prefer the shredded chicken gigante quesadillas versus the fajita chicken version. Other items we have since tried are the gorditas (yum), rotisserie chicken (perfectly charred and spiced), and fajita chicken tacos. If you like spicy salsa, the salsa bar will challenge your fortitude. The fire increases from right to left and I generally can only get to salsas in the middle or middle-right before my mouth starts to burn off. But that's a good thing. While the decor isn't anything to write home about, this is solidly my favourite mexican place in Chicagoland, and might even be my favourite restaurant, considering how often I crave food from there.
(5)Luis B.
It's a pretty unique Mexican restaurant. Handmade tortillas are the feature. I love the Super Burrito (which is HUGE) of Carne Desebrada en Salsa Negra! This burrito has a great black sauce that makes me drool. They also have a small salsa bar that satisfies your need of hotness!
(4)Oscar S.
Definetely worth stopping in.Really liked their salsa bar.Although APPROACH WITH CAUTION.A couple of those salsas could melt your esophagus if you're not used to heat.Personally,I drink salsa like its no big deal.That was hot even for me but I DIDNT GO INTO CONVULSIONS.Pretty good frijoles charros(not as good as my family makes though).I would come in again.Only this time I'll watch how much food I order because I had too much left over on my first visit.
(4)Tai Z.
Took my family here over the weekend when they were in town. (It's definitely the sort of place you take people from out of town who you want to impress with good food.) My mom is about as traditional Chinese as you can get, and she liked the food at Pollo more than the food at Lao Sze Chuan, which is widely regarded as one of the best Chinese restaurants in Chinatown. I really can't think of a stronger endorsement than that for any restaurant.
(5)Joe T.
Great Mexican food place. The locality is a little grey but i just love to come and eat at this place. Cheap food too. And YES they have a SALSA Bar!! I was blown away with the varieties of salsa that can be made.
(4)Steve G.
A couple of things before we get to the food... First of all, how did Carlos immediately recognize me and my friend Steve as gringos? Never mind, my profile pic answers that question... Second of all, make sure you get to this place soon, success IS going to change it. This place is a little light on organization, like any kind of road map on how to order (counter? table? -- counter it is)... There are also no labels on the salsa/salad cart -- ("Which one of these will peel the enamel from my teeth? Oh never mind, I just tasted the green creamy one."). Or serving sizes -- the 1/2 chicken plate has 4 pieces of chicken, the 1/4 chicken has about the same. The major diff is the size of the sides you get. With the 1/2 chicken, meant for two people, you get a bucket of beans and a bucket of rice (or if you are very gringo looking, Carlos will offer you mashed potatoes instead). Some restaurant consultant is going to come in here to help Carlos prep the place for franchising and EVERYTHING will get labeled ("Hello, my name is Carlos")... Watch. Tortillas are fluffy corn tortillas just begging for butter, but I forgot to ask if there was any. The guacamole is a steal at $6, and Carlos is selling it at $4! Quick, get some before Arizona passes new legislation to close this loophole, too... Finally, the service. Carlos is a GREAT host, the place is clean, prices very reasonable. Almost every table was a family enjoying the wholesome fresh cooking. Recommended. Tip: No BYOB here -- but keep asking Carlos. Hopefully he'll get a liquor license or move the restaurant to a town where he can get the same liquor rights as a Portillo's restaurant.
(4)Mike P.
Bar none, this is the best burrito you will ever have.
(5)William B.
Wow, my new favorite taco. Homemade tortillas say it all. I tried the carne asada taco as my usual staple, and they definitely didn't disappoint. Next time I'll certainly have to try the namesake pollo. They also have a very impressive salsa bar; unfortunately they weren't labelled, so you don't know how spicy you are getting. The carne asada tacos are a bit pricy at ~$3 each. The other meats are cheaper. Also, a bit of a dive inside, but the tacos alone make up for it. Will definitely be back soon to try something else, as its close enough to work for a regular lunch.
(5)G B.
First of all this place is really expensive ($3.60 for a taco, $.40 more if you want cheese!) considering that it is not a full service restaurant. The menu shown on yelp is out of date (clearly the prices are much higher now). The place is also poorly run since it ran out of steak before noon! The steak was pretty good quality, but considering that the tacos here cost twice as much as most restaurants in the area this should not be unexpected. The corn tortillas are very thick (I guess they are not Atkins fans). I see the other reviews and I wonder when their quality went down hill and prices their prices surged.
(2)Ricky E.
This place is really quite amazing and I can't say enough how ecstatic I was that they have hand made tortillas. I asked for guacamole and she turns to the cook and asks "Are the avocados fine today?" he gives her a nod and I asure you they were fine indeed. You don't go here for ambiance, you go because the food is great! Just walking in to the place you are lured to the counter by the smell of freshly made tortillas; the smell reminded me of standing in line in a small town in Mexico waiting for my two dozen tortillas to be made by the proprietor of a small tortilleria (place where they make and sell tortillas) and their son/daughter. I got 1/2 a' chicken, a large horchata and some guacamole and chips for me and my friend which totaled about $17. The moment the food hit the table there was silence; it was that good. The guessing game with the salsas is a double-edged sword but you can get some chips, each grab a few types of salsa and find which is your favorite while you wait for the food to be brought to your table! Throughout Chicago there's many Mexican restaurants using low quality ingredients, serving watery salsa and half-ass tortillas so it's hard to find a place with real authentic flavors such as this. I'll be back for sure!
(5)Alex G.
Second visit. I really wish the salsa's had some kind of description. With so many to choose from (around 10), it can be difficult to choose. I realize that may be half the fun, but I felt guilty dumping out those that I didn't care for. I usually just stick with the pico de gallo. And the basket of chips is huge so plenty of opportunity to sample the salsa's. Language can be a bit of a challenge if you don't speak Spanish. I always leave thinking I've missed out because I'm not sure what to order. Don't get me wrong, the food is great but I'd love to be able to chat with Carlos (owner) to get some recommendations. Might be a good reason for me to learn a new language!
(3)Leslie P.
Awesome food! Quite possibly the best Mexican restaurant I've eaten at since moving to Franklin Park. The staff was super friendly and the meal was amazing. When something is listed as gigantic, they mean it!!!
(5)Michael K.
Great food. Got their burrito (which is huge) and it was delicious. Also, had their homeless chicken which was very well flavored but a little dry. They also have a huge salsa bar. The only thing I would recommend is that someone label the salsa bar so people know how hot the salsa is.
(4)Mario V.
I've lived in Mexico, and finding quality Mexican food has been a challenge with the restaurants I've been to in Illinois. I read of this place from the Reader, and that the tortillas are freshly made, something I hadn't experienced since moving to Chicago two years ago. When we arrived, the server provided a sample of a variety of their menu items. Everything was delicious, and we decided to order several different items to enjoy their food the rest of the week.
(5)Dave D.
After reading the other reviews, I knew this place was a good one to try nearby. I live in Elmhurst, and am always searching for close authentic Mexican restaurants. Well, search NO longer! Carlos the head chef and owner was there when we arrived (with my wife and 2 kids), and was extremely friendly. He helped us pick out what to order (which you do at the counter), and then we waited about 10 minutes for our food to arrive. The guacamole was superb and uber-cheap. You have to purchase your chips on the side though. The meat for the tacos, burritos, and rotisserie were out of this world! They even had the nice woman there making handrolled tortillas for each order, a very nice touch. It's not the fanciest place in the area, but the food is oustanding, so it gets my five stars!
(5)Jonathan B.
I work in the Northlake area, and this is one of the regular lunch spots for our group of guys. The food is very authentic and tasty. You can watch them make the tortillas on site, and the various meats are fantastic. I recommend the burritos (which are gigantic and tasty) and the chicken. The chicken is cooked whole and then chopped up and served in pieces (if that is what you order). The food takes a little time to be prepared, but that is because they don't seem to have a lot of the meats laying around already prepared. Which is a good thing. The owner was working when I went the first time, and was very friendly and helped to sort out the menu items. I have only been here for lunch, but wouldn't hesitate to try this place any time.
(4)JAMES M.
The chicken here is awesome!!!!! its flame grilled!! I believe it or not my fellow pale force troopers I ate 1/2 a chicken!!!! AWESOME!!!! I got 3 handmade tortillas too! and they offer like 6 different kinds of salsas!!! I had the chile de arbol red salsa......sicy hot damn. The rice is ok.....................I should have gotten the beans. Me beans!??? I love em believe it or not people. Yes I do. SHAKE & BAKE SEAL OF APPROVAL for the homless chicken!!!
(4)Junior D.
Awesome charcoal broiled chicken! Great chicken fajitas! Homemade tortillas and they serve desebrada which is a dish very popular in my father's home state of Durango..The owner is the cook and is very nice.. Love the selection of 12 hot sauces.. I personally love the green sauce with avocado.. Pollo Vagabundo is very good.. Definately give it a try!
(4)Tom S.
This place is the REAL deal. Many of my coworkers come here regularly. It's almost like a mini-religion at my company. Call ahead to get the fajita burrito. It takes 15-20 minutes, so leave some time. They have a really fantastic array of homemade salsas. I recommend the dark brown, chipotle-esque salsa and the dark orange salsa. And if you're coming with a couple of other people, consider getting a full chicken. I did once and it was some of the best chicken I've ever eaten. Very memorable eating experience. HIGHLY recommended.
(5)Jennifer Q.
Pollo Vagabundo (roughly translated as the Homeless Chicken) is a really unique Mexican restaurant for the following reasons: 1) They make their own homemade tortillas by HAND and 2) they pretty much specialize in rotisserie chicken. I, being the vegetarian, love the refried beans and rice on the homemade tortillas. It's a little storefront with no real seating. It's a great place to go if you want to try something different for a very reasonable price. Besides, the Chicken is Homeless and in need of a home, so perhaps you can help it out by bringing one home tonight! (heh heh that's cheesy Yelp humor!)
(5)Tommy A.
Read some of the other Yelp reviewers, for the most part they got this one right. Pollo is awesome! This is simply a place that is doing it right! If you're intimidated by Spanish, a service snob, or care about stupid decor, then Pollo may not be the place for you. However, if you care about all that matters, the food, then Pollo is the place. With price considered, this is definetly 5 stars. The salsa table is especially cool, and there are mild ones (but who needs that), just ask. Won't go on too long because the other Yelp reviewers have said most of it, so check out Pollo!
(5)T N.
This place is awesome. I needed a good restaurant near ORD to spend some time catching up with an old friend in town for business. The place is a dive, which only adds to the charm, and the food is fabulous. The other positive Yelp reviews are spot on. I especially appreciated how the owner/cook was dismissive when I tried to pay after ordering (which, BTW, they have English menus so don't fret the Spanish). He told me to pay when I was done eating in case I wanted more soda or food. Soda is in a glass-front commerical fridge and you simply help yourself. The salsa bar was packed with about ten different great tasting and spicy salsas. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Emily P.
Go here. Just. Wow. And don't be turned off by ingredients that are unfamiliar (e.g. the cactus and egg is FANTASTIC).
(5)Jacqueline S.
Went here for lunch after hearing about it from a coworker and had their steak tacos which were delicious. I think what really makes the tacos are the homemade tortillas. The salsa bar was great too because I got to try different salsas and have as much cilantro, onion, and lime as I wanted.
(5)Kevin L.
Low on decor, high on food. This place is a hole in the wall, to be sure, but it is worth a visit for lunch if you can get over the bright orange stripes on the walls. The salsa bar here is AMAZING! If your stomach can take all the cheese, the quesadilla definitely steals the show. The fajita burrito is a close second. This is definitely an authentic Mexican taqueria with first class food.
(4)Dave K.
Just came home with a chicken fajita super burrito, 2 beef tacos, 1 steak taco, and a super quesadilla. I grabbed four random salsas, a red, green, creamy green, and orange. Without going to an expensive mexi-fusion gourmet De Niro owned restaurant in NYC, this is hands down the best mexican food I've had. I will completely agree with everything I've read on these posts. The chicken is so good it makes you cry just a little inside, the salsas are unique and delicious, and the burritos are insanely massive- and only $6-7. They were out of ground beef for my 3rd taco, and the cook, whom I believe was Carlos, ended up giving me an extra quesadilla for free. When you watch this guy cook, you can see that he's doing what he loves and the taste says it all. I was full after finishing only half of my order, and my gf is following suit, only she has about an arm's length of burrito left over for tomorrow.
(5)Shannon H.
Mexican is my favorite type of food, and this is easily the BEST Mexican food I've ever had. You no doubt must make the trek out to this place because I guarantee it's worth it, and you won't regret it. And you MUST order the chicken... The half chicken is good for two people, or the quarter chicken for one. It's unusual, as it's served in pieces on a tray with tortillas. The tortillas are made fresh daily by a woman who is usually there making them at the front of the line. They are like "pillows" as my boyfriend would say. The owner, Carlos, is always around being friendly with everyone and all smiles. He's got amazing food going, and I only wish he would take it downtown or at least a little close to downtown. The place itself is very dive-y, but don't let the orange and white stripes deter you. Or the random industrial-ish location. Be sure to order the refried beans - BEST you'll ever have, and the guacamole is a steal and delicious. They served canned sodas, bottled Mexican sodas, and bottled waters. There is an incredible salsa bar of 10-15 homemade fresh salsas of all different varieties. The best thing to do is pull apart your chicken, tuck it into your tortilla, top with salsa, and SAVOR! :)
(5)Joan L.
Based on the Yelp reviews, I gave Pollo Vagabundo a visit yesterday at lunch time. The charcoal broiled chicken was absolute perfection. The owner comped the side sauces since it was my first visit (the green one was my favorite). The tortillas, made fresh by hand, were exquisite. This hidden gem will become a frequent destination for lunch in the future.
(5)Samir R.
Awesome place. The chicken fajita burrito is HUGE!!! One can easily feed 2, and it is tasty. Hole in the wall, but this place is great.
(5)Chuck W.
Best Mexican food I've ever had. Try the quesadilla gigante or the burritos. And don't miss out on the salsa bar! You've never had such tasty options in your life.
(5)Beto S.
The only honest and fair review you need to read for El Pollo Vagabundo. Let me start by saying I am a foodie, have a great palette and throughout my travels and dining experiences I like to consider myself someone that knows a thing or 2 about great service and Mexican food. From hole in the walls to 5 five star cuisine; this place is clearly a dive with a purpose. I live and work nearby and was actually one of their first customers when they opened up a couple years ago to a small corner standing room only place located in a run down mini strip store section (Since expanded next door with seating). It is located in Northlake on Grand Ave 1 block west of Wolf Rd with a bright orange and white colored spiraled pole and Pollo Vagabundo signage outside. Let me tell you, chicken as you know it will never be the same after you try out this joint. How can chicken taste this good? But it's just chicken you say right? Wrong. Vagabundo will change your opinion about how chicken should taste by the time you leave there happy. Sure there are many places that offer chicken whether it's fried, grilled, sautéed, baked, or boiled. But NO one, I repeat NO one serves and prepares the Yard Bird like Senor Don Carlos does. He has perfected his method, preparation and seasoning down to a science and in turn produces the best tasting most succulent chicken a human being could consume. It's a family run restaurant with Carlos as the front man and clearly has a passion for food. From my first visit to my now frequent 3-4x a week luncheons I have there, Carlos and Co. have not only been serving the most honest comfort Mexican food I've had outside of my mom's kitchen, but his kind service and attention to detail are second to none. I have tried just about everything in the menu, from their Famous Chicken, to the daily specials such as Guisados, Chicharrones en Salsa, Chille Rellenos, and Tamales to name a few. Everything is made to order and from scratch, no microwaves, canned products, nothing artificial or processed. They serve and make handmade tortillas de maiz (fresh corn mix) EVERY day! The tortillas alone make a huge difference in the taste regardless of what is inside. Back to the chicken, the tasty seasoned yard bird is cooked over an open charcoal grill flame, rendering down the skins fat to a crispy crunchy goodness while the inside meat is juicy and full of flavor. However, this place is not all about our favorite bird we like to eat. Upon walking in you will quickly notice a "Salsa Station" in the middle of the restaurant. Carlos has managed to create (my last count he had about 14) different types of fresh homemade salsas and pico de gallos to choose from. They are all are excellent in flavor and as authentic as Mexican can get. From sweet to smoky to hot, he has them all, no water down Ragu sauce other restaurants are passing as Mexican hot sauces nowadays. No "mild" sauces here folks. Up next the burritos; these are not your typical flour based tortilla rolled up and filled with American ingredients like tomatoes, lettuce, sour cream, some yellow cheese and a dab of reheated meat. These bad boys are created using the same "Maza" the tortillas are made from and rolled up into a 12 inch canon shaped tube form filled with your choice of fine meats such as Carne Asada, Chorizo, Lengua, Nopalitos (Cactus) to the same charred chicken in the form of fajitas or the Tinga de Pollo which is shredded chicken. I like to order mine plain and head to the "Salsa Station" and get my fixings of cilantro, cebollas and lime and add them inside. It's good home cooking and I highly suggest you try all of the different varieties and choose your favorite. One of the most frequently ordered and favorite items on the menu is the "Gigante Quesadilla" What I love about this creation is the use of real Mexican cheese. They begin by throwing a handful of the shredded queso on the flat top grill forming it into a bigger shape than the giant tortilla itself, they melt the cheese to a gooey melt, followed by a flip and then they slightly burn the ends of the cheese. A big scrape of the entire wheel of cheese ensues then the perfectly toasted handmade Gigante Tortilla goes up top, a flip and onto the plate---talk about a cheesy, oozing out, melty and crunchy bite. I like to dip it the Aguacate salsa (avocado, cilantro, garlic and onion..at least that is what I think is in there) Pollo Vagabundo is an honest no frills, humble eatery ran by a wonderful people. There are few places in Chicago today where you can go to a restaurant feel welcome, get service with a smile and enjoy great food all in one bite. I would recommend though calling in and placing your orders, as business has skyrocketed as a result of word of mouth. Pollo Vagabundo is a must try, priced right and well worth the drive if you are in the city or outer 'burbs. So stop on by order a tasty Yard Bird, but be warned you may want to do the chicken dance.
(5)Ben P.
Small on decor, huge on everything else. And, since you won't be looking up from your plate, the interior decorating won't matter. You wouldn't go here for an anniversary dinner, but if you want amazing (dare I say...the best) Mexican food/any-kind-of-food around, this is your joint. The chicken is the best I've ever had, no doubt about it. The salsas are unreal, and the tortillas are easily the best in Chicago, if not the world. Do yourself a favor and check out this place. It's worth the drive, no matter where you're coming from.
(5)R y.
I've had a few jobs where i had to drive all over chicagoland. Because of this i was able to try at least 100 taco burrito joints. This is the best place I've tried out of all of them! Their meat is cooked over charcoal not a flat grill. Try their fajita burrito with everything plus add avocado. Tortillas are made on site. They also have about 12 different sauces to try at a self serve station. Also, their soups are amazing too. Every time i know i'm going there i get exited lol. I brought my girlfriend there about a year ago. Now, she is addicted to the place too.
(5)paul c.
i love there food, the chicken tacos are amazing
(5)michael k.
This is one of my favorite places to eat... I'll add more to my review later but for now: 5 stars.
(5)